On Aug. 17, the “Yes On Prop 17” campaign held its Official Proposition 17 Campaign Virtual Kick-Off on Facebook Live. The event featured testimony from previously incarcerated persons on why more than 50,000 parolees in California deserve the right to vote. Prop 17, which passed the state legislature as ACA 6 in June, is a measure on the November ballot. If Californians vote to approve it, Prop 17 would amend the state constitution, granting any eligible person who is not currently incarcerated the right to vote. If passed, California would join 17 states that allow parolees to vote. Initiate Justice Co-founder and Executive Director Taina Vargas-Edmond hosted the event that featured Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D – Sacramento), author of ACA 6, as well as Brandon Flynn, an activist and actor on the Netflix show “13 Reasons Why.” To start the event, Flynn and McCarty spoke about how the current global political movement calling for the dismantling of systemic racism has affected their understanding of – and advocacy around — the proposition. “We’ve learned that this is just a remnant of some of these old Jim Crow values and racial oppression –when they want to hold back African American voters from being able to participate in the democratic process, and that’s wrong. That’s what we’re going to change,” the lawmaker said. The program’s anchor event was a Q&A moderated by Edmond featuring “Yes On Prop 17” Fellows Betty McKay and John Windham. McKay and Windham, who are both on parole, spoke about the importance of voting for currently and previously incarcerated persons. McKay, who is a motivational speaker and organizer with Initiate Justice, talked about the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), arguing that she has done the time for his crime and should not be punished for it after her release. “The people who make the rules, the system, CDCR gives you a long list of things that if you do this, this, this, this and this, then you’re a productive citizen,” she said. “Well, I’ve exceeded all that. So why aren’t I voting? I’m paying taxes. So why aren’t I voting?” Edmond also presented data from Initiate Justice’s 2019 “Democracy Needs Everyone” report, compiled from a survey of 1,085 incarcerated members of California state prisons as well as members on parole. According to the report, only 37 % of respondents said they voted before they were incarcerated, but 98 % said they would vote now if they could. Also, the top three political issues that the respondents listed as “very important” were jobs and the economy, education and healthcare. For Windham, who was incarcerated for 30 years and now mentors youth in his community, not having experienced voting was a deterrent in urging kids to vote. “The one thing I couldn’t really delve into with him is talking about voting. I tell them to vote, but I was shut down when they asked me, did I vote. It was the hardest thing for me to have to tell a child – that couldn’t vote because I’m on parole. I no longer want to have to tell no child that, because that takes away their hope. They see me as hope and the only hope they see was dashed.” When asked to respond to the arguments of Prop 17 opponents, McCarty said, “They’re saying that Betty and John still need to pay their debt to society. But when the parole board releases people from state prison, they’ve determined that you’ve served your time [and they] want to reintegrate you back into society. So, it makes no sense to say we want you to go back to your community, but we’re going to make you a second class citizen.” Attachments area
After months of protests and tough negotiations with representatives from various industries, California lawmakers have released an updated list of professions that could be exempted from AB 5, the controversial worker re-classification law that went into effect January 1.
AB 2257, a new bill that revises some Labor Code sections affected by AB 5, will exempt artists, appraisers, insurance field representatives and youth sports coaches, allowing them to work as independent contractors. This is in addition to previous exemptions made for musicians, writers, photographers, tutors, interpreters and other industries.
AB 2257 is backed by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), who authored AB 5 and has been its primary advocate.
“We have utilized the reasoning in Dynamex, existing case law, and all of the provisions of workers comp and the [Unemployment Insurance] code developed over the last 40 years to try to create a framework for employment in California. We are confident that legitimate [independent contractors] will be able to work as such” said Gonzalez in an August 27 tweet.
Assemblymember Christy Smith (D-Santa Clarita), co-author of AB 2257, said, “These clarifications to AB5 create additional industry specific pathways for people to work independently and prevent abuses that hurt workers and small business.”
Under AB 5, companies must determine whether their workers are employees according to criteria known as the “ABC” test. Workers can only be classified as independent contractors if A) Their work is free from control of the hiring entity B) They perform work that is outside the hiring entity’s usual course of business, and C) They have an independent business.
AB 5 has been challenged by various industries since it was introduced as a bill. Truck drivers won an injunction that prevented AB 5 from being enforced for their industry on Jan. 16. Recently, a California Superior Court judge ruled that rideshare companies Uber and Lyft must classify their drivers as employees. The judge later paused the injunction after the companies threatened to stop operating in California.
Uber and Lyft have also funded a ballot measure along with other rideshare and delivery companies that would exempt the companies from AB 5 restrictions if voters approve it in November. If Gov. Newsom signs AB 2257 into law, it would take effect immediately.
Margie Lee Pellum was lovingly known by family and friends as “Big Mama”, recently recognized in the San Bernardino County 2020 Black History Month “Phenomenal Woman” parade.
Mrs. Pellum received awards from Fiona Ma, State Treasurer, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, City of Fontana, Congresswoman Norma Torres, Assemblywoman Reyes as well as from the organizers of the event the Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana for her dedication as an educator for 35 years prior to retiring from the district.
On August 25, 2020, Mrs. Pellum transition from this life to the next to celebrate her 95th birthday with her Heavenly Father, we thank God for her longevity. The North Fontana Community is grateful for her lifelong dedication to the thousands she touched, unlocking young minds, and always reminding us that education is the key to success. Thank you, Donald, Jerry, and Fred Christian for sharing your phenomenal mother with us.
Services will be held on Monday, September 9 at 11 a.m. at Greater Faith Grace Bible Church located at 249 E. Randall Avenue in Rialto. The service will be live streamed from the church via www.gfgbcrialto.org.
RIVERSIDE, CA—- The public is invited to recommend amendments to the City of Riverside Code of Ethics and Conduct.
The City Council Inclusiveness, Community Engagement, and Governmental Processes Committee is holding an annual meeting to formulate recommendations on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at 3:30 p.m., in a virtual meeting. The committee will ask for contributions from the Board of Ethics, as well as from the public.
As required by an amendment to the Charter approved by voters in 2004, the city adopted a code of ethics and conduct. The Mayor, City Council, and members of city boards, commissions, and committees are subject to the code. Annually, this code is reviewed for its effectiveness.
The City Council will hear those recommendations at an upcoming City Council meeting. The public is invited to attend.
“This annual meeting is an important outreach of our local government,” said City Clerk Colleen Nicol. “Citizen engagement in this process improves decision-making.” For more information, visit the City’s Web site at www.riversideca.gov or call the City Clerk’s Office at (951) 826-5557 for a brochure and a copy of the code.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- With the start of the 2020 fall semester, California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) will launch the School of Entrepreneurship, the first of its kind in California. The unique program, one of less than 15 existing worldwide, will boost the university’s already highly successful entrepreneurship program.
The School of Entrepreneurship, housed in the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration, further places CSUSB as a leading entity in the growing field of entrepreneurship education, said Mike Stull, a professor of entrepreneurship and director of the university’s Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship, who will serve as the school’s director.
“Establishing the School of Entrepreneurship is an important step for CSUSB and the Jack H. Brown College as it evolves and innovates to meet the needs of students and the local community,” said Stull. “We envision a substantial positive impact, as it will further cement the JHBC reputation as a leader in the field of entrepreneurship education and increase the college’s ability to engage with the local business community in terms of relationships, collaboration, and resources.”
As a school of entrepreneurship, it will oversee and coordinate eight major academic programs in entrepreneurship with over 20 full- and part-time faculty, Stull said.
Cal State San Bernardino President Tomás D. Morales said he was pleased to give the final approval to establish the School of Entrepreneurship, which had been championed at the department, college, Faculty Senate, and by the provost.
“The School of Entrepreneurship represents a truly wonderful and pioneering example of our mission here at Cal State San Bernardino in offering our students a challenging, yet rewarding, educational experience,” Morales said.
“The school’s offerings and dynamic faculty will inspire our students to succeed and help prepare them for life after graduation where they will become our future business leaders and leading entrepreneurs.”
“Our entrepreneurship program has evolved to the point where it makes sense for it to control its own destiny as a distinct academic discipline,” said Lawrence Rose, dean of the Jack H. Brown College. “As a school, the program will gain greater visibility and collaboration campus wide. It will be able to innovate and engage different stakeholders across campus structures. Faculty recruitment will become easier, and employers will better understand what hiring a graduate from the School of Entrepreneurship can contribute to their organizations. I also strongly believe this will allow us to deepen our partnership with the community, bringing significant resources and collaborations that will benefit all parties.”
The creation of the School of Entrepreneurship will significantly raise the university’s profile in recruiting potential students and reinforcing its efforts to become a “destination” program that draws students from beyond the Inland Empire region, Stull said.
“Students are looking for programs that are leaders and innovators in the educational field and have the ecosystem that will support their goal to create new ventures or become innovative change makers in their career field,” Stull said. “CSUSB checks all the boxes in that regard – an innovative, well-established program that is going to the next level by creating a school of entrepreneurship.”
For the existing CSUSB entrepreneurship faculty, the designation will provide an advantage in applying for external research and grant funding. It will also create a significant competitive advantage as the school recruits for top faculty talent. The designation also allows for more interdisciplinary collaboration on campus and the potential for joint faculty appointments with fields such as art, natural sciences, social sciences and education.
The school will add to the university’s entrepreneurship program’s already high profile within the inland region with potential employers, donors and other organizations, which in turn enhances support for startup ventures as well as job and internship opportunities for students in the school, said Stull, who added that the hope is that this will attract more local professionals and entrepreneurs to support the school as mentors, guest lecturers and adjunct faculty.
The CSUSB entrepreneurship program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the leading accreditation for business academic programs worldwide and has evolved and grown substantially since it was launched in the early 2000s.
Enrollment has grown from fewer than 20 students in fall 2002 to its current total of 265 students. Program officials believe strongly that the entrepreneurship academic program could nearly double in five years.
This growth will be fueled by increasing interest in entrepreneurship among students from all different fields. In fall 2020, CSUSB is welcoming its largest ever freshman class in entrepreneurship, and the school is launching several new initiatives including a dedicated graduate degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, collaborative entrepreneurship academic programs with Art, Liberal Studies and Education and unique new courses such as The Improvisational Mind, a collaboration between entrepreneurship and theater arts faculty.
“We believe strongly that the entrepreneurship academic program can reach 500 students by 2025,” Stull said. “Supporting this potential growth is the fact that entrepreneurship expanded to our Palm Desert Campus in fall 2019 and is currently implementing a wide range of new courses and programs that appeal to students from every discipline on campus.”
As entrepreneurship has grown at CSUSB, the greater academic field of entrepreneurship has also grown and evolved to become recognized through research and programs as a distinct discipline in the field of business. These trends, coupled with the anticipation of future growth and development of the program, resulted in the unanimous decision by the CSUSB entrepreneurship faculty to propose the establishment of a new academic unit representing Entrepreneurship. The school, developed and approved over a three-year process, ultimately received unanimous approval from the Jack H. Brown College, the university Faculty Senate and CSUSB President Tomás Morales.
Stull said as entrepreneurship continues to evolve and grow as a distinct academic discipline, legitimate programs that aspire to national and global recognition are establishing distinct Schools of Entrepreneurship within their respective academic colleges. Universities such as Florida State University, Oklahoma State University and Drexel University are among the early adopters in establishing schools.
“Becoming the first School of Entrepreneurship in the state of California enables us to extend our existing brand as a top entrepreneurship program and continue to be an innovator both locally and within the CSU system with regard to entrepreneurship education,” Stull said. “Potential students will be drawn to CSUSB as we practice what we preach – innovation, growth and applying the entrepreneurial mindset to achieve impact.”
Mike Stull, director of the CSUSB School of Entrepreneurship is available for interviews. Contact Joe Gutierrez at the CSUSB Office of Strategic Communication at 951-236-4522 or email joeg@csusb.edu.
About Cal State San Bernardino
California State University, San Bernardino is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in Inland Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, the university serves more than 20,000 students each year and graduates about 4,000 students annually. The university offers more than 70 traditional baccalaureate and master’s degree programs, education credential and certificate programs, and a doctorate program in educational leadership. Every one of its academic programs that is eligible has earned national accreditation. CSUSB reflects the dynamic diversity of the region and has the most diverse student population of any university in the Inland Empire. More than 80 percent of those who graduate are the first in their families to do so.
Students enrolled in the program developed networks of support and received instruction on digital literacy, time management, study skills
YUCAIPA, CA—- More than two dozen students from local adult education institutions completed Crafton Hills College’s Summer Bridge Program, an online course designed to prepare students for a successful college experience.
The program is part of Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), a state and college-funded program to uplift underrepresented and marginalized students and help them succeed in higher education. Most of the students in this year’s program were recent graduates of the Redlands Adult School and Yucaipa Adult School.
The program is part of Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), a state and college-funded program to uplift underrepresented and marginalized students and help them succeed in higher education. Most of the students in this year’s program were recent graduates of the Redlands Adult School and Yucaipa Adult School.
“This year’s Adult Summer Bridge Program was a little different from prior years obviously because we couldn’t meet in person,” Troncoza said. ” But it was just as meaningful and impactful.”
Modules within the course focused on traditional study skills like notetaking and time management but also reflected how the educational landscape has shifted in the era of COVID-19. Students learned how to use distance learning tools including video conferencing, online collaborative software, student email and more. Students enrolled in the program took virtual trips to local universities, including University of California Riverside, University of Redlands and California State University, San Bernardino.
The funds received by the CHC Foundation from Inland SoCal United Way will directly support students through emergency assistance grants
YUCAIPA, CA—-
The Crafton Hills College Foundation received a grant for $12,500 from Inland Southern California United Way to support Emergency Assistance funding for Crafton students impacted by COVID-19. Inland SoCal United Way was created through a merger of Inland Empire United Way and United Way of the Inland Valleys.
Its COVID-19 fund was established to respond to the pandemic by relieving hardships for vulnerable working families, due to quarantine or disruption of income, and to support the coordination of community relief efforts.
“We at Inland SoCal United Way are delighted to be able to award grants to local nonprofits like Crafton Hills College Foundation who are dedicated to supporting the individuals in our community,” said Lisa Wright, President of Inland SoCal United Way.
“We understand that our new normal is a challenge, but Crafton Hills College Foundation is rising to that challenge and we are extraordinarily proud to be able to assist in their efforts.”
The funds received by the CHC Foundation from Inland SoCal United Way will directly support students through emergency assistance grants. To be considered for the one-time funding of up to $500, students must submit a completed application and supporting documents, have completed a minimum of 12 units at the College, be currently enrolled in a minimum of six units, and be in good academic standing.
“At Crafton, we are taking a holistic approach to help students recover from this pandemic with hotspots and Chromebooks available for check out, a food bank and grocery vouchers, and through direct support with emergency assistance grants to help with individual hardships such as rent, utilities, and transportation costs, ” said Dr. Kevin Horan, President of Crafton Hills College.
“This funding will enhance CHC’s strategic efforts in supporting students during this difficult time,” continued Horan. “With this help, students are more likely to succeed in their educational goals and we are so grateful to Inland SoCal United Way for their assistance.”
If you would like to help support the Inland SoCal COVID-19 Fund, please call United Way at 951-697-4700. For more information about the CHC Foundation or to support Crafton students, visit www.craftonhills.edu/foundation.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA—– The PAL Center, a local San Bernardino non-profit organization located in the heart of San Bernardino and Muscoy, has been serving the Inland Empire with a variety of community programs for over 35 years.
They were among several COVID-19 front line organizations that shared in an Arrowhead United Way funding drive-thru on Thursday, August 13th at United Way Headquarters.
Dwaine Radden Sr., the PAL Center CEO, stated: “It is always great when your organization and staff are recognized with a grant for making a difference in your community.
Cars were lined up for blocks filled with community leaders to participate in this historic first funding drive-thru hosted by the Arrowhead United Way.
United Way President, Gwen Dowdy Rodgers, said: “Arrowhead United Way has always been the beacon of light for our community and during COVID-19 we continue to serve those in need along with organizations dedicated to our community during these unprecedented times
We supported 30 local agencies affected by COVID for a total of $285,000 because of generous donor support. The Arrowhead United Way team reached out locally and to the mountain communities to make these awards.
While we continue to stay safe and maintain social distance, our Marketing lead, Christopher Ortiz, and the staff felt we could do a safe drive through check presentation, and a follow up virtual check presentation for those unable to make the drive-thru celebration. Most of the organizations were able to join us in the drive-thru celebration.”
Radden, saluted President Gwen Rogers and the Arrowhead United Way Team, for keeping funds in our community and making sure local non-profit organizations were included in this grant. He said, “This grant will provide all of us working on the front line with funds to continue and expand needed services for our families and community.”
Visit PAL Center at www.palcenter.org, or social media Facebook, and Twitter. To make donations, or to learn more about their programs and organization, call (909) 887-7002
Visit Arrowhead United Way website and Facebook and follow up on social Media to donate.
The PAL Center, a local San Bernardino non-profit organization located in the heart of San Bernardino and Muscoy, has been serving the Inland Empire with a variety of community programs for over 35 years.
They were among several COVID-19 front line organizations that shared in an Arrowhead United Way funding drive-thru on Thursday, August 13th at United Way Headquarters.
Dwaine Radden Sr., the PAL Center CEO, stated: “It is always great when your organization and staff are recognized with a grant for making a difference in your community.
Cars were lined up for blocks filled with community leaders to participate in this historic first funding drive-thru hosted by the Arrowhead United Way.
United Way President, Gwen Dowdy Rodgers, said: “Arrowhead United Way has always been the beacon of light for our community and during COVID-19 we continue to serve those in need along with organizations dedicated to our community during these unprecedented times
We supported 30 local agencies affected by COVID for a total of $285,000 because of generous donor support. The Arrowhead United Way team reached out locally and to the mountain communities to make these awards.
While we continue to stay safe and maintain social distance, our Marketing lead, Christopher Ortiz, and the staff felt we could do a safe drive through check presentation, and a follow up virtual check presentation for those unable to make the drive-thru celebration. Most of the organizations were able to join us in the drive-thru celebration.”
Radden, saluted President Gwen Rogers and the Arrowhead United Way Team, for keeping funds in our community and making sure local non-profit organizations were included in this grant. He said, “This grant will provide all of us working on the front line with funds to continue and expand needed services for our families and community.”
Visit PAL Center at www.palcenter.org, or social media Facebook, and Twitter. To make donations, or to learn more about their programs and organization, call (909) 887-7002
COLTON, CA—-WaBa Grill, one of the nation’s leading healthy rice bowl chains, is excited to announce the opening of its third Colton location, marking WaBa’s 67th restaurant in the Inland Empire. Owned by longtime franchisees and husband and wife team Manuel and Lupe Ruiz, the new WaBa Grill features a drive-thru and is located off North Pepper Ave. and West Valley Blvd., across the street from Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. To provide some relief to guests, WaBa Grill is offering free delivery for orders placed via the WaBa Rewards App or WaBaGrill.com through the end of the year.
“We’re proud to open our doors making WaBa Grill accessible to even more Colton locals who depend on WaBa for delicious and healthy meals options, like our new Family Feast that feeds four,” said Manuel Ruiz. “Although dining rooms are closed, our menu items are prepared following enhanced safety measures and then perfectly packaged to be enjoyed on the go.”
Ruiz continued, “WaBa Grill has been a go-to healthy dining destination for more than 14 years and we’re happy to continue growing the brand throughout Southern California. It’s our goal to play an active role in the Colton community while providing guests with more nutritious options to feed themselves and their families.”
The newest Colton WaBa Grill is located at 403 N. Pepper Ave #200, Colton, CA 92324, and can be reached at (909) 533-4350. Daily hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For additional information about WaBa Grill or to find your nearest location, visit www.wabagrill.com.
Promotion allows families to take an affordable, safe rail trip to explore the region – without sitting in traffic
LOS ANGELES – Aftermonths at home, SoCal families are looking to add some enjoyment to their weekends, and Metrolink has just the ticket – a free ticket for kids. Beginning Saturday, August 29, Metrolink is introducing Kids Ride Free on weekends anywhere Metrolink travels across six Southern California counties.
“After being cooped up we know folks are ready to change their routines with fun, yet safe, activities for the entire family,” said Metrolink Board Chair Brian Humphrey.
“When you ride the train, the journey is a part of the experience and we want families to enjoy a special and affordable train experience as they explore the many outdoor activities we all love about Southern California.”
With the Kids Ride Free on Weekends promotion, up to three children 17 years old and under ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. And on weekends, each adult pays just $10 to ride Metrolink anywhere each day.
Southern California is rich with places families can safely visit while still following health experts’ recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Metrolink provides rail service in six counties, so there’s no shortage of fun and safe places to go, without having to fight traffic to get there. Some ideas:·
Load the family bicycles in the bike car (there’s one on each train) and head out to explore SoCal by bike.·
Take a trip to LA Union Station and take a self-guided walking tour (or bike tour) of Historic Downtown LA.·
Bring some art into your lives: take a train to one of the many destinations showcased in Mural Map LA and see some spectacular street art that makes Southern California so special.
Take a train to Riverside and take a self-guided tour of historic downtown, which is a 15 minute walk from the Downtown Riverside Metrolink Station.·
Bring your surfboard and ride to the San Clemente Pier for a day of surf and sun.
Metrolink is a comfortable way for families to travel, with spacious double-decker trains and windows that allow families to enjoy the beautiful mountain, ocean and city views we can often miss while sitting in freeway traffic. On-board amenities include a variety of seating configurations – including face-to-face seating and tables perfect for groups – and a restroom and two hand sanitizer stations on each train car. Plus, there’s a bike car on every train, so families can load up their bicycles and bike to their final destinations. Bike cars can also accommodate surfboards, beach and picnic gear, strollers and wagons, everything needed for a fun day out.
“The Metrolink experience is centered around the needs and enjoyment of our customers – all of them. So, our service and amenities are as well suited to families as they are to a traditional commuter,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metrolink CEO.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer families a safe and exciting experience that’s also affordable, particularly in these uncertain times.”
Safety is foundational at Metrolink, so face masks are required aboard Metrolink trains and on station platforms. And Metrolink has implemented enhanced deep cleaning protocols including the use of an electrostatic sprayer that mists each train car with hospital grade disinfectants every day, and an expanded Clean Care Crew that cleans, wipes down and disinfects trains throughout the day.
Plus, families can be assured that there’s plenty of space for social distancing by using the online tool How Full is My Train? where riders can check any train’s recent ridership levels. To see all the ways, Metrolink is working to keep team members and riders safe, please visit metrolinktrains.com/cleancommute.
Kids Ride Free every Saturday and Sunday while the promotion lasts. Adults can purchase a $10 Weekend Pass at ticket machines or by using the mobile app – a contactless way to purchase a ticket. No need to purchase tickets for the children; they simply board the train with their parents.
For more information on Kids Ride Free Weekends and to learn about area destinations to see by train please visit metrolinktrains.com/kidsridefree.
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