Men of Distinction Honored Through 4th Annual Program

SAN BERNARDINO >> The 4th Annual Men of Distinction program, hosted by Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino), was held at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. In a private ceremony held before friends, family and public officials, Brown highlighted the achievements of each honoree. Each Man of Distinction shared a common passion of community involvement. This year’s honorees included: John Anaya is a disability rights advocate and community activist assisting people with disabilities throughout Colton. He works with the Colton Planning Commission advising them on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. He is a strong advocate for the installation of wheelchair ramps to help disabled constituents gain equal access to public venues and services. As former board president of Rolling Start Inc., he worked to expand its programming and services, as well as purchase new disability equipment to help people with disabilities manage their daily activities more independently. Currently, he serves as a board member of Rolling Start Inc., a Colton Public Utilities commissioner, and he’s pursuing a career as an ADA consultant. Gary Grossich, a small businessman, has owned and operated Nickelodeon Pizza for over 43 years in Colton, as well as 11 other pizza locations in surrounding communities. He co-founded Citizens for Colton First, an advocacy group comprised of Colton residents and business owners who seek to improve the quality of life in Colton. Over the years, the group has provided Christmas baskets to families in need and donated funds to the Colton High School Beautification Committee and other important community projects. Currently, Grossich is chair of the Bloomington Municipal Advisory Council (MAC). Since his appointment in 2014, the Bloomington MAC has monitored affordable housing for seniors and the completion of a new library, launched a small business recognition program and is taking steps toward improving code enforcement. Burt Seuylemezian, along with his family, has owned and operated Burt’s Jewelry in Grand Terrace for 20 years. Through his family business, Seuylemezian has given back to his community by supporting various community projects, such as the Grand Terrace High School football team, cheer squad and golf team. He has also contributed to the Veterans Wall of Freedom in Grand Terrace, a memorial dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. veterans. In addition, Seuylemezian is a founding member of the Foundation of Grand Terrace. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Grand Terrace by providing critical resources and hosting events focusing on health. Jesse Sandoval, elected to the Fontana City Council in November 2012, has a long history of community involvement. Prior to being elected, Mr. Sandoval worked for the Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) for 20 years and the City of San Bernardino for 17 years. While working at FUSD, he was an active parent involved in the School Site Council and various Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs). Additionally, he helped establish a Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) at Sequoia Middle School in Fontana. His community service activities included being a Fontana Parks and Recreation commissioner, sponsoring the annual Veteran’s Day Essay Contest and coaching youth athletics. Channing Hawkins is a leader in the progressive labor and civil rights movement. He currently works for Laborer’s International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 777 in Riverside. Prior to LIUNA, he was employed with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721. Hawkins gives back to the community by mentoring at-risk youth through 100 Black Men of America, Inc. As a mentor, he encourages students to pursue their dreams and offers training on life skills and professional development. Dr. Raymond Turner has been the senior pastor of Temple Missionary Baptist Church in San Bernardino since January 1991. Reverend Turner is also the co-founder and past president of the Inland Empire Concerned African-American Churches (IECAAC), an interdenominational faith-based organization that seeks to improve the quality of life for residents in the Inland Empire. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Community Christian College in Redlands and as the Inland Empire representative for the Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution (Clearinghouse CDFI). He is a former member of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Environmental Justice Advisory Board. Dr. Draymond Crawford has been a strong advocate for disability rights, healthcare and senior housing for over 50 years. Currently, Reverend Crawford is the project manager at the Sonrise Senior Citizen Villa, Inc., where he oversees the daily operations of the property. One of his greatest achievements includes helping establish a clinic for underserved communities in Bloomington, Fontana, Colton and Rialto. Over the years, the clinic has expanded to four additional branches in Moreno Valley, Riverside and Fallbrook. “Many of these men have paved the way for others to follow in their footsteps, and we should recognize and honor them for their contributions," Brown said. "I value their positive contributions and hope they realize how much they’re appreciated." “I’m proud to be able to celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding men who make a tremendous difference in our communities,” Brown said. “I sincerely value their hard work and dedication that has contributed to a better quality of life in the 47th Assembly District. There is no question they have earned this special recognition.” The recognition program also included special remarks from Councilman Frank Navarro, City of Colton, and Mayors Deborah Robertson, City of Rialto and Darcy McNaboe, City of Grand Terrace. Special music was performed by Alena Gaede, a teacher from Redlands Unified School District. Additionally, complimentary gift baskets were donated by Molina Healthcare.