Local

Danyelle Ridley

By Chief Petty Officer Bill Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach

A 2013 Pacific High School graduate and San Bernadino, California native is serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron that flies one of the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced aircraft, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Danyielle Ridley is an aviation structural mechanic with the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 “Super Hornets”, stationed in Lemoore, California. The squadron is currently training at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

As an aviation structural mechanic, Ridley is responsible for repairing the structure the jet aircraft and changing the hydraulic components.

“I enjoy anything with hydraulics,” said Ridley. “I think it’s interesting how it works. I never knew anything about hydraulics until I joined the Navy.”

The F/A-18 Hornet, an all-weather aircraft, is used as an attack aircraft as well as a fighter. In its fighter mode, it is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support, according to Navy sources.

The newest model, Super Hornet, is highly capable across the full mission spectrum: air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refueling, close air support, air defense suppression and day or night precision strike. Compared to the original aircraft, according to Navy officials, Super Hornet has longer range, an aerial refueling capability, increased survivability and improved carrier suitability.

“I like that this is a training command—it gives us lots of room to learn,” said Ridley.

As a member of one of the Navy’s squadrons with the newest aircraft platforms, Ridley and other VFA-122 sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.

Sailors’ jobs are highly varied at VFA-122, according to Navy officials. Since the squadron is the 10^th largest in the world, with over 100 aircraft operating, sailors must make up and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly — this includes everything from maintaining airframes and engines, to processing paperwork, handling weaponry, and flying the aircraft. 

Serving in the Navy, Ridley is learning about being a more responsible leader, sailor and citizen through handling numerous responsibilities.

“I first joined the Navy just to get education, but something about it makes me want to do it forever,” Ridley added. “It’s never boring at work, it’s not repetitive. Jets are exciting.”

RIVERSIDE, CA- On Sunday, June 11, the Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. through its charitable arm, The Inland Ivy Foundation, presented scholarships to six young women from the Inland Empire who have demonstrated high scholastic achievements and outstanding character.  The recipients are Brooklynn Brumley of Rancho Verde High School, Celeste Gaynair of Sultana High School, Raylene Graham of Arroyo Valley High School, Kalaya Hill of Arroyo Valley High School, Wendy Osorio of Ramona High School, and Jenna Owens of Rancho Verde High School.  These High School Seniors are all college bound and were selected from a pool of candidates with stellar grades and strong records of community service.

On Wednesday, June 21, Eta Nu Omega continued its Summer of Giving by “Painting for a Purpose” at Phearless Art Studio in Moreno Valley raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day campaign.  Held annually on the summer solstice, this sunrise to sunset event recognizes the challenging journey faced by those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and their caregivers.  The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. used this day to call attention to the 47 million people around the world that are impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease.  In addition to individual donations made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Phearless Art Studio donated a portion of the proceeds collected from Eta Nu Omega’s Paint Night to the Alzheimer’s Association.

On Saturday, July 22, Eta Nu Omega co-hosted a “Concert Under the Stars” at the beautiful Hafif Estate in La Verne, CA to raise additional money for special projects such as support to a local domestic violence shelter, academic enrichment and personal development programs for high school and middle school students in Grand Terrace (ASCEND) and Fontana (Emerging Young Leaders).

Eta Nu Omega raises funds throughout the year through its Inland Ivy Foundation for scholarships and other charitable activities geared towards enriching the lives of men, women and children in the Inland Empire. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest female Greek letter organization for college educated women founded in 1908.

LOMA LINDA, CA- Members from the Orange County Inland Empire Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Palm Springs Subaru dealership stopped by the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) Hematology/Oncology Clinic Friday, July 7 to brighten the kids’ day. They delivered blankets and craft kits to the clinic.

Although over 100 degrees outside, kids could find comfort in the blankets and use them while receiving treatment.

Gaven Hamrick, 9, of San Bernardino, was just one patient at the LLUCH clinic to receive a blanket and craft kit from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Subaru San Bernardino. 

“I can definitely use this stuff with my sister,” the fourth grader said of the crayons, markers and clay found in the craft kit. Hamrick was extremely appreciative of his new blanket saying he likes it cold in his room so he can get cozy under blankets.

The blanket donation is part of the LLS of Orange County Inland Empire Chapter and Palm Springs Subaru participation in the national Subaru Loves to Care Campaign. Through the campaign, LLS and Subaru intend to spread hope, love and warmth to cancer patients through small gestures by donating over 38,000 blankets across the country.

The LLUCH Hematology/Oncology clinic cares for patients with childhood cancers and blood disorders such as aplastic anemia.

Anaheim Ducks Mascot, Wild Wing, met with patients and offered some healing encouragement during a visit to Loma Linda University Cancer Center on Thursday, June 29.

LOMA LINDA, CA- Patients at Loma Linda University Cancer Center recently received a spirited visit from the Anaheim Ducks mascot, Wild Wing, and two of their Power Players. The hockey enthusiasts delivered Ducks paraphernalia and visited with patients undergoing treatment. This was the Ducks’ fourth visit to the Cancer Center since 2013.

The Anaheim Ducks have supported the Cancer Center since October 2013 after they hosted the first Hockey Fights Cancer Night at the Honda Center, their home arena in Anaheim. They’ve since hosted two such events at the arena in 2014 and 2015 and have raised nearly $57,000 for the Cancer Center.

LOMA LINDA, CA- Loma Linda University is a great college to work for, according to a new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education, a top trade publication for colleges and universities. 

The results, released July 17 in The Chronicle of Higher Education’s 10th annual report on The Academic Workplace, are based on a survey of more than 45,000 people from 232 colleges and universities. Of that number, 79 institutions made the list as one of the “Great Colleges to Work For.” Results are categorized by small, medium and large institutions, and LLU was included among the medium-sized schools with 3,000 to 9,999 students.

LLU won honors in five categories this year: confidence in senior leadership; job satisfaction; professional/career development programs; supervisor/department chair relationship; and work/life Balance.

In acknowledging the honor, Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health, said the faculty and staff offer outstanding teaching and dedicated service to the approximately 4,500 students in the university’s eight schools.

“Our entire university team shares a strong commitment to extending the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ,” Hart said. “I am so grateful for the passion, excellence and the commitment to our values each of them exhibits. Their devotion to sharing their knowledge and expertise with our students inspires me.”

In addition to attractive medical and dental benefits, retirement plan, paid leave and sick leave, educational and adoption benefits, an onsite free gym and a variety of services through the Living Whole wellness program. This program fosters an environment of health and well-being by providing free services and resources to aid employees and their families in the journey of health and wellness. This includes health screening and programs for weight loss, smoking cessation, nutrition support, exercise, personal health coaching and financial wellness. Free counseling services are also available through the employee assistance program.

The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captured demographics, benefits, communication, and workplace policies, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and support staff. A primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback. 

Great Colleges to Work For is one of the largest and most comprehensive workplace studies in higher education. 

Ronald L. Carter, PhD, provost of Loma Linda University, said “We appreciate the dedication of each and every one of our more than 3,200 employees. Visitors, particularly the many accreditation teams that visit our campus, remark on the palpable sense of unity – a family of faculty, staff, and students who are glued together by whole person care, academic excellence, and service to the world. We are small enough to know each other, and large enough to impact our community – both regionally and globally.”

Last year, U.N.C provided backpacks and school supplies to 400 students and introduced each of them to S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) learning and careers, through engaging activities and workshops. Because of last years’ event success, demand has increased and U.N.C is committed to turning no child away. San Bernardino youth are often overlooked, U.N.C is dedicated to standing in that gap. Their goal is to serve 1,000 students with much-needed tools to support their confidence and success into the school year.

Participants of this year’s Extravaganza will engage with S.T.E.A.M experts and volunteers through various workshops including Crypto math, Builders Space, Chemical Composition, and Science Experiments. This free community event will inspire youth and give them hands-on exposure to careers within S.T.E.A.M fields.

“We are so excited to be able to expand our capacity to help the many families in need, while also planting seeds into the youths’ future,” explains founder La’Nae Norwood. “The event could not be as impactful without the support of the community, the U.N.C Team, our partners, and volunteers.”

She continues, “I am overjoyed by the amount of support exhibited and how far resources go when we are united. When nonprofits work together with local government, elected officials, organizations, businesses and the community, the possibilities for improvement are endless. That is one of the most responsive and ideal forms of unity.”

United Nations of Consciousness welcomes community members and partners to support San Bernardino youth in this event. Any size monetary donations, backpacks, and school supplies such as pencils/pens, paper, colored pencils, crayons, erasers, glue sticks and folders are welcomed to help make this event a success. All contributions are tax-deductible. If you would like to donate, volunteer, or be a vendor please email info@unclife.org or call U.N.C office at (909) 575-8862, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more details or to RSVP, please visit www.unclfie.org.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — U-Haul Company of California is pleased to announce that Rancho Car Wash & Lube has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Rancho Cucamonga community.

Rancho Car Wash & Lube at 10075 Arrow Route will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, support rental items and in-store pick-up for boxes.

Hours of operation for U-Haul rentals are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. After-hours drop-off is available for customer convenience.

Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling (909) 532-8729 or visiting www.uhaul.com.

Rancho Car Wash & Lube owner Victor Kieth is proud to team with the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage to better meet the demands of San Bernardino County.

U-Haul and Rancho Car Wash & Lube are striving to benefit the environment through sustainability initiatives. Truck sharing is a core U-Haul sustainability business practice that allows individuals to access a fleet of trucks that is larger than what they could access on an individual basis.

Every U-Haul truck placed in a community helps keep 19 personally owned large-capacity vehicles, pickups, SUVs and vans off the road. Fewer vehicles means less traffic congestion, less pollution, less fuel burned and cleaner air.

Rancho Car Wash & Lube is a great place to become U-Haul Famous®. Take your picture in front of a U-Haul product, send it in and your face could land on the side of a U-Haul truck. Upload your photo through Instagram using #uhaulfamous, or go to www.uhaulfamous.com to submit photos and learn more.

MORENO VALLEY, CA- Construction of a new culvert on Pigeon Pass Road is proceeding on schedule. The project is part of continuing development of the Meadow Creek Community. Pigeon Pass remains closed to traffic from Old Lake Road to Meadow Lark Avenue.

Pigeon Pass is scheduled to be partially reopened August 8, a day before school resumes.

Construction was scheduled to coincide with the school district’s summer break to limit the closure’s impact on neighboring school traffic. Homebuilder Lennar has worked closely with area residents to inform them of the construction schedule as well as alternate routes.

Roadway improvements will include completing the East side of Pigeon Pass Road along the Meadow Creek Community.

The City appreciates your patience.  If you have any questions or comments regarding this project, please contact the City of Moreno Valley Land Development Division at (951) 413-3120.

MORENO VALLEY, CA- Thousands of Moreno Valley residents came together to celebrate the Fourth of July at the City’s parade and Family Fun Fest.

Crowds lined Frederick Street to cheer on a variety of musical ensembles, community groups, floats, Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez, members of the City Council and other local dignitaries as they made their way down the parade route.

Live bands So Rad, Latin Fusion, and MVP provided the entertainment at Family Fun Fest while attendees browsed the vendor and food offerings. 

Bounce houses and a petting zoo in the KidZone kept children busy until the Fireworks Spectacular lit up the sky with an impressive firework display. Radio Station KOLA 99.9 played patriotic music synched to the fireworks show.

The City’s Fourth of July events were generously sponsored by Skechers, Waste Management, Les Schwab Tire Center, Duke Realty and The Sares-Regis Group.  

San Gorgonio High Girls’ Softball Team (Photo courtesy of SBCUSD)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino High School is offering $10 sports physicals to any middle or high school student on Friday, July 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education policy requires all students participating in organized, competitive sports to undergo a medical examination, also known as a sports physical.

The $10 sports physicals are available to all high school and middle school students, regardless of their health-insurance status or family income levels. A parent or guardian signature is required for students to be examined. Cash payments must be made at the time of the physical exam.

San Bernardino High School is located at 1850 North E Street, south of Highland Avenue in San Bernardino. Physicals will be held in room N-3. For more information about the low-cost sports physicals, call Jamie Rios, bilingual school outreach worker, at (909) 881-8217.