Reyes welcomed the 2024 cohort of Young Legislators from the 50th Assembly District to the California State Capitol. This educational program aims to provide local high school students with firsthand experience in government and leadership. The two-day program included a diverse range of activities
designed to enhance civic engagement and policy understanding among these promising trailblazers.
The trip included touring the Stanley Mosk Court and Library, attending workshops, and meeting with state officials to learn about policy-making and civic responsibility. The second day included attending the Assembly Floor Session, where Reyes recognized the cohort. Students observed
the legislative process, attended committee meetings, and toured the Capitol.
“Active participation and engagement form the bedrock of our democracy. One of the most rewarding aspects of representing the 50th Assembly District is creating opportunities for our young students to feel empowered," said Assemblymember Reyes. "I hope that our Young Legislator’s trip to
band members organized a car wash to raise funds for essential musical equipment and supplies.
“We wanted to raise money for the band program,” said Brenda Uriarte, a volunteer parent and President of the Band Boosters. Uriarte, along with other parents, helped organize the students into groups to efficiently handle the car wash process. The Assemblymember Eloise Reyes’ Young Legislators from the City of Colton visits the State Capitol
n June 29, about 40 students
With the school year approaching, the
“The costs of operating a band are high,” said Campbell. “Our students and their parents have to chip in and help with raising money so that we can have a successful season.” The summer car wash proved to be a simple, enjoyable, and effective way
to raise money and increase awareness of the band program.
By Dr. G (Dr. Luis S. González)
from Colton High School's Yellowjacket Band gathered around Band Director Aron Campbell to kick off the new season with a fundraising event.
PHOTO REYES’ OFFICE
Colton Residents Emilio Gonzalez Flores and Isis Wilson with Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes and other neighboring high school students at the State Capitol.
CHS Band, cont. next pg.
PHOTO DR G
Colton High School Band Students with Dr.G, parents and Director Aron Campbell.
Young Legislators
Sacramento will provide participants with valuable knowledge that will serve them throughout their lives and inspire a lasting interest in government and civil service."
Emilio Flores from Grand Terrace High School said, "The Sacramento trip to the capital was definitely the highlight of my summer vacation. Not only did I create fun memories with my peers, but I also learned a lot about how much work is put in by our government to provide a functioning state. If given the opportunity for this again, I would not hesitate to say yes."
"Joining the program was super fun and really helpful. The activities and sessions were exciting and made each day interesting," said Isis Wilson from Carter High School. "I learned a lot of new skills and gained knowledge that will help me in the future. Additionally, I met some awesome people in the program and in Sacramento who gave me great advice and new opportunities."
The Young Legislators program continues to be a cornerstone of Assemblymember Reyes' commitment to educational outreach and community involvement. For more information about future programs or to get involved, visit Assemblymember Reyes' official website at https://a50.asmdc.org/apply-young-legislatorsprogram.
2024 Young Legislators:
Emilio Gonzalez Flores, Colton
Isis Wilson, Colton
Maddox Park, Rancho Cucamonga
Luke Park, Rancho Cucamonga
Brandon Park, Rancho Cucamonga
Srishti Surana, Rancho Cucamonga
Ben Truong, Rancho Cucamonga
Hannah Haro, Fontana
Lucio Vazquez, Fontana
Juliana Valencia, Fontana
Angela Santana, Fontana
Amélie Oregel, Fontana
Sonny Macall Reyes, Redlands
Nikita Jos, Loma Linda
Gary Romero, San Bernardino
Joseph Zepeda, Bloomington
Jorome Moore, Grand Terrace
Uriarte said.
event saw participation from both upperclassmen and new members, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.
Over 120 cars visited the car wash at Hubbs Gym, including a notable appearance by Dr. G, the former Band Director and current City Council Member, who brought his famous G-Car for a wash. Family members, friends, and other community members also stopped by to support the band.
“This was a great start to the new school year and a wonderful way to bring the kids together,”
The Yellowjacket Band, under the leadership of Director Aron Campbell and with the support of dedicated parents, successfully raised funds to support their program. The community's involvement and the hard work of the band members highlight the importance of supporting local school programs.
For more information on community events, contact Dr. G at 909-213-3730. Questions and comments are welcome.
"Welcome
to San Bernardino" Mural Unveiled: A 28-Day, 220-Hour Masterpiece by Resident Christian Mariscal
By Manny Sandoval
This morning, July 9th, the Rudy C. Hernandez Community Center buzzed with excitement as a new mural, entitled “Welcome to San Bernardino,” was unveiled in a ceremony that brought together local artists, community leaders, and residents.
The vibrant mural, created by San Bernardino Native Christian Mariscal, is a significant addition to the San Bernardino Beautification and Cultural Infusion Project, funded by a Creative Corps Inland SoCal grant from the Inland Empire Community Foundation in partnership with the California Arts Council.
The ceremony, which began at 10:00 a.m., marked a celebration of the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Each letter of the mural’s “San Bernardino” lettering showcases colorful and intricate depictions of the community, embodying the city’s spirit and diversity.
Artist Christian Mariscal, known for his previous public art projects, including murals at parks and community centers across the city, spent 28 days, totaling 220 hours, creating this masterpiece. “I’ve been doing a lot of serape style artwork and I tied that into the lettering and the background,” Mariscal shared.
Mariscal’s journey as an artist began in his youth, using graffiti as his medium. “I started spray painting at 11 or 12 years old,” he said. “I want people to understand that graffiti is art and I’m here breaking barriers with a spray can. I didn’t grow up with much education but I was able to use a spray can as my medium.” Mariscal has six murals across San Bernardino, and his work can be seen outside the Orange Show, the 5th Street Senior Center, and other locations.
The San Bernardino Beautification and Cultural Infusion Project, made possible by a $100,000 grant, allocated $40,000 to commission artists
for public murals, $40,000 for cultural demonstrations and workshops, and $20,000 for supplies and equipment. The project aims to celebrate and enhance the cultural richness of San Bernardino through art, and another mural is currently planned for the Encanto Community Center.
Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez, Executive Director of Arts Connection, highlighted the broader impact of the project. “Arts Connection helped advocate for the funds in partnership with the Inland Empire Community Foundation,” he said. “We pulled in $3.7 million directly to artists in San Bernardino and after one year since the grantees were selected, it’s amazing to see this mural come to life.”
Chavez also emphasized community involvement in the project. “Arts Connection engaged 448 residents in the city to understand the type of art they wanted to see. We conducted a listening tour, both online and through in-person feedback sessions and the top four elements residents want to see integrated into the art in San Bernardino are social justice, public health, environment, and voter and civic participation.”
The unveiling event was attended by Mayor Helen Tran and Councilmember Damon Alexander, adding to the community’s sense of pride and unity. “The Mayor and I went to the same high school, Cajon High School, and she understands the struggle that we all go through. It’s not just the art, it’s everything we do collectively to beautify and enhance the city,” Mariscal added.
“Public art plays a vital role in fostering community pride and engagement,” said San Bernardino Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director Lydie Gutfeld. “This mural is a testament to that vision.”
The “Welcome to San Bernardino” mural stands as a symbol of the city’s vibrant community and the power of public art to inspire and unite.
PHOTO ARTS CONNECTION
The “Welcome to San Bernardino” mural is located on the west side of the Rudy C. Hernandez Community Center at 222 North Lugo Avenue.
CHS Band
Supporting Men's Mental Health: A Guide for Women
By Alyssa Hunt, LLUH public relations specialist
In recent years, the conversation around mental health has gained significant traction, highlighting the importance of emotional well-being for everyone, regardless of gender. However, reports from Statista show that men are still far less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to women, and the suicide rate among men is around 3.6 times higher than that of women.
“Men face unique challenges when it comes to mental health that discourages them from pursuing professional support, resulting in untreated conditions that may worsen over time,” says Paola Vidauri, LMFT, Clinical Therapist II in the Substance Abuse and Recovery Program at the Loma Linda University Behavioral Medical Center. “Women can play a crucial role in supporting the men in their lives to help them navigate the stigma around mental health and foster an environment of understanding and acceptance.”
Acknowledge the ‘unspoken rule’
Mental health stigmas in men are often formed early in life, shaped by societal, cultural, and familial influences. As adolescents, boys are typically told to “stop crying” or “suck it up” when faced with emotional stress. This type of emotional discouragement is just one facet of what Vidauri calls the unspoken rule, which includes stereotypes such as:
If a man shows his feelings, he is weak.
A man is the provider of the family, his worth is tied to financial success.
Men are independent and should rely on self-sufficiency to not burden others.
When adolescent boys have feelings of sadness, anger, or grief, they may feel pressure to conform to masculine norms and suppress their emotions, which can lead to unhealthy coping skills.
When adults downplay young boys' emotions, it essentially tells them not to talk, which leads to men feeling uncomfortable if they talk about their feelings as adults, Vidauri says.
“When we get men in our programs who don’t want to talk, it has a lot to do with the unspoken ground rules
Three
Community News
Rthey learned growing up, the idea that expressing emotions is reserved for women,” she says.
How women can help
If you are supporting a male loved one through their mental health journey, “don’t give up,” Vidauri reinforces. “I know it’s hard, especially because men must first express themselves in ways they were told wasn’t okay when they were growing up, but don’t give up.”
Here are some ways women Vidauri says can help men navigate their mental health journey:
Sharing Experiences
Discussing mental health helps normalize and destigmatize the topic. Exposure to the topic helps serve as a motivator for men to talk more openly about what they are going through.
Pausing to Listen
Women often find it easier to discuss their experiences, but when conversing with a man who might not be accustomed to opening up, Vidauri suggests taking a moment to listen, as it's important to include his opinions and viewpoints in the conversation.
Invite Them to Your Therapy
When dealing with a man who is reluctant to attend therapy, Vidauri suggests inviting him to your sessions so that they can see what the process is like. “If a woman tells a man he needs to go to therapy, he might get defensive and resist. However, it’s different if she invites him to join her as a part of her supportive network.” The idea is that when a hesitant person sees someone benefiting from therapy, they may become interested and start to view mental health care more positively.
Set Boundaries
Nobody likes feeling uncomfortable, so it's essential to be patient and set boundaries for yourself. While it's important to help those around us, women must remember not to overextend themselves to the point where they become passive and neglect their boundaries.
What if they don’t want help?
Dealing with a loved one who doesn’t want help can be tricky because you don’t want them to shut down or shut you out. “Love them, but don’t work harder than them,” Vidauri says, “because that can make them push
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back.” The more you ask them to get help, the more likely they will avoid discussing personal topics with you.
To help with this, Viduari suggests using the “three rules” method. Instead of bombarding a loved one with texts, calls, and visits, you check on them every three days. This lets them know that you are still there for them, but you respect them enough not to unintentionally burden them or push them away.
Tips for Men
It can be challenging for men to deal with their mental health. Vidauri offers these simple tips to help men manage and improve their mental health.
Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Vitamin D: Boosting your vitamin D levels by going outside or being near a window helps regulate the mood and ward off depression.
Avoid isolation: Maintaining in-person friendships rather than relying solely on online friends fosters interpersonal support with loved ones.
Build a community: If you can’t surround yourself with friends and family, or you need additional community, there are numerous support groups for issues like depression and addiction.
Eat well: Processed foods might taste good, but a balanced meal benefits the body and mental health.
Get a checkup: Sometimes, a person experiencing mental health issues may have a deficiency in a specific hormone or vitamin, which a doctor can assess.
Self-care: In today's fast-paced society, taking a mental break can be challenging, but stepping back to relax and express gratitude can help a man regain focus on the positive aspects of life.
Click here to explore adult mental health care at Loma Linda University Behavioral Health or call 909-5589275 for personalized assistance and treatment planning.
*Originally published at news.llu.edu
Suspects Arrested in Connection to Redlands Home Invasion
edlands Police detectives arrested three suspects last week in connection to a home invasion robbery that occurred Sunday morning, May 12, in the 700 block of Concord Lane.
The victims were at home shortly before 1 a.m. when several masked suspects kicked open a rear door to the residence, setting off the home alarm, and confronted the residents. One of the residents attempted to fight off the intruders with a cane.
The intruders went upstairs and woke the couple’s adult son, forcing him downstairs.
The suspects fled the house after a few minutes without taking any property.
One of the residents was injured when she tripped and hit her head while trying to move away from the suspects. She was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Detectives conducted a thorough investigation and identified three suspects. On June 27 detectives responded to the City of Victorville where they located and arrested Victorville residents Derrick Thomas, 22, and Ryan Terrell Harvey, 31.
On July 2, detectives located and arrested 25-year-old Rashawn Jamar Jefferson, of San Bernardino, during a traffic stop in that city.
All three suspects are believed to be members of a coordinated burglary crew and have been targeting highend residences throughout Southern California. Investigators believe there are likely additional victims, and the investigation is ongoing. Police urge any-
one with additional information to come forward.
If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the Redlands Police Department Investigative Services Bureau at (909) 798-7659.
Anyone with information regarding crime or suspicious activity is asked to contact Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681 ext. 1.
Certain non-emergency crimes may also be reported online using the Redlands Police Department’s CopLogic reporting system at www.cityofredlands.org/report-crime.
Suspicious activity and tips can be reported using the City of Redlands 311 mobile app available for Android, iPhones, and iPads.
San Bernardino County Museum Offers Free Admission to All Historic Sites
Community News
The San Bernardino County Museum is elated to share that they are offering free admission to their historic sites including Agua Mansa Pioneer Cemetery, María Merced Williams and John Rains House, and Oro Grande Cemetery.
“By offering free admission to our historic sites, we hope to attract new visitors and provide access to these historically significant sites to our entire community,” shared Museum Director David Myers.
The Agua Mansa Pioneer Cemetery is all that remains of the communities of Agua Mansa and La Placita.
Situated across from each other along the Santa Ana River, they were the first non-native settlements in the San Bernardino Valley and the largest settlements between New Mexico and
Los Angeles during the 1840s.
The cemetery is located at 2001 Agua Mansa Road in Colton and is open Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations are welcome.
The María Merced Williams and John Rains House, built in 1860, has a history as colorful as the property’s gardens. Namesakes Rains and Merced, granddaughter of the prominent landowner Don Antonio Maria Lugo, built the home to withstand the hot inland Southern California climate, and of course to entertain.
The house is located at 8810 Hemlock Street, at the Vineyard Avenue exit from Interstate 10 in Rancho Cucamonga and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Oro Grande Cemetery is known to be one the oldest cemeteries in San
Groundworks
Bernardino County. Oro Grande Cemeteries first recorded burial occurred in 1852. The site has since been designated as a California Point of Historical Interest and features a memorial in honor of Lt. Manuel P. Rodriguez whose Purple Heart is on display at the Victor Valley Museum. The cemetery is located at 1313 Olive Street in Oro Grande and is open every day.
The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.
For more information, visit museum.sbcounty.gov or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
Continues Growth in California with the Acquisition of EagleLIFT in Rancho Cucamonga
Community News
Groundworks, the nation’s leading foundation and water management solutions company, announces its expansion into Southern California with the acquisition of EagleLIFT in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
This marks the third Groundworks office in California in under a year, a substantial step in the growth of both residential and commercial services.
“Groundworks continues our expansion along the west coast with the addition of EagleLIFT,” said Matt Malone, founder & CEO of Groundworks. “EagleLIFT brings years of local expertise and quality service in Southern California, coupled with a strong commercial presence in both California and Nevada.”
For over 20 years, EagleLIFT has specialized in managing complex foundation, concrete and soil stabilization projects for residential homes and commercial facilities.
As a certified engineering contractor, EagleLIFT performs soil-densification, fills voids that threaten the integrity of a building, and lifts and levels a structure back to grade.
EagleLIFT will primarily serve homeowners throughout Southern California but will continue to provide commercial services across California, Nevada and Arizona.
“Partnering with Groundworks will deliver outstanding value to our customers, with its robust tech-forward solutions and capital resources as a growing company,” said Cliff Frazao, President of EagleLIFT. “We share a commitment to trans-
parency, quality and excellence in customer service, as well as in our dedication to the valued experts on our team. Our employees will now have access to enriching training and career advancement opportunities –while also becoming part owners of the company.”
Since 2016, Groundworks has been disrupting the foundation solutions industry through its combination of aligning with industry-leading local brands and opening new locations – making it the first international foundation solutions company. This marks the company’s eighth acquisition this year.
For more information on Groundworks locations, services, and career opportunities, please visit www.groundworks.com.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
The Agua Mansa Pioneer Cemetery is located at 2001 Agua Mansa Road in Colton.
PHOTOS GROUNDWORKS
Groundworks is the nation’s leading foundation and water management solutions company.
Lewis Family Playhouse Announces its 17th Season with Paul Reiser, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Omnium Circus, and More
Community News
The Lewis Family Playhouse is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2024-2025 Season, showcasing a dynamic lineup of productions that promise to captivate audiences of all ages with live music, comedy, memorable musicals, circus, family favorites, and more! Plus, several of our productions feature local talent, making this an exciting opportunity to continue our mission to engage, enrich, and entertain our community through the performing arts. Please join us in our accessible, affordable, and intimate venue and be a part of our 17th season as we eagerly await to entertain you once more!
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, July 9th at 12:00 p.m. You can purchase tickets online on our brand new website at lewisfamilyplayhouse.com, by calling the Box Office at (909) 477-2752, or in-person at the Box Office open Tuesday-Friday 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., located in the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center at 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga.
Kicking off our 17th Season, we will sail away on September 21st with The LandSharks, one of the most popular beach bands in the world and a part of beach music history! Having played with Jimmy Buffet in concert in Key West, Florida and Margaritaville, they are endorsed by the man himself as the premiere Jimmy Buffet Tribute experience.
On September 27th, join us for The Kings of Queen! Selling out venues nationwide, The Kings of Queen is considered one of the country’s Top Rated Queen Tributes. This fierce foursome is fronted by Emo Alaeddin, known for the looks and voice of Freddie Mercury but also the flair, the moves, and the replica outfits. If you’re looking for the sound, energy, look, and feel of Queen, then The Kings of Queen is the band for you!
Doris and Me is a captivating musical tribute and joyful celebration of the music, life, and career of Doris Day and one man’s quirky obsession with America’s sweetheart. As one of Day’s most ardent and knowledgeable admirers, Scott Dreier’s heartfelt touch and charisma permeate the show with personal insights into Day’s unique influence on the Golden Age of Hollywood and the profound effect she has had on so many lives, including his own sheltered childhood. Join us September 29th.
While Stevie Wonder impersonators dot the landscape, Natural Wonder rolls into town with the full band experience complete with a crack rhythm section, full-fledged horn ensemble, and the formidable Gabriel Bello, a Billboard-ranked vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, channeling the energy and artistry that has made Stevie Wonder an icon across decades and genres. Join us Friday, October 4th.
From October 18th-27th, the award-winning Inland Valley Repertory Theatre brings one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid to life! With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," and "Part of Your World."
Get ready for an incredible night out on November 2nd with comedian Paul Reiser! As a seasoned actor, writer, producer, and stand-up comedian, Paul Reiser continues to add to his great list of accomplishments. He tours the country performing to sold-out venues and was recently voted one of Comedy Central’s “Top 100 Comedians of All Time.” Having had New York Times Bestsellers, award-winning music, and acting roles in films as iconic as “Alien,” Paul Reiser steps back to the stage with his most classic of skill sets, stand-up comedy. Join this prolific talent for an evening of cheek-splitting laughs with some of the most relatable and hilarious jokes on stage today.
In celebration of Veteran’s Day, join us November 10th, when Stargazer Productions presents “The Music of Our Heroes,” a lively music and dance revue honoring 50 years of armed forces service. From the radio hits of the “Greatest Generation” through Operation Desert Storm, this show highlights the bravery and diversity of our heroes.
On November 23rd, come sing along with Frontiers, the world’s number one tribute to Journey. These five talented, skilled, renowned NYC area musicians recreate the music of Journey to perfection, note for note - every nuance, every iconic riff, all the feels. Frontiers covers all the greatest hits of Journey, such as "Open Arms," "Separate Ways," "Send Her My Love," "Faithfully," "Stone in Love," "Don’t Stop Believing," "Who’s Crying Now," "Anyway You Want It," and many others that ruled the airwaves. When both Steve Perry and Neal Schon proclaim to the world via Twitter that Frontiers is their favorite Journey tribute band, you know you’re in for an authentic, unmatched, amazing experience.
On December 7th kick off your holiday season with the spellbinding magic of The Silhouettes as they shine light into darkness! Having wowed audiences on America’s Got Talent and NBC’s AGT Holiday Spectacular, this world-renowned shadow dance company now travels the globe spreading joy. Through light, color, video, dance, acting, and mime, celebrate the holiday season with your whole family in this unique storytelling performance of depth, intrigue, beauty, and mystique.
Join us December 10th for an evening your family will treasure forever with Vince Guaraldi tunes from A Charlie Brown Christmas starring five-time Grammy nominee jazz pianist David Benoit! Also appearing with Benoit is
vocalist Courtney Fortune! Don’t miss this must-see show featuring the cherished holiday songs that have charmed generations.
Honky Tonk Chicks is a powerhouse female vocal trio performing the greatest hits in Country Music on December 14th! Featuring beautiful three-part harmony with dynamic and fun dancing, covering songs from today’s Top 40 all the way back to country classics. Audiences sing and dance along to the most popular party songs of all time! Featuring HITS like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” “9 to 5,” and “Tennessee Whiskey,” this trio takes audiences on a wild ride through their favorite songs from America’s most loved musical genre, with a few holiay hits mixed in to celebrate the season.
Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande invite you on December 22nd to celebrate the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico! Named for the beloved Andalusian Christmas Carol, this vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a magical story of the season! Through the joyous rhythms of “Bells Upon Bells” and the colorful spectacle of Mexican dance, we capture the heartwarming reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey! You’ll experience the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas! Join them for an unforgettable program where every note and dance step embody the rich cultural tapestry of Christmas in Mexico!
Start the New Year right with a night you’ll never forget at A Tribute to Tony Bennett. On January 8th, be swept away by Steve Leeds with a timeless songbook of standards that spans three generations. It will leave you feeling uplifted and thoroughly entertained. Steve Leeds has taken the stage at prestigious venues, captivating audiences with his authentic renditions of Tony Bennett’s classics. From the romantic crooning of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” to the timeless elegance of “The Way You Look Tonight,” Steve’s performances transport listeners to a bygone era of sophistication and musical excellence.
Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best New Play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a “dazzling, pulse-pounding and remarkable” (Time Out New York) adaptation of Mark Haddon’s internationally bestselling novel. Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain and is very gifted at math. He is exceptionally intelligent but unfortunately ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing the neighbor’s dog, Christopher is determined to identify the culprit in true Sherlock Holmes style, which leads him on a thrilling journey across London that will change his life forever. Come join us January 17th – February 2nd for this thrilling, heartwarming, and uplifting theatrical event!
Read the full story at IECN.com.
San Bernardino County Leads the Way: Teamsters Secure Early Implementation of $25 Minimum Wage for Healthcare Workers, Bringing Immediate Relief
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Linen Workers who are being positively impacted by this wage increase.
By Teamsters Local 1932
In October of 2023, Senate Bill 525 by Senator Durzao of the California State Senate, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. SB 525 establishes a $25 per hour minimum wage for all healthcare workers in California.
“I’m so happy that my hourly rate is increasing because my rent has skyrocketed and until now, my wage has stayed the same. This gives me and my CoWorkers some relief,” said Tiffany Boddie, a Lead Custodian at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.
The original version of the bill was supposed to implement the new healthcare minimum wage in June of 2024 but be-
fore Senate Bill 525 was signed in October of 2023, the Governor and the legislature amended the bill to give counties an additional 6 months, allowing counties to extend the implementation date to 2025.
However, on April 30th, 2024, Teamster’s Executive Board, spearheaded by Secretary-Treasurer Randy Korgan, took immediate action provoking discussions with the County Board of Supervisors.
The Local was asking for the implementation of the new wage increase to be effective in June 2024 along with private sector competitors.
Because of that advocacy, in addition to the Board of Supervisors understanding
and ultimately agreeing, more than one thousand Teamster members across the San Bernardino County Healthcare system will now see an increase in their hourly wages sooner rather than later.
This provides immediate relief to the county’s healthcare workers who for too long, have been overlooked, despite being on the frontlines of the nation's largest county.
“We believe San Bernardino County is the only County in California that implemented the increases earlier than required because of advocacy, communication, and coordination with county leadership,” says Randy Korgan Secretary-Treasurer.
“I’m happy with the progress of our union and with the advocacy of our board. Living paycheck to paycheck is a struggle but with this increase, we get a little more comfort. This wage increase has been long overdue,” says Angela Kirkindoff, a linen room attendant at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.
The local would like to thank the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors for listening to its members and not delaying the implementation date.
Teamsters Local 1932 also thank Senator Durazo for authoring SB 525 which will have a positive and long-lasting impact on the lives of many of its members.
PHOTO TEAMSTERS
PHOTO
Teamsters Local 1932 is located at 421 N Sierra Way, San Bernardino.
