Prayer Vigil Held for Local Hero by Yasmeen Garcia - City News Group, Inc.
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Prayer Vigil Held for Local Hero

By Yasmeen Garcia, Community Writer
February 5, 2014 at 10:50am. Views: 70

Last Friday City of San Bernardino Police Department spokesperson, Lieutenant Richard Lawhead, shared "A long time city partner and close friend to many, Bobby Vega, of the Urban Conservation Corps is reported to currently be in the hospital suffering from a serious illness. The overall diagnosis is unknown however, it is reported that the prognosis is not good." Bobby Vega is best known for his work with the Urban Conservation Corps, a non-profit workforce development program that offers young men and women the chance to serve on Southern California mountains and gain valuable employment experience. At the request of Vega's biggest fan, his wife Sandy Bonilla, a prayer vigil was held at the Redlands Community Hospital Friday night, where Vega was being cared for before being moved to the ICU at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Many gathered to pray for Vega’s health. “I met him through job corps, he was a good friend who inspired me to work hard and to proceed life in school and a diploma. We all love him and miss him and hope he gets better”, expressed Angel Colon, a member of Urban Conservation Corps. James Mendoza, a member of Urban Conservation Corps, spoke tenderly of Vega’s impact on his life. “Bobby gave me so much and turned my life around, turned nothing into something. He is not gone, he is still with us here.” Among those that gathered was San Bernardino's Mayor Pat Morris to offer his support to the family. “I received a call that ruined my morning,” said Mayor Morris. “I do not know his extent of his illness but I do know there is a power in prayer,” he said and leading the group in prayer. “You cannot ask for a better leader for these young people.” “Our hearts work together and beat together, we had the same vision, our hearts grew together” said Joseph Ortega, Vega’s cousin. “Bobby found treasure in San Bernardino and everyday that treasure no longer grows in the ground…Bobby would help other cities learn from San Bernardino. He shared his knowledge about his non-profit organization with other non-profit organizations.” Gabriel Garcia, District Ranger of Front Country Ranger District, retold his account of meeting Bobby on a field trip in April of 2004. Bobby and his wife brought 21 kids in a suburban, “the project was to get kids in the forest” said Gabriel. “Complete changes in San Bernardino because of Bobby Vega. They do incredible work, Bobby and Sandy.” During the vigil, attending supporters were asked if any of his family was present and the audience responded, “We are here, we are all his family.”

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