COLTON COURIER We ekly
Septem ber 07, 20 23
Vol 151, N O. 3 4
SBPD Engages the Community in "Badges VS Ballers" Basketball Showdown at Nunez Par k
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CSUSB Hosts Topping Out Ceremony for New Performing Arts Center
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PHOTO DENISE BERVER
Despite the 9AM humidity on September 2nd, the Badges and Ballers continued to play hard and support one another to the basket.
By Manny Sandoval
n a spirited display of unity and sportsmanship, the San Bernardino Police Department took to the basketball court against local community members in a "Badges VS Ballers" game at Nunez Park on September 2nd. The event, which drew dozens of spectators and participants, showcased the department's commitment to fostering understanding and building bridges with the community they serve.
Chick-Fil-A and Get Loaded Guns and Ammo sponsored the event, ensuring attendees were well-fed and refreshed. The community team, coached by Executive Pastor Byron Sims of Kingdom Culture Worship Center, was a diverse mix of young children, teenagers, and adults, all eager to engage in
friendly competition with the police officers. Mayor Helen Tran and Councilmember Juan Figueroa were among the attendees, showing their support for the initiative. San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. not only attended but also showcased his basketball prowess by playing in two games.
Lieutenant John Echevarria, Western District Commander, emphasized the importance of such events. "Members of the San Bernardino Police Department constantly strive to connect with the community. Even if that means in a more personable way through sports," Echevarria said. "Today the officers came out to showcase their athletic skills versus the youth of San Bernardino, and we had a phenomenal time. Thank you to our esteemed teenagers for playing against our officers in a few fun games of basketball."
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Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. echoed the sentiment in a Facebook post, stating, "Congratulations to The San Bernardino Police Department on a successful community event with the Badges vs. Ballers basketball game. Building the bridge between public safety and the community."
Engaging events like these are pivotal in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community. They provide a platform for open dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding, fostering a sense of unity and trust. As the San Bernardino Police Department and the City of San Bernardino continue to prioritize such initiatives, they're setting a positive example of how law enforcement can effectively engage with and support the communities they serve.
IECN's Manny Sandoval Recognized for Excellence at the 2023 Ethnic Media Awards in Sacramento By IECN Staff
nland Empire Community News (IECN) is celebrating a significant achievement as its Co-owner & Publisher, Manny Sandoval, was honored as a finalist for the 'Best Explanatory Reporting' category at the 2023 Ethnic Media Awards.
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"This feat speaks volumes to IECN’s commitment to balanced reporting and empowering the voices of people from across the Inland Empire. Thank you to Rialto Unified School District for the nomination and Ethnic Media Services for this honor. Congrats to all finalists at the ceremony," Manny Sandoval expressed with gratitude.
I nland
City of Highland Empir e Communityto Welcome Costco Newspaper s and 1,400 New Jobs Of fice: (909) 381-9898 Amid E dito rial: iecn 1@mac.co City Expansion m Adver tising: sales@ iecn.com
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H OW TO R E AC H US
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
A SBPD officer going head-to-head with a community member at the basket.
PHOTO SANDOVAL COMMUNICATIONS
Manny Sandoval is a 2023 finalist in the Ethnic Media Services 2023 Ethnic Media Awards for Best Explanatory Reporting.
The Ethnic Media Awards, held on August 31, 2023, at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento, brought together ethnic media outlets from across the state. These outlets, which played an indispensable role during the pandemic, came to Sacramento as a united front to engage with decision-makers,
communications specialists, and to celebrate the outstanding journalism within the sector.
Sandy Close of Ethnic Media Services (EMS) highlighted the importance of the event and the role of ethnic media, stating, "We met the moment." The gathering aimed not only to honor the achievements of ethnic media but also to continue the dialogue with state leaders about the growing push for equity in public education campaigns. The recognition of ethnic media's vital role, especially during the pandemic, has led to a broader understanding among legislators about the importance of supporting local media that serves immigrants and communities of color.
The nomination of Manny Sandoval and the broader recognition of ethnic media's contribution underscores the importance of local journalism in fostering community connections, promoting understanding, and ensuring that diverse voices are heard and represented in the broader media landscape.