Local

From the Office of Councilman Damon L. Alexander, Ward 7, it gives us great pleasure to announce the collaboration with California State DMV to provide State identification cards and other DMV services to our unhoused population.

San Bernardino City DMV has set aside specific dates and times for local city organizations to take their unhoused population to the local office to be served. The DMV will provide California State identification along with all other services they deliver during these allotted times.

“While working in the field with Mental Health Systems they mentioned to me how vital identification is to the unhoused to begin the path back into mainstream society. I was told that they had to travel miles to another city for specific appointed dates and times for services for their clients. They wished the DMV located in the city would do the same. Today, we got it done. DMV will provide all services needed to our unhoused population right here in the City of San Bernardino during specific dates and times. I want to thank the DMV for making such a fantastic and much needed service materialize without a glitch. I also want to thank the local organizations that are working so hard to help the City’s unhoused population.”

If you are a local City organization that works with the unhoused population, please contact Renea Wickman at 909.708.4585 for more information how to get your organization involved.

Councilman Damon L. Alexander was recently elected to the 7th Ward in the November 2021 election. Councilman Alexander is married with a blended family of 5 children and 4 grandchildren. He has lived in the City of San Bernardino for over 30 years where he raised his children. The Councilman is a retired Marine and worked 29 years as a Federal Law Enforcement Agent.

There is a vacant seat on the San Bernardino County Board of Education for Trustee Area D, which includes Snowline Joint Unified School District in Phelan. The person appointed will serve out the remainder of Hardy Brown II’s term, which expires Dec. 9, 2022.

Applications must be received by U.S. mail or hand delivered by noon Tuesday, Sept. 7, to: San Bernardino County Board of Education Attention: William F. Roberts IV, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Branch 760 East Brier Drive San Bernardino, CA 92408.

The next scheduled election for the full-term seat for Trustee Area D is Nov. 8, 2022.

For more information, please call Crystal Lopez at 909-386-2424.

Download the application.

RIALTO, CA—- Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson is one of 34 leaders from across the country appointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC).

Robertson’s appointment was announced Wednesday by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. The 39-member LGAC represents a diverse cross-section of cities, counties, towns, and communities across the United States, and advises the EPA Administrator on a variety of issues impacting cities.

“It’s a privilege to be part of this distinguished committee as we work on climate security, sustainable economic development, infrastructure needs and eliminating barriers to economic opportunity for all,” Robertson said. “Rialto has been at the forefront of many of these issues, and I look forward to sharing our experiences with my fellow mayors and local leaders, while continuing to look at innovative solutions, which helps to advance equity and economic solutions, especially for communities identified as disadvantaged.”

Said Regan: “I’m honored to welcome this diverse, highly qualified group of local leaders who will bring valuable insight and experience to the Agency. EPA is counting on their input and collaboration to help achieve our mission to protect public health and the environment in every zip code. From tackling climate change to advancing environmental justice, we need local partners at the table to address our most pressing environmental challenges.”

With a population of more than 103,000, Rialto is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Inland Empire, with a strong business climate and a strong reputation for innovation and sustainable development.

A notable example is the work in and around Rialto’s wastewater treatment plant, including the development of a microgrid that uses solar, biogas and battery story to bring greater energy independence to the City, and the recent awarding of a $1.05 million grant to create a recreation and education area using recycled water from the plant. The microgrid project has been hailed as a giant step forward in the way municipalities can take positive steps toward a greener future.

For more information about the LGAC, please visit https://www.epa.gov/ocir/local-government-advisory-committee-lgac.

Victor Valley Station is looking for youth ages 14-21 to join their Sheriff’s Explorers. Interested applications must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, a clean record, and the ability to volunteer at least 8 hours per month.

Duties include ride-alongs with deputy sheriffs, attending community service events, providing administrative support, and participating in yearly explorer competitions and the summer Explorer Academy. The Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station is located in the city of Adelanto.

For more information, contact Staci Parks at 760-552-6845 or email sparks@sbcsd.org

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Would you like to learn more about local government as a career? Our First District Office is seeking college students to join our Fall 2021 internship program.  Students will work flexible hours (roughly 10 hours a week) at the San Bernardino County Government Center, where they will tackle important issues including homelessness, behavioral health, law enforcement, education, public health and more. 

Interns will work one-on-one with First District constituents and assist with handling constituent casework. They will also have the opportunity to get hands-on training in government social media management, graphic design, photography/videography, website administration and newsletter writing. Deadline to apply is October 1, 2021. For more information, please contact Julia Robles at Julia.Robles@bos.sbcounty.gov

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD’s) executive cabinet has undergone several changes over the past few months, all designed to better serve students and families.

The Board of Education held a reception in honor of the two newest additions to the cabinet and the promotion of Dr. Rachel Monárrez. The reception began at 4:30 p.m. at the Dr. Margaret Hill Community Room in the Board of Education building, prior to the August 17 Board meeting.

The newest addition to the cabinet is Dr. Ricardo Esquivel. As the assistant superintendent of Equity, Access, and Innovation, Esquivel will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of new Superintendent Doc Ervin‘s vision of providing equity, access, and innovation for all students.

Esquivel, who holds both a master’s and doctorate degree in Urban Education and Leadership, has several years of experience as an educational leader. Most recently, he served as superintendent of the Elk Hills Elementary School District. Prior to that, he was the executive director of the Wonderful College Prep Academy in Kern County. Esquivel also has more than four years experience serving as a school administrator.

Esquivel is filling the assistant superintendent position left open when Dr. Rachel Monárrez was promoted to deputy superintendent.

Monárrez joined SBCUSD in August 2016 as the assistant superintendent of Student Services, and was later named the assistant superintendent of Continuous Improvement. That position has been renamed to assistant superintendent of Equity, Access, and Innovation.

Monárrez has spent her 27 years in education focusing on the success of students. She spent almost two decades as a classroom teacher and instructional leader. In 2004, she earned recognition as a National Board Certified Teacher, something that only a small percentage of teachers earn and only after proving their effectiveness in the classroom through a rigorous, lengthy process.

In 2020, the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators named Monárrez as the Central Office Administrator of the Year for her distinguished leadership and excellence in advocating on behalf of Latino/Latina/Latinx children.

Monárrez earned her M.A. in Education in 1995 and her Ph.D. in Urban Education in 2010.

Harold Sullins joined SBCUSD as the associate superintendent of Business, Facilities, and Operations on July 8, 2021.

Sullins served as the assistant superintendent of Administrative Services for Rosemead School District prior to joining SBCUSD.  He has also served as the assistant superintendent of Business Services for Upland Unified School District and the executive director of Business Services for San Jacinto Unified School District.

Sullins earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and has certifications in school management negotiations and as a chief business official.

The executive cabinet are the top-level division and department heads directly reporting to the superintendent. They meet regularly to advise the superintendent, and they help run the District’s daily operations.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Friday, August 20^th Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes honored two of the 2021 Minerva Scholarship recipients. The program awards up to eighty-seven California residents a $2,500 scholarship.

The Minerva Scholarship program was established by Women in California Leadership to support the advancement and empowerment of women. This foundation awarded two scholarships to students from the 47^th Assembly District.

The 2021 scholarships were awarded to Veronica Banuelos, San Bernardino and Destiny Lopez, Rialto. Both have shown a commitment to their communities and higher education.

“It is an honor to present these two scholarships to women in our community who have gone above and beyond to serve their community and strive for more knowledge,” said Assembly Majority Leader Reyes. “Congratulations to Veronica and Destiny and good luck on your studies.”

Veronica is a first year student at Pomona College, graduating Arroyo Valley High School in 2020 during the pandemic. During high school, she served as academic decathlon president, varsity tennis captain, Pomona College Academy of Youth Success Student Advisory Board, and teaching assistant.

Additionally, she was an organizer for Bloodstream Blood Drive and Adopt-A-Family for her local community. Veronica was also part of the third Assembly District 47 Young Legislators, where she actively participated in each of our meetings, and went beyond the expectations of the program by volunteering at several of our District events.

Her commitment to her scholastic and athletic excellence and to her community’s success is what shaped her into the leader she is today, and the leader she will be in the future.

“I would like to thank the Minerva Scholarship program for making this scholarship possible and available for students like myself. I can humbly say, from the bottom of my heart, that I am honored, and grateful to use this to continue my education. Thank you to Assembly Majority Leader Reyes, Maha Rizvi, and the rest of the team for introducing me to such wonderful opportunities,” said Veronica Banuelos.

A recent graduate of Eisenhower High School, Destiny is planning to attend California State University, San Marcos. While attending school, she was an active student in her school district, where she had the opportunity to serve as the student voice on Rialto Unified School District’s Strategic Planning Committee.

Her involvement continued to high school where she served as ASB President, ASB Vice president, District Strategic Planning Committee-Student Member, Key Club President, Varsity Cheer Captain, and Equity and Access Team Member.

Surrounded by the uncertainty of the pandemic and the devastation of losing a year on campus, she applied and was selected as Student Board Member for RUSD, where she advocated for social emotional programs for students affected by the pandemic.

“It was an honor to be able to take part in this experience that so few women are able to I couldn’t begin to express how grateful I am. I promise to make you proud,” said Destiny Lopez.

For more information on the complete scholarship requirements and details, go to the Foundation’s website at https://wicl.us/scholarship-program/

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Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.

By Lt. Jill Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A San Bernardino, California, native serves at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville located in Jacksonville, Florida.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Karam Elzein joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Elzein serves as a master-at-arms.

“I was the only one in my family to join the Navy,” said Elzein. “It provides good structure and stability for my family, and for the opportunity to travel the world.”

Growing up in San Bernardino, Elzein attended Cajon High School and graduated in 2013. She also graduated with a bachelor’s degree from California State University of San Bernandino. Today, Elzein finds the values in San Bernardino similar to those needed to succeed in the military.

“I try to do my best at everything I do,” said Elzein. “I was a wildlife firefighter, and that inspired me to join the Navy. After being a firefighter, I learned that I could do anything I want.”

These lessons have helped Elzein while serving at NAS Jacksonville.

On Oct. 15, 1940, NAS Jacksonville was officially commissioned, and became the first part of the Jacksonville Navy complex that would also include NAS Cecil Field and Naval Station Mayport.

According to Navy officials, the mission of NAS Jacksonville is to enable warfighter readiness focused directly on support of operational units aboard the base and throughout the fleet.

NAS Jacksonville consists of more than 100 tenant commands and is one of the largest employers in the area. It contributes to the growth and prosperity of Northeast Florida with an economic impact of more than $2 billion annually.

Serving in the Navy means Elzein is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“Overall, the Navy provides guardians of the sea,” said Elzein. “We are the first line of defense.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.

“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”

There are many accomplishments that come with military service, and Elzein is most proud of earning a meritorious promotion to petty officer second class.

“I was the distinguished graduate of my school, and I am proud to be an E-5,” said Elzein. “My overall goal is to become a commissioned officer. That’s my drive.”

As Elzein and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“When I first joined the Navy, it was an outlet of my civilian days, I needed something more than living paycheck to paycheck,” added Elzein. “The more that I’ve learned about the Navy, I am proud to serve. It means a lot to my family, and the big puzzle is finally coming together.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—For 17 years, San Bernardino High School has held the Miss Cardinal City Pageant in the fall and the Mr. Cardinal City Pageant in the spring. The COVID-19 pandemic changed that when first the 2020 Mr. Cardinal City Pageant had to be cancelled, then the 2020 Miss Cardinal City Pageant and 2021 Mr. Cardinal City Pageant.

With the 2021–2022 school year underway with in-person learning and in-person Board meetings, pageant director and bilingual school outreach worker Jaime Rios decided it was the right time to bring back the Cardinal City Pageants, but this time as a combined event in the fall.

“Since we missed two Mr. Cardinal City Pageants due to COVID, I didn’t want the students to wait until spring for that event,” Rios said. “Plus, since we’re coming back from an enforced hiatus, it seemed like a great opportunity to rethink the pageants to make them better than ever.”

Being crowned Mr. or Miss Cardinal City is an honor and a responsibility that many San Bernardino High School (SBHS) students desire.

To earn the title, contestants spend hours at rehearsals and mock interviews. They volunteer their free time to read to young children and help the homeless. Even before the young men and women take the stage for the formalwear and interview portions of the competition, they have all proven their dedication to SBHS and their community.

The school is asking local businesses and individuals to help make the pageant a success by donating time and resources. Any donations are welcome, from cash to in-kind donations. To become a sponsor, contact pageant director Jaime Rios at (909) 881-8217.

The combined Mr. & Miss Cardinal City Pageant is Saturday, September 25, 2021, 6 p.m., at Sturges Center for the Performing Arts, 780 North E Street in San Bernardino. Tickets are available from Rios or any Mr. or Miss Cardinal City contestant. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door.

SBHS and Sturges will comply with the latest COVID safety guidelines during the event. Due to changing circumstances, safety guidelines may change between now and the pageant.

Did you know that the Family Assistance Program has a free after school program for youth ages 11-21? The FamSpot Youth Drop-In Center, located at 16857 C Street in Victorville, provides a safe and positive environment for youth to get tutoring assistance, mentoring, resume workshops, and more. The center also has a game room and offers free snacks, WiFi and a variety of activities throughout the week. Activities include Movin & Music on Mondays, Tastin’ Tuesdays, World Wednesdays, Teach Me Thursdays, and Fiscal Fridays. Want to learn more? Call (760) 843-0701 or visit them online.