Thursday, October 2 | Volume 40 No. 29

• Thursday, October 1, 2026
• Continued from page 5
• Continued from page 4

San Bernardino Unites to Restore Historic Pioneer Cemetery

County Library Empowers Next Generation Through Teen Leadership Program helping prepare confident, capable and engaged young adults who are ticipants strengthen skills that can translate into future academic and the LDS Church, IECN and the Historical Society to form a coordinated team. The cemetery holds the remains of some of San Bernardino's most significant historical figures, including among the city's first: Earp Family members, African American pioneers, military veterans, ways to be part of restoring this ready to make a positive impact in important piece of San Bernardi- their communities.” no's history."

Through the program, teens re- Recent years have seen increas- ceive training in topics such as job ing theft and destruction at the interviewing, leadership and incemetery. Visitors have reported tegrity, conflict management and finding pieces of gravestones and professional presentation. The exmonuments littered in surround- perience is designed to help paring areas, suggesting organized employment opportunities while providing leadership experience they can highlight on college and job applications.

To read more, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com.

the Ralph's grocery store family members, and Native American individuals whose remains have been officially confirmed. To raise awareness and funds, organizers are hosting a community historical tour on October 3 featuring vintage automobiles, historical reenactments, remarks from San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran, and tours led by the community and San Bernardino Historical Society. Tickets are $20. Organizers are also seeking sponsors to support the restoration work. Top-tier sponsors will receive the honor of naming a street or section within the cemetery, while additional sponsorships are available for specific restoration projects, inremoval of materials for scrap value. "Even a few weeks ago, I found what appeared to be part of an old headstone just lying on the side of the road," said Hensley. "The deterioration and desecration have become impossible to ignore." The restoration effort aims to address both the physical damage and prevent future vandalism. For more information about purchasing tickets or becoming a sponsor, community members are encouraged to contact San Bernardino Rotary at (951) 233- 5070 or email Trhoadeshensley@ gmail.com. The October 3 event promises to be a significant gathering celebrating the city's diverse heritage.

cluding monument repair. "We're asking the community to step up," Hensley said. "Whether through ticket sales, sponsorships, or volunteering, there are many

"This is about bringing our community together," Hensley emphasized. "We have an opportunity to honor the past while building a stronger present."