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H O W T O R E A C H U S H O W T O R E A C H U S
I n l a n d E m p i r e C o m m u n i t y N e w s p a p e r s O f f i c e : ( 9 0 9 ) 3 8 1 - 9 8 9 8 E d i t o r i a l : i e c n 1 @ m a c c o m A d v e r t i s i n g : s a l e s @ i e c n c o m L e g a l s : i e c n l e g a l s @ h o t m a i l c o m
IECN Staff
Starting this year, incoming freshmen at Bloomington High School can apply to the Early College Program, where students will earn college credits during high school and possibly graduate high school with an associate’s degree
Students in Early College will take San Bernardino Valley College Courses provided on the BHS campus before school during zero period, as well as one day a week after school on Wednesdays Some of the college courses students will take also ful-
fill high school graduation requirements and A-G criteria for UC and Cal State admission, which frees their schedule during senior year for more electives
Mentors from both SBVC and CJUSD will support the students and all costs for tuition, books, materials, application fees and other fees are covered by the district
BHS Principal Yvette Roman, who took college classes during her days as a Colton High School Student, told the students that although they will work hard, success is within their reach
“This is a great opportunity for our students to be exposed to rigorous college level courses, while gaining the skills and educational degrees that are necessary to become highly competitive within the global economy,” Roman said “An added benefit is that students will get a head start on their future educational or career paths! This opportunity could change the trajectory of our student's lives and the generations to come ”
CJUSD Director of Secondary Education
Dr Eric Mooney called the Early College
CJUSD, cont next pg
i n e W e l c o m e s M D C l a s s o f
2 0 2 7 w i t h W h i t e C o a t C e r e m o n y M i l e s t o n e
California University of Science and Medicine
Community News
California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) today celebrate d t h e t r a d i t i o n a l W h i t e C o a t Ceremony with 130 new MD students, a l o n g w i t h t h e i r f a m i l i e s a n d f r i e n d s
During the ceremony, the students recited the Hippocratic Oath which states the professional conduct and obligations of doct o r s T h e c e r e m o n y t o o k p l a c e a t t h e CUSM campus in Colton, Calif
“The White Coat ceremony is steeped in tradition The white coats received by students represent membership in the medical
community and the acceptance of the associated responsibilities,” said Paul Lyons, MD, CUSM President and Dean “The White Coat, along with the Hippocratic Oath, is a commitment to the ethical practice of medicine and a commitment to one’s patients and community ”
During the CUSM ceremony, each student was recognized individually and was presented with their white coat by Dr Lyons, as well as Dr Prem Reddy, CUSM’s Chair of the Board and Founder, who is also the Founder, Chairman, President and CEO of Prime Healthcare The MD Class of 2027 will spend the majority of their first two
years of medical school in classroom and simulation training at the Colton, Calif , campus This will be followed by rotations and clerkships in years three and four During his keynote address to the students and their families, Dr Reddy said, “I have always believed that medicine has the ability to change lives, and therefore change the world Today’s White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of your lifelong dedication to medicine, the trust patients will place in you, and the dignity and compassion with which that trust will be honored By placing this white coat on your shoul-
Program an invaluable opportunity that will empower students and propel their academic potential to new heights
“By CJUSD offering this transformative experience in partnership with SBVC, we not only expand horizons but hopefully ignite a lifelong passion for learning The Early College program at BHS is the district's commitment to bridging the gap between education and realworld success,” Mooney said “One parent shared at our infor-
MD Class
mational meeting that "she just completed her Associates degree at the age of 37 and she is beyond excited that this opportunity exists where her child can complete theirs at the age of 17 ”
CJUSD plans to expand the program to other district high schools in the coming years
“We are so proud to bring this program to our Colton Joint Unified students,“ Superintendent Frank Miranda said “It adds another powerful opportunity for our students to explore their
ders, it means we are confident in your ability to carry on the noble tradition of doctoring with compassion and dignity ”
CUSM was founded in 2015 through a substantial contribution from the Prime Healthcare Foundation and through a unique public-private partnership with Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and the County of San Bernardino In 2018, CUSM admitted its first medical class and now has four medical doctor program classes enrolled
potential and shows the deep investment of both our district, our Board of Education and San Bernardino Valley College in both student success and the prosperity of our community ”
Interested students can complete an application located on the district website at https://www cjusd net/Page/573 9 and follow the submission instructions or they can also email valleynow@valleycollege edu
The due date is July 24th
with 520 students, with 98% of students coming from California In addition, $2,653,000 in scholarship funding has been provided by CUSM, 35% of students are from low socio- economic status, and students are highly qualified, having scored on average in the top 15% on the Medical College
Admission Test (MCATs)
The CUSM MD Class of 2027 is made up of 130 students Inland Empire-based students represent more than 33 percent of the incoming class More than 30 percent of the class are the first generation in their family to pursue higher education degrees
Calif or nia FPPC Clear s Rialto Councilmember Andy Car rizales fr om Conf lict of Inter est Accusations Amidst Pepper Avenue War ehouse Contr over sy
By Manny SandovalThe California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has ruled in favor of Rialto Mayor Pro Tem Andy Carrizales, dismissing allegations of a conflict of interest related to the Pepper Avenue Specific Plan
The decision comes after a thorough investigation prompted by accusations from Rialto Councilmember Joe Baca Sr and an anonymous complaint
The controversy began on April 25, 2023, when Carrizales voted on the Pepper Avenue Specific Plan Baca Sr subsequently alleged that Carrizales had a stake in a property located a few hundred feet from the proposed development, implying a potential conflict of interest
On June 21, 2023, an anonymous complaint echoing Baca Sr 's allegations was filed with the FPPC Days later, a sworn complaint by Lupe Camacho, an employee of San Bernardino County and Special Project Manager for County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr , was submitted to the FPPC, using the exact wording of the anonymous complaint
Carrizales, however, has vehemently denied these allegations from the start "I sought legal advice regarding the vote on the Pepper Avenue warehouse, and I have no conflict of interest voting on that project," he said "My mother-in-law owns the property my family and I live in Therefore, I have no conflict of interest or financial interest "
The FPPC, after a comprehensive review of the complaint and evidence provided, found no evidence to support these allegations In a public letter, Christopher B Burton, Acting Chief of the Enforcement Division, stated that Carrizales "does not have a disqualifying conflict of interest in decisions regarding the Pepper Avenue Specific Plan Amendment and Industrial Development Project "
Burton further clarified the FPPC's decision, explaining, "Under the Political Reform Act, a public official has a disqualifying conflict of interest in a governmental decision if it is foreseeable that the decision will have a financial impact on their finances or other financial interests Financial in-
terests include those of a public official's immediate family members The Act defines 'immediate family member' as the spouse and dependent children of a public official "
"Since it does not appear that Andy Carrizales or his immediate family members have an ownership interest in the subject property, Council Member Carrizales does not have a disqualifying conflict of interest," Burton wrote
Carrizales expressed relief at the FPPC's decision but also voiced disappointment at the actions of his fellow council members "Our community and residents deserve better," he said "To viciously attack my family and my wife's mother is just wrong! This was done for nothing other than political agendas "
Carrizales also pointed out the involvement of Baca Sr 's son, Joe Baca Jr , in the allegations "It's shameful that two seasoned political figures took it upon themselves to attack me and that a San Bernardino County Supervisor would have his staff play along with this injustice," he said
Last month, Baca Sr criticized Carrizales and Planning Commissioner John Peukert for participating in the vote, citing potential conflicts of interest due to their close residential proximity to the proposed warehouse He also questioned the project's economic benefit: "We don't know how many employees, tenants, or if it will even bring jobs "
Carrizales responded, "I believe Baca is upset because the developer didn't give him a donation to the Joe Baca Foundation! The foundation that was paying all of his family members until they were exposed; now that's a financial conflict of interest! I've told Baca if he believes that I am breaking the law or have some financial gain from this project to report me to the FPPC "
The FPPC's ruling has effectively cleared Carrizales of the allegations, reaffirming his position and right to vote on matters related to the Pepper Avenue Specific Plan
The decision also serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the role of regulatory bodies like the FPPC in ensuring the integrity of the public office
SBPD Just Seized 129 Illegal
R aising Concer ns Over 3-D Printed and Ghost Guns in the Inland Empir e
By Manny SandovalIn an unprecedented operation, the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) has seized 129 illegal firearms, including rifles, handguns, and ghost guns, marking one of the largest firearm seizures in the community's history
The operation, which began on Wednesday, July 12th, and concluded on Thursday, July 13th, spanned across Hesperia, Apple Valley, and San Bernardino The search warrants led to the discovery of illegal firearms in various locations, including a tune-up shop where weapons were being manufactured
Ghost guns, firearms that are non-serialized and therefore difficult to track, were among the weapons recovered These guns, along with 3-D printed firearms, pose a unique challenge to law enforcement due to their untraceability
"It’s harder to track ghost and 3-D printed guns because they’re non-serialized," said Captain Nelson Carrington of the Investigations Division "These weapons are landing in the hands of criminals; they’re
being modified Several rifles are fully automatic and have the ability to hurt lots of people "
In addition to the firearms, the SBPD also seized $600,000 in cash and a significant amount of narcotics The operation has shed light on the growing issue of illegal firearm manufacturing in local businesses, some of which are using 3-D printers to supply criminals with these weapons
One of the locations where illegal firearms were recovered is a business on the 2200 block of Golden Avenue, in San Bernardino near Perris Hill Park Captain Carrington urged the community to report any suspicious activities related to narcotics or illegal firearm sales "If you see any narcotic or illegal firearm sales, please reach out to us," he said
This operation underscores the urgent need for community vigilance and stricter regulations on ghost guns and 3-D printed firearms As the SBPD continues its efforts to combat illegal firearm activities, the safety of the San Bernardino community remains its top priority
Reps. Aguilar, Gomez Intr oduce Legislation to Help Minority and Women-Owned Businesses Secur e Infrastr uctur e Funding
Community News
Today U S Representatives Pete Aguilar (CA33) and Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) introduced a package of bills to help minority- and women-owned businesses compete for contracts to develop and build federal infrastructure projects
As billions of dollars in funding is distributed through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these bills would help federal agencies accomplish President Biden’s ambitious goal of increasing the share of federal contracts going to small, disadvantaged businesses by 50 percent by 2025 This would represent billions more dollars for small businesses and help close the racial wealth gap
"Small businesses are not just the heart and soul of our communities, but they’re the driving forces behind our continued economic success,” said Rep Aguilar “That’s why it’s critical we make sure that minority and women-owned businesses have the tools and resources they need to thrive We’ve made historic investments in underserved communities through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but the Federal Highway Administration’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services program has long been in need of increased funding Our legislation will more than double their funding and create similar programs at the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Transit Administration I’m proud to join Congressman Gomez and Senator Padilla as
we work to continue to grow our economy and support minority and women-owned businesses ”
“Small businesses are the foundation of a strong economy, and ensuring they can grow and succeed is essential In 2021, Congress made historic investments to support small businesses through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the legislation we’re introducing today will ensure that historically disadvantaged small businesses owned by women and people of color are equipped to compete for federal, state, and local government contracts,” said Rep Gomez
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Expansion Act, led by Rep Aguilar, would increase the annual funding cap for the Federal Highway Administration’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Program from $10 million to $25 million This program provides training, assistance, and services to minority- and women-owned businesses to help them develop into self-sufficient organizations that viably compete for federally assisted highway project contracts However, Congress has not raised the annual funding cap for this program since 1973 The legislation would also establish Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Programs at the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Transit Administration
Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) is preparing to introduce both bills in the Senate
With our 23-24 concert season on the horizon, the Redlands Symphony is excited to announce its new President of the Board, Kathy Cencirulo, and incoming Board Members Dr Robert Bourne and Dr Ronald Warnell
Cencirulo served as Vice Chair of the Symphony Board from 2021 to 2023 and brings with her a wealth of experience from her background in teaching, non-profit service and involvement in many Redlands organizations
A love and passion for music is a must for any Symphony Board member, and that is certainly true of new members Bourne and Warnell Bourne is a longtime attendee of the Symphony and a physician with Beaver Medical Group Warnell, also a longtime Symphony attendee, is a psychiatrist and recently finished a term as the President of the Spinet Music Club
“As we look at this transition in Board leadership for the Symphony, I am absolutely thrilled that these music loving–and most importantly Redlands loving–individuals will lend their time and talents to the Redlands Symphony Association, helping us continue the strong progress made in the last year in taking the Symphony to a new
The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Dr Mildred García to serve as the 11th chancellor of the California State University García currently serves as president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and previously served as president of California State University, Fullerton and California State University, Dominguez Hills García is the first Latina appointed to oversee the CSU's 23-campus system She will succeed Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester, who has led the university since May 2022
“The California State University is a powerful engine of change and upward mobility for California and the nation, supporting hundreds of thousands of students in achieving their educational, career and personal aspirations," said García “I am honored, humbled and excited for this opportunity to serve the nation's largest four-year university system and work alongside its dedicated leaders, faculty and staff, and its talented and diverse students to further student achievement, close equity gaps and continue to drive California's economic prosperity "
As AASCU president since 2018, García has been a strong advocate for public higher education at the national level, working to influence federal policy and regulations on behalf of 350 member colleges and universities She is the first Latina to lead one of the six presidentially based higher education associations in Washington, D C During her tenure at AASCU, she restored the financial health of the organization through strategic leadership, bold decision-making and vision She directed a strategic agenda that focused on public college and university leadership for the 21st century and provided professional development opportunities for presidents, chancellors and their spouses
García served as president of Cal State Fullerton from 2012 to 2018 and led the university to record improvements in graduation rates and nearly tripled new phil-
level,” notes Executive Director Dr Kevin Eberle-Noel
The Symphony also welcomes Dr Karen Hansberger as Vice President, Julie Michaels as Secretary, Dr Sharen Jeffries as Treasurer and Luann Bangsund as Past President
Finishing their terms are Past Chair Marilyn Solter, Secretary Denise Bourne and Board Member Jennifer von Maack, who leave the Symphony’s Board with our thanks for outstanding service over the last several years Each of these women helped contribute to the Redlands Symphony’s mission and helped us continue our community efforts
With eyes on the future, the Redlands Symphony is excited about our new President and Board Members
Redlands Symphony is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring, entertaining and educating by providing outstanding musical performances that enhance our unique cultural environment Our goal is to reach art lovers across the region to foster that love, create new music lovers and inspire community and connectivity for all
anthropic gift commitments As president of CSU Dominguez Hills from 2007 to 2012, she increased retention rates for freshman and transfer students and eliminated a structural deficit of $2 8 million and became the CSU's first Latina president “Dr García is a highly skilled, dynamic and principled leader who has championed student success especially for those students from underrepresented communities throughout her long and distinguished career in public higher education," said Wenda Fong, chair of the CSU Board of Trustees “Her optimism, authenticity and courageous leadership will inspire greatness for the California State University community as we meet the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead and chart a path toward our great institution's brightest future "
Before her arrival in the CSU, García served as the CEO of Berkeley College, where she was the first systemwide president for all six campuses in New York and New Jersey She has held both academic and senior-level positions at Arizona State University; Montclair State University; Pennsylvania State University; Teachers College, Columbia University; and the Hostos, LaGuardia, and City Colleges of the City University of New York
A recipient of myriad awards, García was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on several advisory boards, including the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, and by the U S Secretary of Education to serve on the Committee on Measures of Student Success
García was raised in New York City by her parents who moved from Puerto Rico
A first-generation student and the first in her family to earn a degree, she received her associate degree from New York City Community College, a bachelor's in business education from Bernard M Baruch College and a master's in business education from New York University At Teachers College, Columbia University, she earned a master's and a doctorate in higher education administration
Teens Receive Hands-on Experience in Emergency Ser vices
Community News
High school graduates interested in a career in emergency services reported to the University of Redlands to participate in a week of intensive hands-on training, part of the award-winning Redlands Emergency Services Academy
Each year, some two dozen local teens with an interest in a public safety career attend the annual Redlands Emergency Services Academy The participants share temporary quarters for one week on the campus of the University of Redlands, are exposed to hands-on training exercises in fire and police operations, and are introduced to state of the art simulators This program stresses the importance of a well-rounded education, as well as the value of an extended education to each of the teens in attendance
High school graduates from the class of 2023 arrived at the University of Redlands at 9 a m Wednesday, July 12, for the 24th annual Redlands Emergency Services Academy (RESA) Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RESA was not held in 2020 but was resumed in 2021
On the first day of the academy students participate in formation and marching drills and by afternoon learn CPR from Redlands Firefighters
Over the following week students will suit up in protective gear, arm themselves with airsoft guns and participate with members of the Redlands Police Department in simulations as part of their Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training; practice police techniques for weaponless defense; fire weapons on the range and practice active shooter drills
Firefighters will teach firefighting and search and rescue techniques, rappelling, and
auto extrication and triage throughout the week
The course also includes instruction in public safety ethics, social media safety and career pathways
Graduates from Redlands High School, Redlands East Valley High School, Citrus Valley High School, Orangewood High School, Grove High School, Arrowhead Christian Academy, Yucaipa High School and Bloomington High School will participate in the program
RESA began in July of 1999 as a collaborative effort among the Redlands Police and Fire Departments, Crafton Hills College, Redlands Unified School District and COMPACT (a Redlands business and school community) to offer new graduates of Redlands' high schools an opportunity to experience first-hand the duties of police officers and firefighters
The University of Redlands has been a major supporter, providing facilities for the students and for instruction Since 2009 RESA has been funded by a grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Additional funding comes from donations from Stater Bros Charities, Toyota of Redlands, Tom Bell, Redlands Police Officers Association, Redlands Professional Firefighters Association and several local food vendors In 2012, the Redlands Emergency Services Academy won the Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government from the League of California Cities RESA also received the Hero of the Heartland Award at Stater Bros Charities’ annual Jack H Brown Heroes Challenge Awards Banquet
RESA graduates have gone on to careers in emergency services, including several hired by the Redlands Fire and Police Departments
T he Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Donates 20
Tons of Food to T he Salvation Ar my Community News
The San Bernardino Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints has donated a semi-truck full of nonperishable food to The Salvation Army San Bernardino Citadel summer food program Nearly 40,000 pounds of canned and packaged foods will arrive at The Salvation Army warehouse Thursday morning, July 6
Lonnie Gallaher, Stake Communication Director for the Church in San Bernardino, said, “We are grateful to be able to support the good work the Salvation Army has been doing in the community for years Many members of our Church serve as Salvation Army volunteers at the Food Distribution site When we found out from one of them, that the food program needed a boost, we were ready to help,” said Gallaher
The partnership between the two churches strengthened noticeably two years ago, when The Church of
Jesus Christ members helped out with The Salvation Army’s annual toy drive
“The Bishops’ Central Storehouse in Salt Lake City over-produces nonperishable food as part of our ongoing effort to be prepared for any emergency Canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, packaged cereals, pastas and grains everything is centrally processed and ready to meet any need that may arise,” said Gallaher
The Salvation Army’s Business Administrator, Steve Pinckney, said “Our partnership with the The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latterday Saints has been a blessing The Church of Jesus Christ, like our own, is dedicated to humanitarian needs, including feeding the hungry ”
The Salvation Army food distribution program can provide a healthy meal for a hungry neighbor for just $1 28 “We can serve meals to 140 families a week,” says Pinckney,
“and with an average of four people per family, the total is over 2,200 meals a month ”
The San Bernardino Stake of the Church includes most of the City of San Bernardino, Crestline, Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead and a sizable portion of the City of Highland This dovetails with The Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps, making the partnership a natural fit Matthew Johnson, President of the San Bernardino Stake, said, “We, as a church, strive to follow the admonition of the Savior Jesus Christ, to feed the hungry, offer drink to the thirsty, take in a stranger, to clothe the naked and to visit those who are sick and afflicted Through the donations of Church members, we are able to offer assistance to those in need
For more information call (909) 7926868 Donations can be made online at SanBernardino SalvationArmy org
