The dedication of a Peace Garden and a Night of Remembrance will take place at Cal State San Bernardino to honor those lost in the Dec. 2, 2015, shootings at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, and to build hope in the community as it continues to heal.
The first event scheduled on Friday, Dec. 2, will be the dedication of the Peace Garden next to the Chemical Sciences Building on campus from 3:30-5 p.m., with a reception to follow in room CS 141.
The garden was planted in memory of the five CSUSB alumni who were among the 14 who died in the tragedy: Robert Adams, of Yucaipa (public health education, 2011); Juan Espinoza, Highland (biology, 2002); Shannon Johnson, Los Angeles (environmental health science, 2004); Yvette Velasco, Fontana (environmental health science, 2013); and Michael Wetzel, Lake Arrowhead (biology, 2001).
Earlier this year, a number of CSUSB student groups sold “SB Strong” T-shirts to raise money for the garden.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the university’s Coussoulis Arena will be the site of the Night of Remembrance, organized by CSUSB, the San Bernardino Mayor’s Office, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the San Bernardino Community College District, and other groups.
“I am humbled by the partners that have come together to unite for this event,” said San Bernardino Mayor R. Carey Davis. “Our community continues to stand together united in solidarity and support for the victims, survivors, and families of those affected by the December 2nd terrorist attack.”
Speakers from religious organizations, law enforcement, federal agencies, and others are scheduled to speak on what occurred a year ago, and share their messages with those at the event.
The night will include uplifting musical selections from members of the community and will highlight partners who have helped to rebuild and unite San Bernardino.
Both events are free and open to the public. Complimentary parking will be available in lots M, L and the West Parking Structure after 2 p.m. for the Peace Garden dedication; Lot N will be open for the Night of Remembrance event.
Along with the CSUSB alumni who died that day were Isaac Amanios, Fontana, Bennett Bet-Badal, Rialto; Harry Bowman, Upland; Sierra Clayborn, Moreno Valley; Aurora Godoy, San Jacinto; Larry Daniel Kaufman, Rialto; Damien Meins, Riverside; Tin Nguyen, Santa Ana; and Nicholas Thalasinos, Colton. In addition, 22 people were injured.
For information on the Peace Garden ceremony, email llewis@csusb.edu.
For more information on the Night of Remembrance, contact the San Bernardino Mayor’s Office at (909) 384-5133.