San Bernardino Press MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2014 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2014
sanbernardinopress.com
VOLUME 1, NO. 18
Three men charged in San Bernardino Inland Empire police officer shooting Latino Art BY VICKIE VÉRTIZ Association On Tuesday, August 26, three men were charged in conexhibit at nection with a shooting that left a San Bernardino police Officer Gathe County briel Garcia in critical condition. The shooting also left the suspectMuseum ed gunman dead after an early morning shootout, as reported by the Desert Sun. Just four days before, San Bernardino police Officer Gabriel Garcia was seriously wounded on August 22 during the struggle between assailants and law enforcement. Sadly, Jonathan Contreras, 20, Orlando Cruz, 24, and Gonzalo Medina, 22, are all residents of San Bernardino, and were each charged with two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer and one count of possession of an assault weapon. The San Bernardino County District Attorney also stated that the weapon was an AK-47, which was displayed at a news conference on the matter. Police confirmed that Officer Garcia had been shot once in the head after he and a trainee officer approached a group of people that morning at a home on a North Garner Avenue, according
impacting college campuses such as high risk drinking, illegal drug use, and sexual assault. National Campus Safety Awareness Month activities are focused on advocacy, education and training, and supporting policy initiatives and legislation that address issues related to these frightening realities. We are so pleased that our District Police Department is proactive in addressing these challenges.”
A special art exhibition to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month will open at the San Bernardino County Museum on Saturday, September 6, 2014. Entitled “Sueños y Realidad,” the exhibit is organized and curated by the Inland Empire Latino Art Association and features works by two dozen artists. A reception for the artists is scheduled at the museum on Friday, September 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sueños y Realidad (Dreams and Reality) will continue through September 29 and is included with paid museum admission. “The concept of dreams and reality is a subject which deals with the complexities of what first develops in the mind as a vision, a dream if you will, and how that dream, combined with a sincere desire, can develop into an absolute reality,” said Brad Borrero, IELAA. “In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Inland Empire Latino Art Association has brought together artists from the Inland Empire and afar to explore their dreams and the process artists take, to bring those dreams and visions into reality.” In 1985, Drs. Tom and Lilly Rivera invited Latino artists from the Inland Empire to exhibit artwork at their home in Grand Terrace. Some of these artists—Ernie Colunga, Roberto Garcia, Saul Hernandez, and Rudy Ramirez— wanted to continue exhibiting their work, and founded the Inland Empire Latino Art Associa-
Please see page 4
Please see page 2
Jonathan Contreras and Alex Alvarado -Courtesy Photos
to the Sun. The police added that the gunman was identified as Alex Alvarado, 38, and was killed by a trainee officer after Alvarado allegedly opened fire on the police. Officers from other agencies came to the scene and several other people were taken into custody, Contreras as well, who was being held on suspicion of possession of the assault-style rifle and a revolver. Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said Friday that investigators believe Alvarado fired both weapons, but initially had no reason to believe the other people who were
detained fired weapons. The Sun reported that Alvarado was still believed to be the sole gunman, regardless, the three men were all charged with attempted murder, authorities said. “They were all together in a location, in a vehicle, and they all had knowledge of these weapons,” District Attorney Ramos said. “We have no doubt that all these individuals are guilty.” If convicted, prosecutors said each man faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison. Please see page 2
SBCCD police department expands communication & training opportunities September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month, a month dedicated to enhancing dialogue around campus safety issues. The San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees approved a Resolution recognizing the significance of the month and the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) Police Department is undertaking a month of activities to encourage all members of the campus community as well as ven-
dors and visitors to support and protect each other. All events are free and open to the public. Limited parking is available on campus with a $2 daily pass. Free parking is available by both campuses on a first come-first served basis. Chancellor Bruce Baron said, “The health and safety of our students is one of our highest priorities. Unfortunately, college campuses are not immune to destructive behaviors and violence, including some current issues