Los Angeles Dodgers Unveil Single-A Affiliate Ontario Tower Buzzers, Mascot Maverick
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San Bernardino County Leaders
Reveal $270M Mining Revival, Tourism Surge in 2025 Report
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LA Galaxy Brings Soccer Camp to Mt. Vernon Elementary, Empowering 500 San Bernardino
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By Denise Berver
On September 22, 2025 community volunteers, educators and elected officials gathered together at Woodrow Wilson elementary school in Colton to celebrate “Dr. Tom’s Day of Community Service”. The event, now in its 3rd year, is held on the birthday of Dr. Tom Rivera to honor his legacy of leadership, education and dedication to serving the community.
Rivera, a proud Colton native, attended Wilson Elementary school as a child before moving on to Colton High School and San Bernardino Valley College, advancing his education until he ultimately received his doctorate in education at UCLA. His commitment to education never wavered as he went on to serve over 47 years in the educational field, including nearly 40 years as an administrator at Cal State San Bernardino.
One of his most impactful educational
By Manny Sandoval
SAC Health marked a milestone Sept. 18 with the ribbon-cutting of its new Brier Campus, a 280,000square-foot facility leaders say will transform healthcare access for the Inland Empire’s most vulnerable populations. Located at 1003 E. Brier Drive, the $85
accomplishments was co-founding the Inland Empire Future Leaders Program, a leadership development conference for eight and ninth grade students created in response to high dropout rates among Hispanic students. Celebrating their 40th anniversary this October, IEFLP has now served over 4,900 students boasting an impressive 99% high-school graduation rate and a 90% college-attendance rate for
million project expands SAC Health’s
The opening celebration was highlighted by a historic $10 million donation from the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation — the largest gift in SAC Health’s history. Tribal members blessed the event with bird singing, led by Assemblymember James Ramos, and presented a ceremonial check alongside Chairwoman Lynn
vices under one roof.
SAC Health, cont. next pg.
Dr. Tom Day, cont. next pg.
PHOTO DENISE BERVER
Community leaders, educators, and family members hold engraved shovels honoring Dr. Tom Rivera during “Dr. Tom’s Day of Community Service” at Wilson Elementary in Colton. Pictured are Colton Area Museum board member Lori Sanchez, IEFLP Director Dr. RC Heredia, Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, granddaughter Anya Rivera, son Tom Rivera, Colton Area Museum President Oscar Tostado, CJUSD Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda, Wilson Elementary Principal Dr. Lisa Mannes, SBCCD Trustee Frank Reyes, Angela Wilkinson, and CJUSD Board Member Bertha Flores.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
SAC Health CEO Dr. Jason Lohr and Assemblymember James Ramos join Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena along with Tribal Council members and citizens at the ribbon-cutting for the new SAC Health Brier Campus.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Mindy Silva (left), SAC Health’s executive director of philanthropy, provides a tour of the dentistry area to Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena (right) during the Brier Campus opening.
Dr. Tom Day (cont.)
- program participants.
In addition to his work as an educator, Dr. Rivera was an icon of community service in the region. Beginning with his time as a volunteer in the Peace Corp. to his leadership roles with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Kiwanis, Rivera devoted his life to enhancing and giving back to underserved communities. Pride in his heritage and upbringing led to his involvement as a co-researcher on the South Colton Oral History Project along with fellow Colton educator, Frank Acosta. Most notably, Rivera partnered with the Tzu Chi Foundation to establish a free health clinic along with food banks to serve the area.
IEFLP board member Judith Segura-Mora, who also served as event MC, invited past participants to share their stories and memories of “Dr. Tom” as she recalled his favorite sayings, including his insistence that everyone get their daily dose of “Vitamin S” – S for smile. Granddaughter Anya Rivera happily recalled sitting on her grandfather’s wheelchair as a child as they zoomed around distributing food to people at community food drives. She echoed her late grandfather’s sentiments that no obstacles, including
physical, should limit one’s ability to serve.
Highlighting the joyous nature of the event, mariachis performed while enthusiastic volunteers worked on campus beautification projects. Joining in, Assemblymember Robert Garcia (District 50) grabbed a sponge and helped scrub the murals depicting Colton landmarks which decorate the hallways at Wilson. A very special volunteer, 97 year old Irene Llamas Campos recalled her days at the school (then named Garfield Elementary) and shared a song with the crowd that Dr. Tom used to sing to her when they were younger.
In addition to the new bushes that were planted, new plans were made for the growing future of the event. Colton Area Museum board members recalled how Dr. Tom firmly yet lovingly “encouraged” them to volunteer and motivated others to do the same. As a testament to his legacy, event hosts called on the audience and community at large to take Rivera’s words as inspiration to keep “Dr. Tom’s” memory alive, not only by continuing, but expanding, the event in years to come.
For more information, please visit @coltonareamuseum, @ieflp on Instagram.
SAC Health (cont.)
- Valbuena.
“This grant award to SAC Health is a critical investment in the Inland Empire region,” Valbuena said. “This region is chronically in a state of social and economic stress and providing access to quality healthcare for our vulnerable populations will uplift all people.”
For SAC Health CEO Dr. Jason Lohr, the new facility represents both a practical expansion and what he described as a series of miracles that made the project possible. He explained that during the height of COVID, the cost of new construction was prohibitive, and traditional banks declined to finance the project. A private family stepped in with an $85 million loan — a deal Lohr said was so unprecedented that the real estate attorney overseeing it remarked she had never seen anything like it in her 40-year career. “We knew then it was truly a God thing,” Lohr said.
Lohr added that the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s $10 million gift was equally pivotal. “It is the largest single gift we’ve ever received and allows us to expand services despite looming state and federal funding cuts,” he said. SAC Health currently serves 65,000 patients across 240,000 visits annually, and Lohr noted the Brier Campus will enable the clinic to reach significantly more people, including those who drive hours across Southern California for specialty care.
Executive Director of Philanthropy Mindy Silva said the Brier Campus reflects her personal journey and calling. Growing up in the Inland Empire, she faced chronic health issues including asthma and relied heavily on the care of attentive nurses and physicians — an experience that deepened her belief in healthcare as a necessity, not a privilege. After more than 20 years working in philanthropy across the region, Silva said her role at SAC Health allows her to merge her professional experience with her personal conviction. “Healthcare should be a uni-
versal right,” Silva said. “Ninety-seven percent of our patients are on Medi-Cal, while others are unhoused or uninsured. The Brier Campus will give them access to dentistry, behavioral health, and specialty care — services they might otherwise never receive.”
Silva emphasized that philanthropy makes this possible. She highlighted SAC Health’s Blessing Fund, which uses community donations to cover costs for patients who cannot afford care, and encouraged supporters to give “time, talents, or treasures” to sustain the mission. She also pointed to partnerships with Loma Linda University Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Inland Empire Health Plan as essential for ensuring continuous care. “Those collaborations ensure patients aren’t stuck in the system. Instead, care is comprehensive and local,” she said.
The Brier Campus was also intentionally designed to put patients at ease. “Patients often arrive in a state of panic or fear,” Silva said. “The calming, serene design reminds them they are in the best facilities, with the best physicians, receiving care they deserve.”
That sense of community responsibility was echoed by Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation tribal member Ken Ramirez. “We’re here to serve and to answer the call for care,” Ramirez said. “I encourage anyone here to be a partner to SAC Health, whether through philanthropy or your own skills — we want to include you in serving our mission in Christ.”
Local leaders including San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran joined the event, where attendees toured the new facility. SAC Health leaders said the campus will create up to 700 new jobs and is part of a broader expansion into the High Desert, Coachella Valley, and Riverside.
“This is our largest location yet, but not our last,” Silva said. “Every SAC Health employee who walks through the door leaves better than when they came. It’s truly a call to care.”
Arrowhead United Way Opens National Veterans Chamber of Commerce in San Bernardino
By Manny Sandoval
Arrowhead United Way cut the ribbon Sept. 23 on its National Veterans Chamber of Commerce in downtown San Bernardino, creating a one-stop hub for the Inland Empire’s more than 220,000 veterans — the largest concentration of veterans in California.
Arrowhead United Way CEO Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers said the chamber will extend support beyond military service, with programs ranging from workforce development to mental health care. “We’ll be serving veterans with resources such as workforce development and mental health services in order for them to be served and appreciated outside of the uniform,” she said. “We are now a hub for all veterans and we cannot wait to see you all.”
She added that the chamber will provide employment support, housing connections, and literacy programs for families. To explore further solutions, the United Way board will tour housing facilities with Jamboree Housing Corporation in Orange County on Oct. 14 and share findings with San Bernardino leaders.
Speakers at the ribbon-cutting underscored the importance of the new chamber. Curt Lewis, representing Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Redlands, called the chamber “a strong step forward” at a time when veterans risk losing benefits under the current administration.
U.S. Air Force veteran Dr. Yvette Harris described the chamber as essential for veterans and families. “This chamber will be imperative for veterans and their families in terms of hous-
ing, health (physical, mental, and financial), education (career and entrepreneurship),” Harris said. “Our overall goal is to ensure that those that served along with their families are thriving outside of the uniform.”
Harris also called on community agencies and businesses to host workshops. She stressed that the chamber will not only connect veterans to resources but also make sure they receive them. “That looks like our case management team making the phone calls and connecting them with the resources and following up… to make sure the appointment was met,” she said.
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre connected the chamber’s mission to Arrowhead United Way’s Beneficent Rapid Advance Veteran Engagement (B.R.A.V.E.) Program, launched in 2024 with more than 40 community partners. The initiative links veterans to mental health care, housing, financial assistance, and career opportunities.
“The BRAVE Program… is going to be providing all of the veterans of this area some incredible services,” Alejandre said. “The first ever National Veterans Chamber of Commerce sits here in San Bernardino.”
Alejandre also shared a personal reflection, recalling his father’s career at Norton Air Force Base as a jet engine mechanic, Army draftee, and reservist who retired as a chief master sergeant. “I remembered my dad leaving for deployment when I was about 7 years old,” he said.
Full story at IECN.com.
PHOTO DENISE BERVER
The City of Colton declared every September 22nd as Dr. Tom’s Day of Community Service.
Op-Eds Public Safety
California Mask Laws Spark Clash: Police Mask
Restrictions and Protester Bans Face Constitutional Challenges
By Stephen Routh, CSU Professor
California is starting to reach blueflame-level political heat over two constitutional questions around mask wearing.
Can local governments ban masks during public protests, as one Central Valley city did six years ago? The Modesto ordinance returned to the spotlight in June after several people protesting the immigration raids were arrested, prompting challenges from the ACLU and the NAACP.
And should California prevent law enforcement officers from wearing masks while performing their duties? Lawmakers this week passedthe No Secret Police Act, stemming from outrage over masked federal officers detaining individuals they believe are immigrants.
Ultimately resolving these questions involves balancing people’s right to safety with their right to express their views publicly. It’s a puzzle that’s more complex than it looks.
When a local government such as Modesto bans masks, at first glance it appears to be an understandable and legitimate policy to protect the public in large gatherings. It’s aimed at preventing or minimizing violent behavior by those who’d be emboldened to engage in it if their identity is cloaked.
On the other hand, not allowing protesters to be anonymous harms their ability to protect themselves against retaliation from opponents, including government officials. Also, mask bans sweep in people wearing masks for medical or religious reasons.
In this light, mask prohibitions can be seen as unconstitutional intrusions on the rights of free speech and political association.
The First Amendment states “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech.” But it doesn’t mention freedom of association. The U.S. Supreme Court has decided freedom of association is implied from the explicitly stated rights of speech, press, assembly and petition, which together are called freedom of expression.
The Constitution protects free expression — except if it incites lawless actions, is obscene, defames, defrauds or is part of a criminal conspiracy.
Any government that restricts protected expression must ensure the regulation is content-neutral, meaning it can’t vary based on its content or impact. The critical question about local mask bans is are they content-neutral or content-based?
A complete ban on masks at demonstrations would seem, on its face, to indicate content neutrality if no single group or expression is being directly favored or disfavored. The Supreme Court would likely
uphold it as constitutional.
What happens when government agents apply the law in a way that impacts certain groups of people differently, affecting who gets arrested for violating the ban and who feels chilled or hesitant about participating in a protest? Those with views that run contrary to the influential private actors or governmental officials are likely to mask up out of fear of retribution.
What about protestors who, for medical reasons or religious beliefs, need to cover their faces? If a mask ban carves out exemptions for them, how would government officials ascertain who these people are in a public protest?
Such selective or capricious enforcement of an otherwise constitutional law can render it illegitimate in the eyes of the Supreme Court, which may conclude that the mask ban contains content-based elements and is unconstitutional.
Different constitutional concerns are at play with the ban on law enforcement masks the state Legislature approved. The ban would affect local police and federal officers, including ICE, Border Patrol and Homeland Security.
It’s difficult to imagine the Supreme Court — whether it has a liberal or a conservative majority — allowing a state to micromanage or second guess federal law enforcement operations by not allowing government agents to mask up, especially while enforcing immigration law, which the Constitution places under federal purview.
Since the earliest days of our republic, the Supreme Court has consistently reined in state efforts to constrain federal government endeavors. The court is acting on federalism principles in the Constitution: Federal law generally preempts state law or policy.
The only plausible avenue California has to push back against federal face covering would be if Congress enacts such a law and the president signs it. That’s highly unlikely. The Trump administration says officers in ICE raids would face threats and doxxing if they weren’t masked.
Few constitutional issues arise if the potential anti-masking law is applied only to local police. The concern is more about policy and practice. Holding local officers accountable for their actions must be balanced against giving police discretion to make tactical and operational decisions.
Distilled, mask bans create legal and societal issues that are tough to resolve at any time — but even more so now, as partisan battles brew daily amid aggressive exertions of federal and presidential power.
This article was originally published by CalMatters and written by Stephen Routh, a political science professor at California State University.
Fontana School Police Launch Blue Envelope Program to Improve Safety, Trust With Disability and Deaf Communities
By Inland Regional Center
The Inland Regional Center (IRC) is proud to announce that the Fontana School Police Department has officially launched the Blue Envelope Program, a community-driven initiative designed to strengthen communication and build trust between law enforcement, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
Sgt. Nathan Weiske and his team at the Fontana Police Department provided vital assistance to the Fontana School Police Department, helping ensure the program was successfully established and is now fully operational.
The Blue Envelope Program was first developed in San Bernardino County as a collaborative effort between the Autism Society Inland Empire, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and IRC, with funding support from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) through its Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) initiative.
The San Bernardino model is traumainformed and grounded in the lived experiences of those most impacted, including law enforcement officers, parents, and individuals who self-identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability (such as autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or an intellectual disability), as well as those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Dr. CJ Cook, Program Administrator at Inland Regional Center, shared: “We are proud to welcome the Fontana School Police Department into the Blue Envelope Coalition. Their early adoption shows a strong commitment to the safety and inclusion of students and families with disabilities and communication needs. With the support of our partners and DDS funding, this program continues to grow as a model for community trust and engagement.”
Sgt. David Wibert of the Fontana
School Police Department, Fontana Unified School District, shared: “The Blue Envelope Program equips Fontana School Police officers with the knowledge, tools, and training needed to engage more effectively with students, families, and community members with disabilities, promoting safer interactions on and around school campuses, strengthening trust between law enforcement and families, and fostering dignity and respect for all.”
The Blue Envelope Program provides individuals, families, and caregivers with voluntary, self-directed tools— such as a recognizable blue envelope for storing driver’s documents, as well as lanyards, bracelets, keychains, and pins for non-drivers—paired with training for law enforcement officers.
In addition, students, parents, and caregivers who self-identify as having an I/DD or as Deaf or Hard of Hearing are offered training to better understand interactions with law enforcement and to make informed decisions that are right for them and their families, based on their culture, level of support, and willingness to self-identify.
Importantly, the Blue Envelope Program is not a “get out of jail free card.” Instead, it is a proactive tool designed to enhance mutual understanding, reduce miscommunication, and foster safer, more respectful interactions between individuals and law enforcement officers.
The initiative emphasizes privacy, dignity, and choice, allowing students and parents to decide whether or not to participate and when to use the tools.
For more information about the Blue Envelope Program and how to get involved, email community@inlandrc.org.
Los Angeles Dodgers Unveil Single-A Affiliate Ontario Tower Buzzers, Mascot Maverick Before
5,000 Fans
By Manny Sandoval
In front of more than 5,000 fans at Ontario Town Square on Sept. 18, the Los Angeles Dodgers introduced its new Single-A affiliate, the Ontario Tower Buzzers, along with team mascot Maverick. The high-energy event featured live performances, celebrity guests, and a full city council turnout as the Inland Empire celebrated the arrival of professional baseball.
Emceed by actor and TV host Mario Lopez, the event had the feel of a festival, with Ozomatli and the Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas performing before the big reveal. “Today we are making it official. Ontario, meet your team, the Ontario Tower Buzzers. Very cool logo and jerseys,” Lopez said as team merchandise ranging from $19.99 hats to $71.99 jerseys was unveiled.
The aviation-inspired branding — a nod to Ontario’s history as an Army Air Corps base and its bustling airport — was met with cheers in person, though the Tower Buzzers name sparked debate online. Maverick the mascot, a bee with bold yellow-and-black flair, was introduced as the face of the franchise.
The Tower Buzzers will begin play in spring 2026 at ONT Stadium, a 6,000-capacity venue designed by Populous. The facility will include berms and terrace seating, a 75,000-square-foot food hall pavilion, dugout suites, themed fan zones, and 1,000 parking spaces with room for expansion. Ontario International Airport has secured stadium naming rights.
ONT Stadium will anchor the 190-acre Ontario Sports Empire complex, which will also feature 20 multipurpose fields, 14 youth diamonds, eight full-size baseball fields, two championship-level fields, playgrounds, plazas, public art, retail, and a hotel “Stadium Village.” City officials project more than 1.2 million visitors annually once fully operational, cementing the site as a year-round hub for sports, concerts, and festivals.
Peter Freund, CEO of Diamond Baseball Holdings, praised the project and city vision. “My commitment here is that minor league baseball is more than just baseball. It’s about the fun night with the family, the wacky promotions, the food offerings,” Freund said. “I was lucky enough to tour the stadium today with Tilden-Coil Constructors, and it is the best minor league facility in the entire United States. I look for-
ward to seeing all of you at Buzzer’s opening day in Spring 2026 at ONT Stadium.”
Notable guests included Dodgers legends Bill Russell, Steve Sax, and Eric Gagné, current pitcher Joe Kelly, and Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrín. The Ontario City Council was also present, underscoring the city’s embrace of the team.
General Manager Allan Benavides, who previously spent 15 years leading the Eugene Emeralds in Oregon, shared his excitement about returning home. “Mi gente, como estas? I am a SoCal native born in East LA. I grew up in La Habra. I am so stoked to be back here in Southern California,” Benavides said. Joking about his mother’s devotion to the Dodgers, he added: “There is not a bigger Dodger fan here than my mom. She would have traded me to keep Cory Seager in Dodger blue.”
The Ontario Tower Buzzers, complete with their buzzing mascot and ambitious stadium project, represent more than just a new franchise. For the Inland Empire, they signal the launch of a major sports and entertainment destination set to take flight in 2026.
San Bernardino’s Feldheym Central Library Marks 40th Anniversary Sept. 29 with History Displays and Community Festivities
Community News
The City of San Bernardino’s Norman F. Feldheym Central Library will be marking the 40th anniversary of its opening with a celebration from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, September 29. The event will also kickoff a year of special programs and events related to the anniversary.
“The 40th anniversary of Feldheym Library reminds us of how for four decades, this building has played an important part in the lives of generations of San Bernardino residents,” said Library Director Ed Erjavek. “Celebrating this anniversary will both bring back memories for longtime patrons and provide a sneak preview of things to come.”
Attendees at the September 29 event will enjoy music from the San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestra, see displays documenting the rich history of the library,
enjoy food from local vendors, and watch a performance by magician Joe Wonderment. There will also be a preview of the new Garner Holt Animakerspace which is scheduled to open in 2026. Event sponsors include Thinkwise Credit Union and the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.
To commemorate the anniversary, beginning September 29, the library will be offering limited edition 40th anniversary San Bernardino Public Library cards for new library card holders as well as those who would like to replace the card they already have.
“Although the building is 40 years old, the facility and its programs have continued to evolve,” added Erjavek, “Many resources and services are now online for remote access. And this past year we held 393 different programs and events for children, youth, adults and seniors.”
Perhaps the most anticipated program to launch at Feld-
heym Library will be the Animakerspace in partnership with locally based animatronic industry leader Garner Holt Productions. In the space, children, teens, and adults will be able to learn cutting edge technologies, from operating 3D printers to programming animatronics. The animakerspace will officially open in a few months.
The 64,000 square foot library was designed by architects Gregory Villanueva and Oscar Arnoni and opened on September 30, 1985. It was named after local rabbi, decorated veteran, and longtime library board member Norman Feldheym.
The Feldheym Central Library is located at 555 West 6th Street in San Bernardino,
For more information on the 40th anniversary event or library programs, please call 909-998-4251 or visit sbpl.org.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Mario Lopez announces the Ontario Tower Buzzers name while unveiling three new team jerseys, available for purchase at the event.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Ontario Tower Buzzers General Manager Allan Benavides, a SoCal native, jokes that his mother is such a devoted Dodger fan she would have traded him to keep Cory Seager in blue.
San Bernardino County Leaders Reveal $270M Mining Revival, Workforce Training & Tourism Surge in 2025 Report
Community News
More than 1,300 business, government and community leaders gathered at the 2025 State of the County on Wednesday to learn how San Bernardino County is building a stronger tomorrow through workforce development, technology and innovation, entertainment and tourism, mining and natural resources, and manufacturing industries.
This year, student leaders from across the county played an integral role by presenting information on the county’s leading economic sectors and their top employers alongside the Board of Supervisors. One student, Kaine Koltoniuk from Sultana High School in Hesperia, had the honor of kicking off the event by introducing Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe.
Chairman Rowe hosted the event, while other members of the Board of Supervisors took the stage to showcase successful businesses and local colleges making a significant impact through workforce training. Chairman Rowe also conducted live interviews with business and educational leaders who are contributing to the county’s growth and development.
After a video presentation highlighting key statistics about San Bernardino County such as three million annual visitors to Big Bear and Joshua Tree National Park, and 9,559 new housing permits issued between January 2024 and June 2025, First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.) and Koltoniuk offered an overview of the mining and natural resources industry in the Mojave Desert.
“I’m proud to share that San Bernardino County is the largest mining county in California with more than 90 active sites,” said Cook. “Our county’s diverse mining industry is both an important and valued sector for our regional economy, while also providing a highly competitive resource advantage to our nation.”
Cook recognized Colosseum Mine in the Mojave National Preserve, where gold was first discovered in the 1860s. Mining continued until 1939, then it resumed in the 1980s and 1990s. After years of inactivity, the mine has recently been reactivated, with assistance from Cook. There are plans to extract close to $270 million in gold annually.
Koltoniuk, from Cook’s district, talked about MP Materials in Mountain Pass, which is the only U.S. mine producing rare earth materials. They account for more than 10% of the world supply. Recently, MP Materials announced a new public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense to accelerate the development of a complete U.S. rare earth magnet supply chain. Kolto-
niuk also briefly touched on the contributions of Castle Mountain gold mine and CalPortland cement company to the mining and natural resources industry.
During his presentation, Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez shared a success story from the local manufacturing sector, highlighting Crown Technical Systems in Fontana as a leader in power distribution and protection systems.
“Since 1996, they have been providing top notch control relay panels, medium voltage switch gears, and enclosures, all playing a vital role in keeping our country’s infrastructure running smoothly,” said Armendarez. “Whether it’s utilities, college campuses, neighborhoods and businesses, Crown is helping deliver power where it’s needed the most.”
Julius Freeman, a student leader from Etiwanda High School in Armendarez’s district, highlighted another key business, KraftPal Technologies in Ontario. KraftPal is a market leader in sustainable corrugated cardboard pallet solutions with products that use 80% less materials from trees and are 100% recyclable. They provide solutions for pharmaceutical, medical instruments, parts distribution, and logistics companies. Freeman also recognized Alger Precision Machining in Ontario and Sorenson Engineering in Yucaipa for their efforts to work with local vocational programs to source and develop talent.
Next, Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman acknowledged Claremont BioSolutions in Upland, a key business in the technology industry. They provide life science researchers with compact and easy to use low power devices for molecular diagnostics and bio science research.
“Their work makes research more efficient and accessible for government agencies, prominent research universities, and low- and middle-income countries,” said Hagman. “Claremont BioSolutions’ products have proven vital for low resource settings, and have attracted grants from organizations such as National Institutes of Health and NASA.”
After highlighting Claremont BioSolutions, Hagman introduced Tiffany Munoz, a student leader from Ontario High School in his district. Munoz recognized ZM Trucks in Fontana, a manufacturer and seller of zero emission urban environment commercial vehicles. ZM Trucks is paving the way for companies to transition from diesel to zero emissions without compromise. The county’s Economic Development Department was instrumental in helping ZM Trucks establish its first North American manufacturing plant in San Bernardino County. Munoz also recognized Kemira Water Solutions in Fontana and General Atomics in Adelanto for their leadership in innovation and technology.
Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. provided an overview of San Bernardino County’s workforce, which totals 908,418 employees across all industries. He also shared a 5-year employment growth forecast of 4.4% and a 10-year forecast of 9 percent. After sharing these figures, Baca, Jr. put a spotlight on San Bernardino Valley College’s training programs that are preparing the county’s future workforce.
“Earlier this year, San Bernardino Valley College opened its Applied Technology Building, becoming San Bernardino County’s newest public workforce training hub,” said Baca, Jr. “With this new facility, San Bernardino Valley College is helping to ensure that every student has access to the best training that leads to financially rewarding and stable careers in San Bernardino County and beyond.”
Emeli Barcenes, a student leader at Norton Science and Language Academy in Baca, Jr.’s district, highlighted the Center for Employment Training in Colton, which offers programs in trades such as automotive specialist, electrician and green building construction. She also spoke about the High Desert Training Center in Victorville, where students can earn degrees and certifications in programs such as aviation, industrial maintenance, forklift operation and OSHA safety. Finally, she talked about the FAB school in Rancho Cucamonga, where students gain technical and hands-on skills for entry level roles in metal fabrication, welding, digital design and manufacturing, and carbon fiber industries.
The program concluded with Rowe showcasing the county’s entertainment and tourism industry.
“Millions of people seek out San Bernardino County for the great places we have to offer,” said Rowe. “Is it the adventure, the natural beauty, or the history? I would say it’s all of the above and so much more.”
Rowe showcased the legendary Pappy and Harriet’s Palace in Pioneertown. Since 1982, Pappy and Harriet’s have attracted music lovers, travelers and artists alike with a rich history that begins with the golden age of Hollywood. Over the years, Pappy and Harriet’s has built a reputation as a premier venue for live music, welcoming artists such as Paul McCartney, Vampire Weekend and Patti Smith.
Rowe and student leader Aakriti Maske from Redlands High School also acknowledged other premier destinations in the county, including Ritual Brewing Co. in Redlands, Oak Glen Preserve, Lake Gregory, Goodwin and Sons Market, and Thousand Pines Christian Camp in Crestline.
Full story at IECN.com.
PHOTO
SB COUNTY
From left: Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe, Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez, Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson, and San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus.
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exp res 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Sect on 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a reg stered owner A new ficttious business name statement must be f led before the expiration The fi ing of this statement does not of itself author ze the use n this state of a f ctitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal state or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq Business and Professions Code) Published 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9/25 Published in Colton Courier C-604 Fictitious Business Name Statement FBN20250008372 Statement fi ed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino 09/08/2025 The fol owing person(s) s (are) doing bus ness as: WALMART #1879, WALMART PHARMACY #10-1879, WALMART VISION CENTER #30-1879, 301 MONTARA RD, BARSTOW, CA 92311 County of Pr ncipa Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Business mai ing address: 301
LA Galaxy Brings Soccer Camp
to Mt. Vernon Elementary, Empowering 500 San Bernardino Students to Dream Big
Community News
Almost 500 Mt. Vernon Elementary School students laced up their sneakers on Sept. 18 for an unforgettable experience as the LA Galaxy brought their soccer camp directly to campus. The daylong clinic gave every student a chance to learn new skills, build teamwork and experience the joy of the game with one of Major League Soccer’s most iconic clubs.
Principal Sharon Alvarado said the event created lasting memories for her students.
“Seeing our kids light up as they trained with the LA Galaxy was incredible,” Alvarado said. “They felt seen, inspired and encouraged to dream big, both on and off the field. This was more than a soccer camp. It was a reminder that our students matter and that their potential is limitless.”
The LA Galaxy’s visit to the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) campus was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, whose commitment to education, wellness and youth development continues to open doors of opportunity for San Bernardino students.
By working directly with young people, the LA Galaxy and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation are fostering healthy lifestyles,
discipline and a love of sports that can carry into the classroom and beyond. For our students, this was their first chance to train alongside professional athletes, and the excitement could be felt throughout the school as cheers, laughter and the sound of soccer balls echoed across the fields.
For Mt. Vernon student Yair Reyes Gutierrez, Thursday’s camp was the opportunity of a lifetime.
“Today was the best day ever,” said Yahir, a Mt. Vernon Elementary sixth-grader. “I’ve always dreamed about playing professional soccer, and getting to train with the LA Galaxy makes me want to work even harder so one day I can be out there on the field just like them.”
Fellow sixth-grade student Donald Dammon can’t wait to use his new skills on the soccer field.
“I learned so much from them and I wanna get out on the field to start using the new tricks they taught me,” Dammon said. “One of my favorite things about soccer is it builds team spirit when we work together.”
SBCUSD thanks both the LA Galaxy and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation for investing in its students and creating an experience that will continue to inspire them long after the last goal was scored.
PHOTO CORINA BORSUK
Mt. Vernon Elementary 6th-grader Donald Dammons demonstrates a soccer trick called “heading.” Dammons was one of hundreds of students who learned new soccer skills from LA Galaxy coaches and athletes.
