By Angela M. Coggs
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (August 2, 2026) — Under a blazing 102-degree summer sun, residents, community leaders, clergy, and advocates gathered Sunday afternoon at the corner of Highland Avenue and Medical Center Drive with a unified message: our neighborhoods deserve better.
For more than an hour, supporters lined the busy intersection carrying signs, waving to passing motorists, and speaking with neighbors during a community awareness rally organized by The Coalition of Westside & 6th Ward Citizens’. The event served as a public demonstration against the proposed cannabis business planned for the intersection, a location that organizers say is surrounded by homes and vulnerable residents.
Throughout the afternoon, passing vehicles repeatedly sounded their horns in support as drivers acknowledged the crowd’s efforts. Each honk brought cheers from those standing in the intense heat, reinforcing what organizers described as a growing movement of residents determined to protect their neighborhood.
At the heart of the rally were residents of the Magnolia at Highland Senior Apartments, whose community sits just 168 feet from the proposed business location. Many seniors stood shoulder-to-shoulder, while others sat in wheelchairs or used walkers, with families, church members, and neighborhood advocates, expressing concerns about placing a cannabis business so close to residential housing.
According to information on the flyer for the rally, organizers contend the proposed location conflicts with San Bernardino Municipal Code Chapter 5, Section 10.250, which requires a minimum separation of 600 feet from residential properties. The flyer also noted that another nearby residence on Medical Center Drive is located approximately 231 feet from the proposed site.
The coalition’s message was clear: this is not simply about one business—it is about protecting neighborhoods, preserving quality of life, and ensuring that local residents have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their community.
Beyond the concerns about zoning compliance, many residents say their opposition is rooted in the broader impact that cannabis businesses can have when located near residential neighborhoods. While studies have produced mixed findings regarding crime around licensed cannabis retailers, research has shown that dispensaries can attract increased vehicle traffic, loitering, theft, burglaries, robberies, and other nuisance-related calls for service, particularly when businesses handle significant amounts of cash due to federal banking restrictions. For neighborhoods with large senior populations, these concerns are amplified. Residents of Magnolia at Highland Senior Apartments expressed fears that increased traffic, parking congestion, late-night activity, and the potential for criminal opportunists could diminish the quiet, safe environment they have come to expect. Community advocates also pointed to the proximity of homes and the possibility that normalization of cannabis sales near residential areas could negatively influence neighborhood character and residents’ sense of security. Although state law permits licensed cannabis businesses under regulated conditions, many at the rally argued that the issue is not cannabis itself, but rather the appropriateness of placing such a business within a short walking distance of senior housing and other residences. They maintained that responsible land-use planning should prioritize protecting vulnerable populations and preserving the quality of life in established neighborhoods.
The event attracted a number of respected civic leaders who have spent decades advocating for San Bernardino residents.
Joining the rally was Cheryl Brown, former California Assemblywoman, whose years of public service and longstanding commitment to the Inland Empire have made her one of the region’s most respected civic leaders. Brown’s participation reflected her continued dedication to standing alongside residents on issues that directly impact the health, safety, and well-being of San Bernardino neighborhoods. Her presence further demonstrated the broad coalition of current and former public officials supporting the community’s efforts.
Among those participating was Rikke Van Johnson, longtime San Bernardino community leader, former Sixth Ward City Council member, and Water Department Commissioner. Johnson stood alongside residents throughout the demonstration, lending his voice and support to a cause that many believe represents responsible community planning and neighborhood preservation.
Also present was Kimberly Calvin, affectionately known throughout San Bernardino as “Mama Kim.” A former California Assemblywoman, former Sixth Ward Councilwoman, publisher, and small business owner, Calvin has long been recognized as a passionate advocate for residents on the city’s west side. Her presence underscored the importance of community engagement and civic participation in local government decisions.
Joining them was Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers, a member of the San Bernardino County Board of Education representing Area D. Dr. Dowdy-Rodgers has consistently championed educational opportunities and community partnerships throughout the county, and her attendance reflected the broader concern many community leaders share about protecting neighborhoods where children and families live.
Dozens of additional residents, faith leaders, neighborhood advocates, and community members also participated, creating a diverse coalition united by a common purpose.
The rally emphasized that opposition to the proposed cannabis business extends beyond elected officials or community organizations. Organizers stressed that the movement is being driven by everyday residents who believe their voices deserve to be heard before decisions are finalized.
Displayed prominently throughout the event was the coalition’s message:
“Our Neighborhood. Our Families. Our Future. Stand For Our Community.”
The flyer also quoted Jeremiah 29:7:
“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Organizers said the verse reflects their belief that strong communities are built when residents actively participate in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.
The coalition encouraged continued civic involvement by asking residents to attend upcoming public meetings, including sessions of the San Bernardino City Unified School District and the San Bernardino City Council, where organizers planned to continue expressing their concerns regarding the proposed business.
Despite triple-digit temperatures, participants remained energized throughout the afternoon. Rather than allowing the heat to discourage them, residents viewed their willingness to stand outside for more than an hour as a demonstration of just how deeply they care about the future of their neighborhood.
For many in attendance, the rally represented more than opposition to a single development. It was a reminder that community engagement remains one of the most powerful tools residents have in shaping their city’s future. As the demonstration concluded, supporters left with a renewed commitment to continue advocating for what they believe is in the best interest of their community—protecting residential neighborhoods, supporting families and seniors, and ensuring that the voices of local residents remain at the center of decisions that affect San Bernardino’s future.
