Banned, But Never Silenced: Erin Gruwell Speaks Out on the Freedom Writers' Legacy | The Torch Ep. 12

Duty To Serve and Explore: Discovering Opportunities to Serve Community in RPD | The Torch Ep. 16

The Riverside Police Department does more than just stop crime, protect the community, and control traffic. RPD hosts an Explorer Program that helps young individuals looking to make a difference in their community. Police Detective Kenzie Scott, former coordinator of the Explorers Program, and Cadet Sophie Farias talk about their experiences with the program and how it prepares people for future careers in law enforcement.

From Surviving to Thriving: How RCOE Sets Foster Youth Up For Success | The Torch Ep. 15

In this episode of The Torch, host Dominique Samario sits down with Amanda Corridan, RCOE’s first-ever Foster Youth Services Executive Director, and Cheryl Flores, a foster youth and champion for student well-being. Together they discuss the Foster Youth Success Initiative from the Riverside County Office Of Education, and firsthand stories about what it takes to improve the system and build trust with vulnerable youth. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or community advocate, this episode sheds light on what’s working—and what still needs to be done—to ensure every foster youth gets the love, stability, and opportunity they deserve.

High Off Healing: Ramon Ramos Talks Life of Drugs, Gangs, and Trauma | The Torch Ep. 14

Ramon Ramos grew up with a very rough childhood plagued with tragedy, gangs, drugs, and trauma. Although these were not ideal conditions to thrive in life, Ramon made no excuses and made it his life's mission to break the generational trauma that has followed him and his family, thus The Exception was born. This non-profit organization, started by Ramon, looks to help marginalized communities and individuals going through the same things that Ramon did. The Exception looks to provide a holistic approach to anyone looking to breaking generational cycles of tragedy and abuse. Ramon Ramos and The Exception is one of the many partners in Riverside County who value in helping everyone who needs help.

Beyond the NFL: Dwayne Wallace on Building a Future for Foster Youth

In this episode of The Torch, professional athelete, former NFL player, and author of "Don't Let the System Beat You," Dwayne Wallace shares how his journey from the football field to public service has become a mission to empower foster youth across Riverside County. Drawing from his own lived experiences, Dwayne discusses the challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care: navigating housing, education, and mental health, and how community support systems can make the difference between survival and success. He highlights the importance of creating actionable plans, developing life skills, and amplifying youth voices through mentorship and storytelling. Listeners will hear inspiring real-world success stories, including students who turned setbacks into opportunities and discovered their purpose along the way. Dwayne’s message is clear: no matter your circumstances, you have the power to speak up, take ownership, and build a life beyond limitations. Title: Beyond the NFL: Dwayne Wallace on Building a Future for Foster Youth Featuring: Dwayne Wallace, Professional Athelete & Author Host by: Dominique Samario, Riverside County Office of Education The Torch podcast from RCOE, is a new show diving into different topics on education. From family engagement to new laws being put in that affects education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgable in these topics. Listen to The Torch on: Apple Podcasts: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnApple Spotify: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnSpotify Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Banned, But Never Silenced: Erin Gruwell Speaks Out on the Freedom Writers' Legacy | The Torch Ep. 12

When Erin Gruwell stepped into Room 203, she faced students the system had written off. What happened next became a movement—immortalized in The Freedom Writers Diary and a major motion picture—that continues to inspire educators and students worldwide. On this episode of The Torch, Erin shares how she turned a hostile classroom into a safe haven, the life-changing moment a Holocaust survivor met her students, why creating “safe spaces” for both students and teachers is urgent today, and how the Freedom Writers are still fighting for a voice—despite book bans and political pushback. 📚 Freedom Writers Foundation: freedomwritersfoundation.org 🎧 Listen to The Torch on Apple Podcasts and Spotify #FreedomWriters #ErinGruwell #Education #Teaching #Hope #StudentVoice #Inspiration Chapter Index: 00:00 - Banned, But Never Silenced – Erin Gruwell Speaks Out on the Freedom Writers' Legacy 00:25 - Meet Erin Gruwell 02:36 - From activist roots to teaching in Long Beach 05:01 - Imposter syndrome and early challenges 07:25 - The paper airplane that changed everything 12:27 - Building trust & creating safe spaces 14:22 - Tips for creating safe spaces 17:01 - Using pop culture to connect with students 19:28 - A racist drawing, the Holocaust, and redefining “survivor” 22:19 - Bringing history to life through field trips 26:06 - Facing pushback 28:37 - Where the Freedom Writers are today 33:44 - Book bans and protecting student stories 37:36 - Education is the key 41:09 - Standing up for students 43:42 - What still gives Erin hope 46:06 - Fire Round: Influential teacher, favorite book, inspiring quote 49:58 - Favorite quote? 52:12 - Closing thoughts