E L C H I C A N o WWe e eekkllyy

By Manny Sandoval

c k i n g H i s t o r i c S m a l l R e s t a u r a n t s " p r o g r a m b y American Express in partner- ship with the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Mitla Cafe, with its long and storied history, is among the 25 recipients of the third annual grant program It aims to support the growth of small and independent restaurants by providing funding to improve the business' physical space and support critical operating costs

This grant is particularly significant for Mitla Cafe, which has served as a vital hub for the Mexican-American community in San Bernardino and played a p i v o t a l r o l e i n t h e r e g i o n ' s social history

The restaurant, opened initially by Lucia Rodriguez in 1937, served as a gathering spot for Mexican families and was frequently visited by civil rights leader Cesar Chavez It also played an indirect role in the d e s e g r e g a t i o n o f C a l i f o r n i a public schools in 1946 and is known for its infamous connection to the fast-food chain Taco Mitla Cafe cont on next pg

of Commerce Set to Host 45th Annual Law

Recognition Dinner

By Ricardo Tomboc

during its 45th Annual Law Enforcement Recognition Dinner over the past year The event, which will honor various regional departments, is scheduled for Thursday, June 15, 2023

The celebratory dinner aims to recognize the contributions and dedication of the San

School District Police, San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office Investigative Unit, San Bernardino County Probation Department, and the San Manuel Police Department/Public Safety Unit

The venue for the occasion is the San Bernardino Elks Lodge #836, located at 2055 Elks Drive, San Bernardino The event is set to begin with no-host cocktails at 5:30 p m , followed by the dinner and ceremonies commencing at 6:30 p m The Recognition Dinner is open to the public, with tickets available at the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce at 546 West 5th Street, San Bernardino Interested attendees can also reserve tickets by contacting the Chamber at (909) 885-7515 Tickets are $59 00 per person, payable by cash or check All attendees must RSVP in advance, as tickets will not be available at the venue on the event day

This annual event is a significant opportunity for the community to honor and appreciate the tireless efforts of its law enforcement officers, who work diligently to maintain public safety and order in the region

Mitla Cafe

Bell Glen Bell, the founder of Taco Bell, was a regular at Mitla Cafe and adapted the restaurant's hard-shell taco recipe, which played a crucial role in the national success of his fast-food empire

"Mitla Cafe " is a powerful illustration of a business that can be so rooted in its community and connected to a broader story It's a small business that has been the heart of San Bernardino for almost a century An establishment that has been a part of the region's history but is also in the process of writing the next chapter" said National Trust for Historic Preservation Chief Preservation Officer Katherine

Malone-France

The grant will improve Mitla Cafe's exterior building facing Mt Vernon and 6th Street with a pressure wash and fresh paint by year's end The cafe announced the news on its Facebook page: "We will use the funding to improve our exterior building facing Mt Vernon and 6th Street Stop by soon to learn more about how we'll use this funding and how it will impact our community "

As a testament to Mitla Cafe's enduring commu- nity spirit, the restaurant serves traditional Mexican-American food, focusing on its signature hardshell tacos The cafe's role as a communal gathering point is evidenced by the photographs of Mexican-American historical icons, friends, and regulars adorning its warm, flower-tiled walls

As part of the grant program, the American Express-owned restaurant technology platform, Resy also offers each grant recipient complimentary use of ResyOS for one year This software helps restaurants operate more efficiently and improves hospitality

The "Backing Historic Small Restaurants" program seeks to support establishments that operate in historic buildings or neighborhoods, contributing to their neighborhood's identity and the nation's culinary heritage Mitla Cafe, a quintessential example of these values, continues to serve as a testament to the enduring power of small businesses in shaping their communities

To learn more about Mitla Cafe and its awardwinning menu, visit mitlacafesb com

Undocumented Mentor ship Academy Photovoice Ar t Exhibit to Showcase the Stories of BIPOC , Fir st Generation Immig rant

Youth in the Inland Empir e Community News

The Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective (IEIYC) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Undocumented Mentorship Academy Photovoice Art Exhibit, a transformative event that aims to amplify the narratives of BIPOC, first generation immigrant youth residing in the Inland Empire This remarkable exhibition will take place at the San Bernardino County Museum on Friday, July 28, 2023, from 5pm-7pm

Recognizing the power of artistic expression, IEIYC has curated an exceptional art exhibition that provides immigrant and undocumented youth with the creative freedom to delve into their identities, foster a sense of community, and employ photography as a means of personal and political expression The event promises to be a truly cultural experience, shedding light on the unique stories and experiences of BIPOC, first generation immigrant youth, while making art accessible and inclusive for those interested in the arts

The exhibit will serve as a celebratory space, offering attendees an opportunity to rejuvenate, connect with loved ones and friends, and cultivate moments of learning and connection within the larger community It will be a platform for immigrant youth living in the Inland Empire to share their experiences and perspectives

To attend the event and support the ongoing efforts of IEIYC, tickets can be purchased at https://givebutter com/UMAExhibit While general admission is free, donations are being accepted an upgraded experience that includes unlimited appetizers and beverages and range from $15-$25 per person Donations of any amount are also being accepted to support the organization’s programming, stipends for youth, wellness materials, and emergency mutual aid

"We are honored to curate the UMA Photovoice Exhibit, providing a profound platform immigrant youth in the I E to share their powerful stories through the art of photography,” says Angel Fajardo, IEIYC Executive Director “This event embodies the spirit of resilience, cultural expression, and community connection We invite the community to witness the transformative narratives of these talented youth and stand alongside them in support "

For more information about the Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective and its initiatives, please visit www theieiyc org or call (951) 8003006

SBCUSD Celebrates Successful Completion of For klift Training and OSHA Safety Pr og ram f or Special Education Young Adults

Community News

In a remarkable display of dedication and determination, a group of special education young adults, ages 18 to 23, successfully completed a free vocational training program in forklift operation and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety

This significant achievement by the students who participated in the Working on Real Careers (WORC) Program not only highlights the potential of individuals with special needs but also showcases the power of inclusive education and vocational training in creating meaningful opportunities for their future The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) offered the training in collaboration with the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) Workforce Development and the SBCUSD Bridge to WORC program, headed by Special Education teacher Francine Apacible

Recognizing the importance of inclusive education and vocational training, SBCUSD and SBCCD came together to support individuals with special needs in acquiring essential skills that give them more opportunities to find skilled work Through this comprehensive program, these young adults were given an equal chance to develop their talents, gain practical knowledge, and enhance their employability prospects

The vocational training program centered on two vital areas: forklift operation and OSHA-10 safety regulations Participants were provided with hands-on training in operating forklifts, which included mastering essential skills such as maneuvering, loading, and unloading Simultaneously, they learned about OSHA safety guidelines, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of workplace safety practices and protocols, Apacible said

The WORC program takes a tailored approach, considering the unique needs and abilities of each participant Trained instructors and educators provided personalized support and guidance, adapting teaching methods to suit the learning styles of individuals with special needs This inclusive approach fostered a supportive environment that encouraged growth, self-confidence, and skill development among participants

“The journey towards completing the vocational training program was not without its challenges,” Apacible said “But the participants’ resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment shone through as they tackled obstacles and honed their skills ”

In fact, two participants achieved full certification in all four levels of training, seven students were certified in operating a pallet jack, and eight students earned the OSHA-10 safety training

San Ber nardino Witnesses Remar kable Success of Life-saving 'Sound the Alar m' Initiative

By Ricardo Tomboc and Manny Sandoval

The collaborative effort of the American Red Cross, San Bernardino County Fire Department, and various local contributors bore fruit on May 6th, Saturday, as they successfully conducted their impactful "Sound the Alarm, Save a Life" event in the heart of San Bernardino City

The main target of this initiative were the numerous Mobile Home Parks scattered across 9th Street and Valencia neighborhoods, where volunteers went from door to door, offering the invaluable service of installing smoke alarms at no cost to the residents

Launched in 2014, the "Sound the Alarm" program is a sweeping national initiative that aims to drastically diminish the frequency of deaths and injuries resulting from home fires Supported by various partners, the Red Cross has made remarkable progress, installing over 2 5 million smoke alarms and saving no fewer than 1,800 lives

The San Bernardino chapter of the Sound the Alarm initiative painted a vivid picture of the project's potential impact It made a substantial difference in 79 households, providing critical education on fire safety to 289 individuals and ensuring the installation of 169 smoke alarms

Many of these homes lacked any prior installation of smoke alarms, and others had faulty or outdated devices that were dutifully replaced with state-of-theart 10-year units

For those moved by this cause and interested in contributing their time and effort to the American Red Cross, you can contact the San Bernardino Recruiter, Juana Zapata, at juana zapata@redcross org to discover more about the diverse volunteer opportunities available

Community News

June is National Mig rane and Headache Awar eness Month

Headaches and specifically migraines cost employers tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars a year with employees missing more than 4 days of work a year and another 11 days with reduced productivity

There are many types of headaches including tension, migraines, and cluster headaches Tension headaches are the most common type of headache with approximately 40% of the population suffering from them

They are caused by muscle tension around the head and neck often due to stress, anxiety or depression These

Community News headaches can be treated by over the counter medications and are typically easy to manage by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and managing stress

A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head The headache can vary in intensity and is often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound “The combination of prioritizing quality sleep, limiting caffeine intake, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a well-balanced diet is key to effective migraine management”, states Dr Rajan Chopra, Neurologist at St Bernardine Medical Center About 12% of the population in the US will have a migraine at some point in their life Migraines may be triggered by caffeine, medications, hormonal changes, dehydration,

changes in weather, and even certain foods

Cluster headaches occur in patterns or clusters and may last weeks to months “Cluster headaches cause severe pain that tends to recur in the same way and same location each time”, says Dr Chopra Triggers include smoking, alcohol use, change in altitude foods with nitrates and bright light

It is important to monitor headaches and seek medical attention if they occur more often than usual and keep you from working, sleeping or participating in normal activities

CIELO Fund Scholar ship Application Open T hr ough June 30, 2023

The Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity, or CIELO Fund, was launched in 2022 at the Inland Empire Community Foundation with a mission of uplifting and investing in the region’s Latino community

Earlier this year, the CIELO Fund awarded grants to Latino led and Latino serving organizations throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties The CIELO Fund Leadership and Grantmaking Committee is proud to invest in the next generation of local leaders with the launch of the inaugural CIELO Fund Scholars Program to invest in Latino students attending Inland Empire colleges and universities, especially those intending to remain and work in the region upon completing their studies

Who is eligible to receive the scholarship?

The CIELO Fund Scholars Program aims to provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships to graduating high school students and current college students who are Latino This scholarship looks to support civicminded students who want to give back to the region and who demonstrate motivation, perseverance and a sincere desire to put their education to work for the benefit of the Inland Empire and underserved communities

Recipients may receive a one-time scholarship award of $1,000 to $2,000 to an accredited four-year public, two year community college or private institution of higher learning within the Inland Empire Priority will be given to those students who intend to work in the region upon graduation The scholarship awards are outright grant awards

No services will be required as a consequence of receiving the award Scholarship awards are for tuition, books, education fees, and/or living expenses All students are welcome to apply, regardless of immigration status

Scholarship Criteria and Procedures

Applicants will be selected based on the following:

Financial need

GPA of 3 0 or above

High school senior

Full time college/graduate student in Fall 2023 AB540 and Dreamers are welcome to apply

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Scholarship recipients are selected by a scholarship committee composed of educators and community members Applications are reviewed competitively

How to apply for the scholarship and submission instructions:

Eligible students must complete: 1) the attached application form; 2) A letter of recommendation (from counselor and/or others not related to the applicant) that is knowledgeable about your academic capabilities, skills, community service and volunteerism activities; 3) an essay; 4) transcript (unofficial is acceptable); and 5) student aid report (SAR) Final award recipients must provide evidence of enrollment in the academic institution to which funds will be paid on behalf of the recipient

Application Deadline: June 30, 2023

Submit Completed Application To: Denisha Shackelford

Inland Empire Community Foundation 3700 Sixth Street, Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92501

Or dshackelford@iegives org

For more information, contact Denisha Shackelford, Scholarship Manager at dshackelford@iegives org