Thursday, October 15 | Volume 40 No. 31

Westsidestory Newspaper

From Ontario to a Navy Warship: Sailor Serves Aboard USS Pinckney

By Chief Yeoman Vicki Sonnenberg, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Cruz Vargus, a native of Ontario, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Pinckney, a Navy destroyer operating out of Naval Base San Diego. Vargus graduated from Apple Valley High School in 2002. “Working in the music industry and performing taught me how to step into different roles and present myself professionally,” Vargus said. “Performing requires you to take on a persona and commit fully to the role, and I found that military service requires a similar level of discipline, bearing, and professionalism. You must understand your role, represent it well, and perform to the standard expected of you.” Vargus joined the Navy nine years ago. “I joined the Navy for stability after working several jobs in the music industry,” Vargus said. "I had already earned an associate degree in music, but I decided I wanted a more stable career and a new direction. My brother had served one tour in the Army and was the first person in my family to serve in the military, which set an example for me to follow.”

See "From Ontario to a..." page8

The California Endowment Breaks Ground on Robert K. Ross Center

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

The California Endowment (TCE) and nonprofit developer Linc Housing broke ground Oct. 6 on a downtown Los Angeles campus combining affordable housing, health care and employment services near Men’s Central Jail, where numerous investigations and oversight reports have documented overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and violence.

Established in 1996, TCE is a private, statewide health foundation focused on improving the health and well-being of Californians, particularly in underserved communities. The Robert K. Ross Center for Hope and Healing is named for Dr. Robert K. Ross, who

See "The California Endowmen..." page 7

California College Students Can Now Access Up to $306 a Month in Food Benefits

Bo Tefu | California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Oct. 09 that California has simplified eligibility re quirements for CalFresh, making it easier for hundreds of thousands of college students to receive up to $306 per month to purchase groceries. Under the new rules, undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time in degree programs at California Community Colleges, California State University campuses or the University of California campuses can meet an initial eligibility requirement through their enrollment. Previously, students faced additional requirements that often-discouraged applications. Students must still meet income and other eligibility criteria to receive benefits. “We can’t expect students to learn if they’re

See "California College..." page 7