Colton Courier - 08/07/25

COLTON COURIER WWe e

By Manny Sandoval

With a mission to equip every student for life beyond graduation, Real Journey Academies (RJA) are redefining public education across the Inland Empire—preparing students to start businesses, enter the workforce, or attend college with confidence and hands-on skills.

The Inland Empire-based charter school

network reports 2024 graduation rates exceeding 95% at both of its high schools— well above California’s statewide average of 86.4%, according to the California Department of Education.

Entrepreneur High School – San Bernardino (2024): 96.88% (93 of 96 seniors graduated)

Entrepreneur High School – Fontana

(2024): 95.83% (115 of 120 seniors graduated)

“Our schools offer a truly personalized, one-on-one experience,” said Veronica Pacheco, director of school development. “We’re catching students who might fall through the cracks and giving them the tools to thrive—academically, professionally, and

By Dr. G (Dr. Luis S. González), community writer

Last Saturday, the Colton Lions Club set up shop at Pepper’s Park (5th St. and N St.) to hand out free backpacks to the first 100 kids of any school age who came to the park with their parent(s). Now in its fourth year, the Colton Lions Club, under the direction of new President Carlos Araiza, has spon-

sored this event, which is designed to help kids get off to a positive start when school began on Aug. 4.

“We believe in helping the community,” said Evelyn Lopez, one of the long-time members, who went on to explain, “The funds came from Forest Financial Insurance Co., who offer grants for local community efforts.” One of the members of the Colton Lions, Debbie Walker,

devoted several hours to researching grant opportunities and worked to write and secure this community grant, which brought forth the funds within six weeks. “Once received,” responded Debbie when asked, “we set out to contact Amazon to purchase the backpacks.”

Within a couple of weeks, the backpacks were delivered to the Lions Club just in

Real Journey (cont.) - personally.”

A Future-Focused Model: Entrepreneurship + Career Training

Launched in 2009 in San Bernardino following a 2008 charter approval, Real Journey Academies now operate five tuition-free, WASC-accredited public charter schools: two high schools, one middle school, and two elementary schools in San Bernardino, Fontana, and Moreno Valley.

At the heart of RJA’s educational approach is their enhanced entrepreneurship model— known as the eModel—which includes:

EBalance – social-emotional learning and wellness

EKnowledge – rigorous academic curriculum

EFuture – business, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial thinking

EBusiness – hands-on career and technical education (CTE) programs

“All students study entrepreneurship and business as their major throughout high school,” said Eddie Condes, school development specialist. “Then they pick up two additional ePathways—our specialized CTE tracks.”

ePathway options include:

Culinary Arts (with state-ofthe-art kitchens, including a $1M culinary facility in Fontana)

Digital Video Production

Teacher Education

Cybersecurity & Networking

Product Design and Innovation

Students gain industry certifications, work with professionals in their fields, and participate in internship and externship programs. RJA also hosts a biennial entrepreneurship expo where students pitch and launch real business ventures—some even continue operating them postgraduation.

“Our students aren’t just learning about business—they’re doing business,” said Stephan Canthal, marketing and media specialist. “We’ve had students start companies, and alumni return to share how those early lessons turned into real careers.”

Even RJA’s elementary students get in on the action. Through mock businesses, they learn how to price, sell, and calculate revenue—building financial literacy and math skills simultaneously. “Instead of just doing addition and subtraction, they’re learning how to run a lemonade stand or sell Legos,” said Pacheco.

College Access + Community Engagement

RJA doesn’t just prepare students for business—they also pave the way to higher education. A memorandum of understanding with UC Riverside guarantees qualifying students (3.5 GPA or higher) two years of tuition-free college. The district also partners with San Bernardino Valley College to offer dual-enrollment, helping students earn college credit before graduating high school.

The schools maintain rolling admissions year-round, and no waitlist currently exists. Students must reside within the local county—inter-district transfers do not apply.

Many families find RJA campuses particularly convenient. “Parents love that our schools are close in proximity,” said Pacheco. “It makes it easier to drop off multiple kids at different grade levels.”

Monthly family engagement events—including family literacy nights, dances, and pep rallies—are integral to RJA’s community-focused model. The network also provides a bilingual website with real-time translation into multiple languages, ensuring access for all families.

Safe, Supportive Learning Environments

Student wellness and safety are prioritized across all RJA campuses. The network employs onsite security, restorative practices, and access to mental health support through partnerships with local agencies. Staff are trained to address students’ social-emotional needs as part of RJA’s whole-child approach to education.

Founded by Alex Lucero, Jason Roberts, and Dr. Rosa Gonzalez, Real Journey Academies have always operated on the belief that students learn best when instruction is personalized, experiential, and connected to real-life goals.

“Our vision is simple,” said Pacheco. “We prepare students to lead—in business, in college, or in life.”

Backpacks (cont.)

- time to prepare for this popular event. On August 2, about 100 kids came to the park and walked away with a new backpack. “I like to see the smiles on their faces when they pick up their new backpacks,” added Walker.

Assemblymember Robert Garcia of the 50th Assembly District took some time to come to the park to lend his support to the event. He commented, “This backpack giveaway helps parents financially and gives kids a good start.” About a dozen Colton Lions members came to help with the event, including Evelyn Lopez, Rogelio Robles, Christina Gaitan, Shelba Calderilla, Noah Gago, Lisa Roo, Matthew Hernandez, Christina Valdivia, Marla Robledo, Carlos Araiza, Assemblymember Robert Garcia, and Council Member Dr. G.

The annual backpack giveaway has become a very popular event for the Colton Lions Club. “It has grown over the years,” exclaimed Lisa Roo,

one of the more active members. On that day, local children were able to come with their parents to pick up a colorful backpack of their choice, all provided through the grant from Forest Financial. Congratulations to the Colton Lions Club for another successful backpack giveaway event, and may their efforts continue to shine in the community.

For more information about the Colton Lions Club, contact President Carlos Araiza at 951232-2901.

For more information about CITYTALK, Council of Churches, sermon topics, Bible briefs, Youth Council, various community groups, Colton history, the trash clean-up project, the G-Team, prayer list, history briefs, Veteran Spotlight, Church Spotlight, Business Spotlight, neighborhood meetings, U.S. Flag Watch, community projects and events, or the online live-stream programs, text Dr. G at 909213-3730.

By Manny Sandoval

On August 5, Fontana Unified School District held a powerful and emotional renaming ceremony, officially changing the name of Randall Pepper Elementary School to O’Day Short Elementary School, honoring a Black family whose lives were stolen in one of Fontana’s darkest chapters.

The renaming marks a historic shift for the district as it prepares to welcome more than 30,000 students back for the 2025-26 school year on August 6. For the first time, the school will open under a name that acknowledges and honors the Short family’s courage, suffering, and legacy.

“Renaming this school is not simply about changing signage,” said Maha Rizvi, district director for Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes. “It’s about centering truth, honoring legacy, and ensuring our students grow up learning the full history of the ground they walk on. The injustices the Short family endured is a painful part of our region’s history, but today we ensure this tragedy is never forgotten.”

In 1945, O’Day H. Short, a Black refrigeration engineer,

purchased land at Randall and Pepper avenues—a part of town where Black families were not permitted to live. After refusing to leave despite threats, Short’s home was set ablaze on December 16, 1945. O’Day, his wife Helen, and their children Barry and Carol Ann all died from injuries caused by the fire. The case was never prosecuted, despite overwhelming suspicion of arson.

The very land where the tragedy occurred would later become Randall Pepper Elementary, built in 1950. Eighty years later, Fontana Unified has chosen to confront that history head-on.

The renaming was sparked by Cyrus Moss, a middle school student in the district who submitted a petition in March 2024. His grassroots campaign gained momentum, leading to the Fontana Unified Board’s unanimous approval in September 2024, a gesture that district leaders say helped spark community-wide reflection and accountability.

Dr. Daniel E. Walker, a former student of the school and now a noted historian and author, recalled the trauma of being the only Black child in his class during the 1970s. He

recounted how his classmates once attempted to re-enact a scene from the TV series Roots—in which the character Kunta Kinte is whipped by his slave owner until he submits to being called “Toby”—on the tetherball courts behind where he stood speaking.

“When I walked up here today and saw this school named after O'Day Short, I knew the distance this place— and our community—has come,” he continued. “The leadership of this district today stands in stark contrast to the cancerous leadership that enabled this tragedy 80 years ago.”

Principal Michelle Avila echoed that commitment to transformation, pledging to make O’Day Short Elementary a place where every child belongs.

“We are deeply committed to ensuring our school reflects the values of its namesake—a place where every child feels seen, safe, and supported,” Avila said. “Where inclusivity isn’t just a goal, but a daily practice.”

She concluded, “Ceremonies like this are what heal hearts and bring people together.”

Op-Eds Public Safety

Healthy Kids, Happy School Year: A Pediatrician’s Back-to-School Tips

By Dr. Cassie Ver Steeg, pediatrician, Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino County

As the school year begins, it’s the perfect time for families to reset routines and prioritize children’s health as they adjust the academic year. I recommend to parents that they take this opportunity to check in with their pediatrician and review a few key areas that can help kids thrive — physically, mentally and emotionally. From sleep and nutrition to preventive care and emotional wellbeing, here a few of the top health priorities to focus on as students head back to the classroom.

Reset Sleep Schedules: Summer often brings later bedtimes and relaxed routines, but quality sleep is crucial for learning. Begin adjusting your child’s sleep schedule about two weeks before school starts. Gradually shift bedtime and wake-up time earlier by 15–30 minutes every few days. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children ages 6–12 should get 9–12 hours of sleep each night, and teens ages 13–17 should get 8–10 hours. Establish a calming bedtime routine and limit screens at least an hour before bed.

Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations: Backto-school season is a great reminder to check in with your pediatrician about routine immunizations. At Kaiser Permanente, we are committed to preventative care which also includes flu and COVID19 vaccines, aligning with the latest evidence and the American Medical Association. Vaccination continues to be one of the safest and most effective ways to protect against illness and reduce the severity of illness. Vaccinations mean fewer sick days, hospital stays, emergency room visits and other health complications.

Support Immune Health with Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins helps strengthen the immune system. Encourage kids to eat a colorful variety of foods and stay hydrated. A healthy breakfast is especially important to fuel learning and concentration.

Encourage Physical Activity Safely:

Regular movement supports physical health, mental focus and emotional wellbeing. Aim for at least 60 minutes of activity per day, whether through sports, walking, biking or active play. As school sports and extracurriculars ramp up, make sure your child warms up properly, stays hydrated and uses the right gear to prevent injuries.

Practice Good Hygiene: Germs spread quickly in classrooms. Teach kids to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Pack hand sanitizer in their backpack and remind them to cover coughs and sneezes with their elbow. Reinforce the importance of not sharing food, drinks or personal items like water bottles or lip balm.

Schedule a Dental Check-Up: A healthy smile supports overall well-being. Schedule a dental visit before school starts to catch any issues early. Untreated cavities can lead to pain, distraction and missed school days. Preventive care like cleanings and fluoride treatments can make a big difference.

Check Vision and Hearing: Undiagnosed vision or hearing problems can affect learning and behavior, so screenings are particularly important at the start of the school year. Also, pay attention to signs of squinting, frequent headaches or difficulty following instructions throughout the year. Early detection ensures they don’t fall behind academically.

Support Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: The AAP emphasizes that mental health is just as important as physical health. Returning to school can bring excitement, but also anxiety or stress. Check in regularly with your child about how they’re feeling, encourage open conversations and validate their emotions. If concerns arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to a school counselor or mental health professional.

Back-to-school season is more than just shopping for supplies. It’s a chance to set the tone for a healthy, balanced year ahead. By focusing on sleep, nutrition, preventive care and emotional well-being, parents can help their children feel confident, energized and ready to thrive in and out of the classroom.

Redlands Police Investigate New Leads in 2023 Disappearance of Nashville Man Linked to Religious Group

By Redlands PD

Redlands Police Detectives are investigating new leads in the disappearance of a Nashville man last seen at a Redlands coffee shop more than two years ago.

Emilio Salem Ghanem was reported missing shortly after he visited a Starbucks restaurant on Redlands Boulevard on May 25, 2023. A rented Nissan Frontier pickup that Ghanem was driving was spotted on surveillance video later that day in Grand Terrace.

Detectives have since recovered the rental truck along with other evidence.

Ghanem was a member of “His Way Spirit Led Assemblies,” a religious organization based in the City of Hemet, California. He left that organization shortly before his disappearance. Ghanem also worked for Fullshield,

Inc., a pest control business owned and operated by the group. The business now operates under the name “Maxguard.”

Redlands detectives recently learned that another member of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies was reported missing in 2019 and has not been seen since. That case is under investigation by Claremont Police.

Ghanem is described as a white male adult with hazel eyes and black hair, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, 130 pounds. He was 40 years old at the time of his disappearance.

Anyone with information about Ghanem, his disappearance or his whereabouts is asked to contact the Redlands Police Detective Bureau at (909) 551-4424 or by email at missingperson_emilio@redlandspolice.org.

Fatal Dog Attack Under Investigation in San Bernardino

By San Bernardino PD

On Thursday, July 31, 2025, San Bernardino Police Department officers were dispatched to the area of Pacific Street and Perris Hill Park Road following reports of a female being attacked by two dogs.

Upon arrival, an officer contacted an injured female victim who reported she had been bitten by the dogs.

While the officer was rendering aid to the victim, two dogs suddenly charged from a nearby brush.

In defense of himself and the victim, the officer discharged his duty handgun, striking and killing one of the dogs.

A second victim was then discovered approximately 30 yards away. This individual had suffered severe injuries that were believed to have been caused by dog mauling and was immediately transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

San Bernardino Animal Control responded to the scene and removed multiple dogs from the area as part of the ongoing investigation.

232 Wildlife Deaths in One Year Spark Plans for Two SR-62 Crossings in California Desert Corridor

By Community News

Wildlife crossings are being conceptualized for critical points along State Route 62 in the California desert where 232 wildlife deaths were documented in one year alone, including a mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and black bear. The two crossings would provide safe routes for animals moving between the San Bernardino and Little San Bernardino Mountains and benefit local residents by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions.

The project is led by the Mojave Desert Land Trust, which protects land on either side of the busy highway in a strategic wildlife corridor that connects Joshua Tree National Park to the nearby Sand to Snow National Monument, San Gorgonio Wilderness, and San Bernardino National Forest.

SR-62 runs from the Coachella Valley to the Arizona border. Drivers are already three times as likely to die on the highway compared to the average California road. Traffic has increased over the last decade in line with skyrocketing visitation to the national park as well as population growth in the Morongo Basin.

Between October 23, 2019, and November 24, 2020, 232 carcasses of 12 mammal species and two reptile species were observed at two locations along this stretch of SR-62. These included mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bear, coyote, gray fox, bobcat, and mountain lion. One collared mountain lion was documented to approach SR-62, was hit, and then succumbed to its injuries.

According to Pew Research, wildlife-vehicle collisions kill or injure tens of thousands of people nationally each year and millions of animals are killed. Wildlife crossings have shown that directing megafauna away from roads reduces the danger posed to people. In some instances, crossings have reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions by up to 90%.

“Wildlife crossings are necessary for all of us,” said Cody Hanford, Chief Conservation Officer, Mojave Desert Land Trust. “Maintaining a functional, intact desert ecosystem is our priority, and establishing dedicated corridors for wildlife to traverse is essential if we are to achieve this ambitious goal. We have an opportunity to prevent deadly vehicle collisions with iconic animals like the bighorn sheep and mountain lion, and to improve the safety of all drivers who use this beautiful highway located between our beloved national park and the forests and mountains of Southern California.”

The Mojave Desert Land Trust is applying for funding for the planning phase of two proposed wildlife overpasses at the Morongo and Yucca grades. Project

partners include Caltrans, the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, and the Mojave Desert Resource Conservation District.

With these crossings, the Mojave Desert Land Trust aims to champion a new statewide initiative to prioritize habitat connectivity. Under the 2024 Room to Roam Act, cities and counties must identify wildlife connectivity in land use plans and promote safe passage across fragmented habitat. This legislation complements the 2022 Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act which requires state agencies to remediate barriers to wildlife movement and prioritize crossings in transportation projects.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has identified this stretch of SR-62 as a priority for removing barriers to wildlife. Past transportation improvements have included a 56” high concrete median barrier. In some areas, wildlife no longer try to cross due to traffic volumes and physical barriers.

A 2021 Morongo Pass Wildlife Connectivity Study by Dudek and the UC Davis Road Ecology Center recommended the construction of two SR-62 overpasses at the Morongo Grade and the Yucca Grade where there is a complete barrier to wildlife movement. There are no adequate crossing structures at these locations, although they have been identified as important habitat linkages.

Landscape connectivity is increasingly important because of climate change and habitat fragmentation from development.

The Morongo Grade and Yucca Grade overpasses would provide for climate change resilience by enabling flora and fauna to move up in elevation to cooler, wetter areas in response to a warming climate and more frequent droughts

Over the last 20 years, MDLT’s conservation work has helped bolster habitat on both sides of the highway. Restoring connectivity across SR-62 will be critical in promoting genetic diversity in a number of wildlife species, which in turn boosts the health of populations and their ability to adapt to environmental changes.

A case in point is the mountain lion. A wildlife crossing will support two genetically isolated populations, the Eastern Peninsular Range and San GabrielSan Bernardino Mountains lions, that meet at SR-62 but risk extinction if they do not remain connected.

Both populations are part of a group of lions that is a candidate for listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

Riverside Residents Demand Civilian Oversight as Sheriff’s Department Faces Record Deaths, $77M in Settlements

By Vonya Quarles, Interim Executive Director, Starting Over Strong

If caring about our communities and standing up for what’s right makes us activists, then yes—we are activists. And we are not ashamed.

Efforts to paint activists as dangerous or “antipolice” are a political distraction meant to shift focus away from the real crisis: unchecked power in the hands of law enforcement and elected officials. That power—when left unchallenged— leads to corruption and systemic abuse. And too often, it is the most vulnerable—Black, Brown, poor, mentally ill, disabled, and incarcerated (system-impacted) community members—who suffer the consequences.

We live this—not read it in a report. Families in our communities keep losing loved ones.

Riverside County is a glaring example. In 2022, our county had the second-highest number of incustody deaths in the nation. Hundreds have died under the Sheriff’s watch, and yet instead of accountability, we’re offered excuses. Sheriff Bianco claims he’s “over-scrutinized.” But if that were true, would record deaths continue? Would drugs be smuggled into jails? Would people with serious medical and mental health needs continue to be neglected?

This isn’t about bad optics. It’s about lives lost and families shattered—on the taxpayer’s dime.

And those lives come with a financial toll as well. From 2010 to 2020, Riverside County paid out over $77 million in settlements related to the Sheriff’s Department—$63 million for excessive force and $12 million for false arrests. The 2016 Gray v. County of Riverside lawsuit triggered a court-monitored consent decree and an estimated $33 million in required reforms, including:

Adequate staffing for health services

Constitutional medical and mental health care

Disability accommodations

Revised use-of-force protocols

Independent expert monitoring

Nearly a decade later, the County still fails to meet those requirements.

And still, instead of meaningful change, four of the five members of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors have continued to pander to the Riverside Sheriff’s Association (RSA) (the same organization that funded nearly 90% of Sheriff

Bianco’s first campaign).

These supervisors are not providing oversight; they’re serving as political placeholders while the RSA controls the county from behind the scenes. And when elected officials attack their constituents instead of representing them, we all lose.

Let’s be clear: being called “anti-police” by a sitting Board Member is not only dismissive—it’s irresponsible. That label is meant to silence people. But it won’t work.

We know who we are. And we know how much power our communities hold.

Through the efforts of the IE United Coalition, more than 10,000 residents have been engaged— nearly 7,500 through surveys (with 97% demanding Sheriff accountability) and thousands more through in-person and online petition gathering by the Riverside Sheriff Accountability Coalition and Starting Over Strong.

That’s not just outreach—it’s base-building. These 10,000 are early adopters—people taking a stand before it’s safe, before it’s popular. And that’s how every significant movement in this country has started: from the ground up. The 8hour workday, voting rights, and public schools— all of it began with ACTIVISTS who refused to accept the status quo. That’s what being an activist looks like. And in Riverside County, that kind of power doesn’t just make noise—it makes change.

We saw that power on full display at a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, where public comment favored Motion 3.82 (proposing the formation of an ad hoc committee to explore civilian oversight of the Sheriff’s Department) by a 5-to1 margin. The only opposition came from the usual players: RSA representatives and their political allies.

Our call isn’t about being anti-law enforcement. It’s about truth, consequences, and real community power—the right to know what’s being done in our name, to see accountability when harm happens, and to have a seat at the table. It’s about ensuring law enforcement is accountable to the people it serves—all people, not just those with political influence or campaign money.

We can have safe communities and strong oversight. In fact, we must. That’s how we build a Riverside County that values every life and upholds justice for all.

Sheriff accountability is not radical. It’s necessary. And despite the delays and distractions, it’s coming.

LEAD Summit XIV to Spotlight Latino Voices in Arts, Media, and Education at CSUSB

Community News

Barstow Community College (BCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Juan Rivera as the new Executive Director for Vibrant Villages, a three-year $600,000 community-driven health improvement initiative in Barstow. Mr. Rivera will lead efforts to improve health and wellness by working alongside Barstow residents to identify and act on the most critical health priorities for students and all community members.

The Vibrant Villages initiative was created by an investment of the Inland Empire Health Plan Foundation (IEHPF) to BCC to address significant health challenges in Barstow. According to recent data, 22.5% of Barstow residents live below the poverty line (American Community Survey, 2018-2022), 39.8% of adults are obese (CDC Places 2021), 34.8% have high blood pressure (CDC Places 2021), and 14.4% have diabetes (CDC Places 2021). The program will focus on creating solutions rooted in community voice to improve health outcomes and ensure better access to resources that support overall wellness.

“At Barstow Community College, we believe true student success is about more than academics,” said Dr. Eva Bagg, Superintendent-President, Barstow Community College. “We are committed to supporting the

Community News

For generations, the stories of Chicanos and Latinos have been woven through vibrant murals, heartfelt music, lyrical poetry and rich oral traditions — yet their voices have often been missing from the mainstream American narrative.

This fall, the LEAD (Latino Education and Advocacy Days) Project is reclaiming that space with LEAD Summit XIV, inviting the public to an all-day gathering focused on Latino expression, identity and empowerment through the arts, media and education. The annual summit will take place Friday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santos Manuel Student Union South Events Center on the campus of Cal State San Bernardino.

Early-bird registration is now open online and free of charge.

This year’s summit theme, "Telling Our Stories — Our Way, Our Voice:

Community News

All Redlands Unified School District students will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2025-26 school year under California’s Universal Meals Program, district officials announced.

The initiative, established under Assembly Bill 130, eliminates the need for families to pay for meals or

Juan

Latino Representation in the Arts, Media and Education,” highlights the urgency and impact of authentic Latino representation. Through keynote addresses, panel discussions and community-driven sessions, the event will spotlight the creative and educational contributions of Latino communities — from Indigenous and African diasporic roots to present-day cultural leaders. Attendees will explore how accurate and multidimensional portrayals of Latino life can dismantle stereotypes, expand understanding and inspire the next generation of learners and leaders.

“This year’s LEAD Summit stands as a powerful affirmation of our right to tell our stories on our own terms,” said Enrique Murillo Jr., LEAD executive director. “'Telling Our Stories — Our Way, Our Voice' is more than a theme — it is a declaration of cultural resilience and intellectual sovereignty. By centering Latino voices in the arts, media and education, we honor our legacies while forging new narra-

submit meal applications, ensuring universal access to nutritious food throughout the academic year.

Breakfast will be offered a half hour before school begins and during morning recess or passing periods, depending on grade level. Lunch will be served daily, including on minimum days. Additionally, students enrolled in afterschool programs will have access to complimentary meals.

Rivera Named Executive

tives that challenge stereotypes and empower future generations.”

In keeping with the theme, the Padrinos de Honor/Honorary Chairs are two cultural icons in the arts: José Feliciano, the multi-Grammy Award-winning musical artist whose timeless music transcends borders, and Ignacio Gomez, the renowned Chicano muralist and visual artist known for depicting powerful scenes of Latino history and resilience.

LEAD Summit XIV aims to bring together a diverse coalition of educators, students, scholars, artists, administrators, parents, civic leaders and advocates — all united in their commitment to educational equity and cultural recognition.

Sponsorships for the summit are available. Visit the LEAD Sponsors webpage for information.

For more information, visit the LEAD Summit XIV website, as well as the LEAD Education Projects webpage.

School Year

District officials emphasized that while the program helps reduce food insecurity and supports academic performance, it does not automatically qualify families for SunBucks or other supplemental food benefits.

The district hailed the effort as a major step toward promoting student wellness and removing barriers to learning.

Director of $600K ‘Vibrant Villages’ Health Initiative at Barstow Community College

health and well-being of our students and community. We are thrilled to welcome Juan as our new Executive Director for Vibrant Villages. His leadership and expertise will help us create meaningful, lasting changes that strengthen the wellness of our region for generations to come.”

Mr. Rivera brings over 30 years of leadership experience across government, education, and nonprofit sectors. He serves as Vice President of the U.S. Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard Association and has been a trustee of the Board of the Barstow College Foundation since 2021. Juan is a certified Community Impact Specialist and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (CGRC) professional, holding additional certifications in nonprofit management, fundraising, and financial oversight.

“I am honored to join Vibrant Villages and work with the Barstow community to build programs that reflect local strengths, address real needs, and create healthier futures for all residents,” said Juan Rivera, Executive Director of Vibrant Villages. “This work is personal to me, and I look forward to partnering with residents, leaders, and organizations to make a real difference.”

Throughout the project, ongoing community feedback and data collection will shape goals and strategies. Focus areas under initial consideration include improv-

ing nutrition, increasing physical activity, strengthening mental health, expanding access to food and housing, and supporting economic opportunities through education and job training.

The Vibrant Villages initiative builds on Barstow Community College’s long-standing commitment to student and community wellness. Already a nationally recognized leader in mental health programming through the 2022 Active Minds Healthy Campus Award, BCC continues to expand and establish longterm programs focused on supporting basic needs and overall wellness.

Through a series of community listening sessions conducted by IEHP Foundation, the college was consistently mentioned as a trusted partner to help lead the effort to improve health outcomes across the region.

“This is a crucial moment for Barstow to invest in regional health, given the influx of new opportunities, investments and growth,” said IEHP Foundation Community Engagement Specialist Edgar Arreola. "The time is now to help shape a healthier Barstow with community at the center," said Arreola. "We believe Juan is that essential piece to bring the community together and help create a healthier future for all residents."