Local

Tuesday, February 18, is the deadline for citizens to register to vote for the 2020 Presidential Primary Election. Voters who are already registered should re-register to vote if they have changed their signature, name, or address, or want to change their party affiliation.

Voters can check their registration status by visiting www.SBCountyElections.com and logging into the ‘My Elections Gateway’ application. Registered voters can also use My Elections Gateway to find their polling place, voting districts, and other personalized election information.

Citizens may register to vote online at www.SBCountyElections.com. Voter registration applications are also available at the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters and throughout San Bernardino County at post offices, city clerks’ offices, county libraries, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. A map of these locations is available on the Registrar of Voters website.

Citizens who miss the Feb. 18 voter registration deadline still have an opportunity to register and vote in this election. A new California law allows for this conditional voter registration option beginning February 19 through Election Day.

A conditional voter registration application must be submitted in person at the Registrar of Voters or an early vote site on or before Election Day, or at a polling place on Election Day. After completing a voter registration application, the voter will be provided with a provisional ballot to vote at that location. Visit www.SBCountyElections.com to view a complete list of these locations, addresses, and hours. It is recommended that individuals complete the conditional voter registration process before Election Day.

For more information about this election, including the locations and hours of the additional early vote sites that open on February 25, visit the Registrar of Voters website, www.SBCountyElections.com, or call (909) 387-8300.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) will be offering free tax preparation help at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) in February.

TAD’s team will be available at SBVC in the Business Building, Room 100 from 1:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. on February 11, 13, and 26.

Additionally, the college is hosting Tacos & Taxes on March 7 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.. Free tax preparation services and tacos will be available in the grassy area near the Business Building on SBVC’s campus.

All services are free and available for eligible individuals and families whose combined household earned income was less than $56,000 in 2019. Participants are encouraged to bring the following documents: proof of income (including W-2s and/or 1099), verification of tax deductible expenses (ex: property tax statement, child care provider information), form of current government identification for taxpayer and spouse (ex. driver’s license, state ID, passport or military ID), original social security card and/or ITINs for all persons listed on return (no copies), account and routing numbers for checking or savings accounts for direct deposit and a faster refund, health insurance marketplace statement (1095-A and/or C) if applicable, and copy of 2018 tax return if available.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call TAD at 909.347.1255 or 760.552.6176. Walk-ins are also welcome.

SAN DIEGO, CA—- As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron, Seaman Gillian Valdez is part of a Naval legacy. Valdez is a yeoman responsible for administrative duties, such as tracking awards and evaluations and is a part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. 

“I enjoy the flexibility of our jobs because we get to do different types of work throughout the day,” said Valdez

Valdez is a 2018 Grand Terrace High School graduate and native of San Bernardino, California.

According to Valdez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.

“I learned the importance of never giving up,” said Valdez. “Overall, teamwork is what I learned from my hometown that I’ve been able to carry with me into the Navy.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Sailors assigned to HSM-71 are a part of history, flying with “Romeo” helicopters, the newest and most advanced in the fleet. Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations.

The members of HSM-71 achieve excellence in military performance and create an example for other squadrons to follow through operational readiness, innovation and weapon development.

HSM-71 sailors play a critical role in supporting the Navy’s aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups remain the centerpiece of our nation’s security strategy, supporting and protecting America’s national interests around the world. Carrier strike groups operate across the entire spectrum of military operations, according to Navy officials.

According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.

“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. However, Valdez is most proud of earning Bluejacket of the Quarter in 2019.

“I was selected as the best junior sailor in the squadron,” said Valdez. “I passed an interview, where my record was reviewed. I was honored to be selected.”

For Valdez, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Valdez hopes to continue.

“Both my grandpas served in the Navy,” said Valdez. “Carrying on their legacy means that I have to be the best person I can be and try to be an outstanding sailor.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Valdez, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“I feel a sense of pride putting on this uniform going to work every day,” said Valdez. “It’s definitely the best job I’ve ever had.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- In celebration of Black History Month, San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) will offer a variety of events throughout February to educate, engage, and inspire students and the public.

The Black History Month Breakfast will take place February 21 at 9 a.m. in the SBVC Sunroom, Campus Center. Attendees will celebrate the cultural contributions and deep history of the African American community by hearing guest speaker La Quette Bush-Simmons and recognizing the contributions of honorees Jerry Mason, Kim Epps, Pat Nichols and James Ramos. This annual event is hosted by SBVC, San Bernardino Community College District’s Black Faculty and Staff Association, and the SBVC Arts, Lectures, and Diversity Committee. Parking and admission are FREE.

SBVC Arts, Lectures and Diversity Committee will partner with the Precinct Reporter Newspaper to present a dance performance of Black Butterfly, featuring Project21Dance on February 27 in the SBVC Auditorium. A community reception will begin at 6 p.m., and the performance will follow at 7 p.m. This event will prove to be an evening of eclectic modern dance, profound spoken word and exquisite Songs of the African Journey. Parking and admission are FREE.

Wrapped in Royalty is a workshop on traditional African head wraps and will be offered February 28 at 1 p.m. in the SBVC Business Building, Room 100.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/sbvcartsandlectures.

ONTARIO, CA— Redlands High School is back on top in the San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon competition, winning its first title since 2011, after results were announced tonight at the banquet for the 37th annual event.

With 45,395 points, Redlands (White) slipped past defending champion Rancho Cucamonga (Purple), which had 44,463.1 points. It was the second-closest finish in the competition in the past 12 years. For Redlands, which is coached by Donna St. George, this was the school’s record 14th Academic Decathlon crown, but first since the 2010-11 school year when it defeated Chaffey High School.

By winning the county title, Redlands advances to the state championships for the sixth consecutive year. The state championships will be held March 27-28 in Sacramento.

In this year’s county competition, the rest of the top five finishing schools behind Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga included Etiwanda (42,173.2 points), Chaffey (41,860.1 points) and Rialto (38,647.7 points). Joining Redlands in qualifying for the state competition will be Rancho Cucamonga, Etiwanda and Chaffey.

In this year’s county competition, there were 43 teams representing 25 high schools that participated. Teams, as well as about 330 individuals that participated in the competition, were recognized with certificates, trophies and gold, silver or bronze medals at the awards ceremony tonight that was held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario.

The academic competition took place on two consecutive Saturdays on Jan. 25 and Feb. 1 at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga. The scholastic contest pitted students against one another in 10 subject areas.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA. – Thanks to a generous donation, San Bernardino Valley College students studying aviation maintenance and pilot training have a new aircraft to work with during classes. Dr. Javed Siddiqi, a local pilot and neurosurgeon, recently donated a Beechcraft B60 Duke, a twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft, to SBVC because he wanted it to go to a good facility.

The aircraft, which was parked in a hangar at the Redlands Municipal Airport, will replace a 1940s/1950s Beechcraft B50 that SBVC has had for decades. Because of the age of that plane, it has been difficult to find parts for it, and that won’t be a problem with the new Beechcraft B60.

The $200,000 aircraft was towed 11 miles from the Redlands airport, then hoisted by crane over the fence of the SBVC Technical Building.

Ted Gablin, an instructor with the college’s Applied Technology Department who has been managing the donation, said to the Redlands Daily Facts that the plane will be used to train future aviation maintenance technicians and pilots in the aeronautics programs. The plane, he said, “will be a valued teaching aid.”

To learn more about San Bernardino Valley College, visit www.valleycollege.edu.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Twenty-eight K-12 schools and districts, as well as institutes of higher education, are scheduled to participate in the annual San Bernardino Countywide Teacher Recruitment Fair that will be held on February 29 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.

The event is a collaboration among the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools California Teachers Association and district superintendents with 23 K-12 schools and districts participating. In addition, five local colleges and universities will have representatives at the event, which will be held in the Valencia Room at the National Orange Show (930 S. Arrowhead Ave.) from 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 29.      

Recruitment for applicant teachers is for all grade levels — as well as subject areas — of K-12 education, and districts may hold interviews on site. For applicants to register online for the event, go to: https://sbcss.k12oms.org/66-182092. The deadline for applicants to register is February 28.      

Among the K-12 local educational agencies scheduled to have representatives at the event include: Adelanto; Apple Valley; Barstow; Chaffey; Chino Valley; Colton; Etiwanda; Fontana; Hesperia; Morongo; Mountain View; Ontario-Montclair; Oro Grande; Redlands; Rialto; Rim of the World; San Bernardino City; San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and its Norton Science and Language Academy; Silver Valley; Snowline; Upland; and Victor Elementary.      

Among higher education institutions participating: Barstow Community College, Brandman University, Cal State San Bernardino, Claremont Graduate and the University of Redlands.      

For more information about the Teacher Recruitment Fair, call 909-386-9561.

Voter Information Guidesto be received by voters soon

For the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election, vote-by-mail ballots were scheduled to mail from the Registrar of Voters office between February 3 to February 5.  The authorized shipping schedule was not followed by a county vendor; however, and the vote-by-mail ballots were delivered to the U.S. Postal Service on February 1, instead of Febraury 5 as intended. 

The Riverside County Registrar of Voters schedules the mailing of voter information guides prior to the mailing of vote-by-mail ballots by design. This is to ensure that voters have a chance to review candidate statements and measure material before they receive their official ballot. 

This early mailing of the vote-by-mail ballots has caused some voters to receive their vote-by-mail ballot before their voter information guide. All voters should receive both their vote-by-mail ballot and County Voter Information Guide by the end of this week. If a voter receives their vote-by-mail ballot and has not yet received their voter information guide, they can view all candidate statements and measure material on our website at www.voteinfo.net. 

To be counted, completed ballots must be received at the Registrar of Voters office, or any polling place within Riverside County, no later than the close of polls on Election Day, or be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than three days after Election Day.

Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned through the postal service or deposited in vote-by-mail drop-off boxes at participating city clerks’ offices. City clerk drop-off locations and hours of operation can be found on the registrar’s website at www.voteinfo.net.  A 24-hour drop box is available outside the main entrance of the registrar’s office at 2720 Gateway Drive in Riverside. Vote-by-mail ballots also may be dropped off at any polling place within Riverside County before 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters have until February 25 to request a vote-by-mail ballot by completing the request form on the back of their voter information guide, or by using the application form on the Registrar of Voters website at www.voteinfo.net.  The request forms may be returned by mail or by facsimile to (951) 486-7272.

Early voting at the Registrar of Voters office began on February 3 and continues Monday through Friday (excluding county holidays), from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 22 and February 29.  The registrar’s office will be open to voters on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting also will be offered February 21 – 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Galleria at Tyler, 1299 Galleria at Tyler in Riverside; at Westfield Palm Desert, 72-840 Highway 111 in Palm Desert; and the Promenade in Temecula, 40820 Winchester Road.

If you have any questions about your eligibility to vote, please contact the registrar’s office at (951) 486-7200.

Important information regarding the presidential primary election:

• Your voting right in the presidential primary depends on the political party in which you are registered. If you are registered with a political party, you can only vote for a candidate running for president in that party.  A “No Party Preference” voter will automatically receive a non-partisan ballot, which will have no presidential candidates listed. However, upon request, a “No Party Preference” voter can instead receive a ballot to vote the presidential ballot of the following parties:
  • American Independent Party
  • Democratic Party
  • Libertarian Party

If you want to register, update your address or change your political party preference, you must complete a voter registration application and submit it by February 18. You can register online at registertovote.ca.gov or request a paper application by calling (951) 486-7200.

SAN BERNARDINO,CA—- Akoma Unity Center/Anne Shirrells Park beautification project located in the heart of San Bernardino City’s Westside, is set to begin mid-March 2020 following the San Bernardino City Council’s vote to award the remaining $83,308 towards the project.  

The beautification project has been in process for several months with Akoma, More Attractive Communities (MAC) Foundation and the City of San Bernardino. In August of 2019, Akoma was granted $135,000 from the MAC Foundation towards the beautification of Anne Shirrells Park. This beautification project aims to inspire and revitalize the community’s spirit, while boosting the financial resilience of this neighborhood —giving residents a sense of pride and ownership.

“It gives me great joy to support and represent the community of Ward 6 along with other collaborative stakeholders such as; San Bernardino City, MAC Foundation, and San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD). We will continue to bring forth economic development, community entertainment, and other vital resources in order to promote family and community engagement” says Kimberly Calvin, Akoma’s Executive Director.

Revitalization plans include: the redesigning of the Anne Shirrells Community Garden, Zen Garden, and a multi-use volleyball court. Akoma’s vision for the dormant garden is that it will become an outdoor learning center for Scholars of Rio Vista Elementary and all of SBCUSD to expand their knowledge of environmental sustainability while growing food to share with the community. Akoma desires to make this grow space a hands on community project. In addition, the Zen Garden will be created for Scholars to practice mindfulness while enjoying nature and a multi-use volleyball court to provide a safe place for children to play.

Akoma will be partnering with home grown muralist Brittney Price to bring forth a vibrant mural to create a welcoming art scape that encompasses the culture and values of this neighborhood. Honoring several Ancestors who gave of themselves for the benefit of a greater Ward 6 community, Vivian Nash-Dukes, Bobby Vega, Francis Grice, Valerie Pope, John Griffin, Ratibu Jackcocks, and legendary Dr. Anne Shirrells.

Unfortunately, there continues to be a shortfall of funds to refurbish the basketball court. The basketball court needs a new surface, basket-ball poles, and lights with a projected cost of another $90,000. Akoma is seeking additional support from stakeholders to contribute to the Basketball court portion of this Beautification Project. Akoma would like to thank Pastor Raymond Turner with Temple Missionary Baptist Church and their Congregation for leading the way to the completion of this magnificent Beautification project with their community collaboration and donation of $1,000.

Akoma Unity Center is a 501 C(3) Non-Profit organization committed to providing children with high quality, no-cost afterschool structured recreation, and developmental programs in a safe and supervised environment. If you would like to learn more information about Akoma Unity Center or be a part of the beautification effort please visit our website at www.akomaunitycenter.org or call (909) 217-7956.

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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Rep. Pete Aguilar recently announced that Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services (NPHS), a Rancho Cucamonga-based non-profit, received a federal grant of $525,000 from the US Department of the Treasury. The new funding will allow NPHS to provide down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers across the Inland Empire with low-to-moderate incomes. Through its Opportunity Down Payment Assistance Program, NPHS will provide up to $25,000 per household to assist eligible first-time homebuyers in purchasing a home. The funding for this grant comes from the Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) fund. In 2019, Rep. Aguilar used his position on the House Appropriations Committee to successfully increase funding for the CDFI program.

“As housing costs continue to skyrocket, it’s become more and more difficult for Inland Empire residents to purchase a home while still making ends meet. I was proud to advocate for this funding because it will help more people in our community become homeowners and provide financial stability for their families,” said Aguilar.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of the CDFI Fund,” said Clemente Arturo Mojica, President and CEO of Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services. “The award will help us innovate even more to create homeownership opportunities for working families in the Inland Empire.”

Rep. Aguilar serves as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, where he sits on the subcommittee that oversees funding for federal housing and infrastructure initiatives, as well as the Defense and Homeland Security subcommittees. Last year, he announced over $700,000 in federal funding for Inland Empire housing programs.