EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 60, NO. 17
Apr il 13, 2023
I n l a n d E m p i r e I c o n D r. E r n e s t F. G a r c i a : A L e g a c y o f A d v o c a c y, E d u c a t i o n , a n d A r t s R e m e m b e r e d i n H i s P a s s i n g By Manny Sandoval
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he Inland Empire community mourns the loss of Dr. Ernest F. Garcia, who passed away on April 6, 2023.
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A lifelong educator, advocate, and patron of the arts, Dr. Garcia leaves behind an indelible legacy of service and inspiration. His life's work touched countless lives, and his dedication to education and the arts will be remembered for generations to come.
EXCLUSIVE OP-ED: The Word Yaamava' Is More Than Advertising Pg. 3 PHOTO GARCIA CENTER
Dr. Ernest Felix Garcia is survived by his wife Dr. Dorothy "Dottie" Garcia.
Dr. Garcia began his journey in education as a young boy in South Colton and remained passionate about learning and teaching throughout his life. He was a pioneering force in the Rialto Unified School District (RUSD), where he introduced foreign language and Gifted And Talented Education (GATE) programs. As the first Latino namesake in the Rialto Unified School District (Dr. Ernest Garcia Elementary School), his influence is still felt today.
Syeda Jafri, Rialto Unified School District communication media services agent, said, “Dr. Ernest Garcia spent a majority of his selfless life as an education and child advocate. He never forgot his humble beginning in Colton.” She went on to describe him as an "icon of a man" whose legacy of excellence will continue in the RUSD. Gloria Macias Harrison, Inland Empire Community News publisher emeritus, described Dr. Garcia as “a true Mexican American renaissance man.” She highlighted his various roles as a mentor, teacher, artist, and futurist. She also reminisced about the impact he had on her own life, saying, “He taught us what was important in the classroom and how we could engage our students. It was probably the best training that I have ever received.” Dr. Garcia's educational career began with an associate’s degree from San Garcia cont. on next pg.
Time for Change Foundation Seeks to Combat Women and Children Homelessness by Raising $1 Million, Here’s How You Can Help
San Bernardino County Fire Launches The Large Animal Rescue Team Pg. 8
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By Manny Sandoval
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ime for Change Foundation's 21st Annual Gala, "Unmasking the Future," is set to take place on April 14th from 6-9 PM at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Ontario.
This star-studded masquerade event aims to raise $1 million to support the foundation's mission of empowering disenfranchised, low-income women and children, and building thriving communities through evidence-based programs and housing initiatives.
Executive Director Vanessa Perez shared the organization's goals for this year's gala, stating, "Our fundraising goal is $1 million. Every dollar raised impacts the women and children we serve. We want to highlight the work of Time for Change Foundation and Gala cont. on next pg.