Thursday, September 24 | Volume 40 No 28

Thursday, September 24, 2026

County Library invests in Continued from the front page

“We Ride; We Vote” Brings

Refreshed Spaces at Rialto, Oakland Community Together Montclair and Yucaipa Branches Through Fitness, Fellowship

RIALTO, CA---- Big changes are refreshed spaces they can enjoy and Civic Engagement

City Council districts. Riders of varying ages and cycling experi ence were encouraged to partici pate, with the event providing an opportunity to explore different Oakland neighborhoods while connecting with fellow commu nity members. The We Ride, We Vote initia tive combines health and well ness with civic participation, us ing community-centered events to encourage residents to stay active, informed and engaged. Co-organizer KaSelah Crockett described the initiative as an op portunity to connect with Oakland residents while creating a positive experience centered on active life styles and civic participation. “We Ride, We Vote is an oppor tunity to support, promote and engage with Oakland residents

Local businesses and community organizations were also invited to support the ride through the initia tive’s “Adopt-A-Stop” sponsor ship opportunities, which allowed participating organizations to con nect with riders at stops along the route. The September ride was hosted by 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc.; APT C Bar Lounge & Restaurant; Black Church Free dom Fund; Deeply Rooted; Ka Ciere; Makin’ Moves MC; Moods Beauty Bar; Tip Top Shape; Traf fikboyz; Tyehimba & Associates; Roll Out Crew; and We Ride, We Vote. The organization’s civic engage ment efforts are continuing this fall. We Ride We Vote is also pro moting an October 24 “Breaking Down The Ballot 2026” event in underway at three San Bernardino County Library branches as the li brary continues investing in wel coming, modern spaces designed to better serve residents and meet the evolving needs of local com munities. The Rialto and Montclair branch es are temporarily closed for ren ovations, with both locations an ticipated to reopen in late October. The Yucaipa branch temporar ily closed on September 14, with plans to reopen early November. “These improvements represent an investment not only in our li braries, but in the communities, we serve,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “We want our branches to be welcoming spaces where residents can read, learn, create and connect. We appreciate our customers’ patience while this work is completed and look for ward to welcoming them back to for years to come.” At the Rialto branch, renovations include a new dedicated storytime area designed to create an invit ing environment for the library’s youngest customers and their families. The branch will also welcome a new Animaker Space, developed in collaboration with Garner Holt Education Through Imagination, expanding oppor tunities for customers to explore creativity, technology and handson learning. The Montclair branch refresh in cludes a new layout, added study rooms and updated flooring de signed to enhance the library’s functionality and create a more welcoming and comfortable envi ronment for customers.

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while creating a positive commu nity experience around an active lifestyle and civic participation,” Crockett said in the event an nouncement. “It started as a fam ily ride to encourage healthy and informed voters, now we ride as an Oakland family with the same goals in mind.”

Oakland focused on helping resi dents understand the November ballot and make informed voting decisions. For future events and updates, community members can follow @WeRideWeVote on Facebook and Instagram or visit weridew evote.com.

Continued from page 4

Gov. Newsom Vetoes Bill lead, said at the rally that he sup ported AB 1383 because it would expand retirement benefits. The measure would have lowered from 57 to 55 the age at which qualify ing public safety employees could receive the maximum benefit un der certain pension formulas.

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