Category: San Bernardino

The San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) has refuted allegations from Teamsters Local 1932 that officers harassed participants at events and labor demonstrations, citing public safety concerns and reaffirming their support for lawful protests while denouncing unlawful tactics. SBPD Lieutenant Nick Oldendorf addressed the union’s claims, which were initially presented at the December 4 San Bernardino City Council meeting. Oldendorf emphasized that the department’s actions are guided by safety protocols and the need to ensure protests do not disrupt traffic, endanger participants, or violate laws. Safety Concerns During Protests  While expressing support for First Amendment rights, Oldendorf clarified that certain tactics employed during Teamsters-led demonstrations have created serious safety risks. “We absolutely support and defend anyone’s First Amendment right to peacefully protest,” Oldendorf said. “However, the First Amendment does not grant the right to unlawfully protest. When protests create extreme safety concerns—like blocking vehicles, trucks, and roadways—it becomes unlawful. We cannot overlook that, especially when it could lead to car crashes and other incidents.” Oldendorf described recent demonstrations outside San Bernardino Amazon distribution centers where Teamsters organized efforts to unionize workers. “During a recent demonstration, Teamsters

The San Bernardino City Council has approved $13,792,332.00 to renovate Seccombe Lake Park, including a $10.5 million construction contract to Landscape Support Services of North Hollywood California. The project is expected to revitalize the Park with new amenities and to restore and upgrade the existing infrastructure. “The planning and funding of the improvements at Seccombe Lake Park have been several years in the making,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “We are excited that the Park’s transformation is about to begin.”   Major improvements planned for the 44-acre park will include restoration of the Park’s signature lake; new landscaping and irrigation; renovation of the gazebo, restrooms, and basketball courts; new lighting throughout the park; new concrete walking paths; restoration of the island in the middle of the lake, new playground equipment along with large shade sails, upgrades to the dog park, and repaving of the parking lot. Other improvements will include new conduits for EV charging stations, ADA upgrades, new fishing stations around the lake, upgraded drinking fountains and trash enclosures, and the installation of palm tree solar lighting. Plans for the renovation were prepared by

Children and Family Services (CFS) responded to an immediate response referral alleging neglect and absence of caretakers regarding two sibling girls in San Bernardino County, as well as human trafficking concerns. The CFS Social Service Practitioner (SSP) took quick action and collaborated with the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and Homeland Security to safely remove the girls from their parents’ custody. Law enforcement took the parents into federal custody due to allegations of involvement in an illegal prostitution network, identity fraud and other criminal activities. The investigation by CFS revealed that the children could not safely remain in their home because of the parents’ troubling criminal activity, which created a serious risk of abuse and neglect. In light of this, CFS made earnest efforts to find relatives of the siblings who could provide a safe and loving environment, but unfortunately, they were unable to do so. The parents expressed their heartfelt desire for their children to have a stable home, preferably with relatives. They shared that the children’s grandparents, with whom they

Shaun Martinez, director of organizing at Teamsters Local 1932, stood before the San Bernardino City Council on December 4th to deliver a scathing critique of the city’s police department, alleging misconduct during community events and peaceful demonstrations. Backed by a statement from Teamsters Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer Randy Korgan, the union called for the establishment of a labor liaison to address ongoing conflicts between law enforcement and labor organizations. “Good evening,” Korgan’s statement began. “My intention this evening is to express concern and propose solutions regarding the conduct of the San Bernardino Police Department during community events and peaceful expression of constitutionally protected speech in this city.” Allegations of Police Misconduct Teamsters Local 1932, which represents 14,000 members across the Inland Empire and operates out of San Bernardino, has hosted numerous community events, including its popular annual car show. However, according to Martinez and Korgan, these events have been marred by police interference. “At our last car show, hundreds of vendors and participants were harassed by officers while in line early in the morning, despite our permit to block off several streets around our Teamsters

The entrepreneurial spirit meets holiday giving as the Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center hosts its heartwarming Year-End Holiday Celebration on December 17th from 12 pm to 2 pm. This festive gathering isn’t just about celebrating success – it’s about creating smiles for local children while showcasing the power of women-led businesses in the Inland Empire. In its role as San Bernardino’s premier business incubator for women of color, the BBOP Center has become a beacon of hope and economic empowerment. The Center provides crucial resources, mentorship, and a supportive ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can transform their business dreams into profitable realities, breaking down long-standing barriers in the process. “Every successful business we help launch represents a family’s future transformed,” says Vanessa Perez, CEO of the BBOP Center. “This celebration honors those transformations while paying it forward to the next generation.” The holiday event will feature a toy drive benefiting homeless children supported by Time for Change Foundation. Guests bringing unwrapped toys for children ages 0-6 will receive raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes from local women-owned businesses. Amidst seasonal treats

A San Bernardino City Council meeting on Nov. 20 spiraled into chaos when Mayor Helen Tran removed a performance evaluation of City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho from the closed session agenda. The meeting, marked by yelling, interruptions, and heated accusations, showcased deepening fractures between city leadership and staff. The meeting began at 4:05 p.m., but tensions erupted immediately as Tran announced her decision, citing procedural violations. Carvalho was stuck in traffic, leaving her unable to address the controversy at its outset. “As mayor of San Bernardino, I have a responsibility to uphold the rules and procedures that govern our city—ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to the law in our council proceedings,” Tran said. “It was inappropriate of the city attorney to place her own evaluation on the agenda without following the proper process.” Tran explained her decision was rooted in the city charter and council procedures, which grant only the city manager, the mayor, or a council majority the authority to place items on the agenda. As of December 2024, Sonia R. Carvalho serves as the City Attorney for San Bernardino. Carvalho is a partner

After years of darkness, two northern San Bernardino neighborhoods now shine brightly thanks to the installation of 96 new streetlights. The project, completed this week, brings renewed safety, walkability, and a sense of community to areas that had been neglected for years. “Some of these streets have been without lighting for several years,” said City of San Bernardino Deputy Director of Public Works and City Engineer Azzam Jabsheh. “Restoring lighting makes a huge difference to our neighborhoods and is a priority for us.” The upgrades include the “Genevieve” Circuit, which stretches from Mountain View Avenue to Sierra Way and covers Marshall Boulevard to 34th Street, where 36 lights and poles were installed. Additionally, the “Ralston” Circuit now features 60 new lights and poles along Sierra Way, Ralston Avenue, Palmyra Avenue, Lugo Avenue, Belle Street, Sonora Drive, and 39th Street near Waterman Avenue. Funded by Measure S, the project is part of a larger effort to enhance public safety and reduce energy costs through solar-powered lighting. The San Bernardino City Council recently approved $1.5 million, supplemented by a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy