Pastor Chris Reinhard of the San Bernardino Sandals Church in front of the building to be remodeled into The 10,000 sq. ft. Hill Teen Center. Groundbreaking is scheduled for January 2023.
The Hill Teen Center is now going to happen! The new center is named after the late educator and community leader Dr. Margaret Hill. The center will support teenagers suffering from homelessness, hunger, gang violence, drugs, alcohol, and poverty.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – The Hill Teen Center, a new refuge for youth in the San Bernardino area, will provide relief and services to Inland Empire teenagers who are at risk for homelessness, hunger, gang violence, drugs, alcohol, and poverty. The center raised more than $791,000 recently on Giving Tuesday.
The ROGO Foundation, in partnership with Sandals Church, led the effort and will build and operate the teen center on the Sandals Church property in San Bernardino. Groundbreaking is scheduled for January 2023.
“We are very excited about what this money will mean for our community,” said Scot Camden, Advancement Director for the ROGO Foundation. “Our community banded together to make The Hill Teen Center dream, a reality. This center tells our teenagers that they matter to us and we will do everything in our power to help them lead healthy and happy lives.”
The Hill Teen Center is a 10,000-square-foot facility delivering FREE clinical counseling, tutoring, skill – and life-coaching, mentorship, and laundry facilities, as well as a safe and fun environment for teenagers to spend time with friends.
An energy-efficient laundry facility opens to students of surrounding middle and high schools, free of charge, allowing them access to the facility, which will include water-efficient washers/dryers (along with detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc.) and a lounge for them to hang out in while they wait for their laundry. Watch a short video on the project: https://youtu.be/F3gx6RqmsQE
The project is estimated to cost $1.3 million to complete, and the money raised lets much of the work begin, as the organization continues to fundraise the remaining $510,000.
“The Hill Teen Center is very much aligned with my own vision for the broader community,” said Ken Ramirez, former Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and contributor to the project. “It provides a road map to make a difference in the lives of our young adults.”
Ramirez, an active member of the Inland Empire for many years, mobilized his network to get the word out about The Hill Teen Center and the Giving Tuesday crowdfunding campaign.
“My own childhood motivated me to want to bring hope to teenagers struggling with adverse conditions,” said Ramirez.
COURTYARD PATIO This eco-friendly, drought-tolerant landscaped patio space will support various programming opportunities, including open-mic nights, life skill classes, and micro-concerts, while also being accessible to students to hang out with their friends or work on their homework. Watch a short video on the project: https://youtu.be/F3gx6RqmsQE
“One in ten youths in the City of San Bernardino is homeless. In the 2019/20 school year, 30,270 San Bernardino County K-12 students were identified as homeless or lacking secure housing. The problem is getting worse as this is a 6.6 percent increase from the previous year,” said Pastor Chris Reinhard of the San Bernardino Sandals Church.
“These factors, along with alcoholism and drug addiction, have left too many students and their families hopeless, with little belief that their lives will have any meaningful change. This teen center will start to change that,” said Pastor Reinhard.
“And after all, that’s really what it’s all about—delivering a beacon of hope,” said Ramirez, “helping to show that life has a lot to offer, but sometimes we need to be shown what’s possible.”
LOUNGE A fully furnished and beautifully designed lounge space for students to rest, relax or even get some studying done. While safe and secure alternatives to hanging out on the streets are hard to come by, this lounge will serve as a sanctuary for teenagers—a place where they’ll feel safe to let their guard down. Watch a short video on the project: https://youtu.be/F3gx6RqmsQE
The Hill Teen Center is located at Sandals Church in San Bernardino at 3701 N Sierra Way.
The Hill Teen Center is named after the late educator and community leader Dr. Margaret Hill. Watch a short video on the project: https://youtu.be/F3gx6RqmsQE
For more information about The Hill Teen Center, go to TheHillTC.com, or call The ROGO Foundation at (951) 800-7865.
COUNSELING AND TUTORING Partnering with licensed professionals and local organizations, several rooms and spaces will be available for free counseling to support students’ mental and emotional health needs and tutoring to broaden their academic/career opportunities in the future, as well as STEM spaces to enhance their learning.
About Sandals Church
It is a Christian church affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and has an average weekly attendance of over 13,000 adults and children. The vision of the church is “to be real with ourselves, God and others.” Sandals Church holds services every Saturday and Sunday.
About The ROGO Foundation
We exist to develop the two critical components of healthy churches; the people that lead them and the places where they gather. We merge with struggling churches, remodel, and upgrade the facilities, and implement our proven ministry leadership model so that their legacies can continue with our resources and support. We also plant Sandals Church campus locations to further reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
James Ramos, California State Assemblymember is one of the four Grand Marshalls for the 2023 San Bernardino MLK Parade and Extravaganza on Saturday, January 16 on the WestSide of San Bernardino from Mt. Vernon to California Street on Baseline Ave.
San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. is one of the four Grand Marshalls for the 2023 San Bernardino MLK Parade and Extravaganza on Saturday, January 16 on the WestSide of San Bernardino from Mt. Vernon to California Street on Baseline Ave.
San Bernardino Mayor Elect Helen Tran is one of the four Grand Marshalls for the 2023 San Bernardino MLK Parade and Extravaganza on Saturday, January 16 on the WestSide of San Bernardino from Mt. Vernon to California Street on Baseline Ave.
San Bernardino Chief of Police Darren J. Goodman is one of the four Grand Marshalls for the 2023 San Bernardino MLK Parade and Extravaganza on Saturday, January 16 on the WestSide of San Bernardino from Mt. Vernon to California Street on Baseline Ave.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. Grand Marshals for the 2023 San Bernardino MLK Parade and Extravaganza are James Ramos, California State Assemblymember; Joe Baca, Jr., San Bernardino County Supervisor, Fifth District; Helen Tran, San Bernardino City Mayor-Elect; and our new African American Chief of Police for the City of San Bernardino Darren L Goodman.
The parade celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“We are honored to have these illustrious leaders of our community be the Grand Marshalls for the MLK DAY Parade and Extravaganza,” said Rich Wallace, president of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce.
The MLK Day Parade & Extravaganza will be held January 16th on San Bernardino’s Westside along Baseline Street, from Mt Vernon Ave. to California St.
“Come rejoice with vendors, music, community booths, a First 5 children’s zone, fun, and entertainment at the parade and at the Extravaganza at Ann Shirelles Park, between California Street and North Pennsylvania Ave., between West Baseline Street and West 15th Street,” said Lue Dowdy, Parade Chair.
Dowdy added, “We are still accepting applications for entertainers, vendors, food vendors, classic and custom cars, and motorcycles.”
The event starts at 11:00 am at the Graciano Gomez Elementary School at Mt. Vernon and Baseline, with the Parade starting at 1:00 pm and continuing west on Baseline, ending at Anne Shirelles Park on California Street.
Participating organizations for The San Bernardino MLK Day Parade include The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, Lue Productions Community Umbrella Services, Dameron Communications, YouthBuild Inland Empire, Chords Youth Enrichment Program, San Bernardino Valley College, San Bernardino Airport, Off the Chain Alliance, Westside Story newspaper, Empire Talks Back and the Black Health Coalition.
The Redlands Airport Association is once again hosting a charity toy drive to benefit The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps.
“The Salvation Army has been helping families with holiday needs since 1891. The toys collected will go to kids in the local area.
“Redlands EAA Chapter 845 will be holding a Young Eagles event that day starting at 9:00 am. Kids 8-17 can experience an aircraft ride at no cost and learn about aviation.
“Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is from 9-10am. For more information contact: Beverly 909-771-3279or Rick 909-223-0266
“Santa Claus will be flying in to say hi to the kids, as well.
“In the spirit of giving we will once again be hosting a LifeStream Blood Drive. Consider donating as their is a severe shortage of blood. You may save a life! The bloodmobile will be onsite between 10am -2:30 pm.
“The RAA will be cooking up a barbecue lunch starting at 11 am and going until 2.
“Pilots from local airports are welcome to fly-in, show off their plane and donate a toy.
“The event is open to families and members of the local community. Come on out and enjoy the fun! Please bring a new unwrapped toy and support this wonderful campaign.
“Be a Hero and Donate a New Unwrapped Toy for Kids in Need!
“Admission is free, but guests are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy to donate.
Citrus City Brass, a quintet based out of Redlands, CA. Our resident members include Kenley Nakao, Mark Perez (trumpets), and Tom Francis (trombone).
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.— The Citrus City Brass will play at the Red Kettle Kick-Off this Thursday, November 17th at 5:30 PM, at the Bear Springs Hotel Events Center, 27923 Highland Ave, Highland, CA 92346.
“The Salvation Army has a wonderful brass band that played at recent Red Kettle Kick Offs; however, they were already booked this year. I was lucky to hear The Citrus City Brass and we are blessed to have them play for us this year. They are wonderful musicians,” said Major Isaias Braga.
“We are honored to play for the Salvation Army,” said Kenley Nakao, Trumpeter, Citrus City Brass LLC., CEO “They hear a lot of brass music so we are honored to be asked to play for them at their annual fundraiser. Please watch our video of “Love of My Life” by Freddie Mercury at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8cvkRqE6JY.”
Citrus City Brass, a quintet based out of Redlands, CA. Our resident members include Kenley Nakao, Mark Perez (trumpets), and Tom Francis (trombone).
For nearly 50 years, Chairwoman Valbuena has held numerous elected and appointed positions within San Manuel tribal government.
Hungry, homeless, hopeless? Trouble paying monthly bills, drug, or alcohol addiction? The Salvation Army helps people in need with all these problems and more. Different programs have different funding sources and one of the most important sources is the annual Red Kettle Kick Off campaign each Christmas season.
The Salvation Army bell ringers in front of your favorite stores collect money that provides food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; food baskets available daily, hot meals, clothing, and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available.
During the Christmas season, The Salvation Army also delivers holiday food baskets to about 500 local families and provides toys to children whose parents cannot afford them.
On Christmas Eve, The Salvation Army of San Bernardino hosts a Christmas Dinner that historically provides a delicious meal to approximately 200 people. Donations from people who donate to the Red Kettles help make this possible.
Donors are asked to drop off turkeys, hams, canned food, cash, checks or gift cards at the Salvation Army’s Corps Office at 838 Alta Street, Redlands, 92373.
For more information call (909) 792-6868.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers holistic programs for individuals of all. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world.
The Salvation Army has served San Bernardino since 1887, and Redlands since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. They serve the cities of: San Bernardino, Redlands, Highlands, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy, and the mountain communities.
About The Citrus City Brass
Citrus City Brass LLC.’s mission is to promote the enjoyment of music and highlight the continuous Evolution of the Brass Quintet. Through multi-genre concerts, engaging educational outreach programs, and the inclusion of multicultural diverse backgrounds to supply a well-rounded approach towards instrumental music. You can also check us out on Facebook and Instagram @citruscitybrass where we post up to date performances, music content, and more. For more information call (808) 344-6194.
Malaika Jacocks gets her annual checkup from Dr. Rodriguez at the LaSalle Mt. Vernon Clinic in San Bernardino. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends annual or bi-annual check-ups allow your doctor to monitor your diagnostic readings (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) and, if necessary, prescribe medication and/or treatment to bring these readings up to healthy levels.
“Too many people stay away from a doctor’s office because they think if they feel okay, they don’t need to go in for an annual check-up. By the time they start to feel ill, they end up in the ER, and sometimes it’s just too late to save them,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
SAN BERNARDINO, CAIF. In addition to visiting a physician when an illness or injury occurs, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends annual or bi-annual check-ups that allow your doctor to monitor your diagnostic readings (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) and, if necessary, prescribe medication and/or treatment to bring these readings up to healthy levels.
Only 25.2 percent, or one in four people, report having a recent routine check-up. Yet, routine cardiovascular exams alone save tens of thousands of adult lives each year, while vaccines save the lives of roughly 42,000 children on an annual basis, according to the CDC.
Annual or bi-annual preventive health screenings and primary care consultations have also been found to significantly increase life expectancy, particularly among the 30- to 49-year age group.
“Too many people stay away from a doctor’s office because they think if they feel okay, they don’t need to go in for things like an annual check-up,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. “And when illness strikes there is no established provider to treat and assist with the management of their needs.”
Dr. Arteaga lost a sister to breast cancer. “My sister never opened up to tell either me or her older sister—both of us doctors—that she had a lump on her breast. Later we learned that she kept making excuses about it, ‘I bumped myself’ or ‘It’s just a bruise’ and she basically ignored it for over six months.”
“There really is no reason for someone experiencing symptoms to put off seeing a doctor,” said Dr. Arteaga. Far more people today can obtain insurance thanks to Covered California, Medicaid and the like, making it much easier for them to get the care they need.
“Health care is no longer an out-of-reach luxury for those who couldn’t afford insurance but is now available for everyone. Our staff are trained to help uninsured people who come to our offices to apply for coverage,” Dr. Arteaga said.
In addition to providing acute care for people who may be coming down with something, Dr. Arteaga and his team make sure to reach out to those who are on longer-term care for a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes and get them to come in for regular checkups so that they do not suffer a relapse.
For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. call (855) 349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle operates six clinics employing more than 100 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) coverage.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to approximately365,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, and Tulare counties.
Mia Alexia Martinez 14 gets her vaccination from Nurse Elisabeth. Get your flu and Covid Shot at the same time this season.
“Two little jabs now can save you from a world of trouble later on,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
REDLANDS, CALIF. Covid 19 and the flu remain dangerous infections. Medical authorities urge everyone six months and older to get their flu vaccinations now. At the same time, new Covid booster shots are also available, as well as shots for the latest of the Omicron variants and so getting both flu and Covid shots during one visit is the best course of action.
“No one really looks forward to getting a shot, but it really makes sense to get both of your shots at the same time so that you only need to make one visit to the doctor’s office, not two. Two little jabs now can save you from a world of trouble later on if you don’t get vaccinated,“ said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
Who should and who should not get a flu vaccine? According to the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC), everyone six months and older in the United States should get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season with rare exceptions. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has made this “universal” recommendation since the 2010-2011 flu season.
During the 2018-2019 flu season, the CDC estimates that 35.5 million people contracted the disease and 34,200 died from it. “Flu kills and most people seem to know it does and so most people get their flu shots every fall,” said Dr. Arteaga.
The CDC also reported that Covid 19 is still averaging 54,186 new cases per day as of September 21, 2022, and to date, over 95.7 million cases have been reported since the pandemic started. Deaths are currently averaging 396 per month. Almost 80 percent of the U.S. population has had at least one Covid vaccination shot and 67.8 percent are fully vaccinated.
Dr. Albert Arteaga Suggest we all get our flu and Covid Shot at the same time this season.
“We have two very contagious and often deadly diseases,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Getting both vaccinations at the same time, if you have not yet gotten your Covid vaccine or booster shot, makes good common sense.”
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., clinics accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan coverage, as well as Medicare Medi-Cal and cash.
For more information call the office closest to you: Fontana (909) 823-4454; San Bernardino 17th Street (909) 887-6494; San Bernardino Mt. Vernon Ave. (909) 884-9091; Rialto (855) 349-6019; and Hesperia (760) 947-2161.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest, independent, and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle operates six clinics employing more than 100 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) coverage.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to approximately 380,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, and Tulare counties.
“I thank the ABOTA organization for validating the results we have been able to achieve with our Restorative Youth Court Program, where we focus on students’ strengths rather than their deficits,” said Mikki Cichocki.
“I first met her when we were working together in the Restorative Youth Court Program. I quickly understood that she was so devoted to her children,” said San Bernardino Superior Court Judge John. M. Pacheco.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.—The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) has honored Mikki Cichocki with its prestigious Teacher of the Year Award, given to her in recognition of her tireless advocacy on behalf of students, diverting them away from the criminal justice system and helping them return to their studies so they can earn their diploma and get on with a productive life and career.
“I was surprised to learn I had gotten this award,” said Cichocki, “and I thank the ABOTA organization for validating the results we have been able to achieve with our Restorative Youth Court Program, where we focus on students’ strengths rather than their deficits.
“Students come to Youth Court not to be punished but to be diverted away from the school-to-prison pipeline and become productive learners who are able to graduate and pursue their dreams and aspirations. The program helps our next generation move forward.”
San Bernardino Superior Court Judge John M. Pacheco presented the award to Mikki and said, “I first met her when we were working together in the Restorative Youth Court Program. I quickly understood that she was so devoted to her children…. For 33 years she has been a phenomenal teacher and is so involved with her students.”
“It is essential that we increase the resources devoted to providing needed counseling services that now are seriously under-staffed. We need to invest in expanded curriculum offerings, career and technical education and the visual and performing arts. Every student has their strengths. We must support and nurture each child to unlock their possible futures.”
Mikki Cichocki traces her interest in education to her parents, both of whom were teachers in San Bernardino. Raised here, she attended San Bernardino public schools until the 10th grade and graduated from Aquinas High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. She has been teaching and working with various programs for the San Bernardino City Unified School District since 1988. Recently, she retired from the Positive Youth Development department in the district, where she worked with at-risk students, helping them to develop positive attitudes and keep them from becoming involved with and subsequently stigmatized by law enforcement. She also serveson the board of the California Association of Youth Courts and previously served as Secretary-Treasurer of the California Teachers Association, a position that allowed her to build coalitions with educational programs and resources.
The American Board of Trial Advocates, known as ABOTA, is an invitation-only organization of the finest lawyers and judges in America. ABOTA is an organization of attorneys representing both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases. All of the attorneys who belong to ABOTA have earned great distinction at trial. ABOTA was created in 1958 to defend and preserve the rights granted to all Americans by the 7th Amendment to the Constitution, particularly the right to trial by jury. The Foundation of the American Board of Trial Advocates was established in 1993 as the educational arm to instruct the public on the history and value of our civil justice system. ABOTA also promotes professional education aimed at elevating standards of legal professionalism, integrity, honor and courtesy.
San Bernardino Board of Education Superintendent Ted Alejandre Endorses Mikki Cichocki for SBCUSD Board.
“Mikki is focused on what students need to be successful.,” said San Bernardino County Schools Superintendent Ted Alejandre.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.—Mikki Cichocki continues to amass endorsements from leading educators as she runs for the short-term seat on the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board. San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre has added his name to the long list of her supporters.
Alejandre and his predecessor, Herb Fischer, both cite her passionate and genuine interest in making sure that students, especially those who may be having trouble with disciplinary issues, get the support they need to get on track and pursue meaningful careers.
“I’ve known Mikki since 1979,” said Alejandre. “Mikki is focused on what students need to be successful. She is people-oriented and not only has helped students as a teacher and a Youth Court advocate, she has also supported her fellow teaching colleagues by providing resources to them through her role with the California Teachers Association.”
“I’m pleased and honored that Ted Alejandre has endorsed my campaign. I want to give back to the community that raised me. We need a board that is focused on our students and their school experience.”
Cichocki believes that all stakeholders of the SBCUSD must have their voices heard and that certainly includes parents. Decisions about funding and setting priorities need to be aired and discussed openly with a view to reaching a consensus.
Mikki Cichocki traces her interest in education to her parents, both of whom were teachers in San Bernardino. Raised here, she attended San Bernardino public schools until the 10th grade and graduated from Aquinas High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. She has been teaching and working with various programs for the San Bernardino City Unified School District since 1988. Recently, she retired from the Positive Youth Development department in the district, where she worked with at-risk students, helping them to develop positive attitudes and keep them from becoming involved with and subsequently stigmatized by law enforcement. She also serves on the board of the California Association of Youth Courts and previously served as Secretary-Treasurer of the California Teachers Association, a position that allowed her to build coalitions with educational programs and resources.
Don English, Chaffey Joint Union board member, has known Mikki for more than 15 years. He said, “Mikki cares about what’s best for all her students. She knows what it takes and knows what to do to make things better.”
“She knows the ins and outs of the system from the student’s perspective and has clear and sensible ideas about what to do to make things better,” said Upland Unified School District board member Sherman Garnett.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.—Three highly regarded Inland Valley school board members representing three local school districts are all throwing their support behind Mikki Cichocki for the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board.
“I am honored and excited to receive the endorsement of Sherman Garnett with Upland Unified, Don English with Chaffey Joint Union and Don Bridge with Chino Valley for the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board,” said Mikki Cichocki.
All announced their endorsement of Mikki Cichocki for the SBCUSD Board short term seat. Their support comes from their personal experience of watching her in action as a classroom teacher, program specialist and as the Secretary-Treasurer for the California Teachers Association, a position that allowed her to build coalitions with educational programs and resources.
“I support Mikki because she not only knows her students and what they need, she also knows finance thanks to her tenure as Secretary-Treasurer of the California Teachers Association and she has been able to create productive relationships with members of the California legislature. That combination means she can actually get things done to make things better for her district,” said Chino Valley Unified School District board member Don Bridge.
“I support Mikki because she not only knows her students and what they need, she also knows finance thanks to her tenure as Secretary-Treasurer of the California Teachers Association and she has been able to create productive relationships with members of the California legislature. That combination means she can actually get things done to make things better for her district,” said Chino Valley Unified School District board member Don Bridge.
“Mikki has been very active in the administration of child welfare for the California Teachers Association and is truly passionate about seeing that every student gets a chance to succeed,” said Upland Unified board member Sherman Garnett.
“Mikki has been very active in the administration of child welfare for the San Bernardino School District and is truly passionate about seeing that every student gets a chance to succeed. She knows the ins and outs of the system from the student’s perspective and has clear and sensible ideas about what to do to make things better,” said Upland Unified board member Sherman Garnett.
Don English, Chaffey Joint Union board member, has known Mikki for more than 5 years. He said, “Mikki cares about what’s best for all her students. I’ve seen her go to bat for youngsters that come to her Youth Court and keep them out of the criminal justice system, helping them to turn themselves around and get on the right track. She knows what it takes and knows what to do to make things better.”
Cichocki is convinced that all members of the SBCUSD must have their voices heard and that certainly includes parents. Decisions about funding and setting priorities need to be aired and discussed openly with a view to reaching a consensus on actions to take.
“Together with the board, parents, teachers, and classified employees we will give every child the chance to succeed,” said Cichocki.
The SBCUSD is the seventh largest school district in the state with an annual budget of $824.7 million and spends $16,492 per student each year. The district has more than 54,000 students and 11,000 adult education students, in 73schools.
Mikki Cichocki traces her interest in education to her parents, both of whom were teachers in San Bernardino. Raised here, she attended public schools until the 10th grade and graduated from Aquinas High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. She has been teaching and working with various programs for the San Bernardino City Unified School District since 1987. Recently, she retired from the Positive Youth Development department in the district, where she led the effort to work with at-risk students, helping them to develop positive attitudes and keep them from becoming involved with and subsequently stigmatized by law enforcement. She also serves on the board of the California Association of Youth Courts and previously served as Secretary-Treasurer of the California Teachers Association, a position that allowed her to build coalitions with educational programs and resources.
Reaching New Heights Foundation Hosts Stand Down Outreach Event for Veterans and Homeless in San Bernardino
Non-Profit Organization Takes Action to Combat Homeless Crisis in San Bernardino and Support Local Veterans
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (August 24, 2022)—Reaching New Heights Foundation (RNHF), a nonprofit veteran organization, is hosting a Veterans Stand Down and Homeless Resource Event on Wednesday, October 12, 2021, at Perris Hill Park in San Bernardino. The one-day event is designed to support Inland Empire veterans and to provide much-needed resources to the area’s homeless population.
On average, there are 960 veterans a year who are homeless in San Bernardino. The 2020 San
Bernardino Homeless Count Survey shows the homeless count in 2020 increased 19.9% over 2019. RNHF is hoping the Veteran Stand Down event will be a way to take action against the extensive homeless issue that has been referred to as a “human services crisis.”
“We believe in making a difference so we’re bringing over sixty different service providers to one place. We are asking that the providers not just hand out information, but provide on-site services,” said RNHF Founder and CEO Sgt. Major (Ret.) Gregory Coker. “Normally it would takea veteran or a homeless individual several months to receive this kind of service we’re providing in one day.”
In the military, a stand down is an opportunity to pause and regroup to help those in need. With this Veterans Stand Down event, two underserved and at-risk populations—veterans and the homeless—will be able to regroup with access to an abundance of resources.
“Veterans will receive surplus clothing, access to medical and dental service, counseling and more. The homeless will receive free food, clothing, haircuts, medical checkups, and showers, said Coker. “We want to give our homeless and veterans a hand up, not a handout.”
RNHF is collaborating with local city, county, state, and federal organizations to host the event.
Key supporters include San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs, VA Loma Linda Veteran HealthCare System, The Salvation Army, United Way, Goodwill, IEHP, Molina Healthcare, San Manuel Casino and Volunteers for Veterans Foundation.
After the event, RNHF is committed to following up on the success of all individuals who register to receive help and will provide 6 -12 months of additional support.
EVENT DETAILS:
October 12, 2022
Perris Hill Park
1135 E. Highland Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92408 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Event Website: standdownvet.com
About Reaching New Heights Foundation
Founded in 2013, Reaching New Heights Foundation, Inc. is an award-winning non-profit organization created by a veteran for veterans. It proudly helps Inland Empire veterans successfully transition from active-duty military service, incarceration, or homelessness to life as civilians and productive members of society. Reaching New Heights assists nearly 300 veterans a month with a variety of services including housing, jobs, educational resources, mentorships and more. For more information visit www.rnhf.org
