Gerald Richard Barnes

[1] Barnes entered California State University, Los Angeles, graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Political Science degree.

In that post, he described the "current immigration system" as responsible for "family separation, suffering, and even death" and "is morally unacceptable and must be reformed".

In 2001, Barnes inaugurated the annual Bishop's Golf Classic to fund scholarships to families unable to afford a Catholic education for their children.

During his tenure, Barnes closed four primary schools in the California communities of Barstow, Banning, Apple Valley[3] and San Bernardino.

[6] In 2007, the Government of Mexico presented Barnes with the Ohtli award for his service to Mexican citizens living in the United States.

[1]In March 2014, Barnes, citing economic benefits and good citizenship, encouraged parishioners in the diocese without health insurance to sign up for coverage under the 2010 Affordable Care Act.