Local

San Bernardino County’s unemployment rate dropped nearly a full percentage point in November, to its lowest level since before the pandemic, as payrolls swelled by more than 13,000 workers, according to the latest data from the California Employment Development Department (EDD).

Joblessness fell from 6.3% in October to 5.5% last month, led by a continued surge in hiring among companies serving the supply chain and the hospitality industry. The 938,800 filled jobs were the most since February 2020, when total payrolls in the county exceeded 945,000.

The EDD data show that San Bernardino County has recaptured 96% of the jobs lost during the early months of the COVID downturn – one of the fastest recovery rates in California.

For the complete November jobs report for the Inland Empire, click here

The community mourns yet another great icon, Jennifer Vaughn Blakely has passed. Since 2010 Ms. Vaughn-Blakely has chaired The Group. The highly respected Riverside-based group is a grassroots public policy organization to bring together diverse groups to address issues affecting African Americans. She and The Group were instrumental in drafting Riverside’s ethics reform code and its later expansion to cover government staff as well as elected officials.

An Inland Empire trailblazer, Ms. Vaughn-Blakely was the historical “first” in many areas of local government in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including becoming City of Fontana’s first Black Assistant City Manager in the early ‘80s.

“Another one of our community Angeles has transitioned to be with the LORD,” Terrance Stone, CEO of Young Visionaries stated. “Mrs Jennifer Vaughn-Blakely was the queen of organizational capacity building in the Inland Empire amongst other things. She mentored my professional career and helped me to navigate success. You will be missed.”

Memorial services shall be posted soon as they are announced.

As the fall semester quickly approaches, there are still eligible students on the fence about enrolling at California community college. Prospective students are encouraged to enroll now in classes and plan ahead for future semesters. The benefits can’t be ignored.

Attending a California community college doubles an individual’s chance of finding a job compared to those who do not complete high school. In addition, students who obtain a degree or certificate from a California community college nearly double their earnings within three years, which puts them on track to earn a good living wage and be able to provide for themselves and their families.

Prospective students should first visit ICanGoToCollege.com, a website available in English and Spanish, that includes information about enrollment, the variety of available financial aid opportunities, transfer and career training programs offered at community colleges all in one central location. The website also offers a short online Career Opportunities quiz that can help prospective students learn about potential career paths that might interest them.

California community colleges are the largest provider of workforce training in the nation, making them a significant contributor to the state’s pipeline of talent for high-demand industries. In fact, there are more than 200 career training opportunities available at the 116 California community colleges statewide. Additionally, students can transfer to a four-year university or college with guaranteed junior status after completing two years at a community college.

Community colleges offer flexible scheduling and access to helpful resources allowing students to remain home or close to home. Support services are also available at community colleges to help with tutoring, counseling, career planning and health and wellness. Additionally, financial aid is available year-round to help cover many of the costs for attending a community college.

The time is now for prospective students to start planning for their future. Visit Icangotocollege.com today to learn more, enroll in classes and apply for financial aid to help cover college costs like books, supplies and sometimes even the rent.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The community is invited to celebrate the life, the love, and the memories of Dr. Margaret Hill with a glorious celebration honoring a true community icon. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at San Manuel Stadium located at 280 S E Street in San Bernardino.

For those that want to give or are unable to attend the service, but want to show support, in lieu of flower donations, monetary donations to Dr. Hill’s charity, “Maggie’s Kids Foundation, are welcomed. The link to donate is https://venmo.com/u/maggie4kids.

For those that do attend the service, it is asked that guests wear purple in Dr. Hill’s memory. For those that want to speak or volunteer, please click here. Speaking requests are open for dignitaries, community-based organizations, and community members.

Please be advised that due to the estimated attendance, of you would like to speak, it is highly encouraged for everyone to use the link to sign up. Those that want to volunteer can also visit the newspaper’s website for the sign-up link.

Due to COVID protocols, the venue is an outdoor space, there will be adequate seating for social distancing, and masks are required. If you forget your mask, masks will be provided for you.

“Our program thrives on partnerships like this, as we’re able to put theory into actual practice for our students, and not only do they learn necessary skills to thrive in the industry, but they end up with an IMDB credit at the end.”

“I’m excited to collaborate with students at SBVC for my show. I want Go Local Lee to have a current, fresh perspective and I know the students will help me achieve the look and feel that I envision. Being a culinary instructor, I enjoy working with students, especially on projects requiring lots of creativity and collaboration. I believe that experience, in any profession, is the best way to learn.”

“After having worked every job in a restaurant, from busboy to general manager, to dishwasher to executive chef, I truly understand how challenging it can be to run a restaurant. I want viewers to have a sincere appreciation for how much goes into operating a restaurant. It’s really a show about people more so than it’s a show about food. I believe that if you get to know the restaurant owner’s stories, and have the opportunity to learn about their struggles, we’ll all be more inclined to support them.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Lydie Gutfeld has joined the City of San Bernardino January 3rd as its Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services.

An experienced professional with over 30 years working in parks, Gutfeld comes to San Bernardino from Mission Viejo, where she served as the Community Services Manager. She also recently served as President of the California Park and Recreation Society, a state association of over 4,000 parks and recreation professionals.

“I am very excited to lead the department and team of amazing professionals in developing a new vision for parks, recreation and community services that will make San Bernardino a better place to live, work and play,” said Gutfeld.

In the role of Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, Gutfeld will oversee youth, adult and senior programs, activities, and sports at San Bernardino’s thirty-three parks that span approximately five hundred acres of open space and developed land, as well as community events such as Operation Splash, Inland Empire Senior Games, the Veteran’s Day Parade, and Winter Wonderland.

“Lydie has a long track record of delivering impactful recreation programs and services in the cities she serves. I look forward to her doing the same for our residents in San Bernardino,” said City Manager Robert Field.

Prior to spending the past six years in Mission Viejo, Gutfeld spent thirteen years with the city of Irvine, as well as time with the city of Beverly Hills. In 2019, she was the recipient of the Helen Pontius National Merit Award, the highest recognition given by the Women in Leisure Services, Chi Kappa Rho, Inc. organization, for her extensive efforts and service to women in the profession. Gutfeld holds a BA In Child and Adolescent Development and Master’s in Public Administration from Cal State Fullerton.

The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) recently unveiled its newest job center in the heart of the county’s vibrant East Valley, providing greater access to resources, technology and support services for thousands of job seekers and employers.

The 24,000 square-foot facility, at 508 Inland Center Drive, is one of three America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) managed by WDB across the county. It offers approximately 50% more space than the previous East Valley AJCC location, including six training classrooms and a large resource room with enhanced technology for individuals looking for new employment or career opportunities.

At the December 17, 2021, Open House, community leaders said the facility will help advance WDB’s commitment to helping people build their careers while ensuring that employers have qualified workers to meet their business needs.

“Our Workforce Development Department is, quite simply, one of the best there is when it comes to preparing job seekers for 21^st-century career opportunities,” said Curt Hagman, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. “With this wonderful new facility, we’re confident that you will be able to do an even better job of fulfilling your mission – and in the process, help to build a stronger economy and a stronger county.”

County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., whose Fifth District includes the new center location, described the timing as critical, coming out of the pandemic. “We hear all the time how tight the labor market is, and we know, here in San Bernardino, that we’ve got a growing population that can fill those jobs,” Baca said. “With the support services that are being offered, every day, within the walls of this impressive new facility, we have an opportunity to help individuals and families fulfill their dreams and, in the process, to uplift the community.”

Leonard X. Hernandez, San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer, described the new one-stop center as another important step forward in fulfilling the Countywide Vision – a key element of which is the development of a skilled workforce that attracts employers and contributes to a vibrant local economy.

“The location is outstanding, and will provide greater access than ever for individuals who are looking for a job or would like to advance their careers,” Hernandez said. “In the process, we’re able to support business growth, attract more jobs and provide a pathway toward even greater countywide prosperity.”

Among the benefits of the new AJCC is the opportunity to hold two job fairs per year within the adjacent Inland Center Mall.

“Businesses are only as successful as their people,” said WDB Chair Phil Cothran, a Fontana business owner. “We have a unique opportunity here in San Bernardino County. Companies and industries are bringing good jobs into our community, and it’s up to us, working together, to make sure we’ve got the talent pool to fill those jobs.”

In addition to the new East Valley center, WDB operates AJCCs in the West Valley – 9650 9^th St., Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga – and the High Desert – 17310 Bear Valley Road, Suite 109, Victorville.

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

Two organizations have made commitments to invest in local Black-owned media in California.

Last year, The California Endowment, a foundation dedicated to promoting environments that support healthy living in the state, committed $300,000 to California Black Media (CBM) for the next two years. The money will be used to expand a program that provides direct grants to support the local news reporting capacity of Black media news outlets across the states.

“Information is as important as the air that we breathe and the water we drink,” says Regina Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media. “Supporting our Black Media Sustainability Initiative (BMSI) helps our partners across the state continue the work we do to empower the public with information and news that are vital to the decisions Black Californians make and it determines how – and how well — we live,” said Regina Wilson, Executive Director of CBM.

Last week, Experian, one of the country’s top credit and information services companies, also donated 75,000 to CBM to support the program. The gift is part of a broader global initiative the company is undertaking to “empower vulnerable people to improve their financial health through education and action.”

Experian supported three other nonprofit organizations that serve Black communities across the United States: The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the National Newspaper Publisher Association (NNPA), and the LaGrant Foundation (TLF).

Experian donated a total of $375,000 to the organizations.

“Nonprofits have been a critical resource for underserved communities and continue to be resilient in the face of the health and financial crises caused by the pandemic,” said Abigail Lovell, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility at Experian. Globally, the company employs 20,000 people in 44 countries.

“In addition to our work together and reaching out with the message of financial inclusion for all, this is an opportunity to provide real support with their general operating expenses. We hope the funds will enable them to strengthen their impact in the communities that need help the most and lessen the wealth gap in society,” Lovell said.

Experian says the company’s donation to the four nonprofit organizations will directly support African American communities at a time when so many people are recovering from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will be used to cover operating expenses and to contribute to the development of innovative programs that improve the lives of people in those communities.

CBM’s BMSI program currently supports local news reporting at four Black-owned-and-operated news publishers across the state, including the Sacramento Observer, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint, Inglewood Today and the Inland Valley News. Over the last six months, local news reporting at media outlets participating in the program has increased by more than 90 %. More than 130 original news stories have been published.

Wilson says this year she expects to regrant money to more news publishers to support their local news reporting.

“When we began raising money to support the Black Press about 10 years ago, pitching the idea of how important it is to help sustain strong and accountable local media — and Black local media in particular — was a much harder sell than it is today,” says Wilson.“

There is so much more interest and understanding of how critical those things are to the strength of our communities and democracy now,” Wilson added. “We look forward to working with more organizations to continue to do this work to strengthen journalism that serves the public interest.”

Omnitrans will be holding a job fair! The job fair will be held Saturday January 29, 9 AM to 2 PM at its main offices, located at 1700 W. Fifth Street, San Bernardino. Interviews will be conducted on-sight with contingent offers made to qualified candidates! Open positions include Coach Operators, Stops and Stations Workers and Vehicle Service Workers. A signing bonus of up to $1,000 will be offered!

The McDonald’s All-American Games is where hype becomes legacy and is the next step in the journey from being a local standout, to five-star recruit, and ultimately to becoming a household name. This year, a new generation is set to leave it all on the court as more than 760 girls and boys high school basketball players from across the country have been nominated for the chance to play in the 45th anniversary McDonald’s All-American Games – including 2 players from Riverside – representing 1 girl player and 1 boy player1. The annual event will return this March to showcase the nation’s rising stars who will go head-to-head at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena.

Players were nominated by a high school coach, athletic director, principal or member of the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee, which is comprised of the nation’s most knowledgeable analysts, prep scouts, media and prestigious basketball coaches. The local players nominated for the chance to play in the 2022 McDonald’s All-American Games are:

Londynn Jones, Centennial High School, Corona

Chance Stephens, Riverside Poly High School, Riverside

The new class of nominees joins a legendary group of athletes who, over four decades, have been nominated for a chance to play in the nation’s premiere showcase – including Michael Jordan, Candace Parker, LeBron James, Maya Moore, Trae Young, Breanna Stewart, and many more of your favorite hoopers.

A complete list of 2022 McDonald’s All American Games Nominees is available at mcdaag.com.

The top 24 girls and 24 boys selected to play in the 2022 McDonald’s All American Games will be revealed Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022 on ESPN’s “NBA Today” between 3-4 p.m. ET.

Fans can then tune in to the McDonald’s All American Girls Game on Tuesday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and the Boys Game immediately following on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET. @McDAAG 

Be sure to follow @McDAAG on Twitter and Instagram to receive exclusive access to 2022 McDonald’s All American Games announcements and a behind-the-scenes look at current and past McDonald’s All Americans.

About McDonald’s USA 

McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent business owners. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.