Steering Committee Newsletter
JULY 2020
Healthy RC has been a successful City-community partnership since 2008, receiving national recognition for our work to improve community health. The Healthy RC partnership is comprised of dedicated residents, community organizations, and public and private entities that collaborate to make Rancho Cucamonga the healthiest it can be! We invite you to contribute your creative ideas, participate in programs and events, and get involved in one of our community groups.
JOIN US AT OUR
NEXT MEETING!

Tuesday, July 28, 2020
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION TBD*
JUNE 2020
STEERING COMMITTEE VIRTUAL MEETING
Thank you to everyone who attended our June 2020 Healthy RC Steering Committee Virtual Meeting! We thank you for your continued support, time, and energy as we work together on amazing impactful projects, programs, and initiatives that make Rancho Cucamonga the healthiest it can be!

Please check out the most recent meeting updates, Healthy RC highlights, and upcoming events below:




Healthy RC Steering Committee Virtual Meeting
Healthy RC Living
CASA CORNER

Pear and Grape Salad
Serves 6

Ingredients for Salad
  • 6 cups spring mix or baby greens
  • 2 pears, cubed (Bosc or Asian)*
  • 1 cup black seedless grapes (cut in halves)
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ red onion, sliced
  • ½ cup feta cheese
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds for garnish
  • Poppy seed dressing (see recipe below)

*If using Bosc pears make sure you coat them with lemon or lime juice as you cut them or they will turn brown very quickly. Asian pears do not turn brown or oxidize.


Poppy Seed Dressing  
Makes 1 ½ cups

Ingredients
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. mustard
  • ½ cup rice vinegar or lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp. crushed or fine grated onion
  • ¾ cup olive oil of choice
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
  • 1½ Tbsp. poppy seed

Preparation
  1. Place all ingredients except poppy seeds in a blender and pulse until well emulsified. Place dressing in a bowl and add the poppy seeds and whisk to incorporate.
  2. Use dressing to top your favorite salad or even over fruit salad of choice.
  3. Refrigerate for up to 7 days.
HELPFUL TIPS!

As you enjoy the hot weather, be sure to turn off lights, unplug unused appliances, and safely spend time outside. It’s the perfect way to save energy and enjoy California’s natural beauty. Be sure to #KeepitGolden and support #SustainableRC today and all summer long!
FITNESS FUN

50 push-ups a day! This month, we step our fitness challenge UP by asking you to do 50 push-ups a day with us.

We know this is a hefty challenge for everyone so be sure to listen to your body, take breaks and drink plenty of water. #HealthyRC
MENTAL FLEX

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every avenue of life, from toilet paper to relationships! It's important that we take care of ourselves by cultivating supportive relationships with our loved ones. Our relationships can offer support during these difficult times and improve our overall mental health and wellness!
VIRTUAL REC CENTER

While our facilities are closed and we aren't holding programs, you can visit our Virtual Recreation Center for fun, creative, and educational content!
CITY UPDATES
General Plan Update
#BeKindRC
See how the #RCcommUNITY continues to demonstrate its commitment to being a compassionate community. Share your story using #BeKindRC and tagging City of Rancho Cucamonga - City Government .
HEALTHY RC UPDATES
COMPASSIONATE RC
Join us for our Virtual Community Circles
On Tuesday, June 16th, the  Compassionate Community Subcommittee hosted its first Virtual Compassionate Community Circles.  The events these past few weeks have disrupted our lives and challenged us in many ways, and more recently with the senseless death of George Floyd and countless other lives that were lost due to systemic racism. This platform will again be used specifically to ensure that we can come together as an  #RCcommUNITY  and to provide a safe space for all voices to be acknowledged and heard. 
 
Through these community circles, attendees are able to discuss openly in a judgement-free environment about their lived experiences around the topics of race, racism, and social justice. We will continue these conversations at our upcoming Compassionate Community meetings, which are regularly* held every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. The subcommittee has collectively decided to continue engaging community stakeholders who are willing to join us at the table for these 'courageous conversations'. Together, we will try to learn about how we can have better conversations, particularly in finding a common ground, when discussing difficult topics and identifying practical and feasible solutions that foster healing and unity in Rancho Cucamonga.

If you are interested in joining us or for any other inquiries, you may email [email protected] or call (909) 774-2043 .

*Days and times subject to change.
Helpful Resources
In collaboration with the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library , the Compassionate Community Subcommittee have recommended the following resources and reading lists that aim to provide additional guidance on important conversations regarding the topics of race, social justice, and celebration of diversity:
Together, we can create a unifying and compassionate environment for everyone!

Don't forget to share your #BeKindRC story and tag us on social media. You can also participate by joining our planning committee or being involved with any of our activities. For inquiries, email [email protected] or call (909) 774-2043 .
MENTAL HEALTH
We are here for you at our Monthly RC Community Check-ins
    
As a response to the need of more consistent mental health support groups in Rancho Cucamonga, Healthy RC partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Pomona Valley to provide virtual community conversations called  Community Check-ins.  We encourage people to just grab a cup of tea and get comfortable at home, while logging on the  Community Check-in  safe space to share what’s on your mind.

Check-ins are scheduled on the first Monday of every month from 6:00 p.m-7:30 p.m. The purpose of this group is to share, listen, collaborate and learn from your fellow community members. NAMI Executive Director James Curtis facilitates and guides the conversation so that people can find the right tools, resources, and strategies to practice self-care and wellness. This month's conversation revolved around attendees sharing how each person finds support. Many shared that faith, meditation, calling up a friend, gardening, and cooking were some of the ways they cope with anxiety and stress.

For more information, simply click on the flyer above!   

For any inquiries regarding Healthy RC's Mental Health Subcommittee and its initiatives, email [email protected] or call (909) 774-2044.
Additional Mental Health Resources

Be sure to check out the resources below shared by Dr. Emily Shum:


Taking the First Step to Cope with Grief and Loss  

The last week of June marked our last Community Conversations on Grief and Loss group and the evening’s theme was “Where Do We Go From Here?” We had two RC resident guests share their brave 
testimony around losing a loved one. Chris Carlson shared his grief journey of losing his son, a Newport Beach life guard, in a drowning incident while saving a life. Many guests were moved by his story, and one participant shared, “ Chris said, it was as though there was a gaping hole in my soul, I thought that perfectly described my loss. It has been said previously, however, he emphasized that grief is not the same for everyone. Even the same loss can be felt differently by others.”  In the same sentiment, Cory Flint shared his experience on losing his brother, oftentimes feeling like his grief was not as big as what his parents were going through. One event participant connected with Cory’s grief and shared  “Nothing prepares you for any of these [step-daughter and husband] losses. A year ago, I was in a very dark place, I could barely even see the light at the top of a dark deep well. Thanks be to God for bringing me through that period and now thanks to the people in this group who were brave enough to share their pain.” 

The event made a lasting impact on participants, with many sharing their personal stories and experiences during the discussions. Many were grateful to have this safe space to share loss and healing journeys, and were eager to see when Healthy RC is going to host our next Grief and Loss groups.  Healthy RC would not have made this successful series possible without the incredible support from our Healthy RC Mental Health Subcommittee members, Eric Martin and Rose Martin. Their daughter Jessica Martin, counselor for the Veterans Administration, did an excellent job facilitating all of the 4-weekly discussions and providing ample  Grief and Loss resources.  Plans for future groups are in the works, and the Healthy RC Mental Health Subcommittee members are proud of the impact they have made and the hearts they have touched through these events. One take-away a participant shared they received from attending this series was, “ Baby steps. One step at a time. I need to give myself credit for the small accomplishments.”  
YOUTH LEADERS
The Healthy RC Youth Leaders and Healthy RC's Mental Health Subcommittee came together to develop a strategy to address the need for tailored mental health support for teens. As a result of these discussions, they developed a 4-part series of teen virtual support groups this summer that are meant to bring coping skills and a judgement-free environment for many youth looking for support. We have partnered with local therapists (Emily Shum, Megan Urquidi, Demetra Baker, Kristine Fernandez, Rotha Darnes) who have volunteered to host our  Healthy RC Teen Community Check-ins.  Each week will feature a new theme and a variety of discussions and coping tools for teens such as Mood and Music, Fostering Healthy Relationships, Facing Transitions, and Safe Space to Talk about Race.

The first session was held on July 7th, with several youths joining the discussion on processing emotions and feelings through music. One youth attendee shared,  “I thoroughly enjoyed the session because it didn’t force me to have to be too upfront. I also liked getting the opportunity to see other musical styles that the other participants listened to and gain a new perspective on managing the same situations.”  Participants shared how they use journaling, painting, and playing instruments as coping strategies to deal with overwhelming emotions from feeling rejected by peers, losing a loved one, or feeling anxious. The teens were engaged, empathetic to others, and not afraid to share their feelings with the group. Facilitators also encouraged and gave time for teens to reflect on their emotions, create a lyric, and provide a space for them to share with the group.  “I loved knowing that other people are going through the same things as me and they all gave similar coping styles to what I do. It was validating to know I’m taking a step in the right direction and to get more positive outlooks on our current positions.”   

Megan and Demetra co-facilitated the discussion and received great feedback in the post-survey. They are both MFT-trainees working under the supervision of Dr. Emily Shum and have shown their commitment and passion for helping youth connect with mental health support. “ Megan was a very kind and supportive person with really great points and provided a great amount of validation after anyone shared.” “Demetra was also a very understanding facilitator that was able to relate to everyone. Her enthusiasm made the meeting much more comfortable.”  We're   looking forward to more great conversations at our next Teen Community Check-in!

For more information on Healthy RC's Youth Leaders program, email [email protected] or call (909) 774-2044.
SUSTAINABLE RC
Lower your Electric Bill by 50-90%
Have solar installed on your home free of charge through the Grid Alternatives program! Income-qualified homeowners living south of Foothill Boulevard can qualify. Save money and join your fellow Californians to make a positive difference by applying today! Call (951) 465-2864 or visit EnergyForAllProgram.org.

 “I love these free solar panels on my home! My electricity bill is almost nonexistent, and it will make a huge difference in the summer when we need to keep the house cool with the air conditioner. I am encouraging my friends and family to apply!”   

-Claudia Paz, RC Resident
OTHER NOTABLE UPDATES
Respond to the 2020 Census today—and help Rancho Cucamonga plan for the next 10 years of healthcare, infrastructure, education, and more. Shape your future and learn more at 2020CENSUS.GOV.
GET INVOLVED WITH HEALTHY RC!
Mental Health
Subcommittee Meeting

Every 2nd Tuesday
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
City Hall
Tri-Communities Room
10500 Civic Center Drive,
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Every 4th Tuesday
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Central Park
Creative Corner Room
11200 Baseline Road,
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701
Community Champions
Meeting

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
RC Family Resource Center
9791 Arrow Route,
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Compassionate Community Subcommittee Meeting

Every 3rd Tuesday
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
City Hall
Chaffey Conference Room
10500 Civic Center Drive,
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Youth Leaders

To learn more about the application process, visit: Healthy RC website

 For any other inquiries, contact:
(909) 774-2044
Safe Routes to School

For inquiries, contact:
(909) 774-2045
Evaluation Subcommittee

Every 4th Thursday
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
City Hall
Chaffey Conference Room
10500 Civic Center Drive,
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
 For inquiries: e-mail [email protected] or call (909) 774-2043
*Locations and times subject to change.
PARTNER UPDATES AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Victoria Gardens
Farmers' Market
Every Friday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Terra Vista
Farmers' Market
Every Saturday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
GREAT NEWS!
Heritage Farmers' Market has set up an online ordering system for those who may not be able to make it to the market due to transportation and/or other quarantine-related issues.
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City of Rancho Cucamonga
10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(909) 477-2700