Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By John Coleman, Community Photographer
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Drivers, passenger bus riders and others could have been excused if they had paused in their travels last Saturday evening, feeling a need to ‘check out’ what was going on in Downtown San Bernardino.
It looked like party time at Court Street Square. Bright lights were strung through the trees and there were plenty of banquet tables, chairs and other seating with a lot of people standing about. Some were in lines of giant food trucks, others eating and well dressed people taking photos of each other. People were having a good time!
THIS in Downtown San Bernardino? A flashback of the past? Or a vision of the future?
Assembly Member Eloise Gomez Reyes presented the 3rd Annual 30 Under 30 Award Ceremony and Art Showcase, presented at dusk, in otherwise apparently deserted Downtown, City of San Bernardino was an outstanding success.
It was real, it was creative, and it focused on local youth and their roles in advancing the quality of life HERE in the Inland Empire (I.E.).
Opening the event, AssemblyMember Reyes did what is almost unheard of in the world of practical politics; she gave credit to an earlier political leader for the model of this event AND shared the platform with that person.
The 30 Under 30 program recognizes the special services and other contributions young people from different backgrounds for years have been providing here in the Inland Empire. THEY are our future!
A well-designed printed brochure containing the photo of each honoree was distributed; music chosen by each honoree was broadcast as the honoree contributions were read, he or she ….. received a plaque; The honorees, their families and friends and people from the community were there to see them honored! It was a warm, sultry evening; A great party.
In coordination with Assembly Member Reyes, The Honorable Wilmer ‘Amina’ Carter presented the Award for ’30 Under 30′ Continuing Service. to Dr Verissiano. 
Mariana Lopez, (between) Assembly Member Eloise Gomez Reyes & Frank Reyes representsSan Bernardino Community College Districtas lead coordinator of a new binational partnership, with the Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino to increase college attainment rates 
Dr Mahbuba N Hammad, Educator, (with family members after the event) listed as among ‘under 30’ international literacy leaders. 
Scene: Court St Park, San Bernardino. 
Wesley Koher, RN, Nurse Case Manager, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center provides for follow-up patient care services.
