Plans for San Bernardino Attack Memorial Move Forward

May 09--SAN BERNARDINO -- The County of San Bernardino has announced that a committee has been formed to create a memorial for the victims of the San Bernardino attacks.

While no dates or location have yet been set, a committee consisting of family members of the deceased, county workers who witnessed the attack and representatives of other county departments has been formed with the goal to create a public, county government memorial, according to a statement from the county.

The committee was established by Supervisor Josie Gonzales, who was also appointed by Board of Supervisors Chairman James Ramos to head the committee.

"We have discussed a memorial that will serve as a place where all can remember each of those who were taken from us and the beauty they brought into this world," the committee said in the statement. "We also want it to recognize the tenacity of our community to persevere and move forward."

County spokesman David Wert said there are no definite plans yet for the form the memorial will take, but the group is committed to ensure the memorial is created.

"These things can often take time, but plans are definitely moving forward," Wert said.

The county's statement said the committee has decided the memorial will focus "on the County family" and be dedicated to the people whose lives were taken during the attack. The memorial will also recognize those who were injured and give consideration to the first responders.

"We want to make the memorial a place suitable for quiet reflection," the committee said. "We have also determined that the memorial will recognize the broad ethnic and cultural diversity of those who were taken from us.

"We intend to create a memorial that celebrates life, and that honors the people who were taken on that terrible day; people who dedicated their careers to protecting the community's health and well-being," the committee said.

The Dec. 2 attacks, the deadliest terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since the 9/11 attacks, claimed the lives of 14 people and injured several others when two shooters opened fire inside the Inland Regional Center.

The shooters, later identified as husband and wife Syed Farook and Tashfeen Malik, died during a shootout with San Bernardino authorities.

The statement said the county will continue to provide updates on plans for the memorial and its timeline.

Paola Baker may be reached at 760-955-5332 or PBaker@VVDailyPress.com. Follow her on Twitter at @DP_PaolaBaker.

Copyright 2016 - Daily Press, Victorville, Calif.