Familia Toner

Prior to 1973, Bertha Toner's father, Ramon Zuñiga Murillo, migrated for many years between the United States and Mexico, before bringing his family to live in Laverne, California. In 1976, they settled in Mecca after purchasing a house and the lot adjacent to their property. Bertha's parents also helped purchase lots in their neighborhood for two of their daughters, who had their own homes built and who still reside in Mecca. Bertha is the only sibling that chose to leave her hometown and she is also the first member of her family to graduate from a four-year college. In 1995, Bertha married Michael Philip Toner and together they bought a home in the Canyon Crest area of Riverside. Living with them is Martha Garcia, Bertha's niece, who is pursuing a master's degree in Education at Cal State San Bernardino. Michael is a counselor at Central Middle School and Bertha works as a coordinator for the Even Start Family Literacy Program at Longfellow Elementary School in Riverside.