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San Bernardino City Unified Board Votes to Remain in Distance Learning Through June 2021

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Board of Education of the San Bernardino City Unified School District on Tuesday voted to keep all students in distance learning for the remainder of the current school year, which ends in June 2021.

The governing body of California’s eighth largest school district took action on November 17 after carefully weighing local COVID-19 figures that show the virus is spreading at alarming rates and families living in its attendance boundaries are especially at risk. San Bernardino County is among those in the state that have experienced drastically increasing COVID-19 cases, forcing it to remain in the purple tier. The Board’s decision is consistent with its steadfast commitment to safety for students and employees. This decision will enable District staff to focus greater resources toward strengthening distance learning while also allowing families to better plan.

SBCUSD will hold a 1 p.m. virtual press conference to provide more information about the Board’s decision. Media representatives interested in attending the press conference should email Communications Officer Maria Garcia at Maria.garcia@sbcusd.com for an invite. 

As part of their decision, in-person accommodations for small groups of students with specifically identified educational needs will be offered when the Board deems it safe to do so. This in-person support is allowable under public health guidance from the state.

This is the second time since the March statewide closure of schools that the SBCUSD Board of Education has put the health and safety of its 47,000 students and close to 8,000 employees at the forefront of its decision to keep schools in distance learning.

Watch a rebroadcast of Tuesday’s Board meeting

DMV Extends Learner’s Permits Expiring through May 2021

SACRAMENTO, CA— The California Department of Motor Vehicles is extending driver’s license permits with expiration dates through May 31, 2021, to give student drivers more time during the COVID-19 pandemic to complete the prerequisites needed for a provisional license, including 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a driving school and 50 hours of supervised driving practice.

Eligible permits are extended six months from the date of expiration or to a date 24 months from the date of application, whichever is earlier. The DMV previously extended permits expiring between March 1 and November 30, 2020. The DMV has alerted law enforcement of the extensions, which require no individual action on the part of drivers.

The DMV resumed behind-the-wheel drive tests with new health and safety protocols on June 26, and appointments to take the test are available.

Commercial learner’s permits expiring between March and December have been extended through December 31, 2020, to align with federal guidelines.

Summary of California driver’s license extensions

 Expiration monthStatus
Learner’s permits (noncommercial)March 2020-May 2021Extended six months or to a date 24 months from the date of application
Age 69 & younger (noncommercial)Beginning March 2020Expanded eligibility to renew online or by mail for licenses expiring during the emergency
Age 70 & older (noncommercial)March-December 2020 Beginning March 2020Extended one year from original expiration dateExpanded eligibility to renew online or by mail for licenses expiring during the emergency
Commercial (all types, all ages)March-December 2020Extended to 
December 31, 2020

Californians interested in applying for a learner’s permit can do so by filling out the online application and uploading the required documents. Customers who have completed this process can visit a DMV office to finalize the transaction and receive their permit – no appointment necessary.

DMV field office employees are assisting customers with appointments and walk-ins as time and space permit. The DMV continues to recommend that customers use its online services, expanded virtual services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. Customers can use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce Seeking Storytellers for Virtual MLK Day Event

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The SBMLK DAY planning committee of decided to cancel their physical parade for 2021, to ensure the safety of the community and its members. Faced with challenges, it was decided to push forth with a virtual event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A collective of community organizations along with YouthBuild Inland Empire, is excited to present, ‘Facing Adversity During the Storm’ a one-day virtual parade & extravaganza celebration scheduled to take place Monday, January 18, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This virtual celebration will be an informative and educational event featuring a short film, panel discussion, entertainment from local artists, storytelling, and celebrity guest appearances and more.

The committee is seeking your participation as one of their Story Tellers. They will be shooting at a theater located in the City of Ontario on Saturday, January 9. If available, the address and time will be forwarded to you. Story Tellers will have a total of 4 minutes to share with the community. Please note that they will take every precaution to maintain social distancing. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information or assistance, please call the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce at 1.888.466.7408 ext. 11 or email Lue@blackchamberofcommerce.org or YouthBuild Inland Empire 909.890.9106 or email info@blackchamberofcommerce.org.

Shirrell McCarey Honored as 2020 Veteran of the Year

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes honored Shirrell McCarey as the 2020 Veteran of the Year for the 47th Assembly District, during the 4th Annual event held virtually this year due to COVID-19.

Shirrell McCarey served in the U.S. Navy, both active duty and reserve, from 1977 to 2012 as a Naval Commander. During this time Shirrell McCarey would serve in the final stages of the Vietnam War and she would also serve in the Gulf War. Her military career would see her be deployed to Vietnam, Grenada, Chernobyl, and the Middle East. After her time in the military, she would become a mental health advisor for the Loma Linda Mental Health Advisory Board for fifteen years.

In addition to her service and leadership, she maintains a membership with the California Leadership for Women, Cal Vets, Disabled American Veterans, and is the Lecture Knight for the Elk Lodge in Victorville. Mrs. McCarey’s primary interest is serving as a mental health advisor for veterans across the country. As a mental health advisor, Mrs. McCarey acts as a counselor to veterans suffering from things like PTSD, other mental health issues, and physical issues. This role also allows her to act as a mediator between veterans and their doctors regarding their mental and physical needs. 

After a review of the many nominations, twenty-five veterans were selected as finalists from throughout the community for the Veteran of the Year award which honors veterans who live, work, or volunteer in the 47th Assembly District who have served our country, protecting our freedoms, and who continue to serve our community. “I congratulate Shirrell McCarey for her selection as the 2020 Veteran of the Year for the 47th Assembly District. Mrs. McCarey served our country honorably during her time in the U.S. Navyand she was honorable discharged in 2011. Mrs. McCarey has received several awards over her illustrious career including the Unit Citation Award and Good Conduct Medal but the award she is most proud of is the one she received from Loma Lima VA clinic. She received her award on May 25, 2016, after saving the lives of three veterans during a hostage situation where she was able to get the suspect to surrender peacefully via negotiations. The dedication she has demonstrated in supporting her fellow veterans is just one example of how tries to fulfill her life’s mission to uplift others. I’m proud to honor a good soldier and a good friend,” said Assemblymember Reyes. 

Veteran of the Year Finalists for the 47th District:

Heather Lee – Grand Terrace

Toshiro Henry “Hank” Kanbara – Grand Terrace

Hector Reynoso – Colton

Raymond Gómez – Colton

Julie Calderilla Porter – Colton

Eloy Sanchez – Colton

Bob Amaro – Colton

Arlie Hubbard – Colton

Mike Humphrey – Colton

Steven Miranda – Bloomington

Ben Munoz – Bloomington

Artist Gilbert – Rialto

Agustin Ramirez – San Bernardino

Gil Narvarro – San Bernardino

Judy Bryant – San Bernardino

Cynthia La Verne Epps – San Bernardino

Reverend Ching Lee Trenchard – San Bernardino

Basil Kimbrew – San Bernardino

Shirrell McCarey – San Bernardino

Joseph Mosely – San Bernardino

Martin Daly – Fontana

Kylee Quintanilla – Fontana

Howard Eckert – Fontana

Dennis Acron – Fontana

For more information on the Veteran of the Year and finalists contact District Representative Daissy Arteaga at (909) 381-3238 or email at Daissy.Arteaga@asm.ca.gov

Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.

Your Water Supply and COVID-19: An Interview: Edgar G. Dymally, Environmental Specialist

By Dale Hunter | California Black Media 

Edgar G. Dymally is a senior environmental specialist with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, a water wholesaler that delivers water to 26 member agencies that serve 19 million people across Southern California.

Prior to starting with Metropolitan in 1992, Dymally was a staff engineer with the state’s Office of Drinking Water. He is chairman of the Water Quality Committee of the Association of California Water Agencies, and an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Water Works Association, and TreePeople.

Dymally earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Long Beach State University, and he is the nephew of former California Lt. Gov. and Congressman Mervyn Dymally. 

I spoke with him about his role at the Metropolitan Water District, the safety of our water supply during the COVID-19 pandemic, careers in the state water industry and more.  

What is your role at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California?

There is an extraordinary number of state and federal regulations to ensure the safety of our drinking water. My job for the past 25 years has been tracking and evaluating the impacts of these regulations on Metropolitan and other water utilities, providing input to regulatory agencies and lawmakers, and coordinating with staff to ensure compliance. Above all, my job, along with many others in the industry, is to protect public health. 

Should people trust that their tap water is safe to drink?

Drinking water faces more regulations and safeguards than virtually any other resource, whether it’s air, water, soil, or food of any type. Probably the shining example of public health protection in our country has been the regulation of drinking water over the past 50 years. Our drinking water is safe.

What sometimes frustrates water professionals is even with all the regulations and drinking water standards, even though billions of dollars have been invested to upgrade treatment facilities and protect source water quality, even though drinking water has never been safer, some people still don’t drink it.

I recommend people drink plenty of water, and tap water provides the best value for every consumer.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected drinking water?

No. The virus that causes COVID-19 does not present a threat to the safety of treated drinking water. Water treatment plants, including Metropolitan’s, use a multi-step process of filters and disinfectants to remove or kill bacteria and viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. Water agencies throughout the state are working hard to educate residents that their drinking water is not affected by the pandemic.

Why is it important for residents to know which agency provides their drinking water?

Your local water provider – who you or your landlord pays the water bill to – is the best source to speak to about your drinking water quality. They can tell you the steps to keep your water safe and address any concerns you have. If there is a problem, they are responsible for fixing it.

To better understand the source and quality of your water, you should talk to your water provider or review their annual Water Quality Report. Water agencies are required to regularly monitor and test for a host of chemical contaminants. If they discover a contaminant above the level set by the state, they are required to disclose it in their Water Quality Report and address the contaminant. For example, you may have heard recently about perchlorate or one of the PFAS chemicals, which are now being monitored.

Your water provider can also tell you about incentives or product rebates to help you use water more efficiently. With the challenges of climate change facing our water supplies, we all need to do our part to use water as efficiently as possible. Your water agency is your partner in that effort.

How did you get your start in the water industry?

It was total serendipity. I had just finished my undergraduate degree in civil engineering at Long Beach State. My plan was to go into the Navy, but I didn’t qualify medically. So, I was on campus with no job and I ran into the dean of student services. He told about an entry position with the state’s drinking water program. I took the job for the summer, loved it, and never looked back.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the water industry?

Explore all the different kinds of opportunities. You could go into academia, the private sector or work for a non-profit or non-government organization. You could do something in agriculture or wastewater. There are so many different facets to water. If you’re fortunate like me and get to work for an agency like Metropolitan, you would never regret it. But there are many other opportunities as well. 

About the Author 

Dale Hunter is Executive Director of the California African American Water Education Foundation (CAAWEF).  It is a nonprofit water education organization focused on the African American community in California. Formed in 2019, CAAWEF is based in Sacramento. 

 The information in this article is brought to you in partnership with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), a non-profit statewide association of public water agencies whose more than 450 members are responsible for about 90 % of the water deliveries in California.

The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce partners with Flagstar Bank to Commit $1 Million in Grants for People of Color

The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Flagstar Bank to keep their promise and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion to the members and communities they serve by giving $1 million in grants to help small businesses owned by Black, Indigenous and people of color whose operating expenses are impacted by COVID-19.

Qualifying small minority businesses can submit applications now through November 20 for grants of $5,000. Flagstar has partnered with BIPOC nonprofits in its key banking markets to vet and administer the grants. Qualifications include (1) diverse ownership (2) revenues of no more than $1 million (3) located within Flagstar Bank’s footprint of San Bernardino County area including Barstow, Victorville, Adelanto, Hesperia and Apple Valley, California. Additional qualifications, grant uses, and other information are available in the application.

 We hope to combat the narrative that there is no assistance for minority-owned businesses. The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce is committed to serve the entrepreneurs that are facing hardships during this pandemic. We are honored to team up with Flagstar Bank to help these businesses survive, thrive, and enhance the vitality of our communities. Businesses owned by people of color have been especially hard hit by COVID-19, with nearly half of black-owned businesses shuttered by the pandemic. 

 “We have a commitment to our communities and to keeping our promises to them,” said Alessandro DiNello, CEO of Flagstar Bank. “Reversing decades of systemic inequities is a marathon, and we are in it to the finish. These grants are an important milestone along the way to making our communities and our company better and more equitable for all.” 

BOB Highlight! Support this Black Owned Business!

R & R Breakfast Spot, 5460 Philadelphia St., Chino (One light North of the 60 at Central) is paying for your “trip to taste” their fabulous breakfast and lunch cuisine, with a 15% discount on your purchase! Rhonda Dennis, the owner, made the offer during her interview with Wallace Allen on past Sunday’s “Empire Talks Back” radio talk show. The discount is good through Sunday November 15th. Claim your “Trip to Taste” discount by saying “Wallace from Empire Talks Back radio sent me”!  Open daily, except Monday, from 7 to 3 pm… 909-548-0014… Pick up, Delivery (limited) and Patio Dining available!  

Reminder: Volunteers needed to give out 1,500 Turkeys and Thanksgiving Food Boxes

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— We wish you and your family nothing but the BEST this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season. Just a reminder, for those that have an itch to give back this season, Community Action Partnership, San Bernardino Valley College and the Young Visionaries are still in need of volunteers for their Turkey Giveaway on Saturday, November 21. They will provide each volunteer with PPE (mask or shields, hand sanitizer, and gloves).

To volunteer, please fill out the form below:

You can also email Yoselyn Aldama for more information at yaldama@yvyla-ie.org or call or text (909) 513-4316. 

Grounded Studio Officially Opens in Downtown San Bernardino with the Mission to Heal Souls

Grounded Self-Care studio offers meditation, yoga and other self care practices for inner healing.

(Photo Credit: tianajanine_photography/Instagram)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Sunday, November 8, Grounded held its grand opening in the heart of Downtown San Bernardino. The Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Cities assisted with the promotion and support of the ribbon cutting, along with Assemblymember Eloise Reyes. Below are a few words that the founder, Destinee Frye, stated about her purpose and mission with Grounded:

It was all a dream. Chasing purpose is an interesting experience. My husband thought I was crazy, I thought I was crazy, but God said it was time, so I moved.

Yesterday, I saw people moved to tears, to laughter, breathing a little bit easier because they experienced a breakthrough, they didn’t know they needed.

(Photo Credit: tianajanine_photography/Instagram)

All a reminder that all of the sacrifice was worth it. I chose my purpose over emotions, over expectations, over opinions, over logic, over common sense, over comfort, and I’ll keep choosing it over and over again. 

Thank you to everyone who has believed in the process, new believers, and the ones that have been rocking with me since the beginning. WE did it! And we’re just getting started! 

Grounded Self-Care Studio is located at 381 N E Street in San Bernardino. 

(Photo Credit: tianajanine_photography/Instagram)