Inland Mexican Heritage to Screen 'Living on the Dime' Series Saturday

Inland Mexican Heritage and Dorothy Ramon Learning Center officials are planning an encore screening of the documentary video series "Living on the Dime" this Saturday.

The documentaries examine old U.S. Highway 99, construction of Interstate 10 through Redlands in the 1950s, and how San Gorgonio Pass area communities have evolved, according to organizers.

The screenings are scheduled 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 14 at the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Gathering Hall, 127 N. San Gorgonio Ave. in Banning.

The films "99 Before the Dime," "Living on the Dime," and "21st Century Boomtown" narrated by Huell Howser, visit more than a dozen communities along the 10 freeway, "telling stories and perspectives from residents, political leaders and activists about growth, progress, and the rapid changes occurring in the region," Inland Mexican Heritage officials said.

• "99 Before the Dime" looks back at U.S. Highway 99, the road that played a major role in shaping towns across the west coast.

• "Living on the Dime" follows the development of the freeway system and the debate over construction of the I-10 through Redlands in the 1950s. Using archival footage, vintage promotional films, and interviews with people who lived along, owned businesses and helped build Interstate 10, it "tells the stories of lives changed by the construction of the longest freeway in the United States."

• "21st Century Boomtown" explores the new suburban frontier engulfing San Gorgonio Pass rural communities of Cabazon, Banning Beaumont, Calimesa and Yucaipa. Business owners Ric Rush and Greg Palmer and local historian Leslie Rios "are featured in this portrait of rural America in the midst of seemingly unstoppable and rapid change.

The photo exhibit "Mexican Heritage of Inland Southern California" will accompany the films, and producer-director Antonio Gonzalez Vasquez will host the program. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

For more information visit www.inlandmexicanheritage.yolasite.com.