On anniversary of deadly San Bernardino, Fresno office remembering those lost at sister center

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Exactly one year has passed since the deadly shooting in San Bernardino. Fourteen people died, 22 were injured, after Syed Farook and Tashfeen Malik opened fire at a holiday party at the Inland Regional Center.

That center is the sister facility of the Central Valley Regional Center in Fresno. It offers services to people who are developmentally disabled.

Friday morning the center's employees and patients gathered together, holding a moment of silence for the victims.

Marlene Pena's colleague was inside the building when shots rang. After hearing about it on the news, she wanted to call to make sure she was okay but feared doing so would jeopardize her safety.

"I thought what if I call her and the phone rings and they know where she's at if she is hiding."

Pena's coworker was fortunately not injured.

Meantime since the mass shooting, the facility in Fresno has spent over $10,000 beefing up its security. Adding sensors on its doors both inside and outside the building that can only be opened with a key fob.

They have also put in dozens of high definition cameras along with hiring private security to patrol the premises.

Ed Araim, Director of Operations said it was money well spent.

"It's a big relief for our employees and our clients as they come in to know when they come to an environment like this they are safe and protected."

Central Valley Regional Facility has two other centers in Merced and Visalia. Security measures there have been improved as well.