EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 62, NO. 04
December 19, 2024
San Bernardino Police Push Back Against Teamsters’ Allegations, Citing Unlawful Protests and Safety Concerns Amendment rights, Oldendorf clarified that certain tactics employed during Teamsters-led demonstrations have created serious safety risks. “We absolutely support and defend anyone’s First Amendment right to peacefully protest,” Oldendorf said. “However, the First Amendment does not grant the right to unlawfully protest. When protests create extreme safety concerns—like blocking vehicles, trucks, and roadways—it becomes unlawful. We cannot overlook that, especially when it could lead to car crashes and other incidents.”
IECN.com
San Gorgonio High Celebrates Grand Opening of Culinary Arts and Aquatics Center Pg. 4
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL AND ROBERT GONZALEZ
SBPD Lieutenant Nick Oldendorf (left) at a Coffee with a Cop Event in downtown San Bernardino in October 2024 and Teamsters Director of Organizing Shaun Martinez (right) sharing allegations against the department at the Dec. 4 City Council Meeting.
By Manny Sandoval
T
he San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) has refuted allegations from Teamsters Local 1932 that officers harassed participants at events and labor demonstrations, citing public safety concerns and reaffirming their support for lawful protests while denouncing unlawful tactics. SBPD Lieutenant Nick Oldendorf
Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., Bank of America Bring Holiday Cheer to Bloomington Students
addressed the union’s claims, which were initially presented at the December 4 San Bernardino City Council meeting. Oldendorf emphasized that the department’s actions are guided by safety protocols and the need to ensure protests do not disrupt traffic, endanger participants, or violate laws. Safety Concerns During Protests While expressing support for First
Oldendorf described recent demonstrations outside San Bernardino Amazon distribution centers where Teamsters organized efforts to unionize workers. “During a recent demonstration, Teamsters lined both sides of the street with tents and a sizable group of participants. While we received calls about pedestrians in the roadway, I personally spoke with Shaun Martinez and Carlos Jimenez to ensure everyone’s safety. I asked them to stay along the curb for their protection,” Oldendorf said. “Unfortunately, they returned to the roadway, creating risks for trucks, drivers, and their own members.” Over the years, SBPD claims several safety incidents, including trucks forced to idle in blocked lanes, drivers leaving diesel vehicles in the middle of the street, and unsafe maneuvers like U-turns are the SBPD/Teamsters cont. on next pg.
Operation Giving Delivers Hope: Colton PD and Community Bring Holiday Magic to Over 300 Children at ARMC By Manny Sandoval
Pg. 4
S
miles lit up the halls of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) on Tuesday morning as Santa Claus, escorted by Colton Police officers, delivered more than 300 gifts to children undergoing treatment and their loved ones. For the 13th consecutive year, “Operation Giving” brought warmth, joy, and a bit of holiday magic to young patients and their families during an otherwise challenging time.
Redlands’ Orange Drop Inland Empire Community to Bring Thousands to Newspapers the Office: Streets for Music, (909) 381-9898 Food, Segue Into Editorial:andiecn1@mac.com Advertising: sales@iecn.com Any NYE Plans Legals : iecnlegals@hotmail.com
Pg. 8
HOW TO REACH US Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals: iecnlegals@gmail.com
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega visits a newborn and their parents in the maternity ward, spreading holiday cheer during the 13th annual Operation Giving.
Santa, played by Colton Joint Unified School District Board Member Israel Fuentes, posed for photos in the hospital’s main lobby before leading a heartfelt procession through the hospital, stopping in rooms on every floor — including the newborn and NICU units — to personally deliver gifts. SWAT trucks and other police vehicles parked at the entrance served as a powerful symbol of community unity and support. “This is about bringing hope and smiles to children who need it most,” said Colton PD Public
Information Officer Sgt. Mike Sandoval. “Seeing Santa walk into their room, gifts in hand, lights up their faces in a way that words can’t describe. It’s a tough time for so many of our families, and we’re here to show them they’re not alone.” The presents, donated by Colton residents and through a dedicated toy drive at Colton Walmart, were hand-wrapped by Colton PD’s sworn officers and professional staff. Volunteers across the department worked tirelessly to collect, prepare, and distribute the gifts, ensuring that no child was forgotten. Colton Police Chief Anthony Vega joined the heartwarming effort, holding a newborn baby (with permission from the family) while Santa’s gentle knocks brought smiles to children waking up in their hospital beds. “It’s more than just delivering gifts — it’s about creating moments of joy and connection,” Sandoval added. “We couldn’t do this without our Operation Giving cont. on next pg.