e e k l y W EL CHICANo Vol 55, NO. 02
THIS WEEK
Gloria’s Cor ner A3
Remembering Frances Grice: Community activist A4
The year in review
Councilman Nickel: Residents ‘have been heard’ on ar ts and culture concer ns
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By Anthony Victoria
an Bernardino officials confirmed they intend to continue moving forward with an amendment to a city municipal code that intends to convert a commercial construction fee into a tax for general use. However, concerns and criticisms from city fine art commissioners convinced at least one councilmember to consider allocating thousands of city dollars to support the arts.
“I don’t necessarily disagree with staff recommendations,” said Councilman Henry Nickel. “But I do want to thank the public for their comments...you have been heard. I do agree that we do have to maintain an arts program for our city.” Changes to the Cultural Development Construction fee, the ordinance located within Municipal Code 650 that imposes an excise tax on development, came after a review from the City Attorney’s office. Deputy City Attorney Steven Graham explained amendments made nearly 30 years ago to the ordinance do
IECN PHOTO COURTESY
BILL SANDEFUR
Councilman Henry Nickel, seen here with Cajon High School student Anthony Gray, said he agrees that San Bernardino needs to maintain an arts program.
not align with state law. The lates Propositions 13 and 218. Any changes made in 1989 placed rev- “special taxes” require majority enue generated through the tax in a support from voters. separate fund. According to Graham placing tax Arts, cont. on next page revenues in a separate fund vio-
Fir st baby bor n in 2018
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INSIDE ONE SECTION, 8 PAGES
Gloria’s Corner
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Words To think About A5 Legal Notices
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H OW TO R E AC H US
Inland Empir e Co mmunity Newspaper s Of fice: (909) 381- 9898 Fax: (909) 384-0406
Editorial: ie cn1@ mac .com Adve r tising: sales@ iec n.c om
IECN PHOTO COURTESY
DIGNITY HEALTH
Dignity Health Community Hospital of San Bernardino had their first baby born at 12:37 a.m. on January 1, 2018 A little girl named Ruby O’Connor - 7 pounds 19 inches long. Her parents are Edna Lozas and Yonathan O’Connor from the city of San Bernardino. Dr. Joe Mawad delivered baby Ruby.
IECN
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Januar y 4, 2018
Avila Elected Vice Chair of Omnitrans Board
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ucaipa City Council Member David Avila was elected Vice Chair of the Omnitrans Board of Directors at the transit agency’s December 6 meeting. He fills a vacancy created when Redlands Council Pat Gilbreath passed away in October. Avila’s term as Vice Chair will run through June 2019. Traditionally, the Vice Chair subsequently assumes the Board Chair position for a two-year term. The Omnitrans Board consists of elected officials representing each of the 15 cities Omnitrans serves and four San Bernardino County Supervisors. The current Chair is Loma Linda Council Member Ron Dailey. “There are too many cars on the road. We need to make public transit a more viable alternative,” said Avila. "I look forward to working with Omnitrans to help implement faster and more streamlined services to attract new riders.” Avila joined the Omnitrans Board in January 2017, and has served on the Board’s Administrative & Finance Committee. He also represents Yucaipa on the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Board of Directors. A 30-year resident of Yucaipa, Avila has served on the City Council since 2014. He had a 32year career with Cal Fire (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) before retiring as a battalion chief. He received his Associate of Science degree from Crafton Hills College and earned a BA at California State University, Fullerton. Avila said he used public transit often while a student at CSUF.