Assemblymember Cheryl Brown Honors Rikke Van Johnson as a Man of Distinction

Assemblymember Cheryl Brown presented “Men of Distinction” awards to her chosen six candidates from various cities at her annual program on Friday, June 26 at Mimi’s Café in Fontana. The six men that were honored included San Bernardino Councilman Rikke Van Johnson alongside Bloomington’s Larry Burgos, Fontana’s Pastor Sam Casey, Grand Terrace’s James McNaboe, Colton’s Paul Rasso and Rialto’s Michael Story. “These men have character and character is really important. Character is something that you do when no one else is looking so I’m sincerely excited about each one of the men that we honored today because they deserved it,” Assemblymember Brown shared. A lifelong San Bernardino resident and graduate of San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC), Van Johnson was elected to the San Bernardino City Council in 2003 and is currently serving his final term. Presently, Johnson operates Greenwood Bail Bonds in San Bernardino. He also has many other things on his plate; he currently serves as a deacon in his church, Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, and is an active member of the Newman Leadership Academy (NLA), the California Bail Agents Academy (CBAA) and the Broome Family Foundation (BFF). Van Johnson holds many accomplishments throughout his life and career, including expanding the business climate in the 6th Ward, building affordable senior housing, creating the Hometown Heroes Military Banner program, and working with the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) to emphasize and highlight young talent and produce revenue for various art programs. He and his wife Sharon have three children and five grandchildren. “I want to thank the honorable Cheryl Brown…this is awesome! It’s a pleasure to have her and her husband right there in our community,” Van Johnson said, explaining that he calls them the “power family” within the area. “It’s a blessing to have them there.” Johnson concluded his brief speech by thanking the various local community leaders, his family and “God’s gift” to him, his wife Sharon.