Inland Empire Weekly
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Vol 9, NO. 47
THIS WEEK
Freestyle motocross riders thrill LLUCH patients with Big Air Kids Fair
June 05, 2014
Work to begin on
Redlands-AlabamaColton intersection project
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Community Profile: Thomas Robles A11
Change Begins With Us! G.W. Abersold Ph.D A3
COURTESY PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ
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Riders took to the skies performing stunts for patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital May 28. freestyle Motocross riders perform professional Motocross rider and By Yazmin Alvarez daring stunts at the 11th annual founder of Big Air Kids Fair in an lips, handstands and plenty Big Air Kids Fair at Loma Linda effort to bring smiles to the faces of children in hospitals. of throttle had Jonathan University Children’s Hospital. The event, held May 28, was Big Air, cont. on next pg. Arana, 25, looking up in amazement and awe as he watched sponsored by Steve Bauer, former
Annual Optimist Club Car Show and Chili Cook-off brings heat to Redlands
Children, Music, Art come to Olive Ave. Market A19
INSIDE ONE SECTION, 20 PAGES
Calendar Classifieds Legal Notices Opinion Service Dir. Sports
A7 A14 A15 A4 A6-7 A12
HOW TO REACH US Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Fax: (909) 384-0406 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecnads@yahoo.com
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IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Gilbert Ramos of San Bernardino stirs the Terrier Mad Dog Chili he cooked-up for the annual Car Show and Chili Cook-off hosted by the Optimist Club of Redlands May 31.
By Yazmin Alvarez
hen the Optimist Club of Redlands put out a call for participants to be part of its 23rd annual Car
Show, more than 200 responded. The annual event - which was held Saturday at Sylvan Park brought young and old to the city to view vintage and restored classics from a variety of decades, and
served as one of the non-profit organization's fundraising efforts to help raise funds for various youth-oriented programs and proCar show, cont. on next pg.
ork to improve traffic on the City’s busiest intersection will begin this month as contractors begin construction on the intersection of Redlands Boulevard and Alabama Street and reconfiguration of Colton Avenue at Redlands Boulevard. The approximately $4 million construction project will realign the intersection of Redlands Boulevard and Alabama Street, the City’s busiest intersection with more than 24,000 vehicles passing through the crossing daily. The realignment will eliminate a 22-foot offset as Street crosses Alabama Redlands Boulevard and widen both streets adding a third northbound lane and additional left turn lanes in each direction on Alabama Street. The project will also realign an unorthodox and difficult merger of Colton Avenue and Redlands Boulevard, creating a signalized T intersection just east of the Redlands Boulevard/Alabama Street intersection. In addition, the project will improve drainage in the area and replace all street lighting with energyefficient LED equipment. Work is expected to begin June 16 and will be largely completed before Thanksgiving. Traffic lanes will be open in all directions and access to businesses will be open during the entire construction period, however, motorists can expect delays and may wish to allow extra time or use alternate routes for their commutes. Signage will be installed this week advising drivers of the construction. A public meeting regarding the project and its impacts on drivers and local businesses is scheduled at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, in the Redlands City Council Chambers, 35 Cajon St. City staff are also working to schedule additional public meetings for businesses and interested residents near the project area.
Page A2 • June 05, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Inland Empire Weekly
IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Guest of honor, Jonathan Arana poses with his Moto swag signed by riders. Big Air, cont. from front
on the ramp in front of the hospital. After the performances, the riders along with other members of the Motocross community, posed for photos, signed autographs and visited the units of patients who were unable join the crowd outside. Each patient at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital received toys and plenty of “Moto swag” to remember the day. The visiting Motocross stars and special guests included, Andy Bell, Ricky James, Sara Price, Trey Canard, Will Hahn, Zach Osborne, Justin Bogle, Kyle Cunningham, Cole Seely, and Blake Baggett.
“The excitement from them in seeing these guys perform is why we do this,” Bauer said. It’s also the reason why he invited Arana to be the guest of honor at the event. Arana, a former patient at the LLUCH, used to ride as a child until being diagnosed with a brain tumor. His wish is to one day get back on a bike. “I want to be up there with them,” he said. “It’s so cool to see them.” The riders, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Scotty Stephens, and Kenny Bell, launched into the air from a ramp and incited gasps from the crowd. Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter Backflips, twists and other fearless with Inland Empire Community aerial maneuvers brought loud Newspapers and can be reached cheers from spectators as they at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com. watched the riders make a landing
IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Redlands High School Class of 1973 Terrier alums served up "Terrier Mad Dog Chili."
IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Redlands resident Beau Yarbrough served a crowd favorite chili, “Hot off the Presses” at the event.
IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ
IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ
LLUCH patients pose with Odee, the off-road puppy during the annual Big Air Kids Fair.
Freestyle motocross riders prepare to put on a show for patients.
Hundreds showed up to showcase their cars at the 23rd annual Optimist event at Smiley Park. Car show, cont. from front
jects in the area. "Every dollar that we raise - net profit - 100 percent of that goes back to kids in the community. The club sponsors a lot of different events, and we have our own The Optimist Games. That's the type of thing that we do," said Jack Kohlmeier, an event co-chair. "This (event) is one of our biggest (fundraisers)." Music by the Yard Dogs and The Kelly McGuire were just two additional event highlights, but those looking to fill their stomachs with chili were pleasantly surprised as more than 10 chili cookers brought out their best for a chance to be named the best and earn bragging rights.
KCAL 96.7 FM took home the top spot in both the judges' category and People's Choice. But for those who did not take home "the big win," having fun and giving back was the most important thing to come out of Saturday's event. The party was sure up and running at the Redlands High School Class of 1973 booth where Terrier alums served up "Terrier Mad Dog Chili" to guests who kept coming back for more. "It's the combination of four different meats," said Gilbert Ramos, a member of the group, which referred to itself as a "family." "We've had about three or four trial runs (before mastering) it." Saturday's event was the first time the group had been part of the annual fundraiser, along with Hot Off
the Presses Chili brought to the event by Redlands resident Beau Yarbrough. A final tally of funds raised at the event was not immediately known, but traditionally, thousands are raised. The Redlands Optimist Club has been active in the city since 1947, and is one of the largest and most active of all 2,600 clubs that are part of Optimist International worldwide, organizers said in a press release. To learn more, visit redlandsoptimistclub.org.
Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter with Inland Empire Community Newspapers and can be reached at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com.
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • June 5, 2014 • Page A3
Words to think about: Change San Bernardino City Unified Hillside Begins With Us!
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By G. W. Abersold Ph.D
homas Paine was a strong voice with his writings during the pre-revolutionary days. In January of 1776 he wrote, “We have it within our power to make the world over again.” Six months before the Declaration of Independence. The truth of Paine’s thought is also applicable to the individualyou and me. We have the power within ourselves to make our world as we would like it to be. Change begins with us. One way to remake our world is to challenge the condition that often affects people. “Learned Helplessness.” It is very close to the psychological concept of habituation. Helplessness must be learned. Consider a young child. Child Psychologists affirm that a child learns more in the first six years of their life than any other comparable time. They absorb everything. Their curiosity is unbounded. Stella and I have three greatgrandchildren under 2 ½ years old. Their parents will verify my premise. They are like sponges. They want to do everything by them-
selves. The opposite of helplessness. Then comes the firm hand or voice of discipline of parents; the guidance of teachers; the will of religion; the force of peer pressure. All of these forces encourage them to be helpless. Many of them succumb to it and become couch potatoes or living squash. They learn to be helpless; victims of their environment. Weak worms of the dust. Change their world? Hardly. But it can happen. It is never too late. By and large they accept their world as it is. Fettered and boring. My answer to “learned helplessness” is found in a book entitled, “Not Somehow, But Triumphantly,” by Bertha Munro. Her major theme was, “If You Don’t Like It, Change It.” Shades of Thomas Paine. Most football enthusiasts know the name Mike Utley. A pro with the Detroit Lions, he suffered a vertebrae accident and became a paraplegic. Have you heard of Eric LeGrand? On October 16, 2010, he suffered a similar vertebrae accident and was paralyzed from the neck down. Through perseverance and God’s help he has become a functional paraplegic-movement in his shoulders and sensations throughout his body. He’s finished his college degree and published two books. As a motivational speaker, his theme is BELIEVE. He hopes to become a sports broadcaster. He obviously fulfilled the promise suggested by Thomas Paine. Incidentally, Eric played college football for Rutgers University and was drafted by the Tampa NFL team. Warren Mitchell is a veteran of thirty years in the U.S.A. Air Force. As a widower, he compensates his loss by writing poetry. In a recent poem that he sent me, he wrote, “Always blessed; never en-
titled.” I’ve thought about what he meant by it and what it means to me. It takes a great deal of faith to acknowledge the continuing presence of life’s blessing. In the Book of Hebrews, chapter eleven and verse six, it reads; “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” I’ve met people that seem to doubt everything; questioning the very essence of life. Yet, faith is the framework of our experiences. That money placed in the bank will be there when needed. Faith that drivers will stay on their side of the road. Faith. That food ordered in a restaurant will not be poisoned. Faith. That doctors will be skillful while operating on us. Faith. We are the recipients of life’s blessings. Including life itself. Not because we deserve them. Not that we are entitled to them. But rather because of God’s nature. As we care for our children; providing housing, food and clothing. Because it’s our nature. We love them. We are God’s children. He loves us. The song writer has spoken well. God has not promised skies always blue or flower strewn pathways all our lives through. But God has promised strength for our days, unfailing sympathy and undying love.” A very good Muslim friend of mine recently gave me a DVD of a Muslim professor explaining the various venues of his faith. He spent a great deal of time telling the commonality among Christians, Judaism, Muslims, Buddhist and Hinduism. Whether they believe in God, Jesus, Allah, the Superior Being or Ultimate Reality; they all believe in a Creator that is a Provider. Just as the birds are cared for, so we humans are also cared for. Our response must be one of gratitude. Amen. Selah. So be it.
Collecting new toys for kids at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is a family affair
COURTESY PHOTO
Skylar Conway (right), 10, of Yucaipa, gets help recently (May 20) from her mom, Chasie, in sorting out new toys they have collected over the past year for the “treasure chests” they will deliver to the young patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital’s Hematology and Oncology Clinic. Collecting the toys is a family affair for the Conway family, as Skylar’s brother, Turner, 13, a former patient at LLUCH, and their dad, Bill, a fire captain at Redlands Fire Department, also help out to collect the toys from local schools, businesses, and community members throughout
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Elementary wins prestigious honors
illside University Demonstration School has earned prestigious, back-to-back awards for its work to ensure all students succeed academically. The California Department of Education recently recognized Hillside with a Title I Academic Achievement Award for demonstrating that all students are making significant progress toward proficiency on California's academic content standards. The Title I Academic Achievement Award is given to schools receiving federal Title I funds as authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Title I, the single largest federal educational program for K-12 public education, assists schools in meeting the educational needs of students living at or below the poverty level. In March, the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) named Hillside one of the nation’s top urban schools that achieve exceptional academic results. To compete for the 2014 National Excellence in Urban Education Award, schools had to serve predominantly low-income students. They also had to meet a long list of student performance criteria, including high achievement scores, high attendance rates, and low suspension rates, among other requirements. In addition, each racial, ethnic, and income group served had to demonstrate rates of proficiency that exceeded the proficiency rates for all students in the state. Schools also could not use any selective admission criteria to screen out less-capable students.
Hillside, which earned a Bronze Award from NCUST, was 1 of just 16 schools around the nation that demonstrated the greatest evidence of rigorous content, engaging instruction, and positive relationships among students, teachers, parents, and administrators. The only other California school to be recognized is a charter school in El Cajon. All of the award-winning schools were recognized at a special ceremony during the NCUST Symposium on Thursday, May 22 in San Diego. “We are fortunate to have very dedicated teachers who put students first,” said Principal Tommie Archuleta. “Everyone, from our parents to our community partners, has high expectations for our students. And, our students have shown us that they can meet and often exceed those high expectations.” Hillside Elementary is a University Demonstration School, where California State University, San Bernardino students who are preparing to enter the educational field work with master teachers. The school, which serves more than 700 students in grades kindergarten through six, offers the sought-after Dual Immersion program. Hillside is a testimony to the transformation that is taking place across San Bernardino City Unified, said Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden. “Our schools are where hope is born,” Marsden said. “If our students, our employees, and our schools have hope, then our entire community has hope.”
OPINION&EDITORIAL Page A4 • June 4, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
The scoop from Rolling Stone: Here's how I look at it: Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum were a blast two years ago in 21 Jump Street (from the 1980s Johnny Depp TV series), playing cops who fool no one by going undercover in high school to bust a drug ring. So if they want to do it again, this time in college, I'm in. Tatum reveals the action stuff is bigger "but more ridiculous." Yes!
Yazmin Alvarez
I
2014 Summer movie preview
t’s June and that means this year’s summer movie season has already kicked into full
gear. With blockbusters like "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," “Godzilla,” and “Maleficent” already hitting the big screen, what’s to come in the next few months is sure to make for a summer movie extravaganza. Not sure what’s hitting the big screen? No problem. Here’s a list of some of the top most anticipated summer flix from Yahoo and Rolling Stone. 2014 Summer Movie Lineup:
'Godzilla' - May 16th The scoop from Rolling Stone: Yes, the giant lizard is back. It would be tough to top the 1954 Japanese original, with its subtext about the evils of nuclear testing… For 2014, director Gareth Edwards (Monsters) casts Bryan Cranston as a nuclear physicist who knows those rumblings under the sea are not from Mother Nature. In this reboot, Godzilla and his minions are getting the best CGI money can buy. ‘Maleficent’ - May 30 The scoop from Yahoo: Angelina Jolie gets wicked as the live-action version of the 'Mistress of All Evil,' who first gave audiences nightmares in animated form in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" (1959). The trailers have us thinking that Angie's villainous turn might be giving Charlize Theron's performance as the evil Queen in "Snow White and the Huntsman" (2012) a run for its money (magic?) in the deliciously over-the-top department — which is, of course, just fine.
‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ - July 11 The scoop from Yahoo: Eight years after the events of the quite excellent "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" (2011), survivors of the virus that's wiped out a good chunk of humankind (including, apparently, James Franco's Dr. Will Rodman) wage war against Caesar (Serkis) and his evergrowing ape army. This round of evolution/revolution comes courtesy of "Let Me In" and "Cloverfield" director Matt Reeves, who has signed on to direct the third installment, which is already scheduled for July 29, 2016.
"Guardians of the Galaxy" Aug. 1 The scoop from Yahoo: We thought bringing Marvel's team of intergalactic weirdos to the big screen was going to be a hard sell, but the first trailer showed us that "Guardians of the Galaxy" is so crazy, it just might work — and work really, really well. Its strong anarchic spirit and goofy humor (set to Blue Swede's "Hooked on a Feeling," at that) makes this gonzo space opera about a group of superheroic (kind of by accident) misfits — including a guncrazy raccoon voiced by Bradley Cooper, a giant walking, talking tree played by Vin Diesel and Andy from "Parks and Recreation" as the lead — one of the summer's must-see-at-least-twice movies.
YOUR COMMUNITY COMMENTARY! All letters must be signed. Please include your name, address & phone number for verification purposes only. Anonymous letters will not be printed.
Benghazi investigation is about the truth
Contrary to what the so called journalists and mainstream media and the Obama Administration is trying to brain wash the American public with, the Benghazi Investigation is NOT political!
The 4 dead, Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Glen Doherty, and Tyron Woods, were allowed to die and no help was sent, even though NO ONE knew how long the ATTACK was going to last. This is a disgrace The Benghazi Investigation is and the American Public deserve about 4 dead American's and the answers and it is OUR right to fact that our government lied to know the truth! the American public and continue to do so. The Benghazi Investigation, should and will continue. The The VA medical centers I and the other veterans I know use are as good as and in some respects better than our “civilian” medical groups. The ER addresses emergency or urgent problems immediately. For routine care the waiting times to see a specialist are about the same and getting in to see our primary care physicians is normally shorter. This is impressive as
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As with the U.S. Postal Service it
with words, but words are not a agree with what is being said, good substitute for action. or bad, are unwittingly doing themselves and others a disfavor Our Founding Fathers were wise and hampering the free flow of enough to give us protection for speech and ideas in our country, our speech under the First Amend- which our founders never inment. They thought the free flow tended. of speech important enough to place their lives and fortunes on Tim Sabosky, the line, as a gift to future generaTorrance I think there are important issues tions. Those who wish to stifle oththat can be brought to the forefront ers’ words because they don’t
‘Lucy’ - Aug. 8 The scoop from Yahoo: ...FolProvocative questions should As a nation we knew God, but we words and our actions, but the lowing in the footsteps of "La provoke provocative answers, but did not glorify him as God, nor are judge sits in a higher place. The Femme Nikita" (1990) and "The Fifth Element" (1997) comes this when the blind lead the blind, we we thankful, so we’ve become fu- outcome is described in the first excuse to watch Scarlett Johans- all fall into the ditch. Mad men put tile in our thoughts and foolish in chapter of the book of Romans in son kick, punch, jump, shoot and us there. Terrorists put us there. our hearts. Yes, words are power- the Bible, but let’s not read it. Inwear sexy clothes as a woman The media put us there. Politicians ful. God’s words, the words we stead let’s have another moment of transformed into a super-warrior put us there. We put ourselves should be listening to, have been silence. That’s always acceptable after villains put (something) in there. Actions and words come silenced. Silenced in the church to the futile. her stomach that kickstarts her from the same heart. Professing to and silenced in the culture. Linda Fisher evolution. This one's had one of be wise, we have become fools. We are being judged by our Long Beach the most buzzed-about trailers of the year. To view the summer movie lists in their entirety, visit movies.yahoo.com or rolling- Words are only sounds. The our minds to have meaning. Try Lately, “offensive” sounds stone.com/movies. sounds need to be interpreted in saying an “offensive” word (words) are making the news. The
Valuable words silenced
Actions are more offensive
Letters are printed in the order they are received and are subject to editing for clarity. Deadline is Tuesdays at noon. Readers may also submit their perspectives online at iecn1@mac.com • For advertising inquiries email iecnads@yahoo.com
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all have patient loads multiples of is Congress who is the problem. what they were designed for. The VA is doing a great job with limited resources and if there are a While my civilian medical group few miscreants find an organizais just now computerizing the VA tion without any — including has been for some time. When a yours. fellow veteran became sick while traveling the VA medical center he Chris Daly, went to had access to his records. Yucaipa
As of late, it seems words are holding more weight than action, which leaves many perplexed. The fact that we live in the digital age, when almost everything is recorded, plays an enormous role, especially for politicians who promise the world and then don’t deliver.
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U.S. Constitution protects free speech for a reason
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Benghazi Investigation should be just like the Watergate Investigation and bring forth the truth. The only difference between the Watergate Investigation and the Benghazi Investigation , is NO ONE DIED and NO parent cried, during Watergate.
Congress is the problem, not the VA hospitals
IECNInland Empire Community Newspapers
‘22 Jump Street’ - June 13
Views expressed in Opinion & Editorial do not necessarily reflect the views of IECN
Colton Courier Established 1876.
Published weekly on Thursday. Adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, State of California, case #73036 and therefore qualified to publish legal notices.
El Chicano
Established 1969.
Published weekly on Thursday. Adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, State of California, case #154019 and therefore qualified to publish legal notices.
Empire Weekly RIALTO RECORD Inland Established 2005. Established 1910.
Published weekly on Thursday. Adjudicated as a newspaper of general Denise Berver circulation by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, State of California, Victor Suarez case #26583 and therefore qualified to publish legal notices.
Published weekly on Thursday. As a community newspaper of general circulation. CIRCUL AT ION VERIFICATION
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Inland Empire Community Newspapers Colton Courier • RIALTO RECORD El Chicano • Inland Empire Weekly
We are award-winning newspapers, having been so recognized by the Inland Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists In addition to mail subscriptions a combined total of 20,000 copies are distributed to approximately 400 locations in Redlands, Mentone, Highland, San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, Bloomington, Grand Terrace Loma Linda, Moreno Valley, Riverside
(sound) in another language. The real news should be offensive acsound is only reacted upon by the tions (sticks and stones) . person taught to interpret that sound in a certain way. The old Don Ponder, saying about sticks and stones is Hermosa Beach very true.
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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • June 5, 2014 • Page A5
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Former foster child defies odds, accepted at nine medical schools
By MJ Duncan
estus Ohan, 22, spent his teen years in the foster care system when his father abandoned him and his sister when he was 13. He had been removed from the care of his mother when he was only 5. Statistics indicate that a mere two percent of teens who age out of the foster care system graduate from a four-year college. Ohan defied those odds and will be graduating in June from UC Riverside with a neuroscience degree. Ohan received nine letters of acceptance from graduate schools: UC Riverside School of Medicine. UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. UC Davis. UC San Francisco. Cornell. Columbia. USC. Northwestern. University of Pittsburgh. “It is quite impressive to have received nine acceptances. Only exceptional students would receive this many offers,” said Dr. Neal Schiller, senior associate dean of student affairs at the UCR School of Medicine. “Festus Ohan is a unique, gifted student who has overcome incredible obstacles to achieve his dream. We are very proud of him.” Ohan has decided to go with UCLA, one of the factors being high level of financial support they offered. The David Geffen Med-
will graduate from UC Riverside in June with a degree in neuroscience. “I will miss UCR. People here were excited about my dreams and believed I could do it. I had mentors who supported me and inspired me to believe in myself. ” Like many foster children, Ohan lived in multiple homes, attended multiple schools and lacked stability. His dreams of becoming a doctor were labeled “unrealistic.” It was at UCR that Ohan was introduced to the Guardian Scholars Program which provides a network of resources to students who are transitioning from the foster care system to adulthood in order to facilitate their successful pursuit of higher education. Through the program Ohan developed friendships with other students and mentors, and following a challenging first year, Ohan persevered and switched to a neuroCOURTESY PHOTO science major and maintained a 4.0 GPA. Festus Ohan, 22, will be graduating from UC Riverside with a “I knew college was going to be neurosciences degree in June. He was accepted to nine medical really hard and I was hesitant schools, and has decided to attend UCLA’s David Geffen School about pursuing my aspirations,” of Medicine this August. Ohan was in foster care from the age Ohan recalled. “I came in as a political science major because I was of 13, and overcame challenges to succeed as a scholar. too afraid of majoring in the sciences. Guardian Scholars felt like ical Scholarship will provide for enroll in August. a family. There was comfort in full financial support including a “I’m looking forward to medical knowing that if something came living stipend, tuition, room and school and learning how to heal up or I fell down, there were peoboard, books and supplies. He will patients,” said the 22-year-old who ple who would help me.”
He attended the Harvard Summer PreMedical Institute, volunteered at Loma Linda University Medical Center and helped found the UCR Unnatural Causes student organization, which raises awareness about disparities in health care. He served as the group’s president this year. One of his role models for the kind of physician he wants to be is the surgeon who treated his sister for scoliosis while the two teens were in foster care. “He was so compassionate and I saw how he improved the quality of her life,” he recalled. “I want to do the same. I will treat everyone with respect and dignity, despite their economic standing.” Despite the hardships of his childhood, he said he knows that others in foster care experienced worse and lost their way. “A lot of my foster brothers and sisters had goals of going to college and finding their dream job, but somewhere along the way they gave up,” he said. “I am grateful that I met people who were able to turn their own lives around and inspired me.” His advice to others in similar circumstances? “Have confidence in your abilities. Try to meet several mentors along the way who are positive influences. Don’t give up.”
Rialto Rotary Club Stocks Shelves at Food Bank for “Rotarians at Work Day”
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COURTESY PHOTO
Rialto Rotary member Judy Roberts.
otarians at Work Day happens the last Saturday in April each year. Started in 2006 as a joint effort between two Rotary Districts (one in the United States and one in Mexico), it has grown to include Rotary Clubs around the world. Each club identifies a hands-on project that all club members can participate in to help their local community. Then the actual Rotary Club members perform the work at no charge. The Rialto Rotary Club chose to sort and stock canned food at the Rialto Child Assistance food bank. Rialto Child Assistance is a long running, non-profit organization that has been helping needy children in Rialto for years. They provide families of students in the Rialto Unified School District with food and other supplies that their parents cannot always give to them. Rialto Child Assistance works with the school district to identify the children who need help. It was started by the late Ethel Kucera and continues on in
her spirit. The Rialto Child Assistance recently moved to their new location, and much of the canned foods had not yet been sorted and stocked. The project was conceived by Lynn Hirtz, who serves on the Rialto Rotary Club Board of Directors. About the Rialto Rotary Club’s work in the food bank,
Connie Buge, First Vice President of the Rialto Child Assistance, said, “Without the help of the Rialto Rotary Club, it would have taken us several more days to sort, organize and stock the thousands of cans of food we have.” Of the event, Lynn Hirtz said, “Rotarians are always working within the community. Having one day dedicated to a special, community effort helps us to focus on our purpose and makes it a personal experience.” The Rialto Rotarians who participated were President Bruce Ricker, Rotary District Assistant Governor Barry Valdez, Rialto Rotary Past Presidents Butch Araiza, Ken Shattuck, Lynn Hirtz, Jim Ott and Tom Reed, and Rialto Rotary members and friends Richard Montano, Judy Roberts, Debbie Sousa, Jackie Valdez and Raul Perez.
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Calendar
C
ity Council Meetings
Colton: First and third Tuesday, 6 p.m.; 650 N. La Cadena Dr. Highland: Second and fourth Tuesday, 6 p.m.; 27215 Base Line. No meetings in August. Loma Linda: Second and fourth Tuesday, 7 p.m. (check city Web site as dates are subject to change); 25541 Barton Rd. Redlands: First and third Tuesday, 3 p.m.; 35 Cajon St. Rialto: Second and fourth Tuesday, 6 p.m.; 150 S. Palm Ave. San Bernardino: First and third Monday, 3 p.m.; 300 N. “D” St.
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fternoon Delight Dance Socials
All seniors, couples and singles, welcome at free dance socials. Opportunity to make new friends and remember music of our youth. Joslyn Senior Center: First and second Tuesday 2 p.m., 21 Grant St., Redlands (909) 798-7550. Redlands Community Center: Every third Friday 2 p.m., 111 Lugonia Ave., Redlands (909) 7987572. Highland Senior Center: Every fourth Tuesday 2 p.m., 3102 E. Highland Ave., Highland (909) 862-8104.
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more information, please call (909) 887-3472.
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emocratic Luncheon Club of San Bernardino
The Democratic Luncheon Club of San Bernardino meet at noon on Fridays at Democratic Headquarters, 136 Carousel Mall (near the central glass elevator) in San Bernardino. For additional information visit website www.sbdems.com Speaker Schedule: 5/9 Larry Walker, SB County Auditor-Controller Treasurer Tax Collector 5/16 Ruthee Goldkorn, Disability Activist 5/23 DARK - Memorial Day Weekend 5/30 Connie Leyva, Candidate for State Senate SD 20Visit us at www.sbdems.com or our new Facebook page at www.facebook/SBDems.
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allet Folklorico Cultural Classes
Mondays 5:30-6:30 5-11yrs, Mondays 6:30-8:30 11-adult. No charge. 951-233-7027. Knights of Columbus, 740 Pennsylvania St., Colton, Ca.
he Inland E m p i r e Prime Time Choraliers
Saturdays from 10am-12pm Come Sing with The Inland Empire Prime Time Choraliers as they begin a new season on Tuesday, January 7, 9:00 AM. Rehearsals are held each Tuesday Morning. at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 785 No. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92401 (corner of Arrowhead and 8th).
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allroom Waltz dance classes
Waltz lessons will be held beginning Monday, May 5, through June 2 at the Redlands Community Center. The class runs Mondays from 6:45 to 8 p.m. (There will be no class on Monday, May 26, due to the Memorial Day holiday.) Registration fee is $8 per person for four weeks of lessons. Partners are not required. No dance experience is necessary. Walk-in registration is available at the Redlands Community Center or register onat line www.cityofredlands.org/classes. For additional information, please call instructor Joe Sidor at (909) 792-6076. All classes are held at the Redlands Community Center multi-purpose room.
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arbecue dinner potluck hosted by Community Senior Center
Friday, June 6- Join the Redlands Community Senior Center for Friday afternoon dinner potluck as the staff prepares a hamburger barbecue potluck at 3 p.m. Friday, June 6. The center will provide the hamburgers, and asks guests to donate $2 or provide a dish to accompany the theme. Suggested items to bring are: lettuce, tomato, onions, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, chips, cheese, dessert and beverages. Dishes should be able to feed 10 to 12 people. Please call the Redlands Community Senior Center at (909) 798-7579 to reserve your spot now. The Redlands Senior Center is located at 111 W. Lugonia Ave. For more information contact the center at (909) 798-7572. www.CityofRedlands.org
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • June 5, 2014 • Page A7
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SSBV 3rd Annual Castle Park Fundraising Day!
Saturday, June 7- 5:30pm8:30pm. The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley will have a fundraising day at Castle Park (3500 Polk Street, Riverside) from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Visit www.hssbv.org to download and print a flyer or stop by the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley (374 W Orange Show Lane, San Bernardino). When you bring the flyer with you to Castle Park on June 7th you will receive $12.99 admission, unlimited rides and your choice of unlimited golf or access to the Buccaneer Cove water area (this package would normally be $15.99)! In addition to the discount, the HSSBV will also get $3 of each admission ticket. Save money on a day of fun for the family and help the HSSBV help animals at the same time! For more information on this fundraiser visits www.hssbv.org or call 909-386-1400 ext. 224.
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ater Wise Presentation
Tuesday, June 10-2pm. The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District will give a presentation at the A.K. Smiley Library Assembly Room, 125 W. Vine St., Redlands. This presentation is free to attend. Call (909) 798-7565 for information.
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a s e b a l l Fundraiser Night
Saturday, June 28-7:05pm at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino. This event is hosted by ARMC’s Volunteer Auxiliary and the Inland Empire 66ers.For more information about the ARMC Fundraiser Night, or to purchase tickets, call (909) 5806340, or go to: http://www.ticketmaster.com/inland-empire-66ers-v s-rancho-cucamonga-sanbernardino-california-06-282014/event/0B004B75D38485B3? artistid=1200323&majorcatid=10 004&minorcatid=10. Please enter offer code “Breathmobile” in the designated box so your purchase June 9-June 30. Enjoy Salsa dance can benefit the Breathmobile® in a comfortable and fun setting. program. Salsa classes will be taught every Monday beginning June 9 through June 30. Classes begin at 6:45 p.m., ending at 8 pm. Registration fee is $8 per person. Partners are not required. Space is limited, so sign-up today at Thursday, July 10- 5:30pmthe Redlands Community Center or 8:30pm. Food and Wine event, online at www.cityofredlands.org/recreation/c Live and Silent Auction. Hamplasses. For more information, call in- ton Suites, Highland at San structor Joe Sidor at (909) 792-6076. Manuel Village, 27959 HigVilAll classes are held at the Redlands lage, 27959 Highland Ave., HighCommunity Center multi-purpose land. Tickets available at 8088 room. The Redlands Community Palm Lane, San Bernardino. For Center is located at 111 W. Lugonia more information call (909) 384Ave. For more information contact 5426. Hosted by the Friends of the C.I.D. the center at (909) 798-7572.
S
alsa Classes
G
rapes & Gourmet
BUSINESSES & SERVICES ommunication Classes
Mondays at 6 p.m.: Town & Country Toastmasters Club offers classes in the Sequoia Room at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, 400 N. Pepper Ave., Colton. For
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Page A8 • June 5, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
Educators of Excellence Best selling author Luis J. Rodriguez Celebration to be held makes stop at Ch.I.C.C.C.A.A. on June 14
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By Anthony Victoria
COURTESY PHOTO
On Saturday, June 14, noteworthy educators, past and present, will be recognized at the First Annual Educators of Excellence Celebration, which will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral Hall in San Bernardino.
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By Cynthia Mendoza
n Saturday, June 14, noteworthy educators, past and present, will be recognized at the First Annual Educators of Excellence Celebration, which will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral Hall in San Bernardino. The afternoon tea, which is sponsored by Union Bank, TELACU, Wells Fargo, Gloria Posada Graphics and San Bernardino Valley Concert Association, will recognize the following educators: Mrs. Frances Stofel, retired school teacher; Gloria Macías Harrison, San Bernardino Community College District Trustee, former Crafton Hills College president and former San Bernardino Valley Community College professor; Leyla Avila, teacher at San Gorgonio High School; Michelle Sanchez, kindergarten teacher at Holy Rosary Academy; Edie Bradbury, Math teacher at Cajon High School; Brad La Viegie, math teacher at Arroyo Valley High School; Patti Espina and Richard Osoria of the STAR (science theater art and recreation) Program and D. Nathan Ciezynski of the Inland Fair Housing Mediation Board. Each of these individuals individually and collectively within their respective roles have made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and their communities as a whole through their positive influence inside and outside the classroom. Given her long and rich history in the community, former students or families of former students who were well acquainted with Mrs. Stofel are encouraged to attend or share their memories of their former teacher and friend. The afternoon tea will be held
from 2 to 4 p.m. General admission is $35 and student admission is $10. Proceeds benefit Christmas With Santa, a youth toy give away in December, a Tamalada with Santa for the “young at heart” and a scholarship to Holy Rosary Academy. The event will also include an opportunity drawing. There are still sponsorship opportunities available. To RSVP contact Lori Vasquez at (951) 217-2624. For more information on sponsorships or the event itself, contact Alycia Enciso, who is the lead organizer, at (909) 882-2276. Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral Hall is located at 265 West 25th Street in San Bernardino.
olk songs, poetry, a motivational lecture, and a book signing took place at the Chicano Indigenous Community for Culturally Conscious Adand Action vocacy (Ch.I.C.C.C.A.A.) during the lunch meet and greet with bestselling author and California gubernatorial candidate Luis J. Rodriguez on Thursday May 29. Rodriguez, born in 1954 in El Paso, Texas, migrated with his family to the Los Angeles area at the age of 2. He deeply got involved with street gangs and drugs during his teen years, eventually being apprehended by police numerous times for crimes such as stealing, fighting, and rioting. It’s an experience Rodriguez highlights vividly in his novel, Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in LA. Despite his gang ties, Rodriguez was an active participant in the Chicano Movement of the 1960’s and early 1970’s and would go on to work as a photographer/journalist for various newspapers in Southern California such as the San Bernardino Sun and would become involved with art mural projects, community organizing, along with his prominent work as novelist. San Bernardino Valley College History professor Ed Gomez formally introduced Rodriguez to those in attendance by explaining that the green party and justice party gubernatorial candidate is answering that “deeper call”. “We have a much deeper story to tell,” he said, “a story of politicians bartering and bartering their way to the top, looking for money as if they were addicted to some type of drug that comes in the form of green mud.” “We have a warrior like Luis Rodriguez who’s willing to walk into the depths of [expletive] and stand in the face of all this crap as the youth look for an answer,” continued Gomez. “There is only one man I can recommend at this moment.”
PHOTO/ANTHONY VIC-
TORIA
Luis Rodriguez speaks at Ch.I.C.C. C.A.A. during a luncheon on May 29.
Rodriguez explained the issues he believes are detrimental to the development of California and society in general. He believes the cosmology native/indigenous clashes with that of the capitalist, explaining that the latter diminishes any value in embracing culture, life, the past, and the future. “We have ways to care,” he said. “Kids are killing themselves because they are being disconnected. People think they have to compete for their place, even if they have to kill get there. We need to get people out there to vote and get our gente to care about these issues. This world is being eradicated and we have to keep the world moving through our cosmology, ” The event proved to be monumental for the members of the Colton-based community center. Ch.I.C.C.C.A.A co-founder Mary Valdemar said many of their center’s foundations are based on Rodriguez’s philosophy and principles. “Most of the chicanos that are here read his book in English and Chicano History classes at San Bernardino Valley College,” said Valdemar. It’s a staple for our community. When folks heard he was coming down to our little humble center, we became excited. He’s really earned our respect.” The luncheon began with an in
digenous ritual conducted by Huachichil Indian Henry Vasquez, an avid flutist and drummer, followed by a performance from Milpa and Sonreal. In addition, San Bernardino Valley College English professor and Puente Project advisor Alma Guadalupe Lopez shared some of her poetic works with attendees, the most compelling being her poem titled “It”. “I was on the verge of killing my dreams of completing my literature degree among the tall and strong redwoods. I then too realized I could stand tall and be strong,” she read aloud. “I was 25years-old when I crawled back into myself. It was then that I forgave him, but more important, it was then that I forgave myself [… ]Today I am no longer fragmented victim. Today I articulate clearly to you that I am a sexual abuse survivor and I am not ashamed.” Jose “Aguatl” Ledezma, a poet and musician with Milpa and one of the main coordinators of the luncheon, said Rodriguez’s work has inspired him personally through his spoken word and literature. “The whole connection with the community is reflected in his lyrics,” Ledezma said. “His poems reflect the experiences of the community because when I listen to it, I can relate to it.”
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • June 5, 2014 • Page A9
Open enrollment begins soon for Rialto school district’s newest First 5 San Bernardino Full Day Preschool site
COURTESY PHOTO/RUSD
Rosemarie Devitta, a teacher at Rocking Horse, RUSD’s newest First 5 San Bernardino full day preschool speaks with a parent, Angelica Tello, regarding the free program during the site’s Open House, May 22. Open enrollment for all county residents begins in August.
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By Yazmin Alvarez
s the school year comes to an end many teachers are preparing for their summer break, but for educators at a recently opened school site in Rialto, preparations for the next school year just started. An open house celebrating the reopening of Rocking Horse, the newest First 5 San Bernardino Full Day Preschool classroom offered through the Rialto Unified School District, was held last week to help get the free program bustling with children for the 2014-2015 school year.
And the site’s teacher, Rose Devitta, along with other district officials, are anxious to hear children’s laughter fill the classroom once again. Rocking Horse, which is located at the district’s Child Development Office at 815 S. Willow Avenue, closed its doors a few years ago due to district-wide budget cuts, said Dr. Hilarie Dyson, RUSD’s child development administrator. But thanks to a grant provided by First 5 San Bernardino, the district is also able to offer the early childhood education program at four other elementary school sites-Curtis, Morgan, Morris and Ko-
rdyak. Each of the First 5 funded programs allows for enrollment of 24 children, district officials said, with open enrollment for Rocking Horse beginning Aug. 5. Although the program is offered through RUSD, district boundaries do not apply, officials said. The six-hour program will focus on language, literacy, writing and letter identification during the first half of the day, followed by science and math activities in the afternoon, said Devitta. “The goal is to get them into a
COURTESY PHOTO/RUSD
Rosemarie Devitta, teacher at Rocking Horse, interacts with children during the May 22 classroom Open House.
daily routine and prepare them for kindergarten,” she added. To qualify for the free First 5 Preschool Program, children must have turned 4-years-old by Oct. 2, 2013. While there are no income qualifications for parents or guardians interested in enrolling their child in the program, parents must be working or enrolled in school. If those interested in the program do not meet the required qualifications, the district has a total of 23 classrooms open and available for the state’s half-day preschool. Qualifications for the state preschool program differ slightly from the First 5 program--children
must be 4-years-old before Oct. 2, 2013 or 3-years of age by the date. Parents or guardians must also meet income qualifications in order for their child to be considered for the state program. To learn more about the preschool programs offered at Rialto Unified School District or for enrollment information, visit the Child Development Office at 815 S. Willow Avenue in Rialto or call 909-421-4201.
Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter for Inland Empire Community Newspapers and can be reached at iecn.yazmin@gmail.gmail.com
COURTESY PHOTO/RUSD
Rialto School Board vice president, Joseph Ayala and Child Development Administrator Dr. Hilarie Dyson discuss the district’s newest First 5 San Bernardino preschool classroom with parent, Angelica Tello.
Cruisin' on Route 66 - Friday, June 20, 2014 - Foothill Blvd. between Acacia and Riverside Avenue, Rialto - 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. $10, or FREE if you register for the car show:
Run Whatcha Brung Car Show XXI - Saturday, June 21, 2014 - Downtown Rialto - 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, trophies at 2:30 PM. $35 pre-registration entry fee includes Friday night cruise and free t-shirt.
Classic cars, food trucks and vendor booths, live entertainment.
Contact (909) 877-0200 • www.rialtorotary.org “Spectators get in for free”
Page A10 • June 5, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
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2
County Board Of Education Summit College welding students To Meet On June 9 support local paralympian compete, win
he San Bernardino County Board of Education has moved its next scheduled meeting to June 9 at its normal location at the Roy C Hill Education Center. Normally, the board meets on the first Monday of the month. It will meet at 11 a.m. on June 9 at the education center, located at 601 N. E St. in San Bernardino. The board will have special recognitions beginning at 4 p.m. for County Schools’ regional
teachers of the year, California Distinguished Schools, county Title I Academic Achieving Schools, and Schools to Watch. The board’s agenda will be available online on June 4 at the County Schools’ website at http://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/index. php/governance/county-board-ofeducation/minutes-agendas. For more information on the board meeting, contact the County Schools’ Communications office at (909) 386-2413.
Colton Youth Soccer 2014 Registration Boys & Girls 3-1/2 to 17
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ates: Weds, June 11, 18 for information. Coaches needed (6-8pm), Sat, June 7, 14, for all ages. 21, (9am-12pm) at Colton MIddle chool, 670 W. Laurel, Colton 92324. Weds, July 2 (6-8pm) & July 4 (9am-12pm) at Fireworks Booth by Siquios.
Late registration $10.00 more after June 21, 2014.
All registration fees and applications must be paid in full by June 21, 2014. Call 909-825-0151 or visit www.coltonyouthsoccer.com
7-year-old Ashley Dyce kicked off her 2014 Track & Field season in an exciting way on Saturday (May 10) at the Desert Challenge in Mesa, Arizona. The Desert Challenge Games are a multi-day competition for those with physical disabilities. Dyce, who has been training as a paraplegic athlete for 5 months now, reached out to Summit College in Colton, CA in search of a welder who could help build a custom chair for her to compete in. Vice President of Admissions and Marketing Chris Drozd assisted in the process along with three welding instructors and several Summit College students. Summit College’s Welding teachers and students spent three weeks building and customizing the chair after which Ashley was able to compete. She said ”Not everyone has their own chair to use for their events so it was nice having my own. I have three friends who are part of the Certified Nursing Assistant program at Summit and I knew the school had a welding program so it worked out well.” Ashley plans to continue training for the next Paralympic competition in hopes of being apart of the 2016 U.S. Paralympic team. The Desert Challenge is the first step in getting to her Paralympic goal and Summit College was happy to assist her along the way. Competing in three track and field events,
COURTESY PHOTO/ASHLEY DYCE
Ashley Dyce competing at the 2014 Desert Challenge Games in Mesa, Arizona.
women’s shot put, discus throw and javelin, Dyce not only won the discus event but achieved a new personal best throwing an impressive 17.88 meters, which was enough to snag her first place. Along with her first place medal Dyce earned second place in javelin. About Summit College Summit College is nationally accredited by ACCET and provides short term, vocational training programs in the medical, business and skilled trade industries. Their
welding program is designed for students interested in learning welding or upgrading their skills in various welding processes. Novice to advanced level students can benefit from their individualized competency based program. Students learn essential welding skills and safety practices through classroom theory and hands-on training. Summit offers weldingbasic and welding-advanced programs. For more information, please visit SummitCollege.edu
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • June 5, 2014 • Page A11
Green Mixer connects job seekers with solar companies, local officials
PHOTO/ANTHONY VICTORIA
Rafael Trujillo, field representative for California State Senator Norma Torres awards GRID Alternatives representatives Stuart Haniff (left) and Bambi Tran (center) with an award.
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By Anthony Victoria
rid Alternative’s chief development officer Stuart Haniff emphasized a point in U.S president Barack Obama’s state of the union address from January. “He (Obama) noted that every four minutes a home or a business goes solar in the United States,” Haniff said to approximately fifty job seekers on Thursday May 29 during the third annual Green Mixer held at San Bernardino City Hall in downtown. “That is an amazing statistic because it translates into jobs.” And as solar energy continues to expand in Southern California, GRID Alternatives and the Sierra Club My Generation campaign, along with the city of San Bernardino, San Bernardino County Supervisor James Ramos, Califor-
nia Senator Norma Torres of the 32nd district, UC Riverside’s Office of Sustainability, and various solar companies who worked collectively to organize the mixer have made it their goal to support this growth by facilitating relationships between the industry, workers, and public officials. By organizing clean energy based events such as green mixers and GRID’s annual “Solarthon”, a block party event that emphasizes the installation of solar panels in a designated neighborhood, while also fundraising to support solar initiatives, solar advocates have been successful in garnering support from prominent officials like Supervisor Ramos. Ramos, who represents San Bernardino County’s third district (Morongo Basin, Twentynine Palms, Lucerne Valley, Barstow,
Johnson Valley) and first district Supervisor Robert Lovingood have put together ordinances that will provide businesses the opportunity to see what will be expected of them throughout the community and strives to preserve the communities that the solar businesses will be going into. “One of the things we are talking about now is rooftop solar,” said Ramos. “A lot of the buildings that are in our area can have rooftop solar panels on there, saving the open space in the desert. What that does is brings the solar panels closer to the transmission lines and closer to those that use the energy themselves.” Ramos felt the need to come out to the event to inform the public of the ongoing initiatives they are working on. He brought up the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP) that will help provide effective protection and conservation of desert ecosystems while allowing for the appropriate development of renewable energy projects. Fifty percent of that plan lands in San Bernardino County, according to Ramos. “We want to make sure that the residents and constituents have a voice in saying what is going on in San Bernardino County,” he said. “By coming out here, you learn more about the industry itself, the technology, and how to save the environment by being included in these topics.” The solar industry in the United States had a record year in 2013. According to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), 4,751 megawatts (MW) of
Community Profile: Thomas Robles is one of Colton’s young gems PHOTO COURTESY/THOMAS ROBLES
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By Anthony Victoria
ifelong Colton resident Thomas Robles since the age of 16 has worked for the City of Colton Community Services Department as senior recreation leader and lifeguard. In addition, Robles teaches swim classes at several community centers in the city. The experience has served him well as Robles now looks to mentor young children and help them with whatever they need. “There is this little girl that keeps coming to the center her name is Rose and she is deathly afraid of water,” Robles said regarding a recent situation where he received an award from the Colton City Council for providing great services. “I got her to break her shell and at the time I didn’t think nothing of it. I was just doing my job trying to make the kids happy,” he said. “It made such an impact on the lit-
Thomas Robles, 22, is a lifelong resident of Colton and aims to give back to the community. tle girl’s life that she’s always asking for Mr. Thomas and wrote a nice letter saying what a great job we did. The letter is fine enough but they decided to recognize me for it and I thought it was pretty cool.” Now at the age of 22, Robles is applying his skills into acting, singing, performing music, dancing, organizing, and is now getting involved in political affairs. The San Bernardino Valley College student was recently elected vice-president of the Associated Student Government on campus, but he is no stranger to the spotlight. As a student at Colton High School, Robles participated in band and was a member of the swim team, in addition to his ballet folklorico performances in the community and ukulele performances at SBVC. Robles has visited classrooms dressed up as Spiderman, Batman, and other superheroes to get a reaction from young children. He said being a teacher is the greatest thing
one can do for someone. “It gives you the best feeling,” he said. “Being a mentor and being influential in someone’s life is the best thing in the world besides love.” Robles’s first encounter with acting and drama came in high school when he and a couple of friends were casted for the Curious Case of the Clumsy Custard, a satirical play that was organized in honor of Colton High School groundskeeper James Williams and raise money for cancer research. At SBVC, Robles continues to perform on stage, combining his drama skills and his ukulele skills to dazzle students and faculty alike. As a fourth generation Colton resident, Robles’s goals are based around providing children an outlet for recreation and giving back to the community. “I want to make my mark on the city and it makes me really happy to be involved with the community,” Robles said. “Thanks to my job I’m allowed to give back. I can’t imagine doing anything else right now.”
PHOTO/ANTHONY VICTORIA
(Above) Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar, GRID Alternatives representative Stuart Haniff, Sierra Club My Generation organizer Allen Hernandez and San Bernardino County Supervisor James Ramos. (Below) Participants of the mixer listen to the presentation made about solar energy expansion.
new photovoltaic (PV) capacity was installed in 2013, showing a 41 percent increase in deployment over installation levels in 2012. Solar accounted for 29 percent of all new electricity generation capacity added in 2013–—up from the 10 percent that solar accounted for in 2012, making solar the second largest source of new electricity generation behind natural gas. The record year can be seen as a result of a historical growth in the fourth quarter, as 2,106 MW came online in the fourth quarter of the year alone (See SEIA/GTM Research “U.S. Solar Market Insight: 2013 Year in Review” for further information on Solar Energy). Additionally, installations continue to rise around the nation with over 13,000 MW of cumulative solar electric capacity operating. It is enough to power more than 2.2 million average American homes. California led national rankings in
PV capacity additions and cumulative solar capacity for 2013. Azhar Khan, a representative from the Habitat for Humanity office in Riverside and a resident of San Bernardino, hopes the event is one of many to come in the city. “It’s pretty awesome that San Bernardino is hosting this event,” said Khan. “It’s good to see so many organizations involved and so many people here in search of job opportunities. The city needs more employment-based jobs as opposed to the many warehouse jobs we currently have.” Sierra Club My Generation organizer Allen Hernandez said he was impressed with the solar company recruiters present. “It was very real,” he said. “Folks can actually get a job at the end of all this. I’ll be happy as long as we’re bringing more clean energy jobs into San Bernardino, alleviating pollution, and unemployment.”
Page A12 • June 5, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
Bloomington's Annia Nathaly Pacheco ends impressive Mejia to play soccer at 4-year varsity career at Ike Cal on full ride
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By Harvey M. Kahn
PHOTO COURTESY/HUBBS FOUNDATION
Bloomington's Annia Mejia will play soccer at Cal after winning three league titles,setting school scoring records, and sacrificing personal honors.
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By Harvey M. Kahn
ithin two-years at Bloomington High, Annia Mejia transformed and sacrificed her soccer game from a league leading scorer into that of a field general. Mejia led the Sunkist League with 14 goals and 32 points as a freshman. As a sophomore, she again led the league and set a school record with 19 goals and 41 points. As a junior and senior, Mejia gave up the spotlight of a scorer and transitioned into a facilitator and tenacious defender. She was league MVP as a senior. Her willingness to be a team player helped Bloomington coach Rosa Quiroz-Rodriguez manage the Bruins to three consecutive
Sunkist League soccer championships. Individually, it earned Mejia to four All-CIF Division 5 teams and to the school's 2014 Girl's Ken Hubbs Award. It all totaled to a full scholarship to UC Berkeley, where she was recruited as a defender by Cal coach Neil McGuire. Mejia had originally committed to UCLA but the opportunity of a full academic and athletic scholarship swayed her to Cal. "I will be taking public health classes and
will go into the medical field," said Mejia. "I'm going there with an open mind. I'll have a roommate from the soccer team and the rest of the team will be in the same dorm. I'm excited. I'm ready to go." She will report to campus on Aug. 5th. Mejia was being re-
athaly Pacheco will finally settle down after four whirlwind years in class and on the athletic fields at Eisenhower High School. After playing varsity tennis, soccer, cross country and softball for your years, she will concentrate only on softball next year on scholarship at a soon to be determined college. For good measure, Pacheco made honor roll all four years at Ike and just before graduation picked up her school's 2014 Ken Hubbs Award. Asked how she budgeted her time, Pacheco replied that she's start days with zero period at 6:30 a.m., then finish her last class at 3:30. It was off to practice until 6:30 and then to travel ball practice from 7-9 p.m. She would then do homework "until I knew it was done right." She wouldn't get tired "because I have an excessive amount of love for what I do." The 17-year-old acknowledges that she is not the best student or best athlete, yet there are none who work harder. "There is no excuse for anyone to work harder than me." She will pick up the pace again next year when she will major in criminal justice, with a minor in sign language. She will then proceed to law school. At Ike, Pacheco ranked #8 academically out of 483 students. "Nathaly is one of those kids who doesn't come around that often. She has excelled at everything," said Eisenhower athletic director Gilbert Pulido. "No matter where she goes or what she does, she will be fine. She is mature beyond her years." Pacheco wants to eventually be an independent crime scene inves-
cruited by UCI and UC Santa Barbara as well. She credits some of her soccer skills to competition provided by her brother's Brian and Talvin, both members of soccer teams at BHS. Her Fram F.C. travel team from Palos Verdes was a two-time national youth champion. Team-
PHOTO COURTESY/NATHALY PACHECO
Nathaly Pacheco excelled at four sports and in the class in her 15-hour days.
tigator who travels the country solving crimes. Her broad range of interests includes statistics and governmental affairs. "Yes. I like politics. Would I run for office. It's something that I'd consider." Pacheco was a two-time soccer defensive player-of-the-year and twice named All-CBL in softball at Ike. She was twice named to the All-Citrus Belt League second team in tennis. She was named the 2012 Mini World Series MVP in
mates Tori Bolden and Bryce Watts from her Fram team will join her at Cal. The national soccer ranking group, Top Drawer Soccer rates Mejia as the #25 rated high school player in the nation. On the Cal website, McGuire called Mejia a highly skilled, composed soccer player who can play
Reno as a member of her travel softball team. Pacheco's resume is filled with a number of national affiliations. She is a peer counselor, coach and a volunteer in the school office. After her studies are complete, she will come back to Rialto to coach youth 14U. Pulido feels that Pacheco has already begun to empower other students to find a purpose and to break self-imposed barriers.
a number of positions very well. "Her versatility will prove valuable this season. Annia is a fierce competitor." Mejia is a local youth soccer coach for ages 8-12. She was among 24 players selected to train with the U.S. Under-18 National Team at the Olympic Complex in Chula Vista.
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • June 5, 2014 • Page A13
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Pro Motocross has returned home to Glen Helen
By Joaquin Juarez
ucas Oil Pro Motocross came home. After wandering around Southern California for a few years it finally returned to where it belongs. The Red Bull Glen Helen AMA National was round one in the series, and the huge crowd was treated to excellent racing. Some of our local boys were participating and doing their best to grab a trophy and a large share of points as the summer’s competition began in the Inland Empire’s backyard. Josh Grant, Blake Baggett and Weston Peick, just to name a few, were on hand to try to win round one on a track they have ridden and raced on since they had their first dirt bike. Each class, 450 and 250, runs two separate races on the day called “motos.” The two moto scores are combined to give an overall score, and the best overall score determines the winner. The 450 class was first to roll on to the starting gate for the day. Joe Gibbs Racing Yamaha’s Josh Grant led all 40 riders out of the gate and through the first turn, earning him the first holeshot of the outdoor motocross season. Just as he won many motos growing up at Glen Helen, from mini-bikes to the incredibly competitive world of AMA Motocross, the Riverside, California native Grant won this one. Grant never gave up the lead for the 30 minutes-plus-two-laps moto. For good measure, his JGR Teammate, Phil Nicoletti, followed him in second place for quite a while. An undisclosed stomach ailment caused Phil to fade back to 11th place by the end of the moto. Behind Grant there was some great racing, as can be expected in a field that features 40 of the top riders in the world. Ken Roczen, a German racer, winner of many championships, was involved in that great racing all day. He was in the top three early, kept battling his
way around, and little by little caught up to Josh Grant. Roczen tried a couple of aggressive moves in the last few turns, but Grant held him off and won by only a second or two. The Glen Helen faithful were cheering and yelling through out the race for hometown hero Grant, but on the last lap the people seemed to stand taller and definitely cheer louder. No question that helped give Grant the extra surge of adrenaline to hold off Roczen at the end. Third place went to “captain consistency”, Ryan Dungey. He wasn’t too close or too far from his teammate Roczen, and the two KTM riders started the season with a good first moto. Last years Canadian Motocross Champion, Brett Metcalfe, did a great job finishing in fourth place. Weston Pieck, another local fan-favorite, got through well enough for fifth place on his RCH Suzuki. The next race was the first moto of the 250 class. A young man from a far away place emerged and dominated the day. Jeremy Martin is a long way from Minnesota, but he rode as if he grew up living at Glen Helen Raceway, not his parents’ national motocross track in Milville, Minnesota. Troy Lee Designs Honda rider Cole Seely had a great first moto and seemed to have second place wrapped up. Cooper Webb started outside the top ten on his Yamaha and didn’t receive the message that second was unobtainable. Webb turned in great laps and eventually put his Yamaha in front of Seely at the end. Unfortunately for Seely, KTM’s Jason Anderson snuck by and stole third place from him at the end. Not one of these fine riders kept Jeremy Martin in sight as he took the checkered flag to win the first moto. The second moto of the 450 class seemed like the same movie with different actors. This time Ken Roczen was the person in the lead, and Ryan Dungey was the one in a distant second place. Little by little,
“captain consistency” inched his way towards the front and found his way to Roczen’s rear wheel. Over the last few laps, Dungey would be ready for a pass, and then get held up by a lapper. Dungey again would be ready for a pass, only to be slowed up by a lapper or two. Now, pretend you read that last sentence four or five times again, because that is how the last three or four laps were. It genuinely looked like Roczen was going to stay in front of Dungey the way Grant did it to Roczen in the first moto. Dungey dug deep and passed Roczen with only a few turns to go. In another exciting finish, Roczen was in second place by less than two seconds. Dungey won the overall on the day with 3-1 moto scores, Roczen grabbing second with 2-2 finishes. Honda’s Trey Canard fought hard for a third place in the second moto, and that gave him third overall on the day. Brett Metcalfe did a great job and finished 4th overall on the day. Moto one winner Josh Grant fought, fought, and fought some more to finish in fifth overall on the day. The resilient Riverside, California naitive crashed twice in the second moto, had to pull in to the pits to straighten his bike as much as possible, but never gave up en route to a 15th place finish in that moto. He is still very much a part of the championship. Local boy Weston Peick had his troubles and a big crash in moto 2, earning 13th place and 9th overall. Many of the faithful are expecting more from Peick, let’s hope he gets on form and his hard work pays off. For the day’s final race, the 250s took their spots on the gate. The most impressive thing about moto 2 in the 250 class was, again, Jeremy Martin. He checked out and would have had time to stop and drink a Red Bull or two and still have won the race. No one really saw this coming. Martin started the Supercross season (where the boys compete in stadiums on man made
ACA's Riley van Velthuyzen added intangibles to athletic career
PHOTO/HUBBS FOUNDATION
ACA's Riley van Helthuyzen spent Easter Break on a mission in the Dominican Republic.
A
By Harvey M. Kahn
rrowhead Christian Academy athletic director Greg Wojczynski said there were "tons of kids who were considered for the boys Ken Hubbs Award nomination from his school." The name Riley van Velthuyzen began to cause separation from the rest after he decided to spend last Easter break on a tenday Christian Fellowship mission in the Dominican Republic. "Riley could of easily stayed in
Redlands and hung out with friends," said Wojcynski, who accompanied the ACA group to the Dominican Republic. The Pepperdine University-bound van Velthuyzen was a four-year member of ACA's varsity basketball team and a member of the Ambassador League champion volleyball team that advanced to the CIF-Division 5 semifinals. He added the league high jump championship to his resume by clearing 5' 10. He ranked #3 among his graduating class of 86. He will study business-finance on full scholarship at Pepperdine, eventually seeking to become a financial manager. Although he didn't play baseball or soccer at ACA, he used his natural athletic talents and ability to speak Spanish to communicate with the youth of the Dominican Republic. "Baseball is played everywhere but they use old equipment. We brought them new baseballs, bats and gloves," said van Velthuyzen, who explained the trip was arranged through Students International. "We stayed in pretty good quarters at the their base camp. But to see how the people live was eyeopening," said van Velthuyzen. "They do not have the material
possessions, so anything we could do made them happy." Riley Phillips, ACA's winner of the girls' Hubbs Award traveled on the mission to the Dominican Republic as well. He said the children that he had contact with were ages 6-16. "It was difficult for them to know what we were doing at the beginning. There's so many other's who come to them. People are constantly coming and going. Once they got to know us, they would run up and hug us." He said their guides showed them the sites but kept them from areas known for crime. Yes, you could say there was a lot of poverty." A month later after arriving home from the Dominican Republic, van Helthuyzen was at the Colton Gym to pick up his Ken Hubbs Award 50th year commemorative watch and plaque. Each of the 48 high schools in the greater San Bernardino region pick one boy and one girl as their school's winner. From that pool, one girl and one boy are selected as the overall Hubbs Award winner. "I had heard about the Ken Hubbs Award, but it was cool to search Ken Hubbs and see all the things he did."
tracks) not even qualifying for some races. He finished strong indoors with a win at the end, and perhaps that was the spark he needed to go with the already immense abilities he has to ride motocross. Cooper Webb gave Yamaha a onetwo punch with his strong ride in second place. The teenager showed maturity, skill and determination while holding a safe distance over many challengers. He even passed and left Blake Baggett behind in the second moto. Could this be the summer where Yamaha returns to the top? Cole Seely piloted his Honda to the final step of the podium with consistent 4-4 moto finishes. This third place overall finish kills his previous personal best of 6th overall. Although he would have liked to have held on to second place and finished in a higher overall position, Seely is aware that he is in a good position after one round and it is a long summer of motocross with 11 races to go. Grand Terrace born-and-bred Blake Baggett turned in the second fastest lap of the second moto behind Martin, but because of his poor start (and oober-super-duper fast Martin and Webb), the best he could do was third place. This gave him fourth overall in the race. If this hometown hero can get starts and find his rythmn, he will win more. As a young lad, Baggett used to race for local shop John Burr Cycles of Fontana, our home “momand-pop” shop. He has won the
AMA National Motocross Championship in the past and hopes to do so again. Although this is not where most expected Baggett to finish in round one, he is still very much in championship contention. There is joy in Mudville. There will be rejoicing and bench racing about this event for a long time, and there is a joy in the southern California motocross scene because things are right in the world of motocross. More will be at the race next year because so many that were at this years battle will tell tales of the incredible feats these young athletes exhibit on their flying dirt bike machines. The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motcross Series returned to where it belongs with the Red Bull Glen Helen National, round 1 in the championship. After too many years being away, it is in our backyard and hopefully it will remain here for many years to come. Special thanks go out to Davey Coombs, who basically runs the series with MX Sports, and Dr. Bud Feldcamp, owner of Glen Helen Raceway. If you wish to find more information on the Lucas Oil Motocross Series, check out www.promotocross.com. To see what is happening at your backyard racetrack, check out www.glenhelen.com and pack up the family to take them to the races…and to participate. If you need bikes and equipment, go to www.johnburrcycles.com or just go to their shop in Fontana. See you at the races.
Ike's Marquane Harris has interesting college options
M
By Harvey M. Kahn
arquane Harris feels that his MVP career at Eisenhower High has prepared him to make unexpected adjustments. In three years of varsity, Harris was a member of five Citrus Belt League championship teams at Ike, three basketball and two co-championships in football. During that span, Harris was twice named the CBL's most valuable basketball player. He then added All-CIF and All-Inland Empire football trophies. Harris said those awards didn't come without interruptions, which were all caused by adult administrators. In three years, Harris had three different football coaches. Toward the end of his junior year, his basketball coach was shot and wounded under mysterious circumstances. The shooting made national news. The basketball coach (Steve Johnson) was not asked to come back. Since Johnson was also Ike's athletic director, it meant Harris and teammates would have to go through the change of another A.D. as well. The camera's attracted to Ike's campus were not those Harris wanted to see. "Things were kind of a distraction. We lose our football coach (Vinny Fazio) and then this happens to our basketball coach," explained Harris. "I thought, Oh no! This can't be happening. I started thinking that someone was doing this to us on purpose to keep us from winning. This has prepared me to face difficult things in the future." Along with Fazio, Harris played football for Ike coaches Patrick Lord and Mike Clark. Ray Jimmerson replaced Johnson as the Eagles' basketball coach. Harris has shown skills in class and on the teams which has
PHOTO COURTESY/MARQUANE HAR-
RIS
Eisenhower's Marquane Harris could play college football or basketball but not both.
created some interesting college options. Pending further review, the 6-foot-5 Harris could end up as a quarterback at Western New Mexico State or as a forward at Fresno State. "It's one sport or the other, but I won't play both in college," said Harris, who's brother Marvelle plays basketball at Fresno State. "I'd prefer to play football. Either way, I'm a scholar-athlete. My books come before sports." Harris will major in criminal justice. He hopes to give back to Rialto. His younger brother Markell will be a senior next season. Among his many honors, Harris was selected as Ike's 2014 Boys Ken Hubbs Award winner. "Marquane will contribute and have success wherever he goes," said Eisenhower Athletic Director Gilbert Pulido. "He always showed up when it came time to volunteer with youth. He does well academically. Everyone knows who he is on campus and there's no animosity. Other kids like him."
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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • June 5, 2014 • Page A14
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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • June 5, 2014 • Page A19
Annual Celebration of Children brings art, music to Olive Avenue Market
IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Children of all ages participated in hands-on music exploration druing the 4th annual Celebration of Children. The event was hosted by the Multi Culural Music Tree in aim to help children learn about world music.
Child Care Resource Center and Redlands Day Nursery. Those more interested in the musical aspect of the celebration, like six-year-old Thomas Saous, took a chance at playing indigenous musical instruments like a jawbone. “It’s got teeth!” he said. “Teeth make music and that’s cool.” For Olive Avenue Market coowner Amber Wallick, hosting the event is more than just providing children with a space for a few activities for the day. It’s about creating community, she said. “It’s the greatest thing to watch children be just that--children,” said Wallick. “That’s why supporting local businesses and groups like the Multi Cultural Music Tree is is so important. They help create these bonds in supporting community and helping us to get to know each other and our children.” The market also opens its patio space every third Saturday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. for free music and dance lessons provided by the Multi Cultural Music Tree. To learn more, visit www.mcmu-
IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Performances from Folklorico Cultura and other groups offered a look inot different cultures during the 4th annual Celebration of Children May 31 at Olive Avenue Market in Redlands.
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By Yazmin Alvarez
rums, a jawbone and a didgeridoo were among all-things music that were rolled-out for youngsters to play Saturday as Olive Avenue Market in Redlands hosted the fourth annual Celebration of Children. The event, made possible by the Multi Cultural Music Tree and the market, was held in observance of International Children’s Day and aimed at bringing families together in celebration of children through various forms of art. This year’s children’s celebration kicked off with a friendship dance,
bringing dozens of little ones of all ages to boogie down with siblings and some new friends. “The goal here is to provide a positive space for the kids to explore, imagine and learn,” said Jose Ledezma, event organizer and Multi Cultural Music Tree founder. “We hope to bring all families together in celebration of our little ones in hopes of teaching them the sense of community and growing with them artistically.” As part of the festivities children participated in several hands-on artrelated projects and crafts hosted by local businesses and community organizations such as Kissui, Seed,
sictree.com or www.oliveavenuemarket.com.
Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter for Inland Empire Community Newspapers and can be reached at iecn.yazmin@gmail.gmail.com
IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Children painted self portraits as part of a mural project spearheaded by Belen Ledezma. The murals will be on display throughout the patio area of Olive Avenue Market.
Page A20 • June 5, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
Women say it’s ‘Time for change’ by getting involved, voting
Photos courtesy/TFC
Women of the Time For Change Foundation are shown here with Assemblymember Cheryl Brown on Saturday, May 31 at the San Bernardino Generation Now CommUNITY Festival at Perris Hill Park. TFC clients are learning not just how to vote but on the importance of awareness of issues and getting involved in the democratic process in order to bring about change.
A
By Cynthia Mendoza
t The Time For Change Foundation (TFC) that name isn’t just a title, it’s a way of life that is practiced every day by working for fundamental change for the betterment of the women and children the organization serves, and one of the ways they bring about change is by empowering their clients to get involved in civic affairs and vote. One of the many programs and services available to the women are weekly classes on a wide variety of topics geared at helping them to thrive and become selfsufficient; one of those classes is a leadership development class that amongst other things, teaches how to get involved in the civic process and the benefits it provides. For the primary elections, TFC held focus groups in the Leadership Development class where the women took the lead in their discussions of the candidates, propositions, and how the duties of certain positions played a role in their lives. “When I vote I feel responsible,”
said client Crystal Rodriguez. “I feel like I have to vote and tell others the importance of voting because there are still many people that are apathetic about it. I have to be a part of the process so others know they can have a say.” But beyond just getting registered to vote and voting, clients, many who have never voted before, are encouraged to get involved in their local PTAs (Parent Teacher Association) and to familiarize themselves with statewide issues as well. Women are also encouraged to read newspapers and magazines, both hard copies and online and in general simply become aware of what’s happening around them. Earlier this year they even took a trip to Sacramento where they came back energized and excited about getting more involved in civic life. In January the TFC participated in a voter outreach in partnership with the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters and at the Saturday, May 31 Community Festival at Perris Hill Park TFC clients had the opportunity to meet with candidates in local races.
Through the classes and outreach, 10 out of 12 women (clients) at Time For Change voted in the primaries on Tuesday, June 3. Those voting absentee took great pride and joy in making a trip to the Registrar of Voters to drop off their ballots, a first for some of them. You may view more photos on the TFC Facebook page at facebook.com/timeforchangefd “We want to teach all our women the importance of the civic process and getting involved in the democratic process,” said Vanessa Pérez, Civic Engagement Specialist for the Time For Change Foundation. “These women are being trained to take their proper role in the community. Seeing women who would barely speak up in class grab the microphone and demand change is inspiring and motivates me to work even harder to make a difference.” For more information on The Time For Change Foundation and the programs and services they offer call (909) 886-2994 or visit their Facebook page (listed above).
Photos courtesy/TFC
‘Time for change’ indeed! Just a few of the women at the Time For Change Foundation who are becoming civically engaged by voting, some for the first time, in the primary elections on June 3. These photos were taken on Thursday, May 29. From top left, clockwise: Alexandria Martinez, Diane Sapp, Cristal Rodriguez and Summer Kelley.
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Photos courtesy/TFC
Women of the Time For Change Foundation are shown here San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis and his wife Johnetta on Saturday, May 31 at the San Bernardino Generation Now CommUNITY Festival at Perris Hill Park. “We want to teach all our women the importance of the civic process and getting involved in the democratic process,” said Vanessa Pérez, Civic Engagement Specialist for the Time For Change Foundation.
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