Raja walley

Communication Department’s Annual San Diego Safari Park Field Trip

 

By: Raja Walley

As spring approaches, La Sierra University’s communication department prepares for its annual field trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This field trip has been a communication department tradition for over 10 years, allowing those in attendance to enjoy a day admiring wildlife. Within this trip, individuals can expect to see a variety of unique gardens and animals from all around the world. From exotic Rodrigues flying foxes to quirky platypuses, this wildlife excursion brings excitement and adventure. The trip will take place on April 7. This school outing is open to all, including students, faculty, friends and family.  

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a selection of activities and exploration sites for all ages. In past field trips to this safari park, students were able to watch enchanting bird shows and the infamous cheetah run, which showcases a cheetah racing a dog on a 330-foot track, as stated within the Safari Park Script Guide. Another popular attraction that is included with admission is the Africa Tram Safari, which offers a ride through savanna habitats for an up-close wildlife encounter. For further information on other activities available, visit the activities page on the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Website. 

Tickets to attend this excursion are available until April 3. These tickets are $25 per person, payable in cash only, and can be purchased through the chair of the communication department, Dr. Melissa Tafoya. To access tickets, visit Tafoya’s office in Gladwyn Hall Room 113, her student worker in Gladwyn Room 118 or purchase via email at mtafoya@lasierra.edu. Students and staff can purchase as many tickets as they would like. Finally, while parking is included in the cost of tickets, participants must acquire their own means to the safari park. 

Once tickets are purchased, students can collect them on the day of the trip from Tafoya by the entrance of the Safari Park. Students can find Tafoya on the left side of the Safari Park entrance upon arrival. Since the communication department is purchasing tickets as a group, attendees must be at the Safari Park by 9:00 a.m. to enter together at 9:30 a.m. After entering the park, all attendees can then venture on their own and are not required to stay with the La Sierra group during this trip. 
This annual San Diego Safari Park field trip sponsored by the communication department is an opportunity to get out and enjoy wildlife. For more information or questions regarding this event, please email communication@lasierra.edu.

 

Fairs, Festivals and Parades in Riverside County

 

BY: raja walley

There are many events that Riverside County residents can look forward to during this winter season. These festivities connect the community to various cultures and traditions present in Riverside. Three upcoming Riverside County events are the Black History Expo and Parade, the Eastvale Lantern Festival and the Riverside County Fair. 

On Feb. 11, the 44th annual Black History Parade and Expo will be held in Downtown Riverside, on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Because February is nationally recognized as Black History Month, this gathering allows the African American community to recognize and commemorate the lives of those who made a difference for African Americans in the United States of America. The parade includes marching ensembles, dancers and decorated cars from participating members. The expo has live performances, educational teachings on history and literature, artwork and more. People of all ages are encouraged to attend. The City of Riverside’s official website contains more information on this event.

Following the Black History Parade and Expo is the 2nd annual Eastvale Lantern Festival hosted at Roosevelt High School. This weekend event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival celebrates the Lunar New Year with cultural performances rooted in various Asian traditions. Within the Eastvale Lantern Festival, there will be performances, such as traditional Mongolian folk dances and Japanese Taiko drumming. In addition to these performances, cultural food and activities will be presented to appreciate Asian culture in the Riverside community. This event is also free to attend and encourages all to attend. More information can be found on PananaEvents.com

A great way to end February is to attend the Riverside County Fair. Originating as a celebration of Coachella Valley's Date Palm Harvest in 1947, this 10-day event now celebrates its 76th anniversary. The Riverside County Fair is held in Indio, California from Feb. 16 to Feb. 25. It will have monster truck shows, a demo derby, a rodeo organized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and live concert performances by Smash Mouth and Diamond Rio. Tickets for each event are available for purchase online at DateFest.org.

The Riverside County Fair, Black History Expo and Parade, and Eastvale Lantern Festival allow individuals to engage in different cultural traditions and customs this season. From traditional dances, parade shows and harvest celebrations, individuals can celebrate, embrace and connect as they share their culture with their local communities.