Despite rain and the draw of Dodger postseason baseball, nearly 1,000 people attended San Bernardino’s State of the City event earlier this month.
The free event Oct. 14 at the California Theatre featured mariachis; a trio from the San Bernardino Youth Symphony; bird singers from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, including Assemblyman James Ramos, D-San Bernardino; an animatronic robot named SPARK-E; and a first look at the city’s newly renovated theatrical venue.
Officials restarted the tradition of presenting a Key to the City to recognize an individual or organization’s contribution toward the city’s growth and success. Recipients this year were Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and Cal State San Bernardino President Tomás Morales.
Mayor Helen Tran and City Council members then delivered State of the City remarks, “highlighting recent accomplishments and previewing upcoming initiatives, including the dramatic reduction in crime, the opening of the Mt. Vernon Bridge, clearing encampments from city parks, investments in park and street improvements across the city, and this year’s Love Your Block program,” according to a city statement. Council members also discussed issues and events happening in each San Bernardino ward.
“One of the most moving parts of the evening was a video telling the story of Rosemary, who until recently was the matriarch of four generations of her family that were all homeless in San Bernardino,” officials said. “With the city’s help, Rosemary now has her own apartment, and her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids are now in housing as well.”
Event sponsors included Truck Terminal Properties, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center/California Center of Science Medicine and Teamsters Local 1932.
