Taiwan, a Valuable Partner for Sustainable Development Goals—True Universality Pg. 16
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Cogswell Principal Gets Dunked to Fulfill Promise to Students for Increasing Test Scores Pg. 9
Thursday, september 21, 2017 - SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 - Volume 21, No. 38
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Long Beach Memorial Unveils Art Installation Made of 14,000 Origami Cranes as Symbol of Hope for Cancer Patients On Tuesday, Sept. 12, the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute (TCI) at Long Beach Memorial held a ceremony to unveil a giant art installation made up of 14,000 origami paper cranes in its Todd Cancer Pavilion. The installation was constructed using paper cranes in different sizes and colors that hang from the building’s threestory ceiling in the shape of a giant cancer awareness ribbon. When Long Beach Memorial opened its cancer pavilion more than four years ago, it debuted the original “Cranes of Hope” art installation to give hope and encouragement to patients, friends, family members and all who step inside. An ancient Japanese legend vows that anyone who folds 1,000 origami cranes will be granted a wish. TCI’s wish is simple ― for everyone who walks through its doors to enjoy a joyful, long life or successful recovery from illness or injury. Over time, the need to replace the paper cranes arose. Throughout the last year, the community answered the large task and
partnered with Long Beach Memorial to fold thousands of origami cranes to help re-build the installation. Staff, patients and community members were invited to help commemorate the new installation, including Bob Mell, a volunteer at TCI, who spoke about how the cranes have impacted his life. “Five years ago, I never would have thought I’d be volunteering in this building,” said Bob. “I had just went through four years of cancer treatments with my wife, and when she passed away I never wanted to come back to Long Beach Memorial.” After some time, Bob’s neighbor encouraged him to volunteer at TCI. At first, he was hesitant, but then he made a visit to TCI. “When I first walked into the new Todd Cancer Pavilion, I was mesmerized by the cranes, it was a soothing feeling,” said Bob. “I thought ‘I could volunteer here, because I know my wife would have loved it.’ For three and a half years, I’ve watched these cranes, and watched people feel their spirit. I hope I’m here for another three years to watch them
San Gabriel Unified Teacher Inspires Student Achievement Through Project-Based Learning For the last 13 years, Jefferson Middle School eighth-grade language arts teacher Heather Wolpert-Gawron has followed a simple approach to teaching: to make schoolwork fun with longterm projects that sharpen her students’ critical thinking skills. “If you can make a middle schooler smile during the day – that’s almost as important as
any other academic goal because you have to engage these students and give them reasons to be happy,” Wolpert-Gawron said. “If you can reach them, then they’re yours and they’ll hear what you have to say and be willing to try new things.” Wolpert-Gawron is known for her use of project-based learning, SEE PAGE 2
The new “Cranes of Hope” installation hangs from the ceiling of the Todd Cancer Pavilion replicating the appearance of birds in flight. – Courtesy photo
provide hope and peace to our patients and families.” In addition to the installation, cranes are
displayed throughout the Pavilion in glass containers. Patients are welcome to take a memento home
Jurors Convict Man Of 50 Counts In Six-Month Countywide Crime Spree After five full days of deliberating, a Riverside County jury, on Sept. 14, 2017, convicted an Indio man of 50 counts including robbery, burglary, false imprisonment, and carjacking. Sergio Nicolas Lopez, DOB: 12-21-79, is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17, 2017, in Dept. 44 at the Hall of Justice in Riverside. He faces about 50 years in prison.
Lopez was tried on 58 counts in this case. Jurors convicted him of 50 counts, acquitted him on five counts and hung on three others. The three counts resulting in a hung jury – two robbery counts and one burglary count –were dismissed by the DA’s Office. The crimes Lopez was charged with happened
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after a treatment or appointment. “The cranes have taken on a really significant mean-
ing for the patients that come here for treatment,”
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Mistrial in Colonies Corruption Case Judge declared a mistrial in the case against defendant Jim Erwin in the “Colonies” corruption trial. First and foremost, this jury took their job very seriously and we are extremely thankful for their service. We will continue to seek justice on behalf of the citizens of San Bernardino County and are evaluating the best course of action, San Bernardino District Attorney Mike Ramos said.
“Although it is difficult to refrain from responding to the frivolous attacks being reported in the newspaper, along with the unfounded comments about this case being politically motivated, our ethical duties as prosecutors prevent us from trying the case in the media. At this time, we have no further comment while the case is still pending retrial,” Ramos said.