*El Chicano 08/03/23

E L C H I C A N o

WWe e eekkllyy

By Manny Sandoval

In a night of celebration a n d c a m a r a d e r i e , t h e Garcia Center for The Arts held its First Annual Benefit Gala at the Sterling Natural Resource Center on July 28th

The gala served as a fundraiser and a salute to the artistic spirit that has been increasingly taking root in San Bernardino

Jorge Oswald Heredia, executive director of Garcia Center for the Arts, took center stage and passionately thanked Dr E r n i e G a r c i a a n d h i s w i f e , Dottie, for their continued dedication to the community's artistic endeavors

Dr Ernie, who passed away on April 6th, 2023, once dreamt of breathing life into an aban-

d o n e d b u i l d i n g , w h i c h n o w stands as the vibrant Garcia Center, was profoundly remembered "The Garcia Center is named after Ernie and Dottie, who have been pushing for the arts for years It's our duty to take on their mission of bringing the arts to San Bernardino," stated Heredia, expressing his g r a t i t u d e t o t h e a u d i e n c e , including artists, creators, and

o rg a n i z e r s f r o m a c r o s s t h e region

The gala began with a touchi n g p r a y e r f o r D r G a r c i a , whose impact on the community is undeniable The Orange Show Fairgrounds art show was named after him, and his role as a former dean of education, and his vision for the arts, were cel-

Art Gala cont on next pg

City of Colton Celebrates Ribbon Cutting f or Fir eman's Paseo Pr oject, Elevating Walkability to Benefit Local Businesses

By Manny Sandoval

The City of Colton unveiled its latest community project, the Fireman's Paseo, with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 26, despite the sweltering 108-degree heat The project, which includes pavement, decorative string lights, and lush vegetation, is set to become a

vibrant space for future market nights and community gatherings

Mayor Frank Navarro lauded the project as a significant addition to the city's landscape "This site is more than just a physical space It's a place for our community to come together, to engage with each other, and to celebrate our city's unique culture,"

PHOTOS MANNY SANDOVAL

Tim Garcia (left) and Dottie Garcia (right) celebrating art and the legacy of The Garcia Center for the Arts

Right photo: IECN Publisher Emeritus

Gloria Macias Harrison (center) speaking with representatives from Rep Pete Aguilar ’s Office during the reception

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

(Left to right) Councilmember Kelly Chastain, Supervisor Joe Baca Jr , Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes, Mayor Frank Navarro, Councilmember Dr G and Councilmember John Echevarria cutting the ribbon in front of the City’s new Fireman’s Paseo

Art Gala

ebrated

The center has served as a hub for art organizations in the city and has demonstrated its versatility and commitment to community service during the pandemic by hosting vaccination clinics Heredia recognized Eloise Reyes, whose support helped secure significant funding for the center, and Congressman Pete Aguilar for hosting an annual congressional art competition in collaboration with the center

Eric Servin, program director, enthusiastically shared the center's ambitious growth plans "The

Paseo

cial place in my heart It's where I grew up, and it's wonderful to see it becoming more walkable, more vibrant," Reyes said "I look forward to seeing more bustling businesses in the new Paseo and downtown area This project will greatly benefit our local business owners and residents "

San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and commended the city and Assemblymember Reyes’ efforts "Congratulations on the new Downtown Paseo project This new walkable space is going to greatly benefit our local businesses," Baca Jr said He also reminisced about his first job in Colton at Lefty's Sports Outfitter Inc when he was a teenager

The Fireman's Paseo, located between 190 W H

Community News

For the second year in a row, the San Bernardino Public Library is offering its library cardholders free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating state parks operated by the California State Parks Five passes are available at the Norman F Feldheym Central Library and three passes are available at each of San Bernardino branch libraries

“Libraries are trusted community hubs where Californians know they can find what they need to work, play, and thrive,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas “This partnership with State Parks now allows Californians to ‘check out’ California’s great outdoors at their community library ”

Among the parks eligible for free admission are Orange County beaches, including Doheny State Beach, Huntington State Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach, and San Onofre State Beach

Other popular participating state parks include Anza Borrego State Park in Riverside County, Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino County, Carlsbad State Beach in San Diego County, and Malibu Creek State Park in Los Angeles County

Park passes are available on a first-come, firstserve basis and may be checked out for up to three weeks with a City of San Bernardino permanent library card in good standing Passes may not be placed on hold or renewed and must be returned in-

center has grown at least two times over, and by next year, we're going to double that We aim to offer the community free classes next year, including ceramics, printmaking, and an exciting addition - glassblowing "

The benefit gala was a celebration and affirmation of the Garcia Center's vision to remain a cultural hub that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and community love With a lively auction of incredible art pieces, workshops, and experiences, attendees had the opportunity to contribute to the center's bright future The center continues to shine as a testament to Dr Ernie Garcia's legacy and the vibrant community it serves

Street and 195 West Valley Blvd, is a testament to the city's commitment to community development and environmental sustainability The Colton Lions Club is currently collecting flexible plastic to fund the purchase of benches for the Paseo Those interested in contributing can contact Dr G at 909-213-3730

The ceremony, emceed by City Manager William R Smith, saw dozens of community members braving the heat to celebrate this milestone City staffers ensured the comfort of attendees with icecold water, refreshments, shade, and a mister fan

The Fireman's Paseo is a testament to the city's commitment to fostering community spirit and local businesses As the decorative string lights illuminate the Paseo, they also shine a light on Colton's bright future

San Ber nardino City Unified to Host Fr ee Student Immunization Clinics f or Back-to-School

Community News

The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is committed to student health and has scheduled 10 free student immunization clinics starting in July and running through September

Scheduled to take place starting July 27, the free student immunization clinics will be available to all enrolled students with Medi-Cal and those without insurance

Colleen Williams, Director of Student Wellness and Support Services, encourages parents and guardians to take advantage of this opportunity to bring their children up to date on their immunizations in time for the start of the new academic year, which begins on Monday, July 31 The free student immunization clinics offer a convenient and accessible solution for families to ensure their children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, Williams said

Thursday, July 27, 12 noon–4 p m , Shandin Hills Middle School, 4301 Little Mountain Dr , San Bernardino: https://bit ly/3NFo9uY

Friday, July 28, 12 noon–4 p m , Serrano Middle School, 3131 Piedmont Dr , San B e r n a r d i n o : https://bit ly/43QRCaI

Monday, July 31, 3–6 p m , Arrowview Middle School, 2299 North G Street: https://bit ly/3XjXjLO

Friday, Aug 11, 3–6 p m , Curtis Middle School, 1050 N Del Rosa https://bit ly/3PhVjlu

SAC Health Systems Clinics (Contact a school nurse or school health aide to book an appointment)

Saturday, July 29, 8 a m –12 noon, Cajon High School, 1200 W Hill Dr , San Bernardino

person during normal library operating hours

The California State Library Parks Pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with a capacity of nine people or less, or one highway licensed motorcycle

Some California State Parks are not participating in the program For a complete list of participating parks, please visit https://www parks ca gov/?page id=30813

Current San Bernardino library locations are:

Feldheym Central Library: 555 W Sixth St

Inghram Branch: 1505 W. Highland Ave.

Rowe Branch: 108 E Marshall Blvd

City libraries are open Monday & Tuesday from 12 p m to 8 p m , Wednesday & Thursday from 10 a m to 6 p m , and Saturday from 10 a m to 6 p m The libraries are closed on Fridays and Sundays Patrons who do not already have a library card can obtain one for free at the circulation desk of any San Bernardino Public Library

A valid I D and a permanent address are required Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their library card application

For more information, call the City of San Bernardino Public Library at 909-381-8201 or visit their website at https://www sbpl org/

“Immunizations are a fundamental aspect of preventive healthcare, helping protect against a range of infectious diseases that can disrupt the learning process and jeopardize the overall health of our students,” Williams said “By offering free student immunization clinics, we are taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases within our school community and ensuring a healthy learning environment for all ”

The immunization clinics will be staffed by qualified healthcare professionals and medical staff from San Bernardino County and the SAC Health System, with expertise in administering vaccines to children and adolescents

San Bernardino County Immunization Clinics (Families must schedule an appointment Each clinic location has a specific online appointment link )

Monday, July 31, 8 a m –12 p m , Board of Education, 777 North F St , San Bernardino

Saturday, Aug 5, 8 a m –12 p m , Indian Springs High School, 650 N Del Rosa Dr

Saturday, Aug 12, 8 a m –12 p m , Chavez Middle School, 6650 N Magnolia Ave

Saturday, Aug 26, 8 a m –12 p m , Arroyo Valley High School, 1881 W Base Line St

Saturday, Sept 9, 8 a m –12 p m , Rodriguez PREP Academy, 1985 N Guthrie Street, San Bernardino

To participate in the free student immunization clinics, parents and guardians should schedule appointments in advance and bring the student’s immunization record and photo identification for the parent or guardian Appointment details and registration information can be found on the San Bernardino City Unified School District's website at sbcusd com

By Manny Sandoval

The city of Rialto marked a significant milestone on Tuesday, July 18th, as it held a groundbreaking ceremony for the forthcoming Best Western Plus hotel The event signals a new era of development and growth for the Inland Empire region, which has seen a boom in popularity post-Covid

The property, located at 841 West Foothill Blvd, has been in the Habbas family for 30 years "We were waiting for when the time was right to develop the property," said Anjuli Habbas, Partner at Kapital Partners "Given the Inland Empire's boom post-Covid, we thought it would be a great time to

develop the property "

The new hotel, a four-story building with 76 rooms, is expected to be operational by the 2024 holiday season, following a 14-16 month construction period starting August 2023

It will offer a range of amenities, including a pool, a business center, a full kitchen buffet service, and a gym Guests will also have the option to include breakfast with their stay for an additional $5-10 per night

To read more, visit iecn com

IECF is delighted to announce a gift of $108,000 from Amazon, which will benefit several of the Foundation's Signature Funds that support organizations serving the IE's black and Latino communities and others that promote environmental causes Amazon's gift will also bring added resources to the Youth Grantmakers Program, now in its 15th year

Building on its support of the Foundation last year, Amazon's donation will enhance existing programs and provide crucial support to the individuals and families who need it most

“Amazon’s investment in IECF is an affirmation of our belief in transformative change,” said David Ambroz, Head of Community Engagement for Amazon in Southern California “Together, we are sowing seeds of opportunity, creating a culture of empowerment, and setting a precedent of sustainable growth and inclusion

We are not just funding initiatives; we are fueling dreams and driving systemic change for the communities we serve ”

Grants from IECF’s Signature Funds make it possible for organizations to create impact through social justice programs, housing initiatives, educational scholarships, and environmental – all key areas of need for many communities across the region Get to know the special funds Amazon is supporting, in particular:

IE Black Equity Fund – advances the missions of Black-led and Black-empowering organizations through program and project support and capacity building BEI hopes to assist in ending systemic racism as well as building economic and political power for the Black community

CIELO Fund (Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity) - empowers Latinos in our communities by uplifting and investing in organizations and initiatives led by and serving Latinos in the region

Build Coachella Valley Fund - (formerly known as the Salton Sea Fund) supports the social, economic, and environmental resilience of the Coachella Valley and its surrounding communities

Youth Grantmakers - is dedicated to teaching the tradition of philanthropy and community involvement to youth in the Inland Empire Over the course of nine months Amazon’s gift will allow students to learn to read and analyze a grant application, respectfully debate the most critical needs, and prioritize the many worthwhile requests received by IECF to benefit our community

3rd Annual Policy & Engagement Forum – Amazon serves as an official “Breakfast Sponsor” of the Forum, which will bring out 300+ changemakers, community advocates and funders to boldly reimagine how we’ll capture public and private resources that will empower long-lasting and substantial changes for the benefit of IE’s communities

In a significant development that promises to shape the race in California's Assembly District 50, California Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes proudly announces her endorsement of Etiwanda School Boardmember Robert Garcia for the California State Assembly

Having served the constituents of Assembly District 50 with unwavering dedication and distinction, Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes has garnered a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the district's diverse communities Reyes now seeks to serve in the State Senate District 29 Her endorsement of Robert Garcia is a testament to his strong leadership qualities, commitment to public service, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the people he represents

"Today, I am proud to formally endorse Etiwanda School Board Member Robert Garcia as my successor for Assembly District 50," said Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes "Robert has dedicated his life to fighting for communities in need and supporting residents of this district An educator for 21 years and school board member for 7 years, Robert has shown an unparalleled commitment to empowering our youth and championing education reform His dedication to education and innovative teaching methods have benefitted our students for years Robert knows the importance of investing in our youth He has lived in

Assembly District 50 for 17 years with his wife and three children Coming from a labor household where his father served as a machinist for 30 years, he is deeply familiar with the struggles facing working families in our region I look forward to joining Robert on the campaign trail to share our inclusive vision for the future of our community Together, we will fight for critical resources for important issues such as education, jobs and economic development, and affordable housing for our region"

Upon receiving the endorsement from Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes, Robert Garcia expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to positively impacting the lives of the people in AD-50 "I am truly honored to receive the endorsement of someone as esteemed and influential as Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes Her record of dedicated service inspires me, and I am determined to carry on her legacy of championing the interests of our community Together, we will work tirelessly to address our district's critical challenges and create a better future for all "

The endorsement from Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes comes on the heels of reporting $176,000 cash-onhand It is expected to significantly boost Robert Garcia's campaign, uniting supporters from various backgrounds under a shared vision for a stronger, more inclusive AD-50 In a three-person race, this announcement and his fundraising numbers has positioned Garcia as the clear

California State University, San Bernardino will receive the American Association of State Colleges and Universities 2023 Excellence & Innovation Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Leadership at the annual conference in November 2023 in Chicago

“I am incredibly proud that CSUSB’s efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive campus for the diverse students, faculty and staff who work here have been recognized by a national organization such as AASCU,” said CSUSB President Tomás D Morales “We are a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Minority-Serving Institution But recognizing this fact means that we need to act to provide a welcoming environment for all who choose to study and work here ”

The university was selected by AASCU’s awards committee for its CSUSB President’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Board initiative and “its outstanding results and potential to influence and serve as a model for other institutions ”

The university is eligible to select an engraved award

frontrunner for AD-50

Robert is also endorsed by key local elected leaders, including:

Federal/State Elected Officials

Gloria Negrete-McLeod, Former US Congressional, California State Senator (Ret )

County Elected Officials

Joe Baca, San Bernardino County Supervisor, District 5

Laura Abernathy-Mancha, San Bernardino County Board of Education, Area C

Local Elected Officials

Dr Malinda Hurley, Alta Loma School District, Area 5

Dayna Karsch, Etiwanda School District, President

Dr Fermin Jaramillo, Etiwanda School District, Trustee Area 3

Flora Martinez, Ontario-Montclair School District, Trustee Area 1

Sam Crowe, Ontario-Montclair School District (Ret )

Michael Tahan, Fontana City Council (Ret )

Jesse Sandoval, Fontana City Council, District 2

Mary Sandoval, Fontana Unified School District, District 4

Dr Kelsey Iino, Los Angeles Community College District, Second Vice President (Seat No 7)

Edgar Montes, Rialto Unified School District

Bill Hedrick, Riverside Community

or a $500 donation to the university “in support of a scholarship fund, on-campus food pantry or similar ”

The President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board was created after Rona Halualani of Halualani & Associates conducted a thorough review of the university’s DEI efforts The board’s composition is campus-wide and consists of representatives from shared governance bodies including the Faculty Senate, Staff Council and ASI (student government) as well as representatives from cultural centers, affinity groups and experts across campus to increase inclusiveness in planning and bring a wide variety of perspectives

The ongoing goal is to better coordinate and render CSUSB’s DEI efforts to be even more effective than in the past, as well as to ensure these principles are built into the university’s operational structure The vision is to build a university that is welcoming to all who come to study and work on its campuses

Recent speakers hosted by CSUSB’s DEI Board have included Ibram X Kendi, author of “How to Be an Antiracist”; author Luis Alberto Urrea, whose most recent book is based on his mother ’s experiences during World War II, “Good Night, Irene”; and Pulitzer Prize nominee

College District

Janice Elliot, Upland City Council (Ret )

Sherman Garnett, Upland Unified School District, President

California Democratic Party Delegates

Carlos Alcala, California Democratic Party Chicano Latino Caucus, Chair

Norma Alcala, California Democratic Council, President

Stacey Ramos, Vice Chair, San Bernardino County Democratic Party

Bobbi Jo Chavarria, Fontana Democratic Club, President and Delegate AD50

Joe Salas, Regional Director 18

Erick Jimenez, Executive Board AD-50

Kareem Gongora, Delegate AD-50

Robert Garcia, Delegate AD-50

Jesse Sandoval, Delegate AD-50

SanJuana Laurel, Delegate AD-50

Laura Abernathy Manca, Delegate AD50

Angela Cammon, Delegate AD-50

Mary Sandoval, Delegate AD-50

Chris Robles, Delegate AD-50 Central Committee

Unions

California School Employees Association

UA Local 398 Plumbers and Steamfitters

To learn more about Robert’s campaign, visit robertgarcia4ca com

Victor

Villaseñor, author of the “Rain of Gold” trilogy

AASCU is firmly committed to the values of DEI

Soon after the U S Supreme Court ruled to prohibit the consideration of race as part of the college and university admissions process, the organization said in a statement: “AASCU is strongly committed to equity Regional comprehensive universities are anchored in educational excellence They are diverse, inclusive institutions, and they will uphold their mission and vision of giving everyone the right to an equitable, high-quality education The 4 9 million undergraduate students enrolled at these institutions will be engaged citizens, community leaders, and future taxpayers who will lift communities, cities, states, and the country ”

For more information visit the President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board website

Also visit the AASCU website for information on its programs For questions about the award and/or annual conference, please contact Sara Gassman, program manager of leadership development and partnerships, at gassmans@aascu org or (202) 478-4675

Sponsor s Needed f or SBCUSD 2023 Mr. and Miss Cardinal City Pa geant

Community News

The first day of school is July 31, 2023, but San Bernardino High School (SBHS)’s Bilingual School Outreach Worker Jaime Rios and the Mr and Miss Cardinal City Pageant contestants are already hard at work to make the 2023–2024 pageant a success

The Mr and Miss Cardinal City pageant, now in its 20th year, was originally launched by Rios as two separate events, with Mr Cardinal in the spring and Miss Cardinal in the fall

Legendar y County Fir e PIO Tracey Mar tinez Retir es

The 2020 pageants were postponed due to the challenges of COVID lockdowns When the pageants were finally able to resume, Rios decided to combine them into a single event This year, due to ongoing construction at both SBHS and near Sturges Theater, the pageants’ home for the past several years, Mr and Miss Cardinal will be crowned at Indian Springs High School But despite those changes, the focus of the entire process continues to be on aca-

demics, social skills, and community service

Mr Cardinal and Miss Cardinal contestants will spend days practicing their opening number and hundreds if not thousands of hours performing community service before the big night on September 23 And although only one Mr Cardinal City and one Miss Cardinal City will be crowned, they will each have a court to help them fulfill their duties

The school is asking local businesses and individuals to help make the pageant and the reigns of Mr and Miss Cardinal City a success by donating time and resources Any donations are welcome, from cash to bottles of water To become a sponsor, contact pageant director Jaime Rios at (909) 881-8217 or jaime rios@sbcusd k12 ca us

The pageant is set for Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 6 p m at Indian Springs High School, 650 North Del Rosa Drive in San Bernardino

Community News

For more than 22 years, Tracey Martinez has been the steadfast, reassuring source of reliable information for San Bernardino County residents coping with wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and other disasters Today, her familiar voice gets a well-deserved rest

As the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District’s firstever Public Information Officer (PIO), Tracey retires this week after nearly 35 years of vitally important – sometimes dangerous – and always appreciated public service to both County Fire and the Sheriff ’s Department That service has included nearly 50 wildfires, the 2003 Christmas flood, the 2019 Trona earthquake, and the 2020

coronavirus repatriation flight from Wuhan, China

Between emergencies, Tracey managed the Mountain Area Safety Taskforce (MAST), a multifaceted effort to protect the mountain communities from the fire threat posed by a historic bark beetle infestation, and played key roles in countless drills and exercises, training legions of first responders and government communicators how to serve the public in times of crisis

Since 2001, Tracey has also been the voice of the County Fire and its 1,166 employees, including 712 firefighters

“Tracey has been invaluable to our leadership team for over

three decades She has guided public affairs under seven different fire chiefs, through firestorms, and other devastating emergencies,” said San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey, “Throughout all of this, she has been among the best of her peers in communicating with calmness and clarity to our residents and visitors With such a wealth of experience and remarkable abilities, she is truly irreplaceable We will miss her greatly ”

Tracey began her career with San Bernardino County in 1988 with the Sheriff ’s Department as a station clerk She promoted to Sheriff Service Specialist, serving primarily in Victorville as a PIO/Crime Prevention Officer, also working on special

projects for the Office of the Sheriff

In March 2001 Tracey was hired as County Fire’s first-ever PIO, building the position and its roles and responsibilities from the ground up She skillfully adapted to changes in what the news media and the public expect from emergency information, ushering in the social media era

Soon after she started with County Fire, she served as PIO for the 2003 Old and Grand Prix Fires, which burned a combined 150,729 acres In 2020, nearing the end of her time with County Fire, Tracey faced the challenge of handling multiple fires simultaneously This included the 22,744-acre El Dorado Fire on the east side of the

valley and the San Bernardino County side of the 114,202-acre Bobcat Fire on the west side of the valley – the largest local wildfire since the Old and Grand Prix events

Through her expert participation in professional conferences, developing and leading training programs, and simply mastering her job in front of national and sometimes international TV audiences, Tracey played a key role in defining the modern, effective PIO

Tracey is planning for her next chapter to be much quieter, spending time with her and her husband’s five children and nine grandchildren, enjoying outdoor activities, and traveling throughout the United States

PHOTO SBCUSD

Mr and Miss Cardinal City Court, as crowned in 2021

After 35 Year s of Public Ser vice

PHOTO SB COUNTY FIRE

Tracey Martinez started with County Fire, she served as PIO for the 2003 Old and Grand Prix Fires, which burned a combined 150,729 acres

Community News

Ap p r o x i m a t e l y 250 Southern California education leaders attended the first L e a r n L e a d L i b e r a t e conference, and there were 16 education leaders from San Bernardino County, representing the following schools: New Designs Charter, Provisional Accelerated Learning Charter Academy, Ontario Charter, Myers Elementary, Sierra High School, PAL Charter Academy

Creating education environments that work to eliminate inequity and injustice for students, parents, and staff was the conference’s main focus These local leaders discussed how to remove barriers to foster communities that support and honor BIPOC individuals through evidence-based educational practices that treat students’ differences and experiences outside of school as assets, so they can be valued and learn,

and Staf f

regardless of socio-economic or ethnic background

“The conference has been amazing, and the guest speakers are so knowledgeable on their areas”, said Dr Shelley C-Bradford, Ethnic Social Diversity Lead & Teacher, Sierra High School, San Bernardino City Unified School District “As our children change, we need to change with them; we can’t just stay the same It’s important to keep our children engaged if we want them to learn the content and apply it to their life Literacy means freedom ”

The 21st Century California School Leadership Academy (21CSLA) and the Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP) hosted the conference LAEP is the Regional Academy providing 21CSLA programming in Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties

“Our aim is for this forum to bring these

leaders together to network and share information about what is working in their communities,” said Michele Broadnax, President and CEO, Los Angeles Education Partnership

“We want to emphasize that these leaders don’t need to do this alone, as 21CSLA and LAEP are here to support them We see and appreciate the dedication these educators have to this important work ”

Zaretta Hammond, author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, gave the keynote address She is a curriculum developer, consultant, and coach who has spent the past 15 years translating the latest research and teacher experiences on equity, literacy, and culturally responsive teaching into practical tools and strategies Hammond started her career in the classroom, where she began to understand how important literacy was to equity, and how neuroscience and culture should inform our instructional practice

Big Car eer s, A Mentor ship Pr og ram f or Fir st-Generation College Students in the Inland Empir e and Beyond

Community News

The Blake Johnson Alliance, the philanthropic organization founded by Blake Johnson and dedicated to providing financial support to innovative companies and individuals, is thrilled to announce the launch of Big Careers

The joint mentorship program, a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and Inland Empire (BBBSOC), matches successful Los Angeles and Orange Countybased business leaders with BBBSOC youth to advance equity and economic opportunity for first-generation college youth

The Blake Johnson Alliance is a longtime supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters and Johnson has served as a Board Member with the organization since 2017 In addition, the organization has donated over a quarter of a million dollars to advance the work of BBBSOC

The program aims to reverse the negative economic impact of the COVID19 pandemic on families in several of the largest cities in Orange County, including Santa Ana and Anaheim, where the consequences were farreaching Youth that either dropped out of school or the workforce increased by 20 percent as a result of the pandemic In Orange County and the Inland Empire, this equates to around 100,000 youths Big Careers aims to connect youth with mentors, who in turn expose them to career opportunities

The Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) Los Angeles and Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors will support Big Careers by tapping its net-

work of established chief executives in the greater Los Angeles area to help scale this initiative, providing youth with the opportunity to learn firsthand from leaders in a variety of different career fields

Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor Blake Johnson will be serving as a mentor in the Big Careers program Johnson’s accomplishments are numerous, including co-founding the teeth-straightening unicorn, Byte, which he and his business partner sold for over a billion dollars two years later Several prominent community members have already committed to serving as mentors in the Big Careers program alongside Johnson Notable participants include Abogados NOW

Founder Hugo Gomez, Carbon 38

CEO & Co-Founder Katie Warner Johnson, Inter-Con Security Systems

CEO Henry Hernandez and Variety

CEO Michelle Sobrino-Stearns

Once matched and introduced and through a combination of in-person and virtual meetings, the mentors and mentees will work together to create career goals for the mentees to jumpstart their professional development Mentors will teach them problemsolving skills, provide them access to social capital, prepare them for the interview and job application process, provide contacts regarding employment, and also ensure a positive and supported college experience

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and Inland Empire CEO Sloane Keane says, “We are thrilled to partner with the Blake Johnson Alliance to propel our mission of offering young individuals facing adversity the unwavering, professional support of a mentor ”

PHOTO LOS ANGELES EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP

(From left to right) Ayesha Brooks, Director of MTSS, Fontana Unified School District; Dr Shelley C-Bradford, Ethnic Social Diversity Lead & Teacher, Sierra High School; Dr Ayanna Balogun, Equity Lead, Rialto Unified School District

W hite House Medal Recipient and River side Muralist Juan Navar r o Par tner s with IEHP to Paint a Vibrant Tribute to the Inland Empir e

By Manny Sandoval

Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and renowned local artist Juan Navarro have joined forces to create a series of murals that pay tribute to the Inland Empire, the region they both call home

The collaboration, part of a rebranding project that began in 2022, saw IEHP launch a public procurement process to seek out potential artists

Artists were invited to submit proposals for possible artwork at IEHP's headquarters Navarro, known for his passion for the Inland Empire's unique tapestry and his reputation as a respected young Latino leader, was chosen to complete six full-scale murals

"There's just something incredibly inspiring about having art in one's surroundings," said Yahya Dawood, director of brand design and experience at IEHP "Our rebranding journey culminates with these beautiful murals in IEHP's Atrium space Now our team members and visitors will be greeted – and hopefully, inspired – by these colorful scenes of the places we know and the people we serve wholeheartedly in the Inland Empire "

The first mural, a two-story depiction of the iconic Mt Baldy Peak, the highest peak of the San Gabriel mountains, was completed in just nine days With the help of a single assistant and a lift, Navarro worked tirelessly to bring the mural to life

Navarro, currently the artist-in-residence at Riverside Art Museum, has more than 15 public works on display in communities like Riverside He is also the owner and operator of Eastside Arthouse

Most notably, Navarro recently visited The White House (with Cheech Marin) as a National Medal recipient with the Riverside Art Museum for Library and Museum Service

"I'm honored to be part of this project," Navarro said "The Inland Empire is my home, and capturing its spirit and beauty in these murals is a privilege I hope they serve as a reminder of our vibrant community here "

IEHP, one of the top 10 most extensive Medicaid health plans and the largest notfor-profit Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country, supports more than 1 6 million Riverside and San Bernardino County residents

The health plan has a growing network of 7,000 providers and 3,000 team members fully committed to the vision: "We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health "

The remaining five murals, locations yet to be determined, will be completed over the coming months Each will continue highlighting the unique landmarks and people that make the Inland Empire special

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Artist Juan Navarro and his assistant Julie on Wednesday, July 26th, 2023 at the IEHP headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Juan touching up a structure that is included in the mural, the structure itself is not specific to the Inland Empire

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL Juan sharing that moments before IECN arrived he dropped paint all over his shirt and had to change, luckily he had an extra white collared shirt