Happily Divorced And After

Brotherhood Crusade’s Christmas in the Neighborhood Served Over 1000 Los Angeles Families

Brotherhood Crusade celebrated its 20th Annual Christmas in the Neighborhood, Saturday, December 11th, at the parking lot of the local Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper.

Stacy Hill Williams, Executive Vice President, Brotherhood Crusade said ,”Brotherhood Crusade enjoys bringing this annual holiday event to the community. It creates considerable joy for our neighbors at a time of year when many people feel forgotten. We thank our partners for making it possible to show support for our community and bring this much needed holiday cheer for so many at risk families.”

Families enjoyed free holiday gift baskets, including gift cards, toys, food and clothes. The socially-distanced Drive Thru & Go event, required that all guests wear masks and remain in cars for safe distribution. More than 1000 families were served during the event. Partners for the event included:

Los Angeles Sentinel

AHF

LA Food Bank

Blue Shield of California

Chris Paul Family Foundation

SEIU 2015

SoCalGas

AIM (Acts Inspired by Mookie)

Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation

PepsiCo

City of Los Angeles

Council District 10

Marqueece Harris-Dawson

Council District 8

The Hutt Group

Blackline

The Smidt Foundation

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

Charisse Bremond Weaver, President and CEO , Brotherhood Crusade said, “Thank you to our partners whose generosity continues to make it possible for us to make a significant impact in bringing relief to underserved families. This service helps provide security and stability to many at risk-families, when assistance is most critical.”

“It is so special to kick off the holiday season by distributing toys and meals alongside such a prominent organization as the Brotherhood Crusade. It was my pleasure to support this heartwarming event along with my SoCalGas colleagues. We are a proud partner in the communities where we live and work.” – Cedric Williams, chief safety officer for SoCalGas.

To learn more about Brotherhood Crusade or to make a contribution to its programs and services, please visit us online at brotherhoodcrusade.org or call 323-846-1649.

Holiday Toy Drives and Giveaways

Below is a list of different organizations that are doing toy and gift drives this season.

  • Christmas Toy Giveaway: Now until December 9 to December 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lourdee’s Dentistry located at 16701 Valley Blvd in Fontana. Lourdes’s Dentistry is giving away Christmas toys to all children who come in for their end of the year dental checkup and cleaning! Don’t Miss Out! we will also be providing pictures with Santa Claus this year! Call them today at Call us today! (909)356-4490
  • CAPSBC Presents Santa’s Workshop Toy Giveaway: Saturday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in San Bernardino at Community Action Partnership’s headquarters. To participate you must be a resident of San Bernardino County and Pre-Registration is required. Register at ly/capsbcsantasworkshop.
  • 4th Annual Christmas Toy Drive Fosters Unity in the Community: Saturday, September 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at North Recreation Center located at 1554 Art Townsend Drive in San Bernardino. This year, SMD aims to gift at least 5,000 toys. There will also be information to connect families with essential resources. Families can find out how to register children for the toy drive by following SMD on Facebook @sistasmd2020 and Instagram @sistasmd. Walk-ups are also welcome.
  • Winter Wonderland by Shiekh Shoes and Young Visionaries: Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shiekh Shoes Headquarters located at 1777 S. Vintage Avenue in Ontario. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-winter-wonderland-tickets-212722076457.
  • Project Bon Christmas Event: Saturday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Grocery Outlet located at 1145 West Renaissance Parkway in Rialto. Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/project-boon-christmas-event-tickets-210137044557.
  • Christmas Community Giveaway: Sunday, December 19 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 1945 East Riverside Avenue in Ontario. Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-community-giveaway-tickets-226485202337.
  • 2nd Annual Never Stop Grinding Impact Toy Drive: Wednesday, December 22 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Wilmer Amina High School located at 2630 North Linden Avenue in Rialto. All children must be present in the car or parent must present school IDs for any child who cannot be present. Registration is recommended but not required to attend and does not guarantee toys. Please register at eventbrite.com.
  • Music Changing Lives Christmas Eve Party: Friday, December 24 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 261 West 40th Street in San Bernardino. Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-eve-party-tickets-222047489017.

Adam Yahel Diaz Memorial Scholarship Receives Funding from Longtime Crafton Philanthropist

YUCAIPA, CA— A scholarship established in memory of late Crafton Hills College (CHC) student Adam Yahel Diaz has received funding from a longtime supporter of education and the College.

Patricia Atherton and the CHC Foundation recently entered into an agreement to accept a $20,000 gift to help fund a memorial scholarship endowment established in Diaz’s memory after his 2015 death. The scholarship was created “to recognize the accomplishments and contributions” of Diaz who was just weeks away from graduating from CHC before he was killed from injuries sustained in a car accident. He was 26.

“I feel honored that I was able to do this,” said Atherton. “I can’t think of a better cause.”

Six years after Diaz’s death, his impact is still being felt around the entire Roadrunner community by those who loved him, including Atherton who took Diaz in when he needed a place to live.

Atherton said she first met Diaz when her daughter asked if he could live with them temporarily as he looked for a job and sustainable income. Four months had passed, and Diaz was presented with an ultimatum: either find a job and pay rent or go to school full-time.

“He decided to go to school even though he thought college ‘was for rich white kids with nothing to do,’” Atherton explained. “But he said that when he walked into a classroom (at CHC), he was hooked that very first day.”

Diaz had big plans for the future. Before his death, he had been accepted into the University of California, Berkeley and aspired to earn his Ph.D. in English literature and teach at the college level, all while serving his community as a priest in the Orthodox Christian Church. He died while on his way to attend Easter service on April 7, 2015.

Atherton hopes scholarships awarded through the memorial fund will make an impact on a student’s life. When asked what Diaz’s reaction would have been knowing the fund was established in his honor, Atherton said he would have been “very, very proud.”

“When he lived with us for those few years, he became my son in every way. I just want his memory to live on forever,” Atherton said, and said that prior to his death, Diaz had finally “found his spot in the world.”

“He would have been happy to know that someone else would be getting some help along the way,” she said. “Education can change your life.”

The Foundation remains committed to raising the additional $5,000 to fully endow the fund. To make a donation or learn more about Adam’s scholarship, visit craftonhills.edu/diaz

Children’s Services Boosts Holiday Spirit for Foster Youth at Annual Event

RIVERSIDE, CA— About 150 young adults and their guests celebrated the holidays this week at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside surrounded by foster parents, friends, social workers, community members and a massive Christmas tree – a scene similar to New York City’s Rockefeller Center.

“This was an incredible event. I was able to reconnect with other foster youth and it really let me know people care,” said Katherene Daughtrey, 19, who entered foster care as a teenager and attended Tuesday’s 10th Annual Young Adult Holiday Celebration.

Children’s Services, which is part of the county’s Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), hosted the event with support from about a dozen faith-based and community partners.

The celebration provided dinner, gifts, free haircuts and holiday-themed activities for youth ages 18-21 who are transitioning from Extended Foster Care to independent living. Approximately 365 young adults in Riverside County are in Extended Foster Care.

Daughtrey graduated with honors from Coachella Valley Adult School in 2020 and was the class valedictorian. Today, she lives on her own while also receiving benefits through the Extended Foster Care program which is helping her afford to attend College of the Desert, where she’s studying culinary arts and business.

Many of the young adults attending the event, including Daughtrey, have limited or no family connections – making the holidays difficult – and Tuesday’s event especially important.

“We hope this event provides our young adults with love, support and joyous holiday memories that may have been missed during their childhood,” said Charity Douglas, assistant director of Children’s Services at DPSS.

“I’ve actually never had a picture with Santa until now,” said Daughtry who cuddled with her 12-month-old son Ezequiel while posing for a photo with Santa.

Last year, social workers delivered holiday gifts to young adults. Daughtrey said she’s glad the event was in-person and hopes to visit again next year.

“I really felt the sense of community and appreciate the community partners who worked so hard to make this possible,” she added.

Obituary: Henry L. Hooks

Henry is one of seven children born to Sandy and Georgia Primus Hooks in Shreveport,
Louisiana. He attended elementary school and in 1942 was inducted into the United States Army Air Force, during World War II, for three and half years. He rapidly advanced to Projectionist and a member of the general staff where he became a specialist in presenteeism. During his lectures, Henry encouraged civilians to stay on the job during this critical period of the war. All of his duty was stateside.

The highlight of Henry’s life was his marriage to the love of his life, Opal Harris, on March 3, 1944. They spent seventy-seven years together as husband and wife and best friends. Henry and Opal’s life has been a testament on how to live a Godly life.

Henry was discharged as a sergeant and became a federal employee at Norton Air Force Base (San Bernardino Army Airfield). He earned his diploma from San Bernardino High School and then attended San Bernardino Valley College majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Photography. As an entrepreneur, he participated in the real estate business while continuing to advance as a federal employee to become a Quality Control Supervisor. This necessitated extensive travel across the country to various missile sites. After eighteen years, he transferred to the Defense Contract Administrative Service in Los Angeles, California where he was involved with the missile system regarding the U. S. Endeavor to reach the moon. After thirty-seven years, Henry retired from the government, returned to his first love and became staff photographer for the Precinct Reporter.

Henry chronicled various family and social events in the Inland Empire for more than five decades. Several of his photographs have been displayed at the Norman F. Feldheym Public Library, CSU San Bernardino and the San Bernardino County Library. Henry was the first African American photographer in the Inland Empire to have his photographs published in The Sun Telegram.

Among his historic montage of favorite still images, Hooks has photographed five presidents, including John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Vice -President Al Gore, as well General Colin Powell, Sugar Ray Robinson, Larry Holmes, and George Foreman.

Henry gave his time and effort as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club. The board was required to raise funds to benefit the organization. In 1953, he was installed as Worshipful Master for Prince Hall Lodge No. 17. Henry was instrumental in securing the funds for the purchase of the property located at 8th and L Streets in San Bernardino and eventual erection of the Masonic Lodge Hall. Henry was also a member of American Legion Post #710, the NAACP, the D. A. V. and the Westside Action Group.

On Friday, November 26th, angels were sent to escort Henry to his heavenly home. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Opal; sister, Ethel Pugh of Huntsville, AL; niece and nephew, Bill and Sharon Combs; goddaughter, Carolyn Jordan-Daniels; and good friend, Robert Dixon.

“When I Look Back Over My Life…!”

By Lou Yeboah

And think about all the events in my life up unto the present time, the good as well as the bad, the bitter, and the sweet, my soul cries Abba, Father. Looking back upon those days I see now that the chief comfort of my soul was you Oh, Lord. In my time of doubt, it was Your assurance. In my time of darkness, it was Your light. In my time of confusion, it was Your instructions. Man’s opinion meant nothing to me because man could not help me. It was You and You alone Oh, God.

“I say a prayer every night, whatever I do, I’ll get it right. With no regrets, no guilt or shame, no not this time once I surrender, I won’t dare look back, cause if I do, I’ll get off track… Prepare my mind, prepare my heart for whatever comes… I feel like I’m so blessed. With You in control, I can’t go wrong. You showed me Your Grace, now my life’s renewed and I thank You, Yes, I thank You. So, I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen. I’ll testify about how good You are to me. The fact that You would show somebody so broke down, so-much-mercy, use me as You will, I’ll pay the price cause You made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s all because of You, that I even have life, and I’ll give my love, as a tribute, to how great You are…” [I’m Gonna Be Ready – Yolanda Adams].

All my days He had sought me, now I began to seek Him. He had called me, now I began to call upon Him, yet I thought He would never hear me. I had truly become the beggar. I wept till I had no more tears; prayed till I had no more words. Sought for advice and comfort but none could help me. Then one night by my bed side as I lay under the burden of my guilty conscience, He suddenly revealed Himself to my heart. I saw all my sin taken away in His blood. For the first time in my life, I knew the Lord, He was in Heaven, and I was on Earth, yet He had made Himself known to me through His cleansing power.

I tell you the Love of God is Unmerited. [Deuteronomy 7:7-8]. The Love of God is Eternal. [Jeremiah 31:3]. The Love of God is Universal. [John 3:16; 1st Timothy 2:4]. The Love of God is Unlimited. [Ephesians 2:4-5]. The Love of God is Immutable. [James 1:17] and He wants to bestow His love upon you. “Come to the feast.” The lamb is slain. The wine is poured. Forgiveness of sins, life and salvation is offered freely to you. God asks for the honor of your presence at the banquet of His love. He will compel you, lavish His gifts upon you, put the wedding suit on you, seat you at His table and feed you. Come. Come Now! “Come to the banquet, come to the feast. Eat the bread of life! Share in the singing, share in the joy. Drink the cup of love!”

“All things are ready,” Come, for the door is open wide… He waits to welcome thee; Delay not while this day is thine, tomorrow may never be. Leave every care and worldly strife; Come, feast upon the love of God, And drink everlasting life.” [Come To The Feast Lyrics & Chords By Charles H. Gabriel & William A. Ogden].

And “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” [Revelation 22:17].

Oh, When I Look Back Over My Life – My Soul Cries Abba, Father!

Forbes Names Riverside’s Charlotte Smith for This Year’s 30 Under 30 List

RIVERSIDE, CA— Forbes magazine chose Charlotte Smith, a Riverside, California native, for this year’s 30 Under 30 list for her work in media relations at Google. Smith and her colleagues appear in this month’s issue of Forbes magazine (in stores starting December 15, 2021).

Forbes unveiled its 10th annual Under 30 List for 2022 early this December, recognizing 600 disruptors across 20 different categories, who are reshaping industries and reimagining business around the world.

Smith, a 29-year-old Policy Communications Manager for Google in Washington, D.C., is included in this year’s list for her important work shaping Google’s 2020 election integrity policies and for advocating for communicators of color within Google.

Smith graduated from Harvard in 2014 with a B.A. in Government and is a proud graduate of RUSD public schools, including Riverside Poly High School, Matthew Gage Middle School, and Alcott Elementary School.

Smith started with Google five years ago and has worked in a variety of roles, including leading external media relations for Google’s education, product, infrastructure, and policy initiatives with media contacts across the country.

Smith worked for Burson-Marsteller, a global PR agency in D.C. before joining Google. Her parents, Jim and Carol Smith, live in the Riverside area, and have for more than 20 years.

Carol, Smith’s mother, is a teacher at Alcott Elementary School and her father Jim worked in local government – including for the City of Riverside – for many years.

Charlotte Smith’s Forbes profile online at: https://www.forbes.com/profile/charlotte-smith/?list=30under30-media&sh=5d0358ab66d4

SBCUSD Board of Education Honors November 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award Winners

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On November 16, 2021, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents, and staff at Arrowhead Elementary School, King Middle School, and Middle College High School (MCHS).

The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to build self-esteem and honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Guardian Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the district’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.

Arrowhead Elementary School, Principal Tina Murray:

Zayden Damu Ralph is a 4th-grader and Outstanding Student. Zayden demonstrates outstanding citizenship and academics at school. He follows directions and completes all of his assignments. He frequently participates in class discussions and is helpful to classmates and staff. Zayden plans to attend college to become an engineer so he can create tall buildings.

Lorenzo Michael Lopez is a 2nd-grader and Outstanding Student. Lorenzo is very conscientious in all he does, which is what makes him a good citizen and a good student. He completes all his assignments, helps his classmates, and is very responsible. Lorenzo wants to become a police officer because they drive cool cars with sirens and help people.

Fabian Torres is one of King Middle School’s Outstanding Students. (Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)

Outstanding Parent Award winner Lorraine Mosqueda is the mother of three Arrowhead students. Her children have great attendance, which shows how much she values education. On the first day of school, Lorraine saw a need and moved to fill it. She’s been a substitute rec. aide ever since. Now, Lorraine constantly looks for ways to support all Arrowhead students.

Educational Assistant III Kadi Francisca Regalado is the Outstanding Classified Employee. She’s a team player and maintains a positive attitude when working with staff, students, and families. Kadi works with students in small groups, assists with supervision, and interprets for parents. All of this helps ensure that the Learning Academy and the entire school are a success.

Outstanding Certificated Employee Cynthia Webb is focused on meeting the needs of all her students. Her classroom is a warm, welcoming environment that promotes fairness and high expectations for all. She sets the example for her students by always seeking ways to improve her skills. The relationships she builds with students and staff make her a trusted teacher and friend everyone can count on.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Principal Maria Jauregui:

Fabian Torres is an 8th-grader who demonstrates outstanding academics, citizenship, and leadership. He was elected ASB vice president this school year and is a committed AVID scholar who embodies the Roadrunner ideals of academic achievement, integrity, and perseverance. Fabian has a passion for helping others and wants to become an immigration lawyer.

Omari Hailee Carrington is an 8th-grader and Outstanding Student. Omari is a good citizen, student, and leader. She maintains a 3.6 GPA while also serving as Student Body president and a member of the School Site Council. Omari is also active in sports and in helping her fellow Roadrunners. She wants to attend John Hopkins University to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Brandie Foster has been an involved parent at King for more than 10 years. She’s served on the School Site Council, volunteered to support school functions, is an active PTO member, and is willing to pitch in with any task, no matter how big or small. And she does all that while raising three children, Derek, Frederick and Latona.

Outstanding Classified Employee Avelina FierrosVera takes pride in her work as a custodian. Her attention to detail means that everyone in the King family enjoys a clean and pristine campus environment. She arrives early and cleans the front of the school and parking lots so families start the school day with a clean campus. Avelina is the quiet hero of the school.

Science teacher Cesiah Rojo is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. She’s admired by her peers and loved by her scholars, in part because of her positive attitude, her solution-oriented approach to teaching, and her willingness to go above and beyond for her scholars and the school. Cesiah believes in seeing the best in everyone, and she shows us her best every day.

Middle College High School, Principal James Espinoza:

Sophomore Nishia McCain is one of three Outstanding Students from Middle College High School.(Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)

Sophomore Nishia McCain is an Outstanding Student because she is laser focused on both college and career. She’s preparing for her future, with the goal of attending UC Berkeley and majoring in Criminal Justice so she can become a civil rights attorney and eventually a judge. As long as she can remember, Nishia has been interested in fighting for the rights of others.

Senior Diana Vicencio is also an Outstanding Student. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and on her own initiative, Diana founded both a National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation chapter at MCHS. Diana plans to attend UCLA and earn a bachelor’s in micro-cell biology and a master’s in biology on her way to becoming a hospital pharmacist.

Junior Venus Fernandez is contagiously positive and supportive of others, helping them be successful academically and emotionally. Venus discovered she was interested in the mind and helping children while attending SBVC, and she wants to continue her studies at UCR to become a pediatric psychiatrist.

Judith Garcia is an Outstanding Parent. She’s been an active member of the School Site Council, Coffee with the Principal, and the WASC focus group. But what MCHS appreciates most about Judith is her kindness, humility, and willingness to share ideas for the benefit of not just her child, but all Middle College scholars, parents, and staff.

Joanna Perez is a bilingual office assistant I-health aide and Outstanding Employee. She demonstrates positive passion, teamwork, and a focus on results in whatever she does. No task is too big or too small, and she completes every assignment with excellence in mind. Everyone in our Middle College family values, respects and appreciates Joanna.

Marissa Austin is an AVID supporter of Middle College, and her principal means that in all senses of the word. She’s the AVID site lead and a senior advisor. Her positive passion and relentless dedication to success has helped MCHS achieve a yearly 100 percent A–G completion rate, graduation rate, and college acceptance rate. She also helped us become an AVID Site of Distinction.

SBCSS Brings Holiday Cheer to Youth in Transition

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) Children Deserve Success program held its annual holiday celebration event on Dec. 10. This year’s event stopped at three transitional sites in San Bernardino.

“I’m honored to be part of this amazing opportunity to spread holiday cheer to the students who need it most,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “The amazing folks with Children Deserve Success consistently deliver a holiday celebration that delights the children and helps alleviate some of the strain the holidays can cause for families experiencing challenges.”

The holiday procession included County Superintendent Ted Alejandre, SBCSS staff members dressed as Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf and members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The procession was led by a fire engine from the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Tony Moore, a motivational speaker known by his superhero persona, The Motivator, and his Warriors also accompanied SBCSS staff.

The celebration kicked off at 4:00 p.m. at the Time for Change Foundation’s Phoenix Square location. The county superintendent and SBCSS delivered approximately 40 holiday gift bags to students served by SBCSS programs. The bags contained gifts from the children’s wish lists, books, a warm coat and healthy snacks provided by community partners. Law enforcement officers also distributed restaurant gift cards to the children. The children’s mothers watched with smiles on their faces.

“It’s amazing. The love that I feel in my heart from strangers, people I don’t even know. We really, really are so grateful,” said Kayla Irving, a mother of 2 and a client at Time for Change Foundation.

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre gives a high-five to Hope at the first of 3 locations for the SBCSS Holiday Celebration event.

She shared that she and her children were living in a car going from motel to motel up until recently and was worried about how to get Christmas presents for her children.

“To take the time to show that they care, show that they care for our children, I cry happy tears at night because I’m in awe of it,” said Irving. “I just thank everybody for giving us this opportunity, because I couldn’t have done this myself.”

The Time for Change Foundation assists and empowers disenfranchised women and their children. They help families achieve self-sufficiency by providing housing and other supportive services.

“Each year, Time for Change Foundation looks forward to partnering with the Superintendent of Schools to ensure that children in transition experience the love and joy of Christmas,” said Time for Change Foundation Executive Director Vanessa Perez. “Most of our children have never experienced being together on Christmas morning with their mothers and this event allows our families to enjoy that experience together.”

The holiday procession also visited two other local sites, the Salvation Army and Veronica’s Home of Mercy. In total, over 100 children received holiday gift bags during this event.

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre calls out a child’s name with a bag of presents in hand with the help of Santa Claus, Buddy the Elf, San Bernardino County Firefighters and SBCSS staff.

The SBCSS Children Deserve Success program has conducted this annual holiday celebration since 2004. Each year, SBCSS staff, as well as their families and friends, volunteer to sponsor wish lists provided by each child identified by the Children Deserve Success tutoring program.

This year, community partners included Child Assistance Fund, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Highland Congregational Church, Inland Empire Health Plan, San Bernardino County Teachers Association, Fifth District PTA and The Home Depot.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre and Santa Claus meet some of the children and their mothers at the Holiday Celebration event during its stop at the Time for Change Foundation.

Computer Science Teaches Today’s Students to Solve Tomorrow’s Problems

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- — San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) facilitated two events this week in an effort to advance computer science education.

“I am thrilled we are creating learning opportunities for both students and our educators and parents,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Not only is computer science a field that offers various career opportunities, but it’s making an impact in our daily lives. It deals with the process of solving problems, and every part of our world has some sort of problems that need solving. It is critical our students and educators have access to computer science education.”

The events took place before and during Computer Science Education Week, which is celebrated during the second week of December. The goal of these events was to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers and partners within the field.

On December 4, dozens of students and guardians participated in a virtual workshop that teaches students how to program a micro: bit and create fun and exciting projects.

The two sessions allowed students to engage with cyber-security related digital escape room activities with physical computing and block-based coding. Volunteer facilitators also served as positive role models for the event.

An eighth-grade student at Wayne Ruble Middle School in Fontana Unified School District says she first learned about micro: bit during last year’s student workshop. She attended this year’s event as well.

“[Computer science] might be something I want to pursue in a career just because of the way it changed my perspective,” said Malani. “When I learned about it, it piqued my interest, and it started to make me more interested in what a micro:bit can do.”

The annual Computer Science Equity Mini-Summit took place Dec. 8. It was a two-hour learning event for educators, counselors and administrators to participate and learn about ways to introduce or advance computer science education as it relates to equity, inquiry and computer science concepts.

The event included spotlight speakers and presentations. Computer Science Equity Advocate Dr. Emily Thomforde painted the big picture of the importance of broadening participation in computer science and provided guidance on where administrators can begin this work.

“Computer Science is a foundational 21st century skill for all students, not only to succeed in college and career, but to find joy in self-expression and make the things that will change the world,” said Dr. Thomforde.

The mini-summit brought together an incredible network to continue the impactful work that is happening in advancing computer science education.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.