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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On November 16, 2021, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents, and staff at Arrowhead Elementary School, King Middle School, and Middle College High School (MCHS).

The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to build self-esteem and honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Guardian Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the district’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.

Arrowhead Elementary School, Principal Tina Murray:

Zayden Damu Ralph is a 4th-grader and Outstanding Student. Zayden demonstrates outstanding citizenship and academics at school. He follows directions and completes all of his assignments. He frequently participates in class discussions and is helpful to classmates and staff. Zayden plans to attend college to become an engineer so he can create tall buildings.

Lorenzo Michael Lopez is a 2nd-grader and Outstanding Student. Lorenzo is very conscientious in all he does, which is what makes him a good citizen and a good student. He completes all his assignments, helps his classmates, and is very responsible. Lorenzo wants to become a police officer because they drive cool cars with sirens and help people.

Fabian Torres is one of King Middle School’s Outstanding Students. (Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)

Outstanding Parent Award winner Lorraine Mosqueda is the mother of three Arrowhead students. Her children have great attendance, which shows how much she values education. On the first day of school, Lorraine saw a need and moved to fill it. She’s been a substitute rec. aide ever since. Now, Lorraine constantly looks for ways to support all Arrowhead students.

Educational Assistant III Kadi Francisca Regalado is the Outstanding Classified Employee. She’s a team player and maintains a positive attitude when working with staff, students, and families. Kadi works with students in small groups, assists with supervision, and interprets for parents. All of this helps ensure that the Learning Academy and the entire school are a success.

Outstanding Certificated Employee Cynthia Webb is focused on meeting the needs of all her students. Her classroom is a warm, welcoming environment that promotes fairness and high expectations for all. She sets the example for her students by always seeking ways to improve her skills. The relationships she builds with students and staff make her a trusted teacher and friend everyone can count on.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Principal Maria Jauregui:

Fabian Torres is an 8th-grader who demonstrates outstanding academics, citizenship, and leadership. He was elected ASB vice president this school year and is a committed AVID scholar who embodies the Roadrunner ideals of academic achievement, integrity, and perseverance. Fabian has a passion for helping others and wants to become an immigration lawyer.

Omari Hailee Carrington is an 8th-grader and Outstanding Student. Omari is a good citizen, student, and leader. She maintains a 3.6 GPA while also serving as Student Body president and a member of the School Site Council. Omari is also active in sports and in helping her fellow Roadrunners. She wants to attend John Hopkins University to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Brandie Foster has been an involved parent at King for more than 10 years. She’s served on the School Site Council, volunteered to support school functions, is an active PTO member, and is willing to pitch in with any task, no matter how big or small. And she does all that while raising three children, Derek, Frederick and Latona.

Outstanding Classified Employee Avelina FierrosVera takes pride in her work as a custodian. Her attention to detail means that everyone in the King family enjoys a clean and pristine campus environment. She arrives early and cleans the front of the school and parking lots so families start the school day with a clean campus. Avelina is the quiet hero of the school.

Science teacher Cesiah Rojo is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. She’s admired by her peers and loved by her scholars, in part because of her positive attitude, her solution-oriented approach to teaching, and her willingness to go above and beyond for her scholars and the school. Cesiah believes in seeing the best in everyone, and she shows us her best every day.

Middle College High School, Principal James Espinoza:

Sophomore Nishia McCain is one of three Outstanding Students from Middle College High School.(Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)

Sophomore Nishia McCain is an Outstanding Student because she is laser focused on both college and career. She’s preparing for her future, with the goal of attending UC Berkeley and majoring in Criminal Justice so she can become a civil rights attorney and eventually a judge. As long as she can remember, Nishia has been interested in fighting for the rights of others.

Senior Diana Vicencio is also an Outstanding Student. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and on her own initiative, Diana founded both a National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation chapter at MCHS. Diana plans to attend UCLA and earn a bachelor’s in micro-cell biology and a master’s in biology on her way to becoming a hospital pharmacist.

Junior Venus Fernandez is contagiously positive and supportive of others, helping them be successful academically and emotionally. Venus discovered she was interested in the mind and helping children while attending SBVC, and she wants to continue her studies at UCR to become a pediatric psychiatrist.

Judith Garcia is an Outstanding Parent. She’s been an active member of the School Site Council, Coffee with the Principal, and the WASC focus group. But what MCHS appreciates most about Judith is her kindness, humility, and willingness to share ideas for the benefit of not just her child, but all Middle College scholars, parents, and staff.

Joanna Perez is a bilingual office assistant I-health aide and Outstanding Employee. She demonstrates positive passion, teamwork, and a focus on results in whatever she does. No task is too big or too small, and she completes every assignment with excellence in mind. Everyone in our Middle College family values, respects and appreciates Joanna.

Marissa Austin is an AVID supporter of Middle College, and her principal means that in all senses of the word. She’s the AVID site lead and a senior advisor. Her positive passion and relentless dedication to success has helped MCHS achieve a yearly 100 percent A–G completion rate, graduation rate, and college acceptance rate. She also helped us become an AVID Site of Distinction.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) Children Deserve Success program held its annual holiday celebration event on Dec. 10. This year’s event stopped at three transitional sites in San Bernardino.

“I’m honored to be part of this amazing opportunity to spread holiday cheer to the students who need it most,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “The amazing folks with Children Deserve Success consistently deliver a holiday celebration that delights the children and helps alleviate some of the strain the holidays can cause for families experiencing challenges.”

The holiday procession included County Superintendent Ted Alejandre, SBCSS staff members dressed as Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf and members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The procession was led by a fire engine from the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Tony Moore, a motivational speaker known by his superhero persona, The Motivator, and his Warriors also accompanied SBCSS staff.

The celebration kicked off at 4:00 p.m. at the Time for Change Foundation’s Phoenix Square location. The county superintendent and SBCSS delivered approximately 40 holiday gift bags to students served by SBCSS programs. The bags contained gifts from the children’s wish lists, books, a warm coat and healthy snacks provided by community partners. Law enforcement officers also distributed restaurant gift cards to the children. The children’s mothers watched with smiles on their faces.

“It’s amazing. The love that I feel in my heart from strangers, people I don’t even know. We really, really are so grateful,” said Kayla Irving, a mother of 2 and a client at Time for Change Foundation.

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre gives a high-five to Hope at the first of 3 locations for the SBCSS Holiday Celebration event.

She shared that she and her children were living in a car going from motel to motel up until recently and was worried about how to get Christmas presents for her children.

“To take the time to show that they care, show that they care for our children, I cry happy tears at night because I’m in awe of it,” said Irving. “I just thank everybody for giving us this opportunity, because I couldn’t have done this myself.”

The Time for Change Foundation assists and empowers disenfranchised women and their children. They help families achieve self-sufficiency by providing housing and other supportive services.

“Each year, Time for Change Foundation looks forward to partnering with the Superintendent of Schools to ensure that children in transition experience the love and joy of Christmas,” said Time for Change Foundation Executive Director Vanessa Perez. “Most of our children have never experienced being together on Christmas morning with their mothers and this event allows our families to enjoy that experience together.”

The holiday procession also visited two other local sites, the Salvation Army and Veronica’s Home of Mercy. In total, over 100 children received holiday gift bags during this event.

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre calls out a child’s name with a bag of presents in hand with the help of Santa Claus, Buddy the Elf, San Bernardino County Firefighters and SBCSS staff.

The SBCSS Children Deserve Success program has conducted this annual holiday celebration since 2004. Each year, SBCSS staff, as well as their families and friends, volunteer to sponsor wish lists provided by each child identified by the Children Deserve Success tutoring program.

This year, community partners included Child Assistance Fund, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Highland Congregational Church, Inland Empire Health Plan, San Bernardino County Teachers Association, Fifth District PTA and The Home Depot.

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

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre and Santa Claus meet some of the children and their mothers at the Holiday Celebration event during its stop at the Time for Change Foundation.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- — San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) facilitated two events this week in an effort to advance computer science education.

“I am thrilled we are creating learning opportunities for both students and our educators and parents,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Not only is computer science a field that offers various career opportunities, but it’s making an impact in our daily lives. It deals with the process of solving problems, and every part of our world has some sort of problems that need solving. It is critical our students and educators have access to computer science education.”

The events took place before and during Computer Science Education Week, which is celebrated during the second week of December. The goal of these events was to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers and partners within the field.

On December 4, dozens of students and guardians participated in a virtual workshop that teaches students how to program a micro: bit and create fun and exciting projects.

The two sessions allowed students to engage with cyber-security related digital escape room activities with physical computing and block-based coding. Volunteer facilitators also served as positive role models for the event.

An eighth-grade student at Wayne Ruble Middle School in Fontana Unified School District says she first learned about micro: bit during last year’s student workshop. She attended this year’s event as well.

“[Computer science] might be something I want to pursue in a career just because of the way it changed my perspective,” said Malani. “When I learned about it, it piqued my interest, and it started to make me more interested in what a micro:bit can do.”

The annual Computer Science Equity Mini-Summit took place Dec. 8. It was a two-hour learning event for educators, counselors and administrators to participate and learn about ways to introduce or advance computer science education as it relates to equity, inquiry and computer science concepts.

The event included spotlight speakers and presentations. Computer Science Equity Advocate Dr. Emily Thomforde painted the big picture of the importance of broadening participation in computer science and provided guidance on where administrators can begin this work.

“Computer Science is a foundational 21st century skill for all students, not only to succeed in college and career, but to find joy in self-expression and make the things that will change the world,” said Dr. Thomforde.

The mini-summit brought together an incredible network to continue the impactful work that is happening in advancing computer science education.

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

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- For ninety-nine years, the Home of Neighborly Service has been a staple on the west side of San Bernardino. How does a resource continue to be relevant and functional while so many others have closed their doors and ceased operations during the pandemic? Staff, supporters and volunteers!

There is no way to sufficiently show appreciation for all they have done, but board president, Vicki Lee, made the effort by honoring them at the Elks Club on Sunday, December 2, 2021. Present were Office Administrator, Charlene Smith, who is contracted part-Time, but volunteers  full-time, and she was working then, too; the faithful members of the Presbytery, Tom Reynard and David Beard with his wife, Carrie; committed board member and ex-City Councilmember, Virginia Marquez; City Council member for Ward 5, Kimberly Calvin; supportive National Charity League members, Katie Smith and Janet Eagan; from Inland Harvest, David and Patty Knudson; and the devoted volunteers: Norma Badden, James Dutton, Salem Dominguez, Cynthia Rosales, Debbie Willis, Wally and Ruther Peterson, Mary Acosta, Ray and Edith Martin and Noel Kaltenbach. There is a list of contributors which includes but is not limited to: Community Action Partnership, Arrowhead United Way and Santa Claus, Inc., Liz Cruz and Ramon Valasco.

Weekly, the volunteers faithfully come to sort, pack and stack contributions on Thursday to distribute on Friday’s food (hygiene products and clothing, if available) to those in need. Whenever there is an event at The Home: Family Fun Day, Christmas event, Back to School…. the volunteers are there to help. So many people have praised the Home of Neighborly Services for being a safe place for children and families to go over the decades to have fun, relax and to have needs met. Pre-pandemic, Resource Thursdays brought 10-15 vendors who supplied referrals for counseling, housing, how to get bills paid, grocery sources, and the like. When several people can gather again, Resource Thursdays will return. The Home has literally helped to save and sustain lives in the community.

Vicki Lee said a nice meal, some gifts, official San Bernardino pins and coffee mugs from City Councilwoman Calvin, certificates from Supervisor Joe Baca Jr and a heartfelt thank you hopefully showed our volunteers and supporters how much they are appreciated for keeping hope alive in the city of San Bernardino.

Supporters left to right Charlene Smith, 6th ward council member Kimberly Calvin; Edna Wade, Tom Renard, Janet Eagen, Vicki Lee, Virginia Marquez, Katie Smith and David Beard.

Volunteers left to right Mary Acosta, Wally Peterson, Edith Martin, Ruther Peterson, Norma Baden, James Dutton, Salem Dominguez, Debbie Willis, and Cynthia Rosales.

The application for the in-person 2022 Congressional Fellowship program is closing soon!

This unique program equips early-career policy professionals who are committed to contributing to public policy with the necessary skills by being placed in the Senate, House of Representatives and other select offices to become the next generation of leaders in public service.

The program is an intensive 12-month policy training and leadership development program which enables fellows to receive hands-on public policy training as full-time legislative aides and policy analysts.

For this particular Congressional Fellowship, priority will be given to those with a health, aerospace, energy and judiciary background, though all applicants will be considered.

Apply here! The application deadline is Monday, December 20, 2021.

YUCAIPA, CA—- Hands-on career training for paramedics at Crafton Hills College (CHC) has continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic according to Amanda Ward, director of the paramedic training program at CHC.

“We graduated 62 students from March of 2020 to now, which is a typical number of graduates from before the pandemic hit,” Ward said. “Of those students, only two are not working locally.”

CHC has earned high marks for the way the college connects newly trained graduates to relevant jobs. The program is a “Strong Workforce Star” according to California’s Community Colleges system.

The Inland region is fortunate that hands-on training continued at CHC because the pandemic made the need for skilled clinicians much greater.

Ward said it is the pandemic itself, as well as high 911 call volume, that has increased the need for paramedics and not a shortage of high-quality training programs.

“We are hearing that local ambulance companies and fire departments are looking to hire additional paramedics,” Ward said. “Crafton has heard the need and is answering.”

CHC, which is part of the San Bernardino Community College District, operates two cohorts of paramedic students annually now and will begin a third cohort in the Summer of 2022.

“This is a direct response to the paramedic shortage and our community partners’ vacancies,” Ward said.

She said new applicants are always welcome and financial aid is available for community college students. More information about the paramedic program is available online at www.craftonhills.edu/paramedic.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Title VI American Indian Education program is proud to have been able to bring back Family Culture Nights for the 2021–2022 school year.

Family Culture Nights are geared towards Native American students and their families, but all SBCUSD students and families are invited to attend and learn about Native American culture with hands-on activities.

“Family Culture Nights started as a way to help our Native students connect with their cultural heritage and find pride in their traditions,” said Cindra Weber, an education assistant IV/Native American Culture and descendant of Lakota nation. “And it’s also an opportunity for everyone in the school community to learn about and appreciate the rich cultural traditions of the Native people of not only this area but from across the country.”

Family Culture Nights feature free events and hands-on activities on most Thursday nights from 6–8 p.m. at the SBCUSD Professional Development Center (PDC). Upcoming Family Culture Nights are January 13, 20, and 27; February 3, 10, 17, and 24; March 3, 10, and 17; April 7, 14, 21, and 28; and May 5 and 12, 2022.

Call the Indian Education office at (909) 473-2076 for more information.

Please join League of Women Voters Riverside for a conversation with California’s Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber on Saturday, December 11 at 11 a. m. Secretary Weber was appointed California Secretary of State by Governor Gavin Newsom in January 2021. She is California’s first Black Secretary of State.

Weber was born to sharecroppers in Hope, Arkansas during the segregationist Jim Crow era. Although her family moved to Southern California when she was three years old, her family’s experience in the Jim Crow South has driven her activism and legislative work. Her most notable legislative achievements have focused on education, election polices, and criminal justice reform.

Secretary Weber will share her plans to improve California’s election processes, ensure election access for all citizens, and enhance voters’ knowledge of their crucial role in creating a better democracy.

Please send your questions to lwvriverside@att.net and we will be sure to include them in the discussion.

Please register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gmQ0479bTPyXwrj95uXiXw and feel free to pass the invitation along to any interested parties. As you know, whatever the issue may be, it’s all about the power of the vote! Contact Joan Donahue at donahue.joan@att.net or 951.479-2090 with any questions.

By Martin Estacio, Victorville Valley Press

Ammie Hunter, an Adelanto Elementary School District Board of Trustees member who founded a local nonprofit aimed at helping low-income women, died Tuesday.

The district did not disclose a cause of death in a statement but said it was sudden and unexpected. She was 58.

“Ammie was a caring and thoughtful community leader who spent her time and energy for the betterment of our school district and the community,” said AESD Superintendent Kennon Mitchell.

A district spokesperson said Hunter’s family was not ready to provide a statement.

Hunter, who formerly used the last name Hines, was elected to the board in 2018. She served the residents of Region 2 in the southeastern part of Adelanto, which covers Gus Franklin Jr. STEM Academy, Melva Davis Academy of Excellence, and West Creek Elementary.

“She was a loving parent and student advocate. We will miss her caring nature and insight as well as her friendship,” said Board President Christine Turner. “On behalf of the entire school board, I extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. Hunter’s family, loved ones, and the entire High Desert community.”

Her election win roughly three years ago garnered some controversy after a group of district teachers sent a letter to the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters who expressed concerns about past legal troubles.

Records show Hunter had a welfare fraud conviction from Los Angeles County in 1999 and a string of traffic infractions in this county between 2006 and 2018, the Daily Press reported.

Hunter described the conviction as a “total misunderstanding” and questioned at the time why the Adelanto District Teachers Association’s political action committee hadn’t sent the letter until three weeks after the election.

“I’m not ashamed or embarrassed about talking about my past,” Hunter said. “If anybody had a question, I would have welcomed those discussions.”

In December that year, an anticipated protest by teachers at her swearing-in did not culminate. She was sworn in with two other members to standing applause.

Hunter moved to the High Desert in 2004 while working for the Auto Club of Southern California, according to her biography on Voter’s Edge California.

She founded the nonprofit, Another Level for Women, in 2010, which the organization says is “dedicated to providing financial, emotional, and educational support services for women in our community, particularly extremely low-income women with children.”

According to the nonprofit’s “About” section, Hunter’s struggles as an unemployed mother seeking out community resources inspired her to start the organization.

Hunter also served on the boards of several other nonprofits, including the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County and the High Desert Food Collaborative.

The collaborative is a partnership of food providers that started in 2016 and is currently composed of 91 agencies, said Dawn Quigg, Hunter’s colleague on the collaborative’s council.

Quigg said her friend and “treasured partner” was there from the beginning.

“We valued her wisdom and passion for caring for others and will miss her deeply,” she said.

Daily Press reporter Martin Estacio may be reached at 760-955-5358 or MEstacio@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_mestacio.

Hometown hero and undefeated professional boxer Darious “D-Active” Harris was inducted into the Rialto Hall of Fame November 20th. He was honored by the Mayor, Members of Congress and City of Rialto for his success in boxing and humanitarian efforts in Rialto and beyond.

In November, just one day before his 31st Birthday, Harris hosted a successful turkey drive through his nonprofit organization Never Stop Grinding Impact.

“I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish at our turkey drive; we gave away over 300 turkey, 900 boxes of food, and over 100 COVID-19 vaccines were administered to those in Rialto and our surrounding communities. Remember, when we all work together the community is impacted positively,” said Harris.

Harris’s hope is that he inspires other athletes to get involved in the efforts to support their communities as well. His organization will be hosting a toy giveaway at Carter High School in Rialto December 22nd from 12-5pm.

For more information, follow Never Stop Grinding Impact on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.neverstopgrindingimpact.com