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SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- For over 30 years, Provisional Educational Services, Inc. (PESI) has been an active leader in serving the disadvantaged community of San Bernardino. In an effort to expand on this work, Chief Executive Officer, Dwaine Radden Sr. recently applied for a grant through YouthBuild. The US Department of Labor describes YouthBuild as “a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 16-24 who have previously dropped out of high school.”

The $1.3M grant would be used to address disparities of unemployment and homelessness within San Bernardino. PESI looked to partner with YouthBuild to mitigate these concerns by serving 74 low-income and/or homeless 17-24-year-olds in the city, through a project that would provide secondary education and construction trade training for youth in a classroom setting. It would also provide hands-on construction work experience, building and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for low income or homeless families in San Bernardino.

On June 10, 2021, it was announced that PESI was awarded the grant for its project. This was a nationwide grant which covered states like New York, Atlanta, Chicago and even to Puerto-Rico to name a few. They were selected with three other California agencies in Los Angeles and Riverside.  Radden said, it took an incredible and dynamic grant team to tell the story of San Bernardino in this grant. He thanked God for his grant team, Bill Clark and Geddes Mohammed.  The YouthBuild grant is likely to be a remarkable step forward for the community of San Bernardino. The city of approximately 215,000 has about one-third of its population living below the poverty line. The city’s employment rate was dampened by the recent pandemic but is expected to climb during the second half of 2021. This partnership between PESI and YouthBuild will help to increase the employment rate that was recently affected by the pandemic.

The city can expect PESI’s new community-based project to include construction trades training and other job sectors throughout the region, re-entry secondary education, counseling case management services, personal and academic support services and more. Additional details on the project and its services will be released soon.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education is fulfilling a promise made to the Class of 2020—an in-person commencement ceremony has been scheduled for all SBCUSD members of the Class of 2020.

A combined SBCUSD Class of 2020 graduation ceremony will be held Friday, June 18, 2021, 6 p.m., at Glen Helen Pavilion. Any members of the Class of 2020 who are interested in participating must complete the online interest form before June 14, 2021, at 5 p.m.

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the SBCUSD Board of Education made the decision to close physical schools and move to a distance learning model for the remainder of the 2019–2020 school year in order to protect the health of students, families and staff.

At the time the decision was made to cancel commencement and hold drive-thru ceremonies instead, the Board of Education committed to holding a make-up graduation ceremony when it became possible.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The Social Lites, Inc. celebrated its 54th Beautillion, “Footsteps Toward the Future” virtual program on Saturday, May 22, 2021, under the leadership of Mrs. Lisa Blacksher-Owens, President and Mrs. Tina Darling, Beautillion Chair.  

Congratulations to Sir Knight 2021 Mr. Chahn JhuMaani Chess who was awarded approximately $7,700.00 in scholarships and gifts.  Awards included a $3,000.00 academic scholarship and $3,000.00 for the fifth annual “Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” essay scholarship. 

Various community supporters, friends, and family members witnessed this virtual event moderated by Beautillion Alumni Knight, Mr. Russell Ward.   The late Mr. Jesses James Nichols former King of San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation was presented the Social Lites, Inc. Community Service Award for his contributions to the community and the Social Lites, Inc. Beautillion program. Inspiring messages delivered by various Beautillion Alumni and keynote speaker Sir Knight 2004, Mr. Raafi Bell.

The Social Lites, Inc. is underway in planning for the 55^th Beautillion season.  High school students interested in participating in the Beautillion program may contact knight.beautillion@gmail.com      

RIALTO, CA— Rialto is the first city in the country to formally support the Myles Edward Scott Act to address the illicit recreational use of nitrous oxide, after the City Council adopted a resolution Tuesday night in support of the legislation.

The Myles Edward Scott Act, introduced by Congresswoman Norma J. Torres and co-sponsored by Congressman Pete Aguilar is named in honor of Rialto Mayor Pro Tem Ed Scott’s son, who was tragically killed in a nitrous-involved car accident just one week after graduating high school in 2014. The driver of a vehicle Myles was riding in lost consciousness after inhaling N2O as a recreational drug.  

“While I can’t bring back Eddie or eliminate the pain my family and I have felt since his death, it is my sincere goal to work as hard as possible to make sure no other family experiences what we have,” Mayor Pro Tem Scott said. “We are so thankful that Congresswoman Torres and Congressman Aguilar had taken such a bold step in bringing this act forward. This is not just a California problem; it’s a national problem.”

Since his son’s death, Scott has advocated for changes and tougher regulations to prevent future tragedies resulting from the illicit distribution or use of N20. In 2017, Rialto became the first city in the nation to pass an ordinance banning the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide in an effort to keep the inhalant out of the hands of young people and teens.

The Myles Edward Scott Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to identify what states are currently doing to protect people from the dangers of illicit nitrous oxide use, and what more the federal government can do to add to those efforts.

“Myles Scott’s life was cut tragically short because of a danger hiding in plain sight,” Rep. Torres said. “His father’s efforts to keep nitrous oxide out of reach for young people are helping ensure other families don’t endure the same loss that the Scott family has. The legislation I’m introducing today builds on Mayor Pro Tem Scott’s efforts. It will shine a light on what each state is doing to protect lives, and identify additional ways for the federal government to contribute to this life-saving cause.”

Scott said that while there are productive uses for nitrous oxide – in the food industry, automotive racing and as a dental anesthesia – it can become a deadly weapon when put in the wrong hands.

 “It is gaining in popularity and becoming more widespread everyday,” Scott said. “My goal is not to punish those who misuse nitrous oxide, but to educate them and hold accountable the countless companies and adults who have distributed and sold nitrous oxide to our nation’s children.”

Document proving Social Security number no longer required after federal rule change

SACRAMENTO, CA— Californians applying for a REAL ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles now have one less document to provide during the application process. Following updated federal rules, the DMV no longer requires applicants to provide a Social Security card or W-2 to prove they have a Social Security number. Starting today, Californians can now simply provide their Social Security number.

By filling out the online application and uploading their documents, Californians can bring their confirmation code and documents to a DMV office at their convenience, even the same day, for express service – no appointment necessary. Once at a service window, it now takes less than 10 minutes to complete the REAL ID transaction.

“Getting a REAL ID in California just got a little easier,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “We continue to streamline the REAL ID process so that customers can upload required documents, avoid long lines and get a REAL ID well in advance of the federal enforcement date.”

To apply for a REAL ID, an applicant must provide a valid Social Security number, proof of identity and two proofs of California residency. A list of qualifying documents and other helpful information can be found at REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

Customers are required to wear face coverings and maintain physical distance during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

Starting May 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.

The DMV is no longer requiring a document with a Social Security number after updating its system following passage of the REAL ID Modernization Act, which will allow for further process improvements in the future. The DMV continues to streamline its processes and incorporate technology to become more mobile and better serve its customers through more convenient service options.

Complete Other Transactions Online

Most DMV tasks do not require an office visit. The DMV continues to encourage customers to use its online services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. As a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly all Californians can now renew their driver’s license online – even if the renewal notice states an office visit is required. Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

With more customers using online services, DMV offices have more space to accommodate Californians who need a REAL ID or otherwise have to visit an office.

PACIFIC OCEAN—-Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class Chase Davis, from Crestline, Calif., operates a console in the combat information center of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) during a damage control drill, May 15, 2021. Russell, part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, is on a scheduled deployment conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erik Melgar)       

By Gustavo F. Velasquez & Tunua Thrash-Ntuk | Special to California Black Media Partners

Due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, paying rent has become a real struggle for millions of Californians. But help is available to renters and landlords through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.

Based on income level, qualified applicants can receive assistance with unpaid rent and utilities and with future payments.

Funding comes from the $2.6 billion in federal emergency rental assistance provided to support both state and local rent relief programs in California. The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program isn’t the sole resource for rent relief for California renters and landlords; many cities and counties are either currently administering their own rent relief programs – or launching one soon.

Cities and counties with populations greater than 200,000 are employing one of three rent relief options: option A) the state-administered CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program; option B) a local city- or county-administered program using the same eligibility criteria as option A; and option C) a local city-or county-administered program using different eligibility criteria, in some cases, in combination with a portion administered by the state.

While the programs vary, the goals are the same: Keep people housed and provide quick assistance to those at the highest risk of eviction. To simplify access to rent relief programs in California, the state launched HousingIsKey.com. The website directs renters and landlords to the programs that they may qualify for, based on where they live. After applicants provide the address of their rental property (landlords) or their residence (renters), they are sent to a website where they can review eligibility criteria and complete an application. Applicants can also call the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Call Center (833-430-2122) to find out which program to apply for and get help in a variety of languages.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino County continues to make great progress vaccinating its residents, and recently opened opportunities for children ages 12 and up (with parental consent). More than 1,000 youth between the ages of 12-15 have been vaccinated since last Thursday, and the County recently launched a school vaccination program in partnership with local districts.

“We are very excited with our partnership with superintendents throughout the County, who helped to facilitate 1,942 vaccinations at our high schools,” said San Bernardino County’s Chief Executive Officer Leonard X. Hernandez. “There’s been a lot of interest from parents and students wanting to get vaccinated before graduation ceremonies.”

Ten high schools were served last week, with another 14 scheduled for this week.

“Needles Unified School District reached out and we were able to get them connected with an event,” said Hernandez. “Any school district that’s interested can contact Public Health and we’ll get an event scheduled.”

By Lue Dowdy

A call out to African American Men! We hear you; We see you; You are not alone!

Please save the date and log on Saturday, June 5 at 9 a.m. for “Express Yourself Beautiful Black Man Part Ii: From A Males Perspective’! The event will be presented by the African American Health Coalition and sponsored by Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health, San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, LUE Productions, and The African American Family Wellness Advisory Group.

Our Purpose is to introduce, connect, and provide African American men with available information and resources that they need. The goal of the 1-day virtual workshop is to bring educational resources to help empower Black men and equip them with tools that can be maintained in their daily LIFE. The workshop will kick off with meditation and yoga and will end with a gut busting comedy show. Below is a list of our awesome speakers along with their workshop titles.

Speakers of the day include: Clint Lewis, San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department ; Dean Chambers, LCSW – Depression and the Blues in Our Community- A Cognitive Perspective!; James Woods, Dat Yoga Dude –  From “Yelling 2 Yoga” Black men healing for improvised mental health and wellness; Jerrron E. Clark, WellWrx80 –  Black Manhood & Mental Health: What It Looks Like!; Martinez Sellers, Marsell Consulting MHS – Knowing my IDENTITY as a Black Man; and Tyrome Thompson & Kevin Davis, C.S.U. – Coping Using Comedy: An alternative stress relief! 

For more information or how to register, please visit the African American Health Coalition website at theaamhc.org or the Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health website at www.rcdmh.org/ccp. For questions please contact Linda Hart at 909.571.4964 or Lue Dowdy 909.567.1000.

RIVERSIDE, CA—- On Saturday, June 5, 2021, the 21^st Annual Riverside Juneteenth Celebration will be held virtually via Facebook and YouTube. There will be a medical presentation on COVID-19, entertainment that consists of singing and dancing, and there will be a Health Workshop TransforAnation. For the links and times of the celebration, please visit www.JuneteenthSoCal.org.