Hundreds Attend Swearing-In Ceremony for Assembly Memeber Eloise Gómez Reyes

SAN BERNARDINO>> The community gathered together to celebrate Assembly Member Eloise Gómez Reyes during a community swearing-in ceremony Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 at San Bernardino Valley College. The ceremony was held in an auditorium that was packed with numerous elected officials, community members, friends, family and distinguished guests. With only standing room in the back, the crowd cheered in support of Reyes as Senator Connie M. Leyva gave the opening remarks as the mistress of ceremonies. Leyva introduced San Bernardino Valley College President Diana Rodriguez who recognized Reyes as one of college’s most distinguished alumni, graduating in 1976 from SBVC. “I am honored to be the president of this amazing college during such an exciting time when one of our very own distinguished alumni is sworn in to the California State Assembly to advocate on behalf of our community, our college and our students,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said Leyva was one of the first Latinas to open her own law firm business in the Inland Empire and offered free legal services to people who could not afford it. “That alone is incredible. That action alone speaks volume to her dedication and commitment to serving our community,” Rodriguez said. “Not only that, but she has served with many local nonprofit for raising money including raising thousands of dollars that go directly toward SBVC students.” The mission of SBVC is to provide the highest quality of education possible to a diverse population that makes a community of learners. “As a product of San Bernardino Valley College, Ms. Reyes is an embodiment of our mission. She is a champion for increased student access and we know she will continue the hard work to reinforce our district commitment to student success,” Rodriguez said. After the welcome speech, a presentation of colors was given by the City of Colton VFW 6476 and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the City of Fontana Girl Scouts Troop 1801. The National Anthem was given by Chris Baylon, City of Rialto; and an invocation was given by Father Miguel Ceja, a personal friend of Reyes. Laphonza Butler, President of Service Employees International Union Local 2015, spoke at the ceremony to celebrate the victory Reyes earned. Butler spoke of the moment when Reyes stood in front of the board to earn SEIU Local’s endorsement and said “not only do I stand with you, but I will fight for you every single day to improve your lives, the lives of your families and the lives of the communities you come from and which you serve.” “We are here to not only welcome in a new day and brighter horizon for the 47th district but to profess to Assembly Member Reyes that as you committed to stand with us, we commit to stand with you to make sure that every vote that was cast, every voice that was raised, every door that was knocked and every phone call that was made, is able to win with you so that you’re not going to Sacramento by yourself,” Butler said. “We know that you carry us in your heart.” Penny Newman, Founder and Executive of Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice, spoke and said the region has some of the highest pollution levels and residents in the vicinity of the rail yard in San Bernardino have an alarming rate of cancer. But, Newman described Reyes as someone who she knows will be their champion. Newman said Reyes has taken steps to make sure she is grounded and continues to stay grounded. “She has formed a community council of experts who are dealing with restoring justice with environmental justice to hold her accountable and bring her to reality of what our communities are,” Newman said. “That is what true leadership is.” She closed her remarks by saying Levya and Reyes are two of her heroes and that she has never been more proud to be a woman of the Inland Empire then she is now. “This is what democracy looks like,” Newman said. Gary Liaou, vice president of Lucky Farms and former president of the Chinese-American Association, said he met Reyes 20 years ago when she was a lawyer against him during a case. He said it was then that he found her to be intelligent, dynamic, eager to help others and willing to listen. He said Reyes is also very compassionate and actively participated in the Asian community and various projects. “It is my great pleasure and honor to be here as she begins to serve the people in our community and our state as Assembly Member Eloise Gómez Reyes,” Liaou said. President of UFCW Local 1167 Rick Bruer said it was an honor to be at the ceremony and thanked Reyes for the opportunity to be alongside her during the campaign. “We’re here to celebrate the introduction of a true friend, a hard-working woman, a volunteer, a community leader, an advocate, an educator and a person I personally respect and look up to for the works she has done in the community.” Bruer spoke of the American Dream of working hard, getting an education and working together to build the community. “Eloise Reyes has proven she is a part of that American Dream,” Bruer said. Bruer said UFCW Local shares her values and that they know she will fight for them in the State Capitol. Dr. Terri Gómez, Interim vice president for student success at Cal Poly Pomana and sister to Eloise, said she is honored to recognize the historic event with her sister and family. She explained that she always looked up to Eloise and that she had always been her champion. Terri told the story of Eloise starting a drill team when she was just 16 years old and that with her parents, Eloise inspired leadership. Terri said she always wanted to be just like Eloise and Eloise helped pave her way to college and encouraged her in many ways when Terri followed her own calling in teaching. “She will continue to fight,” Terri said. “Do work that matters and here is the proof.” After the guest speakers took the stage, Dr. Judith Valles, Board of Water Commissioner of City of San Bernardino and former mayor of San Bernardino, officiated the swearing-in ceremony as Reyes gave the oath of office. Supervisor Josie Gonzalez presented Reyes with a county seal on behalf of the San Bernardino County Supervisors and congratulated Reyes on her election as assembly member. Colton Mayor Richard DeLaRosa and Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren each gave her a certificate of recognition. Reyes took the stage to thank all who participated in the ceremony, officials, volunteers, family, friends and the community. “Now when we go to Sacramento, it isn’t just my voice, it’s the collective voice of all of you and all of the community. I thank you all,” Reyes said. “I look forward to working with you and collaborating with you in what is good for the community. One of the organizations is the Sierra Club who works tirelessly." She then thanked people who were a part of the campaign. Reyes said as a proud daughter of immigrants, the importance of civic engagement was instilled in her at a young age. “Let me begin by thanking my mentor, my hero, my shero,” she said. Reyes continued to speak about her mother, Jessie Gómez. Her mother got a third grade education, married at 14 years old and came to the U.S. at 19 to join her husband. Reyes said her mom learned early on about budgeting and saving for the future. She had 6 children by the time she was 29 years old and taught them to work hard, give back and to never forget where they came from. “I am grateful for the support, love and hard work from my husband Frank and my son Christopher,” Reyes said. “For almost a year, we worked increasingly long hours to get to victory and I am so thankful for their commitment.” Reyes spoke to those who volunteered and thanked them for their dedication by saying, “I am here today because you believed in a better tomorrow. I am here because of you.” “I hate to make promises but I promise you that I will work diligently for all of you. I promise that I will represent you in the State of California and always keep in the back of my mind what is best for my community. I promise you that,” Reyes said. She continued to say that she will fight for clean air, good jobs, quality healthcare for everyone, seniors, veterans, students, small business, immigrants and working men and women. “This means as a society, we fight to reach the American Dream but never forget that it is our responsibility to help the most vulnerable,” Reyes said. After Reyes closed the ceremony, hors d’oeuvres were served by the SBVC Culinary Arts and guests were entertained by performances from Sinfonia Mexicana Mariachi Youth Academy.