*Rialto Record 07/20/23

R I A L T O R E C O R D

WWe e eekkllyy

Teens Receive Hands-on Experience in Emergency

Ser vices at Redlands

Emergency Ser vices Academy

Mayor Pro Tem Andy Carrizales (left) says he garnered an opinion from an attorney prior to voting on the matter

By Manny Sandoval

mous complaint

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Aquinas High School

Graduate Diego

Guer rero, Nominated by Rep Pete Aguilar, Set to Begin Jour ney at U S Naval Academy

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W T O R E A C H U S H O W T O R E A C H U S

I n l a n d E m p i r e C o m m u n i t y N e w s p a p e r s

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E d i t o r i a l : i e c n 1 @ m a c c o m

A d v e r t i s i n g : i e c n 1 @ m a c c o m L e g a l s : i e c n l e g a l s @ g m a i l c o m

Councilmember Joe Baca Sr (right) alleged to IECN in June 2023 that Carrizales likely has a stake in the property Pg

i f o r n i a F a i r P o l i t i c a l Practices Commission (FPPC) has ruled in favor of Rialto Mayor Pro Tem Andy Carrizales, dismissing allegations of a conflict of interest related to the Pepper Avenue Specific Plan The decision c o m e s a f t e r a t h o r o u g h i n v e s t i g a t i o n p r o m p t e d b y a c c u s a t i o n s f r o m R i a l t o

Th e C a

Councilmember Joe Baca Sr and an anony-

The controversy began on April 25, 2023, w h e n C a r r i z a l e s v o t e d o n t h e P e p p e r Avenue Specific Plan Baca Sr subsequently alleged that Carrizales had a stake in a property located a few hundred feet from the proposed development, implying a potential conflict of interest

On June 21, 2023, an anonymous complaint echoing Baca Sr 's allegations was

filed with the FPPC Days later, a sworn complaint by Lupe Camacho, an employee of San Bernardino County and Special Project Manager for County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr , was submitted to the FPPC, using the exact wording of the anonymous complaint

C a r r i z a l e s , h o w e v e r, h a s v e h e m e n t l y denied these allegations from the start "I

City, cont on next pg

E i s e n h o w e r H i g h S c h o o l P r e p a r e s f o r F u t u r e G e n e r a t i o n s w i t h S t a t e - o ft h e - A r t 3 9 , 0 0 0 s q f t . C l a s s r o o m B u i l d i n g a t G r o u n d b r e a k i n g C e r e m o n y

By Manny Sandoval

Anew dawn is on the horizon for Eisenhower High School as it embarks on a transformative journey that promises to redefine the educational experience for its students The Rialto Unified School District, in collaboration with Erickson-Hall Construction Co , broke ground on a state-of-the-art modernization project on July 13th

Mat Gates, President of Erickson-Hall,

expressed his enthusiasm for the project, "We are deeply honored to be given the opportunity to reshape Eisenhower High School into a modern educational hub that will inspire countless future generations

We u n d e r s t a n d t h i s p r o j e c t ' s p r o f o u n d impact on the community and are eager to begin We aim to create an environment that nurtures creativity, innovation, and academic excellence for every student " The project, a testament to the commitment of the Rialto Unified School District

to provide quality education, will see the construction of a new 39,105 SF two-story c l a s s r o o m b u i l d i n g a n d a n a d d i t i o n a l

16,320 SF two-story classroom building

The plan also includes the creation of new concrete walkways, patios, exterior collaboration spaces, ADA parking stalls, and electrical charging stations On-site storm drains, landscaping, and irrigation systems in the courtyard will also be installed

This transformative project is not just Eisenhower, cont on next pg

PHOTO CITY OF RIALTO

in April 2023, to which

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Officials from the Rialto Unified School District, Erickson-Hall Construction Co , and Eisenhower High School officially break ground on the

sought legal advice regarding the vote on the Pepper Avenue warehouse, and I have no conflict of interest voting on that project," he said "My mother-in-law owns the property my family and I live in Therefore, I have no conflict of interest or financial interest "

The FPPC, after a comprehensive review of the complaint and evidence provided, found no evidence to support these allegations In a public letter, Christopher B Burton, Acting Chief of the Enforcement Division, stated that Carrizales "does not have a disqualifying conflict of interest in decisions regarding the Pepper Avenue Specific Plan Amendment and Industrial Development Project "

Burton further clarified the FPPC's decision, explaining, "Under the Political Reform Act, a public official has a disqualifying conflict of interest in a governmental decision if it is foreseeable that the decision will have a financial impact on their finances or other financial interests Financial interests include those of a public official's immediate family members The Act defines 'immediate family member' as the spouse and dependent children of a public official "

"Since it does not appear that Andy Carrizales or his immediate family members have an ownership interest in the subject property, Council Member Carrizales does not have a disqualifying conflict of interest," Burton wrote

Carrizales expressed relief at the FPPC's decision but also voiced disappointment at the ac-

Eisenhower

about constructing buildings but building a future It's about providing Eisenhower High School students with access to enhanced 21st-century learning environments and increasing college and career educational opportunities It's about fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence that will echo through the halls of Eisenhower High School for generations to come

Dr Cuauhtémoc Avila, the Superintendent, shared his excitement about the project, "Eisenhower High School students, staff, and the wider community will reap significant benefits from this construction project This construction will pave the way for enhanced learning and open-space concept instruction We are delighted to partner with Erickson-Hall for this project, given their exceptional track record in delivering similar projects for neighboring districts "

Erickson-Hall Construction Co , celebrating its 25th anniversary, has been a stalwart in the construction industry, successfully completing over

tions of his fellow council members "Our community and residents deserve better," he said "To viciously attack my family and my wife's mother is just wrong! This was done for nothing other than political agendas "

Carrizales also pointed out the involvement of Baca Sr 's son, Joe Baca Jr , in the allegations "It's shameful that two seasoned political figures took it upon themselves to attack me and that a San Bernardino County Supervisor would have his staff play along with this injustice," he said Last month, Baca Sr criticized Carrizales and Planning Commissioner John Peukert for participating in the vote, citing potential conflicts of interest due to their close residential proximity to the proposed warehouse He also questioned the project's economic benefit: "We don't know how many employees, tenants, or if it will even bring jobs "

Carrizales responded, "I believe Baca is upset because the developer didn't give him a donation to the Joe Baca Foundation! The foundation that was paying all of his family members until they were exposed; now that's a financial conflict of interest! I've told Baca if he believes that I am breaking the law or have some financial gain from this project to report me to the FPPC "

The FPPC's ruling has effectively cleared Carrizales of the allegations, reaffirming his position and right to vote on matters related to the Pepper Avenue Specific Plan The decision also serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the role of regulatory bodies like the FPPC in ensuring the integrity of the public office

$2 billion in construction projects and $1 5 billion for K-12 and higher education developments The company's services include preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, design-build, design assist-build, lease-leaseback, and program management for a variety of sectors, including educational, fire, essential services, civic, parks, recreation, faith-based, office, and healthcare facilities With an award-winning portfolio of completed projects and numerous awards for safety, Erickson-Hall is a trusted partner in the construction industry

As the Eisenhower High School community eagerly awaits the transformation of their school, the groundbreaking ceremony will serve as a symbol of the bright future ahead The project, a beacon of progress, will stand as a testament to the commitment of the Rialto Unified School District, Eisenhower High School, and Erickson-Hall Construction Co to provide an enriching and inspiring educational environment for the leaders of tomorrow

Calif or nia Univer sity of Science and Medicine Welcomes MD Class of 2027 with W hite Coat Cer emony Milestone

Community News

California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) today celebrated the traditional White Coat Ceremony with 130 new MD students, along with their families and friends

During the ceremony, the students recited the Hippocratic Oath which states the professional conduct and obligations of doctors The ceremony took place at the CUSM campus in Colton, Calif

“The White Coat ceremony is steeped in tradition

The white coats received by students represent membership in the medical community and the acceptance of the associated responsibilities,” said Paul Lyons, MD, CUSM President and Dean “The White Coat, along with the Hippocratic Oath, is a commitment to the ethical practice of medicine and a commitment to one’s patients and community ”

During the CUSM ceremony, each student was recognized individually and was presented with their white coat by Dr Lyons, as well as Dr Prem Reddy, CUSM’s Chair of the Board and Founder, who is also the Founder, Chairman, President and CEO of Prime Healthcare The MD Class of 2027 will spend the majority of their first two years of

medical school in classroom and simulation training at the Colton, Calif , campus This will be followed by rotations and clerkships in years three and four

During his keynote address to the students and their families, Dr Reddy said, “I have always believed that medicine has the ability to change lives, and therefore change the world Today’s White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of your lifelong dedication to medicine, the trust patients will place in you, and the dignity and compassion with which that trust will be honored By placing this white coat on your shoulders, it means we are confident in your ability to carry on the noble tradition of doctoring with compassion and dignity ”

In 2018, CUSM admitted its first medical class and now has four medical doctor program classes enrolled with 520 students, with 98% of students coming from California In addition, $2,653,000 in scholarship funding has been provided by CUSM, 35% of students are from low socio- economic status, and students are highly qualified, having scored on average in the top 15% on the Medical College Admission Test (MCATs)

SBPD Just Seized 129 Illegal

R aising Concer ns Over 3-D Printed and Ghost Guns in the Inland Empir

By Manny Sandoval

In an unprecedented operation, the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) has seized 129 illegal firearms, including rifles, handguns, and ghost guns, marking one of the largest firearm seizures in the community's history

The operation, which began on Wednesday, July 12th, and concluded on Thursday, July 13th, spanned across Hesperia, Apple Valley, and San Bernardino The search warrants led to the discovery of illegal firearms in various locations, including a tune-up shop where weapons were being manufactured

Ghost guns, firearms that are non-serialized and therefore difficult to track, were among the weapons recovered These guns, along with 3-D printed firearms, pose a unique challenge to law enforcement due to their untraceability

"It’s harder to track ghost and 3D printed guns because they’re non-serialized," said Captain Nelson Carrington of the Investigations Division "These weapons are landing in the hands of crimi-

nals; they’re being modified Several rifles are fully automatic and have the ability to hurt lots of people "

In addition to the firearms, the SBPD also seized $600,000 in cash and a significant amount of narcotics The operation has shed light on the growing issue of illegal firearm manufacturing in local businesses, some of which are using 3-D printers to supply criminals with these weapons

One of the locations where illegal firearms were recovered is a business on the 2200 block of Golden Avenue, in San Bernardino near Perris Hill Park Captain Carrington urged the community to report any suspicious activities related to narcotics or illegal firearm sales "If you see any narcotic or illegal firearm sales, please reach out to us," he said

This operation underscores the urgent need for community vigilance and stricter regulations on ghost guns and 3-D printed firearms As the SBPD continues its efforts to combat illegal firearm activities, the safety of the San Bernardino community remains its top priority

Inland Empir e Community Foundation’s 3rd Annual Policy & Enga gement For um to Foster Collaborative Solutions f or Str onger, Inclusive IE

Community News

The Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) is proud to announce its highly anticipated 3rd Annual Policy & Engagement Forum, set to take place at the Riverside Convention Center on August 9 -10, 2023

The Policy & Engagement Forum has become a hallmark event for IECF, promoting collaborative efforts and fostering a thriving community Most excitedly, the forum will bring attendees together for the first time in person after two years of virtual programming

“We’re thrilled to be able to gather in person this year and host an inclusive and diverse space for meaningful dialogue,” said IECF President and CEO Michelle Decker “It’s truly an opportunity for community leaders and advocates to collaborate and explore ideas that move our region forward We look forward to spending this time together ”

The Policy & Engagement Forum will feature an Opening Plenary with the IE Legislative Caucus, a Culture of Philanthropy Panel, and breakout sessions designed to encourage participation and inspire innovative ideas around IECF’s five policy priority areas: Education Equity, Inclusive

Economic Development, Housing, Health the Environment Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with speakers, community advocates, and experts from various sectors

With the theme “Leading Together in the IE,” this year ’s forum aims to facilitate dialogue on creating greater policy capacity to address existing inequities, uplift current transformative work, and identify actionable steps toward positive change By bringing together diverse voices, the event will foster a sense of unity and strengthen collective efforts to build a stronger, more vibrant Inland Empire

IECF is also grateful to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for their support as Presenting Sponsor For inquiries about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Brie Griset-Smith, SVP of Charitable Giving, at bgrisetsmith@iegives org

Tickets are now available at www policyforum2023 eventbrite com Details about the event, including speakers, agenda, and sponsorship opportunities, can be found at www iegives org/policy For more information, contact Julian Cuevas, Director of Policy & Governmental Affairs at jcuevas@iegives org

By Eric Sandoval, community writer

With our 23-24 concert season on the horizon, the Redlands Symphony is excited to announce its new President of the Board, Kathy Cencirulo, and incoming Board Members Dr Robert Bourne and Dr Ronald Warnell

Cencirulo served as Vice Chair of the Symphony Board from 2021 to 2023 and brings with her a wealth of experience from her background in teaching, non-profit service and involvement in many Redlands organizations

A love and passion for music is a must for any Symphony Board member, and that is certainly true of new members Bourne and Warnell Bourne is a longtime attendee of the Symphony and a physician with Beaver Medical Group Warnell, also a longtime Symphony attendee, is a psychiatrist and recently finished a term as the President of the Spinet Music Club

“As we look at this transition in Board leadership for the Symphony, I am absolutely thrilled that these music loving–and most importantly Redlands loving–individuals will lend their time and talents to the Redlands Symphony Association, helping us continue the strong progress made in the last year in taking the Symphony to a new

The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has appointed Dr Mildred García to serve as the 11th chancellor of the California State University García currently serves as president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and previously served as president of California State University, Fullerton and California State University, Dominguez Hills García is the first Latina appointed to oversee the CSU's 23-campus system She will succeed Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester, who has led the university since May 2022

“The California State University is a powerful engine of change and upward mobility for California and the nation, supporting hundreds of thousands of students in achieving their educational, career and personal aspirations," said García “I am honored, humbled and excited for this opportunity to serve the nation's largest four-year university system and work alongside its dedicated leaders, faculty and staff, and its talented and diverse students to further student achievement, close equity gaps and continue to drive California's economic prosperity "

As AASCU president since 2018, García has been a strong advocate for public higher education at the national level, working to influence federal policy and regulations on behalf of 350 member colleges and universities She is the first Latina to lead one of the six presidentially based higher education associations in Washington, D C During her tenure at AASCU, she restored the financial health of the organization through strategic leadership, bold decision-making and vision She directed a strategic agenda that focused on public college and university leadership for the 21st century and provided professional development opportunities for presidents, chancellors and their spouses

García served as president of Cal State Fullerton from 2012 to 2018 and led the university to record improvements in graduation rates and nearly tripled new phil-

level,” notes Executive Director Dr Kevin Eberle-Noel

The Symphony also welcomes Dr Karen Hansberger as Vice President, Julie Michaels as Secretary, Dr Sharen Jeffries as Treasurer and Luann Bangsund as Past President

Finishing their terms are Past Chair Marilyn Solter, Secretary Denise Bourne and Board Member Jennifer von Maack, who leave the Symphony’s Board with our thanks for outstanding service over the last several years Each of these women helped contribute to the Redlands Symphony’s mission and helped us continue our community efforts

With eyes on the future, the Redlands Symphony is excited about our new President and Board Members

Redlands Symphony is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring, entertaining and educating by providing outstanding musical performances that enhance our unique cultural environment Our goal is to reach art lovers across the region to foster that love, create new music lovers and inspire community and connectivity for all

anthropic gift commitments As president of CSU Dominguez Hills from 2007 to 2012, she increased retention rates for freshman and transfer students and eliminated a structural deficit of $2 8 million and became the CSU's first Latina president “Dr García is a highly skilled, dynamic and principled leader who has championed student success especially for those students from underrepresented communities throughout her long and distinguished career in public higher education," said Wenda Fong, chair of the CSU Board of Trustees “Her optimism, authenticity and courageous leadership will inspire greatness for the California State University community as we meet the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead and chart a path toward our great institution's brightest future "

Before her arrival in the CSU, García served as the CEO of Berkeley College, where she was the first systemwide president for all six campuses in New York and New Jersey She has held both academic and senior-level positions at Arizona State University; Montclair State University; Pennsylvania State University; Teachers College, Columbia University; and the Hostos, LaGuardia, and City Colleges of the City University of New York

A recipient of myriad awards, García was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on several advisory boards, including the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, and by the U S Secretary of Education to serve on the Committee on Measures of Student Success

García was raised in New York City by her parents who moved from Puerto Rico

A first-generation student and the first in her family to earn a degree, she received her associate degree from New York City Community College, a bachelor's in business education from Bernard M Baruch College and a master's in business education from New York University At Teachers College, Columbia University, she earned a master's and a doctorate in higher education administration

García

Teens Receive Hands-on Experience in Emergency Ser vices

Community News

High school graduates interested in a career in emergency services reported to the University of Redlands to participate in a week of intensive hands-on training, part of the award-winning Redlands Emergency Services Academy

Each year, some two dozen local teens with an interest in a public safety career attend the annual Redlands Emergency Services Academy The participants share temporary quarters for one week on the campus of the University of Redlands, are exposed to hands-on training exercises in fire and police operations, and are introduced to state of the art simulators This program stresses the importance of a well-rounded education, as well as the value of an extended education to each of the teens in attendance

High school graduates from the class of 2023 arrived at the University of Redlands at 9 a m Wednesday, July 12, for the 24th annual Redlands Emergency Services Academy (RESA) Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RESA was not held in 2020 but was resumed in 2021

On the first day of the academy students participate in formation and marching drills and by afternoon learn CPR from Redlands Firefighters

Over the following week students will suit up in protective gear, arm themselves with airsoft guns and participate with members of the Redlands Police Department in simulations as part of their Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training; practice police techniques for weaponless defense; fire weapons on the range and practice active shooter drills

Firefighters will teach firefighting and search and rescue techniques, rappelling, and

auto extrication and triage throughout the week

The course also includes instruction in public safety ethics, social media safety and career pathways

Graduates from Redlands High School, Redlands East Valley High School, Citrus Valley High School, Orangewood High School, Grove High School, Arrowhead Christian Academy, Yucaipa High School and Bloomington High School will participate in the program

RESA began in July of 1999 as a collaborative effort among the Redlands Police and Fire Departments, Crafton Hills College, Redlands Unified School District and COMPACT (a Redlands business and school community) to offer new graduates of Redlands' high schools an opportunity to experience first-hand the duties of police officers and firefighters

The University of Redlands has been a major supporter, providing facilities for the students and for instruction Since 2009 RESA has been funded by a grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Additional funding comes from donations from Stater Bros Charities, Toyota of Redlands, Tom Bell, Redlands Police Officers Association, Redlands Professional Firefighters Association and several local food vendors In 2012, the Redlands Emergency Services Academy won the Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government from the League of California Cities RESA also received the Hero of the Heartland Award at Stater Bros Charities’ annual Jack H Brown Heroes Challenge Awards Banquet

RESA graduates have gone on to careers in emergency services, including several hired by the Redlands Fire and Police Departments

T he Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Donates 20

Tons of Food to T he Salvation Ar my Community News

The San Bernardino Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints has donated a semi-truck full of nonperishable food to The Salvation Army San Bernardino Citadel summer food program Nearly 40,000 pounds of canned and packaged foods will arrive at The Salvation Army warehouse Thursday morning, July 6

Lonnie Gallaher, Stake Communication Director for the Church in San Bernardino, said, “We are grateful to be able to support the good work the Salvation Army has been doing in the community for years Many members of our Church serve as Salvation Army volunteers at the Food Distribution site When we found out from one of them, that the food program needed a boost, we were ready to help,” said Gallaher

The partnership between the two churches strengthened noticeably two years ago, when The Church of

Jesus Christ members helped out with The Salvation Army’s annual toy drive

“The Bishops’ Central Storehouse in Salt Lake City over-produces nonperishable food as part of our ongoing effort to be prepared for any emergency Canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, packaged cereals, pastas and grains everything is centrally processed and ready to meet any need that may arise,” said Gallaher

The Salvation Army’s Business Administrator, Steve Pinckney, said “Our partnership with the The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latterday Saints has been a blessing The Church of Jesus Christ, like our own, is dedicated to humanitarian needs, including feeding the hungry ”

The Salvation Army food distribution program can provide a healthy meal for a hungry neighbor for just $1 28 “We can serve meals to 140 families a week,” says Pinckney,

“and with an average of four people per family, the total is over 2,200 meals a month ”

The San Bernardino Stake of the Church includes most of the City of San Bernardino, Crestline, Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead and a sizable portion of the City of Highland This dovetails with The Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps, making the partnership a natural fit Matthew Johnson, President of the San Bernardino Stake, said, “We, as a church, strive to follow the admonition of the Savior Jesus Christ, to feed the hungry, offer drink to the thirsty, take in a stranger, to clothe the naked and to visit those who are sick and afflicted Through the donations of Church members, we are able to offer assistance to those in need

For more information call (909) 7926868 Donations can be made online at SanBernardino SalvationArmy org

Gar ner Holt

Foundation Brings

Ma gical Encounter with Animatr onics to Loma Linda Univer sity Childr en’s Hospital

Community News

Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital patients and their families had a chance to see, look, and feel a variety of animatronic creations up close on Wednesday, July 12

The Garner Holt Foundation, recognized for its work in designing and manufacturing animatronics for major clients like Disneyland and Universal Studios, transformed a room in the hospital into an interactive space Garner Holt, founder and president of Garner Holt Productions, Inc , was present at the event, bringing along two animatronic birds that brought joy and wonder to the young patients

"It's a great thrill for us," says Holt "The Garner Holt Foundation was created to work with underserved kids, foster kids, and kids in hospitals, and it warms my heart to bring the excitement that kids see in theme parks and

bring our world to them ”

One of the highlights of the visit was a STEAM workshop, allowing families to unleash their creativity by building a robotic creature called a BrushTronic Bug There was also a video showcasing the intricate process of creating animatronics, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the artistry and engineering behind these remarkable creations

The Garner Holt Foundation's visit to Children's Hospital held significant meaning for one family Michael Burke, 18, is a former Children's Hospital patient who was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer, at the age of 17 He underwent a year-long medical journey, which included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation Michael is now in remission and joined his parents on the Garner Holt Productions team as a tour guide

During the visit, he expressed his gratitude for the op-

portunity to give back to Children's Hospital and share the magic of his workplace

"I think the biggest thing I want to do is inspire kids going through the same thing as I was," said Burke "Keep a positive attitude and keep smiling, no matter how difficult the journey may be "

The event highlights the resilience and strength of young cancer survivors like Michael, as well as the compassion and collaboration between healthcare professionals and community partners who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of their patients and create uplifting experiences for young patients

"Being in the hospital can be one of the more challenging times,” said Peter Baker, senior vice president and administrator at Loma Linda University Children’s Health “It's really amazing to see the reaction on the patient's face, what today means, the partnerships around child care, and bringing joy and happiness to our kids ”

Aquinas Catholic High School Graduate Diego Guer r er o, Nominated by Rep. Pete Aguilar, Begins Jour ney at U.S . Naval Academy

By Manny Sandoval

Diego Guerrero, 18, a recent Aquinas Catholic High School graduate, is set to embark on a journey that few from his region have taken

This fall, Guerrero will begin his studies at the U S Naval Academy, a prestigious institution that trains future U S Navy and Marine Corps officers

The Naval Academy, located in Annapolis, Maryland, is a four-year coeducational federal service academy Admission to the academy is highly competitive and requires a nomination from a member of Congress, the Vice President, or the President

Guerrero's nomination came from Rep Pete Aguilar of California's 33rd Congressional District

"We are so proud of Diego Guerrero of Aquinas Catholic High School in San Bernardino as he prepares to enter the U S Naval Academy this fall," Aguilar said "It was an honor to nominate him, and all of us wish him well as he continues a life of service to our country "

Guerrero's nomination and acceptance into the Naval Academy is a significant achievement for the region, which Aguilar noted struggles with representation in service academies "Exposure is key," Aguilar said "Most people in our region aren't aware of the opportunities these academies provide

When the Air Force Academy visited Aquinas, only about three students knew what it was "

Guerrero, who enjoys math and history, plans to study engineering at the Naval Academy He also desires to study abroad, possibly in Europe, during his time at the academy

Aguilar emphasized the importance of Guerrero's journey for the young scholar and the region "Diego's journey is an opportunity to sharpen the aspirations of our young people," Aguilar said "We want to encourage more students to apply and compete for these opportunities "

Guerrero's commitment to service was recognized with a letter of recognition from Congressman Aguilar The young scholar began his Naval Academy journey the week of June 25th, 2023

"Diego, we appreciate what you've signed up for," Aguilar said "Your journey is a testament to the potential of our region We hope you'll return and show your academy to our community, inspiring more students to follow in your footsteps "

Guerrero's journey is a beacon of hope for the region, demonstrating that local students can achieve great things with passion, dedication, and the right opportunities

As the Class of 2023 alum prepares to serve his country, his community watches on with pride and anticipation

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Representative Pete Aguilar presenting IE Native Diego Guerrero with a certificate of recognition on June 26th, 2023

PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL

Aguilar sharing words with Guererro about how he’s looking forward to witnessing him inspire the next generation of potential U S Naval Academy participants