The Mt. Vernon Bridge is Reopening!
Hello my friends,
San Bernardino is on the cusp of a transformational moment, and I want you to be a part of it. The Mt. Vernon Bridge, which has been closed since 2020 for critical demolition and reconstruction, will finally reopen – better than ever before. On August 23, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community event is being hosted by the City of San Bernardino and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority before opening the bridge to traffic.
Please click the image below for a video about the bridge project, what it means for our community and region moving forward, and how to attend the ribbon cutting event.
Read on to learn about the status of our 2025 Legislative Package and how to participate in National Night Out on August 5.
Bridging Community Connection
Since 1934, the iconic Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge has been a critical link between east and west San Bernardino and between the Westside and Colton, providing communities easy access across the BNSF Railway yard to visit family and attend church, to shop and dine, and to work.
Those of us who grew up and raised families in this area are deeply familiar with the significance of the Bridge’s reopening – not only because it will eliminate extra drive time and multiple freeway exchanges from our commute – but this transportation improvement project will also improve the flow of traffic for nearby neighborhoods, provide a wealth of economic growth opportunity, and serve as a key connection between our communities for generations to come.
I grew up here, so there are few memories that exist without that bridge. On Sundays my family would drive across to meet with aunts and uncles and cousins to go to church and to play at my aunt’s house afterward. One of my favorite west-side restaurants and a fixture in the 29th State Senate District, Mitla Café, has been a weekly destination for as long as I can remember. It’s memories of conversations and family milestones that have been flooding my mind in anticipation of the bridge reopening. I’m sure so many of you have similar experiences, and I’d love to hear about them. If you would like to share your stories of connection inspired by the Mt. Vernon Bridge, please click here.
Restoration of the Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge was my top priority upon election to State Assembly in 2016, because it was dangerously close to destruction and our lives and livelihoods were at risk. Just one week into my first term, I secured $31 million in state funding to demolish the old, crumbling structure, and pave way for construction of a safer and more accessible bridge.
Since the Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge was first closed in 2020, the impact to our daily lives has been palpable – especially for those with limited modes of transportation, and businesses accustomed to making ends meet with revenue from both sides of the city. We’ve found ourselves frustrated by delays - and many of you lost hope that construction would ever be complete.
On August 23, all of that changes. Promises made will become promises kept – and the benefits will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Congratulations, San Bernardino! You made this moment possible.
Linking Arms to Support Inland Empire Immigrants
On July 19, my team and I held an in-person legal clinic in partnership with some of the hardest working and most dedicated immigrant rights nonprofit organizations in California. Together, with San Bernardino Community Service Center, Pomona Economic Opportunity Center, Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, Direct Immigration Services, Inland Congregations United for Change, Centro del Immigrante, and Libreria del Pueblo, we brought legal experts and advocates directly to the people who most need their support during this terrifying time for our immigrant friends and neighbors. I’m proud to stand with the community leaders who fight to protect the rights and wellbeing of Inland Empire immigrants. The work doesn’t stop here. For Inland Empire immigration rights resources, visit my webpage. Information is available in English and in Spanish.
Click here to view a special reel about this day and our community partners.
Juntos seguimos adelante.
Two-Thirds of 2025 Legislative Package Clears Assembly Policy Committees
People all over California are facing serious barriers in their everyday lives, and it is my role as a State Senator to seek solutions that will open doors and provide space for families, businesses, and communities to thrive. My 2025 Legislative Package seeks to meet tangible needs for our Inland Empire neighbors. Whether it is access to voting, economic and educational opportunity, or public health and safety, my goal is to serve as a conduit between the challenges we face, and the solutions that Sacramento can offer. Thank you to my Capitol team, our bill sponsors, and community advocates for guiding these proposals through the hectic legislative process – I appreciate your commitment and grit!
More information on my authored legislation can be found on my website.
National Night Out
National Night Out is a community-building campaign that promotes positive police-community partnerships. These events occur on the first Tuesday of every August and inspire neighbors to gather for cookouts, block parties, resource fairs, and more. Here’s a video recapping last year’s festivities. On August 5, I hope you’ll join us at one of the Senate District 29 community events being offered at the links below:
- Bloomington
National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community-building campaign that is celebrated nationwide. The campaign promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods a safer, better place to live. - Colton
Join us for a special evening focused on community, safety, and connection. Enjoy live entertainment, family activities, and refreshments. This event is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there! - Fontana
The Fontana Police Department will be hosting the National Night Out at Miller Park Amphitheater. This event aims to promote safe neighborhoods and create community relations! - Highland
Free Indoor Event! Free Hot Dogs!
Join us for a Free Community Event. There will be safety education, community resources, activities, giveaways and food!
For additional details please contact Denise Moreno, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at (909) 864-6861 ext. 203. - Rancho Cucamonga
Join the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department for National Night Out 2025 for an evening dedicated to building stronger community partnerships and promoting public safety. This free, family-friendly event is a great opportunity to connect with your local deputies, learn about crime prevention, and enjoy a night of fun and education.
Come out and celebrate community, safety, and partnership with your neighbors! - Rialto
National Night Out promotes police partnerships, neighborhood unity, and the building of safer, more caring community. Free admission, activities for all ages, vendors, games, and more! - San Bernardino
Join us for a night of fun! Resources, fun games, booths, demonstrations, food and music.
