THE PULSE
A Quarterly Update for CBS Employees
SUMMER EDITION
A Message from the A Message from the Director Director
As the academic year winds down and we move into the summer months, I hope each of you has the opportunity to relax and enjoy meaningful time with family and friends before we gear up for a busyFall.
Over the past year, we’ve made tremendous strides across Campus Business Services. From the successful expansion of the Passport Office and the launch of the Student Print Program to ongoing improvements at the Highlander Service Station (HSS), our team has accomplished a great deal.
We also welcomed new team members—CSA Diane Hernandez-Mancera and Mail Supervisor Lauryn Carter—who have quickly become valuable contributors to our growingdepartment.AndCongratulationstoTenneyforhernewpromotion.
CBS is truly in a period of transformation, and that progress is the result of your hard work, flexibility, and dedication. Thank you for your continued commitment —itdoesnotgounnoticed.
I would also like to take a moment to recognize and thank John Shannon for over 20 years of outstanding service to UCR and Mail Services. We wish him all the bestinhiswell-earnedretirement.Congratulations,John!
There are many exciting things on the horizon for CBS—stay tuned. Thank you againforbeingsuchanessentialpartofoursuccess.
Enjoyyoursummer!
-Robert
BASIC LIFE SUPPORT
DANGER:ENSUREAREAISSAFEFORYOURSELFANDOTHERS
RESPONSE:CHECKFORRESPONSE-SAYNAME,SQUEEZESHOULDERS
SENDFORHELP:ASKAPERSONBYNAMETOCALLANAMBULANCE
AIRWAY:OPENMOUTHANDCLEARANYFOREIGNOBJECTWITHA FINGERSWEEPWHILEPERSONISONTHEIRSIDE
BREATHING:CHECKFORBREATHING.IFNOT,STARTCPR
CPR:30CHESTCOMPRESSIONSTOTHEBEATOFTHESONG“STAYIN’ ALIVE”,2BREATHS;REPEATUNTILHELPARRIVES
DEFIBRILLATION:APPLYDEFIBRILLATIONFOUNDINADMINBUILDING1 LOBBYBYTHEINNERDOOR.FOLLOWINSTRUCTIONSTODEPLOY
FIRST AID
STROKE
THERE’STREATMENTIFYOUACT “FAST”
FACE:ASKPERSONTOSMILE.DOESONESIDEOF THEFACEDROP?
ARM:ASKPERSONTORAISEBOTHARMS. DOES ONESIDEDRIFTDOWNWARD?
SPEECH:ASKPERSONTOREPEATASIMPLE PHRASE.ISTHESPEECHSLURREDORSTRANGE?
TIME:IFYOUOBSERVEANYOFTHESIGNS,CALL FORHELPIMMEDIATELY.
CALLUCPDAT951-827-5222.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
SYMPTOMS INCLUDE PALE, CLAMMY SKIN, NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE, WEAKNESS, NAUSEA, HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, DILATED PUPILS AND HEAVY SWEATING.
MOVE PERSON INTO A COOL PLACE, LIE DOWN WITH FEET ELEVATED, REMOVE OR LOOSEN CLOTHING. COOL PERSON WITH COOL, WET TOWELS, FANNING THEM, OR ICE PACKS AT PULSE POINTS.
IF CONSCIOUS, GIVE PERSON ½ CUP WATER EVERY 15 MINUTE.
CALL
AT 951-827-5222.
CBS Recommends Your SoCal Summer Bucket List
March Field Air Museum
Entry Fee - Low Cost
Fairmont Park
Take a stroll around Lake Evans
Entry Fee - Free
Jurupa Mountain
Discovery Center
Entry Fee - Free
UC Riverside Botanical Gardens
Entry Fee - Free
CBS Recommends Your SoCal Summer Bucket List
Riverside Heritage House
Explore Victorian era living
Entry Fee - Free
Visit a Unique Beach
1) El Matador Beach
2) Victoria Beach - Laguna
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Entry Fee - $20 - $33
Temecula Wine Country Hot Air Balloon Ride
Highlander Highlight
John Shannon Mail Processor
After two decades of dedicated service, John Shannon, a cornerstone of our processing team, is preparing to retire from his role as a Mail Processor at UCR. Known for his calm demeanor, sharp wit, and deep love of trivia, John has left a lasting impact on the campus community.
John has proudly served UCR for 20 years, and what has kept him going? “The people,” he says. He genuinely enjoys working with the folks here. “They make coming to work something I look forward to.”
When John’s not at work, he’s likely on the golf course or at the driving range, enjoying one of his favorite pastimes. He also never misses a chance to order crème brûlée when dining out with his wife —a shared favorite. As for cuisine? “Give me a good steak and a glass of red wine—simple and classic,” he says.
A true trivia lover, John fulfilled a lifelong dream in 1998 when he appeared as a contestant on Jeopardy!, a show he had admired for years. “It still feels like one of the most adventurous things I’ ve ever done,” he recalls.
When asked about his dream vacation, John shares his hopes of a Mediterranean cruise with his wife, exploring Italy, Greece, and maybe even Northern Africa—connecting to his Irish heritage and European roots.
A longtime fan of Bruce Springsteen, John recently attended his 11th concert this April. His favorite movies? Timeless classics like Casablanca and The Sting—films he can watch again and again for their unforgettable stories and characters.
As he enters this exciting new chapter, we thank John for his years of hard work, friendship, and loyalty to UCR. You will be missed, and we wish you many relaxing golf games and well-deserved adventures in retirement.
Thank you, John! You truly are a Highlander at heart. ����
Highlander Highlight
Ryan Charette Sr. Automotive Equipment Operator
Meet Ryan Charette, a dedicated and familiar face who has been with UC Riverside for an impressive 14.5 years. Before joining UCR, Ryan ran his own vehicle detailing business. But with marriage on the horizon and a desire for more stability, he made the leap to campus—and we’re glad he did.
So what’s kept Ryan here all these years? “I like the benefits and the dependability of the job,” he says. “My goal is to reach 20 years, and then we’ll see what the next chapter holds.”
Ryan’s role involves a mix of assignments: delivering cylinders, delivering freight in the box truck, and receiving on the dock. His favorite? Dockwork. “It’s something different and unique every day,” he says. That variety keeps things interesting and energizes his daily routine.
Living in Riverside since elementary school, Ryan is a true local. He still lives in the area with his wife and 12-year-old daughter, and together they enjoy family trips to Laughlin to go boating. At home, their two energetic Border Collie mixes—Maverick and Phoenix—keep things lively.
When he's off the clock, Ryan is all about sports. A lifelong Dodgers and Lakers fan, he played both basketball and baseball in high school and now keeps the tradition alive by playing in slow pitch softball tournaments.
Ryan also enjoys music—especially 90s hip hop and rap—and has a great sense of humor. He and his wife love a good laugh, whether it’s watching a comedy movie or heading out to live comedy shows.
Lately, Ryan has been perfecting his grilling skills on his new Blackstone grill, cooking up steaks and his current favorite—cheesesteak sandwiches. Pair that with some great 90’s Hip Hop or Rap music and a Dodgers game, and you’ve got Ryan’s idea of a perfect day.
We’re proud to have Ryan on the team and grateful for the energy and commitment he brings to his work. ����
Beat theHeat:
5 Simple Tips to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer
Astemperaturesclimbin Riversideandthesurrounding areas,keepingyourhomecool doesn’thavetomeancranking theA/C24/7.Trythesesimple, energy-smarttrickstostay comfortable:
1. Close blinds and curtains duringpeaksunhours. Blockingdirectsunlightcan
reduce indoor temps significantly, especially on south- and west-facing windows.
2. Use fans wisely. Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air downward. Don’t forget about box and oscillating fans to move air through thehouse.
3. Ditch the oven. Avoid heating up your kitchen—opt for grilling outdoors or using a slow cookerorairfryerinstead.
4. Switch to LED bulbs. Theyproducelessheatanduselessenergythanincandescentbulbs.
5. Cool your bedding. Swap out flannel or fleece sheets for breathable cotton or bamboo, and considercoolinggelpillowsforhotsummernights. Staycooloutthere,Highlanders!
Blackstone Summer:
Ryan Charettes Cheesestake Sandwiches
If Ryan’s spotlight story made you crave something hot off the grill, we’ve got you covered. Here's a simple and delicious Cheesesteak Sandwich recipe inspired by Ryan’s beloved Blackstone griddle.
Ingredients:
1½ lbs thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 tablespoon oil or butter
Salt & pepper to taste
Provolone or American cheese slices
4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
Instructions:
Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat.
Add oil and sauté peppers and onions (and try jalapenos if you like it spicy like Ryan) until soft and caramelized. Move them to the side.
Toss on the beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook quickly until just browned.
Mix in the peppers and onions. Top with cheese and let it melt over the mixture.
Toast your rolls face-down on the grill, then load them up with the cheesy beef and veggies.
Optional tip: Add mushrooms, hot peppers, or a drizzle of garlic mayo for extra flavor.
Just like us, houseplants need a little extra love during the hot Inland Empire summer. Here’s how to keep your leafy friends happy:
Check soil moisture more often. In hot weather, plants dry out faster. Stick a finger an inch deep —if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Water deeply, but not daily. A good soak once or twice a week is better than a daily light sprinkle.
Use room-temperature water. Cold water can shock roots. Let water sit out for a bit before using.
Avoid midday watering. Mornings are best, when it’s cooler and the sun isn’t at its peak.
Group plants together. They create a more humid microclimate, which many houseplants love.
DON’T FORGET YOUR HOUSEPLANTS
Watch for stress signs. Drooping, yellowing leaves, or crispy edges are cries for help. Adjust your watering accordingly.
Green thumbs up!
UCR-Inspired Summer Drinks
This light, fizzy drink celebrates UCR’s citrus legacy—perfect for a backyard BBQ, a sunny lunch break, or just relaxing after work.
Citrus Summer Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic)
Ingredients:
Juice of 1 UCR-developed orange (or any fresh, sweet orange)
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp honey or agave syrup (optional)
Sparkling water (citrus or plain)
Orange slices & mint for garnish
Ice
Instructions:
In a glass or small pitcher, combine orange juice, lemon juice, and honey/agave. Stir until blended.
Fill a tall glass with ice and pour juice mixture over it.
Top with sparkling water and give it a gentle stir.
Garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of mint.
Pro tip: Add a splash of pomegranate or cranberry juice for a pink twist!
�� Creamy Avocado Lime Smoothie
A cool, citrusy summer drink inspired by UCR’s iconic avocados
Ingredients:
½ ripe Luna avocado
Juice of 1 fresh lime
1 tbsp honey or agave syrup
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt)
1 cup milk (dairy or almond)
½ tsp vanilla extract
4–5 ice cubes
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a chilled glass.
Garnish with a lime wedge or mint leaf.
Tastes like: A tropical, creamy lime shake—refreshing, tangy, and full of good-for-you fats.
Tip: Add a handful of spinach or a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost!
You Know? Did You Know? Mail Services has processed over 325 passport applications so far! We’ve collected over $14,200 in fees. Soon, we’ll be open 5 days a week for passport services.
