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VA Loma Linda Hosts "Topping Out"

Photo Courtesy of: LLU

VA Loma Linda Healthcare System to host a traditional milestone ceremony.

Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Joseph McKee, VA

An aerial view of the Loma Linda VAMC and surrounding landscape March 6, 2015.

Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Joseph McKee, VA

Department of California Disabled American Veterans Department Legislative Director Mr. Richard Valdez, PSC signs the final beam during the "Topping Off" ceremony held at the Loma Linda VAMC March 20, 2015. "Topping Off" is a traditional iron workers’ ceremony marking the point when a structure’s last steel beam is hoisted into place. This final beam was painted white and signed by staff, contractors and veterans before being topped off with an evergreen tree and flag.

Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Joseph McKee, VA

U.S. House of Representatives Peter Aguilar signs the final beam during the "Topping Off" ceremony.

Photo Courtesy of: Mr. Joseph McKee, VA

Construction workers place the final beam during a "Topping Off" ceremony held at the Loma Linda VAMC March 20, 2015 Loma Linda Cal. Topping off is a traditional iron workers’ ceremony marking the point when a structure’s last steel beam is hoisted into place.

By Jim Rich, Community Writer
March 25, 2015 at 11:08am. Views: 66

VA Loma Linda Healthcare System recently held a traditional milestone ceremony at the construction site of a major new building currently under construction. In building construction, “Topping Out” is a builders' rite traditionally held when the last beam (or its equivalent) is placed on top of a structure during its erection. The practice of "topping out" a new building can be traced to the ancient Scandinavian religious rite of placing a tree atop a new building. The practice remains common in the United States, where the last beam is painted white and signed by all the workers involved. It is then hoisted into place and a Christmas tree is attached to the top of the beam. In conjunction with VA's contractor, the Walsh Group, and VA’s Office of Construction and Facilities Management, the Topping Out ceremony for VA Loma Linda's Ambulatory Care Center site (26001 Redlands Blvd., Loma Linda, CA 92354) was held on March 20. The Ambulatory Care Center, or ACC, located on Redlands Boulevard in Loma Linda, between Mountain View Avenue and California Street, is expected by the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System to drastically improve the patient experience. The new facility represents a nearly 300,000-square-foot addition to the current 900,000-square-foot facility – a one-third increase in space. The new facility will also add about 2,000 parking spaces. The ACC will not only provide ample space for primary care, dental, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and some behavioral health services, it will also free up space at the Medical Center Campus to expand inpatient units, specialty clinics and the emergency department. Prior to the Friday ceremony, the final beam was placed in front of the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center for March 17 and 18, to allow staff and patients the opportunity to sign the beam.

September Preparedness Month

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

September 16, 2026 at 09:03am. Views: 243

Inland Empire families are encouraged to prepare for emergencies by keeping essential supplies on hand, including water, nonperishable food, flashlights, first-aid supplies and necessities for pets. National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder for residents across San Bernardino and Riverside counties to make a plan before disaster strikes.

Hosting Tips to Make Your Celebrations More Festive

Photo Courtesy of: BPT

By BPT, Community Writer

September 16, 2026 at 09:03am. Views: 251

Turn up the music, bring out the bold flavors, and let vibrant dishes like this set the stage for a fiesta your guests won’t forget.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Naomi Aurora Huerta

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

September 16, 2026 at 09:03am. Views: 464

GTHS Athlete of the Week Naomi Aurora Huerta, 14-year-old Freshman with the GTHS girls flag football, is making her mark both on the field and in the classroom.