Registered nurses working for San Bernardino County spoke out during public comment at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, August 6, voicing urgent concerns over severe patient safety issues stemming from chronic short staffing.
Over the past six months, nurses at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
(ARMC) have reported more than 125 incidents of unsafe patient care due to a lack of sufficient staff. The nurses, represented by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU), are demanding immediate action to address these issues, citing the county’s failure to recruit and retain nursing talent.
“This is unacceptable,” said Diana Lucatero, a registered nurse in ARMC’s medical intensive care unit. “We must stand
behind our hospital’s mission statement and make the necessary changes to provide our community with a hospital that focuses on maintaining the highest standards in patient care. The safety of our patients needs to be the top priority.”
Currently, more than 300 nursing positions remain vacant at ARMC, highlighting what the nurses call a crisis in care that is driving many to leave the profession. They are
By Manny Sandoval
Asuspect has been arrested following the fatal attack of a Colton resident, according to the Colton Police Department.
Authorities apprehended 30year-old Anthony Bedford of Loma Linda on August 17 in connection with the murder of John Vasquez, 59, who was found unresponsive in the 500 block of W. Oak Street early on August 16.
Colton police officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 2:54 a.m., where Vasquez was discovered suffering from life-threatening injuries.
Despite life-saving attempts by both police and Colton Fire Department personnel, Vasquez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an investigation, Colton Police detectives identified Bedford as the primary suspect. He was located and
arrested without incident the following day in the 100 block of N. Yale Street in Hemet, California.
Bedford has been charged with homicide and is being held without bail at the West Valley Detention Center, pending case review by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Anthony Jaeger at (909) 3705028 or via email at ajaeger@coltonca.gov.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through the We-Tip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or online at wetip.com.
This marks the latest homicide case under investigation in Colton, highlighting ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to address violent crime in the community.
County Nurses, cont. next pg.
Redlands Police Arrest
PHOTO CNA/NNU
Stacey Medina, RN in the labor and delivery unit at ARMC speaking to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on August 6, 2024 during public comment.
PHOTO COLTON PD
The 30-year-old Murderer Anthony Bedford being detained in Hemet on August 17th, 2024.
PHOTO CNA/NNU
Nearly five dozen ARMC nurses outside of the San Bernardino County Government Center in support of a stronger contract that focuses on recruitment and retention.
County Nurses (cont.)
demanding a new contract as their current agreement, which expires in October 2024, does not adequately address the staffing and safety concerns.
Staffing Crisis Endangers Patient Safety
According to the CNA/NNU, in April 2024, there were 411 vacancies countywide, with 317 of them at ARMC. However, when nurses requested a list of vacancies from ARMC, only 161 positions were listed. “When we asked ARMC for a list of vacancies, it only showed 161,” said Veronica Morales, an RN in ARMC’s case management unit. “After reaching out to HR, we were told these were ‘approved-to-fill’ vacancies, but prior reports didn’t reflect that approval.”
Lucatero described the direct impact these staffing shortages have on patient care, particularly in intensive care. “Before the pandemic, we could get our ventilated patients up for walks. Now, due to staffing issues, our patients are weakening dayby-day as we don’t have the staff or resources, making it tougher to rehabilitate them.”
This is not an isolated issue at ARMC. Nurses across the county, in departments ranging from public health and behavioral health to the sheriff’s and probation departments, report similar problems that stem from inadequate staffing and poor working conditions.
Urgent Calls for Change
The union has been pressing the county for a new contract that guarantees better working conditions and higher standards of patient care. “Providing the resources needed to care for our patients and our community in the way they should be cared for is crucial,” said Leslie Oyes, a burn unit nurse at ARMC. “Prioritizing recruitment and retention of nurses during these negotiations is paramount to resolving the nurse staffing crisis the county has been struggling with for years.”
Oyes emphasized that the county’s failure to address the ongoing crisis puts both patients and nurses at risk. “We urge the Board of Supervisors to make safe patient care a top priority and provide
RNs with the support we need to give the best care possible.”
Stacy Medina, a registered nurse in ARMC’s labor and delivery unit, voiced concerns over management’s ability to cancel nurses mid-shift, further compounding the problem. “We are already short staffed, and now management wants the ability to cancel nurses? This only hurts our patients. To ensure we provide the highest standard of care, we need a strong union contract that provides fair wages, benefits, and essential working conditions to attract and retain skilled nurses.”
A Misconception About Nurse Shortages
Despite claims of a national nurse shortage, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing shows that more than 166,000 registered nurses in California alone have active licenses but are not working in the state’s hospitals. Nationwide, over a million RNs hold active licenses but have opted not to work at the bedside, citing unsafe working conditions as a primary factor.
“The county needs to invest in nurses to prevent short staffing by improving working conditions and providing a safe and healthy environment,” said Morales. “We are demanding the county to do the following: prioritize RN retention and recruitment, staff by acuity according to Title 22, including state-mandated nurse/patient ratios at all times, prioritize patient care and safety of nurses, workers, and patients, provide a dedicated meal and break coverage in compliance with SB 1334, and finally—respect the union right of nurses and our role as patient advocates.”
As the nurses await a response from the Board of Supervisors, they remain firm in their demands for a union contract that will address these pressing issues and ensure safer conditions for both nurses and patients alike.
“The community deserves better,” said Lucatero. “We need a contract that reflects our commitment to providing the highest standards in care, and that starts with the county investing in its nurses.”
By
Dr.G (Dr Luis S González), community writer
On August 17, the Colton Lions Club teamed up with Councilmember Dr. G for a critical cleanup operation along Congress Street, an area notorious for illegal dumping and debris.
This stretch, extending from Pine Street to Fogg Street, has long been a magnet for discarded trash due to its high traffic, particularly from large trucks, and the area’s remoteness that provides cover for encampments and illegal activity.
Early in the morning, six members of the Colton Lions Club joined Dr. G, armed with gloves, trash bags, hand sanitizer, and water bottles, ready to tackle the growing problem. "We like to participate in this cleanup event to help Dr. G and to contribute to the community," said Cynthia Calderilla, President of the Colton Lions Club, emphasizing the club’s commitment to service.
The area, known locally as the "big curve," is frequently plagued by illegal dumping, which residents and volunteers alike find unsightly. "Illegal dumping does not look good," said long-time Lions Club member Ed Morden, adding, "With everyone’s help today, we’ll get this cleaned up."
Dr. G, a leader in community cleanup efforts over the past decade, has spearheaded numerous initiatives in down-
South Colton
Lions Club Joins Councilmember Dr. G in Cleanup Effort to Tackle Illegal Dumping in
town Colton, south Colton, and La Loma Hills. His G-Team, along with local community groups, has been instrumental in restoring areas impacted by bulk item dumping. “In just about every case, the cleanup project is a great success and makes the area noticeably better,” Dr. G said, highlighting the ongoing benefits to both residents and travelers passing through the now cleaner corridors.
The Colton Lions Club, established in 2019, is well known for its community service projects, regularly contributing manpower to large-scale initiatives like this.
"Our motto is to serve, and we engage in projects that help the community," Calderilla explained. The club also provides food, clothing, eyeglasses, and backpacks to individuals in need, reinforcing their dedication to the community.
The cleanup along Congress Street not only made a visible difference but also instilled a sense of pride among participants, who take satisfaction in contributing to the betterment of their neighborhood. It’s one more example of the Colton Lions Club and Dr. G’s unwavering commitment to improving the city.
For more information about community efforts led by Dr. G, including the G-Team, local projects, and ways to get involved, contact him at (909) 213-3730.
PHOTO CYNTHIA CALDERILLA
(L to R): Ed Morden, Dr.G, Council Member and Community Advocate, Evelyn Lopez, Carmen Lozano, Soledad Morden, and Patty Tewell
Xavier Robert Berver
Sunrise 11-29-52 | Sunset 7-20-24
Xavier Robert Berver, 71 of Colton, California passed away on 7/20/24 with family by his side.
He leaves behind his wife, Cecilia Berver, 1 son Xavier Berver, two daughters, Linda Berver and Nicole Richards, 1 sister Pam Berver of Colton, 1 brother Joseph Berver of Tijuana, Mexico, and two grandchildren.
He is preceeded in death by his mother Erlinda Villalobos, his father Jose Berber, his daughter Pattyana Berver, and 5 brothers, Beto, Ronnie, Dennis,
Yoyo and Anthony Berver. Robert joined the Marines in 1970 and was enlisted until 1974. When he left the Marines, he worked at Kaiser Steel Company for 15 years. Following that, he was a school bus driver for the city of Yucaipa for 25 years until he retired. Robert was also one of the original Royal Gents de Colton.
He will be missed by many.
Services will be held on Friday, August 23 at Riverside Veterans Cemetery at 11 AM.
Community Leaders Stand Up to Big Oil with Ad Campaign, Press Conference
By IECN Staff
Acoalition of Environmental Justice organizations from across the state launched a powerful new ad campaign titled Que No Te Engañen (“Don’t Let Them Fool You”) to expose oil companies for their lies and deceptive tactics in California’s Latino communities.
The ad campaign comes on the heels of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), one of the state’s most powerful lobbying groups, launching its own media campaign targeting Latinos’ economic anxieties to slow California’s clean energy transition. A scathing editorial by the LA Times called out WSPA’s attempt to influence California’s largest ethnic group as “especially cynical because it tries to take advantage of a community that is among the hardest hit by fossil fuel pollution and would benefit most from policies to slash emissions.”
A recent report from the American Lung Association found that 6 of the 10 most polluted cities in the country are in California, and have majority Latino populations. This is a big reason why California Latinos are exposed to the worst air quality in the country. Like-
wise, Latino kids are twice as likely to die from asthma than their peers and have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes as a result of over-exposure to air pollution in the state.
California Latinos are no strangers to Big Oil’s ploys and are becoming increasingly frustrated. A recent poll found that 70% of Latino voters said they were angry that oil companies are funding advocacy groups to lobby against climate policies. They are the most likely demographic to have heard of the oil and gas industry’s efforts to deceive them on climate change and attempt to shift responsibility for the climate crisis away from oil and gas companies.
One reason for the oil industry’s media blitz could be its recent defeat at the ballot. The industry was forced to withdraw its efforts to repeal California's SB 1137 law (which would restrict oil drilling adjacent to communities) on the November ballot after encountering significant public opposition and poor polling numbers, despite a substantial financial investment of $61 million.
Read the full story at IECN.com.
Redlands Police Arrest Bradley Clarence Peck, with Nearly
3K
Images of Child Sexual Abuse
Community News
Redlands Police detectives arrested a 30-year-old Victorville man for possession and distribution of nearly 3,000 images of child sexual abuse after receiving two cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Bradley Clarence Peck was arrested Tuesday, Aug. 13, during a traffic stop near his home in the 13300 block of First Avenue in Victorville. Peck works for a company with locations in Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga.
Detectives served a search warrant at the residence and recovered numerous electronic devices containing more than 2,950 images of Child Sexual Abuse Material.
Investigators determined that Peck used a KIK messenger app account to upload multiple files of CSAM in approximately 20 transactions to other users.
Peck sold the images through KIK and other online apps in exchange for Ama-
zon gift cards and cash transactions to his Pay Pal and Cash App accounts.
Peck was booked Tuesday into Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. He was released Wednesday on $30,000 bail.
This investigation is part of an ongoing operation by the Internet Crimes Against Children’s regional task force known as Online Guardian 2.0 to crack down on the sexual exploitation of children online. The regional task force includes law enforcement agencies from San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
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/reportcrime. Suspicious activity and tips can be reported using the City of Redlands 311 mobile app available for Android, iPhones, and iPads.
Redlands Police Department Reminds Drivers to Keep the Final Days of Summer Fun, Not Fatal
Community News
As the end of summer approaches and families prepare for Labor Day celebrations, the Redlands Police Department reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. Drivers are encouraged to make responsible choices behind the wheel by never driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“We want everyone to enjoy their end of Summer travels and Labor Day festivities, but it’s imperative to do so responsibly,” Redlands Police Cpl. Martin Gonzalez said. “Driving under the influence not only puts your life at risk but also endangers everyone else on the road. Our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and save lives.”
The Redlands Police Department offers the following tips to Go Safely:
•Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange for a designated driver, use a ride-sharing service, taxi or public transportation.
•Buckle Up: Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in the event of a crash.
•Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.
•Follow Speed Limits: Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
•Watch for Pedestrians and Bicyclists: With more people enjoying outdoor activities, be extra vigilant and share the road responsibly.
•Take Breaks: If you’re traveling long distances, take regular breaks to rest and avoid fatigue.
To help keep our community safe, the Redlands Police Department will have additional officers on patrol Aug. 16 through Labor Day (Sept. 2) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over.
In addition to patrols, RPD will hold a DUI Checkpoint Saturday, Aug. 31, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday at an undisclosed location within the city.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13,524 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2022 — that’s one person every 39 minutes.
While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products may also impair. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
County News
San Bernardino County Clerical Error Disqualifies Five City Council Candidates from November Ballot, Legal Challenges Possible
By Manny Sandoval
The Registrar of Voters (ROV) says it is collaborating with city and town clerks to address a clerical error that initially led five city council candidates to believe they had qualified for the Nov. 5 ballot when they had not.
The issue arose on Friday, Aug. 16, after the candidate filing period had closed. The ROV discovered the error, which impacted the evaluation of nomination petition signatures for city candidates. ROV staff reevaluated all petitions and identified eight candidates who were affected in total.
The error impacted candidates from the cities of Highland, Ri-
Talto, Hesperia, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Twentynine Palms, and the Town of Apple Valley.
Following the reevaluation, it was determined that five of the eight candidates did not meet the required number of valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. The ROV promptly informed the relevant city clerks of these disqualifications. The disqualified candidates may pursue legal challenges to secure ballot access. Any legal action must be resolved by Aug. 29, after which no changes can be made to the ballot.
Three of the affected candidates were allowed additional time to gather signatures due to an extension of the candidate filing period, which runs
through 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21. The deadline was extended in races where incumbents chose not to file for re-election.
The ROV addressed the situation by conducting follow-up audits to confirm the findings. Moving forward, the agency will incorporate additional audits into its candidate filing and petition signature review processes to prevent similar issues.
The ROV says it remains committed to conducting elections in a fair, transparent, and accurate manner while maintaining strong partnerships with city clerks. The agency continues to provide support to local clerks and candidates as the election process progresses.
Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Lifted in Redlands Area, Among Other Regions
hanks to the cooperation and diligence of residents and local agricultural officials, CDFA, working in coordination with the USDA, the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner, and the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner, has declared an end to the Oriental fruit fly quarantine in the Redlands-area following eradication of the invasive species.
The lifting of this quarantine signals the successful completion of a nearly year-long collaborative effort to eradicate four unique invasive fruit fly species (Tau, Queensland, Mediterranean and Oriental) from seven quarantine areas across seven California counties — San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Clara, Sacramento and Contra Costa.
“This was an unprecedented situation for California to experience this many active invasive fruit fly quarantines at one time,” said Victoria Hornbaker, director of CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division. “The response to these destructive invasive
species was an enormous effort, and thanks to the cooperation of residents, affected farmers, and our government partners at the local and federal levels, we’re incredibly proud to have successfully lifted all active invasive fruit fly quarantines in the state of California.”
The USDA made critical investments in the response with personnel and funding, and that commitment underscores the importance of ongoing investment in pest exclusion activities.
It’s important to remember that the threat of new fruit fly introductions remains. Left unchecked, they can endanger the state’s natural environment, agriculture, and economy. Agricultural officials urge residents to follow simple precautions and stay vigilant for signs of invasive species. To help prevent any future introductions, residents should:
Cooperate with agricultural officials and allow them access to your garden to place traps, inspect plants, conduct necessary treatments or remove potentially infested produce.
Buy fruit trees and vegetable plants from licensed California nurseries. Purchasing agricultural goods from uncertified sources can spread invasive pests. Source your plants locally and responsibly. To find a licensed nursery near you, visit CDFA’s Directory of Licensed Nurseries.
Inspect your garden for signs of invasive fruit flies or maggots and report any findings to CDFA at 1-800491-1899 or your local county agricultural commissioner’s office.
When entering the United States from another country, avoid bringing agricultural products — including fruits or vegetables. Help us protect our agricultural and natural resources and California’s unique biodiversity from invasive fruit flies — please Don’t Pack a Pest (www.dontpackapest.com) when traveling or mailing/receiving packages.
To learn more about invasive species and how to protect the county’s fruits and vegetables, visit CAFruitFly.com, rivcoawm.org or awm.sbcounty.gov.
Desert Water Agency Successfully Votes to Affiliate with Teamsters Local 1932
By Teamsters Local 1932
Teamsters Local 1932 is thrilled to announce that the employees of Desert Water Agency have voted in favor of joining the growing Teamster family, marking a significant victory for workers' rights and solidarity within our community.
As more and more workers in this industry organize to become Teamsters, they will significantly increase their message on how important these jobs are in maintaining safe water supplies while working in blistering heat.
"Our mission has always been to empower workers and ensure they have a strong voice in the workplace, and today, the employees of Desert Water
Agency have shown what can be achieved when we stand together. We look forward to supporting them as they continue to advocate for the wages and working conditions they deserve. This is just the beginning of a brighter future for these dedicated workers and their families," said Randy Korgan, Secretary-Treasurer, Teamsters Local 1932.
After a determined and collaborative effort, the dedicated workers of Desert Water Agency have chosen to join Teamsters Local 1932, adding 82 new members to our rank and file.
This successful unionization is a testament to the strength and unity of these employees, who stood together to ensure their voices are heard.
Teamsters Local 1932 is proud to welcome these new members into our union family.
We are committed to continuing our work with Desert Water Agency employees, ensuring that their needs are met, and their rights are protected as we move forward together.
This victory is more than just a win for the workers of Desert Water Agency—it's a win for the entire community, showing that when workers stand united, they can achieve extraordinary outcomes.
Teamsters Local 1932 represents more than 15,000 workers across the Inland Empire.
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
IECN Publisher Emeritus Gloria Macias Harrison prepping to drop off her ballot to the County’s Registrar of Voters in November 2022.
Community News
PHOTO TEAMSTERS
Employees of the Desert Water Agency celebrating becoming members of Teamsters Local 1932 in August 2024.
Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., with representatives from the Bloomington Municipal Advisory Council, and Bloomington Little League. Community News
In a special celebration on August 13, San Bernardino County broke ground on the Kessler Park Dream Field.
Representatives from the Bloomington Municipal Advisory Council, Bloomington Little League, and community were present to celebrate the momentous occasion.
“I had the vision for creating a Dream
Field for our families right here in Bloomington,” said Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “If other cities can have one, then this community is just as deserving of a field where kids can hit home runs, where parents can cheer from the stands, and the community can make lasting memories.”
The $3.1 million investment will feature 42,700 square feet of turf, an 18-foot-high, 120-foot-long blue monster, and a batting cage, among other improvements. This project represents a significant enhance-
ment to Bloomington’s recreational facilities, providing a state-of-the-art environment for both players and spectators alike. The upgrades will not only improve the experience for young athletes but also create a vibrant space where families and friends can come together to enjoy America’s favorite pastime.
“I’ve spent the past 6 years of my life on this field,” shared Bloomington Little League player, Sharilyn Bliss. “I’ve grown up here, made memories here and
I’m so excited to have an even better space for my teammates and me to play on.”
This extraordinary project would not have been possible without the leadership of Supervisor Baca, Jr., and the Board of Supervisors, the dedicated efforts of San Bernardino County’s Public Works Department – Special Districts, and the unwavering support of the Bloomington MAC and Bloomington Little League. This collaboration has made dreams into reality.
