El Chicano 02/02/23

E L C H I C A N o

WWe e eekkllyy

By Manny Sandoval

The 2023 Wolverine Con

a n d S B V C

I n t e r n a t i o n a l S t u d e n t Film Festival is a five day filmmaker premiere, workshop, and networking extravaganza that brings together creators from across the globe

W h a t ’s s p e c i a l a b o u t t h i s year ’s Wolverine Con is the integration of music into its programming Some of the top bands from the Inland Empire will be performing live at the

By Manny Sandoval

Just as many peop l e w h o h a v e experienced the passing of a sibling, for many years I also felt guilty for being alive

This month marks 20 years since my brother Sonny passed away of Leukemia (cancer) and just like many of you, I’ve also been through t h e t r e n c h e s , j u s t t o reach peace

This is not to draw s y m p a t h y, i t ’s a b o u t bringing attention to a feeling and experience that is real - sibling survivor guilt

kickoff on February 28th, in the SBVC Greek Theater at 7 PM, the first 100 guests will get tacos from the SBVC Culinary Department Food Truck

“ We ’ r e e x c i t e d t o b r i n g a music element into this year ’s Wolverine Con because music is so important to film; and what better way to do that than celebrating with local bands Music truly allows the audience to feel every aspect of film - the performance, the quality, and the score are elements that help tell a story,” said SBVC Film

When I think back to that time as my 12-yearold self, and the 10+ years following, I truly felt like I was the only k i d / t e e n a g e r / y o u n g adult who felt guilty for being alive and guilty for enjoying life and accomplishments

But, I was never the only one It’s actually a common emotion that m i l l i o n s o f s i b l i n g s across the globe experience after such a traumatic loss; and I wish more of us knew this at the time But WE as a society don’t discuss it as much as we should

In my experience, for

T h e 1 9 3 0 s , 4 0 s , a n d 5 0 s themed event is set to open with professional film industry panelists on February 28th, 1-6

P M , i n t h e l i b r a r y v i e w i n g room; an Expo and Zine Fest on March 1st, 10 AM - noon, outside of the SBVC Art Gallery; followed by an Opening Night Red Carpet and Film Premiere on March 2nd, 5 - 9 PM, at the

S B V C A r t C o m p l e x ; t h e

I n t e r n a t i o n a l S t u d e n t F i l m Festival is being held on March 3rd and 4th, 10 AM - 5 PM in

t h e S B V C A u d i t o r i u m ; f o llowed by an Awards Dinner, March 3rd, 7 - 9 PM

With participants from different countries every year, this event gives dozens of Inland Empire students an opportunity to gain the confidence to keep working on their craft and elevate their filmmaking skills

“Last year at Wolverine Con, I won the Grand Jury Award and it gave me the encouragement to keep working on my craft I Film cont on next pg

Student Briana Navarro

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

At the 2022 Wolverine Con & International Student Film Festival participants from the IE and countries like Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom uniting over their love of film

PHOTOS MANNY SANDOVAL

Manny Sandoval (left) and Sonny Sandoval (right): Sonny was three years old when he passed away on February 6th, 2003 at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital

Film really appreciate the support that SBVC’s Film, TV, and Media department gives to young filmmakers like me Since then, I have been making short films and have been building a portfolio,” said SBVC

Film Student Zach Gutierrez

At last year ’s Wolverine Con

Gutierrez took home a Canon Rebel T8i, which influenced him to start a freelance videography company and start earning money from his passion, film

“This camera has helped me out on a ton of shoots I mainly record concerts and I will usually rig it on stage to record the drummer playing It shoots in 4K and the color science is close

to the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K so it makes a great pair,” concluded Gutierrez The 2023 Wolverine Con and SBVC International Student Film Festival is open to the public Tickets can be purchased here: filmfreeway com/SBVC FilmFest

CIELO Fund Announces $280K in Inaugural Grants f or Latino- Ser ving Organizations in the IE

Community News

The Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) announced today awarding $280,000 to 25 recipients for its first-ever CIELO Fund grants The Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity, or, CIELO Fund supports nonprofit organizations and initiatives that are led by – and serve

Latinos in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and strengthen their core systems and operations Individual grants ranged from $5,000 to $20,000

“Our inaugural CIELO Fund grantees are a group of truly inspiring organizations doing impactful work daily to uplift Latinos in the Inland Empire,” said Jesse Melgar, CIELO Fund Founding Chair and IECF Board Member “These organizations are working to create economic opportunity, close education and civic engagement gaps, support immigrants, and improve access to health care for Latinos in communities throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties We are proud to invest in these two dozen innovators and remain inspired by the more than 100 deserving organizations who submitted applications this round The overwhelming response and interest underscores the need for further investment in the Latino organizations, leaders, and communities who call the Inland Empire home ”

Latinos are now the majority of the Inland Empire, making up 51 5% of the population With this growth comes increased opportunity but also areas where disparities persist The CIELO Fund’s Leadership and Grantmaking Committee commissioned a report in 2022 with UC Riverside to identify where funding might carry the greatest impact Using the findings from the Aqui Estamos: A Data Profile of Latinos in the Inland Empire Report, the CIELO Fund centered their funding decisions on nonprofits focused on: economic mobility, educational equity, civic engagement, health equity, and immigrant services

The inaugural CIELO Fund grantees are:

Alianza Coachella

Associacion de Emprendedores

California Immigrant Youth Justice Coalition

CARECEN - San Bernardino

Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service

Centro Del Inmigrante

CHIRLA - San Bernardino

Desert Sun - Coachella Latino Voices Initiative

East Coachella Valley for Change

Escuela de la Raza

Galilee Center

GANAS

Get in Motion Entrepreneurs

Highlanders Boxing Club

Inland Empire Future Leaders Program

Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association

Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective

Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice

KVCR/NPR - IE Latino Voices

La Red de Provedoras

Ontario-Montclair Promise Scholars

Read with Me

San Bernardino Community Services

TODEC Legal Services

Unidos for La Causa

IECF received 110 submissions during the initial application period – many of which represent firsttime applicants to the foundation The CIELO Fund Leadership and Grantmaking Committee comprised of community leaders worked to select the recipients

The CIELO Fund was launched in 2022 by IECF Board Member Jesse Melgar as one of eight signature funds commemorating IECF’s 80th anniversary

The CIELO Fund hosted a kickoff event during Latino Heritage Month with more than 200 community and nonprofit leaders in attendance The Fund has raised nearly half a million dollars thanks to the major support from foundations, local businesses, and dozens of individuals who believe that strengthening philanthropic infrastructure for the Latino community is vital for the region’s success This includes major support from the Weingart Foundation, California Wellness Foundation, James Irvine Foundation The CIELO Fund is also made possible thanks to the generous support from founding donors: Jesse Melgar & Angel Rodriguez, Ofelia Valdez Yeager & Ley Yeager, Ronn Ruiz & Ramon Cordova, Violeta Aguilar, Paulette Brown Hinds, and more than three dozen others

Added IE Immigrant Youth Collective Director Angel Fajardo, “This fellowship that CIELO is funding will allow IEIYC youth leaders to increase their capacity and commitment to our regional issues in environmental justice, labor, employment, and health equity This work is a crucial step in transforming the IE to a region with larger opportunities that nurtures talent and trailblazers "

For more information or to donate to the CIELO Fund, visit www iegives org/cielofund

Sibling Survival Guilt about a decade I continuously questioned if my parents wished it was me who passed away; which was a thought far too often

I was a kid questioning the validity of my existence and suppressing my sadness, anger, and all the emotions in between, because I felt I had to suck it up and just be “grateful” that I was alive

During almost every milestone I felt guilty Specifically, when I was graduating from college the same year that he would have graduated from high school I remember my parents planning a graduation party for me, and thinking, everyone probably wishes we were planning this for Sonny

I experienced great sadness and cried frequently the weeks leading up to my graduation from CSUSB in 2017, sometimes in front of people, sometimes while alone But, I kept on trucking and told people that I was proud and sad that my time in college was coming to an end But, I felt guilty that it was me graduating, instead of him

Then there’s the points in life as an adult where I’ve made myself feel like I have to always be working towards a new goal, take every opportunity, go bigger and bigger and spread myself so thin, I had to be successful because Sonny never had the opportunity

Personally, I believe it’s important to honor our siblings that have passed away But it’s even more important to remember to honor ourselves because we are the ones still here on earth

In the beginning and in the years following a sibling's death, society (friends and family) inadvertently place an enormous

amount of focus on the sibling that has passed, which as a child can leave you feeling left out, less important, and completely overshadowed

It’s like, “Hey, look at me Over here Can you ask me how I’m doing? I’m struggling over here ” It wasn’t all the time, but there were many moments I felt this way And I completely understand that my family and many other families across the globe do the best they can to cope during these unfortunate experiences, but the surviving siblings need help too, and that’s why I’m writing this To make people aware of the emotions that overcome a surviving sibling

And it’s not a feeling of jealousy, it’s an internalized feeling that we gain from the trauma that makes us feel guilty for being alive, that makes us feel less important It doesn’t exist in real life, only in our minds

If you’re currently experiencing the loss of a sibling, it’s okay to feel this way, it’s normal But, remember that you deserve to be happy, you deserve to enjoy your milestones and accomplishments, and you deserve to be alive, just like everyone else You don’t owe your life to anyone

It’s important to find a healthy balance of still honoring and remembering your loved one, but knowing that you are also just as important and deserving of life

By the way, when I was in my mid-20s I finally told my parents that I always thought they wished it was me who passed away They cried and couldn’t believe that was ever a thought floating through my mind

P S I love you to the moon and back Sonny You are my heart and have inspired me to be my best in countless ways

San Ber nardino County Launches News Now Segment

Community News

Today, San Bernardino County launches the monthly video news program News Now as part of an ongoing effort by the Board of Supervisors to keep you informed about County Government services and programs

News Now highlights each month's top three County Government stories in a news program format, serving as another avenue through which the County strives to keep you informed about how our team

of dedicated public service professionals keep you safe, increase the value of our economy, and create an outstanding quality of life for county residents and visitors Watch here

The debut episode includes:

H O P E Team success story

2022 Year-in-Review

More to Explore parks

Community Calendar

You can watch it here and on the County’s social media c h a n n e l s : https://www youtube com/wat ch?v=uVVmlmVhF5c

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Zach Gutierrez pictured with his Canon Rebel T8i after winning the Grand Jury Award on April 3rd 2022

Ea gles dominate, Chiefs wor k ma gic to set up NFL

By Caden Henderson

Championship weekend provided two games with two very different stories The Eagles beat the hobbled 49ers in a 24 point blowout before over at Arrowhead (not Burrowhead), the Chiefs defeated the Bengals on a last second field goal by Harrison Butker Let’s break down the two games and see what we can take from them as the NFL shifts its focus to Arizona and the Super Bowl in 2 weeks

The 49ers nightmares came true early on in the NFC championship game, as they saw multiple of their main pieces go down to injury The biggest injury was to QB Brock Purdy On a play that resulted in a lost fumble,

Purdy hurt his elbow and would miss most of the rest of the game 4th string QB Josh Johnson simply wasn’t fit to keep the 49ers in the game, and the Eagles took advantage In part thanks to Nick Bosa playing hobbled after his own mid-game injury, the Eagles dominated the run game en route to a blowout While, considering the circumstances, it wasn’t much of a statement win, it doesn’t matter The Eagles are flying to the Super Bowl with the goal of recreating their 2018 championship magic

We all knew the Chiefs and the Bengals was going to come down to who made the last big play and, in Arrowhead stadium, it was Patrick Mahomes scramble leading to a late hit penalty that set the Chiefs up for victory However, the Chiefs will still have multiple con-

O p - E d

Super Bowl matchup

cerns ahead of the Super Bowl Will Patrick Mahomes ankle stay in playable condition? Will Travis Kelce’s back act up? All these questions will have to be answered sooner than later For now though, the Chiefs can celebrate a well earned win They’ll be in their 3rd Super Bowl in the Mahomes era, and will have the experience advantage over some of the Eagles skill position players and coaches The Mahomes magic has been undeniable this season, and he’ll just need to pull off a few more tricks to get ring number 2

With two weeks until the Super Bowl, there will be plenty of time for storylines to develop and for teams to game plan Injuries will heal and bodies will get fresh for the biggest game in American sports

Superbugs need their own moonshot initiative

By Dr. Cynthia L. Sears and Dr. Fyza Yusuf Shaikh

As two physicians who have devoted our lives to studying cancer, we're thrilled with President Biden's "Cancer Moonshot" initiative to halve the disease's death rate within 25 years But it won't achieve that goal unless we act on a lesser-known health crisis

For many cancer patients who die, their tumors aren't solely responsible Superbugs sicken these patients, who can't fight off infections due to weakened immune systems -- even with the help of antibiotics

Reducing deaths from cancer requires an equally aggressive strategy for defeating drug-resistant infections

It does not make sense to treat these two crises as separate It's already estimated that infections are a primary or associated cause of death in roughly 50% of cancer patients

Without an effort to neutralize the threat posed by superbugs, these deadly infections will disrupt any progress we make in the fight against cancer

Superbugs are bacteria and fungi that have developed antimicrobial resistance- a naturally occurring defense against the drugs used to kill them

We've seen firsthand how cancer patients are vulnerable to these deadly infections

Time and again, we've watched as patients fighting cancer developed bacterial infections that were highly resistant to antibiotics

Superbugs can prove fatal for our patients The risk of someone with cancer dying from an infection is three times higher than the risk for an individual without cancer

A drug-resistant infection may also force a cancer patient to halt their treatment A young woman with a drug-resistant ab-

dominal infection might not get the bone marrow transplant she needs to cure her leukemia For patients undergoing chemotherapy, an infection can delay their treatment while the cancer continues to grow, leading to complications and worse health outcomes

In short, for cancer patients, the superbug crisis isn't some far-off threat -- it's a present mortal danger

Unfortunately, the pipeline for new antibiotics is nowhere near what is needed At present, there are 64 therapies in clinical development To put that in perspective, there are more than 1,000 drugs in development for cancer

Because antibiotics are meant to be used judiciously to preserve their effectiveness, it's essentially impossible for companies to earn back the money they've invested in researching and developing those medicines using typical sales

It's for this reason that antibiotic startups have declared bankruptcy or left the indus-

Stater Br os. Charities Awards Lutheran Social Ser vices $2500

Community News

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC)

- a leading provider of social services programs in Southern California – is proud to announce grant funding from Stater Bros Charities in the amount of $2500

Funding from Stater Bros was made in conjunction with a continued partnership with Lutheran Social Services that addresses hunger relief Their financial support will provide food pantry services and community meals to low-income households and over 500 men in LSSSC’s emergency shelter program in the city of San Bernardino

LSSSC CEO Dr LaSharnda Beckwith said, “We are so grateful to Stater Bros for their continued financial support and shared vision of providing comprehensive community services to ad-

try in recent years

This market failure demands reforms

The PASTEUR Act would create a system in which the government purchases a "subscription" for access to new antibiotics, instead of paying per dose PASTEUR would pay for the value of these medicines rather than their volume, giving companies the return on investment they depend on

The fight against cancer is poised to make enormous strides in the coming years Yet without an equally energetic effort to beat back superbugs, too many cancer patients will still lose their lives

Cynthia L Sears is an infectious diseases physician and professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Fyza Yusuf Shaikh is an oncologist and assistant professor of oncology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine This piece originally ran in the Baltimore Sun

*These are not the views of IECN

dress hunger for low-income families and the unhoused communities in San Bernardino ”

Stater Bros Charities supports the critical needs in the communities where Stater Bros employees live and work Their support spans funding to countless local organizations and causes that benefit hunger relief, children’s well-being, education, health, help for the nation’s veterans and active service members

Licensed in six counties, Lutheran Social Services provides services in the areas of homelessness, systemic poverty, food insecurity, mental health, health inequity, education access, and senior health

For more information about Lutheran Social Services Southern California visit, www lsssc org

Highland Chamber of Commerce Community Awards r ecognizes top fir efighter and police of ficer s in the City

By Manny Sandoval

The Highland Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Community Awards and Installation Dinner on January 19th at the Elks Lodge in San Bernardino

The top awards of the night recognized Highland Fire Department’s and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ (SMBMI) firefighter of the year, along with Highland Police Department’s police officer of the year

“Our public safety professionals contribute so much to the safety of our community Highland is truly a better place because of you,” said Chamber President Gail Shelton

Highland Fire Department’s Zachary Hunter was honored as the 2022 Firefighter of the Year and the 2022 San Manuel Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Zachary Hunter

To round out the public safety professionals, Highland Police Department’s Deputy Charlie Lopez was recognized as the 2022 Police Officer of the Year

Another notable award that was presented was the 2022 Citizen of the Year, which was awarded to Mayor Pro Tem Penny Lilburn, who joked, “You know what they say, never give a politician a microphone We do not stop talking ”

She proceeded to thank the 120 person audience and reaffirmed her commitment to serving the City via her

State Tr easur er Fiona Ma announces Loma Linda Univer sity Childr en’s Hospital awarded $135 million in g rant funding

Community News

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma announced today that Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) was awarded $135 million in grant funding through the Children’s Hospital Bond Act of 2018 The grant of voterapproved bond funds was awarded by the California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA), which is chaired by Treasurer Ma

"CHFFA approved $135 million in grant funding to support a significant expansion in access to care for critically ill and vulnerable children in San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo, and Mono counties," said Treasurer Ma "Building on a previous CHFFA award to support expansion of a new Children’s Tower at Loma Linda, these funds will make a life-saving difference and improve health equity in our state by making quality care available to a population that is a majority Medi-Cal patients "

The CHFFA award will be used to fund six major LLUCH projects that expand the hospital’s capacity to serve children in the four-county region with both physical and mental health care, modernize critical infrastructure, and keep LLUCH on the cutting

edge of care The projects to be funded are the following:

Construction of a new pediatric Medical Office Building, which will house 23 existing subspecialty clinics under one roof, with an increased number of exam rooms, allowing LLUCH to see approximately 15,000 additional pediatric patients annually Expansion of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which will add nine single-bed NICU rooms at LLUCH and increase capacity to serve an additional 150 NICU patients annually

Relocation and expansion of the Pediatric Oncology and Infusion Center, which will increase the number of pediatric infusion chairs, exam rooms and infusion beds, and will allow LLUCH to go from completing 9,000 infusions annually to 11,700

Renovation of the pediatric Operating Rooms that are over 30 years old The new equipment and renovation materials to be used will both improve quality outcomes for patients as well as decrease cleaning time between surgeries and will allow LLUCH to serve approximately 250 more pediatric patients annually

Addition of a new 48-bed pediatric Psychiatric Inpatient Unit, which will provide intensive care treatment in a safe and controlled environment and expects

to have 2,615 admissions annually Reimbursement of eligible pediatric equipment including, but not limited to, a surgical robot used for pediatric minimally invasive surgeries, allowing the performance of surgeries with greater accuracy and precision

Through CHFFA’s Children’s Hospital Programs, LLUCH was awarded a total of $172 9 million to construct the new Children’s Hospital Tower at the new Dennis and Carol Troesh Medical Campus and to purchase various pediatric equipment

The Children's Hospital Bond Act of 2018, passed by California voters on November 6, 2018, permitted the State of California to issue $1 5 billion in general obligation bonds to fund the Children’s Hospital Program of 2018

The purpose of the program is to improve the health and welfare of California’s critically ill children by providing a stable and ready source of funds for capital improvement projects for children’s hospitals CHFFA aims to help vulnerable pediatric populations by expanding access to healthcare, inspiring healthcare improvements, and promoting pediatric teaching and research programs

seat on the city council and position as executive director with the Highland Senior Center

Along with SMBMI’s Business Committee Secretary Audrey Martinez and Assemblymember James Ramos’ Field Representative Anais Franco, was San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe

Rowe conducted the installation of the Chamber ’s new 2023 board of directors, which included IECN’s Manny Sandoval, SMBMI’s Robin Alcantara-Carcano, San Bernardino Symphony Association’s Dr Anne Viricel, and Redlands Unified School District’s Sara Burton

To learn more about the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce, visit highlandchamber org

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Highland Fire Department’s Firefighter of the Year being awarded to Zachary Hunter for his selfless dedication and service to the Highland Community

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Highland Chamber President Gail Shelton, SMBMI Fire Captain, Firefighter of the Year Juan Mota, and Highland Chamber ’s Executive Director Chris Nelson at the Elks Lodge

Prince Ogidikpe among Black Rose Young People Award winner s announced

The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation has announced the winners for its 30th Annual Black Rose Awards in the Margaret Hills Black Rose Inspiration Young Adults category

They are Liyah Bevins and Prince Ogidikpe

They will be honored at the Foundation's annual banquet on February 4, 2023, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the California State University, San Bernardino, Santos Manuel Student Union, 5500 University Parkway

"The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in 1986 to honor and share the richness of our Black heritage, to recognize world diversity and inspire our youth/adults toward leadership,

providing scholarships and career opportunities," said Foundation President Arlington Rodgers

The Black Culture Foundation's mission is to bridge cultural differences across generations through nurturing, educating, and building lasting, respectable, and encouraging communities

Prince Ogidikpe Bio

Prince earned a bachelor's degree in biological psychology with a minor in communications at Cal State San Bernardino

A native of Bayelsa State in Nigeria, he moved to the United States in 2010 At CSUSB he was elected to serve terms as the Associated Students' Executive Vice President and President

He currently works as a Dis-

trict Representative for Eloise Gomez Reyes, the California Assembly's Majority Leader, representing the 47th Assembly District

This is the Foundation's first event since Covid, and "our coffers are bare and in need of replenishment to continue providing scholarships," said Committee Co-Chair Kristine Scott

Individual tickets are $75 each For more information or to purchase tickets go to EventB r i g h t : https://www eventbrite com/e/3 0 t h - b l a c k - r o s e - a w a r d s - b a nquet-tickets-491089169927

For more information please contact the event's Co-Chairs: Kristine Scott at (909) 8090317 or kscott@socalgas com or Jim King at (760) 239-8200 or jimking5000@yahoo com

Crafton Hills College br eaks g r ound on new $9.5 million Public Safety Training Center

Community News

Construction is underway on Crafton Hills College’s (CHC) voter-approved and funded Public Safety Training Center, following a groundbreaking ceremony on January 20 in front of a crowd of more than 150

Upon completion, the $9 5 million facility will house CHC’s Fire Academy and public safety programs and further elevate CHC’s reputation as one of the premier public safety colleges in the nation The Public Safety Training Center was made possible thanks to the vision of current and former CHC leaders and funding from 2018’s Measure CC, approved by voters to fund campus upgrades at both CHC and its sister college, San Bernardino Valley College

Consistent community support has been the cornerstone of the public safety programs’ successes Neighboring agencies, like the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and its fire department, have partnered with CHC to provide necessary tools of the trade, such as fire engines, equipment and training while supporting students’ growth with scholarships

During the groundbreaking, Tribal leaders presented a check for a $1 8 million grant that will cover student out-of-pocket expenses associated with the program The need for a steady income and secure housing is an obstacle for many who wish to study public safety fields, said Ed Duro, San Manuel Business Committee member-atlarge

“San Manuel believes that those with their heart [set] to serve others should be able to, especially if they come from historically underrepresented communities,” said Duro, a CHC

alumnus, as Tribal leaders presented the gift during the event “This is why I am proud to announce our investment to offer direct support to students, enabling them to devote themselves to the program It is a priority for the Tribe to advance these opportunities for everyone regardless of background ”

“This project has been a decade in the making and serves as the best example of what happens when a community comes together for a common goal,” said CHC President Dr Kevin Horan

Dr Stephanie Houston, chair of the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees and a CHC alumna, called the new facility “near and dear” to her heart As a parent of a first responder, Houston said the Public Safety Training Center brings her a sense of relief because “at that end of the day, [first responder graduates] are going to rely on their training, and their training all started here,” she said

“So, as we look at our cadets, this next generation of students who are going to be coming through this amazing facility that we are building, [we will know that] it’s to ensure that parents, siblings, spouses and children of our first responders can sleep at night,” Houston said during the ceremony “Because they can rely on that training we provide [to their loved ones] This is an amazing opportunity for all of us ”

The Academy including other first responder-related training programs, such as those for paramedics and respiratory care has undergone a series of upgrades since its inception in 1982 CHC’s Fire Academy originally operated from an old automotive shop on campus that was transformed into a training space

¡Aplica ahora! Escanea el código QR o visita: WWW.CACOLLEGECORPS.COM

Rep. Aguilar Announces Over $700,000 f or Inland Empir e Youth

Community News

This week, Rep Pete Aguilar presented Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy with $733,533 26 in federal funding he secured for their Empowering Youth Resilience and Promoting Social Emotional Healing program This funding will ensure Inland Empire youth have access to the tools they

need to have brighter futures

“It is my privilege to announce that I secured over $700,000 for the Young Visionaries Leadership Academy,” said Rep Aguilar “This funding is a direct investment in Inland Empire youth and the future leaders of our community I will always prioritize the needs of young people and will continue to work closely with our local agencies and non-profits to secure more funding

for San Bernardino ”

“This funding from Congressman Pete Aguilar ’s office will help support our mentoring programs, in partnership with Big Brothers and Sisters and the LOVE program here in the City of San Bernardino,” said Terrance Stone, President and CEO of the Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy “We appreciate the Congressman’s help in securing this funding ”

Never too late: CSUSB student to leave 26-year tr ucking car eer to f ollow his dr eam in helping other s

Community News

It’s never too late to chase your dreams – just ask Jeremy Saavedra

After more than two decades of traveling the roads of Riverside County, San Bernardino County and beyond as a truck driver, Saavedra, who was born and raised and still lives in Fontana, decided to steer his journey toward the medical field instead

At age 41, he enrolled in college

“Going back to a classroom setting was difficult in itself,” said Saavedra, who first studied at Chaffey College before transferring to Cal State San Bernardino as a biology major in fall 2021 “I haven’t been in school for some time, so I was concerned with how I would adapt to school life and how I would relate to other students, most of which are half my age ”

To layer on the challenge, Saavedra is also a first-generation student “Higher education was not a high priority in my family,” he said, “so making it this far has been awesome ”

Despite the pressures of working full time while meeting the demands of a full-time, first-generation student, Saavedra has persisted, and is on the path to graduate in fall 2023 His goal is to become a physician assistant

“The combination of my desire to change career fields and wanting to help people led me to the medical field,” he said “A physician assistant is one of those people that is able to help people who are in need medically The more I learned about the PA profession, the more I knew that it was the perfect fit for me ”

To further his experience in the medical field and offer a helping hand, Saavedra volunteers with Cope Scholars, an introductory program designed to help individuals engage with hospital personnel and patients He shadows or assists health care workers with patient care and comfort at a non-medical level

Saavedra’s passion for helping others is so strong, he also volunteers his time with local organizations, such as City Link Community Outreach in Fontana and the San Bernardino Civic Center Association

“If I am able to help, then I don’t want to be someone who does nothing,” he confirmed “I’ve known a lot of people who are hurting or needed some kind of help I’ve been the person in need of help We hear stories all the time about people who have a struggle but nobody to turn to I want to be a person that is available for others to turn to in their time of need ”

Through City Link, he helps with groceries for households in need and assists with events that help the homeless population with things like clothes, haircuts and meals He also participates in neighborhood cleanups through the San Bernardino Civic Center Association

And his volunteer service doesn’t stop there Saavedra is also a notetaker at CSUSB, which requires taking notes for fellow CSUSB students who have disabilities

Simply put, Saavedra just wants to make a difference

“I’m just trying to positively impact someone else in hopes that there’s a waterfall effect and it leads to a better community,” he said

And as a father of three, Saavedra hopes to be a positive role model for his kids, “so that they might push forward through adversity and aspire to be something greater than they thought possible ”

Saavedra credits CSUSB for helping him along his academic journey and supporting him during his career change, acknowledging the attentive professors who have been there for him when he needs extra assistance and Academic Advising for helping him stay on track

“The entire support system in place here at CSUSB is amazing,” he said, noting the overall positive learning environment “CSUSB is giving me a solid foundation in regard to my education ”

For anyone who hopes to make a career change, Saavedra encourages them to never give up, because the rewards of happiness will be worth it in the end

“There’s going to be times when you question what you’re doing – stay with it,” he urges “Take your educational plan one semester at a time Before you know it, you will be knocking on graduation’s door Above all else, as cliché as it may sound, follow your dreams!