EL CHICANo Weekly
Vol 58, NO. 03
Januar y 07, 202 1
www.iecn.com
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Bishop Rojas takes helm in San Ber nardino diocese
ishop Alberto Rojas succeeded Bishop Gerald R. Barnes on Monday, Dec. 28, as the bishop of San Bernardino, California. The Holy See press office announced Dec. 28 that Pope Francis had accepted the resignation of Barnes, who turned 75 on June 22.
Operation Pa c k t h e Sleigh donates ove r 1,00 0 toys Pg. 4
The move paved the way for the succession of Rojas, who was appointed coadjutor bishop of the diocese on Dec 2, 2019. The 55year-old Mexican-born bishop will now take charge of the fastgrowing diocese, which was established in 1978 and serves more than 1.7 million Catholics. Barnes, who has led the diocese for 25 years, announced in August 2019 his intention to retire at the age of 75, when Bishop, cont. on next pg.
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DIOCESE
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SAN BERNARDINO
At the start of the Mass of Welcome, representatives of six different communities presented Bishop Rojas with a gift while identifying their community.
Metrolink installs antimicrobial air filter s aboard all trains to protect health and safety of passengers, employees
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San Manuel pr ovides oppor tunities for students Pg. 5
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s COVID-19 cases across the state soar, Metrolink – Southern California’s regional passenger train service – is again stepping up efforts to keep safe and healthy its riders and employees, the essential workers keeping our communities functioning. Today, Metrolink announced the addition of new, state-of-the-art antimicrobial air filters on all its train cars to ensure the air passengers breathe throughout their journey is safe and clean. In March, Metrolink began implementing a new multifaceted health and safety program to keep riders and Metrolink employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts include a face-mask requirement at station platforms and aboard trains, enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures, and partnerships with leading health and safety institutions for Metrolink, cont. on next pg.
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METROLINK
Passenger feedback led to Metrolink doubling its hand-sanitizing stations and keeping a ready, fresh supply of masks available for riders arriving without them. Face masks are required on Metrolink platforms and trains.