*El Chicano 07/27/23

E L C H I C A N o

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Community News

Th e C i t y o f S a n B e r n a r d i n o h a s p r oposed a set of initiatives, programs, and investment intended to revitalize its downtown area

“ W h e n w e t r a n s f o r m o u r downtown, we transform San Bernardino ” said Interim City

By Manny Sandoval

James Chavarria, a 30-year-

o l d R i v e r s i d e r e s i d e n t , recently achieved a resounding victory in episode 6 of TBS's gripping survival challenge competition show, 'I Survived Bear Grylls ' A journey that tested his endurance, skills, and passion for wildlife, the episode aired on June 29th, 2023, captivating audiences nationwide

Born and raised between Colton and San Bernardino, Chavarria's love for wildlife, breakdancing, and athleticism has been integral to his life After graduating from Martin Luther King High School in Riverside in 2011, he pursued a degree in Math and Science at Riverside City College, graduating in 2016 However, his passion for the great outdoors and thirst f o r a d v e n t u r e a l w a y s s e t h i m apart

C h a v a r r i a ' s i n v o l v e m e n t w i t h breakdancing began during his fres hman year in high s chool, eventually leading him to form a crew at Martin Luther King High School, which became his life's focus for the next 15 years

His appearance on 'I Survived B e a r G r y l l s ' w a s a d e f i n i n g

M a n a g e r C h a r l e s M c N e e l y

“And that time is now ”

The Mayor and City Council were given a preview on June 30 of the initiatives planned to r e v i t a l i z e d o w n t o w n I n t h e c o m i n g m o n t h s , t h e C i t y

C o u n c i l w i l l b e a s k e d t o approve many of the specific steps

“Downtown San Bernardino is

already a huge economic driver for our City,” added McNeely “It has the potential to bring many more jobs, much more housing, and significantly more economic activity than there currently is ”

The downtown area accounts for only 1 4 percent of the city’s population, but accounts for 19 percent of the city’s jobs

moment in his adventurous journey The episode was filmed in A t l a n t a , G e o rg i a ' s w i l d a n d s w a m p y o u t s k i r t s , p i t t i n g Chavarria against four other fearl e s s c o n t e s t a n t s T h e s u r v i v a l challenges were designed to push them to their limits

Chavarria reminisced about the most arduous challenge, which i n v o l v e d h o l d i n g a 2 0 - p o u n d bucket filled with fish above his head while submerged in an ice bath The task aimed to replicate scenarios faced in the wild, such as keeping gear dry in arctic conditions

"The ice bath challenge was brutal We sat in the freezing water for over 40 minutes, and no one wanted to break If no one gave up in the next three minutes, they'd i n t e r v e n e t o p r e v e n t h y p o t h e rmia," Chavarria shared, reflecting on the extreme test of physical and mental endurance

C h a v a r r i a ' s r e s i l i e n c e a n d unyielding spirit ultimately led him to emerge as the last contestant, securing the title of episode 6 champion

For the final challenge, the con-

“To build upon the opportunit i e s i n d o w n t o w n S a n Bernardino, the City has assembled a set of proposals that will t a k e a d v a n t a g e o f S a n Bernardino’s strengths,” said E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t Manager Amanda Hernandez “Some are best practices; some are specific to San Bernardino Collectively, they will make a City cont on next pg

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

The downtown Revitalization Project is supported by city council, local agencies, the community, and businesses such as Realicore Real Estate Group

PHOTO JAMES CHAVARRIA James Chavarria has a passion for the outdoors and wildlife, which began by spending time at the creek located in the backyard of his grandparents' country-style Riverside home as a child

tremendous impact ”

Among the proposals are:

Partnering with the Cal State San Bernardino Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) to create an Entrepreneurial Resource Center to offer programs and counseling to existing and startup businesses Since its inception, IECE has counseled and trained nearly 150,000 existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and students

Evaluating the feasibility of using Court Street between D and E Streets as a pedestrian corridor to hold farmers markets, arts, culture, and food fairs, and other special events

Partnering with downtown businesses and property owners to create a downtown property and business improvement district (PBID)

Working with Cal State, San Bernardino to develop a downtown satellite campus for select programs

Authorizing the San Bernardino Police Department to hire additional officers to create a permanent downtown quality of life team to address safety issues specific to the downtown area This would build upon a successful pilot project launched earlier this year downtown

Working to revitalize City owned property, including the Regal Cinema Plaza, the Convention Center, San Manuel Stadium – home of the 66ers, E Street retail sites, and the former Woolworth Building

Conducting a preliminary Engineering and Space Study Plan to determine the next steps for San Bernardino’s City Hall

Starting a $2 5 million renovation to the historic California Theater

Adding additional economic development staff to focus on the attraction, retention, and expansion of businesses, housing, and employment

Contracting with a real estate brokerage firm to market city owned property

Developing an economic development action plan to build upon recent planning efforts such as the downtown specific plan and investment playbook

Launching a façade improvement program to enhance and upgrade building exteriors along key commercial corridors

Developing a revolving loan program to provide emergency and ongoing financing to small busi-

nesses

Exploring the creation of additional downtown special events to build upon the success of the Miracle on Court Street, Route 66 Rendezvous, Arts Fest, and Vegan Fest

Some steps to revitalize downtown San Bernardino are already underway In recent months, the City has:

Created a $3 million small business and non-profit grant program The program, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center, awards grants between $10,000 and $35,000 to qualifying small businesses and non-profits who receive training on how to sustain and grow their business A second round of funding will be available in the coming months

Began a proactive review of downtown properties to ensure that owners maintain the physical appearance and condition of their properties This is a result of recent Council actions to expand the size of the Code Enforcement department

Investing $9 million into the refurbishment of Seccombe Lake Park Conceptual plans were presented to the City Council on July 19

“We are already seeing increased investment in downtown San Bernardino,” added Hernandez “Entrepreneurs, investors recognize that the transformation is underway ”

Last year, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted to consolidate and expand its footprint in downtown San Bernardino with the creation of a 307,000 square foot government center This project will bring more employees to downtown San Bernardino and create additional demand for downtown business and housing options

Several new restaurants are under construction on 5th street This includes a second downtown Starbucks location, a Del Taco, and a Chipotle In addition, the Planning Commission recently approved the expansion of the In-N-Out Burger and the construction of a Sonic restaurant

Investors recently purchased the historic Heritage Building on Court Street with the intention of renovating the building and opening a new restaurant

The owners of 330 D Street where Chase Bank is located recently created the shared workspace Studio D Among its tenants are the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce and Music Changing Lives

One of the biggest economic opportunities remains the 42-acre Carousel Mall property Currently, the mall is being demolished, with planning underway to build the infrastructure needed to redevelop the property

Chavarria

testants engaged in a race to find and consume a variety of bugs without using their hands, relying solely on their mouths The menu included giant water bugs, scorpions, and tarantulas, providing an actual test of their adventurous spirit

Having traveled extensively, Chavarria's experiences with diverse cultures and cuisines, including eating squid on a stick in the Philippines, proved advantageous during the bug-eating challenge

"I've been to 19 countries, from Taiwan and Indonesia to Russia and Peru So eating bugs for the final challenge wasn't a problem for me," Chavarria said

The triumph on 'I Survived Bear Grylls' brought immense pride and joy to Chavarria's family and friends, who joined him in a watch party for the episode

"We wanted to surprise my mom, so we didn't tell her about the show When she saw me on television, she was so proud," Chavarria shared "Everyone showered me with love and praised my adventurous spirit "

Inspired by his success on the show, Chavarria has set his sights on even more daring adventures He dreams of climbing Mount Everest, embarking on a crosscountry trek, and planning an extensive expedition to the Amazon Jungle

"My goal is to make a name for myself, representing the Inland Empire on grand adventures," Chavarria expressed with determination

His breakdancing group, with whom he competes and performs street and theater shows, will also showcase their talents at the Edinburgh Fringe throughout August “I’m actually in the middle of packing right now and preparing to move to Scotland for an entire month My dance group and I are looking forward to performing at a festival all month long ”

As Chavarria continues to explore new horizons, he invites others to follow his thrilling journey on Instagram at jimm datguy His passion for wildlife, the outdoors, and living life to the fullest shines through each post, inspiring others to embrace their adventurous spirit

SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio

Ar ellano Embar ks on the Fir st Day of School at Highland-Pacific Elementar y

Community News

The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is pleased to announce that Superintendent Mauricio Arellano will kick off the new school year by spending the first day at HighlandPacific Elementary School on Monday, July 31, 2023

This visit signifies Superintendent Arellano's commitment to engaging directly with students, teachers, and staff to understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the District

Superintendent Arellano's visit to Highland-Pacific Elementary is part of his broader initiative to re-familiarize himself with the schools and communities within the District he previously attended and served, which covers San Bernardino, portions of Highland, and the unincorporated communities of Muscoy and Devore

Most SBCUSD campuses start the 2023–2024 academic year on Monday, July 31 And, the first day of school marks the start of the new late-start time implementation, with middle schools starting at 8 a m and high school students starting at 8:30 a m Elementary students will remain on the same schedule as last year

During his visit, Superintendent Arellano will tour the campus, observe classrooms, and interact with students, teachers, and staff members

He will also take the opportunity to engage in conversations

with parents and community members, reinforcing his commitment to collaboration and open communication

"I am thrilled to begin my first full school year as the Superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District by spending the first day of school at Highland-Pacific Elementary,” said Superintendent Arellano, who was hired in February by the Board of Education and officially began his tenure in April “It is crucial for me to personally experience the energy and enthusiasm that comes with the start of a new academic year By connecting with the students, teachers, and staff at Highland-Pacific, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and aspirations, and work collaboratively to ensure the success of every student in our District ”

Superintendent Arellano brings a wealth of experience and passion for education to his new role

With a proven track record of implementing innovative educational programs and fostering inclusive learning environments, he is well-positioned to lead SBCUSD toward continued growth and success

SBCUSD is excited about the positive impact Arellano’s leadership will have on the District His visit to Highland-Pacific Elementary on July 31 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the District's journey to provide exceptional education to its students

Community News

Calling all talented first through 12th graders in the IE! Music Changing Lives is thrilled to announce our incredible Changing Lives Showcase is back in person!

We're on the lookout for the next generation of musical maestros and artistic visionaries from the Inland Empire!

Showcase your creativity and passion in the realms of music and art! This contest is the perfect opportunity to let your talent shine and win amazing prizes!

Here are the details you need to know:

Categories: We have two categories for this contest: MUSIC: Singers, instrumentalists, bands, and DJs are

Community News

invited to share their original compositions or covers Show us your unique sound and musical flair!

ART: Painters, sketch artists, photographers, and digital creators, this category is for you! Submit your stunning artwork that reflects your creativity and imagination!

Contest Dates 8/19/2023: Submissions will be accepted from now to July 31st Don't miss the chance to participate!

Prizes: We have a lineup of amazing prizes for our winners, including music and art supplies, scholarships, performance opportunities, cash and much more!

How to Participate

1 Follow @ChangingLivesShowcase on Instagram

2 Create a captivating post showcasing your talent It could be a video of your musical performance or a photo of your artwork

3 Upload it to www ChangingLivesShowcase com and get ready to showcase your talents at San Bernardino Valley College 8/19/2023

4 This is for 1st - 12th graders in Riverside or San Bernardino Counties Spread the word and tag your talented friends who might be interested! Let's make this contest a celebration of creativity and inspiration!

Don't miss your chance to shine and win fantastic prizes!

Music Changing Lives is dedicated to empowering young artists and musicians, and we can't wait to witness your extraordinary talent!

SB Symphony Presents Movi es wi th the Maest ro August 12t h

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will present their second annual evening of cinematic music on Saturday, August 12 at 7:30 p m Entitled “Movies with the Maestro,” this performance will be held at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts in downtown San Bernardino

The concert will draw from an eclectic mélange of film favorites, including several pieces in which SBSO Music Director Anthony Parnther has personally participated

"When I’m not here in San Bernardino with our world-class orchestra, I have the distinct pleasure of leading the Hollywood Studio Symphony on many of the most beloved film and television franchises on the planet," explained Parnther "This year's Movies with the Maestro is personal We will delve into some of the scores I led from the scoring stages of Los Angeles, London, and Nashville, including blockbuster hits like Avatar: The Way of Water, Star Wars: The Mandalorian, and Slumberland "

In addition to conducting, Parnther performs on numerous movie soundtracks "I remain active as a recording artist in the studios, and we will also explore some of the scores I have played my bassoon on including Animaniacs and Gremlins: The Secret of Mogwai "

But that's not all This concert will convene some of Southern California's finest musicians in a way rarely seen

Explained Maestro Parnther, "This is a truly regional event as we are collaborating with the superstars of our Southern California cornerstone orchestras We have invited the celebrated principal horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Opera, and the Principal Trumpet of the Pacific Symphony "

Parnther was recently recognized by Mark Swed, Classical Music Critic of the Los Angeles Times, who described him as "the quintessential L A musician of our day " Swed states, " his technique with a baton provides complete confidence At the same time, he indulges in robustly physical playing and riveting narrative He enhances this by speaking engagingly to the audience, explaining why he has chosen each work and what it means to him " Further, "The effect he gets from any size group conveys the concentration that can be felt in a recording studio There, with the pressure to produce a recording, the outer world’s distractions recede and the music dominates your full attention "

Full concert repertoire includes John Williams’ “Hooray for Hollywood” and “Born on the 4th of July”, Simon Franglen’s Suite from Avatar: The Way of Water, Pinar Toprak’s Suite from Slumberland, and Bernard Herrmann’s “Salaambo’s Aria” from Citizen Kane

Young patrons will particularly enjoy Steve and Julie Bernstein’s Suite from Animanics, John Powell’s “Poisonous Love” from Rio 2, and Jerry Goldsmith and Sherri

Chung’s “Gremlins” from Gremlins: Secrets of Mogwai Los Angeles Philharmonic Principal Horn Andrew Bain will join the Orchestra to perform Kris Bowers’ (Green Book, King Richard, and Bridgerton) Concerto for Horn which, under the baton of Maestro, Parnther, premiered in 2021 as part of the Philharmonic’s Reel Change series

Patrons are highly encouraged to bring their light sabers to wave along to William’s “Imperial March” from Star Wars and to Ludwig Goransson and Joe Shirley’s Main Theme from Star Wars-The Mandalorian

Second Performance Added

The August 12 concert will be reprised on Wednesday August 16 at the Henry W Coil Sr and Alice Edna Coil School for the Arts Auditorium to open the Association of California Symphony Orchestras 54th annual conference This is the first year the conference has ever been held in the Inland Empire and the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra was honored to have been selected as the host organization

Shared Dean McVay, ACSO Board Member, conference co-chair, and Immediate Past President of the San Bernardino Symphony Board of Directors, “We at the SBSO have been planning and preparing for an ACSO Conference in the Inland Empire for years, and in many respects it is a dream come true Bringing the best and brightest industry leaders, musicians, and artists in the West Coast for this conference is an honor and a privilege, and we look forward to sharing the beauty and talent that is so abundant here in the Inland Empire - with performances from our own San Bernardino Symphony, and also during the conference from our partners at the Redlands Symphony and the Riverside Philharmonic ”

The public is invited to attend the August 16 concert with tickets purchased through the Symphony Box Office Registration is still open for the ACSO conference which includes a concert ticket

Tickets and Location Details

Tickets for August 12 are available at $20-$100 per seat and may be purchased online at www sanbernardinosymphony org or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday Students and Active Military are always $15 The historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts is located at 562 W 4th Street San Bernardino Free, lighted parking is available directly across from the venue

Tickets for August 16 are available by phone only at (909) 381-5388 and are general admission open seating at $50/pp The Coil Auditorium is located at 3890 University Ave, Riverside

Venue box office sales are planned, but the availability of seats cannot be guaranteed

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7:30

PHOTOS SAN BERNARDINO SYMPHONY LIBRARY

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will present Movies with the Maestro on Saturday, August 12 at

p m at the historic California Theatre

CSUSB Student Dea Ar mstr ongWins National Research Competition

Community News

Cal State San Bernardino theatre arts major Dea Armstrong has been awarded first place in the undergraduate competition for the prestigious S Randolph Edmonds Young Scholars Award for her paper, “First Person Accounts and the Importance of William Wells Brown’s Work ”

“His memoir and seeing the aspects of his life integrated into his plays and novels made his work feel very personal as a Black American,” said Armstrong, who will be a senior this fall semester “That’s when I settled on the importance of reading first-person accounts because I thought it was important that everyone know of him, recognize that he was writing from his life, and feel moved by his experiences like I was ”

Seven CSUSB Students Named Sall y Casanova

Pr e-Doctoral Scholar s by Calif or nia State Univer sity

Community News

Seven Cal State San Bernardino students were selected as the California State University’s 2023-24 Sally

Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars

The seven scholars were selected from a total of 156 highly qualified CSU Pre-Doctoral Program applicants

The program, which is awarded to juniors, seniors and graduate students, provides financial assistance for those interested in exploring and preparing for a doctoral program Scholars receive one-on-one guidance provided by faculty members within the CSU and the opportunity to work with faculty from doctoralgranting institutions

The 2023-24 CSUSB Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars and their mentors are:

Kenya Luna: M A psychological science

Faculty Mentor: Jacob Jones, psychology

Kenya Luna’s academic interests include neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer ’s disease Currently, her thesis focuses on how cognitive functioning may differ in individuals who have different biomarker levels and how that may potentially improve diagnostic criteria Luna, from Fontana, is planning to pursue a Ph D in psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychology to explore how intersectionality may

play a role in diagnosing individuals at a much earlier stage and potentially earlier interventions or treatments After completing her Ph D , she hopes to return to a CSU as a faculty member, and research, inspire other students to find their passion

Mishon Johnson: B A child & adolescent development

Faculty Mentor: Lisa Looney, psychology

Mishon Johnson’s academic interests revolve around addressing inequities in education for students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities Johnson, who is from Long Beach, is passionate about promoting reform in special education and aims to pursue a doctoral degree in the field of historical, social, racial, cultural and institutional factors affecting education Johnson’s research focuses on examining the intersectionality of race, special education and economic background and its impact on the misidentification and placement of students of color in restrictive settings

Brionne Zamrii-Garland: B.A. English – rhetoric concentration

Faculty Mentor: Alexandra Cavallaro, English

After being hired as an English tutor at Chaffey College in 2020, Brionne Zamrii-Garland discovered a passion for mentorship and pedagogy He said it was always particularly fulfilling work-

ing with students from similar working-class backgrounds Ultimately, this experience has led Zamrii-Garland, who is a firstgeneration student from Tujunga, to pursue a doctorate degree His research interests are varied but currently centers queer theory and identity Labels are an important aspect of identity construction both on an individual and collective scale By understanding the way people construct definitions of themselves and others

Veronica Morales: M A English literature & composition Faculty Mentor: Alexandra Cavallaro, English

Veronica Morales’ academic interests include the analysis of ethnic American literature and the study of correctional education Her investigation in the two topics intersect with the analysis of different worldviews and perspectives With them she hopes to change how higher education of English studies in America is conducted pertaining to class discussions and the overall classroom experience Morales, who is from Highland, hopes to become a professor who keeps her students in mind and creates a safe space for the discussion of literature and its topics Her investigation of ethnic American literature and education in prisons is focused on the celebration and inclusion of people from different backgrounds in and out of the classroom

Negin Ghaffari: M A psychological science

present it,” she said “Despite my nervousness, I am definitely looking forward to presenting my work at the conference ”

Kristi Papailler, CSUSB assistant professor of theatre arts, served as Armstrong’s mentor during the development and submission of her work

Armstrong has worked in all areas of theater, but she is currently interested in backstage and technical work She is employed as a student assistant in the CSUSB scene shop and is spending the summer getting more experience at the Redlands Theatre Festival

“I recommend that the most important thing about research and scholarship competition is passion and curiosity, which sort of go hand in hand,” Armstrong said “Love something enough and have enough curiosity to pour that love into it ”

The national competition is sponsored by the worldrenowned Black Theatre Network Armstrong will present an abstract from her paper during the S Randolph Edmonds Young Scholars award ceremony on July 22 at the 37th annual Black Theatre Network Conference in St Louis, Mo

“This is really a big first for me I’ve always enjoyed writing essays and having discussions about literature for my entire academic career, but I’ve never won an award for an essay, much less attended a conference to

Faculty Mentor: Christina Hassija, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Negin Ghaffari’s research broadly focuses on trauma and on the long-term impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on marginalized communities She is particularly interested in researching how adverse childhood experiences affect psychological as well as physiological outcomes of minorities Through the Master of Arts in Psychological Sciences program she is currently working with Christina Hassija on different projects related to trauma and resiliency Ghaffari, who was born in Tehran and moved to Los Angeles as a young child, plans to pursue a clinical psychology doctoral degree, which would allow her to further her research on effects of adverse childhood experiences and resilience factors among the Middle Eastern population

Serenity Chavez: B A philosophy

Faculty Mentor: Kaitlyn Creasy, philosophy

Serenity Chavez’s academic interests include social epistemology, philosophy of disability, phenomenology, existentialism and environmental ethics She is particularly interested in exploring the lived experience of individuals with psychiatric disorders Through the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, she is currently engaging in a two-year research project that fo-

This is the first year a CSUSB student has won the research award, which includes a monetary prize and the opportunity for possible publication in the Black Theatre Review, the journal of the Black Theatre Network

The Black Theatre Network has been a critical resource and support for the CSUSB theatre arts department faculty over the years Additionally, students from CSUSB participated in the conference as panelists in 2011 and 2014

cuses on the epistemic injustices committed against individuals with psychiatric disorders in mundane and daily contexts Chavez, a San Bernardino resident, plans to pursue a philosophy doctoral degree, which will allow her to continue her research and engage with students As a future professor, she hopes to illuminate the understudied and under-recognized marginalization that neurodivergent individuals face

David Murillo: B S chemistry

Faculty Mentor: Renwu ‘John’ Zhang, chemistry & biochemistry

Through the CREST II grant awarded by the National Science Foundation, David Murillo conducts research for the Center for Advanced Functional Materials with Renwu John Zhang on investigating polymers as adsorbent materials for hydrogen storage Hydrogen is a promising fuel as it has zero carbon emissions and can be sourced through environmentally friendly means His work deals with using various intermolecular forces to enhance the hydrogen storage capacity of existing polymers Murillo, plans to pursue a Ph D with research focused on sustainable polymers technology to fight climate change with the goal of becoming a faculty member at an undergraduate university to educate, research and support academic success in disadvantaged and underrepresented students

PHOTO CSUSB

The award is in recognition of Black theatre scholar and educator S Randolph Edmonds BTN instituted the S Randolph Edmonds Young Scholars Competition in 1988, which seeks to encourage research and scholarship in Black theatre The competition supports the overall mission of BTN, which is “to expose the beauty and complexity of the inherited theatre work of our African American ancestors” and preserve and develop Black Theatre’s unique art form ”

Cal Pacific Constr uctor s, Inc . Receives Souther n Calif or nia Minority Supplier of the Year Award

Community News

Cal Pacific Constructors, Inc (CPCI), a leading family-owned and Native-American owned construction company specializing in electrical vehicle charging stations, battery energy storage systems, and hydrogen gas renewable construction, proudly announces its recognition as the Southern California Minority Supplier of the Year

The prestigious award, presented by the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council (SCMSDC), acknowledges CPCI’s outstanding performance, remarkable business growth, and commiment

to philanthropy and investment in local minority communities

The Southern California Minority Supplier of the Year award is presented annually to minority-owned firms that have exhibited remarkable business growth, service excellence, and a strong commitment to community support CPCI was nominated for this esteemed recognition by Southern California Edison in acknowledgment of the company's exceptional performance and unwavering support of the Charge Ready initiative The company's expertise, dedication, and commitment to sustainable solutions have set them apart as a trusted partner in the industry

CPCI surpassed numerous other minority-owned companies, standing out for its significant contributions to the construction industry and its instrumental role in advancing the Charge Ready initiative alongside SCE

Kirby Hays, CEO of Cal Pacific Constructors, Inc , expressed deep appreciation for the award, stating, "We are incredibly honored to receive the Southern California Minority Supplier of the Year award from SCMSDC This recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, as well as our steadfast commitment to providing innovative and sustainable solutions for our clients and communities ”

Rialto Fir efighter Scott “Buckshot” Schwingel to be Honor ed with Highway Designation

Community News

The Ayala Drive overcrossing on State Route 210 in San Bernardino County will be renamed in honor of longtime City of Rialto firefighter, Scott “Buckshot” Schwingel, who died of job-related colon cancer

President of the Rialto Professional Firefighters Local 3688 Earl Meredith said, “By dedicating the Ayala Drive Overpass in Engineer Schwengel’s honor, we ensure that his legacy lives on, reminding us all of the tremendous sacrifices made by our brave firefighters This dedication serves as a touching reminder of the risks they face every day to protect and serve our community ”

Meredith added, “The Rialto Professional Firefighters

Association Local 3688 extends its deepest gratitude to Assemblymember James Ramos and his staff, as well as the Rialto City Council for their unwavering support and approval of this commemorative gesture We are privileged to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Engineer Scott "Buckshot" Schwingle, whose dedication and heroism will forever inspire future generations ”

“Scott is the embodiment of public service,” said Assemblymember James C Ramos (D-San Bernardino) “In his 16 years serving the community, he always put the people of Rialto first It was a tremendous honor to successfully introduce ACR 7, not only to honor Scott, but also for his family who were by his side every step of his career This overpass renaming is a small way of remembering this man of service and his commitment to the people of Rialto ”

Schwingel joined the City of Rialto Fire Department as a firefighter paramedic in 2001 He was an extremely motivated, tenacious and determined individual who was soon promoted to the rank of fire engineer in 2006 During his career with the fire department, Schwingel earned the Rialto Fire Department Life Saving Award and the Rialto Fire Department Firefighter of the Year Award in 2017

Schwingel was diagnosed with job-related colon cancer in July 2015 and passed in January 2018 During his illness, he continued to provide service to the Rialto community Many of his younger colleagues looked to Schwingel for guidance and as an example to follow

Scott “Buckshot” Schwingel

PHOTO CPCI

The award being presented to Hays and CPCI at the SoFi Stadium

PHOTO CPCI

Kirby Hays, Owner/CEO of Cal Pacific Constructors, Inc standing proudly with his award for Southern California Minority Supplier of the Year

Chicano Latino Youth Leader ship Pr oject to Expand in Inland Empir e with $1 Million State Investment, Elevating Cultur e, Community, College, and Car eer

By Manny Sandoval

The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project Inc (CLYLP), a nonprofit organization committed to nurturing the leadership capabilities of California’s youth, is set to extend its influence in the Inland Empire, thanks to a significant one-million-dollar investment from the State of California This funding was secured last year by former State Senator Connie Leyva

"We're thrilled to bring our renowned high school program to the Inland Empire and support the professional and educational development of Chicano/Latino students in the region," said Leonard Sánchez, Board President of the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project "The CLYLP network is strong in the Inland Empire, and we are eager to continue building partnerships and laying the groundwork for the launch of the 2024 institute "

The CLYLP, now in its 41st year, focuses on developing future leaders through a comprehensive approach that emphasizes the four C's: culture, community, college, and career The organization's flagship program brings 120 high school students to Sacramento State University for a weeklong leadership conference Here, students get to experience the state assembly floor, defending bills, and taking on roles like lobbyists and community members

"With this expansion, we're developing another regional institute that will focus on

regional issues and civic engagement activities," Sánchez explained "Our weekend institutes, for example, have students participate in mock city council meetings in Fresno and county board of supervisors meetings in Los Angeles We also offer parent workshops and a college and career day for our programs "

The $1 million investment will not only allow the CLYLP to expand to the Inland Empire but also hire an executive director for the organization The new regional institute, dubbed the 'IE Kickoff Event,' is set to launch in the summer of 2024

Former State Senator Leyva, an ardent supporter of the CLYLP, believes in the transformative power of these programs

"These students are the future, and our hope is to provide impactful programs that can help power their success," Leyva said

The CLYLP has been operating for 41 years and has over 7,000 alumni, including notable figures such as Julie Chavez, granddaughter of Cesar Chavez, who was recently appointed by President Joe Biden, and Esmeralda Soria, a member of the state assembly for California's 27th assembly district

The organization’s forthcoming Inland Empire High School Leadership Program, set to launch summer 2024, is still seeking community partnerships

For more information about the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Program, visit clylp org/

PHOTO CLYLP

The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project Inc board of directors and students with former State Senator Connie Leyva, who secured $1 million for the initiative

PHOTO CLYLP

Two Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project Inc students who are a part of the flagship program enjoying the event on June 29th

PHOTO CLYLP

The board of directors are bringing the program to the Inland Empire to elevate student’s opportunities for civics, culture, community, and more