EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 61, NO. 27
June 13, 2024
California Reverses 58% Budget Cuts to Arts: Advocacy Efforts Yield Significant Wins for IE Arts Sector
IECN.com
Inland Empire 66’ers Visit Patients at Loma Linda University Pg. 4
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
A Colton artist painting in the San Bernardino Breezeway.
By Manny Sandoval
I
n a major turn of events, Governor Gavin Newsom has reversed a significant portion of the proposed budget cuts to the California Arts Council (CAC). The proposed $22.5 million cut, representing a drastic 58 percent reduction to the council's grants budget, has been revised to
Middle College High School Wins the CA Department of Education's Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award
a $5 million cut following robust advocacy efforts. This decision is a vital reprieve for the arts community, particularly in the Inland Empire, where arts organizations have been actively fighting against these cuts. Advocacy Efforts Prove Impactful Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez, Executive
IECN Staff
S
an Bernardino County's homeless population grew by just 1 percent over the past year, a stark contrast to the 26 percent surge in 2022 and 6.6 percent increase in 2021. This slowdown, revealed by the latest Point-inTime Count (PITC) data, is a sign that the county's aggressive efforts to combat homelessness are beginning to pay off. The January 25 PITC data indicated a modest rise in the homeless population, with 42 more individuals reported than last year, bringing the total to 4,237. This slight increase includes a 2.6 percent uptick in unsheltered individuals, with 79 more people living on the streets compared to 2023. However, there was a 3.1 percent decrease in the number of sheltered homeless individuals, signaling potential progress in finding more permanent solutions.
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Arts cont. on next pg.
San Bernardino County Homeless Population Growth Slows to 1% Amid $181.7M Investment in Homelessness Solutions
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Director of Arts Connection, shared key updates following a meeting with Senator Steven Padilla’s office. "Thanks to our community’s collective advocacy efforts, we’ve made significant progress with our elected officials at the state level," said Gutierrez Chavez. "Both houses have agreed to maintain the full equitable payroll fund of $12.5 million, a huge win for
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
A 35 year-old unhoused Bloomington man speaking with Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. on January 24, 2024 during the annual PITC.
“This data shows a flattening of our homeless numbers, which is a promising sign that we are heading in the right
direction,” said Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman. He, along with Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., serves on the County Homelessness Ad Hoc Committee. Baca Jr. emphasized the county's commitment to addressing homelessness, highlighting investments in projects like Kern Street and Pacific Village, which provide crucial services such as substance use treatment and recuperative care beds. “The County of San Bernardino is taking significant strides to address this issue head-on,” he said. “These efforts are crucial for improving the health and well-being of our community.” In a major push last September, Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe initiated the formation of an ad hoc committee under the direction of County Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke. The committee's mission is to delve into the root causes of homelessness and offer comprehensive policy and strategy recommendations. PITC cont. on next pg.