W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
Vol 23, NO. 13
November 21, 2024
Professional Boxer Finds Purpose After Early Retirement by Donating 1,000 Turkeys to Families in Rialto
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
NSG Impact Founder Darious Harris loading a box of produce into a vehicle at a monthly Food and Diaper Drive in May 2024. The Food and Diaper Drives are held the third Thursday of every month.
massive turkey giveaway just in time for Thanksgiving.
By Manny Sandoval
R
etired professional boxer Darious Harris has traded his gloves for goodwill, transforming his unexpected early retirement into a mission of community impact. As the Founder and CEO of Never Stop Grinding Impact, Harris is leading efforts to bring vital resources to Rialto residents, starting with a
First 5 San Bernardino Celebrates 25 Years of Stronger Starts and Better Lives for Children Pg. 5
HowTO Innovation HOW REACH US Propels Three Inland Empire Community Entrepreneurial Newspapers Businesses Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Pg. 8 Advertising: sales@iecn.com Legals : iecnlegals@hotmail.com
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
An NSG Impact volunteer handing out a turkey to a Fontana resident in November 2022 at the City Clerk’s Office.
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Harris and his team will host their annual Turkey Drive at the Rialto City Clerk’s Office, distributing 1,000 turkeys—nearly 20,000 pounds— along with full bags of groceries. The event, supported by sponsors including Community Action Partnership of San
Bernardino County, IEHP, Healthy Rialto, and Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., will operate on a walk-up basis. Harris emphasized the importance of making these resources accessible locally. “Normally, residents have to leave Rialto to find these type of resources,” Harris said. “Our goal is to bring those resources right NSG Impact, cont. on next pg.
Cheech Marin Unveils Bronze Statue at The Cheech, Jokes His Friends Were 'Flabbergasted' Over the Honor By Manny Sandoval
C
heech Marin, the legendary actor, comedian, and champion of Chicano art, unveiled a bronze statue in his likeness on November 19 outside The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture in downtown Riverside. The sculpture, titled “Meet Me at The Cheech, 2024,” was created by renowned artist Ignacio Gomez and stands as a tribute to Marin’s lifelong dedication to elevating Chicano art on a global stage. Marin, never one to miss a chance for humor, shared a lighthearted exchange he had with his oldest friend, Kenny, about the statue. “My friends were f**king flabbergasted when they found out I was getting a bronze statue. Kenny said, ‘Bronze statue, huh? Are you going to have hair or no hair?’ And I told him, ‘Since it’s art, I’m going to have hair down to my a**.’” The crowd erupted in laughter, reflecting the camaraderie and charm that Marin is known for. On a more serious note, Marin expressed his gratitude
and vision for the center’s future. “This has been an incredible journey. This collection has such a connection to the community and now to the world. In four years, the Olympics are coming to Los Angeles, and we have to ensure representatives from all around the globe come to The Cheech to see what Chicano art is.” The unveiling, sponsored by JP Morgan Chase, drew an enthusiastic crowd to the front steps of The Cheech at 3581 Mission Inn Avenue. Held at 10 a.m., the event marked a milestone for the center, which has hosted over 250,000 visitors since its opening in June 2022. The center houses Marin’s extensive 500-piece collection, the largest repository of Chicano art in the world. Ignacio Gomez, the artist behind the statue, highlighted Marin’s pivotal role in spreading Chicano art far and wide. “Cheech introduced Chicano art, not only to the United States but also overseas. He really did introduce Chicano art to the world. His collection PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Cheech Sculpture, cont. on next pg.
The legendary Cheech Marin moments after pulling the cover from his sculpture on the morning of November 19, 2024.