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Valley Times
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PVC citizenship class enrollment down

Were not
supposed to be
scared
By Uriel Avendano
Times Editor
The recent tempera-
ment around the na-
tions approach to im-
migration and policy
continues to permeate
discourse among Ameri-
cans.
For the instructor of
the ESL (English Second
Language) and citizen-
ship program at Palo
Verde College (PVC), the
recent shift in policy and
formal strategy toward
immigration has shaken
the confidence of this
years first class semes-
ter.
I would say (enroll-
ment has been) cut in
half from the number
of students, in all of my
classes () This semes-
ter started last week.
This is when weve seen
the decline in numbers.
This semester has been
the worst, said Maria
Gamez, PVCs ESL and
non-credit CIS (Citizen-
ship and Immigration
Services) instructor who
has been heading the pro-
gram for approximately
five years. The students
tected under the Privacy
Act. So now, if Trump
feel defeated () My stu-
dents are afraid. In Cali-
gets his way and wants
to exclude the undocu-
fornia, my students can
get a drivers license, but
mented, that informa-
tion may go to DHS (De-
on that license it says partment of Homeland
undocumented on there Security) and IS (Immi-
Federal restrictions gration Services) could
apply. So, the DMV has get involved.
that information, right? According to Gamez,
But its currently pro- See class/A4
Photo by Uriel Avendano/Palo Verde Valley Times
Uriel Zuniga, an enrolled PVC citizenship course student
who has been in the United States for roughly 12 years and
living in Blythe for 3, is currently on his third semester enroute to
earning his citizenship. Were not supposed to be scared, said
Zuniga. I wouldnt like (potential students) to be scared because
then they transmit it to more people its contagious.

PVH works
to integrate
physical
and mental
health needs
Special to the Times

Palo Verde Hospital is cur-

rently working with Dr. Cal-
vin Flowers, a California
physician, with over 20 years
of experience in practice to
focus on developing and im-
plementing integrated health
programs that
Photo by Cathyleen Rice/Palo Verde Valley Times
will better ad-
Five schools principals gathered at the schools district office on Groundhog Day, with five volunteers who came out to be a principal for a day. From left
dress the needs
to right back row: General Manager of Pizza Studio Jon Holquin, Appleby Elementary Principal Karina De La Pena, Rachel Angel of Twin Palms High School,
of individuals
April Smith of Margaret White Elementary School, volunteer Judy Schuster, Principal Brandy Cox of Palo Verde High and volunteer Jose Rascon. From right who have both
to left front row: Laura Matthews of Ruth Brown Elementary, Diabetes and Obesity Program Director of the Palo Verde Hospital Liz Manjarrez (volunteer) and medical and
Bethany Meyer (volunteer). mental health

Principal experience
conditions. Dr. Calvin
These patients Flowers
are typically seen by primary
care providers and are likely
to benefit from integrated ser-
vices that will ultimately im-
prove the health and wellness
By Cathyleen Rice
Times Reporter Whats a like to lead a school? For a day, and act as principals for an
entire school day. of individuals living with be-
havioral health disorders.
5 local volunteers got a chance to find out Through brief introduc-

O
n Thursday, Feb. 2, tions, Judy Schuster, a Dr. Flowers received his
at 7:25 a.m., East- devoted grandparent to a medical degree from Loma
ern Standard Time, Groundhog Day and everyone cut bacon, egg souffle and OJ, JROTC student of Palo Verde Linda University and has a
Punxsutawney Phil of caring about shadows, at 6:30 Superintendent Charles Bush High volunteered to assist Masters in Public Health from
Punxsutawney, Pa., saw his a.m., PST, principals and lo- said, Breakfast is the most Principal Brandy Cox, Jose the same university. He also
shadow. cal volunteers from the com- important meal, yet the per- Rascon a former student trained at LA County-USC in
Therefore, as the saying munity gathered at the Palo fect way to start the day. at Ruth Brown Elementary Psychiatry, where he conclud-
goes, for the rest of the world, Verde Unified School District With there being five teamed up with Laura ed a Fellowship Program in
all except sunny Blythe, Cali- for the Principal for a Day schools in the community, Matthews, Bethany Meyer Psychopharmacology.
fornia, there will be six more experience. five volunteers from local joined Principal Rachel Flowers has an experiential
weeks of winter. Serving a hearty breakfast businesses to community Angel of Twin Palms High, background in many different
In lieu of the day being of fluffy french toast, thickly leaders came out to shadow See principal/A2 See needs/A4

Transit Agency vice chair

honored at board meeting
By Cathyleen Rice
Times Reporter
Committing 38 years of ser-
vice, Vice Chairman of the
Palo Verde Valley Transit
Agency Lincoln Edmond was
honored at the Feb. 1 board
meeting.
Announcing his retirement
at the Nov. 2 board meeting,
Edmond said it was time for
someone else to fill the posi-
tion.
For this reason, on behalf
of the board, city and coun-
ty, Edmond was presented
plaques and a glassed trophy,
proclaiming him as a benevo-
lent man of civic duty.
With words spoken from
General Manger of PVVTA
George Colangeli, Colangeli
reflected on the days when
he was just starting out the
agency and how Edmond was
an admirable mentor, who en- Loaned photo
couraged him to succeed. Paying tribute to Vice Chairman Lincoln Edmond of Palo Verde Valley Transit Agency for his 38 years of service,
Youve been more than a Brittany Baird (left) awarded Edmond on behald of late Supervisor John Benoit, Mayor Joey Deconinck, Councilman
See honored/A4 Oscar Galvan and Vice Mayor Tim Wade on behalf of the city and Transit General Manager George Colangeli.