*Colton Courier 06/20/24

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COLTON COURIER WWe e ee

After years of legal and regulatory challenges, the City of Colton has reached a significant milestone regarding the property at 2680 S. La Cadena Drive. An amended agreement, which includes the permanent closure of 215 Gentlemen's Club (215 GC), the cancellation of a proposed mini-mart replacement, and the conditional construction of a digital billboard, was finalized and approved by the City Council.

Colton Development Services

Director Heidi Duron provided background on the long-standing issue. "The subject property, located at the northwest corner of Interstate 215 and Iowa Avenue, has been an adult nightclub for many years. The 1998 consent decree required the owner to transition the use by January 31, 2009. However, the City revised its adult business regulations in 2016 and pursued enforcement in 2018, leading to the current agreement."

The original agreement, known as the "Public Benefit,

Digital Billboard and Expired Land Use Settlement Agreement," required the owner to convert 215 GC into a service station and mini-mart, remove the existing pole sign, and construct a digital billboard. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this timeline, leading to significant delays.

"Although the agreement contained specific timelines, the pandemic caused supply chain issues that hindered compliance," said Duron. "As the situation eased, the Council directed staff and the City Attorney to amend the agreement, moving up the closure of the adult nightclub, which has been verified closed since at least May 2024."

The newly approved amendments include key changes: The owner is given two years to evaluate billboard market conditions before construction. Rights to the billboard construction can now be transferred to a third party, not just family members.

The adult club is permanently closed and cannot reopen.

Agroundbreaking analysis released last week by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Energy + Environmental Economics (E3) reveals that strategic electrification projects in California, including the Inland Empire, could save gas utility customers $20 billion by 2045. The report emphasizes that replacing aging gas pipelines with electrification programs

could cut annual utility costs significantly, benefiting Inland Empire residents.

The California Energy Commission warns that without intervention, gas bills could soar to $600 per month by 2050 due to the steep costs of maintaining outdated gas infrastructure. The NRDC and E3 report estimates that California gas utilities plan to replace 8,900 miles of gas distribution lines by 2045 at a staggering cost of $43 billion. Instead, the report suggests a geo-

graphically-targeted electrification initiative that would power entire neighborhoods with clean energy, offering households zero-emission appliances like heat pumps. This approach is projected to cost half as much as gas pipeline investments, saving customers money while enhancing air quality, climate resilience, and community affordability.

Switching from gas would also cut cli-

June 20, 2024 Vol 152, NO. 26
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Colton Gentlemen's Club Closed: Amended Agreement Finalized, Mini-Mart Replacement Canceled, Digital Billboard Contingent Electric Buildings Could Save Inland Empire Billions: 62% of Californians Back SB 1221 for Affordable Neighborhood Clean Energy Upgrades Gentlemen’s Club, cont. next pg. Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 IECN.com Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com DHCS Finds Medi-Cal Members Want Respect and Culturally Competent Providers Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino Celebrates Expansion with Ribbon Cutting for New Building Pg. 4 Pg. 4 Rep. Aguilar Announces $1.6 Million to Lower Energy Costs for Affordable Housing Residents Pg. 5
Clean Energy, cont. next pg.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Club 215 sitting empty at 2680 S. La Cadena Drive.
A
PHOTO ZSTOCK PHOTOS contractor installing solar panels onto the roof of a home in Southern California.

Gentlemen’s Club

The mini-mart/service station requirement is removed.

A revised timeline grants 24 months for evaluating market conditions and constructing the digital billboard.

Additionally, the city will benefit from an annual mitigation fee reflecting the gross revenue generated by the digital billboard.

Councilmember Dr. G raised concerns during the meeting, confirming the closure, "You mentioned the adult club has been closed. Has this been verified?" Duron confirmed, "Yes, it has been verified by the city staff."

Dr. G also inquired about the current plans for the property. "There are applications on file, and if they want to pursue something different, they would need to file a modification or new application. However, it would not be contingent on the billboard," Duron explained. She added that per-

Green Energy

mate emissions and protect public health. The building sector in California, generates about 25% of the state’s greenhouse gasses, equivalent to emissions from nearly 10 million vehicles.

Gas-burning appliances in homes emit four times more nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution than the state’s gas power plants, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, lower birth weight in newborns, and increased hospital visits.

Despite these findings, California continues investing heavily in new gas infrastructure, undermining its net-zero emissions goal by 2045. The state is the second-largest consumer of natural gas in the country, even though demand is declining. Gas infrastructure projects can take decades to complete, and pipelines can last up to 80 years, locking utility customers into costly, outdated systems. Notably, California has some of the oldest gas infrastructure in the nation, meaning decisions made today will have long-lasting impacts on the climate and clean energy future.

However, the state is pursuing solutions that could benefit both the climate and ratepayers. Senate Bill 1221 (Min) is moving through the state legislature and would enable regulators and utilities to launch targeted electrification pilot projects. These projects aim to reduce costs and emissions by shifting to clean energy infrastructure. Similar initiatives are being explored in Col-

Joe Baca,

mits with a previous developer for the mini-mart have been canceled.

The Council voted unanimously to approve the amended agreement, allowing the digital billboard project to proceed independently of other developments. This decision marks the end of a prolonged effort to resolve the property's use, dating back to 2009.

Despite the closure, 215 GC’s Google reviews remain, with a 3.4-star rating. A recent review from October 2023 stated, "It costs $20 to enter, plus there is a one drink minimum purchase. Water was $6, a lap dance was $40. The lap dance was supposed to be three songs but it was more like one minute and then they expected you to tip while being a brat. Enter at your own risk."

With the new amendments in place, Colton looks forward to the next steps in redeveloping the site and optimizing the digital billboard to meet community standards.

orado, Illinois, and New York.

“It’s time to make smarter decisions around energy infrastructure and invest in a way that makes energy more affordable for Californians while also driving progress towards our 2045 zero carbon goals,” said bill author Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine). “SB 1221 paves the way for this transition by showing how we can move away from fossil fuels in heating and cooling our homes, driving down utility costs for consumers, and building climate resilience."

A new poll by FM3 for the Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) shows that 62% of California voters support upgrading their neighborhoods to run on 100% clean electricity. Affordability is a key issue, with more than three in five respondents concerned about the high costs of maintaining or replacing aging gas pipelines.

With SB 1221, Inland Empire residents could experience neighborhood-scale decarbonization, long-term energy affordability, and healthier communities powered by renewable energy. This legislative move represents a critical opportunity for the region to lead in sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions.

For more information on the potential impacts of electrification in the Inland Empire, visit the NRDC and E3 websites or contact local energy advocates.

Fifth District County Supervisor of San Bernardino Recognize League of Women Voters

eral meeting held at Le Rendezvous Café, Colton, CA, to recognize immediate past president Betsy Starbuck and former president Jill Vassilakos-Long for their years of dedicated service and hard work in support of the goals and mission of the organization.

Dino Martinez Defends Title at Colton's Second Annual Horseshoe Tournament

Last week, veteran residents of South Colton joined newcomers at Veteran’s Park for the Second Annual Colton CITY TALK Horseshoe Tournament. The event saw nine participants, many accompanied by enthusiastic family supporters.

The morning was picturesque, with the Colton horseshoe pits meticulously groomed and painted for the occasion. Prior to the tournament's start, players' names were randomly drawn to determine the match-ups. Dino Martinez, last year’s champion, was among the participants, ready to defend his title.

The players were organized into eight bracket slots, progressing through three rounds to reach the final showdown. After an intense competition featuring one ringer and two leaners, Dino Martinez triumphed over Nick Zupkofska, securing the championship for the second consecutive year. Martinez's victory earned him a dinner at Le Rendezvous Restaurant.

The tournament featured Elaine Chavez, Norma Gallardo, Christopher Gomez, Javier Gomez, Dino Martinez,

Brandon Morales, Paul Padilla, Bob Salazar, and Nick Zupkofska. Elaine Chavez, a secondyear participant, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This was a great event, and the players really had a fun time playing horseshoes.” The event's growing popularity has spurred plans to continue this emerging tradition next year, with several onlookers expressing interest in participating.

Adrian Chavez, who attended to support his wife Elaine, remarked on the event's success, “It was good to utilize the horseshoe pits that are available to residents at the park.” The land for Veteran’s Park, established in 1966, was donated by the California Portland Cement Company and dedicated to the community in honor of its service members, particularly those who served in the World Wars. The tournament showcased the excellent facilities of Veteran’s Park, highlighting its value to the community.

For more information about CITY TALK and various community activities, including history briefs, the trash cleanup project, the G-Team, and local events, contact Dr. G at 909-213-3730. Questions and comments are always welcome.

Page A2 • June 20, 2024 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Colton Courier
PHOTO DR. G L to R; Elaine Chavez, Bob Salazar, Paul Padilla, Dino Martinez, Christopher Gomez, Dr.G, Council Member and Community Advocate; Javier Gomez (back), Norma Gallardo, Nick Zupkofska, and Brandon Morales. Jr.,
O
Community News n Saturday, June 13, Joe Baca Jr., Fifth District County Supervisor of San Bernardino stopped by the League of Women Voters, San Bernardino (LWVSB) gen-

Inland Empire Amazon Workers Prompt

Investigation, Leading to nearly $6 million in Citations at two Amazon Warehouses

Comunity News

Amazon.com Services LLC was cited twice for $5.9 million for violating California’s Warehouse Worker Protection Act, or AB 701, at two large facilities in Southern California’s Inland Empire.

The California Labor Commissioner’s Office issued the citations after finding that at the two facilities, Amazon did not provide employees with a written description of any work quotas they are expected to meet. AB 701, sponsored by former Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021 and went into effect in 2022.

“Amazon management really makes people stress about rate,” said Carrie Stone, who works at Amazon’s ONT8 facility in Moreno Valley. “If you don’t scan enough items you will get written up. This happened to me. I got written up for not making rate. They said I missed by one point, but I didn’t even know what the target was.”

The citations cover thousands of workers at two Amazon warehouses in the Inland Empire, ONT9 in Redlands and ONT8 in Moreno Valley. The citations include penalties of over $1.2 million at ONT9 and nearly $4.7 million at ONT8.

“Amazon’s push for speed leads to high rates of injuries,” said Mindy Acevedo, staff attorney with the Warehouse Worker Resource Center. “AB 701 provides important protections against dangerous work speeds and unfair quota practices, but these citations show Amazon failed to follow fundamental parts of the law. Courageous workers sounded the alarm about these violations and the Labor Commissioner took prompt action. We heard from workers that not only were they required to work at an unsafe pace, there was little transparency around work expectations and they could lose their jobs if they failed to meet these undisclosed quotas. Amazon workers are entitled to what AB 701 promises – fairness and transparency around quota expectations and a safe pace of work.”

The Amazon citations are among the first citations in California for AB 701 violations issued by the Labor Commissioner’s Office. Since September 2023, the LCO has issued citations totaling $7.8 million to five entities, including Amazon, for failing to provide written quota descriptions to their workers.

Following AB 701’s passage in California, similar legislation has since been enacted in Minnesota, New York, Oregon and Washington. In May, Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass) introduced a federal version of the Warehouse Worker Protection Act in Congress.

Workplace Safety Crisis at Amazon

Warehouse workers at Amazon experience injuries at alarming rates. Amazon’s own injury data reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) show an injury rate 75% higher than the average rate across non-Amazon warehouses and a serious injury rate more than twice as high as the rate for nonAmazon warehouses, according to an analysis of 2023 data by the Strategic Organizing Center. A recent study from the University of Illinois-Chicago suggests that actual injury rates may in fact be far higher, finding that nearly half of Amazon workers report being injured on the job.

According to a May 2024 report from the National Employment Law Project, “Injuries at Amazon warehouses are much more likely to be serious enough to require time off work or job transfer than at other comparable warehouse employers (with at least 10 facilities that employ 1,000 or more workers).”

Amazon Faces Multiple Citations Related to Worker Safety

Nine separate federal and state level OSHA investigations in the last three years have found that the high level of injury risk in Amazon’s operations violated the law. In 2023, federal OSHA opened new investigations

Fatal Rialto Traffic Collision on West Valley Boulevard

Community News

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 5:32 p.m. Rialto Police Department Communications Center received reports of a vehicle versus motorcycle traffic collision in the 200 block of West Valley Boulevard.

Officers and Rialto Fire Department Paramedics arrived on the scene minutes later and located the motorcyclist, Roger Norris suffering from life-threatening injuries. The motorcyclist was transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries at 5:58 p.m. Monica Granger was found

to be the driver of the white Toyota Highlander and sustained no injuries during the collision.

The Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded and conducted an investigation. Preliminary information indicates Norris was eastbound in the #2 lane of Valley Boulevard. Granger was westbound on Valley Boulevard in the #1 lane approaching Willow Ave. For an unknown reason, Granger drove across the painted median into opposing lanes where a head-on collision occurred with Norris.

Monica Granger was booked into a San Bernardino County jail

for Penal Code 187(a) Murder with a $1,000,000 bail.

The Rialto Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation. Anyone who may have information about this incident can contact Traffic Sergeant Dan Smith at (909) 644-6025.

Witnesses can also anonymously report information through WeTip at (800) 7827463, reference case #932406097.

52 Arrested, 23 Cited at City of SB DUI Checkpoint

Community News

Two drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence and 23 citations were issued at a DUI Checkpoint on June 7, 2024.

The DUI checkpoint was held at the 600 block of S. Waterman, from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Also, 47 drivers were arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license; 706 vehicles were contacted during the checkpoint and 24 vehicles were impounded.

Two drivers were arrested for active arrest warrants.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-re-

lated collisions.

The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off roads.

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

of ergonomic hazards and later issued violations at three additional warehouses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. OSHA also issued new violations for Amazon’s failure to keep accurate injury records at five warehouses in New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania and Missouri.

Washington State OSHA (WISHA), has conducted five previous investigations of Amazon warehouses showing 16 violations, and in August 2023 the state agency issued four additional “willful” violations for ergonomic hazards.

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether Amazon underreported injury data to its own workers, and made false representations about this data to lenders.

What are the details of the Warehouse Worker Protection Act (AB 701)?

Under AB 701 (enacted as California Labor Code 2100 et seq), a quota is simply the number of tasks you are required to complete in a certain time period. The law covers those who work in a warehouse with 100 or more employees or is operated by a company with 1,000 or more total warehouse employees in California.

AB 701 promotes fairness and transparency in the workplace – requiring employers to provide employees a written description of every quota they are expected to meet. It also gives workers the right to request their personal work speed data if they feel their rights under AB 701 have been violated, and the law prohibits employers from taking any adverse action against an employee for failing to meet a quota for which the employee was not provided a written description.

Additionally, AB 701 prohibits employers from enforcing quotas that interfere with workplace safety regulations or employees’ ability to use the restroom or take their full meal and rest breaks.

Smash & Grab Armed Robber, ThreeStike Felon Sentenced to 50 – Life

Community News

On October 15, 2022

Christopher Lamar (30), and an accomplice, entered a local Rancho Cucamonga jewelry store armed with a handgun, yelling “this is an attack” then ran up to the owner and pistol-whipped her with the handgun. He smashed the jewelry display cases and demanded cash. Lamar then proceeded to steal approx. $20,000.00 worth of jewelry and the owners iphone.

During the attack, Lamar wore a security guard jacket, and his accomplice wore an Amazon vest. Both also sported masks and gloves.

Good Samaritans in the store and the shopping center were able to provide a make, model and license plate of the getaway vehicle to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s detectives. The jewelry store and neighboring stores provided video surveillance footage of the suspect vehicle to assist in the investigation.

Hours after the robbery, using location tracking, the store owner’s cellphone was recovered near some train tracks, and the suspect vehicle was located abandoned and towed. A rapid and thorough investigation iden-

tified Christopher Lamar as the main suspect. At the time, Christopher Lamar had an outstanding felony warrant for burglary.

On Oct. 19th 2022, San Bernardino County Sheriff Dept. Specialized Enforcement Division (S.E.D) with assistance from San Bernardino Police Department apprehended Lamar after a short foot pursuit through Inland Center Mall in San Bernardino. At the time Lamar was taken into custody, he was in possession of an un-serialized semi-automatic firearm.

During trial, prosecutors introduced witness statements and surveillance footage showing Lamar using the same gun in the Rancho Cucamonga jewelry store robbery that was in his backpack at the time of his arrest.

A jury convicted Lamar of two counts of armed robbery, three counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. Lamar had two previous convictions of residential burglary in San Bernardino County making him a three-strike felon.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • June 20, 2024 • Page A3 Email press releases, news tips, alerts, obituaries etc. to Manny Sandoval at editor@iecn.com.

California’s

DHCS

Breaks

Down Barriers with Listening Sessions: Medi-Cal Members Want Respect & Culturally Competent Providers

As California grapples with persistent healthcare inequities, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has embarked on a transformative journey to create a more equitable and inclusive Medi-Cal system. This initiative aims to address the systemic disparities that have long plagued the state's healthcare landscape, particularly among communities of color and underserved populations.

"Who you are and where you live should not determine how you live," said Dr. Pamela Riley, Chief Health Equity Officer at DHCS. "Too often, people in communities of color face larger health disparities and are more likely to distrust healthcare providers. These experiences reflect deep-seated racism and structural inequities within our healthcare system."

Expanding Access and Services

In a landmark move, California expanded Medi-Cal earlier this year to cover all residents, regardless of immigration status or income level.

This bold step towards universal healthcare coverage is part of a broader effort to dismantle barriers to care and ensure that all Californians have access to the services they need.

"Health equity goes beyond access," Dr. Riley emphasized. "We are committed to providing culturally competent and accessible healthcare. This includes expanding services beyond the doctor's office to address physical and mental health needs as well as social support, such as home modifications, healthy meals, and transportation to medical ap-

pointments." Additionally, DHCS has made significant strides in enhancing service accessibility. The department's online services are now available in multiple languages, including Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian, Chinese, Farsi, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Mien, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. This expansion ensures that more Californians can access information and services in their preferred language.

"Language interpretation services are critical," Dr. Riley explained. "By making our services available in multiple languages, we are breaking down one of the key barriers to accessing care."

Listening to the Community Central to DHCS's strategy is the Health Equity Roadmap initiative, a phased, multi-year process designed to create a more person-centered Medi-Cal system.

The initiative's first phase, a statewide listening tour, began in September 2023 and concluded in March 2024. During this tour, DHCS officials engaged directly with Medi-Cal members, particularly those from Black and Indigenous communities, to hear about their healthcare experiences and needs.

Choice in Aging and The Bedford Center were among the many partnered organizations that facilitated these listening sessions. "We hosted 11 listening sessions, both in person and virtually, with hundreds of participants," said Debbie Toth, CEO of Choice in Aging. "The feedback was invaluable. Members want to feel respected and heard, and they

need language accessibility and culturally relatable healthcare providers."

Co-Design and Implementation

The insights gathered from these sessions are now informing the second phase of the initiative: co-designing solutions with members and stakeholders. This phase aims to identify common themes and develop actionable steps to improve Medi-Cal services.

"The biggest challenge during the listening sessions was engaging populations with cognitive impairments," Toth noted. "We had to find innovative ways to facilitate these conversations, often involving caregivers to ensure all voices were heard."

Tangible Steps Ahead

According to Dr. Riley, the Health Equity Roadmap is structured into three key phases:

Phase 1: Listening Tour

Began in September 2023 and concluded in March 2024.

Engaged directly with Medi-Cal members across the state.

Phase 2: Co-Design

Using feedback to identify common themes and solutions.

Collaboration with experts, advocates, providers, members, and stakeholders.

Phase 3: Health Equity Roadmap

Developing a comprehensive plan with actionable steps.

Ongoing process with continued feedback and engagement.

"We're committed to making sure that the benefits we offer meet the diverse needs of our members," said Michael Whalen, Program Director at The Bedford Center. "Our clients repeatedly express the importance of having a place to go during the day where they can feel seen, recognized, and supported. Building strong relationships with caregivers and physicians is crucial for advocating for our clients' needs."

A

Call for Collaboration

The Health Equity Roadmap is part of California's broader strategy to create a more equitable healthcare system. This includes initiatives like the CalAIM waiver, which aims to transform MediCal into a more coordinated, person-centered, and equitable program.

Governor Newsom's administration has also taken steps such as eliminating the asset test for Medi-Cal eligibility and establishing a $700 million primary care provider practice transformation program.

"We need everyone's input to make Medi-Cal more equitable and accessible," Dr. Riley urged. "If you have ideas or feedback, please share them with us at healthequityroadmap@dhcs.ca.gov."

As DHCS continues to implement these changes, the department remains committed to its mission of ensuring that all Californians have a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest levels of health. The road ahead is long, but with continued collaboration and dedication, California is poised to set a new standard for equitable healthcare.

Feeding America Riverside| San Bernardino Celebrates Expansion with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Riverside Building

Community News

Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) proudly celebrated its recent expansion into their new FARSB Hunger Resource Center in Riverside. The grand ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on Thursday, June 6th, marked a significant milestone in FARSB's ongoing mission to combat hunger and serve the community.

“Hunger is often called an ‘invisible crisis,’ yet it remains a critical issue nationwide, driven by complex social, economic, and geographical factors.”

Said Carolyn Fajardo, CEO at FARSB.

“Our new facility will be a cornerstone for efficient operations and a welcoming haven for those seeking help. This expansion will enable us to offer essential programs directly from our facility, significantly enhancing our presence and impact within the community,” said Fajardo.

Representatives from Mayor Lock Dawson and Senator Richard D. Roth’s office, the California State Assembly, the City of Riverside, and Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce were in attendance and

presented Fajardo with Certificates of Recognition signaling the official opening.

The new office space will accommodate part of the administrative team and feature a small delivery warehouse for redistribution. Already, the facility has served as a SNAP (CalFresh) Resource Center and hosted SNAP training sessions.

The Learning Center within the facility has been utilized for FARSB’s child education program, team-building events, and the Inside La Sierra Riverside Chambers of Commerce meeting.

emergency relief, education,

Later this year, The Fresh Start Pantry by Goodman will open, providing the community with a grocery store-like option for fresh food items. This initiative will allow individuals to personally select their items, prioritizing both choice and nutritional balance.

FARSB’s warehouse distribution and operations will continue at 2950-B Jefferson St., Riverside, CA 92504. The new resource center is located at 4035 Trail Creek Rd., Riverside, CA 92505.

Page A4 • June 20, 2024 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
PHOTO FARSB Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) is leading the fight against hunger in the Inland Empire by providing food access, and advocacy to families in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

Community News

Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that Neighborhood Partnership Housing Service, Inc. (NPHS) will receive $1,666,279 in federal funding to make critical infrastructure upgrades for affordable housing units.

The funding will be used to make improvements such as plumbing, roofing, weatherization and other energy conservation upgrades to affordable housing units. This will make the units safer and more resilient to extreme weather events, and significantly lower energy costs for residents.

“It is my top priority to lower the cost of housing so that folks who want to live here and be a part of our community are able to do so,” Rep. Pete Aguilar said. “I’m proud to have fought for this funding to lower energy costs in affordable housing units while improving resident safety.”

"On behalf of the communities that will benefit from this investment, I extend my deepest gratitude to Congressman Aguilar for

his unwavering support. The Community Project Funding award will play a crucial role in our mission to preserve affordable housing units in the City of San Bernardino,” stated Clemente Mojica, CEO of Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services, Inc. “This support not only strengthens our community but also ensures that more families have access to safe and affordable housing. Thank you, Congressman Aguilar, for championing housing affordability.”

Since 2023, Rep. Aguilar has announced over $72 million for affordable housing developments in the Inland Empire. These investments range from increasing the supply of affordable housing to renovating affordable housing units.

Rep. Aguilar also helped pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 into law, which included over $17 million in federal investments for 15 local projects across the region Rep. Aguilar represents in Congress.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

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PHOTO AGUILAR’S OFFICE
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • June 20, 2024 • Page A5 Rep. Aguilar
$1.6 Million to Lower Energy Costs for Affordable Housing Residents
Rep. Aguilar (center right) presenting a $1.6 million check to Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services on June 14, 2024.
Announces
Page A8 • June 20, 2024 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers Thank you to our sponsors listed below! If interested in becoming a sponsor email editor@iecn.com If interested in becoming a sponsor email editor@iecn.com If interested in becoming a sponsor email editor@iecn.com Covering the entire Inland Empire with a focus on the cities of San Bernardino, Colton, & Rialto!

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