EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 62, NO. 47
September 11, 2025
San Bernardino Unites to Plant Persimmon Tree Honoring Dr. Ernie Garcia and Launch Mercado 536 Artist Marketplace
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Arrowhead United Way Hosts Ribbon-Cutting for First-Ever National Veterans Chamber of Commerce Pg. 4
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL The persimmon tree is located on the north-side of the center, within its culture garden.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL (Left to right) Garcia Center for the Arts Executive Director Michael Garcia, Dottie Garcia, Tim Garcia, and Patrick Garcia pictured moments after the persimmon tree was planted.
By Manny Sandoval
local creators.
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In the Culture Garden, family and community members planted a persimmon tree, sponsored by Tree People IE and chosen for its deep personal meaning to Dr. Garcia’s life and family. His son and Garcia Center Board President, Tim Garcia, recalled how the fruit symbolized his father’s South Colton roots.
ove, legacy, and innovation came together September 6th, at the Garcia Center for the Arts as the community honored founder Dr. Ernie Garcia with a tree planting ceremony while debuting Mercado 536, an artist co-op retail space designed to support and elevate
“One of the trees that was in the backyard of the home that my dad grew up in had a huge persimmon tree, and I just remember that tree when I was a kid,” he said. “He would always bring persimmons home for my mom to make persimmon cookies and persimmon bread. So, when we first discussed planting a tree in honor of him…I Garcia Center, cont. on next pg.
First Autistic Delegate Competes as Cardinal City Pageant Returns to SBHS Campus After 15 Years LGBTQ+ Senator Cervantes Files Claim Against Sacramento Police Alleging False DUI Arrest Pg. 5
Inland Supreme Court Ruling Empire Community on ‘Roving’ Newspapers Immigration Arrests Office: (909) 381-9898 Sparks Condemnation Editorial: iecn1@mac.com in Inland Empire Advertising: sales@iecn.com
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PHOTO CORINA BORSUK Mr. Cardinal City 2024–2025 Robert Sanchez showing off his gymnastic abilities during the Sportswear/Passion for Fashion portion of the Sept. 21, 2024, Mr. & Miss Cardinal City Pageant.
By Manny Sandoval
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or the first time in its 22-year history, the Miss and Mr. Cardinal City Pageant at San Bernardino High School (SBHS) will feature a contestant with autism — a milestone organizers say is historic for the program.
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The Sept. 20 event also marks the pageant’s return to the SBHS Performing Arts Center after 15 years away. The competition was moved off campus due to a
PHOTO CORINA BORSUK Jasmine Estrada is crowned Miss Cardinal City 2024–2025 at the Sept. 21, 2024, Mr. & Miss Cardinal City Pageant as fellow contestants look on.
broken air conditioning system and outdated seating, but following recent renovations, the auditorium is ready to welcome the pageant home. There, 12 young men and 16 young women — all seniors — will compete for the coveted crowns in front of a sold-out audience of more than 400. Among the competitors is senior Abel Marin, the first autistic delegate in the pageant’s history. His participation, said Jaime Rios, founder and director of the pageant and bilingual school outreach
worker at SBHS, symbolizes the inclusive spirit of the program and the doors it continues to open for students of all backgrounds. “This brings me a lot of joy,” said Rios. “That is powerful. It shows students of all abilities that they can lead, represent their city, and have their voices heard.” On Sept. 8, contestants completed their second round of mock interviews designed to prepare them for the final judging panel, SBHS Pageant, Cont. on next pg.