Community Celebrates and Finalizes Adoptions by Kayla Sheldon - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

JUNE
S M T W T F S
31 01 02 03 04 05 06
07 08 09 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Community Celebrates and Finalizes Adoptions

By Kayla Sheldon, Community Writer
December 11, 2014 at 09:05am. Views: 134

Families and community members gathered at the Ontario Convention Center with a common mission: to join the San Bernardino County Children and Family Services Adoption Finalization Celebration Nov. 20. This annual event that brought nearly 1,200 locals together honored adoptions throughout the year. According to San Bernardino County’s C.L. Lopez, November is the chosen celebration month since it is recognized as National Adoption Month. Every year, there are nearly 400 adoptions, many of which are finalized at the event; this year, 89 adoptions were finalized - 18 families adopted siblings and 28 children were adopted by family members; 47 of the adopted children were three years old or younger. Keynote speaker Jennifer Brickner, an acrobat, aerialist, gymnast and motivational speaker, was born without legs and was immediately put up for adoption. However, Brickner didn't let that stop her from following her aspirations. After her family adopted her, her inspiring journey began, she shared. Brickner credited her adoptive family for helping her realize that she could do anything if she worked hard and believed in herself. She explained that the word "can't" should never be in her vocabulary. “She is an inspiring and very talented person that was adopted by an amazing family,” Lopez mentioned. “We couldn’t imagine anyone more inspiring than her to speak.” The honorable judges performing the adoptions included Christopher B. Marshall, Juvenile Court Presiding Judge; Cheryl C. Kersey, Judge of the Superior Court; Steve Mapes, Judge of the Superior Court; and Lynn M. Poncin, Judge of the Superior Court. “We are grateful to all of the families who have opened their hearts and their homes to nearly 100 of our children,” said CFS Director Randall Schulz. “This event celebrates the hope that our children have for the future that comes with the gift of a permanent and loving family.” The event also included a “heroes” recognition, in which San Bernardino County thanked and recognized local heroes such as the San Bernardino County law enforcement officers and firefighters.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: Highland Glo MedSpa

By Highland Glo MedSpa, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 338

Claudia Torres, Aesthetics Consultant, Mairah Angulo, Aesthetics Consultant, Jill Ali, FNP-C (Provider), Dr. Namita Mohideen, MD, CEO, Dr. Kelly Jeu, MD, Provider, Dr. Jose Arciniega, DO, Provider, Ilsse Castillo, Office Manager, Alexia Sanchez, Office Manager

Photo Courtesy of: The Civil Rights Institute

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 346

Photo caption: The Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors and the community celebrate the Woman of Achievement Awardee. Photo L to R: Ken Gutierrez, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Kathy Wright, Community Leader; Sabrina Gonzalez, Civil Rights Institute Executive Director; Launa Wilson, The Civil Rights Institute Board President; Q'Vinc Asberry, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Irma Asberry, Community Leader/Retired Judge, Superior Court of Riverside County.

Photo Courtesy of: Chris Sloan

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 309

Valdez Educational Services President Aaron Valdez, SBCUSD ETSA Wil Greer, Ionatauna Asu, Student, Equity guest teacher Fernando Tanioka, then Equity Counselor Francine Blacksher, celebrate Asu’s achievement, taking his grades from a low F to a high A, at An Evening of Excellence.

Photo Courtesy of: Christina Gaitan

By Chamber Inducted new President , Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 294

left to right -Nelky Rodriguez ( secretary) - Arnise Dejohnette ( board member)- Anna Juarez (board member) David Toro (Council member) Belen Cordero(Board member) - Javier Gomez (treasurer) City Manager -Mayor Frank Navarro- Brian Childstrom (Emeritus) Christina Gaitan (Coordinator) Shelley Burnach ( Vice President ) Lesley Stevens ( Board member) Frank Aguliar (president ) Matthew Hernandez (board member) Councilman Dr. G - Chief Vega Colton Police Department .

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 197

Goose. He is a one-year-old, male brown Shepherd mix. He's full of personality and even knows how to stand on two legs and shake hands, which is sure to impress everyone he meets!

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 243

Celebrate the Fourth of July Celebration at the City of Moreno Valley’s Civic Center Amphitheater on Saturday, July 4, 2026!

Photo Courtesy of: County of Riverside

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 257

Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez joins Jan Peterson and First 5 Riverside County leadership for the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony

Photo Courtesy of: County of San Bernardino

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 279

Representatives from San Bernardino County's SPARK Youth Employment Program engage with students and community members during an outreach event designed to connect young adults with job training, career exploration, and workforce development opportunities.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 270

Cars and busses stuck in a massive traffic jam.

Photo Courtesy of: BPT

By Graham Holt, Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 190

Road damage can take a toll on tires and suspension, especially after heavy rain and winter wear.

Photo Courtesy of: Dignity Health

By Wiliam Cortez, Community Writer

June 22, 2026 at 03:14pm. Views: 689

Anthony Coleman, DHA, has been named the new Hospital President for Dignity Health - St. Bernardine Medical Center and Community Hospital of San Bernardino, effective Monday, June 29th.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 17, 2026 at 12:44pm. Views: 793

A new robotic dog introduced by the San Bernardino County Fire Department is designed to assist firefighters and rescue personnel by entering hazardous areas and providing real-time information during emergencies.

--> -->