Ob i t u a r i e s

Michelle Elaine Gates Baeza

fentanyl (which have been linked to cartels), and possibly even policing retailers who violate the ban

California is one of the leading states of fentanyl overdoses, and mark my words; it will get worse

Taking these things into consideration does this ban truly protect our kids and communities - or does it put them at further risk; I would say the latter These are the unintended consequences of a poorly planned policy that uses a blanket approach

My question to all of the 92 California legislators who supported Senate Bill 793 and the ban of flavored tobacco is - what is your plan now?

*These are not the views of Inland Empire Community News

Car men Neg r ete

Community News

Michelle Elaine Gates Baeza 74 passed away peacfully at home surrounded by her family on December 17, 2022

Born Michelle Elaine Jackson on July 19, 1948, at Fort Mason in Hampton Virginia, she spent her early years in Newport News Virginia surrounded by a large extended family and her beloved grandmother "Big Momma" Michelle's favorite memories as a teenager were her times in Washington State, France, and finally in California as an "Army Brat"

A graduate of Centennial High School in Compton California, Michelle called the Inland Empire home for over 45yrs Early in her professional career, Michelle was employed as a Building Technician for San Bernardino County and was actively involved in the community as a volunteer with the Parent Teachers Association, Consumers Rights, National Girls Scouts of America, and National Boy Scouts of America

Michelle was a member of the Inland Area Urban League, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and served as Chairman of the Westside Planning Area Council Education Committee In 1980, at the age of 31, Michelle ran for the City of Rialto School Board and in doing so, she set an example for other young women that they could strive to be leaders At the end of her professional career, she was employed by

Southern California Edison (SCE) as a Mapping Specialist where she continued to lead by example, working with committees to organize annual SCE family events

Michelle was recognized for her community involvement as the recipient of the PTA Mother of the Year Award

Michelle's hobbies included long walks in the Loma Linda Hills as a member of the Loma Linda Lopers You could often find Michelle walking the track at Frisbee Jr High School When Michelle was not walking with friends, you could see her at the Route 66 Classic Car Show driving her beloved 1953 DeSoto

The center of Michelle's life and love were her husband Frank Baeza of 44 years; her daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly Michelle Gerrard (Gates) and Paul Gerrard; her son and daughter-in-law, Kareem Brandon Gates and Jamie Gates; 9 grandchildren; her brother Robert Jackson and wife Allyson; her 2 additional surviving brothers; her 2 nieces and 1 nephew; her large and loving Baeza Family; the Lomax Family; the Gates Family; and her circle of friends in the Inland Empire, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, Cleveland, and England

Michelle touched so many lives with her warmth, intelligence, dignity, and spirit

Our beloved Sister, Cousin, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend was deeply loved and will be forever missed

Memorial Service: Friday, March 10, 2023, at 10:0AM Saint Catherine of Siena Church, 339 N Sycamore Ave in Rialto

Community News

Born January 4, 1933, Carmen passed away on February 25, 2023 at the age of 90

Carmen is survived by her children, Tina Morales, Bonnie Sanchez, Barbara Torrez, and Jimmy Negrete, 17 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren

Preceded in death by her husband, Art Negrete and her sons, Daniel Negrete and Richard Negrete

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 9th at 1pm at Church of Fire in Christ located at 12354 Mt Vernon Ave, Grand Terrace, CA 92313