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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) was proud to honor five outstanding teachers who have dedicated their careers to student success in San Bernardino County. This year’s recipients were recognized during a September 19 ceremony held at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center in San Bernardino.

“Each honoree’s daily contributions are essential to the overall success of our students, schools and communities,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “It is such an honor to be able to recognize their dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of our community through education.”

Annually, each of the 33 school districts in San Bernardino County select a Teacher of the Year. The district’s finalist then advances to the county-level review. After submitting their application for consideration, a screening and selection committee narrows down several finalists to compete for the title of California Teacher of the Year. The California Department of Education will announce the 2025 California Teacher of the Year awardees in October 2024.

The County’s awardees consistently go above and beyond for their students, inspiring a love for learning and creating positive, nurturing and welcoming classroom environments. Their dedication to education is a true testament to the spirit of the California Teacher of the Year award and sets a shining example for educators everywhere.

In addition to their individual awards, the five honorees also received a check from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in the amount of $250.

To learn more about this year’s award winners, visit www.westsidestorynewspaper.com and look for this article.

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) faculty and administrators meet with California Community Colleges (CCC) and San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) leadership during the historic CCC Board of Governors meeting at San Bernardino Valley College on September 23, 2024.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is proud to announce the official approval of its new bachelor’s degree in water resources management, a landmark achievement for the college and the community. The California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors granted the approval during their historic, first-ever meeting at SBVC on September 23, marking a significant milestone for the institution and its students.

“We are thrilled to receive approval for this groundbreaking program,” said SBVC President Dr. Gilbert Contreras. “This degree will not only equip our students with the specialized knowledge and skills required in the water resources management field, but it will also position SBVC as a leader in addressing critical workforce needs in our region. By offering this degree, we are opening doors to high-wage, in-demand careers that will benefit both our students and our community.”

The bachelor’s degree in water resources management is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the vital and evolving field of water management. Focusing on sustainable practices and advanced technologies, the program will address the growing demand for skilled professionals who can tackle complex challenges related to water supply, quality, and infrastructure.

“This program is a testament to SBVC’s commitment to educational excellence and community impact,” said Melita Caldwell-Betties, chair of the water supply technology program at SBVC. “Water is one of our most precious resources, and this degree will give students the expertise needed to make a difference. We are excited to launch this program and support our students in becoming future leaders in this critical field.”

The program’s approval comes at a crucial time for the water industry, which faces significant challenges due to an aging workforce and a looming wave of retirements. According to a recent SBVC regional labor market analysis, over 30% of water industry employees in the Inland Empire are expected to retire within the next 10 years. The new bachelor’s degree program will play a pivotal role in addressing the regional skills gap and providing trained professionals to fill these positions.

The Inland Empire is one of the top regions in the nation for water-related careers, offering high salaries and strong demand for qualified candidates.

Graduates of the program will be prepared for a variety of high-demand roles, including:

• Leadership positions in water supply utilities
• Water and wastewater treatment plant management
• Regulatory agency positions focused on water quality and environmental protection
• Groundwater and conservation district leadership
• Watershed and river basin authority management

SBVC is hoping to begin enrolling students in this innovative new degree program by Fall 2026.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— October 26th, the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will present a 3 p.m. matinee performance of “Movies with the Maestro” featuring some of Maestro Anthony Parnther‘s favorite film and television music including some of the scores he has personally led on the session stages of Hollywood.

“When I’m not here in San Bernardino with our world-class orchestra, I have the distinct pleasure of leading the Hollywood Studio Symphony on many of the most beloved film and television franchises on the planet,” explained Maestro Parnther. “This annual concert has quickly become a San Bernardino Symphony staple and it is great to see so many people from throughout the region excited to experience the incredible music of American television and cinema!”

The repertoire will include selections from Aladdin, Hocus Pocus, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Chariots of Fire, Ghostbusters, Transformers, The X Files, The Body Guard, and more. As always, patrons are encouraged to get into the spirit by dressing as their favorite movie star or bringing their light sabers to conduct along with the Maestro when selections from Star Wars are performed. In addition, this year the Symphony has added a special trick-or-treat time for all the young ones in attendance.

Shared Symphony Board of Directors President Donna Marie Minano, “This is absolutely one of the most fun and exciting concerts of the year! I encourage everyone to get tickets while they last and join us for the liveliest party in town!”

Tickets and Location Details

Tickets are available at $20-$100 per seat and may be securely purchased online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by telephone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Seats for children and students with ID are just $15 and may be obtained with the purchase of an adult seat.

Movies with the Maestro will be held at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth Street in downtown San Bernardino. Doors open at 2 p.m. for this 3 p.m. show. Free, lighted parking is available directly across from the venue and is accessible via D Street.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On a beautiful afternoon on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Sterling Natural Resource Center in San Bernardino among over 130 guests witnessed Stacey Barnier, Niki Dettman, Geraldine “Gerri” Foxall-Kater, Nefertiti Long, and Tansu Phillip receive the Citizens of Achievement Award and American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Redlands receive the Civic Engagement Award at the League of Women Voters, San Bernardino Area 49th Citizens of Achievement and Civic Engagement Awards Ceremony.

League of Women Voters need to ensure all citizens are registered and has information needed to cast a vote. Their action plan is to identify resources and training to support engagement in voter registration, voter education, and get out the vote efforts.

To learn more about the League of Women Voters of San Bernardino, please visit: San Bernardino Area | MyLO (lwv.org)

SACRAMENTO, CA– – Governor Gavin Newsom signs Assembly Bill 1877, a critical step toward justice for California’s youth. This legislation focuses on sealing juvenile records, providing young people with the opportunity to rebuild their lives without the lingering burden of past mistakes.

AB 1877 underscores the importance of offering a fresh start to individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation and growth. Under the new law, juvenile records will be sealed if the person has not been convicted of certain serious offenses. This will allow young people to pursue education, employment, and housing opportunities without the shadow of a juvenile record holding them back.

“This legislation recognizes that a single mistake in their youth should not define a person’s future.

By sealing juvenile records, we open doors to brighter futures and empower young people to fully reintegrate into society,” said Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson. “Everyone deserves a fair chance to contribute positively to their communities, and AB 1877 ensures that second chances are not just for a privileged few but for every young person who has earned it.”

AB 1877 requires the automatic sealing of qualifying juvenile records and ensures that individuals are notified when their records have been sealed. It also protects the integrity of sealed records while allowing access in specific legal circumstances, such as for exculpatory evidence in criminal cases.

By focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration, AB 1877 aligns with California’s commitment to justice reform. The bill prevents barriers to success by allowing young people to move beyond past missteps and embrace a future filled with opportunity.

“Everyone benefits when our youth succeed. AB 1877 is a reflection of California’s dedication to justice and fairness for all, especially for those who deserve a chance to turn their lives around free of systemic barriers,” Dr. Jackson added.

Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson represents Assembly District 60, which includes the cities of Moreno Valley, Perris, Hemet, San Jacinto, a small portion of Riverside, and the unincorporated areas of Mead Valley, Good Hope, Nuevo, and East Hemet and is committed to promoting equity and opportunity for all Californians.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) today expressed his condolences to the family of a missing Morongo Band of Mission Indians tribal member and concern about issues expressed by her family  involving the investigation into her case.

“I wish to send my condolences to the family of Amy Porter whose family found her on Sunday morning in a desert area near the side of Interstate 10 in Yucaipa. It is my hope that the investigation is thorough and conducted in an appropriately timely manner.” He added, “I also hope that my legislation is signed to clarify and improve use of the Feather Alert and public safety on tribal lands.”

The Feather Alert is a public alert system similar to an AMBER or Silver alert and is overseen by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). It is used in the state when Native American are missing.

Porter’s family had been searching for her for a week and had requested the use of the Feather Alert and a speedier law enforcement search. Family and friends eventually launched their own search.

Ramos observed, “Ms. Porter’s family has raised questions about the delay in initiating the investigation into her disappearance and why the Feather Alert was not employed more quickly.”

The lawmaker added, that he authored three bills, now before the governor, that sought to address the questions raised by family members. The measures are:

• AB 1863 which seeks to streamline the Feather Alert requesting process and would allow a California Tribe to directly request the public alert and would require that the CHP respond to a law enforcement agency or tribe’s request to activate a Feather Alert within 48 hours of receiving the request. The Feather Alert has been active since Jan. 1, 2023, and California was the third state to enact the public alert. Ramos authored the legislation in 2022 that created the notification system here in California. Proposed changes to the Feather Alert were made in consultation with tribal leaders, CHP, Department of Justice (DOJ) and local government representatives. Ramos held roundtable discussions around the state and an informational hearing to increase awareness about the new program and hear from stakeholders about how the system was working and what changes would make it more effective. That hearing was followed by further discussions with tribes and law enforcement.
• AB 2138 would create a three-year pilot program allowing tribal law enforcement under specified conditions to obtain state peace officer status. Ramos, in an op-ed this spring, and at a roundtable discussion with tribes, lawmakers, and researchers heard why peace officer status would increase public safety on tribal reservations and their neighboring communities. A federal law known as Public Law 280 (PL 280) enacted in 1953 withdrew federal responsibility, in large part, for public safety on tribal lands. In the op-ed, Ramos wrote that PL 280 “eliminated federal support for law enforcement and courts, except for limited and specified expenditures. This has resulted in widespread confusion among tribal, local and state law enforcement agencies.” Peace officer status for tribal law enforcement officers would hasten response times and give greater investigatory power to tribes for criminal cases occurring on reservations often located in rural and isolated areas.
• AB 2695 would require the DOJ to collect and disaggregate domestic violence crime data so the state can better determine the scope of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis from the information that local law enforcement submits to DOJ. If AB 2695 is approved, local law enforcement would be required to note whether the crime was committed on tribal land. California is fifth in the nation in the numbers of MMIP unresolved and uninvestigated cases. Ramos stated, “While Ms. Porter’s case did not occur on tribal lands, she was a tribal member and her case may have involved domestic violence. It is important for us to understand the when and where about crimes as well as the who so that we can respond more effectively and proactively to increase safety.”

FONTANA, CA— Second District County Supervisor Jesse Armendarez proudly announces his support for the renaming of Randall Pepper Elementary School to O’Day Short Elementary School. This significant change honors the memory of the Short family, whose tragic story serves as a powerful reminder of our community’s commitment to justice and equality.

“I am proud to see that we are changing the name of this school to O’Day Short Elementary School,” said Supervisor Armendarez. “This name change will remind us that our history has not always been pretty, and it is our duty to make sure our future generations and students know and learn this history.”

“The renaming of the school is a crucial step in acknowledging a painful chapter in our local history,” said Supervisor Armendarez. In December 1946, the Short family—O’Day, his wife, and their two children—were tragically murdered due to a heinous act of racism. “Their only “crime” was moving to a side of town that didn’t accept them for who they were. The very land where this tragedy occurred is now home to Randall Pepper Elementary School, making the name change to O’Day Short Elementary School even more significant.”

“Changing the school’s name isn’t just about a new sign,” Supervisor Armendarez explained. “It shows that we remember our past and want to build a better future. The Short family’s story will teach students about standing up for what’s right and the importance of accepting everyone in our community.”

“In a gesture of deep commitment to this cause, I have pledged up to $50,000 to cover the costs of the school’s renaming and rebranding. I want to ensure that the school’s funding can be used to educate their students about the history of this school,” he stated.

Supervisor Armendarez expressed his gratitude to the school board and all those who have supported this important change. “As someone who cares deeply about this community, I support honoring the Short family. It’s important to show that we’re committed to justice and healing. Let’s remember the Short family not just for what they suffered, but for the hope they give us in building a kinder, more just world.”

By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

NORFOLK, Va. – Seaman Apprentice Alejandra Zepedaavacos, a native of San Bernardino, California, serves aboard USS New Jersey, the U.S. Navy’s newest fast-attack submarine homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.

Zepedaavacos attended Indian Springs High School and graduated in 2023.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino

“Junior ROTC and the Police Academy gave me a solid foundation for when I joined the military,” said Zepedaavacos. “When I got here, I knew a lot of the terminology and that helped me grow since I didn’t have to start from scratch.”

Zepedaavacos joined the Navy one year ago and today serves as a culinary specialist.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted ambition and to have better goals,” said Zepedaavacos. “I don’t come from a military family so I wanted to show my family that I could do this and that they could have faith in me.”

Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.

Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition. New Jersey is the first Virginia-class submarine designed and built for a full gender-integrated crew.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Zepedaavacos serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Zepedaavacos has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is being able to help my mom,” said Zepedaavacos. “I have always helped her but now I can help her more than I used to.”

Zepedaavacos can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means taking pride in what I do and being accountable for my actions,” said Zepedaavacos.

Zepedaavacos is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my mom, Elsa, my siblings, Memito and Ximena, and friends back home for supporting me,” added Zepedaavacos. “They always encourage me to put my best foot forward and tell me I can do anything I set my mind to.”

By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Loma Linda University graduate serves as the executive officer at U.S. Navy Medicine Training and Readiness Command (U.S. NMRTC) Sigonella, in Italy, a role similar to a chief operations officer.

Capt. Michael Mercado, a native of Stockton, California, assumed the executive officer role at U.S. NMRTC Sigonella/U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella in July 2023 as part of a competitively selected group of medical professionals with varying clinical, administrative and operational backgrounds assigned to manage the operations of Navy military treatment facilities around the world.

Mercado earned a Doctor of Medicine from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 2004 and joined the Navy through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. Mercado graduated with a residency in Family Medicine from Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in 2007.

“I am humbled to support a high-performing team of professionals who diligently sustain clinical operations of our medical facilities in Sigonella, Sicily; Souda Bay, Crete; and the Kingdom of Bahrain,” said Mercado. “Truly an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Mercado has served in many teaching and leadership roles throughout his 20-year Navy career. Most recently, Mercado served at the Navy Bureau of Medicine & Surgery as director of Force Medical Readiness from 2021 to 2023, overseeing programs and policies that optimize the medical readiness and assignability for more than 600,000 active and reserve component members and their families.

“Though I cherish being a uniformed family physician, being selected to this senior leadership role enables me to elevate the quality, safety and overall experience of our very deserving patients in ways that I could never accomplish in the exam room,” said Mercado. “While I appreciate the strategic influence I bring into my current executive officer role, I especially enjoy the moments when I walk around the command and I get to inspire, motivate and connect with junior sailors on a personal level. Those moments are what keeps me in Navy Medicine.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Mercado serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

U.S. NMRTC Sigonella is a community hospital located in the heart of the Mediterranean in Sicily, Italy. Comprised of a local satellite clinic and two branch health clinics located in Bahrain and Souda Bay, U.S. NMRTC Sigonella’s staff of 387 serves approximately 8,500 active duty, family members, NATO members, retirees and other beneficiaries based on international collaborations and status of forces agreements.

ONTARIO, CA— More than a quarter-million visitors attended the 11^th Annual Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion in Downtown Ontario on September 20 and 21, making this year’s event the most popular and successful ever.

The event, presented by GOCAL (Greater Ontario California), attracted visitors from Southern California and beyond for a spirited weekend of classic cars, food, music and family fun. More than 1,100 hot rods and vintage automobiles lined the streets of Ontario during the two-day celebration of America’s most famous roadway.

“Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion has become one of Southern California’s premier events, and this year’s certainly lived up to that billing. We want to thank all our partners, our entertainers and vendors, and, of course, our visitors and participants for making this the best Cruisin’ Reunion ever,” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO of GOCAL.

Enthusiasm for the 2024 Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion was borne out in a survey of attendees, which showed that 98% probably or will participate again next year, while the same number – 98% – are very likely to tell others about the event. More than four in 10 were first-time attendees.

It was a hit with non-attendees as well. According to GOCAL’s audience metrics, Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion generated more than 20 million digital media impressions and earned-media audience reach of more than 30 million.

In addition to classic cars as far as the eye can see, highlights of this year’s event included headlining performances by the classic rock band Grand Funk Railroad and Yacht Rock favorites Ambrosia.

A highly coveted part of every Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion are the individual awards. This year’s honorees included Michael Kendall, Best of Show winner for his 1960 Cadillac Convertible, and Craig Pardue, the Mayor’s Choice Award for his 1951 Ford Crestline. For a complete list of award winners, please visit our website.

GOCAL also would like to thank the event sponsors: Stater Bros. Markets, Raising Canes, OmniTrans, Mark Christopher Auto Center, Petersen Automotive Museum, the City of Ontario and the Ontario Convention Center.

ROUTE 66 CRUISIN REUNION

The Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion®, a 501-(c3) organization, created by Greater Ontario California (GOCAL), is a Southern California ultimate weekend celebration of America’s love affair with the automobile and its world-famous highway, Route 66. Two days of cruisin’, contests, live entertainment, fabulous food and revelry make it one of the best events of its kind. Held annually each September along historic, tree-shaded Euclid Avenue in Ontario, California, Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion is where classic cruisers, convertibles, hot rods, and wicked Woodies fuel a jam-packed jamboree.  Visit  GOCAL.ORG or www.Route66CruisinReunion.com for details.

GREATER ONTARIO CALIFORNIA

Greater Ontario California (GOCAL) is the official destination marketing organization to promote the cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, California to visitors nationally and internationally.  As destination experts we provide leisure, meeting groups and meeting professionals with an unbiased, comprehensive resource when booking a tour, convention, meeting or event within the cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, California.  Ideal for leisure and business travel, the region boasts scenic mountains, deserts, vineyards and metropolitan areas that are both historic and cosmopolitan in character. Under the umbrella of the Greater Ontario California is the California Welcome Center and several Signature Events to support the overall mission to drive visitors to the region, stimulating economic growth.  GOCAL provides the necessary destination support tools to execute a successful experience. Visit www.GO-CAL.org.