Category: San Bernardino

Inland Empire San Bernardino

San Bernardino Councilman Contradicts Police Misconduct Statements: SBPOA Op-Ed

City of San Bernardino Councilman Ben Reynoso continues to speak out publicly against the police department; meanwhile, his actions contradict his sentiments and open the City up to further civil liability.  In a recent news article, the 5th Ward Council Member stated, “We’re tired of having to use taxpayer money for police misconduct. It feels like we’re just bleeding dry.” This comes as no surprise, seeing that Reynoso has a history of not supporting the police department, doesn’t prioritize public safety for community members, and did not garner any support from public safety organizations during his campaign. What comes across as questionable is that while he is quick to make statements against the police department, regardless of knowing the facts or allowing the investigation to take place, he has also been part of approving the very settlements he is complaining about and has done nothing to address the alleged misconduct and poor police-community relations he speaks of. Further, his public statements on social media and via news outlets put the City at risk of civil litigation, which could ultimately cost the City even more money.

Inland Empire San Bernardino

Carousel Mall Case Against the City of San Bernardino Dropped By State Agency

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has informed the City of San Bernardino that it has closed their case against the City involving alleged violations of the Surplus Land Act (SLA) related to the redevelopment of the Carousel Mall property. In a letter dated May 24, 2023, HCD stated that it has determined that the City is not in violation of the SLA following its termination of the exclusive negotiating agreement with the San Bernardino Development Company to redevelop the Carousel Mall. “HCD considers this matter closed,” said HCD Deputy Director David Zisser in the letter. San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran, upon learning of the case being closed, responded, “This is excellent news. We can now move forward.” In March, San Bernardino received a notice from HCD, alleging several violations of the Surplus Land Act, a California law that requires public agencies to make property it intends to sell available for developers of affordable housing. HCD claimed the City of San Bernardino did not follow the proper steps, a claim the City disputed. The City Council voted on May 3 to terminate

Education Inland Empire San Bernardino

CSUSB Entrepreneurs Lizette Velazquez and Gustavo Cruz Take First Place at Startup Competition with Revolutionary Handheld Chemical Sensor Technology

The School of Entrepreneurship from the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration at the California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is pleased to announce two student teams placed first in the Product Track 1 and Product Track 2 categories at the Sunstone CSU Startup Launch Competition hosted by the San Jose State University. Each team received $25,000 in prize money provided by Sunstone Management. Team AxoTech, led by Lizette Velasquez and Gustavo Cruz is developing an innovative Handheld Chemical Sensor company that specializes in the development and deployment of advanced AI and Machine Learning technologies to address the growing concerns around hazardous substances, particularly Fentanyl. This commitment arises from the ongoing fentanyl crisis, which presents challenges in drug trafficking due to the inadequacy of current detection technologies. The current technologies are often bulky, time-consuming, and struggle to achieve accurate results amidst the presence of various chemical compounds. By partnering with the United States Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division’s advanced measurement technology, AxoTech aims to produce portable and user-friendly devices that offer exceptional accuracy in detecting fentanyl and other chemicals.  “Like many entrepreneurship journeys, my student experience

Inland Empire San Bernardino

Inland Empire Community News Honored at San Bernardino County Museum Association’s 2023 Bucky Ball Gala

The San Bernardino County Museum Association‘s annual Bucky Ball Gala was held on May 13th, drawing attention to the vital work of the nonprofit organization in supporting the San Bernardino County Museum and its branch, the Victor Valley Museum. Among the esteemed honorees was Inland Empire Community News (IECN), recognized with the prestigious Good Egg award for its outstanding contributions to the community. Publisher Emeritus Gloria Macias Harrison spoke passionately about the origins of IECN, stating, “We started El Chicano in the 1960s as a way to combat negative ethnic stereotypes and to uplift Latino voices.” Macias Harrison, a pioneer in community journalism, has played a significant role in providing a platform for underrepresented communities in the Inland Empire. Joined on stage by new co-owners and publishers Denise Berver and Manny Sandoval, Macias Harrison handed over the spotlight to share their thoughts. Sandoval emphasized the importance of community news, remarking, “Our community is in that in-between space – we’re not necessarily Los Angeles, and we’re not necessarily the low desert. Therefore, major news companies only cover our region during critical incidents or fires. That is

Inland Empire San Bernardino

SBPD Expands Presence and Announces Operation Restore Downtown Hope

The San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) successfully hosted a community engagement event, “Coffee With a Cop,” on May 16th, at the innovation hub Studio D in downtown San Bernardino.  The event aimed to foster positive interactions between law enforcement officers and community members while addressing quality-of-life issues and enhancing public safety. During the event, LT Nicholas Oldendorf of the SBPD Southern district highlighted the department’s expansion into downtown San Bernardino, emphasizing the increased police presence there. “We are growing our team, with six resource officers assigned to the downtown area,” stated LT Oldendorf.  He also underscored the department’s commitment to addressing quality-of-life issues before they escalate into more significant problems. LT Oldendorf mentioned the allocation of a railroad enforcement grant that focuses on suicide prevention and increased enforcement targeting pop-up marijuana dispensaries. To empower citizens and businesses, LT Oldendorf recommended downloading the Go SB City app for non-emergency issues, particularly those related to the quality of life. “The app holds us accountable and enables us to address hotspots from different angles,” LT Oldendorf explained. “It empowers the citizens and businesses, allowing them to report concerns

Education Health Inland Empire San Bernardino

CSUSB Entrepreneurs Lizette Velasquez and Gustavo Cruz Take First Place at Startup Competition with Revolutionary Handheld Chemical Sensor Technology

The School of Entrepreneurship from the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration at the California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is pleased to announce two student teams placed first in the Product Track 1 and Product Track 2 categories at the Sunstone CSU Startup Launch Competition hosted by the San Jose State University. Each team received $25,000 in prize money provided by Sunstone Management. Team AxoTech, led by Lizette Velasquez and Gustavo Cruz is developing an innovative Handheld Chemical Sensor company that specializes in the development and deployment of advanced AI and Machine Learning technologies to address the growing concerns around hazardous substances, particularly Fentanyl. This commitment arises from the ongoing fentanyl crisis, which presents challenges in drug trafficking due to the inadequacy of current detection technologies. The current technologies are often bulky, time-consuming, and struggle to achieve accurate results amidst the presence of various chemical compounds. By partnering with the United States Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division’s advanced measurement technology, AxoTech aims to produce portable and user-friendly devices that offer exceptional accuracy in detecting fentanyl and other chemicals.  “Like many entrepreneurship journeys, my student experience

Inland Empire San Bernardino

Inland Empire Community News Ushers in a New Era of Ownership and Collaboration with KVCR, Preserving its Legacy and Embracing Modernization

The Inland Empire Community News (IECN) marks a significant transition as Gloria Macias Harrison, former owner, and publisher, has announced the sale of the community news organization to long-standing employees Denise Berver and Manny Sandoval. IECN has a rich history in the Inland Empire, with the Colton Courier beginning in 1876, Rialto Record in 1910, and El Chicano in 1968. El Chicano, founded by Bill and Gloria Macias Harrison, was established to change the negative perception of Mexican Americans and Chicanos in the area, educate the public on community issues, and provide a voice for the underserved and underrepresented. Starting as a project of the University of California, El Chicano became an independent press in 1969 and has published a weekly newspaper every week for 54 years. Publisher Emeritus Gloria Macias Harrison discussing how she and her husband Bill Harrison started El Chicano Weekly via a UC grant to combat negative Latino ethnic stereotypes in media and across the nation in 1968. Gloria Macias Harrison said, “We wanted to change the public’s perception of Mexican Americans and Chicanos in our area; while educating the public

Education Inland Empire San Bernardino

Rialto Unified School District Leaders Honored with State, Regional Awards

The Rialto Unified School District continues to bring in major awards with several leaders in the District being recognized recently for state and regional honors for their outstanding work. From administrators to support staff, these individuals have been acknowledged for their excellence in education and commitment to their work. The honors are as follows: Dr. Rhea McIver Gibbs, RUSD Lead Strategic Agent, has been named the 2023 San Bernardino County Education Medal of Honor award in the Excellence in Education/Student Alumni category. Dr. Manuel Burciaga, RUSD Lead Academic Agent: Secondary Innovation, was selected as an Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators in (ACSA) Region 12. Dr. Kyla Griffin, Milor High School Principal, was named Administrator of the Year by the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus), Mr. Edwin Carranza, Milor High School Clerk Typist III, earned CCEA Plus Classified Employee of the Year, and Milor High School’s Manhood Project was named Exemplary Program by CCEA Plus. Dr. McIver Gibbs is a graduate of the RUSD and has worked in the District for more than three decades. She was appointed

Inland Empire Riverside San Bernardino

San Bernardino and Riverside County Artists Are Eligible to Tap Into $3.8 Million by Creative Corps Inland SoCal, Apply Now

Creative Corps Inland SoCal, a state-funded project of the California Arts Council (CAC) with regional arts organizations from Inland Southern California, announced and opened a request for proposals (RFP) to fund individual artists and community-based organizations to employ artists in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The goal is to strengthen and further the creative workforce in and across Inland Southern California and to promote artist-driven projects that aim to spark social change on key issues identified by CAC. $3.8 million dollars will be made available, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 given directly to artists and community-based organizations to fund creative initiatives and projects that address the most pressing issues in the region, including public health and pandemic recovery, water and energy conservation, disaster preparedness and recovery, voter and civic participation, and social justice and community engagement. Individual artists and art-driven organizations are eligible to apply for a grant through May 1, 2023. The Creative Corps Inland SoCal has already hosted multiple listening sessions throughout February across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties to inform community members and receive feedback from potential participants on ways

Health Inland Empire Riverside San Bernardino

Childhood Cancer Foundation’s Quarter-Rama Alleviates Estimated $833 Monthly Burden for Families Undergoing Treatment

The Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California (CCFSC) held its annual Quarter-Rama paddle fundraiser on Friday, April 17, at Riverside City Hall on the beautiful Mayor’s Patio. The event brought together hundreds of community members to raise funds for families struggling with the financial hardships that accompany childhood cancer treatment.Executive Director Stephanie Avila emphasized the importance of this fundraiser, saying, “We serve 800 families in Southern California and have served nearly 3,000 families since we were founded in 1981. Events like Quarter-Rama are crucial for providing food, housing, transportation assistance, and other essential resources to those in need during this tumultuous time.”Denise Sandoval, a Highland resident who lost her child Sonny to leukemia in 2003, echoed Avila’s sentiment, adding, “Participating in the Quarter-Rama not only brings joy and laughter but also serves as a critical reminder of the support children and families need during their journey through treatment.” Photo Manny Sandoval: Participants raising their paddle bidding on coveted items such as a two-night stay in Laughlin at the Edgewater, family four pack of tickets to Aquarium of the Pacific, and 148 other items. According to

Health Inland Empire San Bernardino

Community Hospital of San Bernardino Nurse Spreads Kindness One Stitch at a Time

Diana Ellsworth put her nurturing skills to good use by pursuing her dream of a career in nursing, after spending nearly 20 years as a stay-at-home mother. While attending San Bernardino Valley College’s Nursing School, Diana was accepted into a sponsorship program through Dignity Health – Community Hospital San Bernardino (CHSB) where she found her second home. Upon graduation, she wholeheartedly accepted a position at CHSB for two years. “I was 52 when I finally became a nurse, and I’ve been here 11 years now,” says Diana, who is a telemetry RN. “I’ll stay here until I retire because I’m doing what I always wanted to do, helping people get better.” Ellsworth also sewed stuffed animals for pediatric patients during COVID-19 to keep them company at the hospital. Outside of work, Diana enjoys sewing – a skill she learned from her grandmother and has turned it into an act of human kindness for staff and patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Diana started making hats and face masks for co-workers out of scrubs that are no longer needed. Many offered to pay her, but she refused.

Inland Empire San Bernardino

Carousel Mall Redevelopment: Four Violations Ignite Heated Clash Between Councilmembers, Exposing Deep Divide and Threatening Progress

The future of the Carousel Mall redevelopment hangs in the balance as the City of San Bernardino is accused of violating the Surplus Land Act (SLA) by the State’s Housing and Community Development Division (HCD). Tensions between city council members have escalated, with Councilmember Kimberly Calvin and Councilmember Theodore Sanchez engaging in heated exchanges during a recent council meeting. CEO of Renaissance Downtowns USA and ICO, Donald Monti, passionately addressed the Council during the meeting, stating that he has been trying to present to the Council for two years. Monti expressed frustration, saying, “I’ve been doing this for 40 years and have never been treated in this manner.” He reaffirmed his commitment to the City, the community, and the development project, which has already been 12 years in the making. Monti pleaded with the Council to be more collaborative and transparent and not to restart the overall process, as solutions can be worked out. Councilwoman Kimberly Calvin voiced her disappointment and frustration with the lack of transparency and communication between the City, the ad hoc committee, and Monti. “I feel that the ad hoc committee

Education Inland Empire San Bernardino

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ Philanthropy Boosts IE Community Colleges, Supporting 2,000 Students and Generating 12-to-1 Dollar Success Rate

The 2022 Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year Awards were held on April 13th, honoring the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI) for their unwavering support of community colleges across California. The award, named after Bernard Osher, was created to recognize his initial gift to the community college system. CEO Geoff Green celebrated the event, stating, “Celebrate philanthropy and all the good work of those who support our community colleges. Many of you know our community colleges are among the best investments you can make for a greater quality of life.” He highlighted the importance of community colleges, which hold over half of the state’s students, and the diverse age range of attendees. Special guests included Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Dr. Diana Rodriguez, Chancellor of San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD), and Lynn Nay Valbuena, Chairwoman of the SMBMI. With approximately 2 million individuals attending a community college in the state, the organization reports a 12 to 1 dollar success rate – for every dollar donated by a contributor, the community of the student receives an additional 12 dollars. This support helps close equity