EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 63, NO. 30
April 30, 2026
San Bernardino 4th Ward Candidates Split on Homelessness, Fire Service and Mayor’s Power
IECN.com
Whole Foods Anchored Marketplace Approved in North Redlands Pg. 4
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
From left, candidates Jesus Medina, Fred Shorett, Erick Marquez, Joseph Salas and Vincent Laster participate in a San Bernardino 4th Ward City Council forum hosted by the League of Women Voters on April 23.
By Manny Sandoval
S
an Bernardino’s 4th Ward City Council candidates debated public safety, homelessness, city leadership and community engagement April 23 during a League of Women Voters forum that drew about 120 residents to Spirit of Our Saviour Lutheran Church. The
San Bernardino’s Arrowhead Grove Lands $3 Million Boost for 132 Affordable Housing Units
forum
featured
incumbent
Councilman Fred Shorett and challengers Jesus Medina, Joseph Salas, Erick Marquez and Vincent Laster, each outlining different approaches to improving city services, strengthening communication with residents and addressing long-running concerns in the ward. Shorett, who has served on the City Council for 17 years, leaned on his experience in city government and said San
Bernardino’s challenges require a clear understanding of the council’s role. “I know my role as a policymaker,” Shorett said. “My job is to work with my council members and to try to bring them along to decide on what we’re going to do. We are policy setters.” Shorett said the city’s frequent turnover in San Bernardino Forum, Cont. next pg.
SBVC Student Government Candidates Spotlight Campus Experience as SBCCD Plans Next 100 Years
Pg. 5
San Bernardino Announces Winners of Its Route 66 Inspired “Love Your Block” Grant Pg. 5
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL SBVC student government candidates Jolene Ruiz, Annaih Estrada, Alani Chapman and Matthew Cano gather during April campaign activities on campus.
By Manny Sandoval Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
A
s the San Bernardino Community College District marks 100 years of service, student leaders at San Bernardino Valley College are raising a clear message about the district’s next century: affordability matters, but the student experience must remain at the center.
In April, students at SBVC and Crafton Hills College began campaigning for student government positions, with candidates speaking about campus engagement, food access, student support and the importance of helping students feel connected to college life. Their campaigns come as SBCCD invites
students, residents, employers and community leaders to participate in its Affordable College Survey, which will help guide how the district delivers education and workforce training over the next 10 to 20 years. For students running for office, the survey reflects many of the conversations alreadySBCCD Survey, cont. next pg.