Increased online shopping during the pandemic has intensified local air quality concerns. More space for retail warehouses is in demand, and the Inland Empire hosts many of them with more to come. “There is a boom in online shopping due to the pandemic,” said Faraz Rizvi, a community coordinator from the Center of Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ). “We have been working on several projects in the field, that we are focusing more on Environmental Justice...which covers a lot of things such as air quality, environmental racism and hazards.” The Inland Empire is a population area of middle class families who do not have the time “nor voice” to fight for health hazards … [Read more...] about Inland Empire residents voice concerns over smog growth
Community
How the Multicultural Greek Council functions during the pandemic
Members of the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) discusses ways students can virtually stay engaged with CSUSB and the community. Jacklyn Chanocua, President-Representative of MGC and a third year student majoring in biological psychology, stated, "The purpose of the MGC is to foster unity and create an environment where organizations can collaborate, communicate, and support each other. With respect, diversity, and equality, we strive to achieve our organizations' common goals of academic excellence, service to the community, and building strong leaders for tomorrow." According to Gina Chanocua, Vice President of Finance for MGC and a fifth year student majoring in accounting, the MGC … [Read more...] about How the Multicultural Greek Council functions during the pandemic
Restaurants and bars in Coachella Valley adjust to COVID-19 protocols
Throughout the Coachella Valley area, restaurant managers and employees are struggling to maintain structure at work, as COVID-19 continuously spreads. The coronavirus has affected nearly the entire country with 13 million Americans infected and 265 thousand lives lost since its initial outbreak in February. The virus also proven to be the silent killer of most essential businesses, causing local restaurants significant financial decline and loss of employees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 150,000 businesses have indicated that they have closed due to COVID-19, 20,000 of which are restaurants in California. Many of these restaurants are large corporation … [Read more...] about Restaurants and bars in Coachella Valley adjust to COVID-19 protocols
Essential workers discuss the dangers and fears of everyday life
Workers worry about the lack of insurance and insufficient safety practices as they continue to work, fearing they may catch COVID-19. Kalee Atkins, an employee for Marshall's, expresses her concerns about customers not following safety guidelines. “There are people who do not want to follow the rules because there aren’t laws that require them to do so, but I explain to them that these rules are necessary for us to stay open,” said Atkins. Jocelyn Villalobos is a 27-year-old Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) at St. Bernadine’s Medical Center, she had this to say about healthcare, “My parents pay for and afford the healthcare I need. There are a lot of components to why many people … [Read more...] about Essential workers discuss the dangers and fears of everyday life
Dr. Texeira comments on Black Lives Matter movement
Dr. Mary Texeira has been a sociology professor at CSUSB for nearly 19 years. In the 1970s, she went into law enforcement at 21 years old. As a professor, she specializes in social inequality, race and ethnicity, class, and gender and sexuality. Q: How was your experience in law enforcement when you first started? A: I thought it was really exciting. But there's always the sexism and racism that you deal with, not from the people on the streets, but from your fellow officers. My role to getting into law enforcement had to do with a court order. The court ordered police fitnesses in the 1970s, and courts were ordering police departments to diversify their departments, not just racially … [Read more...] about Dr. Texeira comments on Black Lives Matter movement
Campus community takes part in virtual charity
CSUSB's Office of Community Engagement Director, Diane Podolske, discusses how the annual Coyote Cares Day event turned into a virtual 5K event. Q: How was the planning process different for this event this year compared to the previous years? A: Typically, we are contacting our community partners for service projects, reserving food trucks and entertainment, and making sure we have everything ready for a fun day of service. Planning for this year was different because it focused more on publicity to recruit participants and to educate them on the level of food insecurity in our local communities. I guess I would say it was easier, but it is really fun to host an in-person service … [Read more...] about Campus community takes part in virtual charity
Students receive advice on financial management
CSUSB’s "Here to Career" internship program held an accounting webinar for students who would like to know more about money management. LaVonne Shields, an accountant who guides people on how to manage their money for their business, hosted the seminar. The topics of discussion had a focus on how to understand the financial flow of a business, which included looking at bank statements and the cost of goods and sales. Students also received advice on how to earn and save money. One of the things that Shields talked about was the risk of loans, specifically the risk of the lender and the debtor. The lender of the loan is looking for people they can trust with their money. Debtors want … [Read more...] about Students receive advice on financial management
Career Center offers virtual opportunities to prepare students for the workforce
The Career Center utilizes technology to provide resources, career opportunities, and events online to the campus community. While the transition to virtual space did have concerns from employer partners, they have been innovative in implementing virtual programming and services. According to Jon Paul Hernandez, the Employer Relations Specialist for the Career Center since March 2020, the center has adjusted several of its services to adapt to the new normal. "When campus operations began to move virtually in March, the Career Center pivoted to ensure all resources, career opportunities, and events would be available utilizing the latest technology. Within a month's time, we hosted our … [Read more...] about Career Center offers virtual opportunities to prepare students for the workforce
Into the mind of a student activist
Kameron Pyant, a fifth year English major, has been working for the Cross Cultural Center (CCC) since the fall of 2016, which was his freshman year. He has hosted a plethora of events for the CCC such as "Speak yo Truth” and “Unapologetically Black." Pyant has also organized a couple protests this past summer in the wake of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor's deaths. Q: What got you interested in activism? A: The abundance of social injustices inflicted upon Black, Indigenous, and people of color is what drives me to be a persistent activist, being that we still are and always have been fighting for freedom, equity, and equality. We must stay adamant regarding this fight because … [Read more...] about Into the mind of a student activist
HSSBV practices safer operations for animal care
The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley (HSSBV) continues to provide services for animals and animal lovers alike as it celebrates 50 years as a local non-profit organization. Joyce Martin founded HSSBV on March 16, 1970. According to Jill A. Henderson, Director of Development & Outreach of HSSBV, it started with a group of friends in Martin's garage, which later expanded to its own building. "The HSSBV started as a volunteer-driven dream and in 50 years we have helped over two million animals, annually serving an average of 60,000 pets," stated Teri Seymour, Executive Director of HSSBV. According to Henderson, Martin's vision was to provide programs and services that … [Read more...] about HSSBV practices safer operations for animal care