Batman, Residents Of San Bernardino Come Together To Help Families Heal After Massacre
SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — Superheroes don't always wear capes.
The residents of San Bernardino wanted on Sunday to reach out to families torn apart by the massacre and terrorist act at the Inland Regional Center on December 2 that claimed 14 lives and left more than 30 others injured.
Batman, he with the cape, also showed up to lend a helping hand and supportive ear.
CBS2's Jeff Nguyen was in San Bernardino Sunday and watched as heroes -- with capes and without -- stepped up to the plate.
Eight-year-old Caden Wetzel believes in superheroes. So does his 12-year-old sister Kailee. But hers wasn't in a comic book.
"My dad's name was Michael Wetzel. I'm kind of proud to say his name because everybody thinks of him as a soldier," she said.
Wentzel was one of the 14 victims killed.
"I feel like he didn't just stand there and get shot. I feel he tried to like take the guy down. And I really miss him though," Kailee said.
On Sunday, a number of music acts performed for free at the National Orange Show during an event called San Bernardino Healing. The headliner was recording artist Frankie J.
"I have family. I have two kids. You think about all those possibilities. You just never know it's going to be your turn. Anything like that can happen to you," Frankie J. said.
Sierra Clayborn's father also took the stage. Sierra was scheduled to be honored as employee of the year the day of the shooting.
"A lot of people have asked me how am I getting through this. The way I'm getting through this is honoring her," said Gregory Clayborn.
The event's organizer has been working with the United Way -- they have helped to raise about $1 million dollars for the victims' families.
Some of the organizers live in San Bernardino -- a city that recently went through bankruptcy.
"What we found out unfortunately through this tragedy is that we do have a good police department. That we do have a community that comes together," said event organizer Raymond Martinez.
Caden Wetzel's mom told Nguyen her son has a new friend: The Dark Knight. The two have been exchanging text messages -- all leading up to a meeting Sunday.
"To have someone as Batman relate to an 8-year-old and actually put a smile on his face after everything we've been through the last few weeks. You can't. There's no words to say thank you," said Amy Wetzel.
The Wetzel kids got some advice from Batman today. But, Nguyen reports, we could all learn something from 14-year-old Andrew.
"When you leave someone you love, just always tell them you love them. Say goodbye. And make sure you mean it," said Andrew.
