San Bernardino City Unified School District's San Andreas High Named a 2025
Student Loan Repayment Notices Start Today, May 5...continued
Model Continuation High School
SAN BERNARDINO,
CA—San Andreas High School, in the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD), has been named a 2025 Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus).
The CDE announced last month that 74 schools throughout California were recognized as Model Continuation High Schools for 2025. Model Continuation High Schools provide comprehensive services to high school students through the use of exemplary instructional strategies, flexible class schedules and guidance and counseling services. Continuation schools provide students who are at risk of not completing their education with a path towards a high school diploma.
“I could not be more proud of my administrative team and my staff for helping to earn this honor,” said Principal Dorie Stratton. “Certainly we couldn’t do it without the support of the Board and Superintendent, but it’s the boots on the ground that make great things happen for our students on a day-to-day basis.”
This is the third time San Andreas has received this prestigious designation, with the school previously being recognized in 2017 and 2021.
SBCUSD’s other continuation
high school, Sierra High School, was designated a Model Continuation High School in 2024. Schools retain their designation for three years before needing to reapply.
San Andreas was the first continuation high school in the state to earn Gold Certification from the Linked-Learning Alliance for its career pathways, which prepare students for careers right out of high school.
San Andreas offers the Business & Technology Pathway, where students learn to grow produce hydroponically and receive training to earn certifications ranging from a food handlers permit to forklift certification. Students who enroll in the Health Sciences Pathway train alongside staff from American Medical Response (AMR), giving them hands-on exposure to careers in health care and helping them earn first aid and OSHA certification.
“My goal when I came to SBCUSD was to help the community see how much this District SHINES and to help it shine even brighter,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “San Andreas once again being named a Model Continuation High School is just proof of what I already knew— we maintain high expectations for making sure students are college and career ready, no matter where they are in their academic journey.”
Student Loan Repayment Notices Start Today, May 5
By Lauren Burke
A student Loan Payments Resuming Notice in Envelope on top of other mail. (Photo by Richard Stephen)
Millions of student loan borrowers in default will begin to get notices starting May 5, that they are being placed into a collections process. The student loan repayment system has always been confusing to many. Delays related to COVID and other policies passed by the Biden Administration were meant to assist borrowers. But now the grace period for student loan borrowers is over after a fiveyear pause in collections. From 2021 to 2024, federal student loan debt grew by more than $60 billion annually. According to NBC, only a third of “the nearly 43 million borrowers who have student loan debt have made regular payments.” On April 21, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, Linda McMahon, announced in a statement that the Trump Administration would restart the payments.
In late February of this year, the Department of Education ended the process for loan repayment plans. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit agreed with a suspension of the Saving on a Valuable Education plan — also known as SAVE. The incomedriven repayment program, which was a key initiative of the Biden Administration with over eight million borrowers enrolled, offered lower monthly payments than previous plans. However, the SAVE plan faced legal challenges in the spring of 2024 because of high costs. States led by Republican Governors and Attorney Generals sued and argued that the administration had exceeded its legal authority. The argument of the executive branch “exceeding authority”
hasn’t come up from those same Republican-led states. But President Trump is moving facts to mandate that those who have a student loan outstanding must repay it.
According to the information provided by the Student Borrower Protection Center:
A typical current student loan borrower with a college degree will be forced to pay an additional $2,928 per year in student loan payments should Congress enact this proposal, when compared to the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan.
A typical current student loan borrower with some college but no degree would be forced to repay an additional $1,761 per year in student loan payments should Congress enact this proposal, when compared to the SAVE plan.
Virginia Rep. Bobby Scott, who is the ranking member of the House Education Committee, has been a vocal advocate for student loan borrowers. He introduced legislation aimed at lowering the cost of college and assisting with
loan repayment. His legislation has included the Lowering Obstacles to Achievement Now (LOAN) Act, which aims to double the Pell Grant, improve Public Service Loan Forgiveness, lower interest rates, make loans less expensive, and repeal origination fees. Rep. Scott also supported proposals to expand access to Pell Grants, make student loans more affordable, and improve the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. But in a survival of the fittest world in part created by citizens united, having access to large amounts of money is typically a huge factor in attending college. “Forgiving student debt would be a great gift to graduates, but so would having your mortgages, car loans, and credit card debt forgiven. Debt forgiveness is a slap in the face to all who sacrificed and worked extra jobs to pay off their student loans,” argued businessman and media owner Armstrong Williams on social media on May 5. But the question of whether those in default can repay at an unpredictable economic time is unknown.
This Older Californians Month, Connect with Your Family and with California’s Resources to Help Older Adults Thrive
Start the conversation about aging by celebrating the wisdom, resilience, and strength of older Californians while making important plans for the future
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW — May is Older Californians Month, a time to celebrate the wisdom and strength of older adults and challenge outdated stereotypes. Starting the conversation about aging can begin by exploring the free resources California offers to empower older adults to thrive. One of the most effective ways to do that is by simply talking openly and early about what aging really looks like and the support that’s available. This month, we’re reminded to focus on positives like the resilience that comes with aging.
City Of Barstow extends ‘call to action’ for local businesses as more applications needed for MULTIPLE ‘EQUITABLE
COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION GRANTS’
Local businesses can apply for a unique opportunity to enhance their environmental standards via land testing
Community News Community News
SACRAMENTO —This May, the California Department of Aging (CDA) encourages people to start the conversation about aging, focusing on the wisdom, strength, and resilience older adults can offer to family, friends, and their communities.
"Starting the conversation is a sign of strength, not weakness," said California Department of Aging Director Susan DeMarois. "Older adults are vibrant, capable, contributing members of our communities. Let’s celebrate the possibilities that come with every new chapter of life."
Conversations about aging can happen between anyone — partners, family members, friends, or caregivers. What matters is making space to talk honestly about needs, preferences, and plans. Whether you're asking for support or offering it, these conversations are about respect, not rescue — and they’re a powerful way to strengthen trust and preserve independence.
"Older Californians Month is an opportunity to celebrate the people at the center of all our work," said California Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS) Secretary Kim Johnson. "Starting the conversation early is the best way to ensure independence and dignity as we age. It’s about empowering people with information and resources and helping them to thrive."
HOW TO START THE CONVERSATION: Start with general topics like cooking, volunteering, cleaning the garage, or yardwork. Approaching the conversation with confidence demonstrates a genuine willingness to connect.
"If I ask for a ride or help lifting a box, it doesn’t mean I need to be rescued — it just means I need a little help," said Wanda Stapley, 86, of Modesto. "I don’t need someone telling me what to do, how to do it, or why to do it in every situation. I enjoy the freedom of making my own decisions."
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
By 2030, older adults will outnumber those under 18 for the first time in state history, and 25% of the population will be 60 or older. More than ever, it’s critical that families seek solutions that empower older adults, including assistance for those who wish to age safely in their homes and communities.
California’s groundbreaking Master Plan for Aging, a 10year blueprint to prepare for a larger, more diverse, and older population, is an important tool; learn more at mpa.aging.ca.gov.
AVAILABLE RESOURCES:
To support these intergenerational conversations about aging, CDA developed the Aging Resource Guide, which is available in multiple languages and formats. The guide shares information about a variety of programs and services available to older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers, offering practical information to help older adults plan for independent living. Highlights include:
Scams Awareness — Learn about fraud commonly targeting older adults and how to protect against it.
Nutrition — Get delicious recipes, review nutrients essential for older adults, and find out about home-delivered meals as well as group meals offering opportunities to meet new people.
Caregiver Support — Information, counseling, and respite (a break for the caregiver with someone else providing care for a short time) are available to help family members who provide care for older loved ones in their homes.
Other topics include preparing for disasters and emergencies, preventing falls and injuries, the benefits of volunteering, and learning about different housing options for older adults throughout the Golden State. Explore California’s Aging Resource Guide at aging.ca.gov/ aging_resources.
BARSTOW, CA – April 30, 2025 – Businesses within the City of Barstow can apply for special grant funds through the City if they anticipate development and need the soil tested for environmental purposes.
With the new BNSF Railway project – Barstow International Gateway (BIG) - set to uplift the region's supply chain, the potential exists for businesses to thrive in a more sustainable way.
To support the transition into a better economy, Brownfields grants were awarded to the City of Barstow with the goal to use them to promote development and for the betterment of land within the city. Currently, funds are used towards testing the old golf course as well as the old vacant hospital site and business park sites. Leftover funds are intended to be used for local land owners, specifically to conduct Phase I and Phase II environmental testing. The initiative is part of the City of Barstow’s commitment to ensuring that the local community benefits from the upcoming changes while maintaining high environmental standards.
“Our commitment to the Barstow community, businesses, and environment is one of our biggest priorities,” said Barstow City Manager Rochelle Clayton. “By offering these grants, we are developing the economy in a way that is beneficial for many and helps to facilitate the growth and development process for those who move into our market.”
Taking advantage of this opportunity is valuable to businesses and others to prepare for future development, increase property value, and contribute to a thriving local economy. Through environmental testing and remediation efforts, land owners can:
Unlock Property Potential: Identifying and addressing environmental concerns can help businesses move forward with expansion, redevelopment, or new construction projects.
Increase Property Value & Marketability: Properties that meet modern environmental standards are more attractive to buyers, investors, and tenants.
Support Long-Term
Sustainability: By taking
proactive measures now, businesses can position themselves for success in a rapidly growing and evolving market.
Access Expert Guidance & Resources: The City of Barstow, along with strategic economic development partners, will assist businesses in navigating the grant process and leveraging resources for redevelopment.
City of Barstow Economic Development Specialist Genesis Crank noted that Barstow’s vision is to enhance the quality of life for residents, create meaningful job opportunities, and position the city for sustainable growth. To achieve this, the City is prioritizing the redeveloping of key areas, with a particular focus on the Barstow Downtown Corridor (Main Street). “These efforts will breathe new life into underutilized properties, fostering business growth and creating spaces that support our community’s needs,” Crank said. “As a property or business owner, your participation is essential to this vision. By redeveloping your property as part of the ECRG program, you’ll contribute to the revitalization of Barstow’s economic landscape while unlocking the potential of your property for future uses. The program offers resources to assess and remediate environmental challenges, paving the way for business expansion, higher property values, and a stronger local economy. For absentee property owners, now is the time to reconnect with Barstow’s bright future. Your property has the potential to be part of the transformation that will benefit both you and the community. The window of opportunity is limited, and we urge you to act now.” To find out if a business is eligible for land or soil testing through the ECRG grants, individuals can fill out the survey at barstowbig.com/ brownfieldsurvey , or contact Genesis Crank, the City of Barstow Economic Development specialist. She can be reached at gcrank@barstowca.org or by calling 760-255-5152. More information on the City of Barstow can be accessed at www.BarstowCA.org.
