EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 63, NO. 32
May 14, 2026
Ward 1 Candidates Set Competing Visions for San Bernardino’s Downtown, Safety, Prostitution
IECN.com
Efforts to Combat Mailbox Theft and Vandalism in the Inland Empire Pg. 3
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Ward 1 candidates Theodore Sanchez, Ron Alvarado, Virginia Marquez and Omar Williams participate in an April 29 San Bernardino City Council candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters San Bernardino at San Bernardino Valley College’s Greek Theater.
By Manny Sandoval
T
he four candidates running to represent San Bernardino’s 1st Ward outlined sharply different visions for downtown revitalization, public safety, housing, city finances and accountability during a recent candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters San Bernardino.
Moreno Valley College Marks 35 Years With Open House Showcasing Careers, Community and Belonging
The forum, held at San Bernardino Valley College’s Greek Theater ahead of the June 2 primary, featured government fraud investigator Ron Alvarado, former Councilwoman and community services liaison Virginia Marquez, retail security officer Omar Williams and incumbent Councilman Theodore Sanchez.
leadership in the ward, arguing that San Bernardino needs stronger neighborhood investment, improved collaboration, more accountability and a clearer plan for downtown. Sanchez defended his record, pointing to reductions in crime and homelessness, increased police staffing and affordable housing development.
Throughout the forum, Alvarado, Marquez and Williams pushed for new
The evening turned pointed at times, parCouncil Forum, Cont. next pg.
Rialto Unified Honors Top Teachers, Classified Staff Advancing Student Success
Pg. 4
The Great Y Circus Brings Historic Youth Acrobatics, Aerial Performances to Redlands Through May 17 Pg. 5 Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Rialto Unified School District's 2025-2026 Employees of the Year. Top row, from left: Teachers of the Year Silk Jones (Simpson Elementary) and James Nava (Kolb Middle School). Bottom row, from left: Classified Employees of the Year Olga Guerrero (Simpson Elementary), Diane Komiyama (Rialto Middle School), Wendy Moreno (Eisenhower High School), Edith Ortiz Torres (Communications/Media Services), Raymond Palacios (Preston Elementary), Michael Slone (Technology Services), and Rachelle Warner (Safety Services).
By Manny Sandoval
O
f the approximately 3,000 employees in the Rialto Unified School District has selected its
top teachers and classified employees for the 2025-2026 school year. Veteran classroom teachers Silk Jones, from Simpson Elementary School, and James Nava, teacher at Kolb Middle
School, were selected as the District’s “Teachers of the Year.” Additionally, for classroom support, the District also selected its “Classified Employees of the Year.” RUSD, cont. next pg.