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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— During this month’s First District Youth Advisory Council meeting, Superintendent Ted Alejandre gave students a brief overview of San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and some of the programs offered through the department.

Following the presentation, Superintendent Alejandre opened the floor for questions. Students shared several different concerns and offered suggestions for improvement.

Thank you to Superintendent Alejandre for the presentation. I’d also like to thank our Field Representative Samuel Shoup for his continuing hard work mentoring our students on the First District Youth Advisory Council.

For more information about the First District Youth Advisory Council, please contact Samuel Shoup at 760-995-8100

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Approximately 80 students from the High Desert region showcased their talent and hard work during the 2022 San Bernardino County High Desert High School Honor Band Concert on Saturday, Feb. 26.

“I am proud of the collaboration that enables us to support the performing arts and music education in the High Desert region,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “The arts are proven to further successful academic outcomes, so promoting events like this one is vital to helping students reach their fullest potentials.”

Since 1986, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools has collaborated with the San Bernardino County Music Educators Association to host the honor band concerts for students involved in music education programs throughout the county.

This is one of several county student arts performances taking place in person for the first time in over two years due to COVID 19 restrictions. 

“It’s really nice to come together and create a meaningful experience in music and camaraderie and connection,” said Alec, a senior at Serrano High School and clarinet player in the county High Desert Honor Band.  “It’s a very great experience because this honor band is something I’ve been a part of since middle school and elementary school, and it just feels really good to be able to represent my school.” 

Brent Levine conducted students from 10 area high schools at the Barstow Community College Performing Arts Center. Levine, the newly appointed Interim Associate Director of Bands at Northern Arizona University, attended Serrano High School in the Snowline Joint Unified School District, the same region where the performing students are from.

The Basin region’s honor band concert is scheduled to be held on April 16 at the University of Redlands, COVID-19 protocols permitting.

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

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— On Sunday, March 6, 2022, Real Estate Agent and author, Mary Welch was a special guest on Empire Talks Back (ETB). Host Wallace J. Allen, IV., chatted with her on how listeners can save their homes from probate. Welch recently released her manual entitled, “Save Your Home from Probate”.

The annual event will feature American Airlines Boeing 737 First Officer, Tammy Binns 

RIVERSIDE, CA—“Imagine Me” is the theme for the 21^st Annual Empowering Young Women’s Conference, a collaborative effort of the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation and Howmet Aerospace. Last year, due to the Corona Virus, the conference was only held virtually. This year, attendees will have the option to attend in-person or virtually.

The Empowering Young Women’s Conference will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the RCC Digital Library located at 4800 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside, California; attendees can also tune in virtually around that time. The event is FREE to attendees, but registration is required. For those that cannot attend or watch virtually between the hours listed above, they can tune in, virtually only, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Each year the Empowering Young Women’s Conference consists of activities for young women along with special guests that speak inspiration into them. This year’s keynote speaker is Tammy Binns, a Boeing 737 First Officer at American Airlines. Ms. Binns began her career as a Commercial Airline Pilot flying for American Eagle Airlines. During her nearly 12 years at the company, she flew three different types of airplanes, serving as Captain on the Embraer 145 and the CRJ-700. She became the first African American woman in the company’s history to achieve the rank of Check Airman.

The Empowering Young Women’s Conference is catered to young women 12 to 21. Students can register at https://forms.gle/mTsfghwJBg1aSNv7A and adults may register at https://forms.gle/JCSNDsBuoyYfrycS7.

If you want to donate to support the Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation a 501 (C) 3; Non-profit Organization, visit www.adcrfoundation.org.

PASADENA, CA— Last week, Pasadena resident, Raymond Ealy was recognized by Assemblymember Chris Holden and the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) as the 41st Assembly District’s Unsung Heroes for his positive impact in the community. An Unsung Hero is defined as a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution — a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged. The California Legislative Black Caucus established the Black History Month Unsung Hero Award to recognize individuals who have contributed selflessly to their respective districts.

“Ray is an example of leadership — by putting the work in today, for generations to come,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Through his dedication to empowering youth, he has worked with over 50,000 students – giving them toolkits for success and self-confidence to enter and excel in their careers. I commend him and STEAM:Coders.”

Ealy is the Executive Director/Founder of STEAM:CODERS, a nonprofit that inspires underserved and underrepresented students and their families through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM), in preparation for academic and career opportunities. He has over 28 years of management experience in the nonprofit, financial services and retail sectors with Bank of America, Countrywide Financial Services, Security Pacific Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank.

“At STEAM:CODERS, our  goal is to provide underserved and underrepresented K-12 students with the resources that they need to be competitive,” said Ray Ealy. “We tell students that their competition is not the student next to them in class, but students from across the country and around the world. This is why we want to equip them with the essential tools for future academic and career success – logic, critical thinking, and problem-solving.”

Don Filippi and Arnold Hackett named to COO and CFO positions; Paul Hubler joins as chief strategy officer

LOS ANGELES, CA— Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle announced the appointments of Don Filippi as chief operations officer and Arnold Hackett as chief financial officer, and the addition of Paul Hubler as chief strategy officer. The appointments follow Kettle’s selection as CEO of the region’s premier passenger rail service in September 2021.

“We have ambitious plans to transform Metrolink into the backbone of the region’s transportation system – one that enables people to connect to opportunity, family and fun across all six counties,” Kettle said. “Achieving our vision as we emerge from the pandemic will require a strong leadership team that brings both focus and innovation. We are thrilled with Don’s and Arnold’s vital contributions to the team from their previous interim roles and look forward to the fresh perspectives, ideas and connections that Paul will bring as he joins our dynamic team.”

As the interim Metrolink COO since February 2021, Filippi has led the operations team through the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those challenges included ensuring the continuity of operations, implementing enhanced cleaning and sanitizing practices and optimizing train schedules to meet the evolving needs of essential workers.

Filippi brings nearly 27 years of freight and passenger rail experience from both the public and private sectors, and an extensive background in safety and operations. Before assuming the interim chief operations role, he was overseeing Metrolink’s safety, security and compliance program since December 2018. Filippi joined Metrolink in 2018 from the North County Transit District (NCTD), where he served as chief operations officer and chief safety officer. Prior to NCTD, Filippi served for five years at the California Public Utilities Commission, rising to the position of superintendent, rail transit safety section, and 14 years with Union Pacific Railroad, where he served as a switchman, a locomotive engineer, and ultimately rose to a manager of operating practices.

Hackett joined the agency as a technology consultant in May 2019. He subsequently proved to be a strong leader and held several interim executive roles throughout the pandemic including chief financial officer from March 2020 through May 2021. Hackett is credited with implementing process and policy enhancements that improved Metrolink’s financials and transparency. In May 2021, Hackett was selected by the Metrolink Board of Directors as its interim CEO following the departure of Stephanie Wiggins. When Kettle assumed the CEO position in September 2021, Hackett was tapped as interim chief strategy officer.

Hackett has more than 30 years of experience in the private technology industry at the Xerox Corporation where he served as vice president and general manager of Alliance and Partnership Management. His career experiences have made him an expert in research, strategy development, technical project/program management, business development and global process improvement initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science from UCLA, a Master of Science in computer science from California State University, Long Beach, and an MBA from the University of Southern California.

Hubler will join Metrolink on Feb. 28 as the chief strategy officer, providing executive oversight and leadership for planning, government and community relations, sustainability initiatives and railroad services. Hubler has more than 25 years of experience in transportation policy and legislative and public affairs. Prior to joining Metrolink, Hubler was the director of government and community relations for the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments for 14 years, responsible for securing grant funding for the Alameda Corridor-East rail infrastructure construction program in Los Angeles County. He previously served as deputy chief of staff to a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and as legislative aide to a California state senator. Hubler has a bachelor’s degree from Pitzer College and an MPA from the University of La Verne. He is a member of the Advisory Board of Mobility 21, southern California’s regional transportation advocacy coalition.

By Darwin Lam, Officer Training Command Newport Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. – The first woman warrant officer to complete Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Officer Training Command, Newport (OTCN) was selected to be part of the Navy’s first Aerial Vehicle Operators (AVO) with designator 737X, Feb. 18.

Warrant Officer 1 Josia Pagler, a native Rancho Cucamonga, California, enlisted in the Navy in 2019 and previously served as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

“I was originally interested in being an aviation electrician’s mate for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) during A-school,” said Pagler. “Lt. Daniel Robinson, my division officer and assistant maintenance officer at HSM 70, really pushed me to apply for the AVO program when he knew I already had a college degree.”

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from California State University Long Beach in 2016.

In December 2020, the Navy announced a new warrant officer specialty designator whose job will be to operate carrier-based MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicles, which are expected to start appearing in fleet carrier air wings in 2024, according to a Navy news release.

In order for warrant officers to operate the MQ-25 Stingray, the first carrier based unmanned aerial vehicle in the Navy, the Secretary of the Navy approved the establishment of the AVO warrant officer designator in NAVADMIN 315/20.

“It’s awesome any time a woman can blaze a new trail in any new program or community,” said Lt. Kyrie Slade, MH-60S Seahawk pilot and the OCS lead class officer. “It proves that we can be as resilient, smart, and tough as our men counterparts.”

Slade said she was the only female during her primary selection class out of 22 students.

“My last squadron was 30 pilots and we had anywhere from two-six female pilots onboard during my three years there,” said Slade.

The gravity of being the first woman warrant officer to complete OCS is still solidifying for Pagler.

“I honestly haven’t wrapped my mind around being the first of anything, however, I want to tell others to not hold yourselves back for going for something you want. Don’t be intimidated in a community where the majority are men,” emphasized Pagler.

Headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, OTCN oversees Officer Candidate School, Officer Development School and the Limited Duty Officer/Chief Warrant Officer Academy.

OTCN morally, mentally and physically develops future leaders of character and competence – imbuing them with the highest ideals of honor, courage and commitment in order to serve as professional naval officers worthy of special trust and confidence.

For more information about OTCN, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/NSTC/OTCN.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Friday, March 4, 2022, the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire will be hosting the First Friday’s Business and Social Mixer at 6:30 p.m. at Fourth Sector Innovations located at 404 N. Euclid Avenue in Ontario. There will be appetizers, raffles, and the admission is FREE. Business sponsors include: Fourth Sector Innovations, EVOLV, San Bernardino County, and Startempire WIRE. For more information, please visit www.bccinlandempire.com.

RIVERSIDE, CA— The Society of Extraordinary Women [SOEW] is hosting their Second Annual Leadership Awards Gala.  This spectacular event will recognize and honor community members who have displayed stellar leadership and excellence within the community of Riverside.

Through years of philanthropic and humanitarian advocacy, Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds, Ph.D will receive the Humanitarian of the Year award.   Recipients of the Community Involvement award will be given to Rose Mays, Esther Portillo, Yvette Hickman Wilkerson, who will also receive the Entrepreneurship award.  Additionally, April Sanders is the recipient of both Community Involvement and the Technology award.

Other recipients include, Michael Moore, Fire Chief of Riverside, who will receive the Community Leadership award along with Dr. Deborah Deas, who will also receive the Education award.  Special Guest, Gigi Coleman, who is the great-niece of Bessie Coleman, the first African American aviator.  Coleman will be presenting a special presentation and reenactment of the Bessie Coleman Experience.

The Keynote speaker for this special event is Dr. Tim Gramling, Dean of the School of Business and Assistant Professor at California Baptist University.  Recording artists Terri Mayes will be featured as the Entertainment for the event.

Shirley Coates, founder of Society Of Extraordinary Women, is committed to mentoring young women and girls, helping them to achieve their goals in every aspect of their lives.

SOEW’s premier program is the Ignite Leadership & STEM Academy for girls and young women. This program provides specific skills that support personal and academic success. The skills taught in the program enhances the development of the total person. Their leadership module focuses on esteem building, team building, goal setting, social and cyber etiquette, financial literacy, community engagement, and preparation for college and careers. Through a collaboration with the Mapping Black California Initiative, and Esri, (a leader in GIS technology worldwide), the Ignite Leadership & Stem Academy, are able to provide a comprehensive program in coding, community mapping and spatial analytics. Extra curriculum activities include performing arts, film, and aviation. This comprehensive curriculum is designed to encourage and ignite the passion for lifelong learning and personal growth.

The theme is Achievement, Empowerment, and Giving Back. The event will take place at the Victoria Country Club, located at 2521 Arroyo Drive, Riverside, California, 92506, on Sunday, March 6th, 2022, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Register for the event or to make a donation at www.soew.org.

Society of Extraordinary Women, a non-profit organization, is a group of dedicated professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of young girls and making a positive impact in our community.

PASADENA, CA— The Pasadena Sports Hall of Fame (PASHOF) inducted Former NFL San Francisco 49er Ed Blount into the 2018-2019 Induction Class, “The Champions Heart” for his work as a Quarterback at Blair High School class of 1982 and Washington State University class of 1986, before going free agent with the 49ers.

The ceremony took place on Friday, February 25, 2022 at the prestigious 1922 Locker Room – Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Additional inductees included Chris Kinard (PHS/Badminton), Kenny Edwards (Community), Chris McAlister (PHS/Football), Stacy L. Harvey (PHS/Football), Tom Hamilton (PHS/Coaching), Arthur Large (PHS/Coaching), Mel Clipper (MUIR/TNF), Reed Olmstead (BLAIR/Baseball), George Tucker (PHS/Basketball), Toi McCoy (Community), and Vaughn Simmons (PHS/Football).

Blount is a Washington State University Sports Management graduate. He is Founder & CEO of FAST5 USA Inc. a sports-tech, media and entertainment crowdfund platform designed to aggregate fans, investors and influencers for the purpose of investing in pro football franchise teams. FAST5 USA will soon premier their 5v5 Pro Football League Tryout Auditions. For more details about the organization visit www.fast5.us.