Huerta noted. “Most of the trash appeared to come from people hanging out there. It’s nice to see people admiring the beauty of nature—and disheartening to see they don’t respect it.”
Huerta said the most common items they found were snack wrappers and beverage containers, pointing to a deeper issue of public behavior and disregard. “This tells me a lot of people leave their trash where they gather. It shows a lack of awareness about the long-term impact.”
Beyond the physical cleanup, the students turned to education and outreach to broaden the project’s impact. They used social media to share their efforts and surveyed community members about their perceptions of water pollution.
Teamsters Hispanic Caucus Secures
By Manny Sandoval
What began as a class project at Cal State San Bernardino has evolved into a meaningful environmental initiative after a group of social work students removed nearly 500 pounds of trash from the Santa Ana River in less than two hours.
The effort took place in February at Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park as part of a Social Welfare Policy course taught by Professor Andrew Godoy. Student Francisco Huerta, a junior majoring in social work, helped launch the Eco Social Workers group through the assignment, which challenged students to create real-world community impact.
“We decided to focus on the environment and the Santa Ana River—it runs through Riverside and it’s really dirty,” said Huerta. “It was jarring because it was a nice park, but once we hiked down to the river, it was eye-opening to see how much trash was left behind.”
The cleanup was conducted in partnership with IE Waterkeeper, a Riverside-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting local waterways. Over the course of 90 minutes, Huerta and three classmates collected glass shards, broken beer bottles, sharp-edged plastic containers, and even two shopping carts submerged in the riverbed.
“We didn’t see any unhoused people while cleaning, but there was a camp nearby,”
“We found that many people are worried about the quality of water available to them, but they don’t always realize how pollution directly affects them,” said Huerta. “Before this project, I would scroll past cleanups on social media. After participating, I saw firsthand how badly this work is needed—and how rewarding it can be.”
Huerta emphasized that the Santa Ana River is critical to the region’s environmental health, flowing through Riverside, Jurupa Valley and beyond; and into the Pacific Ocean. A bacteria outbreak in Jurupa Valley previously led to public closures near the river, highlighting the consequences of unchecked pollution.
“This project brings to light how the envi-
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By Dr. G (Dr Luis S González), community writer
At the May 6 council meeting, the Colton City Council recognized the 12th Annual Colton Area Museum Day by proclamation. The event, observed since 2014 on the first Saturday in May, honors the city’s rich historical legacy. The proclamation was presented to five members of the Colton Area Museum Association (CAMA) Board of Directors by Councilmember Dr. G, a CAMA life member.
Board members in attendance were Oscar Tostado, Mary Helen Betancourt, Ruth Ann Martinez, Lori Sanchez and Angela Wilkenson.
Since 1991, the Colton Area Museum has served as a community anchor for maintaining and preserving the city’s history and cultural traditions. From architecture to sports stars, trains to public safety, and milestones of Colton High School, the museum has created a legacy of historical exhibits that capture the curiosity of residents and visitors alike.
Board member Chuck Vasquez, who was unable to attend the ceremony, said in a written statement: “The Colton Area
Museum is a cultural treasure that we must preserve for Colton’s current and future residents and visitors.”
In February 2024, the museum celebrated its grand reopening, receiving positive responses from both residents and visitors. Though the museum’s traditions remain intact, its visual presentation and displays
have been modernized following pandemic-related closures. With support from a state-sponsored grant, the museum was renovated over a four-year period, including new interior and exterior paint, updated displays, reader boards, a video booth, raised platform, new flooring, digital
PHOTO FRANCISCO HUERTA
CSUSB Eco Social Workers and IE Waterkeeper members holding a debrief after collecting 500 pounds of trash from inside the Santa Ana River at Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park.
PHOTO DR. G
Ruth Ann Martinez, Lori Sanchez, Oscar Tostado, President; Dr. G, Council Member and CAMA Life Member; Angela Wilkenson and Mary Helen Betancourt.
Eco Social Workers (cont.)
- ronment affects us all,” he said. “It shows why we should care—and why we must take care of it.”
Looking ahead, Huerta hopes to sustain the initiative through a dedicated website documenting the group’s findings, environmental resources, and ongoing impact. “It holds everything we’ve done, what we’ve seen, and why it matters,” he said.
When asked what action resi-
dents can take today, Huerta’s advice was simple: “Don’t leave trash behind—throw it in a trash can. The first step is finding the nearest one.”
“None of us could’ve done this alone,” he added.
“It was a true group effort. And the more people who see what’s happening in our local environment, the more likely they’ll be to act.”
Museum (cont.)
- screens and numerous structural repairs. This year, a security fence was added along the perimeter to help protect the building and maintain cleanliness during off-hours.
At the programming level, the museum has launched a new board of directors, lecture series, policies for gift deeds and donations, updated membership roster and new community activities. The museum’s goal is to reflect the entire community’s history and culture.
Built in 1908, the Colton Area Museum building was originally developed by the Colton Women’s Club in partnership with a charitable trust from
steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The resulting Carnegie Library Building served as a public library for decades and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The CAMA Board of Directors expressed appreciation to the Colton City Council for its continued support and recognition of Colton Area Museum Day.
“I’m proud that the City of Colton has taken the time to recognize the museum and honor the achievements of the Museum Association and its volunteers,” said board member Mary Helen Betancourt.
Loaded Porta-Potty Stolen in Broad Daylight, Found in San Bernardino Homeless Encampment
By Manny Sandoval
Aporta-potty placed outside The Enterprise Building in downtown San Bernardino to combat public urination and defecation was stolen just after 6 a.m. on May 11— hauled off in a U-Haul by two individuals captured on surveillance cameras.
Business owner Alan Stanly says his team was alerted by on-site security at 6:20 a.m., and footage confirmed the theft at 6:16 a.m.
“We had a camera on the porta-potty, and they stole it in broad daylight,” said Stanly. “We got clear images of the two thieves and their license plate, and police sent out a CSO officer right away. We handed everything over.”
The next day, May 12, officers visited The Enterprise Building to collect further details and begin the search. A local muralist who had previously cleaned graffiti off of the toilet recognized it at an encampment near 13th and E streets—close to the McDonald’s Museum.
“He noticed the same graffiti tags and unique markings. He knew we were looking for it and spotted it near a large encampment,” Stanly said.
Stanly emphasized the absurdity and urgency of the theft. “If ever you wondered whether there's value in a porta-potty— someone literally stole a full one, on its side, loaded into a U-Haul,” he said. “That’s proof of demand.”
The porta-potty, originally placed by the City of San Bernardino for the March 2025 Beyond Wonderland rave, signifi-
cantly reduced waste issues near Stanly’s property. “We used to get 75 people urinating on our building per rave weekend. With the toilet placed, that dropped to two,” he said.
Following the event, the toilet remained in place for public use, averaging 10 to 20 uses per week. “People used it not just for bathroom needs, but to change clothes, look in a mirror, and groom themselves,” Stanly added. “It gave people dignity. We see that during our Friday homeless outreach—people speak up about how important it is to have that kind of access.”
Stanly expressed frustration with city inaction, particularly with District 1 Councilmember Theodore Sanchez.
“I’ve sent over 50 emails and texts showing people urinating in our parking structure and defecating near our building since we took ownership in 2017,” he claims. “Those same stains are still there. Councilman Sanchez no longer returns my calls.”
In response to Stanly’s concerns, Councilman Sanchez issued a written statement on May 12. He claims:
“I have been supportive and committed to ensuring our downtown area is kept clean, safe, and ready for investment. My advocacy for a downtown cleanup crew, promotion of multiple projects to liven up the downtown area, and strong support of safer parking structures (to include encouraging staff to restore lighting in our garages) is well known and my votes during council meetings attest to this.”
Sanchez also addressed the biohazard concerns voiced by business owners like Stanly.
“I have been vocal in expressing my concerns and seeking solutions to this challenging problem that is not unique to San Bernardino. One of those solutions has been looking at increasing our pressure washing efforts and adding restrooms in our downtown square. In fact, the use of portable restrooms was a concept discussed that I was glad to see happen. It is unfortunate it was stolen but glad it was retrieved so that our pilot program testing out the use of portable restrooms can continue.”
He concluded with an optimistic outlook for downtown.
“I would welcome anyone to walk along the California Theater and Regal Cinema corridor and see the type of improvements that are coming—from solar lighting, to improved pavement on our streets and increased pressure washing, and the implementation of fun art in the downtown area. I have been super supportive of these efforts and my record can attest to this.”
Still, Stanly says his concerns remain unmet. “It’s the city’s responsibility. Human waste is a biohazard—there’s hepatitis and AIDS in feces,” he said.
“Business owners aren’t trained to clean that. I can’t have brides stepping through it on their wedding day just to enter my building’s event space.”
While San Bernardino has a city-maintained restroom located under the Court Street Square stairs near City Hall, Stanly says it’s been locked and closed
for years.
He suggests looking to Sacramento, which since 2020 has implemented a fortified public restroom solution called the “Portland Loo.” These facilities are designed with anti-vandalism features, durable construction, and visibility slats to discourage misuse. Sacramento has installed them in high-traffic areas like Cesar Chavez Plaza and public parks.
According to Sacramento City Express and ABC10, the Portland Loo program aims to:
Improve restroom access for resi- ▪ dents, workers, and unhoused individuals
Alleviate the burden on local busi- ▪ nesses to accommodate non-customers
Prevent vandalism and reduce main- ▪ tenance costs
Enhance cleanliness and public ▪ health in shared spaces
Although the long-term effectiveness is still under review, the Sacramento City Council continues to invest in these restrooms, recognizing their role in improving sanitation and public perception.
Stanly believes San Bernardino could follow suit. “This isn’t just a homeless issue—it’s a public health crisis. If the city wants investment and tourism, people need a place to go,” he said. “One porta-potty made a difference.”
PHOTO ALAN STANLY
The Enterprise Building’s security camera system capturing a loaded porta-potty being stolen by two men at 6 AM on May 11th, 2025.
PHOTO ALAN STANLY
The porta-potty located at a nearby homeless encampment thought it found a new home near 13th and E street—before a local San Bernardino muralist spotted and reported it.
What’s the cache?: Modern Day Book Banning
By KD Aguilar, Arroyo Valley High School student
During the early 1600s, America was in the midst of European colonization. The very first European settlement was established in 1607 in Jamestown, Virginia. The rising English establishments in America caused great tension between religious ideals as well as cultural conflict so immensely that in 1637, the Puritan government in Quincy, Massachusetts began taking action in fulfilling their ideal.
The Puritan ideal was a deeply religious and morally focused way of life centered on the belief that individuals should live in accordance with God’s will and the principles of the Bible. Because of this, the Puritan government banned the first Thomas Morton’s New English Canaan.
Published in 1637, the book was a harsh critique of Puritan customs and power structures in the Massachusetts Bay colony. The New English Canaan consisted of a three-volume work of history, natural history, satire, and poetry by the lawyer and New England colonist Thomas Morton.
The book and its author were condemned and ridiculed throughout the 19th century until American author Nathaniel Hawthorne presented Morton's colony in a positive light in his short story The May-Pole of Merry Mount, published in 1832. Nowadays, there are only 16 known copies of New English Canaan extant, held in museums and institutions mostly in the United States, and any other unknown copies at large are considered among the most valuable books in the antiquarian market.
Although the now classic book on early colonial life is greatly admired by historians, a new wave of book censorship and attempts to ban books have made an appearance especially under President Trump’s inauguration. Trump’s direct ban on “teaching ‘gender ideology’ and ‘critical race theory’ in the classroom” marks a new lead in the censorship battles.
The challenges surrounding book censorship and banned books in modern society are multifaceted and deeply concerning. Despite increased awareness and advocacy for intellectual freedom, we witness a disturbing surge in attempts to remove or restrict access to books, particularly in schools and libraries. These challenges often target works by or about marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color, raising serious concerns about representation and inclusivity.
In the month of February 2025, the “Big Five” publishing houses: Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Macmillan Publishers and Simon & Schuster, filed a joint lawsuit challenging the banning of books in U.S. schools and libraries. Their suit specifically chal-
lenges Idaho's House Bill 710 which requires libraries to move materials considered harmful to children to an area for adults only, as well as forbidding anyone under 18 from accessing library books with “sexual content.” Classic novels like Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, and Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye are among the ‘harmful’ books being banned under the Idaho’s House Bill.
The Idaho lawsuit is in fact the third historic lawsuit Penguin Random House has initiated against book banning in just over a year. Dr. Sarah Mokrzycki (lecturer, College of Arts, business, law, education and IT) states, “It follows a 2023 lawsuit by Penguin Random House and PEN America (as well as five authors and two parents) against a Florida school board and district. PEN America called it a ‘first-of-its-kind’ challenge to unlawful censorship.”
This earlier lawsuit argued the removal or restriction of books about “race, racism and LGBTQ identities,” and those by non-white and/or LGBTQ authors, violated the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment (protecting free speech) and the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment.
In many cases, individuals misinterpret homosexuality and queerness to be inherently sexual and predatory when in reality it is simply sexual orientation and people’s identity. In December 2023 in Iowa, a federal judge temporarily blocked key parts of the law due to go into effect that would ban books from school libraries if they depicted sexual acts. The law signed by Republican Governor Kim Reynolds also bars teachers from discussing gender identity and sexuality before seventh grade.
The challenges surrounding book censorship and banned books are profoundly important because they directly impact intellectual freedom and the ability of individuals to access a wide spectrum of ideas and perspectives, which are fundamental to a thriving democratic society.
Restricting access to books, particularly those by or about marginalized communities, limits opportunities for intellectual growth, hinders the development of empathy and understanding towards diverse experiences, and undermines the efforts of educators and librarians to provide a comprehensive and inclusive education.
Furthermore, these actions can disproportionately affect underrepresented groups by silencing their voices and making their experiences invisible, while also creating a chilling effect that discourages the exploration of challenging or controversial topics. Ultimately, the fight against book censorship is a defense of the freedom to read, learn, and think critically, ensuring that all members of society have the opportunity to engage with a broad range of narratives and develop into informed and engaged citizens.
Banning Woman Killed in Single Vehicle Collision with Power Pole in Route to Redlands Hospital
By Redlands PD
An 83-year-old Banning woman was killed in a single-vehicle collision on Barton Road, west of Alabama Street, Wednesday morning, May 7.
Redlands Police and Firefighter/Paramedics responded shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday to the report of a single vehicle that had collided into a power pole. Another driver stopped and attempted to render aid but could not locate a pulse.
Arriving officers confirmed the driver and sole occupant of the 1990 Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck was unresponsive without a pulse. Fire Department paramedics attempted life-saving efforts, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the driver was traveling west on Barton Road from Alabama Street. As the road curved in the 1600 block of Barton Road, the vehicle continued to drive
straight, off the road and into a Southern California Edison power pole at about 40 mph. Investigators believe she may have suffered a medical emergency prior to the collision. The accident remains under investigation.
Westbound traffic on Barton Road was blocked west of Alabama Street for approximately five hours.
Anyone with information regarding crime or suspicious activity is asked to contact Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 7987681 ext. 1.
Certain non-emergency crimes may also be reported online using the Redlands Police Department’s CopLogic reporting system at www.cityofredlands.org/reportcrime. Suspicious activity and tips can be reported using the City of Redlands 311 mobile app available for Android, iPhones, and iPads.
Twenty-One Contacted And Two Arrested During Colton Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Operation
By Colton PD
On May 6, 2025, the Colton Police Department held a bicycle and pedestrian safety operation from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Officers focused their enforcement efforts on main thoroughfares throughout the city. During the operation, a total of 21 individuals were contacted.
Three individuals received citations for various traffic-related offenses, and two were apprehended for outstanding arrest warrants.
Chief A. Vega stated, “Safety is a collective responsibility, and drivers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of all road users. We hope this operation serves as a valuable reminder to everyone to exercise caution and look out for one another.”
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Redlands Artist Selected for Prestigious Gold Medal Art Exhibition
Community News
Local artist Leona Gamble has been selected to exhibit her work in the 114th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition hosted by the California Art Club, one of the nation’s most historic and respected art organizations. The juried exhibition will take place at the VEFA Gallery, located at 21825 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, California, from June 11 through Aug. 9, 2025.
An exclusive artist reception will be held at the gallery on Sunday, June 8, and a Collectors’ Circle preview brunch is scheduled for Saturday, June 7.
“I’m honored to be part of this year’s Gold Medal Exhibition,” said Gamble. “It’s a privilege to show my work alongside such talented artists who are carrying forward the legacy of traditional fine art in California.”
Known for her contemplative oil paintings that blend contemporary realism with natural symbolism, Gamble’s work explores themes of emotional depth, transformation and connection to the environment. In addition to her inclusion in this juried exhibition, her paintings have recently been featured in American Art Collector and Fine Art Connoisseur magazines.
Now in its 114th year, the California Art Club’s Gold Medal Exhibition continues a legacy that dates back to 1909, showcasing the best in contemporary-traditional painting, drawing and sculpture. This year's event at VEFA Gallery offers the public an opportunity to view and collect original works rooted in classical technique and inspired by modern life.
To view Leona Gamble’s artwork or learn more, visit www.leonagamble.art.
San Bernardino Youth Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert This Sunday
Community News
The San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestra (SBSYO) will perform their spring matinee concert on Sunday, May 18th at 3 p.m. at the historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium.
The repertoire will include Aaron Copeland's Hoedown, highlights from "Wicked", "An American in Paris", and "How to Train Your Dragon", Jeffrey Bishop's Aethelinda, Jay Ungar's Ashokan Farewell, and a new composition called Short Emotional Sketches by SBSYO Composer-in-Residence Adam Arroyo of California State University, San Bernardino.
Shared SBSYO Conductor Dr. Lucy Lewis, "As we are preparing to bring the first year of our San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestra to a close, we are reflecting on how proud we are of all of our students and how hard they have worked this year to grow, both as musicians, and also human beings. Our concert on Sunday, May 18 will be a wonderful celebration of their achievements, and we hope to see many of you there!"
The SBSYO is an offshoot of the Symphony’s
Youth Wind Ensemble which began in 2021. In response to public demand, the full youth orchestra was established in late 2024 and performed their inaugural concert this past December. This will be the group’s first spring concert.
Thanks to the generosity of many, San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestra tickets are always just $10, with children under 12 attending for free. All seating is unassigned general admission.
Concert tickets may be purchased through the QR code in the graphic at top, or online by clicking the Purchase Tickets button directly above, or by calling the Symphony office at (909) 3815388 Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Venue box office sales are also planned prior to concert performances, but the availability of seats can never be guaranteed.
The historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. Free parking is available adjacent to the venue for all concert performances. Doors open one hour prior to concert time.
PHOTO LEONA GAMBLE
Leona Gamble, a Redlands-based painter known for her contemplative oil works, will exhibit at the 114th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition hosted by the California Art Club.
SBVC Awards Over $800,000 In Scholarships to Students at Annual Ceremony
Community News
San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) proudly celebrated the achievements and aspirations of 577 students at its annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Held in the college’s historic Auditorium, the event marked a major milestone, with 825 scholarships awarded, totaling an impressive $800,000 in financial support exclusively for SBVC students - the highest amount ever disbursed to students in a single year.
The evening began with a special donor reception honoring the individuals, families, and organizations whose ongoing generosity made the scholarships possible. The reception offered donors a unique opportunity to meet the students who received their endowed awards. Among the esteemed guests were community leaders, SBVC faculty and staff, and loyal supporters committed to uplifting local students.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., a proud SBVC alumnus, delivered heartfelt remarks, reflecting on both his and his mother’s time at the college. He spoke about the lasting impact of scholarships in opening doors
for students from all walks of life.
His words echoed the evening’s theme: community investment as a catalyst for student transformation.
“It wasn’t the dollar amount of the scholarship; it was that someone took the time to invest in me,” Baca reflected. “These scholarships are an investment in you.”
SBVC President Dr. Gilbert Contreras also addressed the audience, highlighting how reducing financial barriers enables students to focus on their education and future careers.
“For almost 100 years, people have come here with a dream and left with a future,” said Contreras.
“At San Bernardino Valley College, 70% of our students experience at least one form of basic needs insecurity. Scholarships matter at San Bernardino Valley College.”
The audience was moved by two exceptional SBVC nursing students, Lina Feng-Yang and April Ruelas, who shared their inspiring personal stories.
Feng-Yang, whose family immigrated from China to Venezuela, boldly moved to the United States on her own to pursue a better future. She is graduating this May
with a 3.9 GPA and began the SBVC nursing program in 2024. Her passion for equitable healthcare and language accessibility promises to make her a compassionate and effective provider.
Her fellow speaker, Ruelas, a local student from the Inland Empire, spoke about her journey as a single mother striving to break generational cycles and build a better life for her family.
“Échale ganas, mija,” she recalled, which translates to “Keep going, daughter”—a powerful mantra that fuels her determination to succeed and inspire her child.
The event celebrated not only academic excellence but also the strength of the SBVC community and the perseverance of its students. Over the past four years, the SBVC Foundation has awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships and over $5 million in support for campus programs, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to educational equity and student success.
For more information about the SBVC Foundation or to contribute to student scholarships, please visit www.sbvcfoundation.org.
UC Riverside Addresses Teacher Shortage in San Bernardino
Community News
Addressing a critical teacher shortage, UC Riverside has partnered with the San Bernardino City Unified School District to launch a new teacher residency program that fully covers tuition, provides living stipends, and guarantees teaching jobs for successful participants.
The program, which began recruiting students this spring, is open to candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree. The residency offers an expedited one-year credentialing program coupled with intensive mentoring and financial support.
In exchange, participants com-
mit to teach in the San Bernardino school district after completing the program.
“Across California and the nation, we are facing a shortage of qualified teachers, especially in critical areas like special education, duallanguage instruction, math, and science,” said Frances Valdovinos, assistant dean and director of teacher education at UCR’s School of Education.
“This partnership gives future teachers an unprecedented level of support while helping San Bernardino schools meet urgent staffing needs.”
Under the program, residents will have their tuition and fees fully paid and will receive a stipend valued at approximately
$32,000, which includes both direct financial support and payments to mentor teachers who will guide them through their training. Additionally, every participant is guaranteed a student teaching placement within the district, helping them to gain valuable classroom experience and ease their transition into fulltime roles.
Robert Morales, director of human resources for the San Bernardino City Unified School District, said the program could not come at a more crucial time. The district expects to have about 190 teacher retirements and resignations this year alone.
PHOTO SBVC
SBVC student scholarship recipients pose with SBVC Foundation Executive Director, Mike Layne.
SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY PRESENTS
PHOTO SBVC
SBVC scholarship recipients Lina Feng-Yang (left) and April Ruelas (right), pose with San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.
Teamsters
By IECN Staff
The Hispanic Caucus of Teamsters Local 1932 has officially gathered the required number of signatures to move forward with a community-led effort to rename Seccombe Lake Park in honor of Ignacio Lopez, a prominent Inland Empire civil rights pioneer.
The announcement marks a significant milestone following months of grassroots outreach and organizing to elevate the
Community News
The San Bernardino Area chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) hosted a crowd of more than 300 supporters at the annual NAMI Walk, an event designed to promote mental health awareness and support. This year’s walk, themed “We're Giving Our All for Mental Health for All", took place on Sunday, May 4th, at Glen Helen Regional Park and raised over $20,204 to support free programs and services to area families affected by Mental Health Issues.
The San Bernardino NAMI walk is the first ever held in San Bernardino County as part of activities across the nation to celebrate May Mental Health Awareness Month.
Thankful to have rented an extra large picnic Pavillion where walkers and supporters gathered as the rain came down during pre-walk activities and resource booths. Festivities were started off by Troy Mondragon, MSW from the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health who served as the inspiring and energetic Master of Ceremonies.
The program had many families speaking including Dr Angela Brantley, President of The
legacy of Lopez, who fought against racial discrimination and advocated for labor rights in the region.
“This is a historic step forward,” said Carlos Gonzales, president of the Teamsters Local 1932 Hispanic Caucus.
“We are committed to lifting up the stories of local heroes like Ignacio Lopez, whose contributions have been overlooked for far too long.”
With the signature threshold met, the initiative will next
enter a phase of public discussion. Teamsters Local 1932 plans to host a community meeting in the near future, where residents and stakeholders can share input and show support for the proposed name change.
Details regarding the meeting will be announced soon. For more information and updates, visit www.teamsters1932.org or follow Teamsters Local 1932 Hispanic Caucus on social media.
IANGIFTED Foundation and mother of founder Alexander Mattison, an NFL running back for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Brantley shared with the crowd heartwarming stories of this athlete, father, son, husband, and philanthropist who is deeply influenced by personal mental health challenges. Mattison founded the IAMGIFTED Foundation to empower youth and families to recognize their strength and resilience. His commitment extends beyond providing resources; it's about fostering a movement that encourages individuals to rise above adversity and break the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in underrepresented communities.
Following other speakers and a mini concert–by local 19 old singer-songwriter, Kiara Choi the crowd warmed up with exercises and coffee donated by Starbucks and began the 1.5 mile walk in the rain. Many of the walkers took on “May the Fourth Be With You” costumes including a mental health green stormtrooper, a few Obi Juan Kenobis and Princess Leahs
Sponsors for the walk included: Teva Pharmaceuticals, San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, IAMGIFTED Foundation, Varp, The Behavior Lab, Maupin Payne,The Wellness Ranche,
Preferred Dental, Schaepper Psychiatry and others.
“Our goal was to raise over $100,000 in donations and sponsorships to expand and continue providing life changing evidenced-based free programs for those challenged by mental health issues and their families,” said Lori J. Butler, new Executive Director of NAMI San Bernardino Area. “We will be continuing to accept donations throughout the Month of May and hope that by the end of the month we will reach our goal”. To support NAMI see: www.namisb.org.
"San Bernardino is the largest geographic county in California and this walk can be a catalyst for our movement and dream to see that no one in this huge area goes without mental health services and support," added Chapter President Wolfgang Hall.
NAMI Walks are vital in raising awareness about mental health conditions and reducing the stigma associated with them. Funds raised from the event will support NAMI San Bernardino's ongoing programs, which provide essential education, advocacy, and support services to individuals affected by mental illness and their families.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
The entrance sign at Seccombe Lake Recreation Area in San Bernardino, the site at the center of a community-driven initiative to rename the park in honor of civil rights leader Ignacio Lopez.
PHOTO NAMI
Supporters gather at Glen Helen Regional Park as NAMI San Bernardino leaders cut the ribbon to kick off the first-ever NAMI Walk in San Bernardino County on May 4.
PHOTO NAMI
Troy Mondragon, MSW, of the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, serves as emcee during the NAMI Walk kickoff program, energizing the crowd before the walk began.
