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May 17, 2022

Helping to make a difference in Fontana, Calif.

Tanialee Sanchez grew up on food stamps, and over the years has come to better understand the importance of nutrition. Now working toward her master’s degree in public administration from the University of La Verne and fresh off a stint as a Randall Lewis Health & Policy Fellow, Sanchez is experiencing first-hand the power of difference-making.


Her Lewis Fellowship assignment: Supporting the City of Fontana, Calif., in combating health inequity through the city’s Community Garden program.


“I didn’t know that much about local government, but I’ve seen how important this work is – that even something very small can be impactful,” Sanchez says.


Jasmine Sarsadias, Community Services Coordinator for Fontana, said the Community Garden is an important element of the city’s highly regarded Healthy Fontana initiative, which is built around the four core pillars of nutrition, active living, community partnerships and smart growth. Garden plots are available at Central City Park, described as “the perfect place to grow fruits, plants and vegetables while socializing with local Fontana residents and encouraging environmental awareness.” The program also includes workshops on gardening and healthy eating.


As the COVID-19 pandemic began receding, “we’ve definitely seen a lot of interest in our events. People want to come out,” Sarsadias says.


Says Sanchez: “This has been a very powerful experience. The Community Garden is such a great concept. You just need a little pot, a little dirt, some seeds, and you’re good to go.”

Randall Lewis Health & Policy Fellow Tanialee Sanchez


‘Even something very small can be impactful’












Below: Jasmine Sarsadias, Fontana Community Services Coordinator

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In The News

He’s now ‘Dr. Lewis’

Businessman and philanthropist Randall Lewis is the recent recipient of honorary doctorate degrees from California State University San Bernardino and the University of La Verne. Mr. Lewis received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from CSUSB during a ceremony in December. In May, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from ULV President Devorah Lieberman (right), and will be a keynote speaker during the University’s College of Business and Public Management commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 28. Through Mr. Lewis’ philanthropic support, the University of La Verne has opened the Randall Lewis Center for Well-Being and Research and has announced the Randall Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Impact. 

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About Randall Lewis

Randall Lewis is a visionary, innovator and philanthropist whose business success and commitment to a healthier, well-educated region have made him one of the most respected community builders in the U.S. His generous support of health and education initiatives is designed to encourage additional investment, creating a multiplier effect that transforms lives, communities and entire regions.