A newly elected and reelected officials Meet and Greet event was hosted by Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) on Monday, December 15, to discuss long-term goals for San Bernardino County.
The event was held at the San Bernardino County Government Center and 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; Supervisor Josie Gonzales, 5th District; Supervisor Curt Hagman, 4th District; Mayor Richard DeLaRosa, City of Colton; Mayor Darcy McNaboe, City of Grand Terrace; Councilman David Toro, City of Colton; Councilwoman Summer Zamora Jorrin, City of Colton; Councilman Doug Wilson, City of Grand Terrace; Councilwoman Sylvia Robles, City of Grand Terrace; City Treasurer Janet Koehler-Brooks, City of Fontana; Trustee Joseph Williams, San Bernardino Community College District; and Colton School Board Member Dan Flores, Colton Joint Unified School District.
The Meet and Greet included an introduction by Assemblymember Brown and welcome by Supervisor Gonzales. Following introductions, Assemblymember Brown led a roundtable discussion, which allowed each official to share his or her vision for their community. Common goals included job creation, economic stability, preparing students for the workforce, effectively addressing homelessness, and ensuring that our region is moving in the right direction.
“At this critical moment that we face as a county, it’s very important to have a shared vision of the future. 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,” said Assemblymember Brown.
Following the roundtable discussion, elected members proposed solutions such as creating a regional plan for the Inland Empire, making sure that businesses and school districts are working together to prepare students to enter the workforce and bringing more business to the San Bernardino Airport in hopes of increasing economic growth.
“I look forward to partnering with Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown to 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,” said Assemblyman Steinorth, 40th District.
At the conclusion of the meeting, elected members expressed an interest in meeting regularly to develop a comprehensive plan.
“It was a professional gathering of newly elected and reelected officials that were able to come together, share thoughts, ideas, visions and create professional relationships,” said Councilman Toro, City of Colton. “It was also an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships for the benefit of our individual communities and the region.”
“It was a great opportunity to meet elected officials from our region,” said Colton School Board Member Dan Flores. “I learned that many of us are facing similar challenges. 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.”
In closing, Assemblymember Brown emphasized the value of teamwork. “We all have a shared commitment, which is to work together to improve the lives of the people we serve. 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,” concluded Assemblymember Brown.
For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.
(Pictured above: Assemblymember Brown led a roundtable discussion, which allowed each official to share his or her vision for their community. L to R is Councilman David Toro, City of Colton; Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown, 47th District; Supervisor Josie Gonzales, 5th District; Congresswoman-elect Norma Torres, 35th District; Assemblyman Marc Steinorth, 40th District; Trustee Joseph Williams, San Bernardino Community College District; District Director Daniel Enz, Office of Assemblymember Brown; District Director Veronica Zendejas, Office of Congresswoman-elect Norma Torres; and Mayor Darcy McNaboe, City of Grand Terrace.)