EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 62, NO. 32
May 29, 2025
SBVC’s 99th Commencement Honors Largest Graduating Class at San Manuel Stadium: “Diversity Still Matters”
IECN.com
Inland Regional Center Leads Research to Help Police Better Engage Californians with Autism and Disabilities
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Andrea Feodorov, 72, an English major, waits on S E Street for her family to pick her up after graduating with honors from SBVC.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Denise Sandoval, Graduate Adam Sandoval, and Alex Sandoval outside of the stadium following the commencement on May 23.
PHOTO SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras, Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez, and student speaker Jesse Chavez-Cordova lead the processional.
PHOTO DENISE BERVER SBVC Alumna Madison Barrera and IECN Co-publisher Denise Berver greeting one another after the ceremony.
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CSUSB Entrepreneurship School and Entrepreneurship Renamed in Honor of Randall W. Lewis Pg. 3
By Manny Sandoval
ly half receiving two or more.
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The commencement, which began at 9 a.m., opened with a presentation by the Colton High School Color Guard and a powerful rendition of the National Anthem by student alumna Jessi Rachel Ko. With more than 800 graduates walking the stage and an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 family members and supporters in the stands, the
an Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) celebrated a milestone 99th commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, at San Manuel Stadium— home of the Inland Empire 66ers—where a record-breaking 1,765 students earned associate degrees or certificates, with near-
Inland SB City Schools Break Empire Community GroundNewspapers on $20M Public Safety Building Office: (909) 381-9898 Honoring Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Assemblymember Advertising: sales@iecn.com Ramos 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
two-hour ceremony drew such a crowd that the entry line at one point stretched all the way to South G Street. SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras delivered a rousing keynote, celebrating the diversity, resilience, and academic excellence of the Class of 2025—the SBVC Graduation cont. on next pg.
San Bernardino Council Meeting Erupts in Yelling, Cursing as Police Escort Out Ward 5 Commissioner By Manny Sandoval
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ensions boiled over at the May 21st San Bernardino City Council meeting when a verbal dispute between Verdemont Neighborhood Association President Barbara Sky and Ward 5 Planning Commissioner Ronnika T. Ngalande erupted into shouting, profanity, and ultimately, Ngalande’s removal from the meeting by police. The disruption, which occurred just an hour into the meeting at Feldheym Library, was sparked by ongoing fallout from a Verdemont Neighborhood Association meeting the night before, on May 20. Sky
accused Ngalande of attempting to dominate the discussion and reacting with hostility when asked to conclude her comments. “Everything was going well last night until Kim and her gang of four came in and disrupted the meeting,” Sky said from the podium, referring to Councilwoman Kim Knaus and several individuals (including Commissioner Ngalande) who accompanied her to the neighborhood gathering on May 20. “It’s an embarrassment. Maybe it’s not a violation, but it’s very inappropriate.” Sky also alleged that when she asked Ngalande to wrap up her remarks, the commissioner accused her of racism. “Every
time someone doesn’t get their way, it’s racism,” Sky said. “I’m tired of that sh*t.” Sky criticized Councilwoman Knaus for what she described as consistent absence from neighborhood meetings. “Kim, I understand now, I did it wrong. I invited you to every meeting I’ve had since you were elected—you never showed up, never addressed situations, no texts, no phone calls, no emails. Now I know—I won’t invite you and you’ll show up.” Sky commended Mayor Helen Tran for attending the neighborhood meeting and City Council cont. on next pg.