EL CHICANo Weekly
Vo l 61, NO. 13
March 0 7, 2024
IE ’s Av i la B rot her s B re ak Glas s Ce ili ng as Fi r s t M exi can Americans to Musically Produce Super Bowl Halftime Show
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By Manny Sandoval
IECN.com
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n an extraordinary feat of musical and cultural significance, Rialto natives IZ Avila and Bobby Ross Avila, known collectively as The Avila Brothers, have etched their names in the records of Super Bowl history.
Their collaboration with global superstar Usher for the halftime show of Super Bowl LVIII not only captivated millions of viewers but also marked the event as the most-watched televised telecast in history, with a staggering 202.4 million viewers tuning in. This monumental achievement has made them the first Mexican Americans to musically produce a Super Bowl halftime show, a milestone that resonates deeply with their heritage and the diverse community of the Inland Empire.
For IZ Avila, this accomplishment is a testament to the power of dreams and perseverance. "Growing up in Rialto and embarking on a 30-year journey to the Super Bowl, my brother and I always knew that no box was big enough for us," he
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shared. "This is a great testament to those in the Inland Empire with dreams and aspirations that may seem unrealistic to others. We are living proof that dreams and belief in yourself can lead to extraordinary achievements."
Reflecting on the day of the Super Bowl, the brothers described it as surreal. "Riding to the venue with our mom and dad, I put my hand on my dad's leg and got emotional as I reflected on the journey," said IZ. "It was a moment to take in and enjoy."
When the Grammy awardwinning brothers first received the news that they would be producing the halftime show, their thoughts immediately turned to their family and mentors. "I called my brother, my mom, and industry legends like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis," said Bobby. "The excitement was overwhelming, especially for our parents. It was a proud moment for all of us." IZ added, "The calls and texts were great, but what would have been greater was to reach Avila Bros cont. on next pg.
San Bernardino’s 7th Ward Forum Tackled Affordable Housing and Employment with Candidates Ortiz, Penman, and Incumbent Alexander
emphasizing that "this must change." Ortiz, focusing on community needs, expressed her desire to improve public safety, street conditions, and build a better future for San Bernardino residents.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AVILA BROTHERS
IZ Avila (left) and Bobby Ross Avila (right) arriving at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 ahead of Superbowl LVIII.
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PHOTO JUST SANBERNARDINO
(Left to right) Treasure Ortiz , James Penman, Damon Alexander, and Vanessa Perez at the forum on February 8th, 2024 at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship.
By Nathanael Hernandez, IECN/SBVC Film Student Intern
he race for the San Bernardino City Council's 7th Ward seat heated up as candidates Treasure Ortiz, James Penman, and incumbent Damon Alexander shared their visions for the city at a forum on Thursday, Feb. 8. The event, organized by The People's Forum and live-streamed by KVCR Public Media, allowed each candidate two minutes to address critical issues facing the city, such as affordable housing
and quality of life improvements.
Moderator Vanessa Perez, Executive Director of the Time for Change Foundation, kicked off the forum by asking the candidates about their motivations for running for City Council. Alexander introduced himself as the elected American Legion District Commander, responsible for "10,000 veterans and their families." Penman, a former city attorney, cited a lack of respect and opposition in the current City Council as his reasons for running,
The candidates were then asked about their plans to ensure affordable housing in light of record-high home prices. Ortiz proposed financial education and rent control reform to address the issue of "slumlords" who raise prices without maintaining properties. Penman highlighted his experience in dealing with rent control through code enforcement, mentioning his efforts to close over 500 gang and drug houses and relocate affected residents with a $250,000 council fund. Alexander emphasized his current actions, such as implementing code enforcement and requiring landlords to undergo an 8-hour course to protect renters from exploitation.
On the topic of improving working conditions and quality of life, Penman advocated for attracting the right businesses to the city that offer livable wages, not just minimum wage. Alexander spoke about his efforts to support small businesses during COVID19, including providing $2.5 million in ARPA money for grants and opening an entrepreneur center to educate business owners. Ortiz emphasized the importance of utilizing existing resources and encouraged a self-reliant approach to success. Ward 7 cont. on next pg.