Local

Downtown Crenshaw, the broad coalition that secured the support of over 280 community organizations and leaders, and over 10,000 signatures to stop the sale of the Crenshaw Mall to CIM Group, is hosting a half-day community design workshop as a part of its community-driven process of asking stakeholders what they want in the redevelopment of the iconic Black community asset. Downtown Crenshaw seeks to acquire the Crenshaw Mall to stabilize the existing merchants, and reimagine/redevelop the property using the principles of community wealth building and neighborhood sustainability.

WHEN: Saturday, August 15, 10 am – 2 pm

WHERE: Online. Participants must register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lce6srjwqH9FFR_DOwyuOqLhmvFpJ5v3m

WHAT: Hundreds of mostly Black and Brown residents, merchants and stakeholders, coming together to reimagine a Black community icon. There will be presentations from national and local leaders in urban planning, and breakout sessions.

Dwayne Wyatt, a retired L.A. City Planner, who is a leader in the Downtown Crenshaw project said: “Typically, developers come into communities like Crenshaw with a preconceived plan to make their investors a lot of money and push out and ignore the existing stakeholders. At best their community engagement is performative. Saturday’s workshop will give the community the time and space to discuss what the Crenshaw Mall reimagined as Downtown Crenshaw – a mixed-use center of the Black community – can be that serves the interests of the community.”

“It is time someone asked the people what we actually want and need. And it’s time the community actually be given the chance to make that happen. This Downtown Crenshaw process is about self-determination, collective work and responsibility, and community control,” said Jackie Ryan, past president of the Leimert Park Village Merchants Association.

“There are a lot of big developers out there who are trying to buy our mall and have their bad ideas for our community,” said Damien Goodmon, executive director of the Crenshaw Subway Coalition and, founder of the newly established Liberty Community Land Trust. “They don’t seek to build for the Crenshaw community. They seek to push out our long-time residents and seniors. By the community taking ownership of the process, and eventually the mall itself, we are establishing a new paradigm. The key principle of this effort is community control. The community is going to own the mall at every stage of the process and that begins with planning.” 

“The Downtown Crenshaw effort is the most positively transformative community planning process I’ve witnessed in all my years,” said former 8th District City Councilmember Robert Farrell.

Deacon Floyd James McIver, born on April 19, 1940, in Sanford, North Carolina, passed from this life, and returned to his heavenly home on July 25, 2020. His firm belief in God and his devotion to his family was the center of his life.

Floyd was born to the late Henry Frank McIver and Alice Elizabeth Cross McIver. Floyd was the youngest of four siblings:  Bertha Mae, Shirley Viola, and Audrey Lee. Floyd was immersed in the Christian community and accepted Christ at an early age at McQueens Chapel United Methodist Episcopal Church in Sanford, North Carolina. He graduated from W.B. Wicker High School, formally Lee High School, where he was salutatorian of his senior class. After high school, he enrolled in North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University, where he received an academic scholarship and played the trombone in the Aggies marching band. Later he would graduate from San Bernardino Valley College with a degree in business administration.  

It was at March Air Force Base in Riverside, CA, where he would meet his love and best friend, Joyce Ann France. On July 21, 1962, in San Bernardino, CA, Floyd married Joyce and was her loving and devoted husband for 58 years. Born to this union were four children:  Rhonda, Robin, Rhea, and James. Floyd was a hard-working husband and father. From the very beginning, he dedicated his children to the Lord and raised them to love God and family.  He would often say, “Put God first, and everything else will fall into place.” 

Floyd began his career in the United States Air Force in 1960 and remained on active duty status until 1964 in the position of Military Police. Immediately following active duty, he joined the Air Force Reserves to continue his service and retired from the military with an honorable discharge in 2000 with the rank of Master Sargent after serving a total of 39 years. He began working at Bethlehem Steel in 1964 and was later employed at Kaiser Steel Mill and retired from California Steel in 2007 as a Logistics Supervisor. His career in the steel industry spanned 42 years. He received many accolades, honors, and recognitions throughout his career. 

Floyd was a faithful member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, San Bernardino, CA, since 1963. In 1985, he became an ordained deacon and served faithfully for 35 years. Floyd loved to sing!  He was a former charter member of the Celestial Choir and loved to sing on Men’s Day and Couple’s Sunday. Floyd was characterized as kind, considerate, loving, and wise. Floyd was known as a powerful prayer warrior and spoke on many special occasion programs at the church. Floyd never met a stranger. He loved everyone, and everyone loved him.

His parents and two of his siblings preceded Floyd in death.  He is survived by his wife, Joyce; sister, Bertha Sightler, of Cerritos, CA; daughters, Rhonda McIver-Jackson of San Bernardino, CA; Dr. Robin McIver-Brown (Jimmie) of Fontana, CA; Dr. Rhea McIver-Gibbs (Dr. Samuel) of San Bernardino, CA; son, James T.E. McIver (Carlvette) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA.  Floyd was a loving grandfather (Papa) to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A host of extended family and friends will honor his memory.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

-(2 Timothy 4:7, NIV)

Juice It Up!, one of the nation’s leading handcrafted smoothie, açaí bowl and raw juice chains, is excited to announce the launch of its order ahead mobile app function. Developed to meet the needs of busy, on-the-go consumers, guests can now get their superfruits super fast with Juice It Up!’s updated app. Juice It Up!’s refreshed mobile app is designed to simplify the entire ordering process, from selecting the ideal product and the nearest location to completing payment. The order-ahead option is currently available systemwide at Juice It Up!’s more than 80 locations across California, New Mexico, Oregon and Texas. In celebration of Juice It Up!’s 25^th anniversary, on August 25 Juice It Up! Rewards® members may enjoy a free medium classic smoothie or a limited-edition Old Fashioned Swirl from 2-5 p.m.

The added functionality is part of a mobile app update, with the first version of Juice It Up!’s  app made available in January 2019. The highly visual refreshed app, allows users to view Juice It Up!’s full menu complete with product images and nutritional information, place their order, pay, customize a tip if desired, and schedule pickup at their preferred Juice It Up! location. Upon arrival, guests may bypass the line for quick and easy pickup.

“Our goal with the Juice It Up! Rewards® mobile app is to provide a one-stop-shop where guests can rack up the rewards and then easily redeem them, while also taking advantage of added functionality like ordering ahead and skipping the line,” said Natalie Eaglin, Juice It Up! Director of Marketing. “Now in our 25^th year of business, our discerning fans count on us to deliver on consistency and convenience, and our mobile app furthers Juice It Up!’s commitment to bringing more value to our guests before they even step foot in our stores.”

Juice It Up! has earned a reputation for serving the best tasting smoothies, blended and fresh raw juices and superfruit bowls. Always ahead of the trends, Juice It Up! designs every menu item focused on equal parts flavor and functionality to offer products that not only taste great, but also support a healthy and active lifestyle. To help guests make educated decisions based on their personal tastes and wellness goals, Juice It Up! is committed to keeping customers informed about the ingredients that go into their juices, bowls and smoothies. And the brand continues to be at the forefront of product innovation to support each guest’s individual definition of wellness.

Eaglin continued, “We realize now, more than ever, that cutting down on wait times means keeping our guests safe and satisfied. We are continuing to provide more personalized and convenient ways to enjoy our menu of functional products, and our mobile app is just one of the steps we’re taking to improve the Juice It Up! experience through technology and innovation.”

The Juice It Up! mobile app can be downloaded for both Apple iOS and Android devices. The free medium classic smoothie will automatically be loaded onto the accounts of all Juice It Up!  Rewards® members for redemption on August 25 between 2 and 5 p.m. at participating locations. Visit www.juiceitup.com/rewards for more details about the Juice It Up! rewards program and membership perks.   

San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) students in the Class of 2020 faced a number of challenges in the final months of the school year, but despite everything 1,275 graduates earned $10,791,888 in scholarships and grants.

A total of 315 Cajon High School seniors earned $3,163,659, which includes $1.5 million in military academy scholarships and enlistment bonuses. San Gorgonio High School seniors also showed their academic chops with 158 graduates earned $2,564,023 in scholarships, including more than $880,000 in military scholarships and enlistment bonuses.

A full 100% of Middle College High School‘s 62 graduates earned $930,032 in scholarships and grants. Of Arroyo Valley High School‘s 571 graduates, 308 earned $1,504,032 in scholarships and grants, and 203 of San Bernardino High School‘s 271 graduates earned $1,738,328 in scholarships and grants.

Rounding out the scholarship and grant numbers are $32,382 earned by 29 Indian Springs High School graduates, $719,132 earned by 135 Pacific High School graduates, $108,825 earned by 49 San Andreas High School graduates, $8,025 earned by 8 Sierra High School graduates, and $23,450 earned by 8 Inland Career Education Center graduates.

“I’m proud of the amazing Class of 2020. The graduates have worked very hard for every one of those scholarships,” said Executive Director of Community Engagement Ginger Ontiveros. “I’m also proud of our District for creating systems specifically designed to support our outstanding graduates in their pursuit of higher education. The District’s Making Hope Happen Foundation awards $3,000 mentor-supported college scholarships to approximately 100 graduates each year. The District also has a long-standing partnership with the non-profit San Bernardino Community Scholarship Association, which coordinates local donors who have created scholarships just for SBCUSD graduates.”

For more information or to donate to the Making Hope Happen Foundation, visit https://makinghope.org/. To create your own scholarship or donate to one of the many existing Association-managed scholarships, contact Susan Zavala, Communications/Community Relations Department secretary, at susan.zavala@sbcusd.k12.ca.us.

What you need to know about accessing essential DMV services during the COVID-19 pandemic

The way we access many of the services we cannot do without will be altered for some time due to COVID-19 pandemic, including how we complete transactions through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). While the DMV continues its business of processing driver license and ID renewals, vehicle registrations, applications for disability placards, and other driver and vehicle related transactions, the way it provides those services continues to change in response to state and local COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the health and safety of its employees, customers, and the general public.

The following guide shares the most convenient ways to access DMV services and complete essential transactions to avoid interruptions to driving privileges or vehicle operations.

Avoid a Trip to the DMV – Complete Your Transaction Online or at a DMV Kiosk

The DMV offers essential services online, such as California driver license and ID renewals and vehicle registration, allowing customers to avoid trips to field offices. Before visiting a DMV office, check the dmv.ca.gov website to find out which transactions can be completed online. Many tasks also can be completed at one of the many kiosks throughout the Inland Empire or through available local business partners. Find a local kiosk at dmv.ca.gov/portal/locations/kiosks.

Stay at Home and Visit the Virtual Field Office

The DMV Virtual Field Office allows the convenience of taking care of transactions that previously required an in-person office visit by interacting with DMV staff online. Transactions such as change of address, replacement stickers or registration card, vehicle title transfers and complex vehicle registration renewals can be completed by visiting virtual.dmv.ca.gov. The DMV is gradually adding more virtual transactions to provide alternatives to an in-person office visit.

What to Expect if an In-person DMV Visit is Necessary

Most local DMV field offices are open for limited transactions for customers with existing appointments and those with transactions that can only be completed in person, such as reinstating a suspended or revoked driver license, among a few other transactions. Employees and customers are required to wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing while at DMV offices. In addition, offices are being deep cleaned regularly and hand sanitizer or soap to wash hands are made available.

With the new safety guidelines in place, longer wait times are to be expected. Also, DMV offices might be forced to temporarily close with little notice to protect public health or as directed by state and local mandates. Therefore, customers are encouraged to take advantage of online services and the Virtual Field Office to complete transactions whenever possible.

What about the Real ID Deadline?

There is no need to rush to apply for a REAL ID today. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that the REAL ID enforcement date is now October 1, 2021, and customers who want a REAL ID will have an opportunity to apply at a later date.

Stay Informed

To stay informed of the latest DMV updates and information, and to get forms and tips on how to best complete your DMV transaction, visit dmv.ca.gov before visiting an office.

RIALTO, CA—- A steady line of cars, at times more than a mile long, descended on Rialto City Hall on Saturday, July 18, as part of a free drive-thru food distribution sponsored by the City and the United Sikh Mission.

Volunteers from the City and its police and fire departments loaded up more than 500 carloads of free food to local families – many of them facing ongoing economic struggles as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Sikh Mission, which operates one of the largest COVID-related foot relief efforts in Southern California, provided the food and had many of their own volunteers on hand during the distribution at the City Hall parking lot.

“It turned out to be a great event. In times like this especially, it’s important for us to come together as a community and help one another,” said Rialto Mayor Pro Tem Ed Scott, whose idea it was to host the drive-thru after conversations with local members of the Sikh community. “People are struggling. Some have lost their jobs and can’t afford to go to the store. Every little bit helps. If we’re able to provide them some of the staples, it allows them to spend their money on other essentials.”

The event would not have been possible, Scott said, without the support of the United Sikh Mission, and plans are being developed to make it a monthly event. “They really care about our city and want to give back,” Scott said.

He praised the police and fire departments for their volunteer efforts and City Clerk Barbara McGee, who coordinated logistics. Motorists stayed in their cars while volunteers, all with facial coverings, managed an assembly line of boxed and fresh foods. For most of the morning, the line of cars extended from City Hall to Foothill Boulevard and beyond.

“Partnerships like this are so important for our city. We’re so appreciative to the United Sikh Mission. They donated all of this, and we’re getting it to those families in our community who need it,” McGee said.

Scott said he hopes the program will help create an even stronger sense of community in Rialto.

“We’re a good city. People like to live here. To see this happen, and to see people who are just happy, it tells you we’re heading in the right direction,” he said.

The Social Lites, Inc. celebrated its 53rd Beautillion Awards Presentation under the leadership of Lisa Blacksher Owens, president and Tina Darling, Beautillion Chair virtually due to COVID-19 on Saturday, July 25. Gwen Rodgers (President), Dr. Margaret Hill and Danny Tillman of San Bernardino Unified School District Board Members were among dignitaries in attendance to witness five distinguished young men introduced to society naming Mr. Kameron Brantley as Sir Knight. Sir Knight Brantley will be attending Morehouse College this Fall, 2020. Over $13,000.00 in scholarships and gifts was awarded to all Knights.    

The Master of Ceremony of the evening was Alumni, Sir Knight 2004 Raafi Bell.  Alumni Sir Knight Neuman Sneed II 2019 provided inspirational remarks.  Alumni 1981 Danny Tillman was the keynote speaker who was pleased to share his humble beginnings as he focused on the theme for the Beautillion 2020 Program, “Greatness is never given, it is earned.”

The Master of Ceremony of the evening was Alumni, Sir Knight 2004 Raafi Bell.  Alumni Sir Knight Neuman Sneed II 2019 provided inspirational remarks.  Alumni 1981 Danny Tillman was the keynote speaker who was pleased to share his humble beginnings as he focused on the theme for the Beautillion 2020 Program, “Greatness is never given, it is earned.”

Monday, August 3 is the first day of the 2020–2021 school year for San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) students.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, SBCUSD made the decision back in June to start the school year in a distance learning model. In a recent video address, Interim Superintendent Dr. Harold Vollkommer explained some of the changes facing families as the school year starts and what to expect from the District moving forward.

New SBCUSD students who do not have an electronic device should contact their school directly. If a District-provided device is not working, call the CyberTech technical support hotline daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at (866) 223-8685 or email studenttechhelp@sbcusd.com so students are ready for the new school year.

Students will be expected to participate in distance learning classes every day. Teachers will be taking attendance and grading both classwork and homework. Distance learning will be a factor in each student’s final grade for the year. Parents who have not already been contacted about the specific hours of their child’s distance learning class should contact their child’s school directly.

The majority of District staff are working from home, but parents and guardians can still connect with their child’s school by leaving a phone message or emailing staff using the link on the school’s webpage. Staff will return phone calls and emails as quickly as possible. Families of Special Education students are also encouraged to reach out via email if they have any questions or concerns. Email address links are available on the Special Education Department’s webpage. The District has also set up an Enrollment Hotline, (909) 891-1010, specifically to address questions about online student enrollment.

Families can check their child’s class schedule and more via the Aeries platform. Parents are strongly encouraged to create an Aeries Parent Portal account by visiting sbcusd.com and selecting Aeries Parent/Student Portal under Parent Resources. The Parent Portal allows parents and guardians to keep track of student attendance and academic progress. The District is aware that the unprecedented need to access the system has caused some technical issues, and it is working to improve access.

Recognizing that families are dealing with much more than just a change in school, the District continues to offer additional support for students and parents, sometimes in partnership with community organizations. Hazel Health provides District students with no-cost, non-emergency telehealth services, including assistance with cold and flu, asthma, prescription medications, and long-term health issues. Families can access medical care for children from a laptop, phone and other devices. Hazel Health does not provide emergency services. Check out the Peachjar flyer for more information or sign up for Hazel Health at http://my.hazel.co/patient/signup.

SBCUSD will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student during the school year as part of the Grab and Go Meal program. The to-go meals are available for pick up Mondays and Wednesdays only from 9 to 11 a.m. Families will need to provide the student’s name and ID number, also known as the lunch number, when picking up meals. Beginning August 3, Chavez Middle School will no longer be a Grab and Go Meal distribution site, but meals will continue to be distributed at 15 other school sites. Questions and concerns about the Grab and Go Meals can be directed to (909) 381-1224.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—– On Friday, July 17, Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes honored two of the 2020 California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship Recipients. Now in its 6^th year, the foundation received 1,266 scholarship applications this year throughout California, awarding 52 recipients a $5,000 scholarship each.

The program was established to assist deserving students by offering financial assistance to meet educational expenses. Two of the 52 students are from the 47^th Assembly District. Each student received a $5,000 scholarship, recognition from the California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation and recognition from Assemblymember Reyes.

This year’s scholarships from the 47^th Assembly District were awarded to Carla Castillo from Rialto and Katherine Rodriguez from Fontana.  Both Carla and Katherine are part of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and have excelled in their educational endeavors.

“With so many applicants, it is always a difficult choice to select the finalists.  We have many worthy students in our District.  These $5,000 competitive scholarships are essential to help our students thrive in higher education,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “Congratulations Carla and Katherine for being selected. The community is proud of who you are and who you will become.  You are both extraordinary examples of the greatness of our Inland Empire Community.”

Carla Castillo, Rialto

A fourth-year student at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Carla Castillo is studying International Marketing. She has been involved in the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Womxn’s Resource Center, and has presented to the Cal Poly Pomona’s University President’s Cabinet Leadership Council about the undocumented experience.

During her four years at Cal Poly, Carla has advocated for various communities on campus and held various leadership positions. She is an inaugural Associated Students, Incorporated (ASI) Officer of Diversity and Inclusion representing undocumented students and currently sits on five university-wide committees including: the Transportation Advisory Committee, Search Committee for the Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships and Strategic Communications and the Campus Definitions Committee for the CPP Inclusive Excellence Council.

As an undocumented student, Carla has struggled financially due to lack of scholarship opportunities.  The CLLCF Scholarship will alleviate her financial situation and help her focus on academics, civic engagement and professional development.

“With this scholarship, I am able to continue towards the completion of my degree and show to my community that with hard work and support from organizations such as CLLCF, our dreams can cross borders,” said Carla.

Katherine Rodriguez, Fontana

Katherine Rodriguez was 13 years old when she found out about her undocumented status. Since that day, she knew her goal to obtain a future education would be difficult, but that did not stop her from pursuing her dreams.

A recent A.B Miller High School graduate, Katherine was an active member of AVID, Health Service Academy, Science Club and Key Club, while also taking several Advanced Placement (AP) classes and competing on the schools Cheer Team. She also kept active in her city by volunteering at the Fontana Public Works Department to beautify the local parks.

Katherine will be attending California State University of San Bernardino this fall with a major in Sociology with a final goal to be a Dermatologist.

“Thank you to the California Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation and Assemblymember Eloise Reyes for this opportunity,” said Katherine. “School is incredibly important to me and receiving this scholarship is a step closer to my career goals. I want the American Dream opportunity, where I am able to show my biggest potentials to the world.”

For more information on the complete scholarship requirements and details, go to the Foundation’s website at www.CLLCF.org

LOMA LINDA, CA—- The City of Loma Linda in partnership with Mary Erickson Community Housing is selling four homes in the prestigious city. The estimated mortgage of $176,000 is based on a household size of four and other qualifications.  Due to high demand, all applications must be submitted by July 20th 5PM PST, 2020.

These three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,290 square foot homes are built to high construction standards designed for comfortable living including: granite counter tops in the kitchens and bathrooms. Soft close cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms, beautiful LED lighting, a two-car garage with dual garage door openers, ADA adaptable, energy efficient, solar ready and front yard landscaping.

The average price for a home in The City of Loma Linda is $477,000.

“We built these homes to support our Veteran first time home buyers.  We have two VA Hospitals in Loma Linda and the City of Loma Linda understands Veterans’ housing needs.  This initiative offers Vets a chance to be homeowners,” said Loma Linda City Manager, T. Jarb Thaipejr.

All income qualifying first time homebuyers are welcome to apply with preference given to U.S. Veterans or active-duty military.  

“This development is made possible by the generosity of CIT who provided the lead capital contributions that allowed this project to move forward.  We applaud the vision and commitment that CIT has for first time, low income homebuyer and Veteran opportunities in the Inland Empire,” said Susan McDevitt, executive director for Mary Erickson Community Housing.

The grants from Wells Fargo Foundation and CIT help to build new homes for sale to deserving families with a preference for US Veterans in a market with housing prices well above what low income families can afford.

MECH is also collaborating with Neighborhood Housing Services Inland Empire (NHSIE) for homebuyer education, down payment assistance and realty services.  Another non-profit GRID Alternatives will offer no cost solar panels.

The generosity and collaboration from all our partners, the City of Loma Linda, CIT, Wells Fargo Foundation, Citi Bank, USAA and our non-profit partners will make the dream of homeownership come true for four deserving first time homebuyers. We are grateful and proud of this accomplishment.” said Susan McDevitt.

“Wells Fargo is committed to the importance of home for everyone in our nation—especially veterans and their families,” said Region Bank President Alice Juarez, who leads the company’s Community Banking teams in San Bernardino County.  “Having a safe, healthy and affordable place to call home is essential to help lay the foundation for wellness, dignity and economic opportunity.”

In addition to financial support from Wells Fargo Foundation, local Wells Fargo employees contributed 120 volunteer hours to help complete the project. “Our teams are part of the fabric of this community, and proudly invested some of their own sweat equity to help these four families purchase their first home,” said Juarez. “A new home means a fresh start and a place to make new memories, and we are honored to help make that possible.”

The low home payment is available because of Down Payment Assistance options up to $154,000 including soft mortgages from the City, CalHOME and/or WISH available to qualified homebuyers.

Loma Linda’s Down Payment Assistance, is based on need, is zero interest, the buyer makes no payments on this, and is due in full in year 30.  CalHOME Down Payment Assistance based on need is 3% simple interest, the buyer makes no payments on this, and is due in full in year 30.  WISH funds are based on need and forgivable in five years.
For a tour or more info call Fabian Casarez, NHSIE Realty 951-377-7152 or go to www.nhsie.org.