EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 60, NO. 14
March 2 3, 2023
S B VC c e l e b r a t e s l e g a c y o f M a r t a M a c i a s B r o w n v i a scholarships, honors her commitment to education
By Manny Sandoval
www.iecn.com
Future of transit gets major boost with presentation of $86.75M in funding f or We s t Va l l e y Connector Pg. 5
S
an Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) celebrated the legacy of Marta Macias Brown, a graduate of the college and an advocate for civil rights and social justice. The event, which took place on March 16, was aimed at benefiting student scholarships, and it brought together several prominent speakers, including Marta's sister Gloria Macias Harrison, Congressman Mark Takano, Robert Armenta, Marta's son Miguel McQueen, and Hans Johnson. All of them shared their reflections on Marta's life and the positive impact she left on the community. Marta was one of the founders of UMAS (United Mexican American Students), the precursor to MEChA while studying at Cal State San Bernardino. She worked with the United Farmer Workers to bring Cesar Chavez to the area and was also one of the founders and early editors of El Chicano
Newspaper. She worked in the office of Congressman George E. Brown, whom she later married, and shared his work. She was a mother, sister, and friend. Takano, who was the first person to call for Marta's endorsement in 2012, said, "I have to say she was a fixture in Congressman George's office." Armenta, who worked with Marta at Casa Ramona Baird, said, "She was a trustworthy confidant for political chisme. It truly was during these years that I learned the importance of community service." McQueen, Marta's son, spoke on behalf of the family, thanking everyone for coming to honor his mother. He said, "We all knew my mom, and she was somewhat of the glue to my family. She was always quiet and unassuming. I have a lot of pride in the person that she was. I tell my kids that they come from a family rooted in public service, and I'm proud of that legacy." Macias Harrison talked about Marta cont. on next pg.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
SBVC Chancellor Diana Rodriguez, Educator and Former Politician Dr. Judith Valles, and IECN Publisher Gloria Macias Harrison sharing a moment at the event.
Rebuilt Second Street Bridge opens in Downtown San Bernardino
College Corps co-hosts virtual briefing, highlights how it helps students find their purpose and combat depression Pg. 5
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Community News
T
he City of San Bernardino celebrated the reopening of Second Street between Arrowhead Avenue and Mountain View Avenue on Tuesday, March 14, restoring vehicle and pedestrian traffic to a key downtown corridor.
The road had been closed for three years for the demolition and reconstruction of the Second Street Bridge, which passes over Warm Creek and was found to have structural issues in 2020. At a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the bridge, Mayor Helen
Tran stated, “I share in the excitement of our residents and businesses in the reopening of Second Street. It is a small bridge, but a big connection point.” When Caltrans found structural issues Bridge cont. on next pg.