Leaders Gather in "Shared Commitment" to Promote Change

Newly elected and re-elected officials met with Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino) to discuss long-term goals for San Bernardino County during a Meet and Greet event Dec. 15. “At this critical moment that we face as a county, it’s very important to have a shared vision of the future,” Assemblymember Brown told leaders during a round-table discussion held at the San Bernardino County Government Center. “We must solve some of our greatest issues and problems, which include bankruptcy, economic decline, high unemployment, homelessness and persistent problems impacting the quality of education in our schools. By coming together and working cooperatively, we can bring more resources to help our constituents succeed and prosper.” The event included participation by Congressman-elect Pete Aguilar, 31st Congressional District; Congresswoman-elect Norma Torres, 35th Congressional District; District Director for Senator Connie Leyva, 20th Senate District, Manuel Saucedo; Assemblyman Marc Steinorth, 40th Assembly District; San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzales, 5th District; San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, 4th District; Colton Mayor Richard De La Rosa; Grand Terrace Mayor Darcy McNaboe; Colton City Councilmembers David Toro and Summer Zamora Jorrin; Grand Terrace City Councilmembers Sylvia Robles and Doug Wilson; Fontana City Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks; San Bernardino Community College District Trustee Joseph Williams; and Colton Joint Unified School District Board Member Dan Flores. After an introduction was given by Assemblymember Brown and a welcome by Supervisor Gonzales, leaders discussed common goals for the county that included job creation, economic stability, preparing students for the workforce, effectively addressing homelessness, and ensuring that our region is moving in the right direction. Elected members also proposed solutions to the issues facing local communities today, such as creating a regional plan for the Inland Empire, ensuring school districts and businesses partner to prepare students for the workforce, and attracting more business to the San Bernardino Airport to help increase economic growth. Colton Councilman Toro called the meeting “a professional gathering” of area leaders. “It was also an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships for the benefit of our individual communities and the region.” Colton School Board Member Flores said, “By working together, we can actually find solutions that support all of us, including cities and schools. It was also invaluable to speak directly with our legislators who are looking for more regional partnerships.” Assemblyman Steinorth of California’s 40th District said he looked forward to working in the Assembly with Brown to tackle these issues and “provide leadership, pragmatic solutions and results that help families and small businesses across the Inland Region. We will draw upon our broad relationships and resources to tackle the highest priority issues facing our communities.” Elected members expressed interest in regular meetings to develop a comprehensive plan, and Brown emphasized teamwork among the group to create beneficial change. “We all have a shared commitment, which is to work together to improve the lives of the people we serve,” Brown said. “Over the next term, we look forward to focusing on creating economic opportunities and development, impacting job growth and addressing homelessness. We’re moving in the right direction.”