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YUCAIPA, CA — Crafton Hills College (CHC) students are invited to a free virtual transfer fair on Tuesday, September 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., where they will have the chance to meet with and learn about more than 65 universities.

Representatives from colleges in both the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems, in-state private schools and out-of-state schools will be available to speak with students during the event. The event, organized by the Region 9 California Community Colleges, will also feature special sessions beginning every half-hour.

Those interested in attending must register at Eventbrite.com. 

CHC’s Transfer Center Coordinator, Mariana Macamay is organizing the event. She said there are numerous benefits when students begin their educational journeys at the community college. By attending CHC first and then transferring to a university, students can save money and will have priority for admission to the UC and CSU systems upon transfer.

“With an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from CHC, students now can benefit from guaranteed admission to UC’s, CSU’s, along with many independent, private, and out-of-state universities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s),” she said. “By starting at Crafton, students will get a great education with dedicated faculty and staff who want to see their students succeed and move forward with their educational goals in a beautiful setting.”

The University Transfer Center at CHC offers a variety of services and activities to help students transition smoothly to a four-year institution.

“With over 100 workshops, assistance with completing applications, university application fee waivers, events such as the virtual transfer fair, in-person and virtual advising, it is no wonder that Crafton students have one of the highest admission rates in the Inland Empire to the University of California system,” Macamay said. “Come to Crafton, go anywhere!”

The Inland Empire Region 9 Transfer Consortium is one of 10 California Community College regions and serves the students of Barstow Community College, Cerro Coso Community College, Chaffey College, College of the Desert, Copper Mountain College, Crafton Hills College, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Norco College, Palo Verde College, Riverside City College, San Bernardino Valley College and Victor Valley College.

Click here to register.

Numerous research studies indicate children and youth have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced into remote learning and physically isolated from their peers and activities, many have suffered declines in social, emotional, physical and academic health. And the impact continues to linger.

A recent survey of parents indicated that a third of children in the United States show some signs of mental health distress, including changes in behavior, eating habits, and activity levels.

Research shows transitions of any kind are stressful and impact mental health and major life transitions are environmental risk factors for suicide. As kids readjust to in-person learning and new routines this fall, it’s essential for parents, teachers, and caregivers to understand suicide warning signs and be confident about starting a conversation. These steps can support our young people and save lives.

Four Ways to Start a Conversation

• Read up on the facts, practice your approach, and plan for a time when you won’t be rushed to start the conversation with your loved one.
• Communicate in a straightforward manner. It’s OK to ask, “Are you now or have you thought about ending your life?” Regardless of your feelings, focus on listening openly, expressing concern, and reassure them you are there to help. 
• Ask if they have access to any lethal means and safely help remove their access to them
• Keep in mind children and teenagers may not be aware or able to express what they are feeling. Keep the lines of communication open and check-in more than once.

Encourage Healthy Ways to Cope

• Social Support: One of the most crucial protective factors against stress is having stable and supportive relationships with even just one other person. Encourage your loved one to engage with their social network in a safe manner.
• Take care of their physical health: Ensure children get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and stay active and hydrated. Research has shown this has dramatic effects on people’s mental as well as physical wellbeing.
• Building Mindfulness and Gratitude: Research has found that taking time to practice mindfulness, such as breathing techniques, journaling, or meditation, can help children to recognize and process emotions, build resilience, and buffer the effects of stress. Work with your loved one to find a supportive outlet.
• Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family members, school or professional counselors who can provide resources and help strengthen coping strategies.

Where to Get Help

Resources for those in crisis include:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• The California Peer-Run Warm Line at 1-855-845-7415
• Online resources are also available at suicideispreventable.org
• The Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBTQ youth at 1-866-488-7386

English proverb: From a small acorn mighty oaks grow.

In the early fifties during the time of segregation Mr. James P Johnson enlisted in the United States Army and deployed from New Orleans Louisiana. Mr. Johnson served a tour overseas in France. Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Johnson regained his employment in California with North American aviation (NAA).

North American Aviation (NAA) was a major American aerospace manufacturer, responsible for a number of historic aircraft, including the T-6 Texan trainer, the P-51 Mustang fighter, the B-25 Mitchell bomber, the F-86 Sabre jet fighter, the X-15 rocket plane, and the XB-70, as well as Apollo command and service module, the second stage of the Saturn V rocket, the Space Shuttle orbiter and the B-1 Lancer.

Mr. James Johnson was employed with Rockwell, in 1973 he lived and worked in Cocoa Beach Florida at NASA. In 1973 Rockwell, combined with the aerospace products and was renamed Rockwell international. After working 40 plus years with Rockwell, Mr. Johnson retired in 1998.

To tie everything together, in 1968 aerospace technology provided the blueprints to contributed to the first space shuttle that landed on the moon, made by North American Aviation. As well as the blueprints for the parts on Dragon Space X space shuttle that Commander Victor J Glover Jr. astronaut piloted his crew to the space lab and safely back to Earth in May 2021.

We welcome you all to join us at our annual chilling and grilling barbecue competition at then Sport Pavilion at Jessie Turner Community Center North Fontana Park 15556 Summit Ave. Fontana California 92336.

SAVE THE DATE join us in welcoming a Hidden Hero Mr. James P. Johnson and our Celebrity Guest Commander Victor J Glover Jr. to Fontana. To purchase tickets, check out our site: www.blacknessparade.webs.com also follow us for more information and on more events to come: IG @cc4northfontana, and Facebook: Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana “Great things do indeed come from humble beginnings.”

The City of San Bernardino City Manager’s office is recruiting for a Chief of Police and has selected the firm of Koff & Associates to conduct the search. As part of the recruitment process the city is seeking input from the community and will offer an on-line video forum on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

According to members of the City Manager, “It’s important for the City Manager and our elected officials to know what qualities our citizens believe a Chief of Police must possess to best serve the interests of our city and our community. What we hear will bear heavily in our selection process.”

Appointed by the City Manager, the Chief of Police plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the overall public safety program of the City in the enforcement of law and order and in the prevention of crime; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies. This includes ensuring the department provides courteous and expedient customer service to the general public and City department staff and assumes full management responsibility for all department services and activities.

To gain access to this forum, please click on the following video link, or call on the associated number: To gain access to this forum, please click on the following video link, or call on the associated number:

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81622535366?pwd=MUxOcHZMZTB5dGJvK2VVbXhLMUEzZz09  

Or Dial in: (720) 707-2699 * Passcode: 751450

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Rep. Pete Aguilar made the second stop on his Inland Empire Community Project Funding tour at Mary’s Mercy Center, Inc., a San Bernardino-based nonprofit dedicated to helping end the cycle of homelessness in San Bernardino County. The Community Project Funding tour was launched after Aguilar secured funding for seven community-submitted projects in the House-passed fiscal year 2022 government funding package, including for the Mary’s Mercy Center Realizing Educational and Career Hopes (REACH) Project. The REACH Project provides skills training and education resources for homeless Inland Empire residents and connects them with resources to find jobs.

“Affordable housing and homelessness are two of the biggest issues facing the Inland Empire, and we need an all-hands-on-deck approach. By investing in local nonprofits like Mary’s Mercy Center, we can empower members of our community to find housing, access to job training and other key resources to help them succeed,” said Aguilar.

“With many of the homeless we serve, we find that medical and socio-emotional support is only part of the equation. The other challenge is finding affordable housing. The REACH program is designed to help our residents enroll in educational and vocational classes to prepare them for a career. We want each resident to have a career path that allows them to earn a good living so they can afford quality housing in the community of their choice,” said Dan Flores, Executive Director of Mary’s Mercy Center, Inc.

Rep. Aguilar serves on the House Appropriations Committee, and successfully passed seven Community Project Funding Requests through the House with others still pending. This tour helps underscore the importance of this funding as Congress works to finalize federal funding for fiscal year 2022.

RIALTO, CA—- While most of her middle school contemporaries are headed to high school, Allanah Mouton, is now attending Cal State L.A. to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. Accepted through the University’s Early Entrance Program (EEP), Allanah Mouton was admitted to Cal State L.A. at the age of 12. She is now on track to graduate summa cum laude in less than 4 years.

Cal State L.A.’s EEP admits extraordinarily gifted youngsters—some as young as 11—directly into college, providing the early entrants with monitored evaluation, regular counseling sessions, and the opportunity to study with like-minded peers. For Allanah the process for applying to EEP CSULA included a year-long competitive interview which began with portfolio submissions, essay responses, individual and family interviews, several mandatory orientations and information sessions, and ended with a five-week summer session in which Allanah completed three college level workshops across various disciplines (calculus, social science, and natural science). While the program began on a zoom call with over 100 applicants only 21 applicants, including Allanah were granted admission to EEP through the Honor College.

Allanah said, “I’m excited about the opportunity, and of course, I have concerns about making the transition from middle school directly to a university, but the support from my family, especially, my mom has made me confident in my decision.”

Allanah has always been exceptional, she tested out of 4th grade, placing well into high school but at the time, her mother decided to only allow her to skip one grade level. She had concerns about opportunities for social and emotional growth. Having earned a 4.0 grade point average throughout elementary and middle school, and after her grandmother saw a news story on CBS about CSULA’s early entrance program. Allanah developed an interest in pursuing early college enrollment

As a part of the EEP program select students are waived the high school A-G requirements which allows them to enroll in the University under a special exemption. The program chooses students whom they feel have the skills necessary to be successful in the program. Allanah’s reading, writing, mathematical skills, and capacity for logical thinking were heavily criticized and tested as a part of the 5-week workshops she completed during the interview process.

Allanah Mouton is a resident of Rialto. She loves to draw, plays several instruments including the drums and saxophone. She enjoys practicing her skateboard and baking in her spare time. She also volunteers at the family’s nonprofit organization which provides residential care facilities to mentally ill adults. She has dreams of working with NASA and contributing solutions to the global climate change crisis. For now, plans after college graduation include applying to graduate school with Stanford as her number one choice and getting her driver’s license!

First Stop at San Bernardino International Airport

San Bernardino, CA— On Wednesday, September 1^st, Rep. Aguilar will kick off a tour to highlight federal funding needs for key community projects in the Inland Empire. The tour stops will feature projects for which Rep. Aguilar secured financial support in the House-passed fiscal year 2022 government funding bills. Aguilar is launching the tour to highlight the urgent need for the Senate to approve the funding to create good-paying jobs, expand access to affordable health care and housing, and support Inland Empire children and veterans. The tour’s first stop will be the San Bernardino International Airport. The House funding bills included $1,000,000 for the airport’s Runway Improvement Project.

“I’m working to secure funding for these projects because the Inland Empire deserves real federal investments. These types of investments create good-paying jobs, revitalize our infrastructure and help ensure families from our region have a chance to succeed. The San Bernardino International Airport is a potential engine for major economic growth in our region, and I’m proud to have advocated for funding that can help realize that potential,” said Aguilar.

Of the ten projects submitted by Aguilar, seven were included for funding when the House passed H.R. 4502 on July 29, 2021. Funding for these projects will become available when the bill is signed into law. The bill is currently pending action in the Senate.

Reporters interested in attending this or any other stop on the Community Projects tour should contact parker.dorrough@mail.house.gov.

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.