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EL CHICANo Weekly

Vol 63, NO. 49

September 10, 2026

Inland Empire Labor Day Parade Spotlights AI, Medicaid Cuts and Union Power

IECN.com

San Bernardino Selects Developer for Long-Vacant 17.6-Acre Arden Guthrie Site Pg. 4

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Union members and supporters rally at White Park after marching through downtown Riverside during the Inland Empire Labor Council’s inaugural Labor Day parade Sept. 7, 2026.

By Manny Sandoval

ore than 300 union members, elected officials and supporters marched through downtown Riverside on Monday for the Inland Empire Labor Council’s inaugural Labor Day Parade and Unity Picnic, calling for living wages, stronger workplace protections and a greater worker voice as artificial intelligence reshapes the economy. The Sept. 7 parade began at Magnolia

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL United Domestic Workers District 3 Chair Desmond Prescott warns that Medicaid cuts could put home care services and the workers who provide them at risk in 2027.

Avenue and Ramona Drive and ended at Main and 12th streets before participants gathered at White Park. Marchers danced to music from a DJ and chanted, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Medicaid cuts have got to go.” Speakers tied the celebration to the quality of local jobs, rising living costs, Medicaid changes, extreme heat and resistance to union organizing. DeJonaé Shaw, president of the Inland Empire Labor Council, said some large corporations have the resources to

improve wages and benefits but refuse to bargain in good faith. “Your employer is not going to do right by you and give you a great collective bargaining agreement,” Shaw said. “You’re going to have to fight for it.” Shaw called for Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, known as the PRO Act, saying workers need consistent national organizing proLabor Day, Cont. next pg.

Inland Film Festival Spotlights Inland Empire Identity and Overlooked Local Stories SBVC Football Builds Community Through Urbita Elementary Partnership Pg. 5

Latino Health Conference Examines Mental Health Stigma and Access Barriers in the Inland Empire Pg. 8

Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL A filmmaker addresses fellow participants during Arts Connection’s Inland Film Festival 2026 Nominee Reveal and Mixer on Sept. 4 at KVCR Public Media in San Bernardino.

By Manny Sandoval

rom Moreno Valley liquor stores and Hemet mobile homes to the pressures confronting young athletes, Inland Empire filmmakers are bringing distinctly local people, places and experiences to the big screen. More than 80 filmmakers gathered at KVCR Public Media for the Inland Film Festival’s 2026 Nominee Reveal and Mixer, celebrating projects rooted in com-

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Moreno Valley filmmaker Christian De Leon Gonzalez created “You Got a Light?” to capture the Inland Empire’s distinctive people, places and stories.

munities and experiences often overlooked by Hollywood. Arts Connection hosted the Sept. 4 event ahead of Screening Day for the third annual Inland Film Festival, scheduled for Oct. 17 from noon to 8 p.m. at Regal Cinemas, 450 N. E St. in downtown San Bernardino. Inland Empire Community News is a media sponsor of the festival. The screening will feature emerging and established filmmakers representing a

range of stories and perspectives. Before the nominees were announced, participants discussed the experiences behind their work and the importance of building a stronger regional film community. For Christian De Leon Gonzalez, that identity can be found in familiar Moreno Valley locations, including a liquor store, a bus stop near March Air Reserve Base and a park behind Moreno Valley College. Inland Film Fest cont. on next pg.

Page A2 • September 10, 2026 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • El Chicano

Labor Day Parade (cont.) - tections.

Shaw also rejected the idea that warehouse growth automatically creates economic security. Concerns about pay, benefits and working conditions have led some employees to organize despite fearing retaliation, she said. “They’re more afraid of not being able to feed their families,” Shaw said. “They’re more afraid of not being able to have good health care benefits that all of us need.” Rep. Mark Takano, a Riverside Democrat, identified heat exposure, union recognition and workforce development as urgent concerns. Effective heat standards and enforcement are especially important for warehouse employees, he said. Takano also warned that Congress is moving too slowly to address artificial intelligence’s potential effect on jobs and wages. “I’m afraid to say that the conversations aren’t happening fast enough,” Takano said. “AI is moving at breakneck speed.” He said he is working to reestablish the Office of Technology Assessment, giving Congress access to independent experts. Takano also plans to reintroduce his 32-hour workweek proposal in response to automation and rising productivity. The proposal would lower the federal overtime threshold for nonexempt employees from 40 hours to 32. It would not prohibit employees from working more than 32 hours. “I believe that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around,” Takano said. “All Americans, all workers, should share in the gains that technology brings us.” Riverside City Councilmember Sean Mill, who represents Ward 5, said jobs attracted to the region must offer living wages and meaningful benefits. Too many families depend on multiple incomes simply to afford rent, he said. “It’s an affordability crisis,” Mill said. “We need to make sure that the jobs we are bringing to the Inland Empire, to the city of Riverside, pay a livable wage.” Mill recalled that his father’s union job at Pacific Bell allowed their family to own a home and meet its basic needs. “What made America great was the middle class,” Mill said. “Average working-class people being able to afford to live in our country.” Mill said the idea for the local celebration emerged during lunch with Ricardo Cisneros,

who asked why the Inland Empire did not have its own Labor Day parade. Mill then took the proposal to former Riverside City Manager Mike Futrell and began working with city staff. The aim, Mill said, was to let Inland Empire workers celebrate near home instead of traveling to established Labor Day events elsewhere in Southern California. Desmond Prescott, District 3 chair for United Domestic Workers, highlighted home care and child care providers whose labor often takes place outside public view. UDW represents more than 250,000 workers statewide, including more than 42,000 in Riverside County, he told attendees. “You may not always see their work, but America could not function without it,” Prescott said. “Care is labor, and care workers are workers.” Prescott said federal Medicaid changes could put additional pressure on home care services. A federal law enacted in 2025 changed Medicaid financing and eligibility and established work requirements for certain adults beginning in 2027, with exemptions that include some family caregivers and medically frail people. Robert Gonzalez, communications coordinator for Teamsters Local 1932, urged elected officials and community members to support workers seeking union contracts. “The fight to unionize Amazon is all of our fight,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez was referring to a one-day unfair labor practice strike Sept. 2 at Amazon’s DJT6 delivery station near March Air Reserve Base. Teamsters said both primary shifts participated, marking the third walkout since workers launched their union drive in December 2025. The union said a majority of DJT6 warehouse employees signed authorization cards in December and accused Amazon of retaliation and refusing to negotiate. The materials did not include a response from Amazon. Gonzalez also said elected officials who seek union endorsements should be willing to join workers on picket lines. Shaw closed her comments with an appeal to workers who are not union members or are unfamiliar with organized labor. “All of the things that you enjoy today as a worker is because a union fought for it,” Shaw said. “Don’t let the corporations and the naysayers tell you that without a union, you are better off.”

Inland Film Fest (cont.) - Those settings became the backdrop for “You Got a Light?,” his short film about a man searching for a lighter after a difficult day. Beneath its stoner-comedy premise, the story follows a character struggling to open up about what is happening in his life. De Leon Gonzalez said he tried to capture “the weirdness of the IE” and the uniqueness of the people who live there. Compared with some of his experiences working in Los Angeles, he said the Inland Empire “just feels genuine.” The film also reflects his desire to portray people of color beyond the tragedies and stereotypes frequently emphasized in mainstream entertainment. “Sometimes I feel like our stories have to be tragic for them to be worth being in Hollywood,” he said. “Not all of our stories are tragic. Some of our stories are funny. Some of our stories are serious, but not necessarily tragic.” Adriana Garcia, a Jurupa Hills High School student from Fontana, brought a different concern to the festival through “Pressure to Perform,” a documentary examining how intense expectations affect young athletes. Garcia directed and produced the project through KVCR’s 10 Weeks of Film program, working primarily with fellow student Alan Torres. She drew its central idea from playing sports and observing changes in her younger brother.

Garcia said her brother initially dreamed of becoming a professional athlete, but his attitude shifted as winning became increasingly important to his team and coach. Garcia said her brother was being raised with the message that “if you don’t win, then you’re not enough.” Watching that change frustrated her because, she said, “he is enough.” The documentary asks adults to reconsider placing such intense pressure on children who are still developing. Garcia said festivals provide an entry point for emerging artists who may not know how to present their work or meet other creators. Events like this give lesser-known artists a chance “to speak up,” she said, describing them as “a stepping stone” for people trying to grow. Representation also drives filmmakers Lizbeth Calleja and Mayra Cortez, whose project, “Tú y Yo,” follows Latino characters of different generations navigating love, family and personal change in a Hemet mobile home community. “I want to see people who look like my neighbors, people who I grew up around,” Calleja said. “I want to see them on the big screen.” Because Latinos remain underrepresented in the industry, Calleja said she values opportunities to cast performers with backgrounds similar to her own and tell stories drawn from those communities. Cortez said the production in-

cluded local residents and crew members and was written “out of love” for Hemet, rather than through negative perceptions of the city. One character rejects the idea that a fulfilling future requires leaving the Inland Empire for Los Angeles. Cortez said “sharing love for the IE is representation” because many people approach the region with the attitude that “it’s not L.A., so it’s not great.” Colton animator Adriannah Quiroz said the festival introduced her to a creative community she did not know existed when she moved from Mississippi nearly five years ago. Her roughly three-minute film, “I Thought of This One in My Car,” grew from images she imagined while listening to music and storyboards she had kept for years. Quiroz said the festival offered a chance to step beyond the isolation of animation and connect with other artists. Quiroz said she wanted to “see what other people are doing,” broaden her horizons and become part of the filmmaking community. For the filmmakers, those connections demonstrate that the Inland Empire is becoming a creative center with its own voices, stories and production opportunities. “This is the future of Hollywood,” Cortez said. “This is Hollywood right now.” Get tickets to the 2026 Inland Film Festival Screening here: givebutter.com/iff-2026-screening-day

Metrolink One-Way Fares Rise 14% in October, First Increase in 13 Years By IECN Staff

etrolink passengers will pay an average of 14% more for oneway tickets beginning Oct. 5 as the regional rail agency implements its first fare increase in 13 years. The SoCal Day Pass will also rise from $15 to $19 on weekdays and from $10 to $12 on holidays. and weekends Metrolink said nearly 80% of one-way ticket purchases will increase by no more than $1, while fewer than 1% will increase by more than $2. The Metrolink Board of Directors approved the changes June 26 along with the permanent adoption of a simplified fare structure introduced in July 2025. The agency attributed the increases to rising operating and maintenance expenses, ridership that remains below pre-pandemic levels and declining state and federal funding. “Metrolink has worked hard to keep fares affordable while the cost of operating and maintaining our regional rail system has continued to rise,” Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said. Kettle described the increases as part of a broader effort to ad-

dress financial pressures and support the long-term sustainability of the regional rail system while maintaining discounts intended to make service more accessible. Prices for the 5-Day Flex Pass and Monthly Pass will also be adjusted because Metrolink calculates those products using apfares. one-way plicable Depending on their origin and destination, customers could see a slight increase, no change or a lower price. Metrolink said the 5-Day Flex Pass will continue to provide approximately 20% savings compared with purchasing 10 individual one-way tickets. The pass can be used on any five days within 30 days of purchase. The LA Zone Day Pass will remain $5 regardless of travel distance. Metrolink tickets and passes will also continue to include free transfers to participating local transit services. Discount percentages will remain unchanged for students, youth, seniors, riders with disabilities, veterans, active-duty military members, Medicare recipients and qualifying low-income customers. The student and youth discount will remain 50% on eligible fares, excluding the LA Zone Day Pass.

California Electronic Benefit Transfer cardholders will remain eligible for a 50% discount through Metrolink’s Mobility-4All program when buying fares from station ticket machines. The amount customers pay could still change when an underlying base fare increases. The fare adjustment follows Metrolink’s move last year to streamline its ticket system and introduce products including the SoCal Day Pass and LA Zone Day Pass. The changes were designed to reduce ticket complexity, expand discounts and provide passengers with more flexible travel options. Print-at-home ticket sales will end when the new fares take effect Oct. 5. Customers will still be able to buy tickets through the Metrolink mobile app, station ticket machines and ticket windows at Los Angeles Union Station. Contactless payment will remain available for eligible San Bernardino Line and Arrow trips within Metrolink’s existing pilot area. Fare information is available at metrolinktrains.com/farechange-2026.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 10, 2026 • Page A3

Public Safety

Op-Ed

Colton Woman Dies After E-Bike, SUV Collision

Atrial Fibrillation is on the Rise

By IECN Staff

Colton.

The driver of the Volvo remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, police said.

38-year-old Colton woman died after the electric bicycle she was riding collided with an SUV near 12th and East F streets, according to the Colton Police Department. Officers responded to the collision at about 6:50 p.m. Sept. 4 and found a Volvo SUV and an electric bicycle involved in the crash. Emergency personnel began lifesaving measures before transporting the bicyclist to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Police identified her as Asandria Jacobo, 38, of

By Dignity Health

The Colton Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is investigating the cause and circumstances of the collision. No additional details were immediately available. Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact Cpl. E. Wickman at 909-3705000 or ewickman@coltonca.gov. Anonymous tips may be submitted through We-Tip at 1-80078-CRIME. Police ask callers to reference case No. 26-06053.

Riverside Arrests 17 Individuals Occupying Encampment at Fairmount Park By Connor Lālea Hampton

our City of Riverside public agencies coordinated an enforcement operation, leading to the arrest of 17 individuals at a Fairmount Park encampment near downtown Riverside Sept. 2. The 17 individuals were taken into custody by Riverside Police Department for various violations, including illegal camping, outstanding warrants, probation violations and trespassing, according to authorities. The organizations involved in the operation include Riverside Public Safety and Engagement Team, Riverside Police Department, Riverside Code Enforcement, Riverside County Department of Animal Services and Parks and Neighborhood Specialists. During the operation, personnel contacted individuals occupying encampments located near the playground and carousel areas. This investi-

gation is what led officers to take the 17 individuals into custody. Of the 17 arrests, seven were felony arrests and 10 were misdemeanor arrests. 14 individuals were booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center, 2 were cited and then transported to a local hospital for medical care and 1 individual was cited and released at the scene. Their identities were not disclosed. After the operation, Riverside Code Enforcement cleaned the area by removing abandoned property, trash, rubbish, debris, drug paraphernalia and other encampment-related materials. Public Information Officer Steven Espinosa said this was an effort to restore the area to a cleaner and safer condition. Espinosa said Riverside Police Department, along with the other agencies involved in the operation, will continue to address illegal encampments through coordinated enforcement, outreach and by reducing hazards or illegally dumped material on city property.

PHOTO RPD

The multi-agency crackdown also involved the removal of unauthorized facilities, according to authorities.

trial fibrillation—a quivering or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)—is a leading contributor to stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. The stakes are significant: medical research shows that AFib carries a five-fold increase in the risk of stroke. In recognition of AFib Awareness Month this September, Dignity Health St Bernardine Medical Center wants community members to know the critical importance of early diagnosis and the comprehensive cardiovascular services available to support patient health. "At Dignity Health, we view early and accurate detection as the cornerstone of clinical excellence," said Dr Mir Wasif Ali, Chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at St Bernardine Medical Center . "Because AFib can sometimes be silent, many patients may not realize they are at risk until a serious event occurs. Our mission is to ensure our community recognizes the signs—such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue—and knows that our expert cardiac teams are here to provide world-class, personalized care." Dignity Health’s cardiovascular programs are recognized for their

clinical excellence, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based practices to diagnose and treat complex rhythm disorders. From advanced electrophysiology labs to minimally invasive procedures like catheter ablation, Dignity Health provides a comprehensive continuum of care that prioritizes patient safety and improved long-term outcomes. "Being a leader in cardiovascular care means going beyond treatment; it means partnering with our patients on their health journey through education and proactive management," added Dr Ali. "We encourage everyone, particularly those with risk factors like high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease, to talk to their physician about their heart rhythm. Early intervention can be the difference between a life-altering stroke and a healthy, active future." Throughout September, Dignity Health St Bernardine Medical Center is providing educational resources to help the community better understand heart health and the specialized cardiovascular services available across our Southern California locations. Visit Dignity Health’s website to learn more about AFib symptoms, risk factors, or to find a cardiologist near you.

Page A4 • September 10, 2026 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

San Bernardino Selects Developer for Long-Vacant 17.6-Acre Arden Guthrie Site Community News

he San Bernardino City Council has selected Panorama Development as the preferred developer for a 17.6-acre city-owned property near Highland Avenue and Interstate 210. The council selected Uplandbased Panorama Development during its Aug. 19 meeting to pursue development of the Arden Guthrie site, which is bounded by 20th Street, Arden Avenue and Guthrie Street.

PHOTO CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO

The 17.6-acre Arden Guthrie site in San Bernardino sits adjacent to Interstate 210 near Highland Avenue and is slated for potential commercial development.

Amazon Workers at Riverside DJT6 Plan Strike Over Pay, Working Conditions dinated unfair labor practice strike activity, according to the union.

Community News

mazon warehouse workers at the company’s DJT6 delivery station in Riverside are planning to walk off the job Wednesday as part of a labor dispute over wages, working conditions and allegations of unfair labor practices.

Night-shift workers previously walked off the job when announcing the facility’s union organizing effort in December 2025. Workers also held a strike in January following the termination of a union organizer, an action the Teamsters alleged was retaliation for union activity.

Workers organizing with Teamsters Local 1932 say Amazon has intimidated employees involved in union organizing and has failed to negotiate with workers seeking union representation.

“Amazon is a very wealthy company that has proven to have no respect for the people who keep it running,” DJT6 worker Kain Kazsuk said. “In Riverside, at DJT6, we have had enough, and we will fight this company until Amazon follows the law and negotiates a union contract that provides fair pay and safe working conditions.”

“Hundreds of coworkers and I have been speaking up as Teamsters for fair pay and a safer workplace, which Amazon does not provide at the moment,” DJT6 worker Emmanuel Cadena said. “The company has responded to our reasonable demands with illegal intimidation, so now we are on strike to defend our rights.”

“The development of the Arden Guthrie property represents a significant opportunity to attract new private investment, create jobs, expand commercial amenities and generate additional tax revenue for San Bernardino,” Mayor Helen Tran said. “We look forward to working with Panorama Development.” Panorama Development has developed and managed commercial properties throughout the Inland Empire. Its projects include the 31-acre Shops at Jurupa Valley in Jurupa Valley and Day Creek Square in Rancho Cucamonga. The Arden Guthrie property is near Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and the San Bernardino Soccer Complex and is adjacent to the 210 Freeway. According to the city, Yaamava’ attracts approximately 14 million visitors annually, while the soccer complex draws visitors for regional tournaments throughout the year. “San Bernardino is open for

business and is ready to move forward with this project,” Mayor Pro Tem Kim Knaus said. “It is always exciting when development comes to San Bernardino.” Next Steps The city and Panorama Development are expected to enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement in the coming month. The short-term agreement would allow the city and developer to negotiate exclusively over the proposed project and establish terms that could eventually lead to a disposition and development agreement. During negotiations, the parties are expected to refine the development concept, conduct due diligence and seek community input. Panorama also plans to begin identifying businesses that could potentially locate at the site. The city and Panorama are also expected to continue discussions with Caltrans about possible additional access to the development from the Interstate 210 off-ramp. Conceptual plans presented during the city’s competitive selection process remain preliminary and are subject to change. Any final proposal would be subject to negotiations, environmental review, engineering, community input and the city’s entitlement process. Panorama owner Wes Fifield said the development process could take approximately three to five years to complete.

Long-Vacant Property Has Seen Previous Development Efforts The Arden Guthrie property has remained vacant for years despite previous attempts to develop the site. The city’s former Redevelopment Agency acquired the property in 2006 using a loan through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Between 2006 and 2009, the property was cleared and prepared for development. The city pursued development proposals for the property in 2010 and again in 2024, but neither effort moved forward. In September 2025, the city’s Economic Development Department issued a request for proposals seeking developers for the property. Two development teams submitted proposals: Panorama Development LLC and Schneider Commercial Real Estate. Following interviews and an evaluation process, both teams presented their concepts to the City Council. The council subsequently selected Panorama as its preferred developer. “This is an important milestone for the Arden Guthrie property,” Economic Development Project Manager Stephanie Castro said. “The partnership with a top-notch developer like Panorama will attract new businesses and investment to a prime property that provides prominent freeway visibility and close proximity to major destinations.”

Earlier this year, Amazon agreed to changes regarding how its attendance policies apply to employees participating in protected strike activity following proceedings involving the Teamsters and the National Labor Relations Board, according to the union.

In December 2025, a majority of warehouse workers at DJT6 signed union authorization cards with Teamsters Local 1932, according to the union.

The Teamsters characterized the agreement as a victory in its dispute with the company over workers’ right to participate in strikes.

The Teamsters contend that Amazon has since failed to meet its obligations under federal labor law to negotiate with workers at the last-mile delivery facility.

DJT6 is a last-mile delivery station where employees sort and prepare packages before they are loaded into delivery vehicles for distribution to customers.

Wednesday’s planned action would mark the first time workers on both primary shifts at DJT6 have participated in coor-

JOHN

ECHEVARRIA FOR

MAYOR OF COLTON • PUBLIC SAFETY • • CUSTOMER SERVICE • • COMMUNITY SUCCESS • ECHEVARRIA FOR COLTON CITY MAYOR 2026 FPPC 1489732

PHOTO ROBERT GONZALEZ

Amazon workers at the DJT6 delivery station in Riverside march during a labor action calling for higher pay and improved working conditions.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 10, 2026 • Page A5

SBVC Football Builds Community Through Urbita Elementary Partnership

PHOTO ANGEL CASTILLO

San Bernardino Valley College football players Kane Richardson, left, and Gabe Warren interact with students at Urbita Elementary School in San Bernardino on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.

Community News

he San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) football team kicked off a mentorship collaboration with an elementary school two blocks from the stadium and campus where the Wolverines play. “I want to share our excitement to part-

ner with you – that our football program will be coming and working with the students and reading and doing math, and really coming together as a community,” SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras said at Urbita Elementary School’s back to school night on Aug. 6. The partnership will bring several SBVC football players to Urbita on the Friday be-

fore each home football game to mentor students. The elementary students will receive a ticket to the game. SBVC’s home opener is Sept. 5 against Los Angeles Valley College. “This is a great situation for us, a great situation for our guys,” said SBVC head football coach James Griffin-Avant.

Urbita Principal Dennis Wolbert predicted a championship season for SBVC and encouraged parents and guardians to bring their kids to the games. SBVC outreach coordinator Rocio Martinez said the partnership aims to strengthen SBVC’s connection with the community and create valuable experiences and opportunities for students.

Fontana Unified’s FLIP Program Marks 30 Years With Strong Attendance, Behavior Gains

PHOTO FUSD

Fontana Unified School District’s Leadership Intervention Program and Junior FLIP have helped more than 1,000 students overcome challenges and make positive choices.

Community News

or 30 years, Fontana Unified School District’s Fontana Leadership Intervention Program (FLIP) and Junior FLIP have helped more than 1,000 students overcome challenges and make positive choices, with the 2025-26 school year cohort reporting some of the programs’ strongest data yet. Led by the Fontana School Police Department (FSPD), FLIP uses a “court of your peers” model to help students break patterns affecting their attendance, behavior, or academic progress. The 16-week course provides students with tutoring, mentorship, and structured lessons focused on discipline, emergency preparedness, and the importance of attending school. Participants take part in field trips and leadership development activities, and

receive support in making positive choices at school and home. Families are also connected with additional needed resources to ensure students are supported every step of the way. “FLIP is important because it allows us to mentor students who need additional support and helps keep them from entering the court system,” FSPD Chief Rich Randolph said. “We can step in, help them grow, and provide resources not only to the students, but to their families and schools as well.” During the 2025-26 school year, 20 students graduated from the FLIP program, representing the communities of Eric Birch, Fontana, Jurupa Hills, Kaiser, Summit, and Etiwanda high schools. The cohort recorded a 50% reduction in tardiness during the program, while student absences decreased by 38%.

PHOTO FUSD

Fontana Unified Senior Director of Maintenance and Operations Luis E. Estrada is honored during the inaugural Fontana School Police Department Public Safety Awards.

In spring 2026, 14 Junior FLIP students graduated from the program, representing Alder, Almeria, Canyon Crest, Cypress, Maple, Palmetto, Sierra Lakes, West Randall, Southridge Tech, and Truman middle schools. While enrolled in the program, student tardiness decreased by 6%, and the cohort had no suspensions, representing a 100% decrease in the suspension rate. Students are referred to FLIP and Junior FLIP by school counselors and complete an intake process to determine whether the programs can provide the best support. Participants receive tutoring and take part in field trips and lessons focused on discipline, first aid, respect for parents, and the importance of attending school. FSPD strengthened the programs during the 2025-26 school year by improving data collection and graduate tracking.

These changes allow program staff to better evaluate student progress and remain connected with participants after they complete FLIP. When students or families need continued assistance, staff can connect them with services available through Fontana Unified or community organizations. Fontana Unified Senior Director of Maintenance and Operations Luis E. Estrada supports FLIP by providing CPR and emergency preparedness training aligned with American Heart Association guidelines. “One of the benefits of the training is awareness,” Estrada said. “Students learn how to respond to an emergency, recognize an obstructed airway, and understand signs and symptoms. Those skills can benefit them at school, at home with family members, or in the community.”

Page A6 • September 10, 2026 • EC • IECN

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dŽĚŽƐ ůŽƐ ĂĚƵůƚŽƐ ĚĞ ůĂ ĨĂŵŝůŝĂ ĚĞďĞŶ ƉĂƐĂƌ ƵŶĂ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŝŐĂĐŝſŶ ĚĞ ĂŶƚĞĐĞĚĞŶƚĞƐ ƉĞŶĂůĞƐ Ǉ ĞǆĂŵĞŶ ĚĞ ĐƌĠĚŝƚŽ͘ ůĞŐŝďŝůŝĚĂĚ ĚĞ ŝŶŐƌĞƐŽƐ ƐĞ ƌĞǀŝƐĂƌĄ ĐƵĂŶĚŽ ůŽƐ ƐŽůŝĐŝƚĂŶƚĞƐ ŚĂǇĂŶ ƐŝĚŽ ƐĞůĞĐĐŝŽŶĂĚŽƐ ĚĞ ůĂ ůŝƐƚĂ ĚĞ ĞƐƉĞƌĂ͕ Ǉ ůĂ ĞůĞŐŝďŝůŝĚĂĚ ĨŝŶĂů ƐĞƌĄ ĚĞƚĞƌŵŝŶĂĚĂ ũƵƐƚŽ ĂŶƚĞƐ ĚĞ ƋƵĞ ƐĞ ůĞ ŽĨƌĞǌĐĂ ƵŶĂ ƵŶŝĚĂĚ͘

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CNSB # 4076694

Notice Calling for Proposals IS HEREBY NOTICE GIVEN that the San Bernardino City Unified School District of San Bernardino County, State of California, acting through its Governing Board, hereafter referred to as the “District”, soliciting electronic is proposal submittals through its OpenGov e-Procurement web portal in response to : Request for Proposals No. 27-10 STEAM Lab Technician Support Services Vendors who are desirous of securing a copy of the Bid documents may do so by logging into the District's website at: https://procurement.opengov. com/portal/sbcusd? status=all Bid responses must conform and be responsive in accordance with the Bid Documents posted through the District's “OpenGov” website portal. Bids must be submitted electronically up to but not later than 1:00 pm on Friday, September 25, 2026 through the OpenGov eProcurement Portal. Contract award is contingent upon availability of funds. Local, Minority and Disabled Veterans Businesses are specifically encouraged to respond. The District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, and to accept or reject any item, to withdraw a line item or entire Bid, and to waive any irregularities or informalities in the Bid document(s). The District may award any, all, or none of this Bid By: Laura Cardenas, Director of Purchasing Services Publication: September 10, 2026 Request for Clarification: September 18, 2026 at 1:00

p.m. Virtual Public Proposal Opening: 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2026 Join with GoogleMeet: meet.google.com/rwn-vciugqp Note: Late entry will not be permitted. CNS-4075058# PUBLISHED EL CHICANO 9/10/26 E-326

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: STEPHEN A. GROOM, aka STEPHEN ALAN GROOM, aka STEPHEN GROOM, aka STEVEN A. GROOM, aka STEVEN ALAN GROOM, aka STEVEN GROOM, aka STEVE GROOM CASE NO.: PROVA2600620

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may be otherwise interested in the will or estate, or both of: STEPHEN A. GROOM, aka STEPHEN ALAN GROOM, aka STEPHEN GROOM, aka STEVEN A GROOM, aka STEVEN ALAN GROOM, aka STEVEN GROOM, aka STEVE GROOM A Petition for Probate has been filed by JEFFERY M. GROOM in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO The Petition for Probate requests that JEFFERY M. GROOM 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 authority will allow the personal

representative to take many actions without obtaining Before court approval. 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 administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 9/30/2026 Time: 9:00 AM Dept.: F1 Address of court: 17780 ARROW BLVD, FONTANA, CA 92335 Branch name: FONTANA PROBATE If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections 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 the court within 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 mailing 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 provided in Probate Code Section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner: ELISABETH KEMPEOLINGER 1980 ORANGE TREE LANE, SUITE 101 REDLANDS, CA 92374 (909) 824-2777 Published El Chicano 8/27/26,9/3/26,9/10/26 E-313

NOTICE INVITATION FOR BID IFB-SDD27-01 OmniTrans is accepting bids for: Electric Charging Infrastructure Equipment Bids are due prior to 3:00 p.m. PDT, October 23, 2026. Bids must be submitted electronically using Omnitrans' Procurement online bidding system at www.omnitrans.org. The IFB documents can be obtained via download at Omnitrans' Procurement online bidding system at www.omnitrans.org or https://vendors.planetbids. com/portal/18046/portalhome OmniTrans 1700 West Fifth Street San Bernardino, CA 92411 Sr. Contract Administrator: Samantha Torigian Phone: (909) 379-7246 Email: samantha.torigian@ omnitrans.org CNS-4076304# PUBLISHED EL CHICANO 9/10/26 E-325

Reliable! Trustworthy! Convenient!

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Office: (909) 381-9898 NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS

•EL CHICANO LEGAL ADVERTISING • E-mail: iecnlegals@gmail.com

SAN BERNARDINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY

Prospective proposers are hereby notified that the San International Bernardino Airport Authority (“Authority”) will receive sealed proposals for the following procurement: FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM PROJECT (the “Project”)

Proposals may be submitted either electronically via PlanetBids or as physical paper hard copies. All whether submissions, electronic or paper, must be received by the Authority no later than 5:00 P.M. PST on Monday, October 5, 2026. Any proposals received after the specified date and time will be rejected.

• Electronic Submissions: Submit via the PlanetBids portal at https://vendors. planetbids.com/portal/70694/ portal-home. • Paper Submissions: sealed paper Deliver proposals containing the original response to the Authority’s main office at: San Bernardino International Airport Authority Attn: Assistant Secretary of the Commission 1601 E. Third Street, Suite 100 San Bernardino, CA 92408

All submissions (electronic files or physical envelopes) must be clearly labeled with the Proposer’s name and the RFP title: “RFP FOR FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM PROJECT.”

Copies of the RFP may be obtained from SBIAA’s website at http://sbiaa.org/ opportunities/bids-rfps/ under “RFPs/Bids” or via the portal at PlanetBids https://vendors.planetbids.com /portal/70694/bo/bo-search. All inquiries shall be directed via the Q&A section in the PlanetBids portal or emailed directly to Jon Galvan at jgalvan@sbdairport.com. If modification or clarification to the solicitation document becomes necessary, an addendum will be posted to the PlanetBids portal. It is the responsibility of all potential respondents to monitor the SBIAA website and/or the PlanetBids portal for any such addenda.

The SBIAA reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses to the RFP, and/or waive any informalities or irregularities in any response. September 3, 2026

San Bernardino International Airport Authority San Bernardino, California Date: September 3, 2026

By:_____________________ Jillian Ubaldo, Assistant Secretary of the Commission Published El Chicano 9/3/26, 9/10/26 E-320

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO NOTICE FOR “Invitation for Bid” IFB #PC1479 Exterior Elevated Elements Repairs Yucaipa HACSB CONTACT PERSON: Claudia Nunez Procurement Department Housing Authority of San Bernardino 715 E. Brier Drive, San Bdno, CA 92408 HOW TO OBTAIN BID DOCS: www.hacsb.com/do-businesswith-us/ or https://vendors.planetbids. com/portal/40135/bo/bodetail/145809 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL RETURN: via PlanetBids website https://www.planetbids.com/ PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DATE: October 6, 2026 by 2:00 P.M. CNS-4076543# PUBLISHED EL CHICANO 9/10/26 E-324

EC • IECN • September 10, 2026 • Page A7

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Page A8 • September 10, 2026 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Latino Health Conference Examines Mental Health Stigma and Access Barriers in the Inland Empire

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

From left, Sonia Rezkalah, Tessie Solorzano, Ramon Ramos and Angelica Plascensia discuss barriers affecting Latino health during the 2026 State of Latino Health conference Sept. 3 in Riverside.

By Manny Sandoval

ultural stigma, language barriers, distrust of providers and disconnected support systems are keeping some Latino families from receiving effective mental health care in the Inland Empire, residents and advocates said at a regional conference. The 2026 State of Latino Health conference, held Sept. 3 in Riverside, brought together health professionals, community leaders and residents from Riverside and San Bernardino counties to examine how generational beliefs and unequal access affect health and well-being. Presented by the Latino Health Collaborative, an initiative powered by the nonprofit Reach Out, the conference focused on mental health across generations. Speakers described how an expectation to endure emotional pain privately has discouraged some Latinos from discussing mental health or seeking help. Younger generations, they said, are increasingly challenging that silence. During the “Latino Perspectives on Public Health in the Inland Empire” panel, Martha Carrasco recalled growing up in a household where emotional struggles were rarely acknowledged. “We don’t talk about that. What will people say?” Carrasco remembered hearing. Carrasco then shared that her father died by suicide when she was 17 and that her family largely avoided discussing his death. “To this day, I can really say that we never really talked about it,” she said. “It was something that I overcame on my own.” The experience influenced how Carrasco communicates with her children, leading her to speak more openly about emotional well-being and seeking help.

“We need to know that we can seek out help when necessary, and we shouldn’t be ashamed,” Carrasco said. The panel included Carrasco, Maria Diaz, Victoria Osorio and Juan Zapien, whose perspectives illustrated how attitudes toward mental health have changed across generations. Zapien said younger Latinos can respect what their parents and grandparents endured while developing a different understanding of emotional well-being. “Mental health is real and it does matter,” Zapien said. Trust emerged as another central concern. Osorio, an aspiring physician, said patients are more likely to discuss their health when providers listen carefully and treat them with respect. “Trust has a lot to do with active listening and also respect for the patient,” Osorio said. She described assisting Spanish-speaking hospital patients who became more comfortable asking questions after hearing her speak their language. Some approached her for clarification about medical instructions or discharge documents. Osorio said providers of all backgrounds can build stronger relationships by listening to patients and recognizing the varied experiences, educational backgrounds and family circumstances within Latino communities. Language access also shaped Carrasco’s early experiences with health care. She recalled translating during her parents’ medical appointments, even when she did not fully understand the medical information herself. “That shouldn’t be the norm,” Carrasco said, calling for trained interpreters and information in languages patients under-

stand. A second panel, “A Cross-Sector Look at Latino Health in the Inland Empire,” examined how housing, transportation, education, immigration concerns, public benefits and legal needs can affect a family’s health. The discussion featured Ramon Ramos, founder and president of The Exception; Tessie Solorzano, executive director of Inland Counties Legal Services; and Sonia Rezkalah, administrator of family engagement for the Riverside County Office of Education. Panelists said families rarely encounter those challenges separately. One household may simultaneously experience food insecurity, unstable housing, transportation problems and difficulty navigating health or educational systems. They called for stronger coordination among nonprofits, government agencies, schools and health providers. Families should be able to approach one trusted organization and receive connections to a broader network instead of repeatedly explaining their circumstances to multiple agencies, panelists said. Ramos described fear as a growing barrier for young people, including concerns about immigration enforcement. He said The Exception relocated a physical fitness program after two participants reported being afraid to return because an immigration enforcement facility was nearby. “We need to be able to be in a space where they feel safe, where they feel heard, where they feel seen and not where they feel threatened,” Ramos said. Panelists said social media has exposed young people to a scale of comparison that previous generations did not experience. Heavy reliance on screen-based communication can also leave some youths less

comfortable speaking with people face to face, they said. Solorzano said meaningful health care access requires more than having insurance. Patients must also be able to obtain timely appointments, understand their coverage and exercise their rights. “If you are experiencing a complex medical condition, you probably are not in the frame of mind to be able to tackle that challenge on your own,” Solorzano said. Without assistance from relatives, advocates or legal professionals, patients may delay care and allow their conditions to worsen, she said. Community education can help residents understand their coverage and available options when care is delayed or denied. Rezkalah urged health and community organizations to work with school-based family engagement centers and other institutions that families already trust. She said services should be offered in families’ preferred languages and provided virtually or in familiar community spaces when appropriate. Schools, houses of worship and other gathering places can help organizations reach residents who may be uncomfortable approaching an unfamiliar institution. “Families are going to go to places where they feel trust, where they feel connection,” Rezkalah said. “Representation truly matters.” Across generations and professional fields, speakers returned to a common conclusion: Expanding services alone will not eliminate disparities. Latino families must also feel understood, respected and safe when seeking care. As closing keynote speaker Angelica Plascensia told attendees, “Healing happens at the speed of trust.”