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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 18, 2000 BACA HONORED BY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Recognized for Leadership on Behalf of Hispanic Causes, Norton Conversion SAN BERNARDINO - Representative Joe Baca (D-Rialto) was honored Tuesday evening for his leadership and accomplishments on behalf of educational institutions of the Inland Empire and his efforts to facilitate the conversion of the former Norton Air Force Base. The event, "Partnership for the Millenium," was sponsored by the San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), and the Department of Defense Partnership Task Group. The function was held at the San Bernardino Hilton. "I am pleased to support the efforts of HACU and the San Bernardino Community College District in working with the Department of Defense," Baca said. "It is especially important to support HACU's proposals to increase Hispanic participation in our armed forces. "As a Latino and a veteran, I can testify to the role that the military has served in shaping me into a leader," Baca remarked. "I would like to see this opportunity extended to other young Latino men and women so, if they work hard and persevere, they too can succeed and make a difference. They need to know that, in the words of Cesar Chavez, 'Si se puede' … There is hope." Baca was also recognized for his efforts to facilitate the conversion of the former Norton Air Force Base. Last Wednesday, the Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA) and the San Bernardino International Airport Authority adopted a resolution commending Baca. "I am pleased that we have been able to work with the San Bernardino Community College District and with the IVDA and San Bernardino International Airport Authority on projects that will benefit Norton," Baca said. The resolution honoring Baca cited his "countless hours and his tireless dedication to promote the Inland Empire." It further recognized Baca for his "many accomplishments, his dedication to this community and most of all, his outstanding efforts to assist the citizens of the Inland Empire with the successful conversion of the former Norton Air Force Base to civilian use." Last week, Baca hailed as "fantastic news for the area" the settlement between the U.S. Department of Defense and the City of San Bernardino on the transfer of 600 acres of land at the former Norton Air Force Base. "I planted the seed when I was in the State Legislature," Baca said. "I carried S.J.R. 13 in Sacramento, asking Congress to amend Federal legislation that would give away base property for free. I argued that it was essential to include military bases like Norton that had already been transferred. I also met with Pentagon officials and members of Congress urging them to do this. "I especially want to thank my colleague from the Inland Empire, Congressman Jerry Lewis, for working in making this a bipartisan, multi-year effort by Lewis and myself. "The renegotiation of the Norton lease will help spur economic development and job growth in our region," Baca said. "Base closures hit our area like a 'Scud missile' but we are now on the right track. Right now we have about 80 companies and 2,300 jobs at the San Bernardino International Airport. Now we can focus our efforts on attracting even more companies and jobs." The final agreement requires the City to make back rental payments, nearly $600,000, in exchange for the property. "This was all about being creative in finding a 'win-win' solution for everyone involved," Baca said. "It's about the Inland Empire 'rolling up its shirt sleeves' in finding a solution which is a win for the City, a win for the Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA), and a win for San Bernardino International Airport. "Especially now that we have the LAMBRA (Local Agency Military Base Recovery Act) designation, through legislation I authored, AB 3, this area is ready to take off," Baca said. On March 31st, Baca served as the keynote speaker at San Bernardino International Airport for the signing of the LAMBRA Memorandum of Understanding agreement between the California Trade and Commerce Agency and the Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA). "This is all about doing good for the people of the Inland Empire by working hard and being creative," Baca said. |   |
