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SAN BERNARDINO, CA — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond joined San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) during the Patriot Day observance at its Brier administrative site on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. SBCSS held ceremonies at each office location in observance of the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre offered remarks to the staff assembled at the administrative site. He spoke of the devastating loss of life that took place on that fateful day and described the events that transpired while taking a moment to thank the first responders who are currently battling the surrounding wildfires.

“These past few days have been devastating to our communities with the wildfires happening around us. We are grateful for the work of our firefighters and first responders. They’re out there on the front lines, doing the work that is so incredibly important,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Today, we thank and pay our respects to firefighters and first responders for their dedication to save lives and save communities on 9/11 and beyond.”

“I couldn’t be more grateful to the first responders who rushed into action, many of them sacrificing their own lives. It was a moment of Americans helping Americans that we must remember,” said State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. “We always say we will never forget, so it’s important to teach this history to our students and recognize those who lost their lives that day and support our first responders who are supporting us right now as we combat these devastating fires.”

Employees at each site gathered for a moment of silence to pay respect to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which officially began when a hijacked plane flew into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 A.M. EST.

Adalia De Luna, a sixth-grade student from Jehue Middle School, gave a moving rendition of “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” during the remembrance ceremony.

The ceremony highlighted that Patriot Day is not just a day of remembrance, but also a day of service. Citizens are called to volunteer in their communities to pay tribute to the selflessness of the first responders and members of the military who have given their lives to defend others.

As order by President Biden, flags were flown at half-staff at all SBCSS locations on September 11, 2024, in observance of Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) rang in the 2024-2025 academic year by celebrating seven exceptional employees making an impact in San Bernardino County during the SBCSS Stars in Education Celebration held on August 28.

Four teachers who have dedicated decades of their career to education were named Teachers of the Year in their respective categories, one staff member was recognized as the Classified School Employee of the Year, and two honorees were named Teachers for Tomorrow.

“This year’s honorees provide each child with equitable, innovative and inspirational learning environments,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Their dedication to education and their students’ success is truly commendable. It’s an honor to recognize them and their impactful work.”

The recipients of the SBCSS Teachers of the Year award were nominated by their peers and were selected by a panel comprised of staff from three regions throughout the County and the San Bernardino County Teachers Association. The award highlights educational innovation, student learning and the rewards of teaching.

Nominations for the SBCSS Classified School Employee of the Year are submitted by their peers. With five or more years of service in their current role, they have earned the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues. Nominees have shown to be actively engaged in their school community, consistently demonstrating outstanding work performance, leadership, dedication, and ongoing professional growth.

The Teacher for Tomorrow program provides financial assistance to help support County Schools employees who are pursuing their teaching credential. Recipients of the prestigious award receive monetary assistance with tuition, books and other academic support services.

All seven of this year’s honorees received a gift from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR:

 Ronald Osburn

County Schools Teacher of the Year

Liberty II State Preschool

Jamie Fleming

Alternative Education Teacher of the Year

Independent Learning Academy at Bob Murphy County Community School

Matthew Guzman

Desert/Mountain Teacher of the Year

Del Rey Elementary

Melissa McCann

West End Teacher of the Year

Live Oak Early Education Center

CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR:

Yvonne Knox

Paraeducator

Bob Murphy County Community School

TEACHERS FOR TOMORROW:

Olivia Fresquez

Paraeducator

Students Transitioning into Adult Responsibilities (S.T.A.R.) program

Fardowsa Mohamed

Paraeducator

West Creek Elementary and Siegrist Preschool

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.#transforminglives

By Eric Harris | Special to California Black Media Partners

In November, voters have a crucial opportunity to reject Proposition 36, a misguided effort backed by major law enforcement associations and some players in the corporate retail lobby that will make our communities less safe.

Although the authors of the proposition have euphemistically labeled it “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,” Prop 36 will increase punishments for people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders without providing any funding for treatment or housing. Prop 36, like policies similar to it in the past that have harmed Black people, will affect a disproportionate number of Black disabled people.

Over the past decade, Californians have voted to reduce our prison population. To achieve that goal, in 2014, we passed Proposition 47, which reclassified many low-level nonviolent offenses, such as drug possession and property crimes, from felonies to misdemeanors. This was an important step to reform our criminal legal system, leading to an overall drop in crime statewide and decreased rates of recidivism. In contrast, Prop 36 would impose longer sentences and harsher punishments for theft and drug-related offenses. Rather than investing in meaningful solutions, Prop 36 relies on expensive band-aids such as “treatment-mandated felonies” for repeated drug possession and sends people to prison for shoplifting instead of investing in people who are simply struggling to survive.

Nationwide, people with disabilities are disproportionately represented in our prison system at staggering rates, with over 40% of people in state prisons having a disability, compared to only 15% of people in the general population. In California, 1 in 3 people in prison have a diagnosed mental illness. This overrepresentation reflects decades of policies that prioritize incarceration over housing affordability and community-based alternatives, especially in Black and Brown communities, and among people experiencing homelessness.

By increasing the number of people experiencing incarceration, Prop 36 will exacerbate the number of Californians with disabilities in our prison system, while also disabling new people who enter the system. Beyond being overrepresented, people with disabilities experience inhumane treatment in prison and jail where they are often denied proper accommodations, medical care, and services. Further, prison and jail conditions often exacerbate people’s existing conditions, meaning people are at risk for leaving incarceration with disabilities they did not have when they entered the system.

Moreover, while special interests have framed Prop 36 as an attempt to address drug use, its mandated treatment model will lead to more people with disabilities facing incarceration, while their substance use disorders remain untreated. Experts agree that mandating drug treatment for individuals convicted of a drug-related offense does not effectively reduce drug use. Further, Prop 36 does not offer any funding for substance use treatment of any kind, let alone evidence-based practices. This will perpetuate the existing system in which people with substance use disorders end up incarcerated, instead of having access to community-based treatment.

Prop 36 will also worsen the socioeconomic conditions at the root of the problems it claims to address. A felony conviction makes it far more difficult to find employment and stable housing post-incarceration, which has a compounding impact for people with disabilities who already are more likely to be facing housing insecurity and unemployment. People experiencing unstable housing and employment are also more likely to develop a disability such as a substance use disorder. Prop 36 therefore would perpetuate the existing vicious cycle that keeps people with disabilities and those who are experiencing homelessness in and out of prisons.

Californians should oppose any measures that double down on punishment and incarceration. Instead of Prop 36, we need policies that invest in community-driven solutions for healthier communities and affordable living, especially for those most affected by the criminal justice system.

About the Author

Eric Harris is the Associate Executive Director of External Affairs at Disability Rights California.

By Mary D. Welch

Today, you’re witnessing a dream come true! My fascination with the movie industry has always been strong, and I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out how to break into it. As you might know, I started my writing career with Children’s Books. While I’ve continued to write and publish in that genre, I’ve also ventured into screenwriting.

On top of that, I’ve been working on movie sets, and here’s a surprising twist—I’ve got a couple of scenes in the movie that was wrapped up last Friday! I can’t even begin to describe how thrilling it was to be a part of those scenes. Even if I end up on the cutting room floor, it was an experience worth every moment!

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to follow your dreams, wherever they may lead. I’m absolutely loving what I’m doing, even though I never imagined it would be possible. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I continue to write Children’s Books and screenplays. Taking risks in life is the only way to truly live. Will you always win? Not necessarily, but as Nelson Mandela wisely said, “You will never lose; you will only learn.”

I’m at the start of this exciting and nerve-wracking journey, and I’m so glad you’re here with me. You are always appreciated and loved. Embrace your purpose, and if you’re not sure what it is yet, that’s okay—give yourself the grace to discover it. Try out classes and activities that interest you, and remember, it’s all about having fun without any pressure!

I have so much to learn, and I mean that sincerely, but I’m having an incredible time along the way. While Children’s Books will always hold a special place in my heart, I’m thoroughly enjoying the path of writing movies. I’ll keep you updated on my progress and let you know what’s happening.

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, covers one in three Californians, including more than 50 percent of the state’s youth. In California, nearly 300,000 youth are coping with depression, and 66 percent of them do not get the help they need, according to Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health.

Black children and children of color make up nearly 75 percent of children on Medi-Cal, yet they face significant barriers to accessing mental health services. Despite an overall decline in the suicide rate in California, youth — particularly Black, Latino, and female Californians — have seen disproportionate increases in suicide rates. According to data from 2022, about 4.3 percent of low-income teens on Medi-Cal have undergone depression screenings and received follow-up treatment. Among Indigenous youth, the screening rate is a little more than half that (2.3 percent). However, more screenings are probably occurring that are not being reported due to data capture issues.

To improve access to Medi-Cal mental health services, DHCS implemented a “No Wrong Door” approach to seeking care. In other words, any Medi-Cal member can receive timely access to covered mental health services regardless of where they first seek care, whether at a county mental health office or their Medi-Cal health plan.

Medi-Cal Covered Mental Health Services

Medi-Cal covers a wide range of services to support the emotional, psychological, and social needs of members. Medi-Cal can cover such services as:

• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Crisis counseling
• Case management
• Medication for mental health conditions
• Depression and anxiety screenings
• Drug and alcohol treatment services
• Other treatments for significant or complex mental health as necessary

Paula Wilhelm, Deputy Director for Behavioral Health at the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), emphasized the state’s commitment to transforming behavioral health services, which covers both mental health and substance use disorder treatment, under Medi-Cal.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and all of our health outcomes are intertwined,” Wilhelm said. “DHCS is partnering with health plans and care providers to transform the way behavioral health services are delivered to Medi-Cal members.”

Governor Gavin Newsom’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is a monumental investment in strengthening mental health services for young Californians. This initiative focuses on prevention, wellness, screening, assessment, outpatient, and community-based treatment.

Mental Health Virtual Services Apps

In January 2024, DHCS, in collaboration with Kooth and Brightline, launched two mental health virtual services platforms, which you can download as android and apple apps, BrightLife Kids for children aged 0-12 and Soluna for teenagers and young adults aged 13-25.

These platforms connect individuals to free coaching and provide educational content, assessment tools, care navigation services, peer communities, and crisis and safety protocols to all California youth and their families, regardless of insurance coverage.

These services aim to complement existing mental health services by offering additional care options and resources for parents, caregivers, children, youth, and young adults in California. If you experience long wait times to see a mental health counselor, check out these apps to connect to individual or group coaching.

Get Started Today

If you or your child need mental health services, contact your Medi-Cal health plan, which will assess your needs and refer you to get help.

In Riverside County and San Bernardino County, Medi-Cal members can contact:

*   Inland Empire Health Plan: 800-440-4347

*   Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

*   Molina HealthCare of California Partner Plan, Inc.: 888-665-4621

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Some individuals have dedicated their lives to serving others, going above and beyond in their contributions. “We are looking for Black Heroes and Sheroes in the IE,” said Carl M. Dameron, President of the Black Culture Foundation.

On Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., the Black Culture Foundation will honor and celebrate the remarkable work of these individuals at the 33rd Annual Black Rose Awards in the Santos Manuel Student Union at Cal State San Bernardino.

“If you know of a remarkable Black leader or someone deeply committed to improving the community for everyone in the Inland Empire, the Black Culture Foundation is eager to learn about them. We are actively seeking nominations for the 33rd Annual Black Rose awards,” said Dameron.

“We are searching for individuals whose volunteer efforts surpass their job-related activities,” said Black Rose Founder Jim King. “These are the unsung heroes—individuals who volunteer with multiple organizations or dedicate their spare time to one or more. They do not seek recognition but endeavor to improve their community and make it a better place to live.”

To nominate a remarkable person for a Black Rose Award, go online to sbbcfoundation.org. Nominations are due by September 30, 2024, at 5:00 pm.

As Dameron explained, the awards program is dedicated to honoring the Black community in the Inland Empire. However, it’s important to note that recipients of the award are not required to be Black.

Over the years, numerous community leaders in law enforcement, education, and other public arenas have been celebrated and presented with an award for their impactful contributions to the Inland Empire.

“Join us in celebrating and honoring the significant contributions of the Black community in The Inland Empire. By becoming a committee member, you can play a vital role in shaping the Black Rose Awards program and the Black History Parade. To take the lead as a member or committee chair, sign up online at https://sbbcfoundation.org,” said King.

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra is proud to present The Josh Nelson Ensemble performing “This is Jazz: A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker,” on Saturday, September 7th at 3 p.m. at the historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium.

Previous Symphony attendees will remember Nelson’s outstanding piano skills from past editions of our annual jazz series, and this year his musical colleagues include vocalist Angie Wells, trumpeter Kye Palmer, bassist Chris Colangelo, drummer Dan Schnelle, and vocalist/pianist John Proulx.

Symphony Associate Conductor Raphaela Lacerda, who recently conducted the cinematic score for Beverly Hills Cop 4, will host the event.

The repertoire – which begins with a duet to “They Can’t Take that Away From Me,” will be filled with Ms. Fitzgerald’s iconic covers including “Summertime,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Cheek to Cheek,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and some of Mr. Baker’s most beloved tunes including “But Not for Me,” “Let’s Get Lost,” “Long Ago and Far Away,” “My Funny Valentine,” and “I Fall in Love Too Easily.”

A Queen and a Prince

Regarded by many as one of the finest ever jazz singers, Ella Fitzgerald – sometimes referred to as the “First Lady of Song,” “Queen of Jazz,” and “Lady Ella” – was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, and a “horn-like” improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing.

After a tumultuous adolescence, Fitzgerald found stability in musical success with the Chick Webb Orchestra, performing across the country, but most often associated with the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. Her rendition of the nursery rhyme “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” helped boost both her and Webb to national fame (plan to hear that September 7th!) After signing with Verve Records, she recorded some of her more widely noted works, particularly her interpretations of the Great American Songbook.

Fitzgerald also appeared in films and as a guest on popular television shows in the second half of the twentieth century. Outside her solo career, she created music with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and The Ink Spots. These partnerships produced songs such as “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” Her accolades included 14 Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts, the NAACP‘s inaugural President’s Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Chesney Henry “Chet” Baker Jr. was an American jazz trumpeter and vocalist. He is known for major innovations in cool jazz that led him to be nicknamed the “Prince of Cool”.

Baker earned much attention and critical praise through the 1950s, particularly for two albums featuring his vocals: Chet Baker Sings (1954) and It Could Happen to You (1958). He regularly collaborated and with jazz greats Charlie Parker and Gerry Mulligan.

Jazz historian Dave Gelly described the promise of Baker’s early career as “James Dean, Sinatra, and Bix, rolled into one.” Sadly, his well-publicized drug habit also drove his notoriety and fame and Baker was in and out of jail frequently before enjoying a career resurgence in the late 1970s and 1980s. But his talent did not fade and he was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1987, into the DownBeat Magazine Jazz Hall of Fame in 1989, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in 199, and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001.

Tickets and Location Details

Tickets for “This is Jazz” are available at $20-$100 per seat and may be purchased by clicking any photo in this email, or by going online to the Symphony website at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org, or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Seats for students and Active military are available for $15.

San Bernardino Valley College is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. The Auditorium located in the north end of campus facing Mt. Vernon. Free parking is available adjacent to the Auditorium on concert day.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media??

California Senate and Assembly Republicans are rallying against Senate Bill (SB) 94, legislation that would allow people sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole to petition the court for a lighter sentence.

The bill authored by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), would enable the court to resentence people imprisoned without the possibility of parole if the individual has served a minimum of 25 years and if their offense occurred before June 5, 1990.

According to SB 94, only individuals convicted under “special circumstance murder” would be eligible to petition for a new sentence. The proposed law would not apply to individuals that committed murder in an egregious manner such as torture, poison, lying in wait, rape by instrument, mayhem, and other offenses, according to Cortese.

Republican Senators released an extensive analysis of the bill outlining how it undermines public safety and arguing that the early release of violent criminals is “an affront to victims, their families and people concerned about crime rates statewide.”

At a press conference on Aug. 22, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego), joined other GOP lawmakers in denouncing the bill, asserting that freedom is a right reserved for law-abiding citizens.

“When violent murderers brutally take a life, they lose their right to freedom,” said Jones.

“Now, radical Democrat politicians want to bring these violent offenders back into our communities. Releasing heinous murderers after promising justice to the victims’ families is not just disrespectful, it’s dangerous,” he said.

Pushing back on the criticisms from across the aisle, Cortese put out on statement stating that Republicans are spreading misinformation about the bill. Cortese reiterated that the bill would not release people from prison, rather it would send people to judicial court, State Parole Board, and the Governor. .

“At each level, public safety is paramount, by utilizing the four-tiered process we are ensuring that only those who have rehabilitated pursuant to a Judicial Court, the Parole Board, and our Governor have the potential to be released. All three must agree. Only those having already served a minimum of 25 years may request a hearing,” said Cortese.

“I would encourage everyone to read the bill and read our proposed amendments,” Cortese added.

By Regina Wilson | California Black Media

Last week, California arrived at a turning point in the decades-long quest to find a solution to the news crisis in our state.

Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) brokered a deal that promises to change the future of news in our state. This isn’t just another plan — it’s a unique collaboration that brings together the State of California, news publishers and tech companies, to give our newsrooms the financial support they desperately need.

It also includes the launching of a new National AI Accelerator to explore how artificial intelligence can help journalism thrive in today’s digital world.

This partnership couldn’t come at a more critical time. Local journalism is on life support across our state. Across the country, news outlets are shrinking or shutting down at an alarming rate, leaving communities without vital information. A recent study from Northwestern University found that two and a half newspapers in the U.S. close every week. Since 2005, we’ve lost two-thirds of our newspaper journalists. In California alone, over 100 newspapers have disappeared in the last decade.

Assemblymember Wicks, along with the state and other key players, have come up with a pragmatic way to address this crisis. They’ve created an agreement to revive local journalism in California by using tech industry and public resources — without raising taxes on Californians.

Over the next five years, more than $250 million in public and private funding will go to California’s newsrooms, especially small, local, and community-focused outlets. The plan is to invest $100 million in the first year to get things started. This money will help hire hundreds of new journalists, strengthen existing newsrooms, and rebuild a strong press corps across our state. This isn’t just about saving what’s left. It’s about creating a future where journalism can be strengthened enough to resume its critical roles as interpreter of current events; watchdog of developments in business and public policy; and reliable source of news and information.

At the center of this initiative is the News Transformation Fund that will be managed by the UC Berkeley School of Journalism. This fund will provide financial support to California-based journalism, with help from both the tech sector and the state. The focus is on helping news organizations fill the gaps in local news deserts, serve underrepresented communities, and prioritize California coverage. Small, independent publishers — the ones closest to their communities and most in need.

As the Executive Director of California Black Media, I can’t stress enough how important this initiative is for ethnic and community media outlets. We’ve always been the trusted voices for historically underrepresented communities, providing news and information that larger outlets often overlook or under-explore. But many of our outlets are struggling to survive, often relying on just a few dedicated people to keep going.

This new partnership recognizes the crucial role of ethnic media in California’s diverse landscape. It offers immediate and much-needed help, allowing our newsrooms to adapt to a changing media world, embrace new technologies, and continue our important work. For many of us, this funding could mean the difference between staying open and closing down.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s support for this initiative, along with his backing of AB 1511, authored by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), demonstrates the administration’s strong commitment to local and underrepresented media. AB 1511 seeks to increase the state’s investment in marketing, advertising, and outreach dollars directed specifically to our local community news providers.

It’s important to note that this partnership is just the beginning. As Assemblymember Wicks said, this effort is about laying the foundation for a free and vibrant press in California. The National AI Accelerator will provide even more resources to explore how AI can help solve some of the toughest challenges facing journalism and society.

This isn’t just about money. It’s about reaffirming the essential role that journalism plays in our democracy. It’s about making sure all Californians have access to reliable and trustworthy news, no matter where they live or what language they speak. It’s about empowering local news outlets to keep telling the stories that matter most to their communities.

As we move forward, I encourage all stakeholders — publishers, journalists, community leaders, and policymakers — to come together and make the most of this opportunity. The future of California’s media landscape is at a crossroads, and with the right support, we can ensure it is incrementally funded to become more diverse, dynamic, and democratic.

About the Author

Regina Wilson is the Executive Director of California Black Media.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Join the community for Unity in CommUNITY Day. The annual community family reunion, which will be held on Saturday, September 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This year’s event promises to be a day filled with fun, food, and festivities!

Event highlights include:

• Chill N Grillin BBQ ComPITition: Delicious barbecue sampling included with admission
• Car Show: Check out a variety of cool rides.
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by the route 66 dance studio
• Folklorico Dancers and live music by The Summit High School Band, and Kids zone.
• Vendors: Arts and crafts, jewelry, food vendors and more.
• Resource Booths: Information on all cancer-related illnesses, with a special focus on Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
• Mexican Independence Day Celebration: Embrace the culture and enjoy the festivities!

Why go out of town for Labor Day? Stay local, relax, and let us handle the cooking and cleaning. This is a family event you won’t want to miss!