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California vs. Hate Campaign: One Year In, Civil Rights Department Shares Wins, Goals

By Bo Tefu, Lila Brown and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Last week, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) shared the results of its California vs Hate campaign, including its online reporting tool and telephone hotline, one year after their launch.

The California Vs Hate digital platform is the state’s first-ever multilingual resource to tackle the surge in hate incidents.

Approximately 1,020 acts of hate crimes were reported through the online tool and hotline, according to data provided by the University of California Berkeley’s Possibility Lab to CRD.

CRD Director Kevin Kish, state officials, media outlets, and community partners from across the state came together to mark the initiative’s first anniversary at a news conference held at the California Secretary of State Office in Sacramento on May 20.

“??This work is only just beginning, but it would not be possible without the advocacy of our community partners and the foresight of our state’s Administration and Legislature,” Kish stated. “With CA vs Hate, we’re doing our part to ensure that when people report they get support.”

CA vs Hate was launched in May 2023 by Gov. Gavin Newsom to offer a safe, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate acts. The initiative was a response to a nationwide increase in hate crimes.

In its first year, CA vs Hate had 2,118 inquiries from members of the public seeking assistance and directed people to resources, regardless of whether a report was tied to an act of hate.

The most frequently reported reasons cited were discriminatory treatment (18.4%), verbal harassment (16.7%), and derogatory names or slurs (16.7%). Additionally, most of the hate incidents were reported as residential (29.9%), workplace (9.7%), and in public facilities (9.1%).

Ca vs Hate received 1,020 actual hate incident reports based on the information provided by the individual reporting the act. Of those reports, about four out of six people agreed to follow up for care coordination services, including direct and ongoing support accessing legal aid or counseling.

Nearly 80% of California’s counties were represented in the data, including all 10 of the state’s most populated counties.

The CA vs Hate staff reviewed 560 reports, revealing the primary motivations for bias were race and ethnicity (35.1%), gender identity (15.1%), and sexual orientation (10.8%).

Anti-Black (26.8%), anti-Latino (15.4%), and anti-Asian (14.3%) bias were the most cited reasons for reports related to race and ethnicity, CRD states.

As reported hate crimes have risen in recent years, California has led the charge in responding through increased grant funding, innovative programs, and expansive outreach efforts across state government in collaboration with community-based organizations.

These partnerships — whether through the Stop the Hate Program or Ethnic Media Outreach Grants — are critical to CA vs Hate’s success, according to CRD. As CA vs Hate continues to grow, the program is launching new initiatives and building on existing efforts aimed at enhancing the hotline and online platform’s statewide support network and improving access for all of California’s diverse communities.

A year ago, CRD released preliminary data of a total of 180 acts of hate reported through the resource one month after CA vs Hate was launched. Out of the incidents, 102 were reported over the phone, while 78 were made via the online portal.

“I’m going to highlight that this program is new, and the data should not be treated as representative of all acts of hate in our state,” Kish said. “We have more work to do to reach Californians that might be targeted to earn the trust necessary for people to feel they can pick up the phone and contact the government. We’re not resting on our laurels.”

Kish also announced that CRD is kicking off CA vs Hate’s first-ever billboard campaign to raise awareness about the hotline and a partnership with UC Berkeley’s Possibility Lab to enhance data collection and analysis.

In addition, CRD has recently formed a partnership with California Black Media (CBM). This collaboration aims to bolster engagement within communities that are most often the targets of hate, utilizing the federal Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act grant to ensure these communities have access to resources.

“The support from the California Department of Civil Rights coupled with the California State Library Ethnic Media Grants have strategic, and what I like to say, smart use of federal and state resources that have helped us advance our common goal of reporting and reducing hate crimes in our communities,” said CBM Executive Director Regina Brown-Wilson.

California has increased its grant funding, created innovative programs, and expanded outreach efforts across state government, working in collaboration with community-based organizations.

The partnerships — whether through the Stop the Hate Program or Ethnic Media Outreach Grants — are “crucial and important parts of California’s comprehensive approach to combating hating,” Kish said.

Ethnic media platforms have also been a key component of strengthening the hotline’s statewide support network and improving access to resources for all of California’s diverse communities. CRD Deputy Director Becky Monroe added that ethnic media’s role of communicating with communities through radio, print, and online technology is essential because underserved communities see them as “trusted messengers.”

“We are proud to work with ethnic media because we know that in the past, we have not done justice to those stories. You all do justice to those stories,” Monroe said. “Through this partnership, we are able to effectively reach the communities we want to reach.”

How To Report A Hate Crime:
CA vs Hate is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT or online at any time.

Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. For individuals who want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or who are in imminent danger, please call 911.

For more information on CA vs Hate, please visit CAvsHate.org.

San Bernardino native serves with U.S. Navy in Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, Japan – Petty Officer 2nd Class Angela Zarate, a native of San Bernardino, California, serves the U.S. Navy in Japan.

Zarate graduated from San Bernardino High School in 2016.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.

“I learned to not judge a book by its cover,” said Zarate. “Sometimes what people look like on the outside does not tell you what their heart and mind are. You should give people a chance.”

Zarate joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Zarate serves as a master-at-arms.

“I joined the Navy as a first-generation American,” said Zarate. ”The Navy provided great financial and educational opportunities.”

According to Navy officials, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka empowers forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to military members and their families.

Zarate serves in Japan as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Zarate has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

Zarate has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of a time when one of my sailors told me I inspired them and that I am someone they would like to emulate and use as an example,” said Zarate. “That made me feel like this is worth it. This is my ‘why.’”

Zarate can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy is a representation of the hard work of my parents and my ancestors,” said Zarate. “It makes their struggles and challenges all worth it.”

Zarate is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my sister, Maria Hernandez,” added Zarate. “She has always been my rock. Before the Navy, through the Navy, and whatever comes in the future, I know she will always be there. Words can’t even describe the gratitude I have for her.”

Rancho Cucamonga native serves with U.S. Navy in Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach
YOKOSUKA, JAPAN – Petty Officer 3rd Class Marisol Arreola, a native of Rancho Cucamonga, California, serves the U.S. Navy in Japan.

Arreola graduated from Rancho Cucamonga High School in 2007.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are like those found in Rancho Cucamonga.

“My hometown has a small-town feel, and I learned the importance of being good to people,” said Arreola. “This has helped me in the Navy because the Navy’s values reflect small-town America. It’s very family minded.”

Arreola joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Arreola serves as a musician.

“During COVID times, I was teaching music online and working on my master’s degree in voice pedagogy online,” said Arreola. “I joined the Navy because I was motivated to get out there and travel and perform outside the U.S.”

According to Navy officials, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka empowers forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to military members and their families.

Arreola serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Arreola has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am proud of being selected as Blue Jacket of the Year,” said Arreola.

Arreola can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means performing the same show as I would for a vice admiral as I would for a kid in Thailand,” said Arreola. “It’s giving the best American show we can give because they deserve the best equally.”

Arreola is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my sister who is a dentist in the Navy,” added Arreola. “She was also stationed in Japan and she encouraged me to explore the option of being a Navy musician.”

California Moves Closer to Formal Apology for Slavery After Unanimous Assembly Vote

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

California is moving towards officially apologizing for the horrors African Americans endured during chattel slavery after the State Assembly voted unanimously to approve Assembly Bill (AB) 3089 on May 16.

Authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), the “California Apology Act for the Perpetration of Gross Human Rights Violations” sailed through the Assembly with a 64-0 floor vote.

AB 3089 is one of 14 reparations bills supported by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) this legislative session.

“Not only is the apology letter important, but it’s also what we do after it becomes law,” Jones-Sawyer said of AB 3089 after the legislation passed.

“It’s whether or not we go ahead and fulfill the dream of what my ancestors wanted, which is fully to make us part of the American dream. And most importantly, get rid of the river of racism that has been running through our communities for so many decades and centuries.”

Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), and Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) – all members of the CLBC — spoke on the Assembly floor before the historic vote.

Former Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) spoke in support of the legislation.

“This is a statement of our values, this is a statement of who we are and what we think at this moment and that’s why it is so important to all of us,” Rendon said of the legislation.

Current Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas shared his thoughts about the historical bill. Rivas invoked the words of Dr. Martin Luther King from a letter he wrote commending the sacrifice and success of Cesar Chavez after he staged a 300-mile walk from Delano to the State Capitol in 1966.

“As we know that it is undeniable that our systems of government have been complicit in the oppression of African Americans,” Rivas said. “Our courts, our schools (and) even this Legislature, California history is tarnished by the subjugation of Black people.”

AB 3089 mandates California to recognize and accept responsibility for “all of the harms and atrocities committed by the state, its representatives thereof, and entities under its jurisdiction who promoted, facilitated, enforced, and permitted the institution of chattel slavery,” as stated in the bill’s language. It also addresses the enduring legacy of “ongoing badges and incidents from which the systemic structures of discrimination.”

AB 3089 would require a plaque memorializing the apology and “publicly and conspicuously installed and maintained” in the confines of State Capitol.

“AB 3089 recognizes the harm that slavery had and continues to have on Black Californians and takes the important step of acknowledging and formally apologizing for the state’s role in harming the descendants of enslaved people slavery,” McKinnor said.

On the Senate side, three of Sen. Steven Bradford’s reparations bills were approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee last week and are expected to get a full vote on the Senate floor.

SB 1403 (formerly SB 490) passed with a 5-2 vote. It would create a new state agency called the California American Freedman Affairs Agency. The agency would oversee the administration of reparations as determined by the Legislature and Governor.

“This bill was a recommendation of the California Reparations Task Force, which I spent two years of my life being a part of,” Bradford said. “It’s one of the most essential of the (task force) report’s 115 recommendations.”

Another bill, SB 1050 – Reparations: Restitution for Property Taking – was approved with a 5-2 vote. It establishes a process for the state to review and investigate public complaints from individuals who claim their property was taken without just compensation or as an outcome of racially motivated eminent domain procedure. SB 1050 establishes a process for providing compensation to the rightful owner of the property.

SB 1331 received a 5-2 vote as well. Titled “Fund for Reparations,” the bill creates a specific fund for Reparations and Restorative Justice in the state treasury for the purpose of funding compensation to eligible Black Californians. The bill would authorize the fund to receive moneys from any other federal, state, or local grant, or from any private donation or grant.

Two other Bradford bills, SB 1013 and SB 1007, died in committee.

SB 1013 proposed the creation of a program designed to make grants available to individuals who currently live in formerly redlined neighborhoods in the state and are descendants of a person enslaved in the United States. SB 1007 calls for providing grants to descendants of enslaved persons to own a home.

SB 1050 was the only reparations bill Bradford authored that was included as part of the CLBC’s 2024 Reparations Priority Bill Package. According to the CLBC, the bills in the package are the first step of a multi-year effort to implement the legislative recommendations in the California Reparation Task Force report.

“This is sacred work,” CLBC member Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights) said of the Black caucus’s efforts. “I see reparations as a way of repairing the foundation which makes us stronger and lifts all of us in the process. I’m grateful to be in the Legislature at this time when we are positioning our state for a different and brighter future for the next generation.”

 

With Medi-Cal Update, More Californians Can Tap Into Behavioral Health Care

By Edward Henderson ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

As the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) continues to transform Medi-Cal, the state is expanding coverage to include behavioral health needs, like mental health care and substance use disorder services.

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, provides coverage for one in three — or 15 million — Californians. About 40% of California youth is also covered by the program.

Paula Wilhelm, Interim Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Services at DHCS recently spoke at a digital press conference hosted by Ethnic Media Services to discuss some of the expanded services.

“As a department, we know that mental health is just as important as physical health, and all of our health outcomes are intertwined. DHCS has been working hard to partner with our medical managed care plans and care providers to transform the way behavioral health services are delivered to Medi-Cal members.”

Some expanded services include prevention and wellness, screening and assessment, outpatient and community-based treatment, and group/family therapy. More intensive services are covered as well: crisis care, residential treatment, inpatient, mental health, and substance use medication.

Individuals dealing with postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress due to school or work, drug or alcohol addiction can also receive services.

“We want to improve the quality of care that we offer in Medi-Cal and create a more person-centered delivery system,” said Wilhelm. “Our overarching goal is to make it easier for Medi-Cal members to access behavioral healthcare and all the services they need to live healthier lives.”

Recent changes to the Behavioral Health Services Act, which voters approved as Proposition 1 in March, will reform behavioral healthcare funding and prioritize care for people with serious conditions. The new law also focuses on adding diversity to the behavioral healthcare workforce to promote equity. Culturally responsive services and a workforce that reflects the diverse communities served under the plan will be prioritized.

Wilhelm also mentioned the state’s “No Wrong Door Approach” to mental health care in her briefing. This initiative focuses on behavioral health payment reform that aligns payment models that reward quality. This allows more providers to get into the Medi-Care system and increases the diversity of providers to make patients feel seen.

Medi-Cal is also expanding services for children and youth in California. Gov. Newsom’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative is a $4 billion investment into strengthening existing mental health services.

Autumn Boylan, Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for DHCS also spoke at the digital conference. She focused on the expansion of services to meet the growing mental health needs of youth.

“Half of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental illnesses emerge for our young people by the age of 14 and 75% of diagnosable mental illnesses begin by the age of 24. Focusing on children and youth from ages 0-25 is critically important to ensure that we are providing preventative services and intervening early when symptoms of mental health/substance abuse conditions begin to emerge as our young people are developing.”

In California, almost 300,000 youth are coping with major depression and 66% of those young people do not get treatment access in the way they should.

To combat this, the act focuses on strengthening the network of support for youth through county offices of education, and school districts throughout the state to increase care at school settings. Funding will bring more school counselors, psychologists, well-being and mindfulness programs, social and emotional learning, and support.

Community-based services known to benefit and achieve better outcomes for young people of color will also be prioritized.

Two free mental health apps have been created to increase mental health access for youth and their parents in California despite their coverage status.

The BrightLife Kids App (0-12), and Soluna App (13-25) provide free mental health support.

If you or a loved one could benefit from Medi-Cal’s services, you can access the DHS 24-hour access line to get connected to care.

Rialto Native Continues a 124-Year Tradition of Service Under the Sea

U.S. NAVAL BASE GUAM – More than half of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force is based in the Indo-Pacific region due to the area’s strategic importance. At any given time, the undersea forces are conducting worldwide operations across the full spectrum of undersea warfare missions.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Rene Cardenas, a native of Rialto, California, is one of the sailors continuing the 124-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Cardenas graduated from Keiser High School in 2013.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rialto.

“Growing up, I was taught I needed to have patience and tolerance for those around me,” said Cardenas. “Me and my fellow sailors spend a lot of time together. We eat together, work together and bunk in the same room. We need to have patience with each other and work together to get the mission done.”

Cardenas joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Cardenas serves as a sonar technician.

“I joined the Navy to travel and see the world while protecting and defending my country back at home,” said Cardenas. “The Navy had so many opportunities and I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my family.”

Known as America’s “Apex Predators!” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines can conduct rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.

There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).

Cardenas serves aboard the fast-attack submarine, USS Jefferson City.

Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.

The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. – replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.

The Pacific Submarine Force maximizes our strengths of knowledge, stealth, agility, firepower, and endurance and works as part of joint and combined forces to maintain the international rules-based order and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

“The men and women of the Pacific Submarine Force are among our best and brightest Americans,” said Rear Adm. Richard Seif, Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. “The pace of activity across the force is eye-watering, and our ability to remain on-scene, unseen, is only possible due to their hard work and critical thinking. We are lethal, far-reaching, and incredibly capable, and we deter aggression through our demonstrated advantage in the undersea domain.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Cardenas serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Cardenas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of being able to travel to Japan and witness the culture and people,” said Cardenas. “I love the fact that I am earning a paycheck, helping defend my country and loved ones while being able to work on a submarine. I don’t like to brag but I think I am the only one from my hometown who has ever been on a submarine, let alone been able to work and live on one.”

Cardenas can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means always being prepared wherever or whenever you are to help others and protect those who need you,” said Cardenas. “The Navy is seen as a symbol of strength and protection for those around the world who need our assistance.”

Cardenas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my parents back home for always supporting me,” added Cardenas. “I would also like to thank my command for teaching me so many valuable skills I can use for the rest of my life.”

SBCUSD Board of Education Honors Assistance League as Outstanding Community Partner

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In Feb., the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education presented the Outstanding Community Partner Award to the Assistance League of San Bernardino, a longtime supporter of SBCUSD students.

For decades, the Assistance League of San Bernardino has had a profound impact on the SBCUSD school community through its dedicated efforts to support children in need. From providing clothing to at-risk students to offering a dental program, the Assistance League has consistently demonstrated its commitment to enhancing opportunities for children in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. Many past and present Board of Education members have performed at the Assistance League’s annual fundraiser, the Headdress Ball.

That event is the League’s chief fundraiser, allowing the nonprofit to provide low-cost and, in some cases, free dental services to children ages 5 to 25, ensuring that every child has access to quality dental care. The Assistance League also runs Operation School Bell, which helps provide clothing for needy children from kindergarten to senior year by sending them shopping for brand-new clothing for free.

By addressing basic needs, the organization helps to remove barriers to learning and promotes student success, said Dorie Stratton, the Assistance League’s Vice President of Resource Development and Principal of San Andreas High School.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award from SBCUSD,” Stratton said. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, as well as the impact of our programs on the lives of those we serve.”

Off The Chain Alliance, Founder Porscha N. Dillard, Hosted Inaugural Spring Art Experience & Fundraiser featuring local Riverside artist, Maurice Howard

RIVERSIDE, CA—- What an incredible night at the First Annual Spring Art Experience and Fundraiser hosted by Off the Chain Alliance and MHE Productions on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The event featured the stunning works of artist Maurice Howard and drew a crowd of remarkable individuals, including the renowned Charles Bibbs and his lovely wife, Elaine Bibbs.

The experience was held at the exquisite Mind & Mill in Downtown Riverside, the evening was truly special. Porscha N. Dillard, founder of Off the Chain Alliance, shared her heartfelt story and the mission behind her nonprofit, supporting disenfranchised minority families in the Inland Empire.

Maurice Howard sold two original pieces, generating funds to advance this important cause. The night was elevated by the mesmerizing vocals of Nkese, leaving the audience spellbound.

The collaboration between Porscha N. Dillard and Maurice Howard proved to be exceptional, making the event an unforgettable success. Cheers to more amazing events like this in the future!

Assistant League of San Bernardino Hosts 62nd Annual Headdress Ball Fundraiser

By Lue Dowdy

This past Saturday, the Assistant League of San Bernardino hosted their 62nd Annual Headdress Ball, a major fundraiser supporting their philanthropic programs for children and young adults in San Bernardino County. This year’s theme, “I Hope You Dance,” took the audience on a nostalgic musical journey from the 1920s to the 2000s.

The event showcased 12 remarkable women from the community as models, including Dr. Sandra Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent for San Bernardino Unified School District, and Sonietta Brown, President Elect of the San Bernardino Symphony. A highlight of the evening was LuCretia Dowdy, also known as Lue, the Community Engagement Specialist for First 5 San Bernardino. She lit up the stage with a spirited Charleston dance choreographed by Lupita of The Limónadas Dance Company, her radiant smile and energetic moves thrilling the audience.

San Bernardino City Mayor Helen Tran and Felicia Alexander, President of the Assistance League of San Bernardino, delivered the opening remarks. The live auction was expertly conducted by Councilman Damon Alexander of the 7th Ward. The event’s atmosphere was further enlivened by live music from the San Bernardino Music Teen Workshop, creating a memorable and enchanting evening.

The Assistance League of San Bernardino is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact through their philanthropic efforts in San Bernardino and surrounding communities.