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Health & Fitness

San Bernardino: Ghetto Fabulous?

Understanding the myths and realities of the enigma that is San Bernardino.

What fascinates me the most is the perception that San Bernardino is a ghetto and unsafe. I walk the streets at night after I have caught the bus from Cal State. I shop in the businesses that choose to operate here. I attend many of the community events such as Market Night and the Community Players. I get a sense of a people who are weary but hopeful. Some are kind and others quick to ask for your change but most are kind including those with multiple tattoos. We have some that are representative of our perception, but I feel that they do not make up the majority.

While I have not studied the metrics...yet, I am committed to get to the bottom of why people both inside and outside the city are so quick to write San Bernardino off. In the upcoming posts I will try to uncover the mystery and enigma that is San Bernardino. 

I will be analytical, but I want also want to get the subjective feelings of folks who live in my city and ask them the hard questions. Do they feel pride in their city? Do they feel that their needs are met? These and other questions I think will get to the heart of what San Bernardinians feel and maybe make some positive changes, if we need them.

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To me, if San Bernardino is a ghetto then it is truly Ghetto Fabulous! I love my city and will defend it always.

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