EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 60, NO. 50
December 07, 2023
E i g h t Ye a r s L a t e r S B C o u n t y H o n o r s t h e 1 4 L i v e s L o s t o n D e c . 2 n d , 2 0 1 5 i n t h e S a n B e r n a r d i n o Te r r o r A t t a c k
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Six Law Enforcement Agencies Aid in Community Fundraiser to Support LLU Cancer Center Research Pg. 3
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
The Nguyen Family and Mayor Helen Tran visiting Tin Nguyen’s memorial at the San Bernardino County Government Center’s Curtain of Courage Memorial on December 2, 2023.
By Manny Sandoval
n a poignant Saturday morning, San Bernardino County commemorated the eighth anniversary of the Dec. 2, 2015, terrorist attack, a day that forever altered the community. The attack, which claimed the lives of 14 individuals, including 13 County Environmental Health and Public Health employees, left an indelible mark of sorrow and resilience.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Vanessa Nguyen (pictured), who fled Vietnam with her parents and Tin decades ago, was quoted in 2015 saying, “Only she can understand me, she understood everything I went through.”
In a heartfelt display of remembrance, the county invited the public to join in a moment of silence at 10:55 a.m. on Dec. 2, marking the exact time when the tragedy struck eight years ago. Flags at all County facilities were lowered to half-mast from Friday, Dec. 1, until sunset on Monday, Dec. 4, as a gesture of respect and mourning. The Curtain of Courage Memorial, located at the County Government Center, stood
as a somber reminder of the lives lost, the survivors, and the first responders who bravely faced that tragic day. The memorial, a testament to resilience and remembrance, continues offering solace for those affected. Among those in attendance at the moment of silence were the Nguyen family, who drove down from Orange County. They gathered to honor Tin Nguyen, a 31-yearSB Strong cont. on next pg.
Colton's Christmas Spirit Soars in 46th Annual Parade, Councilmember Echevarria Shares His Most Cherished Holiday Memory
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Colton Councilmember John Echevarria cruising in a classic car from the 1930s.
By Manny Sandoval
n a vibrant display of festive spirit and community unity, the Colton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 46th Annual Christmas Parade on December 2, captivating over 400 community members along La Cadena Drive. The parade, a tapestry of vibrant colors and joyous sounds, featured an array of Christmas floats that ignited the excitement of children and adults alike. Among the standout attractions were four
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
The Grinch caused quite the spectacle amongst young, old, and all ages in between; with some children hiding behind their parents as he walked nearby.
unique Grinch/Whoville-themed floats and an eye-catching Ghostbusters float. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Colton Fire Department showcased a fire engine with Christmas decorations.
City and regional leaders, including Mayor Frank Navarro, Councilmembers John Echevarria, Kelly Chastain, and Dr. G, were seen participating in the parade, waving to the community from their respective floats. Notably, Dr. G played the trumpet from the trunk of his vehicle, adding a musical flair to the procession.
Reflecting on the event, Councilmember Echevarria shared a poignant Christmas memory from his childhood, "My greatest memory was growing up and watching my momma scramble to find us Christmas gifts. One year, she was sad because she did not have extra money to shop for us after paying the bills."
"I will never forget the brown Chevrolet Blazer that came to our home with volunteers and brought us gifts that year. It was a token of appreciation for the hundreds of Parade cont. on next pg.