EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 58, NO. 43
October 14, 202 1
San Ber nardino Police Dept. has come a long way By Terry Elliott
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O p p o r t u n i t y, growth underlined at State of County Pg. 3
or years, the citizens of San Bernardino have been vociferously advocating for diversity and homegrown roots in the San Bernardino Police Department. In a time where certain of our citizen’s desire to highlight issues with any Police authority, manufactured, perceived or realistic, and specifically within our department, we thought it appropriate to take a breath of fresh air and celebrate the long-awaited, over-looked achievements in diversity that the public has been long advocating for. We celebrate the first Hispanic Assistant Chief in a decade (Francisco Hernandez), the second African American Captain (Nelson Carrington) in the department’s 116-year history, and the most senior female lieutenant (Jennifer Kohrell), all of whom reside in the Inland Empire. Former Chief Eric McBride seems to have kept his promise to the citizens of San Bernardino, albeit quietly. He promoted from inside the ranks, a diverse team
r etur ns to live perfor mances Pg. 4
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SBPD
of qualified leaders all of whom are not only minorities but settled roots, living and raising their families right here in the Inland Empire. According to San Bernardino Police Officer’s Association Vice President Jon Plummer, “More minorities have been promoted under the current administration than any past administrations ever. This level of diversity amongst ranks has not been seen before in the San Bernardino Police Department.”
According to the April 2020 census data, the racial make-up of our city is 65.2% Hispanic, 50.5% female and 14.3% African American. It’s refreshing to finally see our Police Department leadership in all supervisorial ranks closing the gap in mirroring the racial makeup of our city. According to current data, Field Training Officers: 9 Hispanic, 1 African American and 1 Female. Corporals & Sergeants: 7 African American, 2 Asian, 29 Hispanic and 9 Females. Lieutenants: 3
Hispanic, and 2 Females. We currently have 100 less officers than we did when the citizens first approved Measure Z ( .25 % sales tax increase for public safety) in 2006. Our elected and professional officials simply kept de-funding officer positions and diverting the money elsewhere. San Bernardino voters recently approved Measure “S” (1.0%, 4 times the original Measure Z sales tax increase) Diversity, cont. on next pg.
LLU sends mobile vaccine teams to vulnerable
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SB Symphony
PHOTOS
The SBPD celebrates its diversity: (from left) Francisco Hernandez, a Hispanic Assistant Chief from local humble beginnings who knows this city and understands the culture of our largely Hispanic citizenry; Nelson Carrington, a homegrown African American Captain, the second ever to ascend to this rank in the 116-year history of the department, who among his other responsibilities, is in charge of Internal Affairs; and Lt. Jennifer Kohrell, a highly visible, homegrown, senior female lieutenant.
neighborhoods in San Ber nardino
oma Linda University School of Pharmacy has received a $20,000 grant to mobilize vaccine teams, delivering COVID-19 vaccines to minority populations living in Southern California. The award was presented during the 26th annual National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation Scholarship Program, held earlier this month. The NACDS Foundation promotes diversity and innovation in pharmacy education in underrepresented populations. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to shed light on the health inequities and disparities that exist in our country and disproportionately affect some of the most at-risk populations facing health threats and limited access to health and wellness — and these upcoming educational initiatives are helping to serve as solutions to these critical issues,” said NACDS Foundation Vaccine, cont. on next pg.
PHOTO LLU Four to six vaccine teams will be sent out to reach the residences within specified neighborhoods. Teams will also visit homeless encampments and engage with those living on the streets of San Bernardino to optimize vaccination opportunities among the most vulnerable populations.