El Chicano - 08/07/25

EL CHICANo

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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)

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.

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, professionReal Journey cont. on next pg.

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.”

Real Journey (cont.)

- professionally, and 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-of-the-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 post-graduation.

“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 ca-

Community News

Therecently completed Summer Youth Music Camp brought more than 50 middle-school and high-school woodwind, brass, percussion, keyboard, and string students together for a week-long series of rehearsals, coachings, sectionals, and masterclasses.

The camp came about through a partnership between the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra (SBSO) and California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) and participating student musicians were taught by a faculty of professional musicians from both CSUSB and the SBSO, including receiving an opening clinic from the Symphony’s Resident Conductor Raphaela Lacerda.

reers.”

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 yearround, 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 on-site 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.”

Shared Maestra Lacerda, “Working with the San Bernardino Youth Symphony during their summer camp was an incredible experience. I was continually impressed by their dedication, focus, and eagerness to grow. The future of music is in passionate and capable hands.”

The camp, which ran from July 13 through 17th focused on symphonic orchestra and chamber music performance, culminating with a chamber concert at CSUSB and a full orchestra concert on the stage at San Bernardino Valley College’s historic Auditorium.

In addition to a number of young musicians interested in developing their musical abilities prior to auditioning for the San Bernardino Sym-

Fontana Unified (cont.)

- 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, re-

called 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.”

phony Youth Orchestra, many of the participating students were already members seeking to further hone their skills and prepare for both full orchestra participation and the new series of ensemble performances scheduled to begin this fall.

The Orchestra is preparing for their second year auditions which will be held Sunday, August 24 at San Bernardino Valley College. Both new and returning students are required to audition for entry and seat placement. Candidates need not have attended the youth music camp to audition.

For all the details on the San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestra and their upcoming auditions, visit https://www.sanbernardinosymphony.org /symphony-youth-orchestra

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."

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The base bid amount only IMPORTANT DATES: First Publication Thursday August 7 2025 Second Pub ication Thursday, August 14 2025

Pre-Bid Conference and Job Walk Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 8:00AM RFI Due Friday August 22 2025 at 4:00PM

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CNS-3954066# PUBLISHED EL CHICANO 8/7 8/14/25 E-979

Petitioner or Attorney: Maricruz Parra Rodriguez PETITIONER IN PRO PER Superior Court of California County of San Bernardino, San Bernardino District 247 West Third Street San Bernardino CA 92415-0210 San Bernardino District –Civil Divis on PETITION OF: Maricruz Parra Rodriguez FOR CHANGE OF NAME ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE - CHANGE OF NAME Case Number: CIV SB 2521329 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: Maricruz Parra Rodriguez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as fol ows: Present name: Cruz David Armenta Parra to Proposed name: Cruz David Armenta Parra THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in th s matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause f any why the petition for change of name should not be granted Any person object ng to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the ob ection at east two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hear ng to show cause why the petition should not be granted If no written objection is timely filed the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 9/10/25, Time: 9:00 am Dept:

S24

The address of the court is: same as noted above (To appear remotely check in advance of the hearing for nformation about how to do so on the court s website To find your court s website go to www courts ca gov/findmy-court htm ) A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be publ shed at east once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hear ng on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: E Chicano Dated: JUL 30 2025

GILBERT G OCHOA Judge of the Superior Court Publ shed El Chicano 8/7 8/14 8/21 8/28/25 E-982

AIRFIELD CANOPIES & UNDERGROUND SERVICE PIT PROJECT Prospect ve bidders are hereby notified that the SAN BERNARDINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY ("AUTHORITY" and/or "Owner") will receive bid proposals for Airfield Canop es & Underground Service Pit Project (the Project ) The comp ete Bid shall be submitted via PlanetBids (an Online Bidd ng Vendor Service) with the Bidder s name and the project name Bids wil not be accepted by facsimile or phys cal mailing P anetBids Link: https://vendors planet

b i

/ bo-search All Bids shall be submitted electronically via the PlanetBids portal The AUTHORITY will receive electronic bids only up to 10:00am on Tuesday September 09 2025 at which time the ELECTRONIC bids will be opened and posted on P anetBids Any bids received after the specif ed date and time will be re ected The selected contractor shall construct all mprovements in accordance with the Request for Proposals (RFP) specific to this bid package The award for the project w ll be based upon the Base Bid Time for completion is as follows: Base Bid 120 Calendar Days

work project and each CONTRACTOR to whom a contract is awarded must pay the prevailing rates and post copies thereof at the job site In add tion, it is also the responsibility of each CONTRACTOR to fol ow al requirements of the State of California Labor Code as it relates to public works contracts Before work can begin on a public works contract the CONTRACTOR shall submit a Public Works Contract Award Information Form (DAS 140) to an applicab e apprenticesh p program that can supply apprentices to the site of the public work The CONTRACTOR must request dispatch of required apprent ces from an Apprenticeship Program for each apprentice able craft or trade by giving the Apprenticeship Program The CONTRACTOR is to use a Request for Dispatch of an Apprentice Form (DAS 142)

Said sale is for the purpose of satisfying lien of the aboves gned for towing storage, labor, materia s and lien charges together with costs of advertising and expenses of sa e Clear Cho ce Lien Service Inc P O Box 159009 San Diego CA 92175 CNS-3953256#

• Any questions or communications shall be in writ ng through the PlanetBids portal Questions regarding the details of the project wil be accepted until Wednesday August 27 2025, at 10:00am Contract Documents may be obta ned from PlanetBids A full ist of al requirements regarding this project can be found in the RFP All information addendums and notices regarding this Project will be posted to the PlanetBids website It is the sole responsibility of all perspective respondents to check the website for any pertinent information that may be issued A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at: 1601 E Th rd St San Bernardino, CA 92408 on Monday August 18 2025 at 10:00am Each Bidder must be licensed in the State of California and qualified to perform the Work descr bed n the RFP Pursuant to Publ c Contract Code Section 3300 the contractor must possess the fol owing classif cat on of the contractor s license: Class B No contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a contract for pub ic work on a public works contract unless registered with the Department of Industr al Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725 5 Each Bidder, and each subcontractor l sted by the Bidder in the bid proposal, must be registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code§ 1725 5 Each proposal must be accompanied by a certified cash er s check or bid bond for ten percent (10%) of the maximum amount of the bid through the PlanetBids Portal Said check shall be made payable to the SAN BERNARDINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY and when delivered with a proposal shall constitute a guaranty that Bidder w ll, if an award is made to them in accordance with the terms of said Bidder s proposals: execute a contract on the AUTHORITY's standard form, together with Labor Code Certification thereon; furnish contract performance and payment bonds with a corporate surety or sureties satisfactory to the AUTHORITY each for not ess than one-hundred percent (100%) of total bid price; furnish certificates of nsurance evidencing that all nsurance coverage required by the contract has been secured The bid bond, performance bond, and payment bond must be obtained from sureties listed on the Department of the

San Bernardino County Dept of Behavioral Health Request for Proposals (RFP) Substance Use Disorder Recovery Services for Recovery Residences (RFP DBH #24-38 (ePro #DBHE25-ADMN-58 98) San Bernard no County (County) Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is seeking proposals from interested and qualified organizations and agencies to provide a proposed plan for the provision of Recovery Residences act vities for Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Services (SUDRS) This Request for Proposals (RFP) will be an ongoing procurement for locations throughout California The Contract period will be for a one and a half (1 ½) year period beginning on January 1 2026 through June 30 2027 A proposal conference wil be held via Microsoft Teams on: Wednesday August 20 2025 @ 10:00 AM (local time) Please v ew the RFP in ePro for the Teams login details and the RFP contact informat on which can be accessed as detailed below The complete RFP document can be accessed via the County s online Electronic Procurement Network System ePro located at: h t t p s : / / w p s b c o u n t y g o v / purchasing/ In order to do bus ness with the County you must be registered on the ePro system For assistance, contact Purchasing at (909) 387-2060 Once you access the ePro system you are able to view and print the RFP Have a copy of the RFP available to you during the Proposal Conference Completed proposals are due on or before 4:00 p m loca time on Wednesday September 17, 2025 CNS-3954934# PUBLISHED EL CHICANO 8/7/25 E-984

E Ma n St P O Box 500 Jefferson Valley, NY 10535 TJ Downey tdowney@theb uebook com Phone: (800) 431-2584 Ext 3177 Fax: (914) 243-4936 CMD GROUP Public Plan Room: www cmdgroup com 30 Technology Pkwy S Ste 100 Norcross, GA 30092

Michael Lunan m ke lunan@cmdgroup com Arch tectural Source Relations Special st Reed Construction Data (770) 209-3414

Construction Bidboard (Ebidboard) 11622 El Cam no Real #100 San Diego CA 92130 Phone: 800-479-5314

Ema l: support@eb dboard com Website: www ebidboard com Dodge Data & Analytics 830 Third Avenue, 6th Floor New York NY 10022 Phone: 877-784-9556 Email: support@ construction com Website: www construct on com Kern County Builders Exchange 4310 Ardmore Avenue Ste 100 Bakersfield, CA 93309 Phone: 661-324-4921

Ema l: kcbex@kcbex com Website: www kcbex com BidAmerica 41085 Elm Street Murr eta CA 92562 Phone: 951-677-4819

withdraw

Thursday August 7 2025 Second Pub ication Thursday, August 14 2025

Pre-Bid Conference and Job Walk Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 9:30AM RFI Due Friday August 22 2025 at 4:00PM

Prequalif cation Application Due Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 4:00PM

Addendum Due Tuesday August 26, 2025

Prequalif cation Notice Thursday August 28 2025

Bid Opening Thursday September 4 2025 at 2:00PM

Tentative Board Meeting October 7 2025 NOA Issued (Tentative) October 8, 2025

CNS-3954062# PUBLISHED EL CHICANO 8/7 8/14/25 E-977 SUMMONS(CITACION JUDICIAL)

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO) Trayvon Jamale Golden, Patrice Elaine Harris; and DOES 1-100 YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE)

Alberto Basulto, an individual Case Number: CIVSB 2405741

NOTICE! You have been sued The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days Read the information below You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff A letter or phone call will not protect you Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case There may be a court form you can use for your response You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www courtinfo ca gov/selfhelp), your county law library or the courthouse nearest you If you cannot pay the filing fee ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form If you do not file your response on time you may lose the case, by default and your wages money and property may be taken without further warning from the court There are other legal requirements You may want to call an attorney right away If you do not know an attorney you may be e igible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www lawhelpcalifornia org) the California Courts Online Help Center (www courtinfo ca gov/selfhelp) or by contacting your local court or county bar association NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10 000 or more in a civil case The court s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado Si no responde dentro de 30 dias a corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version Lea la informacion a continuacion Tiene 30 DIAS CALENDARIOS después de que le entreguen esta citacíon y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante Una carta o una llamada te efónica no lo protegen Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato lega correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte Es possible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www sucorte ca gov) en la bibliteca de leyes de su

condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca Si no puede pagar a cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo dinero y bienes sin más advertencia Hay otros requisitos legales Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmed atamente Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados Si no puede pagar a un abogado es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro

Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de ucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, www law helpcalifornia org en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de Ca ifornia, (www sucorte ca gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales AVISO: Por ley la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costo extenos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10 000 ó mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte anted de que la coret pueda deschar el caso

The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte es) San Bernardino Justice Center 247 W 3rd St San Bernardino, CA 92415

The name address and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney or plaintiff without an attorney s: (El nombre la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante or del demandante que no tiene abogado, es) FGC Law P C 1730 W Cameron Ave , Suite 200 West Covina, CA 91790 (310) 560-6800

Date: 3/27/2024 Clerk (Secretario) by /s/ Gaspar Ambriz Medina Deputy (Adjunto)

Published El Chicano 8/7,8/14,8/21,8/28/25 E-980

NOTICE LIEN SALE

NOTICE LIEN SALE 8/25/25 10AM AT 2520 E MAIN ST BARSTOW 16 FORD LIC# 7MZU077 CA VIN# 1FM5K7D86GGA56644 Published El Chicano August 7 2025 E-981 NOTICE LIEN SALE 8/25/25 10AM AT 10750 HEMLOCK AVE, FONTANA 13 AUDI LIC# 013293X VIN# WAUYGAFC0DN013293

PUBLISHED EL CHICANO AUGUST 7 2025 E-983