Inside the historic SBVC Auditorium during the swearing-in ceremony for California State Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes.

On Saturday, February 4, hundreds of local residents, dignitaries and elected officials gathered in San Bernardino Valley College’s historic Auditorium to celebrate the swearing-in of California State Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes.

Ms. Reyes, who graduated from San Bernardino Valley College in 1976, went on to receive her law degree from Loyola Law School and is notable for being the first Latina to open her own legal practice in the Inland Empire, as well as for providing free legal services to local residents who could not afford them.

Prior to her election to the California State Assembly, Ms. Reyes served on the board of the San Bernardino Valley College Foundation, where she helped to raise thousands of dollars for student scholarships.

“I am honored to be the president of this amazing college during such an exciting time,” said President Diana Z. Rodriguez, “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.”

After the ceremony, attendees were treated to a variety of appetizers prepared by the college’s Culinary Arts program, as well as entertainment by the Sinfonia Mexicana music group.