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SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino Valley College Foundation’s annual Valley-Bound Commitment Program: Recognition of Excellence Luncheon took place Friday, March 10, 2017 at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC). Thanks to support from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the award-winning Valley-Bound Commitment Program (Valley-Bound) has provided a free first year of college to hundreds of local high school students, including the cost of textbooks, transportation, registration fees, and school supplies.

Valley-Bound is designed to create a smooth transition into college for local high school students, preparing them to achieve their academic and career goals. Valley-Bound students attend a week-long summer orientation, meet with an educational counselor, participate in field trips to four-year universities, and fulfill a community service requirement.

Of the 263 Valley-Bound students who have graduated and transferred since the program’s inception in 2008, 55 have earned a bachelor’s degree, 17 will earn their bachelor’s by the end of this year, and the remaining are in the process of completing their bachelor’s coursework. In addition, four students have earned master’s degrees, eight are currently in graduate programs, and one is in a postgraduate program.

Current Valley-Bound student Devale Haywood speaks during the Valley-Bound Luncheon on March 10.

Devale Haywood, a current Valley-Bound student, is majoring in psychology and plans on transferring to a four-year university. He is considering pursuing a career in psychiatry or clinical psychology.

“My counselors have helped me really understand what it takes to transfer and be a good student,” he said.

Valley-Bound alumna Natalie Reeves speaks during the Valley-Bound Luncheon on March 10.

Alumna Natalie Reeves graduated from SBVC with her Associate of Arts and transferred to California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) where she earned her bachelor’s in Health Care Management last year. Her brother, Vance Reeves, graduated from SBVC in 2015 with his associate’s degree and is currently studying at CSUSB, where he will pursue teaching in the field of mathematics.

“(Valley-Bound counselor) Carmen Rodriguez was amazing,” he said. “Whenever I needed her, she was there.”

Valley-Bound alumnus Vance Reeves speaks during the Valley-Bound Luncheon on March 10.

SBVC President Diana Z. Rodriguez expressed deep appreciation to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for making the Valley-Bound program possible. Rodriguez welcomed the afternoon’s special guest, Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Valbuena reflected on the importance of understanding the challenges facing students from low-income backgrounds and discussed what it meant to give back to the community.

“It makes me so happy that we are here to do this for you,” she said.

Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians speaks during the Valley-Bound Luncheon on March 10.

The luncheon concluded with a round of applause for Valley-Bound students, faculty, and staff, who gathered for photos with Chairwoman Valbuena.

Current and former Valley-Bound students pose for a picture with Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians during the Valley-Bound Luncheon on March 10.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Enrollment is currently underway for the San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) State Preschool Program.

The program helps students ages 3 to 4 develop language and literacy skills, math and scientific-thinking skills, and gain socialization and play experiences. Participating students also receive a daily meal. The program is free for children whose family income does not exceed the State of California guidelines.

Not every SBCUSD elementary campus offers preschool. However, qualifying students may attend preschool even if it is not offered at their home school.

The State Preschool Program and enrollment packets are available at the following school sites: Arrowhead, Bradley, Burbank (next to the SOAR charter school campus), Cole, Cypress, Davidson, Emmerton, Harmon, Hillside, Hunt, Inghram, Lankershim, Lincoln, Lytle Creek, Monterey, Mt. Vernon, Muscoy, Newmark, Riley, Rio Vista, E. Neal Roberts, Roosevelt, Salinas,San Bernardino High (on the Arrowview Middle School campus), Urbita, Vermont, Warm Springs, and Wilson. Enrollment packets are also available at the Preschool Central Office, West Highland Administrative Annex, 1535 W. Highland Avenue, Room #7, San Bernardino. Parents can also call (909) 880-6706 for more information.

All SBCUSD schools except for Middle College High School are closed for Spring Break March 20–31. The Inland Career Education Center (formerly the San Bernardino Adult School) will be closed March 20–24 only. ICEC offers a separate preschool program for children whose parents are enrolled in classes on the campus. Contact ICEC directly at (909) 388-6000 for more information.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Prayer, community services and music were among the activities at Saturday’s community block party hosted by San Bernardino Pastors United. The event took place at the playground of Jefferson Elementary School in San Bernardino. At the first block party in September 2016, over 3,000 attendees came out which prompted the organization to do a second event.

“We need the peace to increase and the violence to end,” said Clyde Stewart of Westside Christian Center in San Bernardino. “But in order for that to happen our entire community needs to come together as one. Only then can change begin.”

He continues, “We want to strengthen our community. We want our community to thrive and as much as we’d like to jump we need to begin with small steps,” Stewart said. “We are making great strides, but we still have a long way to go.”

SB Pastors United is a group of local church leaders whose mission is to create a positive impact in the community. Throughout the afternoon, speakers inspired the crowd with words of wisdom, prayer groups asked for God to look out for them and counselors were on hand to give honest advice to a community in crisis.

“How many murders have happened here?” asked the Rev. Reginal Young of Out of the Pulpit Street Ministry Saturday. “One is too many. We need to end the violence. Fathers need to take responsibility for their children and become a positive role model so those kids can be productive. We need to end the cycle and begin with a new one.”

If you missed this event, SB Pastors United are planning to have regular events with the next one on Saturday, June 17 at Anne Shirrell Park, then September 16 at Riley Elementary.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino Community College District announced today that it had selected Mark V. Lágrimas to become KVCR TV/FM’s interim general manager.

The post at KVCR represents something of a homecoming for Lágrimas — he graduated from Aquinas High School in San Bernardino before going to UCLA and working for CBS Television, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, The Disney Channel and ABC Studios as a financial and research specialist. Lágrimas produced the film, “They’re Watching” streaming now on Netflix, and served on the board of directors of SBCCD’s Economic Development & Corporate Training Foundation, which brings together business, education and civic leaders to help students of all ages gain new skills to re-enter the workforce.

 “We are delighted to welcome Mark, whose deep roots in our region and the entertainment industry will help us bolster KVCR’s ability to deliver the world-class programming that Inland Southern California deserves,” said Bruce Baron, Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District, which includes San Bernardino Valley College and Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa. SBCCD holds the broadcast license for KVCR – the PBS and NPR affiliate station for Inland Southern California.

“Having the opportunity to help shape the future of KVCR and uplift our region through rich and innovative programming is a privilege and honor,” said Lágrimas.“As the traditional ways of broadcasting are rapidly evolving, I’m committed to advance KVCR’s storied legacy and educational mission by creating new partnerships, both regionally and nationwide, and bringing cutting edge media strategies to ensure KVCR’s continued success and relevance into the future.”

Lágrimas joined KVCR on February 24 and will serve a one-year contract. He is filling the void left by Alfredo Cruz, who has taken a leave of absence to focus on his health.

Lágrimas will manage all aspects of the station’s public television and radio programming on Channel 24 and 91.9 FM, respectively. He will also oversee First Nations Experience (FNX), the first and only nationally distributed TV channel exclusively devoted to Native American and World Indigenous content, created in partnership between KVCR and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Students at Kimbark Elementary School see their environmentally conscious efforts as a way of life.

They recycle as much as possible, are vigilant about conserving water, and love spreading their concern for Mother Earth with other students from across the San Bernardino City Unified School District.

And, state officials are taking notice.

The California Department of Education recently recognized Kimbark Elementary as a Green Ribbon School, an honor that went to fewer than 30 public schools across the state. The award acknowledges schools that demonstrate exemplary achievement in three key areas: environmental impact, student and staff health and wellness, and environmental education.  Kimbark was honored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson at a ceremony held at Redondo Union High School on March 3.

“These schools and districts serve as role models for their students in two important ways,” said Torlakson, who started his public service career as a high school science teacher and coach.  “First, they manage their own facilities wisely by saving energy, conserving water, and reducing their impact on the environment. Next, they provide innovative education programs that teach students about nature, the importance of clean air and water, and how to make good choices to preserve the environment for future generations.”

As a magnet school with an environmental emphasis, Kimbark Elementary students have always focused on conservation as a way to reduce their impact on the planet, said Principal Mario Jaquez.

That focus became even more evident in the last year, when the state’s drought dried up one of two wells in the unincorporated, semirural community of Devore, where Kimbark is located. Students turned that near crisis into an opportunity to conserve water.

“Our students and parents understand why our grass isn’t green,” Jacquez said. “They know that we’re being water wise.”

Aside from significantly reducing its water use by 92 percent from 2013 to 2016, Kimbark Elementary also cut its greenhouse emissions by 40 percent as part of the District’s energy conservation program. And, plans are underway to decrease student’s reliance on plastic water bottles by turning to stainless steel, canteen-type bottles, Jacquez said.

Kimbark students are spreading their concern for the environment across the District by teaching other students to recycle. Recently, fifth- and sixth-grade students in the Kimbark Environmental Leadership Program, also known as KELP, visited Belvedere Elementary School in Highland to help children learn how to be better stewards of the environment.

This spring, Kimbark students will put on “Recycle,” an original musical funded by a $12,000 grant from the San Bernardino Fine Arts Commission.

CSUSB President, Tomás D. Morales, receives his flu shot from Palm Desert Campus’ family nurse practitioner, Cecile Dahlquist. (Photo Credit:  Albert Angelo)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – More than 800 students have received free flu vaccines, nearly 500 of them at a two-day flu shot clinic in February, by the Cal State San Bernardino Student Health Center in partnership with the Santos Manuel Student Union.

The clinic is part of an ongoing partnership with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health to help students maintain their overall health and wellness, which enables them to focus on academics.

According to the Spring 2016 American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment Survey, more than 12 percent of the CSUSB students who participated in the survey indicated that cold/flu/sore throat caused an academic impact for them — defined as receiving a lower grade on an exam or an important project, a lower grade in a course, an incomplete, or dropping the course all together (ACHA 2016).

Holding free flu shot clinics is the latest student-centered approach implemented by the CSUSB Student Health Center to help students maintain their overall health and wellness to enable them to focus on academics.

Similar clinics were also hosted at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, where university President Tomás D. Morales visited the R.D. and Joan Dale Hubbard Student Health and Psychological Counseling Center to receive his vaccination.  The health center received donations of gift cards from several campus community members, and other campus departments provided give-away incentives to boost student participation.

“The Student Health Center is eager to collaborate with campus partners in order to provide student-centered approaches to health,” said health center director Dr. Grace Castillo Johnson.  “Partnering with the Santos Manuel Student Union makes it convenient and efficient for students who have limited time between classes.”

Cold and flu season is at its peak in the winter. Flu vaccines are free to students, while supplies last.  Faculty and staff are also welcome to get vaccinated for a fee of $15. To date, 40 faculty and staff have received vaccines.

For more information, contact the CSUSB Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In a pair of unlikely events, PAL Scholars made history while honoring Black History.

On Saturday, February 25, 2017, two teams comprised of eight students in total represented not only PAL Charter Academy High School but the entire city of San Bernardino as they competed in the African American History and Knowledge Bowl hosted by the Phi Rho chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated at the University of California Riverside. Embarking on uncharted territory, Coach Christopher Love was able to prepare PAL Students: Lizbeth Aleman, Danielle Colley, Kenyatta Deshozier, Michelle Estrada, Jesse Hamilton, Edward Orrego, Angelina Robles, and Shamiya Tucker for competition in the weeks leading up to this event.

 “This was fun, we definitely will be ready next year” reported student participants Jesse Hamilton and Shamiya Tucker. “These students have made us proud today as they competed with high school students from all over southern California. We banded together and made it happen. They have made me proud!” Coach Love added as he recapped the event. Unfortunately, neither of the PAL teams were crowned History experts on this day, but they have certainly laid the foundation to be a force to be reckoned with in next year’s competition of this annual event.

            Equally as impressive was PAL Arts & Athletics uniting to support Cajon High School’s BSU Inaugural Black History Celebration on Monday, February 27, 2017. The collaborative effort allowed PAL scholars to showcase their artistic ability amidst the crowd of over 100 spectators. PAL performed their hit skit, “Have Faith” which was written and directed by Mr. Alex Avila of Avila Production (AP). This powerful piece was back by popular demand and Lizbeth Aleman, Devyn Graves, Jesse Hamilton, Brent Matthews, and Edward Orrego offered yet another stellar performance.

Coach Domonique White, PAL’s Athletic Director offered the following statement, “Faith was the culmination of the celebration of Black History. Our students were asked to do that which would stretch them from their comfort zone. They not only accepted the challenge but excelled in the opportunity and are eager to be challenged again. This has been a great way to conclude black history month at PAL.”

2017 Knight Jonathan Rodgers with Mom Gwen Rodgers

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-     Mr. Jonathan I. Rodgers is a senior at Cajon High School who was recognized as Sir Knight 2017 on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino through the Social Lites, Inc., 50^th Beautillion Scholarship Program.  Mr. Rodgers was awarded over $11,000 in scholarships and gifts to prepare him for his future college career.  Among one of the scholarships received was the inaugural Evan T. Carthen “Emerging Leader” Scholarship in memory of Sir Knight 2012 in the amount of $6,000.

Mr. Steven Henderson Jr. was awarded over $4,000 for first place and Mr. Akil Cooper was awarded over $2,500 in scholarships and placed second among his fellow Knights.  Congratulations to all Knights who are our community “Men of Tomorrow Pushing Forward!”

Meruelo Media, Southern California’s leading minority-owned media group, and the owner of Spanish language television stations KWHY 22, announced today the launch of KDEY 93.5 FM, Riverside’s new Top 40/Rhythmic radio station – WILD 93.5FM

“This much awaited Riverside metro launch comes after a long process of engineering, design and market studies. It adds a key radio asset to our growing portfolio of highly-recognized media brands in one of the fastest growing markets,” said Otto Padron, President and COO of Meruelo Media. “The saving and growing of heritage Los Angeles radio station KDAY has been a thrilling three year ride – we owe it to our music fans to keep innovating and expanding – Riverside is key.”

The new format targets the very vibrant and culturally diverse community of the Riverside/San Bernardino metro.  “Los Angeles loves KDAY – Riverside will love WILD!” exclaimed Meruelo Radio VP and Program Director, Adrian “AD” Scott, referring to the new and retooled format. “This is the Inland Empire’s new home for Hip Hop and R&B, listeners in the ‘I.E.’ will know the difference and love the sound that the new Wild 93.5 brings to the Inland Empire.”

On the advertising and sales marketing side, Wild 93.5 comes with a full suite of services that will be rolled out in phases throughout the coming months. “Wild 93.5 is the perfect platform for clients looking to optimize their message,” said Irma Barrios, VP of Ad Sales for the group, “with this new Riverside focused station, we will be able to shape more efficient and geo-targeted client solutions.”

The Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana thanks all the schools in Fontana Unified School District for your participation and to our judges.

Each school was given a name a African American inventor who was not well known to write a 250 word essay.  To make it more challenging the essay could be written by, a class, a student or a campus club, but only one would represent the school, and the inventor was chosen by the North Fontana Black Awareness Parade Committee.

President Ellen Turner said ” I am proud that the schools embraced the challenge”.

With the use of modern technology all the judges were emailed the essays and they emailed there results back.  Needless to say none of the judges knew each other was a judge.  So we will now announce the winners as well as the judges.

First Place         Almeria Middle School

Student Name:  Kimberly Worth

Inventor  Bessie Blount Griffin

Second Place:   Dorothy Grant Elementary School

Student Name   Eunice Sasu

Inventor:            James E. West

Third  Place:      Primrose Elementary School

Student Name:  Julie Artes

Inventor:            Grandville T. Woods

Judges for the contest were:

Cynthia Smith is an educator, writer, entrepreneur, speaker, trainer and personal coach.  Her desire is to help young people find their voice and passion through the arts.

 Bruce Wilson, Father, Evangelist, Author of  “Crime Thriller” THE CRIMINALS, Book I, A Time to Reap. Brought up in North Fontana, but no longer lives in Fontana, and has a passion for the lost and hurting.

Gloria Estine Benjamin Stewart is a native of New Orleans, LA.  .  She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in English and Speech Education from Southern University in Baton Rouge(1965), a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Loyola University (1972), and certified in Supervision (Masters Plus 30).  Gloria retired from the Orleans Parish School System after 34 years of service.

Gloria is a member of New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappi Delta Pi,  Senior Friends of New Orleans (H2U), Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, AARP New Orleans Chapter#4550, United Teachers of New Orleans Retirees’ Chapter (UTNO), Treble Clefs (Delta Sigma Theta), National Education Association. National Council of Negro Women, Pontchartrain Park Community Center, Huntington Park Association, Walter L. Cohen Alumni  Association,   Southern University Alumni  Association,  Loyola University Alumni Association, and a volunteer at Woodland West Elementary School.

Laura Abernathy Mancha was appointed to the San Bernardino County Board of Education.

Mancha previously served as a trustee on the Fontana Unified School District Board of Education for 17 years.
Margaret Hill earned her early education in the state of Virginia.  She received her Bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia.  After moving to California in 1969, she earned her Master’s degree and her Administrative Credential at California State University, San Bernardino.  She received an Honorary Doctorate degree in Social Justice from the University of Redlands in 2011.

Margaret was a teacher, vice principal and principal for the San Bernardino City Unified School District for thirty-two years, assistant superintendent for the San Bernardino County Schools Office of Education for six years, and has been an adjunct professor at the University of Redlands and California State University, San Bernardino. Margaret is the President of the San Bernardino City Schools Board of Trustees and is now serving her second four-year term.  She has been a representative on the San Bernardino County School Board for four years and a delegate for the past two years.