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5th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Extravaganza Celebrates Unity and Legacy in San Bernardino

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, YouthBuild Inland Empire, and LUE Productions Community Umbrella Services proudly hosted the 5th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Extravaganza on Monday, January 20th, 2025. Themed “Echoes of Freedom as We Continue Marching Forward,” this year’s event united the community to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy of equality, justice, and hope.

Despite strong winds sweeping through the city, the spirit of celebration and unity prevailed, making the event a resounding success. The parade was led by Grand Marshal Mr. Rich Wallace, Founder and CEO of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and Chancellor for YouthBuild Inland Empire. Starting at noon, the parade route moved through downtown San Bernardino, passing the iconic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue on D Street near City Hall. The San Bernardino Motorcycle Unit led the procession, with comedian Mac Rome and Tawnya Rhodes-Hensley of Talk of the Town energizing the crowd as parade announcers.

The extravaganza began with an inspiring performance by students from several local schools, directed by music instructor Mrs. Mary Tartalone. Hosted by comedian Anthony Stone, the program featured a powerful keynote address from 5th District Supervisor Joe Baca. Awards of Service were presented to:

• The San Bernardino City Unified School District
• Felicia Alexander, Board Member of SBCUSD
• Shiekh Shoes Impact Center
• San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

The Kids Zone, sponsored by First 5 San Bernardino, was a highlight for young attendees, offering face painting, balloon twisting, and free family resources for children under five. Shiekh Shoes Impact Center also generously donated $50 gift cards for a community giveaway.

The crowd was treated to an electrifying performance by LUE Productions’ Old School Review group, The Bromatics, whose soulful sounds left the audience cheering. Additional performances included jazz singer Amasa Albright and the high-energy DDC Dare to Dance Company, each delivering a showcase of exceptional talent.

Event Coordinator Lue Dowdy reflected on the success of this year’s event, “We did it! All the planning and preparation came together beautifully. The theme, ‘Echoes of Freedom as We Continue Marching Forward,’ reflects the importance of honoring Dr. King’s legacy while focusing on the future. Seeing the involvement of our youth and the overwhelming support from the San Bernardino City Unified School District and their staff made it all worthwhile.

I am so grateful to the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, YouthBuild Inland Empire, and our LUE Productions team for their dedication. Thank you to all our amazing volunteers, vendors, parade participants, and community members for uniting to make this 5th Annual SB MLK Day Parade & Extravaganza a success. I believe Dr. King is proud, and so am I. Until next year!”

This annual celebration, themed “Echoes of Freedom as We Continue Marching Forward,” not only honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but also highlighted the power of community and unity in creating a brighter future for all.

About the Hosts

The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, YouthBuild Inland Empire, and LUE Productions Community Umbrella Services are dedicated to fostering community development, youth engagement, and cultural celebrations that empower and uplift the Inland Empire region.

The federal grant will fund over 100 EV charging stations at fifteen locations throughout the City

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has announced it has received a $14,055,578 Charging and Feuling Infrastructure Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration to build the City’s first public charging network. The project, in partnership with Arcadia-based EVCS, will construct and operate 101 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at parks, libraries, senior centers, and other locations across the City.

San Bernardino is one of six organizations in the state and the only one in Southern California to receive this competitive grant.

“This grant propels San Bernardino toward a greener, more resilient future,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “By adding over 100 community EV charging stations, we are not only improving access to sustainable transportation but reaffirming our dedication to environmental progress and community growth.”

The lack of accessible chargers has prevented many individuals from considering electric vehicles ownership, especially renters and residents of apartments. The new charging network is expected to increase EV adoption and provide convenient, affordable, and reliable charging for San Bernardino residents.

The project will install 77 Level 2 and 24 DC fast chargers at 15 municipally owned locations, including six parks/community centers, a soccer complex, the main library, City Hall, the Police Department, the City Yard, and several downtown parking locations. All sites will include Level 2 and DC fast chargers, Level 1 outlets for micro-mobility to charge e-bikes and scooters, and a 200kWh Battery Energy Storage System for reliability and resiliency.

As part of the project, the City of San Bernardino plans to partner with Arcadia based EVCS to operate and maintain the network. EVCS manages over 300 EV charging facilities in the western United States and will be providing $3.5 million to cover a portion of the equipment, construction, and operating costs. The City will also partner with a local non-profit or educational institution to develop workforce initiatives, including internships and apprenticeships in EV technology for local high school and college students.

The Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program awarded $635.69 million to 49 grantees across the nation to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work – in addition to along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.

“By equipping our communities with publicly accessible clean energy solutions, we are investing in a more sustainable and affordable future for Inland Empire residents,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “This grant will help San Bernardino implement EV chargers throughout the City, taking crucial steps to combat climate change, reduce air pollution and improve public health.”

The total project cost is $17,587,038 for design and engineering, permitting, construction, utility upgrades, commissioning and operations and maintenance.

An agreement will be presented to the City Council for their approval in the coming months.

SOUTH CHINA SEA– Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 3rd Class Gabriel Silva, of Hesperia, Calif., takes the midpoint sample of JP-5 fuel aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) during a replenishment-at-sea with the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), Jan. 4, 2025. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Presented by DCH Subaru of Riverside – A Community Event to Inspire Change

RIVERSIDE, CA — Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) invites you to its highly anticipated annual luncheon, Curbing Hunger: Bridging Gaps, proudly presented by DCH Subaru of Riverside. Held at FARSB’s warehouse, this in-person gathering offers a meaningful experience with a humble yet heartfelt soup-and-bread meal. Attendees will discover how FARSB is driving impactful initiatives to combat food insecurity across the Inland Empire while connecting with like-minded community advocates.

“Once a year, we come together with a simple goal: to share and inspire,” said Carolyn Fajardo, CEO at FARSB. “Our hope with Curbing Hunger is for every guest to leave motivated and eager to explore how they can take part in supporting meaningful hunger relief initiatives in their community,“ said Fajardo.

This event offers a rare opportunity to break bread together—volunteers, donors, and supporters alike—while gaining firsthand updates on the essential work the food bank is doing to transform lives. Guests will receive valuable insights into FARSB’s ongoing efforts and local programs and have the chance to engage with others who share a passion for creating a hunger-free community.

The event takes place on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are free and can be accessed until Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at https://FeedingIE.org/CurbingHungerBG.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 14, 2025) – Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Lilo Leialoha, of San Bernardino, communicates via radio during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 14, 2025. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Our hearts go out to our neighbors as they face the overwhelming challenges of the devastating SoCal wildfires in Los Angeles County.  In response to mutual aid requests, our dedicated San Manuel Fire Department is on the ground at the Eaton fire in Altadena, supporting those bravely battling the flames. In this difficult time, we stand united with the courageous first responders, fully committed to help safeguard homes, loved ones, and the spirit of community.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, in partnership with the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and YouthBuild Charter School – Inland Empire, proudly announces the 5th Annual Gala Celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This milestone event, themed “Echoes of Freedom as We Continue Marching Forward,” will shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of community leaders, businesses, and organizations throughout San Bernardino County and beyond.

Set to take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at The Enterprise Building in San Bernardino, the gala promises an unforgettable experience. Guests will enjoy a formal dinner, live entertainment, and an inspiring award ceremony recognizing those who have made significant impacts within the community.

Among this year’s honorees are individuals and organizations whose efforts embody the spirit of service and leadership. Bryan Wing, a dedicated advocate for the performing arts in the San Bernardino City Unified School District, will be celebrated, along with Dee Goins for her invaluable role as a liaison for the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce. The Pomona Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will receive the Community Service Award, while Dr. Kim Carter-Tillman of the Time for Change Foundation will be honored for her commitment to family engagement. Felicia Alexander, a devoted board member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, will be recognized as an ambassador for the chamber, and Patricia Nickols-Butler of Community Action Partnership San Bernardino will receive the Non-Profit Service Award.

Robert Porter, host of I Love San Bernardino Radio, will be acknowledged for his contributions to communications, while the San Bernardino City Unified School District will be honored as a community partner. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will be recognized for their civic engagement, and Shiekh Shoes Impact Center for their commitment to community engagement. Additionally, Terrance Stone, founder of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy, will be celebrated as a community leader, and The Enterprise Building will receive the Business Service Award for its role in supporting local growth.

The evening is not only a celebration of achievements but also a call to action. Proceeds from the gala will benefit YouthBuild Inland Empire, an innovative program under the YouthBuild Charter School of California that empowers students aged 16-24 to earn their high school diplomas. Through a project-based curriculum, YouthBuild prepares young people for future careers while instilling the values of education and community service.

Tickets for the gala are now available on the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce website. The San Bernardino Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee invites everyone to join this celebration, honoring the legacy of Dr. King while supporting the next generation of leaders poised to make a difference.

For more information, visit blackchamberofcommerce.org/mlk-parade-copy. Together, let us continue marching forward, echoing the dreams of Dr. King for generations to come

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — The City of San Bernardino is asking members of the community

to volunteer for its 2025 Homeless Point-in-Time Count (PITC), to be held on Thursday, January 23rd, from 5:15 am to 10:00 am. Participants will convene at the National Orange Show, Gate #10, located at 930 S. Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino.

“Tackling homelessness with compassion and urgency remains a critical priority for San Bernardino,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “We call on our residents to stand together and be part of this meaningful effort to support those in need.”

The PITC is a Federally mandated activity created to identify the number of unhoused individuals throughout the nation. In addition to individuals living outdoors, the Count also includes individuals in emergency shelters, transitional housing and safe havens.

The results of the Count are used in determining funding allotments for programs and services in local communities. PITC surveys will occur throughout San Bernardino County on January 23rd.

“A complete and accurate count is essential to strategically address homelessness in the City,” said Cassandra Searcy, Deputy Director of Housing and Homelessness. “Volunteer participation is crucial for a successful Count, and we hope San Bernardino residents will once again turn out to be an important part of the solution.”

Volunteers will be deployed in teams throughout the City of San Bernardino to locate and identify unhoused individuals using a mobile app. They will also distribute backpacks filled with essential items to assist people they encounter.

To register to be a volunteer, please visit: https://sbchp.sbcounty.gov/communityprojects/point-in-time-count/ and select the City of San Bernardino as the location to
participate.

Volunteers may include anyone who would like to help address homelessness in San Bernardino, such as social service providers, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, local businesses, civic/nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, current and formerly homeless individuals, and community members.

All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, have a “smart” phone/device to download and use the PITC App, and attend one of the eleven training sessions prior to the Count. The training is offered during the day and evening, both virtually or in-person between January 6 and January 21. Please visit: https://sbchp.sbcounty.gov/events/ to view the calendar with upcoming virtual volunteer trainings for the 2025 PITC.

One of the in-person trainings will take place on Thursday, January 9th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library, located at 555 W. 6th Street, in San Bernardino.

For more information, please contact City of San Bernardino Homeless Coordinator Gabriela Leon at (909) 384-3372 extension 3611 or leon_ga@sbcity.org

To protect newborns and infants from infection, people who are pregnant and caregivers to infants should get vaccinated

SACRAMENTO, CA— California is experiencing an increase in cases of whooping cough (also known as pertussis), a highly contagious bacterial disease that can be spread though coughing and can cause severe illness, especially in infants. CDPH is urging all Californians, especially those who are pregnant and those who provide care to infants, to be up to date on their Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine to help prevent whooping cough.

Individuals vaccinated against whooping cough are protected against severe illness and complications due to whooping cough. These complications can be most severe in infants, causing apnea (dangerous pauses in breathing) and can be fatal.

More than 2,000 cases of whooping cough were reported statewide between January and October 2024. 62 of those cases were infants less than four months of age who were hospitalized, including one infant who tragically died. During the same time range in 2023, there were less than 400 whooping cough cases reported in the state.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, many practices that had lowered instances of whooping cough are no longer in place, and we’re seeing the disease return to pre-pandemic levels,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “Infants are particularly vulnerable and that’s why CDPH especially encourages people who are pregnant to receive the Tdap vaccine in their third trimester which will pass along protective antibodies to the baby.”

RECOMMENDATIONS: With whooping cough cases rising, ensure you are up to date on your whooping cough vaccine. Vaccination is recommended for all:

• Pregnant people between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, even if they have received Tdap in the past.
• Adults, every 10 years.
• Adolescents aged 11 or 12 years (Tdap vaccine is also required for 7th grade advancement in California).
• Infants and young children receive their own whooping cough (DTaP) vaccines starting at 2 months through 4-6 years of age. Babies and children who haven’t had all recommended doses are more likely to have serious complications.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which vaccines are right for you and your family.

People with whooping cough have severe coughing attacks that can last for months. Infants too young for vaccination are at greatest risk for hospitalization and death. Early signs of whooping cough are similar to symptoms of the common cold such as a runny or stuffy nose and low-grade fever. Babies with whooping cough may have trouble breathing, turn blue or stop breathing.

To protect infants from whooping cough, CDPH strongly urges maternal immunization with Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine in the last trimester (between 27 and 36 weeks) of every pregnancy. When given during pregnancy, Tdap is approximately 90% effective in preventing infant hospitalizations due to whooping cough. It is also beneficial for all family members and caregivers of newborns to receive either the Tdap (for adults and children older than seven) or DTaP (for those seven years of age or younger) vaccines to prevent spreading whooping cough to infants.

These vaccines are safe and effective and can be received at the same time as flu, COVID, or RSV vaccines.

GET PROTECTED: Tdap vaccines are widely available at many doctor offices and pharmacies. Schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov or contacting your local pharmacy or health care provider.

COST: Most health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, cover Tdap vaccines. Individuals experiencing difficulty finding a place to get immunized may contact their health care provider or local health department for help.

The Vaccines For Children (VFC) program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children (18 and younger) who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of an inability to pay. Contact your doctor to learn if they are enrolled in VFC or visit MyTurn to find a location based on your eligibility.

Get more information about whooping cough or pertussis by visiting CDPH’s Pertussis (Whooping Cough) webpage or CDC’s Whooping Cough Vaccination webpage.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee proudly announces its 5th Annual Gala Celebration honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s milestone event will spotlight the outstanding contributions of community leaders, businesses, and organizations across San Bernardino County and beyond. The event is put on by the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and Youth Build Charter School – Inland Empire.

Theme: “Echoes of Freedom as We Continue Marching Forward”

The event will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, at The Enterprise Building, located at 320 North D Street, San Bernardino.

The evening will feature a formal dinner, live entertainment, an inspiring award ceremony, and the recognition of the following distinguished honorees:

2025 Honorees:

• Bryan Wing– Performing Arts Service Award (San Bernardino City Unified School District)
• Dee Goins– SCBCC Liaison Service Award
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.– Community Service Award (Pomona Valley Alumnae Chapter)
• Kim Carter-Tillman– Family Engagement Service Award (Time for Change Foundation)
• Felicia Alexander– SCBCC Ambassador Service Award (San Bernardino City Unified School District Board Member)
• Patricia Nickols-Butler– Non-Profit Service Award (Community Action Partnership San Bernardino)
• Robert Porter– Communications Service Award (I Love San Bernardino Radio)
• San Bernardino City Unified School District– Community Partner Service Award
• San Manuel Band of Mission Indians– Civic Engagement Service Award
• Shiekh Shoes Impact Center– Community Engagement Service Award
• Terrance Stone– Community Leader Service Award (Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy)
• The Enterprise Building– Business Service Award

Supporting Youth Through Education
Proceeds from the gala will benefit YouthBuild Inland Empire, a charter school dedicated to empowering students aged 16-24 to earn their high school diplomas through the innovative, project-based curriculum of YouthBuild Charter School of California (YCSC). This program provides students with a dynamic educational experience while equipping them for future career opportunities.

Tickets and Additional Information

Tickets for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award Gala are available on the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce website at https://blackchamberofcommerce.org/mlk-parade-copy.

The San Bernardino Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee invites the public to join this celebration and support the ongoing efforts to honor Dr. King’s legacy and empower the next generation.