San Bernardino’s Historic California Theater Closes for $6.8M Renovation
Travis Barker Drums With FoHi Band, Receives Key to City at Fontana Days Run
By Manny Sandoval
More than 300 people marched through downtown San Bernardino on Monday, June 9th, demanding due process for immigrants detained by ICE, criticizing what they described as an aggressive and discriminatory enforcement strategy under President
Donald Trump’s policies—one that has mistakenly ensnared even American citizens.
The march began outside the San Bernardino County ICE Field Office on West Rialto Avenue and ended at San Bernardino City Hall. In stark contrast to protests in downtown Los Angeles just two days earlier—which ended in chaos and
multiple arrests—Monday’s demonstration was peaceful, organized, and widely supported by passing motorists honking in solidarity.
Chants like “Abolish ICE” and signs reading “The Founding Fathers Were Immigrants” and “Melt ICE” echoed
Colton city officials and store leaders cut the ribbon at Vallarta Supermarkets’ newest location at 1250 Washington St. on June 4. Councilmembers David Toro, Dr. G (Dr. Luis Gonzalez), and John Echevarria joined the celebration as Vallarta became the city’s seventh major grocer.
By Manny Sandoval
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atino-owned Vallarta Supermarkets officially opened its 60th location on June 4, bringing a new full-service grocery store to Colton — a city that has long awaited additional grocery options to serve its more than 54,000 residents.
The 43,931-square-foot store, located at 1250 Washington Street, marks Colton’s seventh major grocery chain, joining two
Stater Bros. locations, Cardenas Markets, Smart & Final, Food 4 Less and Walmart Supercenter. The city’s smaller neighborhood bodegas were not included in the count, as they lack the full range of offerings found in larger supermarkets.
During the grand opening ceremony, which kicked off at 8:15 a.m., 99.1 KGGI broadcast live from the event, giving away prizes and Legoland tickets to attendees. The first 300 guests through the doors received free reusable grocery bags
filled with groceries.
The opening of Vallarta not only delivered expanded shopping options but also created many new job opportunities in the community. The store features a modern design that blends innovation with Vallarta’s signature cultural flair, offering customers a wide variety of specialty departments.
Shoppers at the new location can experi-
Lucille
100, Becomes First Centenarian in Native Sons Chapter
Vallarta, cont. next pg.
PHOTO ANTHONY VEGA
PHOTOS MANNY SANDOVAL
Protesters from across the Inland Empire rally outside San Bernardino City Hall on June 9, holding signs demanding due process and the end of ICE enforcement tactics.
ICE Protest (cont.)
- through the streets, while volunteers were seen collecting trash to keep the protest site clean—underscoring the community’s commitment to nonviolent civic action.
“We demand due process— not raids and family separations,” said Ana Gonzalez, a Rialto resident who immigrated to the U.S. during the era of Proposition 187. “We’re seeing clear violations of our constitutional rights. This administration tossed the Bill of Rights and Constitution out the window.”
Gonzalez, who arrived at 2 PM, reflected on her own experience being told she didn’t belong in classrooms as a young immigrant. “Now, I watch people get taken from churches and workplaces. These are kidnappings,” she said. “And people don’t realize—law enforcement sometimes uses tactics at protests to provoke confrontation. We must stay peaceful to stay protected.”
Protesters came from across the Inland Empire and beyond—including San Bernardino, Rialto, Redlands, Colton, and as far as Idyllwild. Among them were Bill and Melissa Smith, a white couple who said their motivation stemmed from both personal ties and moral urgency.
“We have Venezuelans in our family who are at risk of deportation,” Bill said. “It’s important for people to remember California was built by immigrants.”
“We can’t leave this fight to minorities alone,” Melissa added. “White people need to stand up and be allies. This country belongs to all of us.”
Colton resident Liz Guajardo voiced frustration over ICE’s sweeping actions. “We’re watching ICE come into our neighborhoods and destroy families after claiming to only deport criminals,” she said. “It’s time for communities to stand up and protect their own.”
Guajardo also challenged the country’s spending priorities: “We’re funneling money into deportation when what we need is housing, healthcare, and good jobs. If Trump says he upholds the Constitution, then why are immigrants denied due process?”
A National Issue: Citizens Caught in ICE Detention Monday’s protest highlighted not only undocumented immigrant concerns but the increasing number of documented residents and even U.S. citizens being swept up by ICE due to inadequate checks.
According to a 2020 analysis by the Los Angeles Times and legal watchdog groups, an estimated 1% of ICE detainees between 2012 and 2018 were U.S. citizens—including veterans
and minors. Notable cases include:
A 19-year-old U.S. citizen in Arizona detained for nearly two weeks despite having documentation.
A Florida man, Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez, held for 48 hours before his citizenship was confirmed.
In multiple court filings, ICE has admitted to detaining and attempting to deport individuals later proven to be American citizens.
These incidents raise serious legal concerns about the accuracy of ICE enforcement actions and whether detainees are receiving constitutionally guaranteed protections.
Calls for Rights and Readiness
While Monday’s protest focused on calling out due process violations, many immigrant advocates stress the importance of being proactive when navigating potential ICE encounters. Legal experts recommend that green card holders carry their valid permanent resident card at all times, and that immigrants on work visas keep a copy of their Employment Authorization Document or visa papers readily available. It's also advised to avoid carrying foreignissued IDs, such as consular cards or passports, which can increase the risk of profiling.
Community legal groups also encourage immigrants to carry a “Know Your Rights” card and to rehearse key phrases like “I am using my right to remain silent” and “I want to speak with a lawyer.” Only a judgesigned warrant allows ICE to enter a home or workplace; administrative warrants—such as Forms I-200 or I-205—do not grant that authority without consent.
In California, state law offers additional protections by prohibiting employers from granting ICE access to non-public areas or releasing employee records without a court order.
Immigrants and their families are also urged to prepare emergency plans, keep copies of critical documents with trusted contacts, and know how to locate a detained individual using their A-Number via ICE’s online locator system.
As the peaceful march in San Bernardino concluded without arrests or escalation, many demonstrators left not only calling for justice—but also better equipped to defend their rights.
“We’re here to protect our neighbors and speak truth to power,” Gonzalez said. “We’re not just resisting deportation— we’re demanding dignity.”
Colton City Council Recognizes 17 Outstanding Teachers
By Dr. G (Dr. Luis S. González), community writer
At the recent Council meeting, members of the Colton City Council recognized (17) teachers from the Colton Joint Unified School District, and proclaimed June 3 as Teacher Appreciation Day. As Dr.G read their names, he also presented each of them with a certificate from the Council, and talked about their
current teaching assignment and years of service. Represented were teachers working in different subject areas at both the high school and elementary school levels.
The teacher appreciation recognition program was created in 2019 by Dr.G and established by proclamation by the City Council as an official day to recognize the valuable and important service that these professionals have in the life and education of our Colton children. With this goal in mind, these seventeen local teachers were selected on the basis of their record of success, reputation with their students, and their service to the school. In attendance were all seventeen teachers, along with several spouses, friends, colleagues as well as members of the public who were in attendance.
The recipients of this recognition were as follows;
Abigail Abba – teacher of ELA/ELD Sp.Ed. at Colton High, has taught 4 years.
Stacey Baker – teacher of English at Colton High, has taught 30 years.
Chris Barta – teacher of Welding at Colton High, has taught 15 years.
Kimberly Baylis – counselor at Colton High, has mentored 30 years.
Myrna Cardenas – counselor at Colton High, has mentored 27 years.
Melanie Carlson – kindergarten teacher at Lincoln Elementary, has taught 29 years.
Flovonne Henry – teacher of RSP Sp.Ed. at Colton High, has taught 5 years.
Dawna Hughes – teacher of HEAL Program at Colton High, has taught 22 years.
Rosa Lopez – kindergarten teacher at Lincoln Elementary, has taught 9 years.
Marcos Meza – teacher of Auto Shop at Colton High, has taught 20 years.
Nevin Murillo – teacher of
RSP Sp.Ed. at Colton High, has taught 3 years.
Willaim Pereira – teacher of RSP Sp.Ed. at Colton High, has taught 23 years.
Anthony Ponce – 6th grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary, has taught 24 years.
Theresa Rago – teacher of Wellness Program at Colton High, has taught 2 years.
Yogesh Sharma – teacher of Science at Colton High, has taught 16 years.
Ligia Valencia – 1st grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary, has taught 11 years.
Tom Wurz – teacher of Graphic Communications at Colton High, has taught 30 years.
These 17 teachers are to be congratulated for their outstanding success in the classroom and their service to the school and ultimately to the community.
The City of Colton continues to support its teachers in the schools and is honored to recognize these outstanding professionals as part of the Colton Teacher Appreciation Day for 2025.
PHOTO DR. G
Seventeen outstanding local teachers who were recognized by Colton City Council June 3, 2025.
Pro-life or Pro-Choice: A Battle for Humanity
By Hector Espinoza, Arroyo Valley High School Student
Even as the United States modernizes, it still faces setbacks. Abortion is one of the biggest controversial subjects that many people support and many oppose. Essentially, abortion is the medical procedure that ends a fetus' life within the early stages of development. It would be ignorant to say that all abortions are done with good intentions, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Banning the right for a woman to receive a legal and medically safe abortion is depriving a woman of constitutional rights.
Through a man’s perspective lens, a man ought to recognize that we have no authority or power over a woman and what she does with her body. For instance, a philosophy professor at Fayetteville State University, Richard A.S. Hall, stated, “A woman has an inalienable moral and legal right to abortion at any stage of her pregnancy. No politician, judge, nor cleric, and certainly no man, ought to tell a woman what she ought or ought not to do with her body.” A male is not physically changed by pregnancy; therefore, a male’s role in how a woman must act upon an unwanted or high-health-risk pregnancy should not be validated or considered when discussing the legal rights a woman upholds for an abortion.
Since the early stages of America, women have often been expected to fulfill the roles of mothers and caregivers. In fact, in some Southern states, women are still only seen with the purpose of having children. Yet, as the role and ideology of a woman progress, many women are now breaking this unwanted cycle of motherhood. Many women, instead of having children, now attend college, build careers, and are breadwinners. Therefore, it is understandable why a pregnancy is something they would not want to have. In most cases, abortion occurs for the benefit of the woman and her life; most of the time, it is the best decision for their future.
As stated, an unwanted pregnancy will directly impact the course of a woman's life—physically and emotionally—yet it will not have such drastic physical effects
on the father’s life, if involved. Ironically, most pro-life supporters are male. In 2024, “Gallup found that 49% of men identify as pro-life,” meaning that approximately half of the men in the United States identify as pro-life. As a male, it should be part of humanity to be pro-choice, because it would be inhumane to ignore the countless women who are raped and still forced to carry and give birth to their rapist’s DNA in their baby, as well as to force a woman to carry out something that she does not want for herself.
Personhood, made up of a person’s consciousness and capacity for communication, is what Professor Richard A.S. Hall declared: “A fetus at any stage of its development obviously lacks these and other personal attributes and so does not qualify as a person in any sense; consequently, it lacks any moral or legal rights since such belong exclusively to persons.” A fetus who still has not experienced life or what it means to be a person should not be treated as one, meaning they do not reserve the protection of their rights over the mother’s right and bodily autonomy.
Abortions should not be perceived as shameful either upon male gaze and perspective, and instead should be respected. Women who endured the medical procedure of an abortion had to make a challenging decision, and in the end, made the decision that was best for them. As stated by Ylonda Gault, who speaks about her own personal experience in her abortion, “My abortion is a part of me, my story. And I have no shame that I made the best decision for myself, my family and our future.” An abortion is not always necessary, but it should always be an option offered to a woman, and a decision for a woman to make, as it will change the course of her life either way.
Abortion is not political, but rather a moral issue, and despite the controversial takes, a woman should still be legally granted the right to decide what will happen with her body, and whether or not she wants to carry a baby. It would be inhumane to force anybody to do something with their body that they, themselves, do not want. Therefore, why would it be any different for a woman and her right to an abortion?
Dignity Health Highlights Summer Safety as New Season Approaches
By Dignity Health
Emergency Room physicians across the San Bernardino County typically see a rise in seasonal injuries and illnesses, including heatstroke, waterrelated incidents, and foodborne illnesses. Dignity Health California urges the community to prioritize safety during the summer season's high temperatures and increased outdoor activities.
"Summer is a season when we see a sharp rise in preventable emergencies," said Dr. Charlie Abraham, Chief Medical Officer at Dignity Health St Bernardine Medical Center. "With just a few simple precautions, we can help prevent serious injuries, avoid unnecessary ER visits, and keep the focus on enjoying everything the season has to offer."
Heat Safety
The summer of 2023 recorded over 2,300 heat-related deaths in the United States, the highest in 45 years, according to the CDC. Emergency departments also saw a substantial increase in heat-related visits, particularly among adults aged 18–64.
To combat heat-related illnesses, Dr. Abraham recommends:
Are Immigrants Allowed to Be Free in the Land of Freedom?
By Bianca Zamora, Arroyo Valley High School Student
Everyone has opinions on the new government we are under. Ever since Trump came into office, things have changed. Whether people believe those changes are for better or worse is up to each person to decide.
However, one thing that's hard to ignore is how immigrants are treated. They're being dismissed and stripped of their rights. Policies from the Trump administration have made it harder for immigrants to build their lives here, often without considering their backgrounds or contributions. Many immigrants are labeled as "aliens" or seen as threats, even if they are innocent.
This issue in our society and government isn't just political—it's also social and deeply affects families. The idea of pushing immigrants out has led to serious consequences, including families being broken apart. This includes both families already in the United States and those trying to enter.
For example, many innocent immigrants from Venezuela are being accused of being a part of the gang Tren de Aragua for minor reasons. Some are sent to maximum-security prisons in El Salvador and denied contact with family.
NBC News states, "Relatives of recently deported Venezuelan immigrants said they were anguished and shocked to discover their loved ones were sent to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador after they recognized them in a social media video." This situation shows how people are being punished and isolated for something they didn't do, simply because of where they're from. It's unfair and heartbreaking.
For immigrants entering the U.S., many parents are separated from their children. Their children are placed in different detention areas, often due to overcrowding. These children are put in cold facilities with no emotional or physical support.
In some cases, they're kept in these
centers for weeks or even months, unsure of when they'll see their families again. Parents struggle, not knowing where their child is or whether they're safe. They come for a better life, only to face worse conditions.
During the first 100 days of Trump's administration, many significant changes were made regarding immigration. These included efforts to end birthright citizenship, halt asylum processes, and cancel immigrants' scheduled appointments. His time in office may not have been the start of all these difficult situations, but it did make them worse.
This current social issue matters to me because I come from an immigrant family. Knowing these things could happen to my loved ones terrifies me. I've seen firsthand how these policies affect fellow immigrants. They feel restricted and isolated, diminished both physically and mentally, and most importantly, they are left living their life in fear. They came here hoping for a better life, but ended up living the opposite.
Seeing this happen fills me with many emotions, especially anger and helplessness. This situation angers me because they are treating immigrants as if they don't matter. It is as if we are once again in a social hierarchy—just a modern one. Immigrants work in labor that other Americans choose not to.
Yet, they are not rewarded or recognized for their hard work. Their sacrifice goes unseen.
Most of all, the strongest emotion in this situation is helplessness. I feel helpless because sometimes the only thing I can do is speak up, and that will only make a minor difference. One person alone can’t create instant change, so I am angered and helpless.
Overall, immigrants are being maltreated in this country. It may not have started under Donald Trump, but it did get worse when he took office. So the question is: Are immigrants allowed to be free in the land of freedom?
● Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
● Electrolyte replacement and heat acclimation for those at risk
● Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
● Avoiding strenuous activity and staying indoors during peak heat hours.
● Applying sunscreen regularly and wearing wide-brimmed hats.
● Checking on elderly neighbors and relatives during heatwaves.
● Keep infants and young children cool and shaded — avoid outdoor activities during peak heat, dress them in lightweight clothing, and ensure they stay well-hydrated.
Water Safety
Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death, especially among children aged 1 to 4. Additionally, near-drowning incidents and ear infections like swimmer's ear are common during the summer months Dr. Abraham advises:
●Ensuring constant supervision of children.
● Wearing life jackets during water activities.
● Avoiding swimming under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Lucille Devlin, 100, Becomes First Centenarian in Native Sons Chapter
By Gary Devlin, community writer
The Native Sons of the Golden West: Arrowhead Parlor 110 welcomed its first centenarian member this past weekend, inducting 100year-old Lucille Devlin during a historic ceremony held at the organization’s downtown parlor inside the Enterprise Building.
Devlin, a longtime San Bernardino resident born in Gunnison, Utah, became not only the oldest individual ever admitted to Arrowhead Parlor 110 but also one of the first naturalized members following a resolution passed last year allowing individuals not born in California to join the Order.
“This is a moment that has been a long time coming,” said members close to Devlin, whose husband, Merrill, was a member for more than five decades. All six of their children are members, including her youngest son, who currently serves as a Grand Trustee. For years, Devlin supported her family’s participation from the sidelines — until the rule change finally made her inclusion possible.
Arrowhead Parlor 110, founded in San Bernardino in 1887, is one of the state’s oldest Native Sons chapters, part of a statewide organization formed in 1875 to preserve California’s history. The group sponsors historical plaques, supports state parks and the cleft palate program, and awards scholarships across the state.
In addition to Devlin’s induction, Arrowhead Parlor 110 also celebrated other milestones in re-
cent months. On May 22, 2025, Barbara Kimball — a former teacher and vice principal in San Bernardino — was elected to the state board as Grand Trustee during the organization’s Grand Parlor convention. She became only the second woman to hold that position and the first from Arrowhead Parlor 110.
The parlor, which relocated to the historic Enterprise Building in 2023, has seen a resurgence in activity and youth engagement. The Enterprise Building, designated a historic site by the parlor last October, was originally built in 1927 by John Andreson Jr., a prominent Native Sons member and former San Bernardino County supervisor. In October 2023, members from across Southern California gathered there for a history presentation and dedication ceremony recognizing the building’s legacy.
Adding to the revival of tradition, the Native Daughters of the Golden West held a flag dedication at the building in October 2024, raising both the U.S. and California flags atop the structure in a ceremony celebrating civic pride and heritage.
Arrowhead Parlor 110 counts among its current members Mayor Helen Tran and State Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, continuing a legacy of civic involvement and historic preservation in the heart of downtown San Bernardino.
With Devlin’s induction, the Order symbolically closed the door on a past era of exclusion and opened a new chapter of inclusivity — one rooted in California values and community pride.
Community News
The City of San Bernardino announced the temporary closure of its historic California Theatre on June 2 as the 97-year-old landmark undergoes a $6.8 million renovation.
Located at 562 West 4th Street, the 1,700-seat theater has served as a cultural cornerstone for the region, hosting the San Bernardino Symphony, concerts, and national Broadway touring productions. City officials expect the venue to reopen in early October.
“The California Theatre is well known as a major landmark for visitors coming to downtown San Bernardino,” said Azzam Jabsheh, deputy director of public works. “The upgrades being planned are a great investment for the city.”
Built in 1928 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater was named “Best Performing Arts Venue” earlier this year by Inland Empire Magazine.
Planned upgrades include new theatrical sound and lighting systems, curtain and control improvements, and the replacement of the building’s HVAC system. Additional work includes new carpeting, interior and exterior painting, auditorium floor refinishing, architectural repairs, ADA compliance enhancements, and facade upgrades.
Earlier this year, the first phase of the renovation was completed with the full restoration of the theater’s original Wurlitzer Style 216 pipe organ. Installed when the theater first opened, the rare instrument was brought back to its 1928 factory appearance by Herman Organ Company of Baldwin Park, using vintage parts to preserve its historical integrity.
The $6,830,686 project is being carried out by Tilden Coil Constructors and funded through a combination of City Measure S funds, Cultural Development funds, and a $2.5 million grant from the California Arts Council.
PHOTO CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
The California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino is located at 562 West 4th Street, San Bernardino.
PHOTO RYAN STANLY
Lucille Devlin, center, celebrates her historic induction as the first centenarian member of Arrowhead Parlor 110 alongside fellow members during a ceremony at the Enterprise Building in downtown San Bernardino.
Travis Barker Drums With FoHi Band, Receives Key to
City at Fontana Days Run
By Manny Sandoval
What began as a community tradition in 1955 became a milestone in city pride on Saturday, June 7. Blink-182 drummer and Fontana native Travis Barker returned home for the annual Fontana Days Run — and left with a street in his name, a key to the city, and a renewed connection with the youth and community that shaped him.
Thousands gathered in downtown Fontana for the race and post-run festivities. Barker, who graduated from Fontana High School in 1993, was joined by his wife Kourtney Kardashian as fans — runners and non-runners alike — swarmed the event grounds. The biggest surprise came when Barker took the stage to play two of Blink-182’s biggest hits, All the Small Things and The Rock Show, alongside Fontana High School’s marching band.
“The music program at FoHi saved me. It gave me direction, focus and purpose,” Barker said. “Because of that, I have always wanted to give back to this city. People ask me how I got successful, and my answer is always discipline and hard work. To everyone out there, you can do it too.”
Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren formally called Barker to the stage to announce that the city would be presenting him with a key to the city. “Travis, join me at the podium,” she said. “I want Rialto and Rancho to call me later and ask me what all that noise is.”
Warren and San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendáriz also proclaimed June 7 as Travis Barker Day in the City of Fontana.
“Travis is using his platform to break musical boundaries and advocate for health, mindfulness, and mental wellness,” Warren said. “Through his dedication to fitness, recovery, and resilience… Travis represents the best of Fontana. I’m proud to know that he has never, ever forgotten where he came from.”
The Fontana Days Run, known nationally as one of the fastest half marathons in the country due to its 2,125-foot elevation drop, welcomed more than 2,000 additional attendees after the city announced Barker’s involvement just three days prior. According to Deputy City Manager Phillip Burum, the event swelled with support and admiration for Barker and Kardashian.
“There was a tremendous amount of community support — several thousand people came out to show love for Travis and to be close to Kourtney,” Burum said. “Travis and his family were thrilled and appreciative.”
Though Fontana Police Department increased its presence to ensure Barker’s safety, the drummer himself opted to run casually among the crowd, blending in with little fanfare during the race.
“Fontana PD really showed up for Barker,” Burum added. “But Travis is so laid-back — he just blended right into the crowd during the run. That’s the kind of person he is.”
The most unforgettable moment came when Barker joined Fontana High School’s student musicians on stage for a live drum performance that left fans — and students — in awe.
“The two students who got to play next to him were jumping out of their skin,” Burum said. “The band conductor was giddy and so appreciative. That was the best part — it’s once in a lifetime.”
The homecoming signals more than a celebration — it marks what city officials hope is the beginning of a long-standing partnership. Burum
emphasized the performance as a response to community members asking what Barker has done for the city.
“This is the reintroduction of Travis to Fontana,” Burum said. “He’s had success and now he’s in a position to give back. We’ve already talked about partnering with Run Travis Run and Fontana Unified’s music program for next year. This is phase one of what I hope to be a long and mutually beneficial relationship for the city and school district.”
Run Travis Run, Barker’s wellness initiative, was born after his near-fatal 2008 plane crash. With burns covering over 70% of his body, doctors told Barker he might never walk or drum the same again. Determined to defy those odds, he started running, slowly at first — then daily.
“Running gives me calmness and clarity,” Barker said. “I want to motivate people to get outside and walk or run for a few hours, as well as make healthy decisions and create healthy habits. This is what Run Travis Run is built off of and we’re just getting started.”
The Fontana Days Run — which includes a half marathon, 5K run, family fitness walk, and children’s dash — aligned perfectly with Barker’s health-forward mission. City officials are eager to bring Run Travis Run to future events, alongside Healthy Fontana, the wellness initiative launched by Mayor Warren that has become a model in other cities.
Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) praised the city for recognizing Barker’s impact while reinforcing community wellness.
“Travis Barker is yet another shining example of the strength, tenacity, and resiliency of those of us born and raised here in the Inland Empire,” Reyes said. “What a joy to see the City of Fontana recognize him for his commitment to health and wellness at an event designed to encourage the same in our community members.”
While some events of this scale might cost cities millions, Fontana spent very little honoring Barker. “The run was already planned,” Burum said. “We just hosted his friends and family at Stage Red and paid a DJ to play during the prelude. There were virtually no extravagant costs.”
Stage Red, the city’s newly opened, state-ofthe-art music venue in downtown Fontana, served as a green room and welcome center for Barker and his guests — reinforcing Fontana’s growing status as a creative and cultural hub in the Inland Empire.
“Travis Barker is a proud native of Fontana and a graduate of Fontana High School,” Burum said. “His own words speak volumes: ‘The music program at FoHi saved me. It gave me direction and focus…’ Honoring Travis is not just about recognizing his accomplishments — it’s about acknowledging a story of perseverance, creativity, and impact.”
As Fontana continues to evolve and attract global talent, city leaders say events like these are central to shifting how outsiders perceive the community.
“People may not always see it, but moments like this are what help rebrand Fontana,” Burum said. “This is not the Fontana people think it was. With people like Sammy Hagar and Travis Barker engaging with the city, it’s clear we’re elevating to something new.”
And based on the love and commendment Barker received from the FoHi band and thousands of hometown fans, Fontana’s next chapter is off to a strong start.
PHOTO MAHA RIZVI
Travis Barker poses with the newly unveiled "Travis Barker Way" street sign during a special ceremony at the Fontana Days Run on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
PHOTO MAHA RIZVI
Mayor Acquanetta Warren and County Supervisor Jesse Armendariz with Barker as they declare June 7th, Travis Barker Day in Fontana.
PHOTO MAHA RIZVI
Maha Rizvi, representative for Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, flashes a peace sign with Travis Barker during the Fontana Days Run celebration.
Thank you to the dignitaries listed below for sponsoring IECN’s Grads and Dads edition in El Chicano, Colton
Thank you to the dignitaries listed below for sponsoring IECN’s Grads and Dads edition in El Chicano, Colton
Thank you to the dignitaries listed below for sponsoring IECN’s Grads and Dads edition in El Chicano, Courier, and Rialto Record. Your support helps us continue delivering meaningful news to our communities! Courier, and Rialto Record. Your support helps us continue delivering meaningful news to our communities! Courier, and Rialto Record. Your support helps us continue delivering meaningful news to our communities!
Diana Z. Rodriguez
Chancellor, San Bernardino Community College District
Website: SBCCD.edu
Eloise Gómez Reyes
California State Senator, 29th District
Phone: (909) 888-5360 Website: sd29.senate.ca.gov
Joe Baca Jr.
San Bernardino County 5th District Supervisor, Vice Chair
Phone: (909) 387-4565 Website: bosd5.sbcounty.gov
James C. Ramos
Assemblymember, 45 district th Website: a45.asmdc.org
Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
California State Senator, 19th District
Phone: (909) 335-0271
Website: sr19.senate.ca.gov
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
Phone: (909) 888-3228 Website: sbcss.net
Dr. Stephanie Houston
Chair, San Bernardino Community College District, Board of Trustees
Website: drstephaniehouston.com
Joseph Williams
Vice Chair, San Bernardino Community College District, Board of Trustees
