Local

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.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—The City of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department in partnership with the Angel City Football Club and the non-profit Football for Her will be hosting free soccer clinics on October 5th and 12th for girls between the ages of 7 and 18 of all skill levels.

“Our girls will have the unique opportunity to train with the best and grow as both athletes and individuals,” said San Bernardino Parks and Recreation, and Community Services Director Lydie Gutfeld. “Space at these clinics will fill up fast so we are asking people to sign up as soon as possible to ensure they have a spot.”

The clinics will include high quality training from trained coaches and former professional players along with mentorship and mental health sessions to build confidence, positive thinking, and personal empowerment.

Participants can register online at www.sbcity.org/classes. Click on the “Activities” bar and type “soccer clinic” into the search box.

There will be both a morning and evening clinic on October 5th and 12th. No gear is needed. However, participants should wear comfortable workout clothes and shoes to run in (no open toed shoes).

The times and locations are as follows:

The Angel City Football Club is a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team that began play in 2022. Based in Los Angeles, a controlling interest in the team was recently purchased by Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife Willow Bay, making the team the most valuable women’s sports team in the world. Current board members include actress Natalie Portman and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.

Football for Her is a Los Angeles based non-profit organization dedicated to providing free soccer training and mentorship to girls and non-binary youth. Their programs are facilitated by high level female coaches who are committed to fostering growth both on and off the field.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media Partners

For decades, Medi-Cal has played a vital role in California’s healthcare infrastructure. Today, it provides health coverage to more than 15 million people, representing about 40 percent of the state’s population.

This includes 1.6 million people dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal.

Medi-Cal, California’s version of the federal program Medicaid, has piloted a program in several counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Sacramento, and Tulare, that presents an option for Californians who qualify for both Medi-Cal and Medicare. By 2026, the Department of Health Services aims to make the program available to eligible individuals in all counties.

Transforming Medi-Cal: A Vision for Better Health Care

Medi-Cal transformation focuses on improving health care coordination, integration, quality, equity, and accessibility.

A key component of this broader vision to enhance healthcare access and improve health outcomes for Californians is Medi-Medi Plans, a type of Medicare Advantage plan. Medi-Medi Plans are designed to coordinate care for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal by combining their Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits into one plan.

Medicare and Medi-Cal operate separately, with different benefits and plans. This fragmented system can be confusing, hard to navigate, and may not provide person-centered services. Medi-Medi Plans are helping integrate care for members dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal.

Key Features of Medi-Medi Plans

In a Medi-Medi Plan, a member’s Medicare plan takes the lead, with Medi-Cal providing wrap-around support.

This integrated approach simplifies access to health care services, allowing qualifying individuals to receive primary care, specialty care, prescription medications, transportation assistance, and other benefits in one coordinated plan.

Features of the comprehensive range of services include:

Dedicated Care Team: Medi-Medi Plans have a dedicated team to assist members in understanding their benefits, scheduling appointments, managing chronic conditions, and accessing preventive care.

Network of Providers: Primary care, specialist services, hospitals, clinics, labs, pharmacies, and medical equipment suppliers are all included in a Medi-Medi Plan’s network, ensuring members can find quality care for various medical needs.

Mental Health Services: Medi-Medi Plans offer access to therapy and counseling. This ensures access to resources essential for stress management, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Transportation Assistance: Medi-Medi Plans provide transportation support to ensure members can make it to scheduled medical appointments.

Supplemental Benefits: Medi-Medi Plans may offer extra benefits like dental, hearing, vision, and over-the-counter benefits, in addition to what Medi-Cal covers.

Choosing the Right Plan

For example, Los Angeles County residents have several Medi-Medi Plans to choose from. Available plans include:

• Anthem Full Dual Advantage Aligned – call 833-236-2366
• ?Blue Shield Total Dual Plan – call 800-452-4413
• ?L.A. Care Medicare Plus – call 866-522-2736
• ?Molina Medicare Complete Care Plus – call 800-665-0868
• Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Medicare Medi-Cal South P1 – call 800-443-0815
• Wellcare Dual Align – call 800-431-9007

To be eligible to join a Medi-Medi Plan, you must have both Medicare Part A and B and Medi-Cal and must be 21 years of age or older.

Take Charge of Your Health

To help you find the right plan, Los Angeles County offers free support through the Center for Health Care Rights, Los Angeles County’s Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP).

To learn more about Medi-Medi Plan eligibility, available plans, and additional resources, contact the Center for Health Care Rights at (800) 434-0222. You can also call your Medi-Cal plan or 1-800-Medicare.

Throughout the month of September, Californians had hundreds of opportunities to beautify local waterways and contribute to healthier, cleaner communities as part of the 40th Annual Coastal Cleanup Month.

Caltrans partnered with the California Coastal Commission to celebrate four decades of cleaning the state’s rivers, streams and coastlines.

Coastal Cleanup Month events were designed to rid the natural environment of unsightly litter and harmful debris and educate participants to better understand their impact on community waterways, such as lakes, rivers, creeks and the ocean. Increasing awareness and changing behaviors related to waterway preservation aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1.2 billion Clean California initiative, a sweeping three-year, statewide litter reduction and beautification program.

“I encourage everyone to participate in a local clean-up event and do their part to protect our majestic coastline and precious waterways,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “Volunteerism is a powerful way to inspire eco-friendly habits in others and establish a legacy of environmental conservation in communities throughout the state.”

Litter, pet waste and other refuse can pose significant risks and negative impacts to waterways when they aren’t disposed of properly. Even garbage discarded far from rivers and the ocean can make its way there by traveling down storm ways, underscoring the need to keep these valuable natural resources free of pollutants.

Trash accumulates during the drier months when Californians travel, recreate and spend more time outdoors. The first heavy rains of the season often wash untreated waste and debris into waterways and the ocean. Coastal Cleanup Month aimed to generate urgent community action before the winter season to mitigate potential impacts of these contaminants.

“The support by Californians for our coast these past decades has been incredible,” said Coastal Commission Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge. “It’s amazing that volunteers who turned out to the earliest cleanups are now bringing their children or even their grandchildren out to participate. It’s a testament to the strength of the cleanup movement that it has thrived for so long. We can see the impact year-round.”

Following are some of the largest Caltrans co-sponsored cleanup events that took place across the state on Saturday, Sept. 21:

• Inland Empire Waterkeeper’s River Cleanup, Martha McLean Park, 5759 Jurupa Ave, Riverside, 92504
• Orange County Coastkeeper’s California Coastal Cleanup Day, Huntington State Beach, Tower 8. 21601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, 92646
• San Diego Coastkeeper’s Cleanup, Liberty Station NTC Park, 2455 Cushing Road, San Diego, 92106
• Refuse Refuse San Francisco’s Cleanup, Ocean Beach, 800 Great Hwy, San Francisco, 94121
• River City Waterway Alliance’s Coastal Cleanup Day 2024, Tower Bridge Promenade, 1450 Front St., Sacramento, 95814

About Clean California and the Caltrans Stormwater Public Education Campaign:

Both programs are administered by Caltrans. Clean California is Governor Newsom’s sweeping, $1.2 billion, multiyear cleanup effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and join with communities throughout the state to reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces. The Caltrans Stormwater Public Education Campaign complements this endeavor by working to increase understanding of the sources and pathways of stormwater pollution across California.

Since launching Clean California in July 2021, Caltrans and its local partners have picked up more than 2.6 million cubic yards of litter—enough to cover nine lanes of Interstate 5 from San Diego to the Canadian border. Caltrans has hosted more than 500 free dump days in communities throughout the state—resulting in the collection of more than 12,000-plus mattresses and 50,000 tires. For more information, visit CleanCA.com and CleanWaterCA.com.

About the California Coastal Commission:

The California Coastal Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentally sustainable development, strong public participation, education, and effective intergovernmental coordination. The Coastal Cleanup Day Program is part of its effort to raise public awareness of marine and coastal resources and promote coastal stewardship. For more information, visit Coastal.CA.gov

CHINO, CA— – Ware Malcomb, an award-winning international design firm, today announced that construction is complete on a new two-story administration building for the Chino Valley Unified School District. Ware Malcomb provided architecture, interior architecture and design, and branding services for the 60,000 square foot build-to-suit project located at 13461 Romona Ave. in Chino, CA.

“The new facility will serve as a larger and much more updated administrative headquarters for the district,” said Tom Myers, Principal, Ware Malcomb.

Ware Malcomb’s interior architecture and design team focused on classic aesthetics that complement the school’s colors while introducing pops of color, neutral colors, and accent paints. The building’s ground floor design incorporates public-facing uses, including a secure lobby, a board meeting room with dais seating, training rooms, conference rooms, an IT and server room, a coffee bar and break rooms.

“This new headquarters aligns with the district’s goals of continued growth and supporting the students and local community,” said Analisa Olson, Director, Interior Architecture & Design for Ware Malcomb.

The ground floor also includes a test kitchen for the district’s Nutrition Services department to develop new recipes to serve in its school locations, with district employees serving as test subjects. The building’s upper level accommodates office space and facilities for the district’s business services, student support services, attendance, special education, curriculum, technology, communications, facilities, human resources, and other departments.

Ware Malcomb’s in-house branding services included planning, design and coordination of the exterior building and ground-mounted identity signage, entry and interior lobby branding, as well as office, room and workstation identification. Site design and development for the concrete tilt-up office building included an amenity patio, generator system for emergency backup power and separation of public and employee parking.

General contracting services for the project were provided by Xebec Building Company. Chino Valley Unified School District partnered with Xebec Building Company to develop the project on district-owned land. Xebec is a commercial real estate design & build construction firm based in Seal Beach, CA.

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sierra Garcia, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

NORFOLK, VA. – Seaman Isabella Candelaria, a native of Ontario, California, serves aboard USS New Jersey, the U.S. Navy’s newest fast-attack submarine homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.

Candelaria attended Ontario High School and graduated in 2023.The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ontario.

“I learned from my parents, Brenda and Clarence Candelaria, and family in general the importance of working hard,” said Candelaria.

Candelaria joined the Navy one year ago and today serves as a sonar technician (submarines).

“I joined the Navy because it felt like there were good benefits and the opportunity to do something different.,” said Candelaria. “I also wanted to be the first in my family to join.”

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.

Candelaria 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.”

Candelaria has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment was finally finishing ‘A’ School and sub school,” said Candelaria. “I am also proud of completing my first underway on a submarine, which was two and half weeks.”

Candelaria can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means I get to do something that most people don’t do,” said Candelaria. “Being on a submarine is something not many people get to do so I think that’s cool.”

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

“I’d like to thank my family for always being there for me when I needed them and everyone else that I’ve met, including Angelica Ramos and Jan Gomez,” added Candelaria. “They endured ‘A’ School with me and supported me in a way that I needed, especially being out here alone.”

FONTANA, CA— Michelle Riggs, director of institutional advancement at Crafton Hills College (CHC), was appointed in June to the Network of California Community College Foundations (NCCCF) board of directors for a three-year term.

The NCCCF’s mission is to advance and increase philanthropy to California’s community colleges. Community colleges receive less state funding per student than all other types of California public schools and the NCCCF’s efforts hope to bridge the gap.

“I am honored to join the NCCCF board of directors and contribute to the vital work of advancing philanthropy for California’s community colleges,” said Riggs. “I see firsthand the transformative impact that financial support can have on our students’ lives. I look forward to collaborating with my peers across the state to help bridge the funding gap and ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

In her current role at CHC, Riggs oversees the college’s fundraising efforts, alumni relations and community engagement initiatives. With a deep commitment to student success, she has been instrumental in securing financial support to enhance educational opportunities at the college.

NCCCF represents 56 foundations supporting community colleges or districts throughout California. There are 116 California community colleges serving 1.8 million students collectively. To strengthen philanthropy in California’s community colleges, the NCCCF provides members with professional development, peer support, access to resources, and collaborative opportunities.

For more information about NCCCF, visit https://ncccfweb.org/Home.aspx.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Nearly 500 Parkside Elementary School students received a special surprise on August 27, just as the new school year is getting underway. Thanks to a generous donation from Toyota of San Bernardino, every Parkside student received a brand-new backpack filled with essential school supplies. This thoughtful gift ensures that students are well-prepared and excited to kick off the academic year.

The surprise donation was met with smiles and excitement throughout the school, but perhaps no one was more appreciative than sixth-grader Henry Sanchez, 12. Henry, a standout student and natural leader in his class, expressed his gratitude for the new backpack, which he says will help him stay organized and focused during the school year.

“I lose my pencils all the time and having everything I need to succeed in one place really makes a difference,” Henry said as he checked out his new school supplies. “It feels great to know that our community cares about us and wants us to do well in school.”

Toyota of San Bernardino has a long history of supporting local education initiatives, and this donation is just the latest example of their commitment to the San Bernardino community.

“By providing students with the tools they need to thrive, we are helping to set the stage for a successful school year for every child at Parkside Elementary,” said the San Bernardino dealership’s General Manager, Eli Rivera. “I see myself in the faces of these students, and that’s why I want them to succeed.”

Parkside Principal Dr. Khaleelah Lewis-Wilkins expressed her heartfelt thanks to Toyota of San Bernardino, noting the positive impact this contribution will have on her students.

“Our students are so excited to receive these backpacks and supplies,” she said. “This generous donation will make a tremendous difference in their lives, giving them the confidence and resources they need to excel in their studies.”

The entire Parkside Elementary School community extends its gratitude to Toyota of San Bernardino for their kindness and continued support of local education. With the help of generous partners like Toyota, students like Henry Sanchez are more motivated than ever to achieve their academic goals and build a bright future.

About San Bernardino City Unified School District:

The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about SBCUSD, visit www.sbcusd.com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.