New mayor reviews state of SB

By Essence Dennis |Staff Writer|

The issues within the city of San Bernardino were discussed at the city council meeting held on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Important topics presented at the council meeting were the city’s bankruptcy, Omnitrans, and San Bernardino’s new mayor.
Carey Davis, who was elected new mayor of San Bernardino on Feb. 4, was the topic of some discussion during the meeting.
“I don’t think voting for a new mayor is a good idea because of all the money troubles we’ve had so far,” said student Monica Pham-Luu.
His inauguration will be held on March 3, 2014, but until then he will continue working half days at his job at Hehr International before transitioning to mayor.
“I think it’s a good thing that we’re getting a new mayor, maybe something positive will get done,” said student Kristi Felix.
“I feel like San Bernardino shouldn’t have a mayor and should find a cheaper alternative, like a committee. I think there could definitely be a downside for the new mayor because there will be high expectations for him to fix up San Bernardino,” said student Tasha Hogan.
Students are hung up on knowing what positive measurements will be taken by Davis in the near future.
“I’d like to see less pot holes, less liquor stores, better apartments that are near CSUSB and maybe a decent mall,” said Hogan.
Next on the list was discussing the city’s bankruptcy, which Steve Turner, president of the San Bernardino Police Officers Association, commented, saying, “There are many crucial issues facing our city — bankruptcy, unemployment, and rising crime.”
“For San Bernardino to become economically stable and for jobs to come here we all must make our city a safer place,” said Turner when discussing the turmoil the city faces in an interview from sanbernardinocitybankruptcy.com
“It’s our fault we’re bankrupt, we keep putting this money into companies and have nothing to show for it except that we are bankrupt,” said councilman James Mulvihill who placed the blame for the city’s bankruptcy on the city council members.
Lastly, Omnitrans, has initiated new bus lanes for their “sbX rapid transit service.” The new street configuration is meant to warn others of what’s in store for the future.
For example, there will be new lane stripping, yellow safety barriers, as well as double yellow lines and Bus Only signs, according to omnitrans.org.
Chief of Police Jarrod Burguan said that a Bus Lane Violation will be a minimum of $341.
The bus violation signs are up to warn, “Motorists of the fine for entering a Bus Only lane,” according to omnitrans.org.
If students wish to learn more about the issues plaguing San Bernardino, they can sit in at the city council meetings which are open to the public.
If students wish to learn more about SB, they can visit city council meetings which are open to the public. To find out the schedules for their meetings you may contact them at (909) 384 5188.