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: 28

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

Casting Director, Shani Hamilton Thillet, Books Talent for Dameron Communications  
Photo Courtesy of: Shani Hamilton Thillet

By Greg Zerovnik, Contributing Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 349

“I am excited to leverage my extensive network of Inland Empire actors, dancers, and models to bring exceptional talent to advertising projects at Dameron Communications,” said Shani Hamilton Thillet

Moreno Valley Unified School District wins multiple communications awards, receiving special recognition for its Dual Language I
Photo Courtesy of: Moreno Valley Unified School District

By Anahi Velasco, Contributing Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 442

Left to Right: The Moreno Valley Unified School District team earned 3 CalSPRA Awards of Excellence and a President's Award. School Board Vice President Sammie Luna, Digital Media Specialist Isaiah Garcia, Director of Communications and Community Engagement Anahi Velasco, Digital Video Specialist Naival Cartagena, and School Board Member Justin Jackson.

Valley View High School honored as California Distinguished School
Photo Courtesy of: Moreno Valley Unified School District

By Anahi Velasco, Contributing Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 473

Valley View High School earns California Distinguished School Award

Upmost Barbershop Celebrates Grand Opening with Community Turnout
Photo Courtesy of: City of Loma Linda - Government

By Eric Montgomery , Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 526

We’re excited to welcome the newest member of the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce — Upmost Barber Shop!

Step Into the Old West: Why Travelers Are Falling for Pioneertown
Photo Courtesy of: Thomas Jackson of Redlands, CA.

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 612

Pioneertown, established in 1946, is known as a prime filming location and tourist destination, offering an 1880s-themed experience with its Old West style buildings.

Rattlesnake Season Returns to Redlands Trails
Photo Courtesy of: Redlands Conservancy

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 819

As spring warms the hills and trails around Redlands, another familiar sign of the season is making its return: rattlesnakes.

Seasonal Cleanup Events Return to Moreno Valley This Spring
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 488

A person wearing yellow cleaning gloves wipes a glass window with a cloth, removing soap and water during routine household cleaning.
Mayor Ulises Cabrera is encouraging residents to embrace the season as an opportunity for a fresh start while taking advantage of City resources designed to make spring cleaning easier, safer, and more convenient.

Rattlesnake Season Returns to San Bernardino County Trails as Spring Warms the Region
Photo Courtesy of: Redlands Conservancy

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 559

As spring warms the hills and trails around Redlands, another familiar sign of the season is making its return: rattlesnakes.

Annual Springtastic Festival and Egg Hunt
Photo Courtesy of: The City of Moreno Valley Government

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 517

Get ready to hop to MoVal’s annual Springtastic Festival and Egg Hunt!

Annual Blue Mountain Festival
Photo Courtesy of: City of Grand Terrace

By Judith J. Garcia, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 535

The City of Grand Terrace is hosting their Annual Blue Mountain Festival event on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Children Suffering from Brain Injury Find Pathways to Recovery at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Photo Courtesy of: Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

By Ross Goldberg, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 445

Children suffering from brain injury find pathways to recovery thanks to the highly-trained professional team providing care at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’ s acute and subacute rehabilitation units.

No School, No Boredom: Teens Invited to Hang Out at Teen Hub This Spring Break
Photo Courtesy of: City of Colton Community Services Department

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 414

No school? No problem! Skip the boredom and pull up to the Teen Hub. We’ve got you covered all break long.

--> -->