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By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On June 6, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti signed a proclamation making Juneteenth an official holiday for city employees.

Although President Joe Biden signed a bill declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday last year, cities and states still have the power to decide which holidays they will officially observe.

Mayor Garcetti’s signing is one among many commemorations of Juneteenth nationwide as a growing number of states and municipalities officially honor the historic holiday long celebrated in African American communities across the United States.

“We need every Angeleno to learn the full story of our past, no matter the ugliness of some of its chapters, and that means recognizing the lasting legacy of slavery in our country,” Garcetti said at the signing ceremony.

History of Juneteenth

The holiday is recognition of June 19^th, 1865, the day Union soldiers notified enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay, Texas that they were free under the Emancipation Proclamation.

Two and a half years earlier, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes across the country to mark what was known as “Freedom’s Eve” on Jan. 1, 1863. They were awaiting news confirming that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation that ended slavery in Confederate States.

Anticipation heightened and celebrations began as the news spread of the 13^th Amendment, the constitutional modification that established the abolishment of slavery. Union soldiers began their march to spread the news throughout plantations and cities in the South.

 

However, not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed into law in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later.

 

In Galveston Bay, freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. That momentous day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.

 

The post-emancipation period known as Reconstruction (1865-1877) marked an era of great hope, uncertainty, and struggle for the nation. Formerly enslaved people immediately sought to reunify families, establish schools, run for political office, push radical legislation, and even sue slaveholders for compensation.

 

A California 2022 Juneteenth State Proposal 

On May 19, California State Senators Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) and Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 109, which would recognize Juneteenth an official holiday statewide this year. Nine other members of the California Legislative Black Caucus are co-sponsors of the resolution.

 

For the past three years, Gov. Newsom has issued Juneteenth proclamations commemorating the holiday and declaring it “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance” in the State.

 

SCR 109 urges “the people of California to join in celebrating Juneteenth as a day to honor and reflect on the significant role that African Americans have played in the history of the United States and how they have enriched society through their steadfast commitment to promoting unity and equality.”

California joins Texas (1980), Massachusetts (2007), New Jersey (2020), New York (2020), Pennsylvania (2020), Virginia (2020), Washington (2021), Oregon (2021) and Delaware (2021) recognizing Juneteenth as an official state holiday giving state employees the day off from work.

“By making Juneteenth an official state holiday, California would demonstrate its commitment to celebrating the emancipation of all slaves,” Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) said in a statement.

 

“Juneteenth is an important and special annual celebration for Black culture, resilience, and achievement,” Weber continued. “Designating this date as a paid state holiday mirrors the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.”

 

A Snapshot of Juneteenth Events in California

Here are a few highlighted Juneteenth 2022 events in California.

 

Sacramento

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS PRESENTS

JUNETEENTH: A DAY OF REMEMBERANCE

State Capitol – West Steps

From 12: 30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, June 20, the California Legislative Black Caucus will hold will host a lunch celebrating Black freedom with family, friends, food trucks, and more festivities. The CLBC is calling on all Californians to support AB 1655, which will permanently make Juneteenth a state holiday in California.

SACRAMENTO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL 2022

William Land Park

Sacramento Juneteenth Incorporated will produce this year’s festival June 17-19, 2022, in William Land Park. This year’s theme will focus on systematic economic injustices. They will partner with several local organizations to highlight and expose the systems and laws that perpetuate the continued economic injustices inflicted on communities of color. Events include a gospel concert, live entertainment, vendors, and more.

You can find more Sacramento Juneteenth events here

Los Angeles

LEIMERT PARK RISING (JUNE 19-20)

4395 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles 90008

Leimert Park Rising is a collaborative effort to build a more cooperative Leimert Park Village through arts, culture and commerce. Taking place from noon to 8 p.m. on June 19-20, the annual Juneteenth Celebration is a family friendly event for all ages with craft vendors, food trucks, and multiple stages featuring live music and DJs. Free admission.

You can find a more comprehensive list of Juneteenth events in the Los Angeles area here.

East Bay

 

PAN AFRICAN WELLNESS FEST IN OAKLAND

Lake Merritt Ampitheater

Afrocentric Oakland is hosting a two-day event, The Fam Bam & Pan African Wellness Fest, at Lake Merritt Amphitheater on Lake Merritt Boulevard on June 18 and 19 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The festival will focus on holistic wellness and feature local wellness providers offering meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, spoken word, self-defense lessons, connections to mental health services, and more.

The organization will also present “Black Excellence Awards” and provide fun activities for children.

 

JUNETEENTH-IN-BERKELEY

Alcatraz-Adeline Corridor

Juneteenth-in-Berkeley, held annually in June on Father’s Day, in south Berkeley’s five-block Alcatraz-Adeline corridor has been produced by Berkeley Juneteenth Association, Inc., a non-profit, serving the community since 1986. They rebranded as Berkeley Juneteenth Cultural Celebrations to pursue and sponsor more cultural events throughout the year.

You can find more Juneteenth events here.

 

San Diego

JUNETEENTH A Summer Celebration of Culture

The Jacobs Center (404 Euclid Ave) Saturday June 18, 2022, 10am-5pm

Community Actor’s Theatre and Common Ground Theatre two of San Diego’s most prestigious African American Theatres are hosting this majestic outdoor event at the Jacob’s Center in Market Creek Plaza. Come out and treat yourself to a time filled with history music dancing story telling reflection vendors and physical art on display! All Are Welcome!

You can find more San Diego Juneteenth events here.

 

Inland Empire

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM

June 18^th San Bernardino Valley College 12pm-6pm

“Come out and Celebrate Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom, we will have vendors, live performances, speakers, kids’ zone, spade and domino tournaments, food vendors, cook offs, resources and much more. This will be a one-of-a-kind Juneteenth event to hit our city, we are going educate the community on the history of Juneteenth and its origins, make sure you come out you do not want to miss this event. This is a free event. A day of fun and entertainment.”

 

Oxnard

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL CELEBRATING ARTISTIC AND FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Oxnard College and 5^th Street Downtown

Art enthusiasts and community-based organizations in Oxnard are marking Juneteenth this year with a two-day event celebrating art and artists while promoting financial freedom.

 

Artist Milton “510” Bowen, an Oakland native, is headlining the festival that will be held at various locations in Ventura County’s largest city, about 60 miles north of Los Angeles.

 

June 17 • 6PM – 8PM

Private Artist Reception and Pre-Sale

99Three FM Radio Station, Oxnard College

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June 18 • Noon – 4PM

Milton 510 Collection Exhibition and Public Sale

Open Door Studio – 329 W 5th St, Downtown Oxnard (Next door to Carnegie Art Museum)

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June 18 • 10 – 5PM

Juneteenth Celebration

Oxnard Plaza Park (Downtown Oxnard) – 500 S C Street, Oxnard 93030

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Contra Costa

 

2022 LET FREEDOM RING East Contra Costa County JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Sunday, June 19th, 2022 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm Waldie Plaza

“As we strive to celebrate and honor the diversity of all Contra Costa County cities and their history, Juneteenth is a celebration to be held with as much respect as 4th of July celebrations go forth. Last year, we hosted an amazing event in the historic Waldie Plaza in Antioch that consisted of a full program with entertainment and speakers from throughout our community, and an array of vendors including a full COVID Vaccine clinic by Kaiser Permanente. The event was a success, and we are now looking to continue to grow the event.”

 

Beverly Jean Earl was born October 15, 1953, in San Diego, CA, the fourth child of Willard and Luteal Earl, and was later joined by 4 more siblings. Beverly began her Christian journey in kindergarten at Laurel Bible Chapel. She received her education at Central Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Jr. High, John Muir High School, graduating from Cajon High School, San Bernardino, CA after moving to San Bernardino, CA in 1969.

1969 was also the year Beverly met john Wesley Welsh and the beginning of a blessed union welcoming 4 beautiful children, Laura, Fred, Raquel & Darrin. August would have been the 53rd anniversary of their beginning.

1982, Beverly began her community service with Catholic Charities in Colton, CA, she quickly discovered that the existing food program did not meet the needs of the community and her limited resources were the root cause to expand the community services program that was much needed. So to build her program she needed to grow her resources, and did so by taking grant-writing classes on the weekends at Cal-State San Bernardino to get the resources she needed. Now with the knowledge of grant writing she began searching for grants and found grants for food programs, rental assistance, mortgage assistance, utility assist ace, gasoline vouchers, burial assistance and much more in grants exuding 60 million.

The growth of the Catholic Charities community service program helped so many families and touched so many lives. She also started a meal-feeding program at the St. Bernadine Church on Fifth Street in San Bernardino, and later to feeding needy families and the homeless Thanksgiving dinners at the Branding Iron on S. E St. San Bernardino.

Beverly could still see more need in the community and the Catholic Charities 92411 Homework Center was opened along with a community garden. Both were successful increasing her volunteer and community support.

Those in need of help knew coming to Catholic Charities that there would be someone there who would welcome them, and their needs would be met. Beverly welcomed everyone showing them kindness and compassion for the situation they were going through, and she made sure they were completely satisfied with the services they had received.

May 26, 2022, after 40 years of dedicated service to the communities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties Beverly Jean Earl ended her service after a job well done as a good and faithful servant when her body could go no more; this is just a fraction of what she accomplished.
Beverly will be remembered by those she served for her overwhelming kindness, her beautiful smile and was respected by all who knew her.

Beverly was preceded in death by her father Willard, mother Luteal, Brother Willard Jr., Sister in law Helen, Sister Vera Louise, granddaughter Mariyah, nephews Tyrone & Gregory.

Leaving he legacy of love and precious memories with John Welsh, San Bernardino, CA, 2 daughters; Laura (William) Fox, Victorville, CA, Raquel ( David) Walker, San Bernardino, CA 2 sons; Fred ( Heather) Welsh, Tolleson, AZ, Darin ( Daisha Stewart) Welsh, San Bernardino, CA, 3 chosen daughters; Kim Carter, San Bernardino , CA Alejandra Diaz, Hesperia, CA, Juan Arangue, San Bernardino, CA 1 aunt Maxine Gray, San Diego, CA, 5 sisters; Patricia Pointdexter, Las Vegas, Nevada, Helen (Charlie) Huston, Adelanto, CA, Phillis Earl, Phoenix, AZ, Earlene (Mike) Mena, Las Vegas, Nevada, Diane (William) Kirkland, San Bernardino, CA, 2 brothers; George Earl, Bloomington, CA, Brian Earl, San Diego, CA. 15 grandchildren; Brittney, Shelby (Steviesha Nichols), Shaylee (Kwesi Akuffo), Matthew, Maurice, Maddie, Freddie, Arterean (Beulah) Brittney (Gerald), Davian, Darrin Jr., Donavon, Dominique, Dallas, Douglas, 5 great-grandchildren; Reggie, Shaleah, Mekhi, Micah, James David.

Chosen daughters; Alejandra Diaz, Catholic Charities, Kim Carter, Time for Change Foundation, Juana Arangure, Catholic Charities.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- African American and Latinx boys from Southern California, Northern California and Phoenix convened at California State University Los Angeles this past weekend for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.’s Inaugural Western Province Kappa League Conference.

The youth were housed in the South Village dorms from Friday to Sunday and participated in a series of team-building activities and workshops led by industry experts. New York Jets safety Jovante Moffat, sports agent Harrison Gaines, referees and former NFL players discussed careers in sports. Credit Union of Southern California hosted an interactive financial literacy workshop. Acclaimed actor and National Kappa League Spokesperson John Marshall Jones talked to the attendees about media training. Greg “Olksool Ice-Gre” Lewis, the first A&R Director for Kanye West’s GOOD Music, spoke about hip hop lyrics, messages and images. San Bernardino Unified School District Chief of Police Joseph Paulino and California State University Los Angeles professor Dr. Nana Lawson Bush V were also among the esteemed speakers. Additionally, college students shared insight about campus life.

The Kappa Leaguers bonded immediately upon meeting members from other chapters, engaging in various athletic activities and as well as the Cup Stack Challenge and Shark Tank competitions.

Shannon Faulk, Western Province Guide Right Chair, said the conference achieved its mission. “The Kappa League Leadership Program and this conference was to demonstrate that no generation exists in isolation or on its own island,” he said. “There is an obligation to leave a little behind to those who need our wisdom as men. The African American and Brown communities depend on the strength of its men and we are here to do our part in developing strong young leaders.”

Conference Chair Anthony Lee described the conference as an example of Black men uniting to train young men for leadership. “We were able to share valuable information and conduct team-building activities to bridge the gap across generations,” he said. “Events like this help our community to remain relevant and thrive as the world around us changes.”

Kappa League is a part of the fraternity’s Guide Right program that celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Guide Right is the oldest, most successful mentoring program led by African American men in the United States. The program has impacted more than 500,000 young lives.

The Western Province Kappa League Conference was sponsored by GRAD Foundation, Western Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., San Fernando – Santa Clarita Alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, National Kappa League, California State University Los Angeles, Airwave Communications, Snapchat, Faithful Central Bible Church and PennyMac.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Efforts continue in California to raise awareness and encourage youth to become fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

As of June 9, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported 1.4 million cases of COVID-19 among youth aged 5-17, which accounted for 15.5% of all cases in the state. There have been 46 deaths among children in this age group. For children below five years old, 293,607 confirmed cases have been reported and 25 deaths.

Now that the federal government has lifted age restrictions on who can receive vaccinations, community organizations have partnered with healthcare providers and public health advocates serving California to host events across the state encouraging young people to take the shot. They are reminding the young people about the importance of protecting themselves and family members from spreading the deadly disease.

On May 21, the Akoma Unity Center in San Bernardino hosted an event titled ‘Spring into Wellness.’ Participants enjoyed activities like complimentary yoga in the park, Zumba and Capoeira lessons, a petting zoo and crafting activities. The event also featured a live DJ, complementary food and fun activities for youth to participate in. The vaccination clinic at the event, sponsored by the CDPH and delivered by SnapNurse, a health care staffing agency, delivered over 20 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to children, teens and adults.

On June 3, the Summer Movies in the Park Pre-Show Family Fun event took place at Alec Fergusson Park in Rialto where vaccination rates are amongst the lowest in the state. Currently, only 58% of Rialto residents have been fully vaccinated. The event was attended by over 250 people and featured a complimentary dinner and gourmet kettle corn. It featured a variety of activities held to engage children, including face painting, balloon twisting, bouncy houses, bubble blowing and a photo booth. Informational resource booths were available for attendees and another vaccination clinic, also sponsored by the CDPH delivered over 20 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

On Saturday, June 4, about 70 miles away in Inglewood, CDPH and Vaccinate All 58, a governor’s office initiative created to respond to COVID, hosted ‘The Family Reunion: A Day of Fun for the Whole Family’ in Inglewood. Families came out and participated in an array of fun activities offered along with various health services. Children received Marvel Comics-inspired coloring books featuring the adventures of superhero duo “Vaccine” and her big brother “Booster.” Stepyourgameup.org, a virtual realty mobile gaming service, provided a 50-foot video game arcade hosted by a hip-hop -inspired character, “Homeboy the Clown,” who led children in a spirited dance and exercise session. Throughout the day, the street DJs of KJLH 102.3 radio free station and Guy Black provided music.

Some of the health services offered included eye examinations and eyesight evaluation. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Health Center also provided free, safe and effective vaccine and booster shots to families along with preventive care health screenings like blood pressure and temperature readings. Fifty-dollar Amazon gift cards were awarded to lucky participants who visited three of the health vendors.

Across California last week, COVID-19 deaths leveled at one the lowest points since the pandemic began with a weekly average of one death on June 7. That same day, the CDPH reported a weekly average of 13,742 cases.

Get more information on where you or a loved one can get a COVID shot or booster.

 

 

 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) held two events to recognize educators throughout San Bernardino County.

“Throughout the pandemic, educators played a critical role to steadfastly serve the most vulnerable students within our learning community,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “While we did our best over the past two years to virtually share our gratitude for their efforts, we felt a celebration was in order to honor all of our teachers and paraeducators for their extraordinary service amidst the most trying of circumstances.”

In partnership with the San Bernardino County Teachers Association and the California School Employees Association, SBCSS held the first Educators of the Year celebration on May 24 in Apple Valley to celebrate educators in the desert and mountain communities of San Bernardino County.

The second event took place May 31 in Rancho Cucamonga to recognize educators in the area.

1100 San Bernardino County teachers and paraprofessionals, including nurses, braille specialists and speech language pathologists, were recognized during the two celebrations. Educators were honored for the roles they played in innovating new ways to deliver instruction and overcoming challenges COVID created.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

 

During the early 1990s, Ward Connerly, then-President of the California Civil Rights Initiative Campaign, was the leading African American supporting Proposition (Prop) 209, the ballot initiative that outlawed Affirmative Action in California in 1996.

 

Well, he’s back.

 

This time, Connerly, now 82, he is speaking up in opposition to reparations for Black Californians. He is making his objection as the state moves closer than any government in United States history has ever come to providing comprehensive restitution for slavery to Black Americans who are descendants of enslaved people in the American South.

 

On June 4, Connerly tweeted that Prop 209 could stop any form of reparations for Black Californians from happening.

 

“It is (Prop) 209 that will prevent our Legislature and Governor from doing something so ridiculous as to compensate some of us based on the color of our skin or being the ancestors of slaves,” Connerly posted.

 

Last week, the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans submitted its first “interim report” to the State Legislature. The 492-page, 13-chapter report details the committee’s findings thus far covering a range of historical injustices against Black Americans in general with specific citations of systemic discrimination in California.

There are chapters dedicated to examining enslavement, housing segregation, unequal education, racial terror, political disenfranchisement, among other wrongs.

The final report is due July 2023.

Connerly, who has established himself as a national crusader against race-based preference rules, is one of the first high-profile figures in California to speak out against the task force’s efforts to make amends for historical harms committed against Black Americans.

Chris Lodgson, a member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), one of seven “Anchor Organizations” sanctioned by the task force to host “listening sessions,” organized to engage the public, responded to Connerly’s post, stating “a conservative businessman from Northern California made an unjust comment.”

“In my gut, I believe you’re wrong. You underestimate the people of California. Also, just because someone might be resentful of something doesn’t mean you don’t do it (to correct) the harms,” Lodgson tweeted on June 6.

“You make a good point that we should carefully consider, and I will,” Connerly replied to Lodgson.

The task force is currently considering five forms of reparation awards: compensatory damages, restitution, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-repetition.

The five remedies for human rights violations were pioneered by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR). The IACHR is an “autonomous judicial institution” whose focus is the application and interpretation of the American Convention on Human Rights, the organization states on the Organization of American States (OAS) website.

On March 30, the task force decided in a 5-4 decision that lineage will determine who will be eligible for compensation. The panel then quickly moved to approve a framework for calculating how much should be paid — and for which offenses — to individuals who are Black descendants of enslaved people in the United States.

An expert team of economists was appointed to calculate the damages listed in the interim report and determine what constitutes harm and atrocities for the descendants of enslaved and free Black people who were in the U.S. in the 19th century.

The expert team includes Williams Spriggs (former Chair of the Department of Economics at Howard University. He currently serves as chief economist for the AFL-CIO), Dr. Kaycea Campbell (Chief Executive Officer for Ventana Capital Advisors and Associate Professor of Economics, Los Angeles Pierce College) and Thomas Craemer (Public Policy Professor at the University of Connecticut).

William A. “Sandy” Darity Jr., the director of the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University, and Kirsten Mullen, a writer, and lecturer whose work focuses on race, art, history, and politics, are also members of the panel of experts.

The panel recently reported that a “conservative estimate” of two million African Americans in California have ancestors who were enslaved in the United States. According to the US 2020, there are about 2.6 million Black Californians in a state that has a total population of nearly 40 million residents.

During a task force meeting on Feb. 23, Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of the University of
California Berkeley’s law school suggested that the panel establish lineage-based criteria instead of a race-based standard because it could be easily challenged and overturned in court because of Prop. 209.

“If reparations are given on the basis of race that anyone who meets the definition of being Black is entitled to reparations because all have suffered from the legacy…I don’t think it could survive a challenge under Proposition 209,” Chemerinsky told the task force.

Chemerinsky continued, saying, “If it is in education, if it’s in contracting, or if it’s employment, then anything that is deemed as preference on the basis of race is, per se, impermissible.”

Since it first convened on June 1, 2021, the task force was aware of the challenges it would face during its two-year journey and after its charge is completed. Task force member and attorney Don Tamaki brought this to the panel’s attention in December 2021.

“The report is going to get criticized, scrutinized, and really taken apart,” Tamaki said then.

“It just doesn’t make sense that someone should benefit for something that happened to their great, great grandfather or great, great grandmother. I don’t feel responsible for intergenerational debts,” Connerly’s tweeted on June 4. “Now, the CA Legislature wants to rewrite history & have us believe that CA was a northern representation of Mississippi.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA —On June 11th, 2022, at 11 a.m. Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. is hosting the Street Naming Recognition ceremony in honor of the Hip Hop group JJ Fad, who are Rialto born and raised. Jesse Duran of the KOLA-FM radio station will be emceeing the event. The invitation to the ceremony is open to the public, but space is limited, so reserve seats as soon as possible.

“Join us on June 11th in the County Government Center to celebrate the street unveiling ceremony for the naming of a county road to recognize the cultural contributions of JJ Fad, a locally based female artist group. I grew up listening to their sound “Supersonic” which was a smash hit across the country in 1988. The members of JJ Fad are supportive community members, and this recognition is in honor of their contributions to our county, especially the Fifth District. I’m looking forward to seeing you all there on June 11th! You do not want to miss this!” -Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

To RSVP: Visit https://forms.gle/iLpc3f3MP1ZiaArH7 or email supervisor.baca@bos.sbcounty.gov.

YUCAIPA, CA. – After being canceled twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person ceremony honoring Crafton Hills College’s (CHC) Paramedic Class #96 was held May 6.

Dozens of family, friends and program supporters attended the ceremony, held at the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center at the Yucaipa college. The ceremony kicked off CHC’s 2022 graduation season.

“We’ve been waiting a long time for this,” said Amanda Ward, director of CHC’s paramedic program, to the graduates. “I just want to say thank you for the amount of patience and trust over the last year that you have spent with us.”

Program graduates faced many obstacles during their time as CHC students, including long days of remote learning after in-person learning shifted online due to the pandemic. They also navigated a new world of care following the rise in COVID-19-related cases, completing between 600 and 720 hours of hands-on field work – with help from program preceptors.

“I sit and listen to people who are worried about our craft, but I’m not scared at all. There’s nothing more challenging than what you just went through. You have this on lock,” Ward said to graduates.

The ceremony featured remarks by CHC staff and alumni, including guest speaker Jeff Kelsheimer, a program alumnus and current fire captain and paramedic for the Palm Springs Fire Department (PSFD).

Class #96 presented a plaque honoring their accomplishments that will join others hanging in program headquarters from previous classes. Awards and individual recognitions were handed out during the ceremony.

James Shin, acting president of the graduating class and the newest member of the PSFD, addressed his peers during the event.

“We are proud of the graduates of this fine program,” he said. “Don’t forget where you came from. This is only the beginning. We are still students of the craft.”

“Embrace opportunities to give back. Think of how many people helped us, shaped us, encouraged us,” Shin continued. “Be a good steward. You’ll be trusted with a lot of responsibilities. Do them well, and let’s make everyone proud.”

Before the ceremony came to a close, family and friends were invited to join in the ceremony. This new addition to the program allowed loved ones to come to the front of the stage to “pin” their graduates.

Ward also announced the recipient of the inaugural Tony Giordano Memorial Scholarship. The newly endowed fund supports paramedic students in memory of Giordano, a program alumnus and former area firefighter who died in July 2021. Shin received the honor this year.

To support the scholarship fund, go to craftonhills.edu/Giordano, or send a check payable to Crafton Hills College Foundation to 11711 Sand Canyon Road, Yucaipa, Calif.

 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is proud to recognize the 22 salutatorians graduating in the Class of 2022. Earning the rank of salutatorian is a sign that a student has the drive and dedication to succeed in college and beyond.

Erika Alfaro is graduating as salutatorian from Cajon High School with a 3.9 unweighted G.P.A. She is on her way to UC Berkeley to study society and environment after enjoying a busy high school life filled with varsity soccer, Best Buddies, and Speech and Debate Team. Erika said the teacher who had the greatest impact on her education was Mark Stowitts. Erika said, “His abilities as a coach and teacher are amazing. Being a part of his program was nothing short of inspirational.”

Cajon salutatorian Aisha Ashamu managed to maintain a 4.78 weighted G.P.A. while also participating in girls’ tennis, National Honor Society, Best Buddies, Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, NMS 100, International Baccalaureate (IB) League, and California Scholarship Federation. She was accepted to UCLA, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, and University of San Francisco, but she has decided to attend UC Berkeley, where she will be majoring in Psychology.

Indian Springs High School salutatorian Fernando “Ferny” Cruz Rodriguez is off to study pre-law at the University of Redlands after a high school career of tennis, cross country, Best Buddies, Calculus Club, Psychology Club, AVID and study habits that earned him a 3.98 unweighted G.P.A.

Nathaniel Gallardo will be going from a hawk to a bear when he graduates from Arroyo Valley High School (AVHS) as salutatorian with a 3.97 unweighted G.P.A. and enrolls at UC Berkeley. He had his choice of colleges, including UC Davis and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, but this member of the high school cross country, basketball and track teams decided to study political science at UC Berkeley.

Cajon’s Jazmin Garache is another SBCUSD salutatorian headed to UC Berkeley. Her 4.7 weighted G.P.A. and extracurricular activities like marching, concert, and jazz band; SB Percussion; Best Buddies; Nojac; Latino Student Union; and National Honor Society had many schools interested, including Cal Poly Pomona, UC San Diego, and UC Irvine.

San Gorgonio High School (San G) salutatorian Isabel “Izzy” Guadalajara is aiming for a career as a criminal lawyer and eventually a judge. She’s already shown she has the dedication to do whatever she puts her mind to through her participation in varsity basketball, SBCUSD Honor Orchestra, Academic Decathlon, ALA Girls’ State Delegate, and string quintet while maintaining a 4.0 unweighted G.P.A. Izzy said her orchestra teacher, John Brannon, taught her “there is always room for positivity and growth, and that I should never falter but keep pushing forward.”

Middle College High School (MCHS) salutatorian Adrianna Gutierrez is reaching for the stars, both with her 4.65 weighted G.P.A. and her goal of becoming an aerospace engineer. She was accepted to UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, and Illinois Institute of Technology, but she has decided to study at Iowa State University.

Fifth-grade teacher Cheryl Pester-Ayala had the greatest impact on Mireya Gutierrez’s education. “She knew what I was capable of and believed in me,” Mireya said. “She showed me how to be brave and once told me that I was going to be successful.” And Mireya has proven those words true as the Pacific High School salutatorian, who will graduate with a 3.93 unweighted G.P.A. and a spot at UCLA to study for a career in social work.

National Honor Society, varsity volleyball, varsity water polo, Calculus Club, Rotary LIFE, and Key Club were just a few of salutatorian Jordan “Jordy” Kam’s extracurricular activities at San G. That and his 4.72 weighted G.P.A. were more than enough to get him accepted to Cal Poly Pomona, CSUSB, UC Davis, and San Diego State University, but Jordy will be heading to UC Berkeley in the fall to study aerospace engineering.

San Bernardino High School (SBHS) salutatorian Raul Lozano has an impressive 4.0 unweighted G.P.A. and participated in soccer and robotics. He was accepted to UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, Arizona State University, and Redlands University, but Raul has decided to make UC Irvine his home in the fall as he studies biology.

When AVHS salutatorian Leticia “Leti” Morales-Ruiz heads off to UC Irvine in the fall, she will be leaving behind the Young Legislators, Best Buddies, Students for Change, Club de Español, AP Calculus Club, and the 4.8 weighted G.P.A. she worked so hard for, but she’ll be gaining knowledge in the field of computer science in preparation for a successful career.

It was third-grade teacher Lidia Wandrie who taught salutatorian Emma Nikol that there was more to school than simply showing up every day. It seems Emma took that message to heart as she maintained a 4.7 weighted G.P.A. while taking both college and high school classes, as all MCHS students do, and participating in Earth Buddies, Peer Leaders, and Literature Appreciation Club. Emma is on her way to UCR to study environmental science.

When Cajon salutatorian Brianna Rodriguez Rojas joins the campus of UC Berkeley, not only will the university be gaining a National Honor Society student with a 3.98 unweighted G.P.A., but they will also be gaining a musically inclined student, as evidenced by Brianna’s involvement in the Cajon Chamber Choir, the Teen Music Workshop, GSR Marching Band, and SB Indoor Drumline.

San G salutatorian Yvette Salgado was accepted to UC Irvine, UC Riverside, Cal State Long Beach, and UC Davis, but she is going to attend Cal State San Bernardino to earn her B.S. in Nursing. She leaves behind a high school career that included soccer and Key Club and a perfect 4.0 unweighted G.P.A.

English teacher Brenda Sing was a huge influence on ISHS salutatorian Star Santos, so it is no surprise that Star plans to major in English and earn her teaching credential at UC Irvine. In addition to a love of English, Star also enjoyed AVID Club, AP Calculus Club, and Psychology Club. She was an AVID tutor who inspired other students to do their best by modeling good grades with her 4.6 weighted G.P.A.

UC San Diego will soon be welcoming Cajon salutatorian Adrian “Alex” Tellez. Adrian is planning for a career in either nanoengineering or medicine. With a 4.0 unweighted G.P.A. and involvement in National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, cross country, and track and field under his belt, Alex is ready for the next stage of his academic career.

AVHS salutatorian Leonardo “Leo” Torres was inspired to achieve academically by his Riley College Prep Academy teacher Christine Jenkins. She gave Leo the Jordan Jenkins scholarship when he was in fifth grade, and it was the motivation he needed to earn a 4.83 weighted G.P.A.; participate in Academic Decathlon, Club de Español, AP Spanish Club, Young Legislators, and Calculus Club; and pursue a computer science or math degree.

SBHS Cardinal City salutatorian Daniel Tremblay is a scholar-athlete. In addition to earning a 3.94 unweighted G.P.A., he was a member of the water polo, swim, baseball, and basketball teams. Daniel was accepted to Cal Poly Pomona, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego, but he’ll be heading to CSUSB in the fall to study computer engineering.

As a member of Key Club, Associated Student Body (ASB), the Principal’s Focus Group, and the Inland Empire Future Leader Program, MCHS salutatorian Maribel “Marble” Trujillo stayed very busy in high school, and that doesn’t include her high school and college classes. She’s taking the work ethic that helped her juggle that and a 3.9 unweighted G.P.A. to UCR.

Cajon salutatorian and varsity soccer player Reiniery Villalta is planning to study computer science at the University of La Verne. Reiniery credits his fourth-grade teacher, Rebecca Besheer, with supporting him in soccer and encouraging him to be the best person he could. And Reiniery’s best included earning a 3.9 unweighted G.P.A.

Max Zepeda is graduating from Cajon High as salutatorian with a 4.78 weighted G.P.A. and fond memories of his time with the Students for Change Club and his track and field and cross country meets. He plans to study neuroscience at UC Riverside and eventually become a neurologist.

In order to qualify for the honor of valedictorian or salutatorian, a student must be among the top 10 to 20 students with the highest grade value based on the specific courses that every student at an SBCUSD high school campus has access to for seven semesters of high school. Additionally, the student must complete all SBCUSD graduation requirements and complete the eighth and final semester at the school from which they have been selected as valedictorian or salutatorian.

Unweighted G.P.A.s are based on the standard grade-point system of four points for every A grade, three points for every B, and two points for every C grade. Weighted G.P.A.s are determined by adding a point to grades earned for Honors-level, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. For example, an A grade earned in a Chemistry AP class would be worth five points instead of four.

 

YUCAIPA, CA— Crafton Hills College’s Class of 2022 veteran graduates were recognized during a lively ceremony on May 17.

Hosted by the Veterans Resource Center (VRC), the event was planned to honor not only each grad’s academic achievements but for their service to the United States.

“These are the veterans who stuck around through COVID, and because of their hard work, we are here today,” remarked VRC services coordinator Steven Rush, to kick off the celebration.

Lisa Mills, a VRC counselor, and Cody Long, a mental health counselor at the center, each took turns sharing stories about each graduate. Each veteran then received a customized stole and cords to wear during CHC’s campus-wide commencement ceremony on May 25.

Alumni in attendance included Michael Hendrix, a Marine Corps veteran focused on business administration, and Steve Rodriquez, an Army veteran studying radiologic technology and recently accepted into a rad tech program to continue his studies.

Jose Aaron Rosales, a Marine veteran who was accepted into Harvard University to study medicine, and Sebastian Romeropreciado, also a Marine transferring to Cal Poly Pomona to continue pursuing his degree in computer science were also recognized.

“The obstacles you overcame were immense,” said CHC President Dr. Kevin Horan.“As you know as veterans, ceremonies are important .We are pleased at this accomplishment, and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.”

Located next to Campus Police, the Veterans Resource Center supports veterans and their dependents in utilizing educational services available to them. In addition, the center provides work-study opportunities, counseling, personal and professional development workshops and career exploration and guidance. To learn more, go to craftonhills.edu/veterans or send an email to veteransservices@craftonhills.edu.