EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 60, NO. 25
June 1 5, 2023
M i t l a C a f e ' s L e g a c y G o e s F r o m I n s p i r i n g Ta c o B e l l t o Receiving $40,000 Historic Preser vation Grant
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Flood Control Supervisor Brian Kloepfe Recognized as Citizen of the Year for Exceptional Community Service Pg. 3
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PHOTO NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Mitla Cafe was founded in 1937 by Lucia Rodriguez and her then husband, Vicente Montaño. Today the cafe is co-owned by Michael Montaño, the grandson of Lucia and Vicente.
By Manny Sandoval
itla Cafe, an iconic establishment serving the San Bernardino community since 1937, has been awarded a $40,000 grant as part of the "Backing Historic Small Restaurants" program by American Express in partner-
ship with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Mitla Cafe, with its long and storied history, is among the 25 recipients of the third annual grant program. It aims to support the growth of small and independent restaurants by providing funding to improve the business' physical space and
support critical operating costs. This grant is particularly significant for Mitla Cafe, which has served as a vital hub for the Mexican-American community in San Bernardino and played a pivotal role in the region's social history. The restaurant, opened initially by Lucia Rodriguez in 1937,
served as a gathering spot for Mexican families and was frequently visited by civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. It also played an indirect role in the desegregation of California public schools in 1946 and is known for its infamous connection to the fast-food chain Taco Mitla Cafe cont. on next pg.
San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce Set to Host 45th Annual Law Enforcement Recognition Dinner
Successful Groundbreaking Ceremony for Santa Ana River Enhanced Recharge Water Supply Pg. 5
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Tickets to this year’s event are still available and can be purchased online by visiting sbachamber.org.
By Ricardo Tomboc
he San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce will salute law enforcement officers for their exceptional service during its 45th Annual Law Enforcement Recognition Dinner over the past year. The event, which will honor various regional departments, is scheduled for Thursday, June 15, 2023.
The celebratory dinner aims to recognize the contributions and dedication of the San Bernardino Police Department, San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, California State
University Police Department, The Community College District Police Department, San Bernardino Unified School District Police, San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office Investigative Unit, San Bernardino County Probation Department, and the San Manuel Police Department/Public Safety Unit. The venue for the occasion is the San Bernardino Elks Lodge #836, located at 2055 Elks Drive, San Bernardino. The event is set to begin with no-host cocktails at 5:30 p.m., followed by the dinner and ceremonies commencing at 6:30 p.m. The Recognition Dinner is open to the
PHOTO RICARDO TOMBOC
public, with tickets available at the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce at 546 West 5th Street, San Bernardino. Interested attendees can also reserve tickets by contacting the Chamber at (909) 885-7515. Tickets are $59.00 per person, payable by cash or check. All attendees must RSVP in advance, as tickets will not be available at the venue on the event day. This annual event is a significant opportunity for the community to honor and appreciate the tireless efforts of its law enforcement officers, who work diligently to maintain public safety and order in the region.