*El Chicano 05/16/24

EL CHICANo

Inland Empire Community Newspapers

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By Manny Sandoval

In a significant gathering of the business community and law enforcement, approximately 60 business leaders convened at Studio D in downtown San Bernardino for the Business Watch Meeting, highlighting the city's crime data and celebrating the initiative's 10th anniversary.

Captain Nelson Carrington of the San

Bernardino Police Department presented the latest crime statistics, emphasizing the positive trend in the city's safety measures. "Proactive enforcement is going up, and we have more of that going on, resulting in the crime rate going down. Last year, we had many more illegal guns on the streets, and our city is safer than it has been in a long time. The record-breaking numbers we are achieving are impressive," Carrington stated.

Lieutenant Ernie Luna provided a detailed breakdown of the department's progress. As of May 2024, the homicide rate stands at 8, a notable improvement from the 14 homicides recorded by this time last year. Additionally, shootings have decreased by 30%, and the department currently employs 276 sworn personnel, with 14 recruits in training.

The event also served as a platform to

Community News

On the evening of Saturday, May 11, 2024, a suspected drunk driver caused significant chaos and destruction after crashing into the Rialto Fire Station 201, located at 131 S. Willow Avenue. The incident, which occurred around 9:15 p.m., left the station with

severe structural damage, particularly in the crew personnel areas.

The driver, operating a Chevy Malibu, plowed into the day room of the fire station. Preliminary reports suggest that the impact may have ignited a small fire, which was promptly extinguished by the building's sprinkler system. Miraculously, no

fire personnel were injured, as two firefighters had vacated the room moments before the crash.

The driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

(Left to right) Retired SBPD Captain Richard Lawhead and Captain Nelson Carrington briefly reminiscing about their time working together.

SBPD Business Watch

honor Richard Lawhead, the former SBPD police captain who founded the Business Watch initiative. Lawhead, who retired in July 2019 and now serves as a recreation director in his community, was praised for his two decades of leadership and dedication. "I'm honored there's this many people here. One of my strategies has always been to bring people together and find solutions. I think my goal when I became a police officer was simply just to help people - not necessarily for the money or to arrest crooks (although that was always fun)," Lawhead remarked.

Lawhead's contributions to the department and the community were lauded by Captain Carrington. "Retired Captain Lawhead, who started back in 1992, set the tone for a lot of the community engagement we do now. Even news outlets ask about him because he was a fantastic PIO for the de-

influence.

Despite the extensive damage to Station 201, the Rialto Fire Department assures the community that fire and EMS operations will continue without interruption. The affected crew will be temporarily relocated to other stations, ensuring all resources remain fully staffed and operational. Additionally, Fire Administration staff will maintain their normal business hours.

partment. The impact he's had on the department and community is immeasurable," Carrington said.

The meeting concluded with remarks from Mayor Helen Tran, who underscored the importance of community collaboration in achieving these positive outcomes. "Today's data is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together. Celebrating 10 years of Business Watch is a milestone for our city, and I look forward to many more years of progress and partnership," Mayor Tran said.

The Business Watch Meeting not only showcased significant strides in reducing crime but also reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and the business community in fostering a safer and more connected San Bernardino.

The station is expected to remain closed until further notice, as repairs are made to restore its structural integrity. The Rialto Fire Department remains committed to the safety and well-being of the community, providing continuous updates as the situation develops.

For further information and updates, please stay tuned to local news outlets and the Rialto Fire Department's communications.

Colton Joint Unified Honored as Think Together’s 2024 Champion of Change, Programming Lauded as Transformational for Students

By Manny Sandoval

At its May 2 board meeting, Think Together, California's leading nonprofit provider of afterschool, expanded learning, and school improvement programs, recognized Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) as its 2024 Champion of Change Award recipient. This honor highlights a 14-year partnership dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for thousands of students.

Since 2010, Think Together and CJUSD have collaborated to provide free afterschool and expanded learning programs. This year alone, over 3,500 students in 22 schools across the district benefit from these programs. The initiatives span TK-Kindergarten, traditional afterschool programs, and non-instructional day sessions during summer, winter, and spring breaks.

“The Champion of Change Award for Think Together is given to partners that go above and beyond leveraging their resources to really make a huge impact and difference for their kids,” said Randy Barth, founder and CEO of Think Together. “This year, we’re proud to present this award to Colton Joint Unified School District for their innovative approach to scaling academic and enrichment programs so more kids can pursue their greatness.”

CJUSD has successfully utilized various funding sources, including Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) grants and After School Education and Safety (ASES) funding, to eliminate waitlists and serve between 150-200 students daily at each of its 22 elementary and middle schools. This strategic financial management has allowed the district to broaden its program reach significantly.

Moreover, CJUSD has integrated numerous community partners into Think Together’s expanded learning programs. Students gain exposure to music through Drums Speaks© and Dhasa Care Foundation, theater via L.A. Arts Group, and competitive sports through the LA84 Foundation. These collaborations enrich the students' educational experiences beyond the traditional curriculum.

“Colton has the unique ability to see a challenge and face it. They come in and make sure that not just every student has what they need, but every staff member has what they need,” said Rhonda Scott, Think Together’s General Manager for the San Bernardino Northeast region.

“With the expanded learning opportunity, Think Together has been able to expand to offer more students and their families the invaluable opportunity for a safe place to be in the hours after the school bell rings.”

The recognition event, held at CJUSD’s public board meeting,

was part of a series of spring events celebrating expanded learning programs. The occasion was attended by CJUSD Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda and Think Together’s founder and CEO Randy Barth.

“It just brings so much joy to my heart to see what Think Together does for our community by providing opportunities where students can be happy and learn,” said Dr. Miranda. “It is transformational. I’m very happy with Think Together and as long as I am superintendent, we are going to continue to offer these programs to our community.”

Barth emphasized the district's commitment to innovation and student welfare. “CJUSD has been innovative in all the things they offer to students - they’ve expanded access to enrichment programs such as theater, to STEM, to sports; as well as embracing high-dosage tutoring to address the learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Ron Perez, CJUSD ASES Grant Manager, highlighted the persistent need for expanded learning programs in the district. “There has always been a need in our district for services in expanded learning programs and when we started we only had 11 schools offering the program and because of the transparent need, we continued to apply for more programming. The impact that this has in our community is that parents know their child is safe and know that this program is available to them and there are no income guidelines or restrictions.”

The ASES program, now available at all elementary and middle schools in the district, provides a variety of activities that support both academic and personal development. “Parents really are thankful that this is funded by a grant and doesn't cost them any money and they know that their child is on campus and safe,” said Dr. Lisa Mannes, Principal of Sycamore Hills Elementary School.

Parents and students alike express gratitude for the program. CJUSD Parent Jose F. shared, “When my daughter gets home from this program she talks about what's happening and she loves it.” Another parent, Ana D., added, “I’m able to now work and not have to worry about what I am going to do with my son when he gets out of school. Think Together has it all taken care of and it helps me to keep my job to provide for my daily life.”

Student Kelechi Tarik emphasized the personal impact of the programs, saying, “At Think Together I participate in Music Club and it helps my confidence to go up and speak on stage where everyone is watching us.”

Read more at IECN.com.

Fire Station Crash

Public Safety

San Bernardino City Unified School District Approves Ground Lease for New Fire Station

Comunity News

The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) announced the approval of a ground lease agreement with the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) to facilitate the construction of a new fire station intended to serve the Wildwood Park neighborhood and surrounding areas of the City of San Bernardino.

This strategic collaboration will see County Fire leasing approximately one acre on the southern portion of the Arrowhead Elementary School property to facilitate the building of a new fire station 227. The lease includes provisions for a longterm commitment that could extend up to 99 years, reflecting a significant investment in community safety and infrastructure.

The new fire station will enhance emergency response capabilities in the City of San Bernardino, offering immediate fire protection services directly adjacent to the school site.

Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. added, "With the City of San Bernardino having one of the highest call volumes in the country, this fire station is a nec-

essary expansion of our capacity to ensure swift, efficient emergency responses. It will significantly bolster our preparedness and ability to protect our community and the surrounding areas, particularly those most vulnerable."

The modernized, energy-efficient facility is set to replace the community's existing station, located at 282 W 40th Street, which has proudly operated since 1953. The new station will include additional apparatus space and accommodate additional personnel to meet the fire, rescue and EMS needs for decades to come.

"Supervisor Baca has always been a big supporter of our schools here in San Bernardino City Unified and this new agreement with San Bernardino County Fire would not have been possible without his efforts. We are excited about the positive impact this will have on the community of San Bernardino and the staff and students at Arrowhead Elementary School,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “This partnership is in direct alignment with the District's recently Board-adopted Vision 2030: SBCUSD SHINES initiative,

where student success is bolstered through collaborations. Great things are happening ‘right here’ in San Bernardino.”

This proximity to the school and residential areas ensures that the fire station is a visible, integral part of the community it aims to protect, further enhancing the safety net for the residents of the City of San Bernardino.

"We are incredibly thankful to the San Bernardino City Unified School District for their partnership and commitment to public safety," said San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey. "Their collaboration on building this new fire station is foundational to our efforts to improve fire protection services, decrease response times and better serve the community of San Bernardino.”

The construction and operational details of the fire station will adhere to the highest standards of safety and efficiency, ensuring a state-of-the-art facility that meets the growing needs of the City of San Bernardino.

For more information about the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District and its services, please visit sbcfire.org.

Shocking Murder-Suicide Attempt Rocks Rialto Mobile Home Park: Woman Dead, Boyfriend Critical

By Manny Sandoval

Atranquil morning was shattered on Sunday, May 12th, 2024, as a domestic dispute erupted into violence at the Parque La Quinta Mobile Home Park. At approximately 9:12 a.m., the Rialto Police Department Communications Center received a frantic 9-1-1 call reporting shots fired at 350 S. Willow Avenue.

Officers responded swiftly and arrived on the scene just before 9:15 a.m., discovering a horrific scene. A 55-year-old woman was found unresponsive, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite

immediate medical attention from Rialto Fire Department Paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Inside the same mobile home, police discovered her boyfriend, Leonardo Rios-Gonzalez, suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Rios-Gonzalez shot the victim before attempting to take his own life. He was rushed to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he remains in critical but stable condition.

Authorities confirmed the relationship between the victim and

Rios-Gonzalez but are still probing the motive behind this tragic incident. Rialto Police Department Homicide Detectives have taken over the investigation and will be filing homicide charges against Rios-Gonzalez with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

The Rialto Police Department is appealing to the public for any information that could assist in the investigation. Detective Sergeant Ralph Ballew can be contacted at (909) 533-7463. Additionally, anonymous tips can be reported through WeTip at (800) 7827463.

Employment Opportunities

Fleet Training Specialist

San Bernardino County

$67,579 - $92,934 annually

Now accepting applications for Fleet Training Specialist who will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering training programs for Fleet Technicians and Mechanics Assistants. Experience as a Trainer in automative, heavy duty, or closely related is required. See announcement for details.

Apply by: 05/24/24 @ 5 PM www.sbcounty.gov/jobs (909) 387-8304 EEO-ADA

and

Lifelong Colton Resident: Dora T. Acosta

Lifelong Colton resident, Dora Acosta passed away on April 14, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, John Acosta. Dora is survived by her sons John and Mark Acosta, daughters Diana (Ernie) Santana, Laura (Clark) Burnett, grandchildren Moses & Kristen Felix, Adrienne & Alec Acosta, Johnny & Daniel Acosta, and great grandchildren Alexa & Jonah Ayala. Dora retired from the Colton Joint Unified School District after 32 years

was a member of the San Salvador Church Bereavement Ministries for 24 years. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at San Salvador Church in Colton; with a burial at Hermosa Cemetery.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Parque La Quinta Mobile Home Park is located at 350 S. Willow Avenue.

Rep. Aguilar, SBA Administrator Guzman Tour Inland

Empire Small Businesses, Host Roundtable with Local Business Owners

Community News

On Friday, Rep. Pete Aguilar highlighted small businesses in the Inland Empire alongside Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabel Guzman.

Rep. Aguilar and Administrator Guzman then hosted a roundtable, where they heard directly from local small business owners about how President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has helped them.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, small business owners filed over 17 million new small business applications, including

1.7 million applications from California.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of the Inland Empire,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “It is one of my top priorities to ensure that every small business owner in our community has the resources they need to succeed. I am thankful that Administrator Guzman and the Biden-Harris Administration have placed a strong emphasis on supporting small businesses and have helped owners cut through red tape and expand their businesses.”

"California is enjoying a historic Small Business Boom, with ten percent of the more than 17 million new business applica-

tions filed under this Administration coming from the Golden State alone," said SBA Administrator Guzman. "The Inland Empire in particular is home to a thriving small business ecosystem. I was glad to join Congressman Aguilar to hear from some of these entrepreneurs and help ensure SBA is well-positioned to support constituents in the Inland Empire as they start, grow and build resilient businesses."

Last year, Rep. Pete Aguilar introduced a package of bills to help minority- and womenowned businesses compete for contracts to develop and build federal infrastructure projects.

IEHP’s Second Annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K Recognizes I.E.’s Military Community

Community News

Meet your daily step goals while supporting the region’s military community at the second annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K on May 18 at Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).

Hosted each year by IEHP’s Military Veterans & Families (MVF) Committee to spotlight active military, veterans, and their families, the free event takes walkers and runners along a marked 3.5-mile course around IEHP’s Rancho Cucamonga campus at 10801 Sixth St. Organizers hope to increase participation this year by building on tradition.

“Aside from the fitness aspect, military runs are for units to bond, build camaraderie and come together,” says Gary Scott, a U.S. Army veteran who serves as the health plan’s manager of instructional design and learning technology. “We wanted to recognize our military brethren by paying homage to those traditions while doing an actual run, and a 5K seemed like a good idea.”

The MVF Committee is comprised of IEHP team members

with ties to the armed forces. It works year-round to bring attention to military-related issues, from raising funds for local causes to hosting events such as last year’s inaugural Military Ball.

Approximately 215,000 veterans reside in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, ranking eighth and 13th, respectively, among the veteran population in the country, according to U.S. Vets, a nonprofit serving homeless and at-risk veterans within the I.E.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 50% of veterans in the VA healthcare system are eligible for Medicare, which is among the population IEHP serves.

“There’s a real probability you’re working with a veteran, or someone related to a veteran, in your own community space,” Scott says. “So, come out for a good run, some fresh air and a little exercise. This will be a great bonding opportunity for each of us.”

The Run, Walk & Roll 5K is open to all ages and fitness levels. All activities be

PHOTO AGUILAR’S OFFICE

Rep Aguilar and Guzman touring the beloved Laymon Candy Company in San Bernardino on May 10th, 2024.

PHOTO AGUILAR’S OFFICE

Aguilar sitting with regional business owners and leaders - discussing how POTUS’ policies have helped their small business thrive.

PHOTO IEHP

At last year’s 5K a walker giving a high-five to the IEHP Superwoman.

SBVC Film, TV, and Media Celebrates Best of 2023/2024 Screening at Harkins Theaters, Amid Student Academy Award Selections

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

SBVC Film Student and Intern Daniel Rodriguez celebrating the screening of his film “Error” and announcing that it is also selected by the Student Academy Awards to be considered for a coveted nomination.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

A production group formed in early 2023 on campus at SBVC “Phase 3,” enjoying their films on the big screen at Harkins Theaters in Redlands.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

SBVC Film Student and Intern Sam Morales sharing that her directed film “Arrival” is selected by the Student Academy Awards to be considered for a nomination.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

SBVC Film Student Keylis Guirguis, soon to be an alumni, shares her journey moving from working in her native Venezuelan film industry to the United States and overcoming barriers while learning English to formally pursue her dream of a film career in the U.S.

PHOTO CAROLINA IZUMI

Supporters of all the SBVC filmmakers celebrating a night of art and media.

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Film Student Tony Barber asking one of the directors a question regarding the filming process.

hearing and state your object ons or file written objections with the court before the hearing Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by

section 9052 of the California Probate Code Other Ca ifornia statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court If you are a person interested in the estate you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250 A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk Attorney for Petitioner

JACQUELYNN NICOLLE REMERY-PEARSON - SBN 278547 REMERY LAW FIRM 1955 WEST GLENOAKS BLVD

GLENDALE CA 91201 Telephone (818) 558-5909 CNS-3810653# PUBLISHED COLTON COURIER

5/9 5/16 5/23/24 C-943

Section 14411 Et Seq Business and Professions Code) Publ shed 4/25 5/2 5/9 5/16/24 Published in Co ton Cour er C-924 Fictitious

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

KENNETH D BIDNEY, aka KENNETH DALE BIDNEY, aka KENNETH BIDNEY, aka KEN BIDNEY CASE NO : PROVA2400365

To all heirs, beneficiaries, cred tors contingent credtors and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both of:

KENNETH D BIDNEY, aka

KENNETH DALE BIDNEY, aka KENNETH BIDNEY, aka KEN BIDNEY

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by CYNTHIA L BIDNEY in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that CYNTHIA L BIDNEY be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act (This authorty will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval Before taking certain very important actions however the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action ) The independent adm nistration authority w ll be granted unless an inter-

ested person files an objection to the pet tion and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority

A HEARING on the petition will be he d on JUN 20 2024 at 9 AM in Dept F3 located at 17780 ARROW BLVD FONTANA CA 92335

PROBATE

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should either appear at the hearing and state your ob ections or f le written ob ections with the court before the hearing Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court w thin the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code or (2) 60 days from the date of mail ng or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court If you are a person interested in the estate you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as prov ded in Probate Code

Section 1250 A Request for Special Notice form is avaiable from the Court Clerk Attorney for Petitioner: Elisabeth Kempe-Olinger 1980 Orange Tree Lane Suite 101 Red ands CA 92374 (909) 824-2777

Published Colton Courier 5/16,5/23,5/30/24 C-948

Petit oner or Attorney: Emmely Me ia 1911 Deer Creek Road, San Bernard no Superior Court of California County of San Bernardino, 247 West 3rd San Bernardino CA 92415 Court Civil Division PETITION OF: FOR CHANGE OF NAME AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE - CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CIVSB 2403311 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: Emmely Me ia f led a petit on with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: Serenity Genes s Pa ma to Proposed name: Serenity Genesis Lopez THE COURT ORDERS that al persons nterested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause if any why the pet tion for change of name shou d not be granted Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that inc udes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter s schedu ed to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted If no written objection is timely filed the court may grant the pet tion without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 5/28/24 Time: 8:30 AM Dept: S17 The address of the court is: same as noted above (To appear remotely check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court s website To find your court’s website

Planned Parenthood Sues Fontana: Claims City’s Moratorium Unconstitutionally Blocks New Health Clinic, Stages Silent Protest

By Manny Sandoval

Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties, Inc. (PPOSBC) has filed a lawsuit against the City of Fontana and its City Council, accusing them of unlawfully obstructing the establishment of a new reproductive health clinic. The lawsuit challenges an "urgency ordinance" adopted on September 5, 2023, which imposes a moratorium on permits for "non-entertainment service-based uses" in specific downtown areas, effectively blocking the clinic’s opening.

Ordinance Under Fire

PPOSBC contends that this ordinance is a veiled attempt to prevent the clinic from providing abortion services, a constitutionally protected right. The organization argues that the ordinance is unconstitutional, procedurally flawed, and driven by anti-abortion sentiment.

"The City Council’s actions are a blatant attempt to use political means to restrict access to essential healthcare services," said Sadaf Rahmani, Public Affairs Director for PPOSBC. "Our lawsuit is about protecting our patients' rights and ensuring they receive the care they need."

Background of the Dispute

After securing a lease for a location in downtown Fontana in May 2022, PPOSBC spent over a year obtaining necessary permits. However, the process was stalled by continuous demands from the City Planning Department for aesthetic adjustments to the clinic's architectural plans.

Despite these delays, PPOSBC received verbal approval on July 12, 2023, only to face increased opposition from anti-abortion activists and subsequent city council actions.

Public protests and City Council meetings were dominated by anti-abortion rhetoric, culminating in the adoption of the urgency ordinance on July 25, 2023. The moratorium was later extended for ten months and 15 days on September 5, 2023, expiring on July 20, 2024, with a City Council meeting set for July 23, 2024, to discuss further action.

Claims of Targeted Ordinance

PPOSBC asserts that the ordinance specifically targets their clinic, as no other businesses have been affected. The organization points out that the ordinance was adopted without adequate notice or evidence of an emergency, and it allegedly exempts properties where City Council members have personal or financial interests, suggesting conflicts of interest and arbitrary zoning practices.

"The City’s manipulation of the ordinance map to exclude certain properties shows a clear intent to block our clinic while protecting their own interests," Rahmani stated.

Legal Arguments

The lawsuit claims that the ordinance violates several constitutional rights, including:

Right to Access Reproductive Healthcare: The California Constitution guarantees the right to access abortion and contraceptive services.

Equal Protection and Due Process: The ordinance is seen as a discriminatory act against PPOSBC, violating both state and federal constitutional protections.

Property Rights: The moratorium is argued to be an unconstitutional taking of private property without compensation, violating both the California Constitution and the Takings Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Seeking Immediate Relief

PPOSBC is requesting an immediate stay of the ordinance, a writ of mandate to repeal it, and compensation for the illegal takings and legal costs. They argue that the moratorium is causing irreparable harm to their patients, who are being denied essential healthcare services.

Impact on the Community

PPOSBC highlights the significant need for their services in Fontana. The city has a high percentage of residents living below the poverty line【 source†(U.S. Census Bureau) 】 . Additionally, San Bernardino County, where Fontana is located, has higher rates of

sexually transmitted infections than the state average 【source†(CDC)】

"A PPOSBC health center in Fontana could provide over 2,000 medical visits per month, offering services like cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing, and primary care," Rahmani explained. "Our clinic would fill a critical gap in accessible healthcare for this community."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of Fontana residents living below the federal poverty level is projected to increase by about 50% over the next decade, indicating that a growing portion of the city’s population is in dire need of affordable or no-cost healthcare【source†(U.S. Census Bureau)】

Furthermore, 30.5% of Fontana citizens are uninsured or on Medi-Cal, compared to the rest of California's 29.5%【source†(U.S. Census Bureau)】. Meanwhile, San Bernardino County residents have higher average rates of STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, than the rest of the state or the nation【source†(CDC)】

A PPOSBC health center would provide Fontana residents with more than 36,000 medical visits each year, with appointments seven days a week, and create at least 24 local jobs.

Silent Protest and Community Support

In response to the city’s actions, PPOSBC organized a silent protest at the Fontana City Council meeting on May 14, 2024. Volunteers wore pink "I Stand with Planned Parenthood" shirts and held posters highlighting the importance of the clinic. A mobile billboard also circled Fontana City Hall, drawing attention to the city’s unconstitutional actions.

"We are standing up for our community members' rights," said Rahmani. "This protest is a call to action against extremist efforts to block essential healthcare services."

Supporters are encouraged to visit bansoffabortion.org to learn more about the lawsuit and how to take action against the city’s restrictions. The case is scheduled for a hearing on June 4, 2024, which could set a precedent for similar disputes across the country.

PHOTO PPOSBC

The mobile billboard circling Fontana City Hall during the silent protest reads “2,000 patients denied healthcare this month due to city council. Let Planned Parenthood in Fontana.”