Richie Chor, a small business owner of Lily Popp Café in Anaheim Hills, CA, discusses the ups and downs of opening a business during a pandemic and how he finally got his dream business approved. Lily Popp Café is the first of many businesses of expansion in the near future. Q: What made you decide to finally open your own business? Do you have any previous business experience? A: My dream actually was to be a sports therapist for a professional team, but one day, I realized school wasn’t for me and I did not want to sit behind a desk all day doing something I was losing love for. Since I was around 12 years old, I have worked with my parents at their donut shop in Corona, CA. … [Read more...] about Small business, Lily Popp Cafe, opens in a pandemic
Community
Indigenous communities share experiences over healthcare funding
First People of the Inland Empire are lacking in healthcare necessities despite the local Indigenous medical community going into overdrive to sustain patients. Local First People of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians regions are filling in existing disparity gaps in health care provisions that have recently worsened in BIPOC communities. BIPOC coverage and those in the fight for it reflect both the frustration of addressing these disparities with limited resources as well as the great relief those efforts grant the community. John Torres is from the Tribal Historic Preservation Office for the San Gabrielino Band of Mission Indians and is an associate professor of Anthropology … [Read more...] about Indigenous communities share experiences over healthcare funding
Gaps in access, sense of belonging, and equity continue to affect students in the virtual learning environment
Campus leaders discuss the steps they are taking to further support students-in-need in the virtual setting. “We always want students and faculty to have good communication; to help students however much we can and make sure that they are in an environment where they can best learn and live,” said Dr. Daria Graham, Dean of Students. Following the CDC guidelines on the pandemic, all of the CSU campuses have been operating virtually this 2020-2021 academic year with very limited classes held in-person. Dr. Graham shares some details about the kind of communication she does on a normal work day from home. “I received 177 emails in just two days,” says Dr. Graham. She would read … [Read more...] about Gaps in access, sense of belonging, and equity continue to affect students in the virtual learning environment
CSUSB leaders continue to enrich their skills in a pandemic
Leadership positions were challenged by the changes that came with the social distancing landscape. Some leaders are succeeding by adapting, being innovative, and getting more creative. Lisa Bartle is the Coordinator of Collection Development for the John M. Pfau Library and works as a reference librarian. “Librarians are masters at - you know - duct tape and cardboard,” Bartle said. “We make something happen, just something, even if it’s not what we would ideally like.” Bartle and her staff repurposed cell phone charging lockers into a contactless book delivery system to continue providing a library resource while addressing social distance recommendations. CSUSB Associated … [Read more...] about CSUSB leaders continue to enrich their skills in a pandemic
2021 Lavender Graduation: A virtual recognition of LGBTQ+ students
In addition to traditional congratulatory walks for all, CSUSB has brought forth a commencement that celebrates graduates who share the same pride in themselves. Lavender Graduation is being held virtually this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, on May 14. The Lavender Graduation ceremonies were established by Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish lesbian who was not allowed to attend her biological children’s graduation because of her sexual orientation. Her story fueled the rights activists into fighting for a safe space. In 1995, the first Lavender Graduation was held with a graduating class of only three students at the University of Michigan. Marisol Johnson, the chair for the lavender … [Read more...] about 2021 Lavender Graduation: A virtual recognition of LGBTQ+ students
Impacts of COVID-19 on a county’s youth provider
Dennis Killion, a Youth Provider and Special Education teacher at Apple Valley High School, shares some challenges he has faced in aiding and supporting at-risk young adults during a pandemic. With 31 years of teaching experience, Killion coordinates two state-funded programs: the Workability Program and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). He works with young adults, ranging from 17 to 22 years old, to provide them lessons on life skills and job employment readiness. Q: How has COVID-19 impacted the services that you provide to young adults? A: It has changed a little bit due to COVID, I have gotten a lot of younger kids who are deficient in credits. The way it … [Read more...] about Impacts of COVID-19 on a county’s youth provider
Migrant Writing Circle invites undocumented individuals to share their works
CSUSB’s Undocumented Student Success Center (USSC) has created a space for its members under the name of the Migrant Writing Circle where participants can journal together. The group created an original poem this Spring semester titled, “What It Means to Be Undocumented.” According to Dr. Paloma Villegas, an assistant professor in the department of sociology whose research focuses on undocumented migration, this was the first time members worked together on one collaborative piece. “We do take some risks to try new things and I think this was a successful attempt,” said Dr. Villegas. The Migrant Writing Circle began in the Spring of 2019 by Dr. Villegas, who was prompted to start this … [Read more...] about Migrant Writing Circle invites undocumented individuals to share their works
Inland Empire residents voice concerns over smog growth
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
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