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SAN BERNARDINO, CA—” I’m very happy to have been promoted to being an instructor by the Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health program,” says Yamileth Monarrez, “because the courses address issues that I’ve personally experienced and now I feel I can do something to make things better.”

The Making Hope Happen Foundation’s Inland Empire Men’s Mental program offers free classes that educate people on how to recognize signs of mental distress in people they know and love and teaches them how to get friends and family members to be willing to talk about what’s going on.

Program manager Gerzon Ceseña says, “Men—especially minority men—tend to be very reluctant to talk about problems they’re having. Instead, they often shut themselves off, which can make things worse. Our program is all about getting rid of the idea that real men don’t need help and instead, that real friends can help friends when things are tough.”

“Promoting Ms. Monarrez to our training staff allows us to accommodate more students for our suicide prevention and mental health first aid classes,” says Ceseña.

Yamileth Monarrez is a senior at UC Riverside and will be graduating in December. She spent a semester abroad at London South Bank University, taking a variety of courses, and psychology is an area she has been interested in for some time. The exposure to a different culture broadened her horizons while at the same time, showed how people everywhere often need to deal with the same problems.

Monarrez says, “At UCR I’ve served as a mentor to freshmen. I really enjoy helping people and I wanted to work for IE Men’s Mental Health because the program emphasizes the need to de-stigmatize mental health issues so that people can get the help they need.”

For more information or to sign up for a course, visit. https://www.mhhfmentalhealth.org/dult.htm or call (909) 347-7234. Class schedules are updated monthly.

About Making Hope Happen Foundation

Making Hope Happen is a nonprofit foundation linked with the San Bernardino City Unified School District. The nonprofit is based on the philosophy of Gallop Senior Scientist Dr. Shane J. Lopez. Hope allows people to envision a better future, design a path toward that future, and take purposeful steps toward it.  As a result of a deep commitment to this quest, the San Bernardino Community and School Alliance (CASA was reorganized and renamed the Making Hope Happen Foundation).

The Foundation’s Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health program offers free mental health training for people who would like to be able to help friends or family members that would like to learn effective ways to approach friends or family members who seem to he has emotional or mental health problems but aren’t sure about what to say or do.

For more information on The IE Men’s Mental Health Program, go to the group’s web page at IEMensMentalHealth.org or call (909) 347-7234.

SOUTH CHINA SEA—- Ensign Keith Masnec, from Chino Hills, Calif., shoots a bearing through the sextant on the bridge wing of Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) during a replenishment-at-sea with Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO-202). Chancellorsville is forward-deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 70, a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of its allies and partners in the region.

RIVERSIDE, CA—- Riverside Community Health Foundation is proud to announce the in-person return of Riverside’s 11th annual Pink on Parade breast cancer awareness walk on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Ryan Bonaminio Park located at 5000 Tequesquite Ave, Riverside, CA 92506) from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pink on Parade brings Inland Empire residents together to celebrate, honor and bring awareness to those impacted by breast cancer. Participants are welcome to walk either the 5k Mt. Rubidoux route or 1.8k Family Fun route around Ryan Bonaminio Park.

Registration for the walk is now open. The first 100 registrants will receive a free 2022 Pink on Parade t-shirt, which was inspired by Pink on Parade’s 2021 virtual art contest winner D. Alexander.

Food, drinks, and merchandise will be available for purchase at the event.

Virtual participation is also available from the comfort of your home. No matter where you are located, all are welcome to join the virtual Art on Parade contest by creating any art piece inspired by breast cancer awareness in any medium. Contest submissions will be accepted beginning on September 18. 

A special survivor ceremony will be held during the event to celebrate and honor the journey of breast cancer survivors. A VIP area will also be dedicated to survivors filled with relaxation, community, and gratitude. The first 100 survivors who register for Pink on Parade by October 3 will receive a free t-shirt.

A new element of fun will be added to this year’s event— the Pink on Parade Classic Car Show. This is a classic car show guaranteed to take you down memory lane! People from all over the Inland Empire and surrounding areas will bring their classic cars from 1940s – 1970s. The Pink on Parade Classic Car Show will feature both import and domestic classic cars. All makes and models are welcome to join! Friendly competition will be underway, and Car Show participants can win in the following categories:

• Best Domestic Classic
• Best Import Classic
• Best Overall

With only 60 spots available, car enthusiasts are encouraged to register for the show starting August 15.

Join us as we kick off the Pink on Parade season at our virtual and in-person Team Captain Kick-Off events where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the event, The Pink Ribbon Place, and tips on how to get your team started! Rallying a team means helping a mother, daughter, sister, or even neighbor receive vital support.

Virtual Team Captain Kick-Off
August 2  |  12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMod-mpqTwpG9H5_U1lI77RGs_HU4ABWUAK

In-Person Team Captain Kick-Off and Happy Hour
August 23  |  6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Escape Craft Brewery: Downtown
Oasis 440 Oriental Ave, Redlands, CA 92374
Registration Link: https://rchf.salsalabs.org/2022PinkonParadeInPersonTCKOEscapeOasis/index.html

Each year, Pink on Parade raises awareness and funds to support the programs and services of Riverside Community Health Foundation’s cancer resource center – The Pink Ribbon Place. The Center offers hope to individuals and families impacted by cancer through a variety of resources, such as counseling, support groups, wigs, and nutrition classes.

Pink on Parade is proudly sponsored by Altura Credit Union, and supported by Riverside Community Health Foundation’s Corporate Sponsors: Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), Loma Linda University Health (LLUH), Molina Healthcare, Pacific Premier Bank, Riverside University Health System.

For more information or to register for Pink on Parade, visit pinkonparade.org.

Helpful Registration Links/Dates

• Art on Parade Contest Submissions Begin September 18
• Classic Car Show Registration Opens August 15
• Registration for Pink on Parade: www.pinkonparade.org
• Registration for VIRTUAL Team Captain Kick-Off: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMod-mpqTwpG9H5_U1lI77RGs_HU4ABWUAK?utm
• Registration for IN-PERSON Team Captain Kick-Off: https://rchf.salsalabs.org/2022PinkonParadeInPersonTCKOEscapeOasis/index.html

Congratulations to the 59 deputies, first responders and community members who were honored during last week’s Sheriff’s Exceptional Service Awards Ceremony!

Throughout the past year, these individuals displayed extraordinary acts of bravery. Stories included saving families from burning buildings, public outreach to help those in need, and the incredible efforts to save local Sheriff’s Deputies Dustin Whitson and Carlos Velasco.

Thanks to all the awardees for your willingness to help others in a time of need. You are all heroes!

YUCAIPA, CA — When Maria Cristina Valencia tried to convince her son Alder to stay in school, she never anticipated the question he would then ask her:

How could she insist he continued his studies when she did not have a high school diploma herself?

That moment in 2014 sparked the beginning of Valencia’s return to school. The now 50-year-old realized her son was right.

“So, I enrolled at (Yucaipa) Adult School and got my high school diploma,” explained the Yucaipa resident.

But she was not done yet. With encouragement from her family and the Yucaipa Adult School (YAS), Maria enrolled in her first class at Crafton Hills College (CHC) in the summer of 2019 to continue her studies.

In May 2022, Valencia graduated from CHC with an Associate in Arts in Spanish. Alder graduated alongside his mother in May with his Associate in Arts in Business Administration. Together, they will attend California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB). Valencia said she plans on pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood development. She said her primary motivation continues to be her children.

“It was a family goal,” she continued. “(Alder) was the one who inspired me. He was the one who kicked my butt.”

Valencia migrated to the United States after leaving El Salvador during its civil war. She worked while raising her two sons, who are now in their 20s, and added school to her already busy schedule to prove that she could do it.

“Maria was one of my hardest working students,” said Marcia Stewart, a YAS teacher. “She completed her schoolwork every week, even as she was working two to three jobs, and has always inspired me and other students with her great work ethic.”

“Maria is the embodiment of perseverance and determination,” Stewart continued. “She is an incredible woman, and I am so honored I got to witness part of her journey.”

Her children also took notice.

Valencia said she knows she still has plenty of work ahead, but she is ready to face her challenges head-on.

“Before starting (my public speaking class), I was in a bit of a panic that I couldn’t speak in front of someone because of my English,” she explained. “But everybody, every single person encouraged me not to be afraid and to not be afraid of my accent.”

Valencia’s most significant piece of advice for students following in her footsteps: persist.

“Never give up, because right now, there’s a lot of help out there. But if you don’t ask, you will never get that help,” she said. “I never thought I could graduate from Crafton, but otherwise, I would just be sitting down doing nothing.”

Each year, Crafton and YAS partner to help students pursue higher education. Last semester, Roadrunner officials worked closely with 22 YAS adult learners by providing them with the necessary resources to make their educational goals a reality. Eight YAS learners are currently enrolled in either Crafton’s summer or fall semester credit courses, while two YAS students are participating in the site’s Adult Summer Bridge Program.

To learn more about the program or Crafton Hills College, go to craftonhills.edu.

To access a PDF of the press release, and to download Maria Cristina Valencia’s photo, click here.

If you’ve ever received care at one of the County’s Health Centers such as immunizations, health screenings, physical check-ups or pediatric care for your children you’ll be pleased to know that the county’s health centers passed a thorough federal audit by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

San Bernardino County has four Federally Qualified Health Centers located in San Bernardino, Ontario, Hesperia and Adelanto.

The County’s Federally Qualified Health Centers and the Community Health Center’s Governing Board completed their audit the week of April 11, 2022, after a three-month notice was given to the centers to prepare for an audit. The audit is based on over 90 areas of review.

Federally Qualified Health Centers are community-based health care providers that receive funds from the HRSA Health Center Program to provide primary care services in underserved areas. The centers must meet a stringent set of requirements to maintain funding, including providing care on a sliding-fee scale based on ability to pay and operating under a governing board that includes patients. If the requirements are not met, the health centers could potentially lose this financial support and the ability to continue to provide primary care services to the community.

“We are incredibly grateful to Josh Dugas, director of Public Health, Jennifer Osorio, assistant director, the County’s Administrative Office and the Board of Supervisors for their unwavering support,” said Melanie Bird-Livingston, chief of Clinical Health and Prevention Services. “The staff of our health centers remained committed to serving the residents of San Bernardino County, despite the challenges of a pandemic.”

To learn more about San Bernardino County’s health centers and the clinic services available, visit  wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/programs/clinics or call (800) 722-4777.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The officer-involved shooting of 23-year-old Rob Marquise Adams in San Bernardino on July 16 has put the spotlight on a law that requires state prosecutors in California to investigate such incidents.

Authored by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Secretary of the California Legislative Black Caucus, Assembly Bill (AB) 1506 requires the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate “incidents of an officer-involved shooting resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian.”

While an investigation would appear to be warranted in the Adams shooting case, DOJ stated in a July 22 email to California Black Media (CBM), “We’re aware of the incident. However, our office is not currently involved under AB 1506. At this point, local authorities are best-positioned to comment on the matter.”

That’s because the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) is claiming Adams had a gun, so an unarmed civilian was not involved.

Adams was shot multiple times in the back while running away from SBPD officers. The officers arrived in an unmarked sedan after receiving information that a Black man armed with a handgun was in the parking lot of a business known to house an illegal gambling operation.

Adams ran toward two parked vehicles with the gun in his right hand, according to a video statement SBPD Chief, Darren Goodman posted on the department’s website. “The cops briefly chased Adams, “but seeing” that Adams had no outlet, “they believed he intended to use the vehicles as cover to shoot at them,” Goodman said, describing his understanding of the events that preceded the shooting.

While SBPD says that Adams had a gun in his hand as he ran from the officers, the attorneys for the Adams family, Bradley C. Gage, and civil rights lawyer Ben Crump say he was holding his cell phone.

Gage said, “There are millions of Black men so any one of them could be a suspect. When you’re holding a cell phone it could look like a gun especially when you think it’s one.”

“They needed it to be a gun because God help them if they shot an unarmed man running away,” Crump said of the officers who shot Adams.

Adams’ mother, Tamika Deavila-King, said the shooting was not necessary and the officers’ version is untrue. “I’ll say it again, it was not a gun. I have proof on my phone the exact time that they killed my son that I was on the phone with him.”

As of July 1, 2021, it’s been DOJ’s responsibility to investigate officer-involved shootings that result in the death of an unarmed civilian. A published public report on each investigation must be released, pursuant to AB 1506.

DOJ states on its website that “when an officer-involved shooting occurs, transparent and open communication is critical to maintain public trust.”

Currently, Attorney General Rob Bonta and DOJ have 21 officer-involved shootings under investigation in jurisdictions such as Anaheim, Salinas, Fontana, Adelanto, San Francisco, Fresno, Bakersfield, and Los Angeles and Riverside counties.

More than 42 law enforcement officers are being investigated and their cases are under review for potential criminal liability, according to the DOJ.

The DOJ recently opened up an investigation of a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy who shot and killed an unarmed man in Adelanto on June 21 following a vehicle stop.

DOJ said in a written statement. “Following notification by local authorities, the California Department of Justice’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team for Southern California deployed to the scene of the incident. Alongside other law enforcement partners, the California Department of Justice is investigating.”

What concerns the Adams family, according to their attorneys, is from what they viewed in the video shared widely on social media, is that Adams appeared unaware that police officers were in the unmarked car. Adams could have believed that he was about to be robbed or attacked.

The officers’ version of the events declares that when they exited their vehicle, they gave Adams verbal commands before opening fire. He immediately ran toward “two parked vehicles with the gun in his right hand,” Goodman said.

The gun the police recovered at the scene of the shooting, was a black 9mm Taurus G3C with a round in the chamber, and 10 rounds in the magazine

Goodman said SBPD is conducting an administrative investigation to ensure department policies and procedures were followed. He also stated that the SB County District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene and is conducting a parallel investigation, which is ongoing.

“Our goal is to be transparent with the community and share as much information as possible when critical incidents occur,” Goodman said. “It is unfortunate that our efforts to keep the community safe through proactive police work occasionally results in encounters with armed felons. Our officers face this danger daily in an effort to help make our community safer.”

Goodman asks the public and the media to allow his department to complete its investigation and gather all the facts. Adams family lawyers say they will file a lawsuit on behalf of the Adams family.

“Make no mistake about it, this is not the first time that we’ve seen them unjustly kill a young Black person. They shoot first and ask questions later,” Crump said. “And then after they assassinate our bodies…they then assassinate our character. They’re going to say all kinds of lies and innuendos to say, ‘Hold on, Rob wasn’t worth it.’ Well, we want you to know that Rob’s life mattered.”

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Sorensen, Navy Office of Community Outreach

PEARL HARBOR – A 2018 San Gorgonio High School graduate and San Bernardino, California, native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).

Petty Officer 3rd Class Javier Reyes is a mass communication specialist aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.

A Navy mass communication specialist is a public affairs and visual information expert. They present the U.S. Navy story to audiences in the Navy and to the rest of the world through a variety of media.

Aircraft carriers provide unique capabilities and survivability. They are a powerful exhibition of the American Navy’s legacy of innovation, technological evolution, and maritime dominance, according to Navy officials.

Since USS Langley’s commissioning 100 years ago, the nation’s aircraft carriers, such as USS Abraham Lincoln, and embarked carrier air wings have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.

“The aircraft carrier is our U.S. Navy’s centerpiece, our flagship, and a constant reminder to the rest of the world of our enduring maritime presence and influence,” said Rear Adm. James P. Downey, USN, Program Executive Officer (PEO) Aircraft Carriers. “These ships touch every part of our Navy’s mission to project power, ensure sea control, and deter our adversaries.”

Today, Reyes uses skills and values similar to those learned in San Bernardino.

“From family life, I learned to work hard no matter how unlikable the job may be,” said Reyes.

As the world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring safety at sea and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

The theme of RIMPAC 2022 is Capable, Adaptive, Partners. The participating nations and forces exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training program includes gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as amphibious, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.

“During RIMPAC, I’d like to see all the countries interacting with each other,” said Reyes. “It shows the world how we can all work together.”

Serving in the Navy means Reyes is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy can be anywhere at any time to provide defense and humanitarian relief,” said Reyes.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.

“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”

Hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2022 will be led by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, who will serve as Combined Task Force (CTF) commander. Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Christopher Robinson will serve as deputy commander of the CTF, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Toshiyuki Hirata as the vice commander, and Fleet Marine Force will be led by U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Joseph Clearfield. Other key leaders of the multinational force will include Commodore Paul O’Grady of the Royal Australian Navy, who will command the maritime component, and Brig. Gen. Mark Goulden of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who will command the air component.

“I’ve made my parents and family proud,” said Reyes. “Being a Navy sailor gives me a sense of accomplishment.”

During RIMPAC, a network of capable, adaptive partners train and operate together in order to strengthen their collective forces and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. RIMPAC 2022 contributes to the increased interoperability, resiliency and agility needed by the Joint and Combined Force to deter and defeat aggression by major powers across all domains and levels of conflict.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Reyes and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy means I’m able to do the job the Navy has given to me, no matter how difficult the conditions can be,” added Reyes.

Additional information about RIMPAC is available at http://www.cpf.navy.mil

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino area Salvation Army Summer Meals Program is in full swing and ready to help area residents enjoy good-tasting and healthy hot meals. Because the Salvation Army’s operations are so efficient, a gift of just $1.28 is enough to provide a nutritious meal for a hungry child, homeless adult, or struggling senior.

“The Summer Meals Program at our San Bernardino Hospitality House served 5,000 to 7,000 meals per month last year, and we expect that because of inflation and a slowing economy, we will be serving more this year”, says San Bernardino Corps Major Isaias Braga.

As one retired healthcare worker put it, “All the food here is excellent and balanced. I feel much better, more energetic, and healthier. A million thank-yous!”

Because of the current COVID situation, sit-down meals are served only to Hospitality House residents, located at 925 West Tenth Street in San Bernardino. Nonetheless, to-go hot meals in boxes are being distributed to community members in need at that location. Community meals are served from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. six days per week, Sunday through Friday, and closed Saturday.

In addition to the to-go hot meals offered at the Hospitality House, the Salvation Army also distributes non-perishable food items and fresh meat through a community food distribution program on the first, second and third Thursdays of each month from 9:00 to 11:30 am.

On the first Thursday, this takes place at the Redlands Corps facility, 838 Alta St., Redlands, 92374; on the second and third Thursdays, at the San Bernardino Corps warehouse facility at the San Bernardino Airport, 295 North Leland Norton Way, San Bernardino, 92408.

To find out more about the Salvation Army’s Summer Meals Program and other Salvation Army programs, visit their website at https://sanbernardino.salvationarmy.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The British may have invented the “afternoon tea”, but on Saturday, August 6, the Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School will host a much more diverse variation on this old English tradition, with the American Girl Doll collection, thanks to the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.

The tea starts at 12 p.m. at Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School, 1250 W. 14th Street, San Bernardino. Refreshments and an educational program will be delivered by the University of California’s local Master Gardner/Master Preserver program.

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, youngsters will indulge in tea and snacks being served by dutiful adults who stand ready to ensure that the children have a delightful time. The annual event attracts children and their parents from the Greater San Bernardino Area.

“American Girl dolls represent the cultures of San Bernardino. Each one is unique, and the variety always finds favor with attendees—both kids and adults,” said Cheryl Brown, San Bernardino City Library Foundation Board member.

Brown adds, “The library’s American Girl Doll collection reflects the ethnic diversity of our community and youngsters can check out dolls that look like them. They can even customize them using the accessories that come with each doll.”

All year round, children can check out an American Girl Doll kit, at San Bernardino City Library’s that includes one of several ethnically diverse dolls, a carrying case, accessories, a book about the doll, and a journal.

The program provides an engaging learning experience that provides a glimpse into different time periods in American history through each doll’s story and a chance for children to write about their own adventures.

The doll collection and the annual tea are both made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino that take delight in giving children entertaining educational experiences.

San Bernardino City Library Foundation partners include Edison International, the Inland Empire Community Foundation, the Irvine Foundation, the San Gorgonio Girl Scouts, and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

“We had to suspend our in-person tea event during the Covid pandemic, but now that things have calmed down, we are eager to again welcome the public to our version of ‘afternoon tea’,” says Foundation President Arlington Rodgers.

A reservation is required to attend. To make your reservation call (909) 381-8211, by August 3, 2022, and leave your contact information and how many reservations. If you miss the deadline, you are encouraged to still attempt to reserve, and if there is space available, you can be added. The final deadline is Friday. August 5th Participants are requested to call as early as they can.