by Miguel Cruz on 2014-02-26

A building became a canvas for the community last Saturday, February 22nd as families worked on a mural for a building that will soon become El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center. The center will provide many resources for the public, including English as a second language classes, computer classes, as well as health resources such as a nurse and a psychologist on staff. The center, which will open March 28th, connected with Elizabeth Jasso Flores, a California State University San Bernardino graduate, and asked her to design a mural for the south wall of the building. The mural features a multicultural scene and San Bernardino city landmarks such as the Arrowhead Mountains. Resident volunteers began painting at 8 a.m. "It's a great way to nurture and express city pride!" Gigi Hanna, resident and City Clerk for the City of San Bernardino shared. She expressed the possibility of murals being an important part of San Bernardino's future. "Who knows, one day our murals could be another reason for tourists to visit our city." Jasso Flores said she hopes this mural is a start of something bigger. "Hopefully this will begin a new trend for more murals to appear across the city," Flores said. "We also are looking to get an art walk started. The city needs change. In order for things to change we need people who care about the community." "I am so incredibly proud of Elizabeth," shared Sharon Halter-Day, who was Jasso Flores' counselor in high school. "She is intelligent, has so many aspirations and is an inspiration to others." Halter-Day came to help with the painting of the mural, and brought her son, 14-year-old Austin Day. "I am happy to be part of my student's work, and to work with the community," shared Halter-Day. Miriam Nieto, who learned of the mural project through San Bernardino Generation NOW, came to help out, and to find out just how plausible it is for future mural projects to pick up steam in San Bernardino. "I wanted to see how many resources it takes, and how much support a project like this will gather." Nieto's sister, 10-year-old Judith Montenegro expressed her excitement to be part of the project. "It's my first time here, but I like to paint at home now and then," she said. Tony Barber, an artist who learned how to blow glass at San Bernardino Valley College, also joined the community for the mural painting. "As a commuter I drive up this street to my studio, so I will see the mural everyday." He said. "Artists need to support each other. Since I am a broke artist myself, I figured that the best way I could support is to help paint," Barber joked. [END] Text or call Sharon Halter-Day when you get there and she will help you with your coverage. 909-841-8772 The event is from 10-5 p.m. at the Inspire Multicultural Center, 766 North Waterman, San Bernardino, CA 92410 Good afternoon, I would like to share with you a wonderful news opportunity.  There is a new resource and multicultural center that is opening in the city of San Bernardino. This center is going to provide so many opportunities for people in San Bernardino and the surrounding cities and towns. They will have ESL classes, various resources, a computer room, computer classes, cooking classes, and even a nurse and therapist to help with metal and physical health. This weekend, the center will have a community based project of painting a mural on the side of the building to prepare for the grand opening. They drew the outline, but several volunteers will be there this Saturday, February 22 to work on the mural. This event also includes a local graduate of Colton High School. She has done some wonderful things in our community and she is the artist for the mural. Her name is Elizabeth Jasso. Her number is: 909-486-5589. The center is called El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center. Their address is 766 North Waterman, San Bernardino, CA 92410. Thank you so much for considering this newsworthy event! If you have any questions, my phone number at home is 909-862-3300 and my cell number is 909-841-8772. My work numbers are below. Have an amazing day! Sharon Halter-Day,Counselor Colton Middle School Mondays and Tuesdays 670 W Laurel St. Colton, CA 92324 909-580-5009 x3603 FAX 909-876-4095 Terrace Hills Middle School Thursdays and Fridays 22579 DeBerry Street Grand Terrace, CA 92313 (909) 580-5022 ext. 8161 FAX 909-783-3836 Every other Wednesday at each site