EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 63, NO. 02
October 16, 2025
Once a YMCA Kid, Now Executive Director: Jennifer Lopez Reimagines San Bernardino’s Beloved Community Hub
IECN.com
Redlands Boys & Girls Club Cuts Ribbon on $150,000 Playground for Local Youth Pg. 5
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL San Bernardino Family YMCA Executive Director Jennifer Lopez providing a tour inside the Y’s wellness center.
By Manny Sandoval
I
nside the San Bernardino Family YMCA, Executive Director Jennifer Gorostieta Lopez walks through a newly renovated women’s locker room — a symbol, she says, of the organization’s renewed commitment to investing in the families of San Bernardino.
Free Ontario Arts Festival Oct. 18: 60+ Artists, Museum Entry, Día de los Muertos
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL From left, YMCA of the East Valley Marketing Director Bjorn Madrid and San Bernardino Family YMCA Executive Director Jennifer Lopez discuss planned facility upgrades inside the gymnasium.
“This is just the beginning,” said Lopez. “We’re not just giving the space a facelift — we’re reshaping it to bring in what our community needs.” That includes remodeled locker rooms, a resurfaced outdoor court, expanded youth programs, senior fitness, mental wellness, and a sharp focus on family affordability — all informed by the community itself.
And for Lopez, who first encountered the Y as a fifth grader in an after-school program, it’s deeply personal. A Childhood Rooted in the Y Lopez’s journey with the Y began after her family moved to San Bernardino from Orange County in the early 2000s. SB YMCA, cont. on next pg.
Inland Leaders Urge FAFSA Action as Cash for College Supports 7-in-10 Education Goal by 2030
Pg. 5
Inland Garner Holt Foundation Empire Community Empowers Youth Newspapers Through STEAM, Office: (909) 381-9898 Animatronics, and Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Career Pathways Advertising: sales@iecn.com
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
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Angel Rodriguez, California Student Aid Commissioner and SBCCD Associate Vice Chancellor, addresses families during the Inland Empire’s Cash for College campaign kickoff.
By Manny Sandoval
A
s of October 1, financial aid applications are officially open — and Inland Empire leaders are urging families to act fast. With the cost of college continuing to rise, the region kicked off its annual Cash for College campaign on Oct. 8 at San Bernardino Valley College, encouraging students and parents to complete the FAFSA or
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Regional education leaders and school mascots, including SBVC President Dr. Gilbert Contreras, join together at the Cash for College campaign kickoff to promote FAFSA and Dream Act applications.
California Dream Act Application early to access maximum aid. Held at KVCR Public Media, the event marked the start of the 2025–26 aid cycle and brought together education leaders, elected officials, and students united around one goal: financial aid access for all. “This October your child, grandchild, niece or nephew can fill out the FAFSA or
the California Dream Act Application… It’s the first step to Cash for College and career training,” said Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District. “Financial aid is here to help, especially for working and middle class families.” Rodriguez emphasized the urgency of applying early, noting that many families Financial Aid, Cont. on next pg.