EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 61, NO. 33
July 25, 2024
Cheech Marin Champions Chicano Art as Fine Art as “The Cheech” Celebrates 2nd Anniversary, Plans for Lowrider Museum
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Burn Victim “John Doe” Found in San Bernardino Homicide Pg. 3
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Cheech in June 2024 with artists in the collection - Margaret Garcia and Candelario “Cande” Aguilar, Jr.
By Manny Sandoval
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Crafton Hills College Launches Solar Farm to Enhance Energy Reliability
n the second anniversary of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, celebrated in June 2024, actor and comedian Cheech Marin unveiled the latest iteration of his renowned collection, "Shifting Perspectives." The exhibition highlights new additions alongside works from Marin's initial gift of 500 pieces, offering a vibrant exploration of Chicano art.
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he City of San Bernardino has announced that Kenneth Chapa has joined its leadership team as the new Economic Development Director. Chapa’s first day on the job was on July 15.
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The Cheech Marin Center, affectionately known as "The Cheech," stands as a testament to Marin's lifelong passion for Chicano art. The journey to establishing the museum began in 2017, sparked by a serendipitous discovery. "I was collecting art and conflicted about what to do next [in regard to partnering with RAM]. Then, while walking across the street at the Riverside Library, I asked staff how big the museum would be? They said 66,420
City of San Bernardino Names Ken Chapa as Director of Economic Development Community News
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The collaboration with the Riverside Art Museum (RAM) came about after Marin's collection tour at the museum turned out to be their biggest show ever. When approached by the city manager about creating a permanent home for his collection, Marin initially misunderstood. "I thought they were asking me to purchase the museum. I said, 'I'm not that rich!' But then I realized it was an opportunity to create something lasting and more of a partnership," he explained.
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Inland Empire to Community SB County Benefit Newspapers from $500 Million
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Cheech on stage at the RAM reception.
“Ken Chapa has a distinguished background in economic development and tourism,” said Acting City Manager Rochelle Clayton. “We are thrilled to have him aboard and look forward to him hitting the ground running.” Chapa has over 20 years of experience in economic development and tourism at both the municipal and state levels in Arizona, Nevada, and Michigan. Most recently, he spent the last four years as the Director of Economic Development and Tourism in Avondale, Arizona, where he oversaw the creation and implementation of the Phoenix suburb’s first Economic
Development Strategic Plan since 2008, and its first ever Tourism Plan. “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the City of San Bernardino team,” said Chapa. “I look forward to working with our residents, business community, and city leadership to grow our economy and showcase San Bernardino as a premier location to do business.” Prior to his time in Avondale, Chapa spent nearly four years as the Economic Development Officer in Henderson, Nevada, and also worked for Detroit, Michigan; Mesa, Arizona, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Arizona Department of Commerce. “Everywhere Ken’s been has experienced significant growth in commercial development, residential development, and tourism,” added Clayton. “He knows the recipe for success and is bringing it to San Econ. Development cont. on
PHOTO CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
Ken Chapa is the city’s economic development director as of July 15, 2024.