Voice of the People: Music and Arts Program by Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

MARCH
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Voice of the People: Music and Arts Program

By Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez, District 4 Councilmember, City of Moreno Valley
February 17, 2014 at 12:02pm. Views: 26

As the Councilman of District 4, I have been working on several projects for my community. As a professional educator, I firmly believe that exposure to the Arts is a key ingredient for student success. As a member of this City Council, I immediately began looking for ways that the City can help support a robust Arts curriculum for children. I’m delighted to report that we will soon unveil the first phase of Arts education in the grant funded After School Programs offered through the City in partnership with the Moreno Valley and Val Verde school districts. We’ll be working with our contract provider, THINK Together, to conduct these classes and will put musical instruments purchased with grant funding into the hands of budding musicians. Plato said: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” I’m extremely excited as this program lifts off…and sparks the imagination of Moreno Valley’s next generation of leaders. As a former musician, I believe our children need access to music/arts programs. I have been working diligently with THINK Together to roll out a proposed music/arts program in March for our after school students. We will start at two middle schools, Palm Middle and Badgers Springs. Badger Springs Middle School is located in District 4. The students at the two schools along with the staff are excited for this opportunity. My vision is to have this program expanded to all 43 school sites, including Val Verde schools. Some may question the reasoning for providing city resources to after school students. However, I believe we have a moral obligation to our children, especially since we have the resources, to take the initiative along with our school district partners to allow our kids an equal opportunity of accessing music and arts.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: CalKIDS

By Vanessa Vizard, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:48pm. Views: 464

An event staff member assists an attendee at the CalKIDS check-in table, helping her register and sharing information as community resources are made available.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 690

A job seeker speaks with a representative at a Business & Employment Resource Center (BERC) booth during a career fair, where employers share information and resources with attendees in a bright indoor venue.

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:48pm. Views: 840

AI-rendered image: Community members, families, and children gather outside the boarded entrance of Moreno Valley Mall, where signs posted on the doors read “Mall Closed,” illustrating the impact of a temporary shutdown on local residents.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:48pm. Views: 464

CSHS Athlete of the Week: Abubacarr Saidy

Photo Courtesy of: Elci Photography

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:48pm. Views: 1129

“Chuck” William Cecil and his wife, Beverly Cecil, stand proudly with Johan Gallo, Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee's coordinator, as they are recognized for their long-standing dedication and support of Grand Terrace Cars & Coffee

Photo Courtesy of: Congressman Pete Aguilar

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:48pm. Views: 498

House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar represents the 33rd Congressional District of California. He is the keynote speaker at The Democratic Luncheon Club of San Bernardino’s 32nd Annual Banquet and Installation of Officers.

Photo Courtesy of: City of San Bernardino, Instagram: IE Voice

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:50pm. Views: 713

A bright red and gold dragon costume weaves through a crowd of smiling adults and children at an outdoor festival, as performers lean down to interact with attendees during a lively dragon dance.

Photo Courtesy of: Designed by Freepik

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:48pm. Views: 622

Two students stand in a library, looking down at an open book together, with shelves of books visible in the background.
Over the past year, Redlands Unified has relied on Administrative Regulation 1312.2 – Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials, a policy adopted by the Board of Education on Aug. 19, 2025, to guide how concerns about library and instructional materials are reviewed.

Photo Courtesy of: VA Loma Linda

By Stephen K. Robinson, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:49pm. Views: 724

Exterior view of the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center, a large beige multi-story building with blue window accents. Three flagpoles displaying the American flag and military service flags stand in front of the entrance, surrounded by landscaped grass, rocks, and a small water feature.

Photo Courtesy of: Youtube: SBS Probation

By William Cortez, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:49pm. Views: 572

An indoor workshop scene shows teaching artists, M. Ahofi and J. Lee of PMHU, seated and playing guitar and cello, while others observe in the background. The photo is depicted with a blue, on-screen banner reading, “Mapping Progress: Project: Music Heals Us.”

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Tracy Calentti, Contributing Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:49pm. Views: 914

An AI-rendered image showing a person wearing a hood and gloves removing a property tax payment envelope from a blue mail drop box during low light conditions.

Photo Courtesy of: Jsmithwikigt, Wikipedia

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

February 24, 2026 at 01:49pm. Views: 628

City of Grand Terrace images from top, left to right - Grand Terrace City Hall, Blue Mountain Trail, Northeast City Entrance, Historical Plaque, Veterans Wall of Freedom.

--> -->