EL CHICANo Weekly
Vo l 61, NO. 19
Apr il 18, 2024
S a n B e r n a r d i n o Tr a n s f o r m s C r i m e - I n f e s t e d Va c a n t L o t into Bust li ng Ci ty Cent er with 5t h St reet Gat eway
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Colton Man Arrested for Attempted Murder Following Downtown Redlands Assault Pg. 3
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
(Left to right) Councilmembers Theodore Sanchez and Sandra Ibarra, and Mayor Helen Tran wearing custom Starbucks aprons at the ribbon cutting on April 11, 2024.
By Manny Sandoval
n April 11, 2024, the City of San Bernardino marked a significant transformation with the ribboncutting ceremony of the 5th Street Gateway project, a development set to rejuvenate the cityscape.
Local officials, including Mayor Helen Tran and Councilmembers Theodore Sanchez and Sandra Ibarra, alongside business representatives and over 200 community members, gathered at the vibrant site amidst a bustling crowd and soaring temperatures.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
The bustling 5th Street Gateway project is located at 796 and 770 W Fifth St., San Bernardino (same lot).
Councilmember Theodore Sanchez reflected on the city’s journey, emphasizing the project's transformative impact. "It’s been a long journey for San Bernardino to once again become the gem of the Inland Empire," Sanchez stated. "This project has replaced an empty, misused lot with thriving businesses that generate revenue and offer employment, marking a significant step forward for our city."
Mayor Helen Tran lauded the project as a wake-up call for the city's potential. "San Bernardino is a sleeping giant, and this project is waking up that giant," Mayor Tran commented. "These new establishments are not just places to dine; they symbolize economic progress, job creation, and a com-
mitment to exceptional experiences for both residents and visitors."
The event showcased the operational Starbucks and Del Taco, with the nearly complete 711 and Sonic, and the newly initiated construction of an Ono Hawaiian BBQ drive-thru adding to the excitement. David Firedman, co-owner of Realicore Real Estate and key player in the development, shared his enthusiasm and gratitude. "Today marks the first day of construction of our forthcoming Ono Hawaiian Bbq drive-thru. It's my honor to be doing this in a city I love so much. Thanks to everyone's patience as I take on my first ground-up Gateway Project cont. on next pg.
SBVC Foundation Receives $2.2 Million Grant from San Manuel to Support Educational Initiatives and Advancement Efforts
Historic MOU Signed by San Bernardino County, CSUSB, and SBCCD to Combat 66% Food Insecurity Among College Students
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CSUSB President Tomas Morales, Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., and SBCCD Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez signing a joint MOU in the Covington Chambers in San Bernardino on April 12, 2024.
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
By Manny Sandoval
n a landmark move to combat food insecurity among college students, leaders from San Bernardino County have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding access to CalFresh benefits for potentially over 181,000 college students. The agreement was officially signed on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the County Government Center.
The partnership involves the County of San Bernardino, California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), and the San Bernardino Community College
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
CSUSB President Tomas Morales expressing that hungry students cannot learn.
District (SBCCD). A recent survey conducted by the California Student Aid Commission highlighted that a shocking 66% of students experienced food insecurity during the 2022-2023 academic year, a significant rise from 39% in the 2018-2019 period.
Dr. Tomas Morales, President of CSUSB, addressed the critical issue of student hunger affecting learning and their families. “Hungry students cannot learn, they just cannot. Hungry students come from hungry families. This is not just about our students, this is about their families too,” Morales said. He further noted, “As an
anchor institution here in the Inland Empire, we serve the needs of our community so that we can help build its growth and sustainability.”
Angel Rodriguez, Associate Vice Chancellor of SBCCD, highlighted the broader scope of food insecurity, “In San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, over 181,000 college students might go hungry without CalFresh. Across California, that number is 750,000. Today, this shows how committed we are to changing those statistics for the better.” Student Hunger cont. on next pg.