Listen here:
At last night’s meeting, the Superintendent/President of Copper Mountain College, Dr. Daren Otten, was delighted to report that first-year students can receive free tuition and textbook credit through the California Promise Program. This new program, which the State funds, will remove some financial barriers and help create pathways to increase college readiness, access, affordability, and student success.
Through additional Federal funding, CMC has addressed barriers, including food insecurity, physical health, mental health, transportation, and technology insecurity. CMC is also launching two new career programs, the Woodland Fire Program with the US Forest Department and Park Services and a Construction Program. Stefanie Ritter, the Hi-Desert Nature Museum Program Supervisor, and Jessica Cuna, the Recreation Coordinator, gave update reports. Jordan Gumbish, Finance Minister, speaking to the Council online, gave a comprehensive update of the current Investment portfolio and an update of the recent work by Chandler Asset Management.
Lastly, the Town Council discussed the Town-Wide Beautification update, which included the current progress on the Shopping cart ordinance, town street signage, and the contract with Mariposa landscaping for median and landscaping maintenance. Monument signs are currently in progress. Staff explained they are aggressive with the timeline and will present a new calendar soon. Curtis Yakimow, Town Manager, said the town is currently working to clean up unlawful dumping and to administer a relocation of items left in public areas, including homeless camps, after efforts are made to locate the owners. Leads for assistance are coming from the Sheriff’s department.
Mayor Jim Schooler suggested that Staff and the Council look into affordable housing in future business. Finally, Rhianna Norlund, a young woman with disabilities pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work, spoke to the Council about her difficulties with public transportation. She sighted no cross-town buses and limited hours and days. She invited the Council to look into ways of making transportation more accessible, including increasing hours and routes and inviting more share-ride companies to come to the Basin.
Captain Robert Warrick from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department updated the Council members on the recent incident at the local high school football game and said the department was taking all necessary steps to keep the students safe. Council member Merl Abel remarked that he felt the media had not reported the incident correctly. Councilman Abel also said he was looking forward to working with the Morongo Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Patricio Vargas, and hoped he would come to a future meeting.
