Thursday, July 30 | Volume 40 No. 20

The vibrant sounds of steel drums, infectious island rhythms, and soaring orchestral melodies filled the concert hall Sunday af- ternoon as the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYO- LA) concluded its season with an unforgettable performance cele- brating the spirit of the Caribbean. The 18th Annual Season Finale Concert, aptly themed "Caribbe- an," welcomed hundreds of fam- ily members, educators, commu- nity leaders, alumni, donors, and music enthusiasts who gathered to celebrate the remarkable accom- plishments of ICYOLA's young musicians. Long before the first note was played, the venue buzzed with excitement as proud parents took photos, students greeted one another backstage, and audience members eagerly anticipated an- other memorable performance from one of Southern California's premier youth orchestras.

When the orchestra took the stage at 3:00 p.m., the audience erupted into applause. Dressed profession- ally and performing with poise well beyond their years, the young

Rhythms of the Caribbean

Bring the House to Life at ICYOLA's 18th Annual

• Season Finale Concert
• THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2026
• S. Terri Gomez Named

President of Cal State

San Bernardino at Cal Poly Pomona, and she is a first-generation college graduate who began her higher education journey at San Bernardino Valley College.

The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees has ap- pointed S. Terri Gomez to serve as president of California State Uni- versity, San Bernardino (CSUSB). Gomez currently serves as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Cal Poly Pomona.

"As a first-generation college graduate and a lifelong resident of the Inland Empire, I am honored to be named Cal State San Ber- nardino's president," Gomez said. "CSUSB is a university of access, talent and possibility, and its suc- cess matters profoundly to the In- land Empire, the High Desert and the Coachella Valley. I am excited by the opportunity to lead-along-

See "S.. Terri Gomez..." page 7

-By Angela M. Coggs

S. Terri Gomez

SAN BERNARDINO, CA--- S. Terri Gomez has been appointed to serve as president of CSUSB by the California State University Board of Trustees. A lifelong resi- dent of the Inland Empire, Gomez is currently the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs

A NIGHT OF FAITH. A PURPOSE THAT Changes Lives

• LIVE IN CONCERT
• BRENT JONES
• GOSPEL MUSIC. REAL HOPE. ETERNAL IMPACT
• "Comedian Lester Barrie, Hóst"

musicians demonstrated not only technical excellence but also a deep passion for their craft.

Under the direction of Founder and Artistic Director Charles Dick- erson III, the orchestra embarked on a musical journey through the Caribbean, performing works that captured the vibrant traditions, joyful celebrations, and rich cul- tural heritage of the islands. Every selection reflected months of ded- icated rehearsals, artistic growth, and an unwavering commitment to musical excellence.

From lively rhythms that in- spired audience members to sway in their seats to beautifully ex- pressive passages that showcased the orchestra's versatility, each performance highlighted the stu- dents' exceptional musicianship. Their confidence, precision, and enthusiasm were evident through- out the afternoon, earning repeat- ed applause and standing ovations from an appreciative audience.

• A FUNDRAISER FOR HOUSE
• TICKETS
• OF $50 $65
• HOPE

MEN'S HOME HELPING MEN FIND HOPE. RESTORING LIVES. BUILDING FUTURES.

• SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH, 2026 4:00 PM
• LOVELAND CHURCH
• 17977 MERRILL FONTANA, CA 92335
• VIP
• GENERAL ADMISSION
• VIP INCLUDES: PRIORITY SEATING
• • MEET & GREET
• • EXCLUSIVE GIFT
• Hope Lives Here

LET'S COME TOGETHER FOR A NIGHT OF WORSHIP

• AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
• TICKETS & INFORMATION [email protected] 951-662-6415
• To read more, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com.