Former SBVC student James Ramos celebrated a historic achievement and milestone as the first California Native American elected to the state Assembly. Ramos is an alumnus of San Bernardino Valley College, a former SBVC Foundation Board Director and SBCCD Trustee, and now represents the communities of Highland, Loma Linda, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands and San Bernardino in the California State Assembly. In addition to his elected service, Ramos is a proven civic leader and has served on numerous boards and organizations in the Inland Empire. He is the immediate past Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, with a deep commitment to the preservation of California Indian culture. Additionally, Ramos is co-founder of the San Manuel Band’s Cultural Awareness Program, and serves as director of the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference held annually at California State University, San Bernardino.