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National Science Foundation award will help increase the number of low-income students pursuing graduate and doctorate degrees in STEM fields

ONTARIO, CA—Today, U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $279,000 grant to Cal Poly Pomona to increase the retention of low-income students in graduate-level mathematics programs. The NSF award will help recruit and support students pursuing Master’s degrees, and encourage them to continue with their doctoral studies in mathematical sciences.

“As one of the top universities for STEM careers, Cal Poly Pomona is known for its commitment to ensuring equity in the success and education of all students,” said Torres. “This grant will help academically promising low-income students access higher education and economic mobility, while strengthening diversity and representation in STEM.”

Torres is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for making decisions regarding federal spending.

Campaign Kicks Off Online Voting Competition  Today

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) announced today that they were selected as one of Aetna’s 2019 Voices of Health award recipients. This award places TFCF as a finalist in Aetna’s 2019 Voices of Health campaign, a competition and celebration of grassroots non-profit organizations across the country that are working to address social determinants of health in their communities.

Online voting will be available to the public between September 9 – October 13 at www.aetnavoicesofhealth.com.All organizations participating in this year’s Voices of Health competition, including Time for Change Foundation, were selected in April, during a public nomination period. Aetna will award $20,000 to the organization that receives the most online votes in its market. 

“TFCF understands that housing status is a powerful indicator of overall health status and a major social determinant of health,” said Director, Vanessa Perez. “The absence of a home directly correlates with increased risks of chronic illnesses and diseases which is why TFCF makes housing a priority.

“Since 2002, Time for Change Foundation has been dedicated to helping homeless women and children achieve self-sufficiency by using an array of evidenced-based practices coupled with a strength-based approach to address their needs. Our programs and supportive services help to assist families and individuals with the skills necessary to recover from the effects of homelessness, addiction, incarceration, mental and physical abuse. To date TFCF has helped over 1,200 women and children reach self-sufficiency and has reunited 282 children back with their mothers.

Campaigning for VotesThe Aetna “Voices of Health” website will feature a one-minute video from each organization describing how the prize money would help it further its mission. Organizations will be able to advocate for votes in different ways, including sharing their videos through social media and other communication channels. 

To learn more about Voices of Health or to vote, visit http://www.aetnavoicesofhealth.com/ To cast your vote for Time for Change Foundation click the link below. You can vote once per day with your Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and email accounts! 

To learn more about Time For Change Foundation, please visit: https://www.timeforchangefoundation.org/

Position Title: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Location: Southern California such as the San Diego area, Los Angeles area, California Desert – i.e. Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Victor Valley, Barstow, Moreno Valley, Redlands, San Bernardino

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Conservation Lands Foundation (CLF) is a national non-profit organization headquartered in Durango, Colorado with offices in San Francisco, Anchorage, Las Cruces, Joshua Tree, Las Vegas and Washington, DC.  The Conservation Lands Foundation was established in 2007 on the belief that our public lands are best protected when there is a national network of local advocates working to advance a common conservation vision. CLF and its Friends Grassroots Network work to protect the premier lands and waters under the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) jurisdiction – specifically the 36+ million acres and 2,400 miles of National Monuments and National Conservation Areas, Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers and National Scenic and Historic Trails that make up our National Conservation Lands.

Our mission is to protect, restore and expand the National Conservation Lands through education, advocacy and partnerships.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The California Associate Program Director will help advance the Conservation Lands Foundation’s (CLF) expansion, protection and grassroots engagement efforts for the National Conservation Lands in Southern California. The position works collaboratively with regional and statewide conservation organizations, Friends groups, diverse partners, Bureau of Land Management and other federal agency staff to enhance support for the National Conservation Lands in Southern California. The California Associate Program Director is part of the Field Team and works under the leadership of the California Program Director. This is a tremendous opportunity for a motivated leader with strategic instincts, high-level organizing, and policy experience to maximize and strengthen CLF’s Friends Grassroots Network in Southern California and its efforts to defend, protect, expand, and restore the National Conservation Lands in the region.

The California Associate Program Director will have strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to lead by creating opportunities for others to develop and grow, the ability to work with people from a range of diverse backgrounds and work on dynamic, high-performance teams. The candidate is committed to CLF’s mission, is emotionally intelligent and has high integrity.

POSITION OBJECTIVES:

?      Secure permanent and inclusive protections for the California Desert Conservation Lands that will withstand administrative and political variability

?      Defend current protections for California’s National Conservation Lands, particularly those in Southern California

?      Work with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and grassroots partners to ensure inclusive and strong conservation planning and management for the National Conservation Lands in Southern California

?      Strengthen and build the Friends Grassroots Network and partnerships in California to support inclusivity and diversity among leaders, partners, and coalitions.

?      Provide leadership, support and strategic direction for defensive and proactive campaigns in the California Desert.

Qualifications of a successful candidate:

?      Outstanding leadership skills and proven ability to build effective, results-driven advocates and coalitions.

?      Experience with grassroots advocacy, organizing practices and principles, and a proven track record of success connecting with, organizing, and mobilizing different communities.

?      Experience developing campaign strategies and managing campaigns.

?      Experience with or desire and ability to learn and apply BLM public lands policy. Understanding of non-profit management and organizational effectiveness

?      Technology savvy with experience using a wide range of traditional and cutting edge social, digital, and multimedia tools to share information and reach target audiences.

?      Ability to travel and work extended hours as needed. Driving, travel, temporary assignments and extended work hours are required. A valid driver’s license is required.

?      Experience handling confidential information appropriately

?      Commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within the organization and in the environmental movement.

?      Ability to prioritize, adjust focus and wear many hats in a fast-paced environment.

?      Passion, creativity, integrity, positive attitude, and intellectual curiosity.

Salary Range and benefits:

Salary based on qualifications.

401(k) plan; health/dental/vision insurance; health and dependent care Flex Spending program, short term disability.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter and resume to socal@conservationlands.org

No phone calls, please.

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The Conservation Lands Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability or status as a U.S. veteran.

 This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN) ONTARIO, CA—- Today, U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) visited Phoenix Motorcars in Ontario as the last stop on her annual “Made in the 35^th” manufacturing tour. Each all-electric zero-emission vehicle produced by Phoenix Motorcars reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60 tons of carbon monoxide per year as compared to a comparable commercial vehicle.

“Fighting climate change begins here in the Inland Empire. For more than 15 years, Phoenix Motorcars has been a leader in manufacturing electric vehicles that make our region cleaner and greener. I’m pleased to close out my ‘Made in the 35^th’ tour with such an innovative business,” said Torres. “I’ll continue pushing for policies that help our local manufacturers grow, create good paying jobs, promote sustainability, and keep California’s economy strong.”

“As always our focus it to provide a safe, zero emissions, 100 percent electric vehicle of the highest quality to our customers while providing exceptional jobs and job training with our cutting edge technology all while making the planet a better place. We are very excited to host Representative Norma Torres and show her all the exciting projects we are working on,” said Tarek Helou, Vice President of Sales for Phoenix Motorcars.

Phoenix Motorcars, founded in 2003, is a leader in developing medium and heavy duty electric vehicles for the commercial markets. Phoenix Motorcars strives to provide fleets with clean transportation and renewable energy through advanced technology solutions and remains committed to excellence in electric vehicle innovation. More information available at www.phoenixmotorcars.com.

Torres is a member of the House Rules and Appropriations Committees.

Assistant Chief appointed as Interim Chief effective Sept. 12

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- After more than 30 years of service, Riverside County Chief Probation Officer Mark A. Hake will retire on September 12. 

Chief Hake led the county’s Probation Department since April 2013. In this position, he manages a staff of approximately 850 employees who supervise nearly 11,000 adult and 1,300 juvenile clients. 

“Being selected Chief Probation Officer was one of the proudest moments in my life and over the past six years I have considered it one of my life’s greatest honors to serve the department as its Chief,” said Chief Hake.  “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have led an organization of such dedicated and talented people.”

Chief Hake began his career in 1989 as a Group Counselor at Riverside Juvenile Hall and ascended through the ranks, joining the Executive Management Team in 2009.

Over the course of his career, Chief Hake has been instrumental in shaping the Probation Department’s role in the criminal justice system.  He was part of the group that guided the department though the challenges of the 2011 Public Safety Realignment (AB 109) which shifted adult parole responsibilities from the state to the county level and included significant impacts to local justice system agencies.

Championed by Chief Hake, the department increased the use of youth diversion programs focusing on alternative treatment rather than incarceration, which has been beneficial to youth and their families. Programs such as Wraparound Services, Independent Living Skills, Youth Diversion Team and Home Supervision reduced further entry by youth into the criminal justice system and have led to a sharp decline in juvenile incarceration in the county.

“I’m proud to have been part of the team that built Riverside County Probation into the innovative, progressive and respected agency it is today,” Chief Hake said.  “It’s the right time for a new Chief to come in and take the department to the next level.”

This week, the Board of Supervisors appointed Ronald Miller II as Interim Chief Probation Officer, effective Sept. 12. Miller has been with the department for 32 years, serving most recently as Assistant Chief Probation Officer since Sept. 2018.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Back in the 1880’s California experienced its largest silver strike in the high desert of San Bernardino County, and Calico became the place to be!  Businesses bustled, the presses hummed, and the town was alive with commerce and trade.

The glory days of Calico will be relived as Calico Ghost Town presents the 53rd annual Calico Days Celebration, September 28th & 29th, 2019.

The town will come alive with music, shows, and games for every age that will recall the days when silver mining was king.  Returning to Calico Days this year is the Pico Pistolero Old West Card Room. Learn how to play the table games of the old west like The Earps, Bat Masterson and Doc Holiday. Even join in a “Q & A” session with Mr. Doc Holiday himself.

Between the music and games, make sure to take a stroll through the Old West encampment on Main Street.  Guests are invited to wander through this living historical display, interact with the “towns people,” and see how life was lived during that era. Enjoy hands on activities, such as, Arrowhead Making, Adobe Brick Making, Rope Making and more. 

Favorite features of past Calico Days events will also return, including the Old West Character Costume Contest, The Miner’s Triathlon, old west gunfight shows, and the crowd favorite — Burro Run.

Calico Ghost Town shops and attractions will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  Admission to the event is $10 for adults, $5 for youth (4-11), and free for children 3 and under.

There are still camping accommodations available, and reservations include admission to the event for up to four people per site.  Camping reservations may be booked by calling 800-86-CALICO.  Calico also offers cabins and bunkhouses.

Please visit www.calicotown.com for up-to-date information on Calico Days and Calico Ghost Town. All activities subject to change without notice.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— REDLANDS, CA—- Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital patients were treated to a visit from members of the University of Redlands football team on Thursday, August 29.

Gearing up for their first game on September 7, the players and team coaches took time away from the field to spend time in the playrooms on the hematology/oncology and cardiac units, and were even able to visit some patients at the bedside.

Dante Hollins, 13, of Victorville, found common ground with the players in their love of video games, spending their time battling it out with their controllers.

University of Redlands football head coach, Mike Maynard, said on behalf of the team, he appreciated the opportunity to visit the hospital.

“We teach our young men that when it is within our power to act, we should,” Maynard said. “We hope we were able to give the children some moments of optimism and joy to strengthen their recovery.”

The athletes also toured areas of the hospital and looked in awe at the new hospital towers currently under construction.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Last week, Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino) took his Job for a Day tour of the Inland Empire to Anita’s Snack Foods in San Bernardino. Aguilar spent the day packing and preparing Anita’s products for shipments, providing him an opportunity to learn more about the business and hear from Inland Empire residents who work there.

“Companies like Anita’s are creating good jobs in our community by focusing on quality and innovation, and I wanted to see up close what’s made their business a success. My Job for a Day tour is all about spending time with working people and learning how I can better serve Inland Empire businesses and families, and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to do that at a business with such deep roots in Southern California,” said Aguilar.

“It was a great pleasure to have Congressman Aguilar visit and work in the facility. It was great to hear that we all shared the same passion and point of view on the need to develop our workforce. The Congressman’s willingness to meet the team and jump into some of our daily jobs shows his commitment and dedication to the people of San Bernardino County,” said Mauro Gomez, Vice President of Sales at Anita’s Snack Foods.

Aguilar began his Job for a Day in 2017 to work side by side with the employees and small businesses who drive the Inland Empire economy. This is the tour’s fourth stop in 2019, and twelfth stop overall.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—-ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Addressing California’s homeless crisis is the responsibility of the community at large. San Bernardino County has identified over 2,600 homeless individuals during the San Bernardino County 2019 Point-in-Time Homeless Count. 

Shelia, who has been homeless for 5 years, called our office for help and my staff immediately connected organizations throughout the region to find housing for Shelia. This model of collaboration should be replicated both state and nation-wide to address the issue. The entire community must work together to return dignity, support, and respect for our homeless neighbors.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— REDLANDS, CA – Music Changing Lives, (MCL) will host their 4^th annual “Ball 4 A Cause,” a celebrity basketball game to support their music and arts program for local youth. The game will take place at the Redlands Community Center, located at 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Redlands, CA 92374 on Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 12pm-1pm.

This exciting event will include an incredible half-time show with live performances, special guests, studio tours, raffles and activities for the entire family. Red carpet festivities and media interviews take place from 12pm-1pm and guests are encouraged to arrive early.

CEO of Music Changing Lives, Josiah Bruny, explains that, “Access to music and art programs are so critical for youth, as we have seen first-hand the impact and changes made within our student’s lives time and time again.  This fundraiser helps us to continue to change lives through the arts and we hope to have the entire community show up and show out again this year.”  

Tickets for this event are only $10, and can be purchased at the door or online at  https://ball4acause2019.eventbrite.com.  Admission for children 12 years old and younger is free.  Tickets will sell out, so purchase yours soon! Celebrity artists and special guests, to be announced.

Proceeds from this event will directly benefit programs that keep music and art alive and accessible for the children in the community.

Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available. For more information on sponsorship, media or general event information, please contact 951-992-0721 or email MusicChangingLives@gmail.com.

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Music Changing Lives is an innovative after-school program whose mission is, “to offer the highest quality music and art enrichment programs to underprivileged and at-risk youth, between the ages of 5-19 years old, helping them improve their chances of achieving a positive and successful future.”