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    Rikke Van Johnson Gives Good News & Bad News

    105 year Dorothy Inghram cam out to Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson’s Sixth Ward Town Hall Meeting. Photo by Carl Dameron

    More than 100 community members attended Sixth Ward Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson’s Town Hall Meeting. Photo by Carl Dameron

    Rikke Van Johnson welcomes US Census Representative Amos Young to his Sixth Ward Town Hall Meeting. Photo by Carl Dameron

    Left, Right: Charles McNeely, City Manager for the City of San Bernardino and Marion Black at City Councilmember Rikke Van Johnson’s Sixth Ward Town Hall Meeting. Photo by Carl Dameron

    State Street improvement diagrams presented at San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson’s Sixth Ward Town Hall Meeting. Photo by Carl Dameron

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem and Sixth Ward City Council Member Rikke Van Johnson addressed Westside San Bernardino community members at his Town Hall Meeting, Thursday June 18th at the Inghram Community Center where he introduced new San Bernardino City Manager Charles McNeely.

    Johnson’s State of the City budget address painted a dismal picture at times as he detailed the impact of the collapse of the financial industry, the steep decline in housing values and skyrocketing foreclosures, which are affecting the community as well as the nation.

    There was a somber atmosphere among the residents as Johnson released information on why the city had to cut 177 full time positions, 32 percent of the city’s Parks and Recreation staff, 23 percent of the Information Technology staff and the city libraries budget by $700,000. San Bernardino faces a projected budget deficit of $19 million in 2010.

    McNeely, who took office on June 1, was greeted by an audience anxious for a message of optimism from their newest city official. McNeely’s message was simple, to assist the community to meet their goals, by changing the image and perception of the way the city does things.

    McNeely encouraged the community to get involved and attend Council meetings to let City Hall know there needs to be change in its standards and behavior. He concluded his presentation by encouraging community interaction with his office stating, “The worst mistake the community can make is not taking advantage of me being here.”

    Johnson addressed approximately 100 Sixth Ward residents providing city budget information and how it will impact their neighborhoods. Several city officials and representatives were present, as well as one of the city’s most notable educational pioneers, 104-year-old Dorothy E. Inghram, for whom the center is named.

    The Councilman’s presentation was not completely laced with doom and gloom as he cited many positive efforts in revitalizing the community, including the State Street widening project. Still in the design phase is a widening from the 210 Freeway to Foothill Boulevard creating the last major north-south street that can be built in San Bernardino.

    Also in the design phase are plans for the Mesa Senior Center Complex, an affordable gated independent senior living facility to be constructed on a 2.4-acre property at the corner of Highland Avenue and Medical Center Drive, boasting a 3,000 sq. ft. community center.”

    Johnson was met with a rousing applause from the audience as he announced the demolition of the Meridian Apartments a long time hangout of drug dealers and other criminals. “The city has acquired eight of the 18 unit apartments, with three additional units to be demolished before the end of the month.” Eventually, Johnson says, “the city will acquire and demolish all of the units.”

    Additional revitalizing efforts reported by Johnson were the construction of a new gas station on the corner of Fifth Street and Mt. Vernon Avenue, the McDonald’s restaurant on historic Route 66, which is presently the number one store of the restaurant chain in the city.

    The collaborative effort with the Northwest Redevelopment Project Area Committee is focusing efforts to improve the historic Route 66 corridor with beautifully constructed facades on the areas businesses, beginning with Ace Barbershop on the corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Goodlet Street.

    Several presentations were also on the Town Hall agenda. Amos Young Sr., Partnership Specialist for the U.S. Department of Commerce/ Census Bureau was on hand to provide the community with vital information on Census 2010 and the employment potential offering 1500 jobs to the city once the local office is staffed.

    Other presentations were provided by Voices 4 Change, a grass roots social action campaign to restore health and safety for residents in San Bernardino County and foster relationships with residents and city and county officials, and The NID Housing Counseling Agency, a HUD approved non-profit agency offering free loan modification information.

    Project Pipeline partnering with The Black Voice Foundation announced the grand opening of the Hardy Brown College Prep charter school in San Bernardino in fall 2010.

    Johnson was quite pleased with the turnout and content of the meeting. “My main goal is to provide the best living environment for my commun
    ity while I am in office,” he said.

    Johnson will hold a second Town Hall Meeting & Report at the Inghram Community Center, 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue beginning at 6:30 p.m. on June 25, 2009 to introduce San Bernardino’s new Chief of Police, Keith Kilmer.

    Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino, where he has lived for most of his life. He is the manager for Greenwood Bail Bonds, and previously worked for 27 years as a clerk for the United States Postal Service.

    For more information about the Town Hall Meeting on June 25th, please contact Rikke Van Johnson at the San Bernardino City Council Office at (909) 384-5188.

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    Rikke Van Johnson to Host Town Hall Meeting With San Bernardino Police Chief Keith Kilmer


    San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson, top photo, will host a Town Hall Meeting especially for Ward Six residents Thursday, June 25 at the Ingrham Community Center. Special guest will be Chief of Police Keith Kilmer, who began his job with San Bernardino on June 1.

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) On Thursday, June 25, 2009 Mayor Pro Tem and Sixth Ward Councilman Rikke Van Johnson will host a Town Hall Briefing, with new Police Chief Keith Kilmer as his special guest.

    The San Bernardino Employment Training Agency (SBETA) will also be present to talk about employment opportunities for youth and young adults. The meeting will take place at the Inghram Community Center, 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

    “This is an opportunity for Sixth Ward residents to meet their new chief of police and hear his plans for keeping San Bernardino’s neighborhoods safe in light of our city challenging economic conditions,” said Johnson, who has represented the Sixth Ward since 2004. “Keith Kilmer brings a wealth of experience in law enforcement and he is a lawyer too. I encourage everyone to come meet him and learn how we can work with him to keep San Bernardino safe.”

    Chief Kilmer has been a member of the Southern California law enforcement community for the past 27 years. Prior to his arrival in San Bernardino, he was police chief in Bell Gardens for three years, and served with the Long Beach Police Department for 24 years, rising to the rank of police commander.

    Kilmer has been recognized for his efforts involving community policing programs, youth oriented programs, technology and crime prevention.

    Chief Kilmer graduated from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, in 1987, and has been a member of the California State Bar since 1988. He has attended numerous executive level training programs in law enforcement including the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University, the California Command College and the West Point Leadership Program. He also served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer and Canine Handler.

    Chief Kilmer is married to Roberta and has four children, the oldest of which is currently involved in Ranger training with the United States Army.

    Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino, where he has lived for most of his life. He is the manager for bail bondsman denver co, and previously worked for 27 years as a clerk for the United States Postal Service.

    For more information about the Town Hall Briefing, visit https://mcc4tax.com and please contact Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson at the San Bernardino City Council Office at (909) 384-5378.

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    DEMOLITION STARTS FOR SAN BERNARDINO’S CRIME RIDDEN MERIDIAN APARTMENTS

    Three of 18 of San Bernardino’s crime ridden Meridian Apartment fourplexes were demolished on Monday morning. Local residents are happy the apartments are leaving. Rikke Van Johnson, City of San Bernardino mayor pro tem and Sixth Ward council member, blames the high crime rate to a design flaw. “Those who lived there were not the problem people. It was those the area attracted.”



    Left to right: Shannon Johnson and Carey Jenkins from The City of San Bernardino Redevelopment Agency smile as one of the crime ridden Meridian Apartments is demolished.

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    (San Bernardino Calif.) Three of 18 of San Bernardino’s crime ridden Meridian Apartment fourplexes were demolished on Monday morning. Local residents are happy the apartments are leaving.

    Rikke Van Johnson, City of San Bernardino mayor pro tem and Sixth Ward council member, blames the high crime rate to a design flaw. “Those who lived there were not the problem people. It was those the area attracted.”

    The City of San Bernardino Redevelopment Agency has purchased 8 of the eighteen units and expects to close escrow on the remainder soon.

    Johnson would like to see the fourplexs replaced with single-family homes. “Once we acquire all of the property, we’ll look for a developer to come in and bring about that type of housing.”

    Renters are receiving relocation assistance from the city to find a new place to live. Rents for the substandard complex are $750 for two bedroom apartments and $850 for three bedroom units.

    “I am happy to see these apartments go,” said local resident Carl Dameron. I am happy this city is ridding the Sixth Ward of these vacant complexes that have become a haven for criminals involved in drug sales, drug use and other felonies.”

    Demolition started on Monday, June 15th, and clean up continues through June 16th and 17 th. “The remnants of the building won’t be put into landfills.

    “Our subcontractor is sorting and recycling the old buildings. J & G Industries expects that 50 to 75 percent of the building can be recycled. The wood can become paper, or particleboard, the old tarpaper and shingles can become new shingles or asphalt and the old concrete can be sued to make new concrete,” said Johnson.

    “Long before cities started to make recycling in the demolition business a requirement, our company has always strived to recycle and or reuse as much as possible from the buildings we demolish. Our company makes it an effort to recycle an estimated 75 percent of the buildings material,” said Eric Cain, J & G Industries project manager.

    The recycling process saves materials filling up our landfills over the years that do not break down, thus protecting the environment and greatly reducing our costs as a company,” said Cain.

    The primary materials being recycled include steel and other various metals. These metals provide the most return for the demolition business in terms of revenue. The metals are first loaded up in large high side steel trucks and then transported to metal recycling facilities. They are then processed and shipped out around the world for various uses.

    Wood is another material that is often recycled. Many buildings are hand wrecked and the wood is reused for several purposes including new construction.

    Charitable organizations also benefit from our recycling processes, Cain said. “In many cases organizations like Habitat for Humanity will come in and take anything from doors, cabinets, appliances, or other reusable belongings to further their projects. J & G will continue to recycle as much as possible and maintain its support for the environment.

    Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the San Bernardino City Council. He also serves as Mayor Pro Tem. Johnson retired after 27 years with the United States Postal Service. He is currently the manager for Greenwood Bail Bonds.

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    Rikke Van Johnson to Host Town Hall Meetin


    San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson, top photo and City Manager Charles McNeely, bottom photo, along with Chief of Police Keith Kilmer, will present information about projects taking place in Ward 6 (Johnson’s area of representation) and elsewhere in the city at a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, June 18.

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) On Thursday, June 18, 2009 Mayor Pro Tem and Sixth Ward Councilman Rikke Van Johnson will host a Town Hall Meeting & Report at the Inghram Community Center, 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue beginning at 6:30 p.m. This will be an opportunity to inform the Sixth Ward residents about the city’s budget and how it will impact their neighborhoods.

    City Manager Charles McNeely and Chief of Police Keith Kilmer, who both became employed by San Bernardino on June1, 2009, will both speak during Johnson’s Town Hall Meeting.

    “This is an opportunity for Sixth Ward residents to meet their new city manager and their new chief of police,” said Johnson, who has represented the Sixth Ward since 2004. “Both of these gentlemen are quality individuals and I’m excited about the City’s possibilities and the improvements that will be achieved under their inspired leadership.”

    Voices 4 Change will also have a presentation. “Voices 4 Change is a powerful grassroots and social action campaign, that draws on the recognized capacity of photography and poetry to effectively reach and connect to people emotionally while serving as a platform to achieve a transformation of individuals and environments,” Johnson said.

    Johnson will also discuss projects in his presentation to the community including:

    • State Street Widening – State Street will be widened from the 210 freeway to Foothill Boulevard, thus creating the last major north-south arterial street that can be built in San Bernardino. The project is now in the design phase. When completed this four-lane arterial will have bicycle lanes (the first in the Sixth Ward) and meandering sidewalks. It also will improve access between California State University San Bernardino, Arroyo Valley High School and Colton High School.

    • Route 66 – This historic federal highway runs through the Sixth Ward, including neighborhoods experiencing economic blight. However, a new McDonald’s restaurant opened on Route 66 recently, the first major chain restaurant to open on the Westside since 1992. This restaurant and other new developments nearby are fueling economic revitalization in the area. The NorthWest Redevelopment Project Area Committee is focusing efforts to improve this historic corridor as well. These plans will be highlighted.

    • Meridian Apartments – This 18-unit apartment complex, at one time owned by 14 different owners, has long been a hangout for drug dealers and other criminals. The city has acquired eight of these units, with three to be demolished before the end of the month. Eventually, Johnson says, the city hopes to acquire and demolish all the units, extend the cul-de-sac on which these apartments are located to create a through street, and offer the vacant property for potential development opportunities.

    Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino, where he has lived for most of his life. He is the manager for Greenwood Bail Bonds, and previously worked for 27 years as a clerk for the United States Postal Service.

    For more information about the Town Hall Meeting, please call Eddie Catoe or Brenda Erickson at (909) 888-0017.

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    JOHNSON NAMES LONG-TIME COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER CITIZEN OF MONTH

    San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson recently named long-time community volunteer Jo Ann Parker as San Bernardino’s Citizen of the Month for May 2009.

    Parker, 72, leads the Pacesetters Drill Team and Drum Squad with her daughter Kelly Graham. Parker has been a leader of this group for most of the last 37 years.

    “She has been active in the community for almost four decades,” Johnson said. “She has given her time and talent to invest in young people in this community and now her daughter is doing so too.”

    The Pacesetters started in the 1960s as the Franklin Junior High School Rhythm Team, as it was part of that school. The school has since been renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School.

    Parker began helping the Pacesetters in 1972, which went on to become part of the All American Drill Team circuit and marched in as many as 32 parades a year throughout southern California.

    In 1980, the Pacesetters affiliated with the San Bernardino Boys & Girls Club. It remains a part of this organization, where Johnson is president of the Board of Directors.

    The Pacesetters have competed in numerous competitions in California, Arizona, Las Vegas and New Orleans. During the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles they marched every day around the Rose Garden at the Coliseum.

    Parker is a long-time friend of Johnson’s family, he noted.

    “Her brother-in-law and my father were buddies in elementary school,” he said.

    Johnson created the Citizen of the Month program in 2004, after he was first elected to the San Bernardino City Council. Citizen is also an acronym for Concerned Investor of Time/Talent, Involved, Enthusiasm and Neighborly.

    Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino, where he has lived for most of his life. He is the manager for Greenwood Bail Bonds, and previously worked for 27 years as a clerk for the United States Postal Service.


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    Rikke Van Johnson Seeks Donations for Basketball Team


    San Bernardino City Council Member Rikke Van Johnson seeks donations to buy championship rings for the San Bernardino High School girls’ basketball team.


    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson is calling for donations to honor a record-breaking San Bernardino high school team. “The Cajon High School girls varsity basketball team, also known as the Cowgirls, had an outstanding season,” Johnson said. “They won the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) top division and went further in the state playoffs than any team in San Bernardino history.”

    Johnson said the team has been conducting fundraising events all year, but is still short $2,000 to pay for the CIF Championship rings honoring 10 players. Each ring cost $200 a piece. Donations can be mailed to Cajon High School, c/o Coach Mark Lehman, 1200 Hill Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92407. Johnson said the goal is to raise enough money to reward the players with a championship dinner as well. The remaining proceeds will go towards next season’s travel expenses.

    Johnson, the Westside Action Group (WAG), Fontana City Mayor Pro Tem Acquanetta Warren and Ray Culberson, director of Youth Services, San Bernardino City Unified School District, have already agreed to be sponsors.

    “The Cowgirls finished the season with a 32-3 record. Two of the three losses were to top-ranked teams in the nation,” Johnson said. “The Cowgirls were ranked No. 6 in the nation, by Maxpreps (a company that tracks statistics for high school sports.)”

    The team also won the Best of the West, Girls Can Hoop and Brea Olinda tournaments, which are considered among the top three in Southern California.

    Other Cowgirls honors include:

    • Layshia Clarendon was named CIF Player of the Year, for the second year running. She was also a Parade magazine All-American and received a scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley.
    • Darshae Burnside was named to the all CIF team and is the leading rebounder in CIF history. Burnside is the No. 2 all-time California rebounder and received a scholarship to the University of Arkansas.
    • Coach Mark Lehman was named 2008 Coach of the Year (CIF Division 2A) by the Southern California Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association.

     Lehman attributed the great season to dedication and practice. “The girls have been working hard for a year practicing every day,” Lehman said. “It took a lot of dedication and commitment to reach these goals.”

    Johnson said the Cowgirls are a shining example of San Bernardino youth. “I think in today’s world, young people should always be honored for outstanding and positive achievements,” Johnson said.

    Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino.

     

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    RIKKE VAN JOHNSON APPOINTED TO IVDA, SBIAA, IGLCBC

    Rikke Van Johnson


    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson has been appointed to serve on three agencies representing the City of San Bernardino in 2009. These agencies are the Inland Valley Development Agency, the San Bernardino International Airport Authority and the San Bernardino County Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee.

    “Two of these agencies, the Inland Valley Development Agency and the San Bernardino International Airport Authority, compliment each other,” Johnson said. “We will be doing everything we can to bring economic redevelopment to the area in and around the San Bernardino International Airport.”

    San Bernardino International Airport Authority is a Joint Powers Authority representing the cities of San Bernardino, Colton and Loma Linda, and the County of San Bernardino. It is responsible for developing aviation related industries at San Bernardino International Airport (formerly Norton Air Force Base.)

    The Inland Valley Development Authoirty, another Joint Powers Authority representing the same members, is responsible for developing non-aviation related businesses, industries and residences at San Bernardino International Airport and on 13,000 surrounding acres.
    The passage of SB 621 established the Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee formed in each county with tribal government gaming operations. Consisting of tribal and local government leaders, these committees supervise the selection of grants to public agencies seeking assistance from the Special Distribution Fund.
    “Usually, San Bernardino selects its Fourth Ward Council Member along with the Mayor to represent the city on this committee,” Johnson said. “Since the Fourth Ward position is now vacant, I was appointed to fill in until a new council member is seated.”

    Neil Derry, now Third District Supervisor for San Bernardino County, held the position of Fourth Ward Council Member until he was elected to the Board of Supervisors. He will be replaced in a special election in March, and the new Fourth Ward Council Member will most likely be sworn in at the beginning of April.

    Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino. As a council member, Johnson serves on several other city committees. These include the Ways & Means Committee, the Redevelopment Committee, Budget Ad Hoc Committee, Educational Bridge Ad Hoc Committee, Police Ad Hoc Committee, Parolee Ad Hoc Committee. He also represents the city on the San Bernardino County Solid Waste Advisory Task Force and serves as an alternate member of the San Bernardino Regional Water Resources Authority Commission (JPA), and the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board and the SANBAG Major Projects Committee.

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    Rikke Van Johnson Named Mayor Pro Tem

    Rikke Van Johnson, who represents the Sixth Ward on the San Bernardino City Council, was recently elected by his fellow council members as Mayor Pro Tem of San Bernardino. Johnson is the first Mayor Pro Tem under a new city ordinance that allows him to serve until March 2009, and all subsequent mayor pro tems to serve for one year. Previously the job alternated monthly between council members.

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Rikke Van Johnson has been elected by the San Bernardino City Council to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.

    “They feel I am fair, and would help to lead the city in the right direction,” Johnson said when asked why he was chosen for this position by the council.

    He was named to this position at the council’s first December meeting and said he will hold the office until March 2009. After his term, the Council will select a new Mayor Pro Tem each March.

    Previously, council members alternated as Mayor Pro Tem for one month at a time, but a newly revised city ordinance extended the Mayor Pro Tem’s term to one year. The revised ordinance also designates the Mayor Pro Tem as the one responsible for assigning members of the city council to city committees, and naming the chairpersons of those committees, although it gives the rest of the city council the right to reject the Mayor Pro Tem’s choices.

    The Mayor Pro Tem’s job is also to perform mayoral duties, when the mayor is out of the city, ill or unable to perform his duties for any other reason. Johnson says his duties may include representing the City of San Bernardino at public events. Occasionally, it will also mean chairing City Council meetings.

    Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino, where he has lived for most of his life. He is the manager for Greenwood Bail Bonds, and previously worked for 27 years as a clerk for the United States Postal Service.

    As a council member, Van Johnson serves on several city committees. These include the Ways & Means Committee, the Redevelopment Committee, Budget Ad Hoc Committee, Educational Bridge Ad Hoc Committee, Police Ad Hoc Committee, Parolee Ad Hoc Committee. He also represents the city on the San Bernardino County Solid Waste Advisory Task Force and serves as an alternate member of the Inland Valley Development Agency, San Bernardino Regional Water Resources Authority Commission (JPA), and the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board and the SANBAG Major Projects Committee.

    From 1975 to 1986, Van Johnson coached youth softball for San Bernardino Parks and Recreation and Rialto Parks and Recreation departments, and also did so at Eisenhower High School in Rialto from 1981 to 1986, along with girls’ basketball. From 1987 to 1992, he served as a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) referee for high school basketball games.

    He currently volunteers with several groups including the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino and Westside Action Group. He is married to Sharon, and has three children and one grandchild.

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    Rikke Van Johnson President of Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino

    Rikke Van Johnson, president of the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino, looks at a mural created by teenagers who attended a program sponsored by The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. The Boys & Girls Club recently installed this mural on a wall in one of its meeting rooms.

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Rikke Van Johnson is the new president of the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino Board of Directors.

    Johnson, a 44-year-resident of San Bernardino, has served on the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors since 2000. He is also a San Bernardino City Council member, representing the Sixth Ward.

    Long before then, as a teen growing up in San Bernardino, he was a member of the Boys & Girls’ Club of San Bernardino, where he swam and received guidance from the adult role models there.

    “I had great supervisors when I attended the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino as a teenager,” he said. This is my way of giving back for all the good this club has provided for me.”

    Johnson said he learned leadership skills in the Boys & Girls Club that helped him during his 27-year career with the United States Postal Service, in his current job as the manager of Greenwood Bail Bonds and as he leads both the Boys & Girls Club and the city.

    As the new board president, Johnson will guide the board through its top priority for 2009, which is to raise $100,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino. This will help the program provide more services to the area’s children through its programs such as Torch Club, a leadership program for preteens and Triple Play, a program that emphasizes health and fitness for children.

    It will also assist the Boys & Girls Club in renovating its kitchen, which is more than 40 years old and hasn’t been used for several years. After the renovation, the Boys & Girls Club will serve meals, teach children to cook and promote healthy eating as advocated in the Triple Play program.

    To assist in its fund-raising venture, the Board of Directors hopes to expand its own membership. The board now has 11 members, but it’s open to community leaders with the passion and tenacity to serve.

    “We want people who will be able to bring in resources to meet the needs of the boys and girls who are our members,” Van Johnson said. “Many of them are at-risk children, and we want the Boys & Girls Club to be everything it can to help them become successful young adults.”

    Van Johnson said he also hopes to recruit people to a new advisory board for a Boys & Girls Club. These are people such as elected officials and company executives, who would not have time to volunteer as a governing board member, but who are well-connected to other people in the community and could assist the governing board in that way.

    Rikke Van Johnson is the elected City Council representative to the Sixth Ward of San Bernardino where he has lived for most of his life. He is the manager of Greenwood Bail Bonds, and volunteers with several groups including the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino and Westside Action Group. He is married to Sharon, and has three children and one grandchild.

    The Boys & Girls’ Club of San Bernardino operates clubs in the Westside and Delmann Heights neighborhoods of San Bernardino and in Rialto. It has more than 1,500 members, children and teens who are building character, developing leadership skills, building strong, healthy bodies and preparing for a successful future through the programs the Boys & Girls Club offers.

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