SBPD’s Chief Goodman Criticizes ACLU & Highlights Prop 36 to Restore Safety in San Bernardino

During the October 15th Coffee with a Cop event, San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman did not hold back in his criticism of The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Proposition 47, highlighting their impact on public safety and the city’s reputation. Chief Goodman expressed frustration over a recent lawsuit involving the ACLU, which resulted in a temporary halt to the city’s ability to conduct homeless encampment cleanups. The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU, was recently dismissed by U.S. District Judge Terry J. Hatter after an agreement was reached between the two parties. The agreement led to updated city policies on how homeless encampment cleanups are conducted. With the dismissal of the case, an injunction that had previously prohibited the City of San Bernardino from conducting these cleanups was lifted, allowing the city to move forward with addressing the homeless situation in its parks. “This lawsuit wasn’t about the plaintiffs, it was about money,” Goodman said, referring to the legal battle that had delayed critical city actions. “Once we clear the parks, they will not be coming back. It will no longer be acceptable to

San Bernardino Police Department Discusses Call Response Prioritization and Improved Response Times at Coffee with a Cop

At its monthly Coffee with a Cop event on October 15th, the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) provided an in-depth look at how it manages call responses and addressed the ongoing staffing challenges the department faces. Held at Studio D in downtown San Bernardino, the event offered the community a chance to better understand how calls are prioritized and why response times can vary depending on available resources. Lieutenant Nick Oldendorf explained that SBPD categorizes calls for service into seven priority levels, depending on the urgency and severity of the situation. The priority structure ensures that the most critical emergencies are handled promptly, but lower-priority calls may face delays due to limited staffing. The call prioritization system includes the following categories: Priority E (Emergency): Reserved for immediate threats to life, such as stabbings or sexual assaults. Priority 1: Incidents that require a swift response, such as physical fights or active violence. Priority 2: Serious situations like burglaries or reports of suspicious individuals that, while urgent, may not involve an immediate threat to life. Priority 3: Disturbances that do not pose an immediate danger but still

Letter to the Editor: Proven Leadership vs. Empty Promises – Why David Smith is the Clear Choice for EVWD

Dear Editor, As a long-time resident of East Highlands Ranch, living just off Greenspot Road and Alta Vista, I’ve had the privilege of attending many East Valley Water District Board meetings over the years. It is from this front-row seat to the district’s decisions and progress that I feel compelled to write in support of David E. Smith for re-election as Governing Board Member. David is not merely experienced—he has a proven track record of delivering real results for the people of this community. Under his leadership, we have seen transformative projects like the commissioning of the Sterling Natural Resource Center, which has been critical in enhancing water recycling and sustainability. His ability to secure honors such as the District of Distinction Accreditation Gold Level and the CSMFO Excellence Award for fiscal transparency and budget excellence underscores his commitment to responsible leadership. His tenure on the board has never been about maintaining the status quo. In fact, his forward-thinking approach continues to drive innovation and fresh ideas, setting us up for future success. He understands that managing our water supply requires foresight, not complacency. His

City of San Bernardino Begins Renovation of Guadalupe Field at Sal Saavedra Park

On Monday, October 7, leaders of San Bernardino Youth Baseball (SBYB) visited Guadalupe Field at Sal Saavedra Park on the City’s westside to see the demolition underway as part of a $1.8 million renovation of the baseball field. SBYB League President Brandon Ponce and Vice President Albert Castillo were joined by City of San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran, Council members Fred Shorett, Damon Alexander, and San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., walking the semi-demolished field and imagining what the field will look like in just a few months. “I am thrilled to witness the transformation of Guadalupe Field and Sal Saavedra Park,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “This project is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about building a stronger community.” The project at the 2.25-acre park will replace the baseball field, renovate the existing snack bar and press box, upgrade the lighting, replace fencing, install new bleachers, build a new scoreboard, and install new park amenities. “Growing up and playing here, I know how much this field means to this neighborhood. I want to recognize the efforts of Brandon Ponce, and the

County Awarded $11 Million to Address Homeless Encampment in Highland and San Bernardino

The San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services (OHS) has been awarded $11 million in Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) from the California Department of Housing and Community Development to provide permanent housing and other support to people experiencing homelessness. The grant, requested by the county in April, will enable OHS to target the urban encampment located at the Highland Avenue Corridor, parallel to the 210 freeway in San Bernardino and Highland. The award will not only support outreach and case management efforts, but also temporary and permanent housing solutions. “We are grateful for the governor’s support on this critical issue,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Encampments pose a significant health and safety concern for our residents and these funds will help restore our community while providing services to those in need.” “This funding will allow the county to apply innovation and efficiency as well as compassion as we make a noticeable difference in our efforts to address homelessness,” said Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, who along with Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., serves on the Board of Supervisors

San Bernardino Valley College Receives Approval for First-Ever Bachelor’s Degree in Water Resources Management

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is proud to announce the official approval of its new bachelor’s degree in water resources management, a landmark achievement for the college and the community. The California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors granted the approval during their historic, first-ever meeting at SBVC on September 23, marking a significant milestone for the institution and its students. “We are thrilled to receive approval for this groundbreaking program,” said SBVC President Dr. Gilbert Contreras. “This degree will not only equip our students with the specialized knowledge and skills required in the water resources management field, but it will also position SBVC as a leader in addressing critical workforce needs in our region. By offering this degree, we are opening doors to high-wage, in-demand careers that will benefit both our students and our community.” The bachelor’s degree in water resources management is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the vital and evolving field of water management. Focusing on sustainable practices and advanced technologies, the program will address the growing demand for skilled professionals who can tackle complex challenges related to water

San Bernardino Unified’s Norton Elementary School Earned California Green Ribbon School Award

Captain Leland F. Norton Elementary School , part of the  San Bernardino City Unified School District  (SBCUSD), has been honored by the California Department of Education (CDE) with a Silver 2024 California Green Ribbon School Award. The California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) Award recognizes California K–12 public schools that have demonstrated progress in reaching the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools Pillars, which include: Reducing environmental impact and costs  Improving the health and wellness of schools, students and staff Providing effective environmental education that incorporates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), civic skills and green career pathways According to the CDE, Norton was honored for its sustainable landscaping, a vegetable garden that students use for taste tests and cooking to promote healthy eating and its Clean Air Program for Elementary Students (CAPES), which educates students about air quality, the impact of pollution and actionable steps for environmental improvement. “Since it opened, Norton has been a proud STEM school with a focus on the four Cs of Collaboration, Creativity, Communication and Critical Thinking,” said Norton Principal Elizabeth Cochrane-Benoit. “It just made sense to include environmental education

11th Annual Rendezvous Back to Route 66 Car Show to Celebrate Automotive History on October 5th

Classic car enthusiasts get ready to hit the brakes and take a cruise through history at the 11th Annual Rendezvous Back to Route 66 Car Show, scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024. The streets of downtown San Bernardino will roar to life from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, as the city celebrates its rich connection to the iconic Route 66, promising a day filled with classic cars, live entertainment, and endless family fun. Presented by the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of San Bernardino, this beloved event marks 34 years of honoring the legendary highway that shaped America’s automobile culture. It’s a must-see for car aficionados and families alike, transforming downtown into a vibrant display of nostalgia and community spirit. Event Highlights: Classic Car Displays: Expect an eye-catching array of classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles, all polished to perfection. From vintage beauties to muscle cars, there’s something for every car lover. Live Entertainment: Feel the groove with live performances of oldies hits by a local band and DJ, making the atmosphere electric with the sounds of yesteryear. Family Fun:

NBC’s The Voice Contestant and IE Native Michael Landingham to Headline Humane Society’s Howler-Ween Casino Night

NBC’s The Voice contestant and Inland Empire native, Michael Landingham, is set to perform at the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s (HSSBV) highly anticipated Howler-Ween Casino Night and Dog House Auction on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The fundraiser will take place at 374 West Orange Show Road from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., offering attendees a night of excitement, entertainment, and support for a worthy cause. Landingham, who recently released his pop-country single “Summer Weather,” is thrilled to return to his roots for the event, having grown up in various parts of San Bernardino County. “I’m super excited. It’s the perfect collaboration because I was born and raised in SB County, so playing a local hometown show is something special,” said Landingham. “The Humane Society helped me with my dog Cash, a Pomskee, and I’m grateful to give back to an organization that’s made a difference in my life.” The Voice contestant, known for his soulful blend of country, rock ‘n’ roll, and pop, will perform on the outdoor patio from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., delivering an energetic set including fan favorites and new

San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters Unveils ‘High School Family Feud: Voter Education Edition’

Today, students at Rialto High School tested their civic knowledge at the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters’ inaugural “High School Family Feud: Voter Education Edition” interactive program. To commemorate National High School Voter Education Weeks from September 16–27, students from the school’s AP Government classes competed in a version of the popular game show to gear up for the November 5, 2024 General Election. In front of an audience of their peers, two teams of five students each tried to guess the answers from a “100-person survey, top answers on the board,” related to the election process. Each team represented their AP Government class taught by Joseph Sanchez, and the second period class (“Team I’m Just a Bill”) won the contest over the fourth period class (“Team ‘Merica”).  The game show and related education effort is designed to help inform first-time voters about the election process. Although voters must be at least 18 years old to cast a vote, those 16 and 17 can preregister to vote, and their registration becomes active once they turn 18. “Our younger generation is the future of our

San Bernardino’s Champions for Choice Event Honors Leaders in Reproductive Rights Advocacy

On September 20, 2024, Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC) hosted its annual Champions for Choice Luncheon at the Ontario Airport Hotel & Conference Center. The event celebrated local leaders for their unwavering commitment to reproductive rights, highlighting their work in advocating for choice and health care access within the San Bernardino community. The event’s Master of Ceremonies was Connie Leyva, former state senator and current executive director of KVCR, whose leadership has long been associated with progressive causes. In her opening remarks, Leyva emphasized the importance of community-driven efforts to safeguard reproductive justice, especially in the face of ongoing challenges in Southern California. Jon Dunn, President and CEO of PPOSBC, addressed the audience, expressing gratitude for the resilience of local leaders who continue to support reproductive healthcare, education, and access for women and families across the region. One of the event’s featured speakers, Michelle Goodwin, a thought leader in reproductive justice, delivered a powerful keynote focusing on the legal and social battles surrounding reproductive rights. Goodwin underscored the critical need for proactive legislation and community activism, highlighting how intersectionality plays a