Local

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.

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. 

RIVERSIDE, CA— On Saturday, March 13, 2020 the American Advertising Federation Inland Empire chapter will host its annual awards and gala, themed “ADDYrabian Nights” at the Mission Inn in downtown Riverside to honor the best in advertising.  Professional and Student entries are being accepted now through February 7, 2020 with late entries accepted until February 14, 2020.

Professionals and college students can enter their best creative work in over 200 categories to compete for the illustrious “Gold Addy”, the highest level of creative excellence.  Leading categories for entrants to submit their work include Sales & Marketing, Print Advertising, Film, Video & Sound, Public Service, Online/Interactive, Elements of Advertising, Out-of-Home & Ambient Media, and Cross Platform with dozens of sub-categories to enter in.

Winners in local competitions may move up to one of 15 District competitions for the chance to advance to the National Finals that take place in June 2020.  Entry in the local Inland Empire competition is the first step toward winning a national Addy.

If you’re in the advertising industry or a college student pursuing an advertising career, you won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity to showcase your work and compete for the prestigious Addy award.  To enter the American Advertising Awards Inland Empire competition or to purchase tickets to the Gala visit https://aaf-inlandempire.com/.

The 2020 ADDYrabian Nights Gala is sponsored by The Nature of Things, Vital Express Design, Vizard Marketing & PR, Lamar, and PIP Printing. 

The American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting nearly 35,000 entries every year in local American Advertising Federation (AAF) competitions. The mission of the American Advertising Awards competition is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—This past holiday season, children throughout the city had a cheerful Christmas all thanks to the Queen Foundation. The Phyllis-Queen Foundation is a family ran foundation led by Art and Fredda Davis; Don; Clarisa Howard; and Troy Davis (son). Family friends, C. Reed and A. Brown and assist with the organization.

The organizers of the foundation were raised in San Bernardino. Prior to the name The Phyllis-Queen, it ran as the Valley Truck Farm. The program was founded with the belief in the importance of giving back to the community to help improve the lives of economically challenged youth.

To fulfil its mission, the organization works with several churches in the community to seek out children who would benefit the most. This past holiday season the kids that were chosen were given a stipend or gift card valued at $125. From there they are able to choose some their favorite toys; the toys that they only dreamed of having.

Following the shopping spree, the children and their families were given a turkey, bottled water, book bags and other condiments, which were donated by Patrice Butler’s agency, Community Action Partnership.

For the past 10 years the event was held at the Target located at Orange Show Road and Arrowhead in San Bernardino; however, due to new management, the foundation was informed that Target could not accommodate their services. But where one door closes, another one opens. The children took their early morning stroll down the aisles, selecting their toys from Walmart in Rialto before the general public arrived.

In recognition of the foundation’s work, the pastors and members of Temple Missionary Baptist, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, the Black Rose Foundation, and the Word of God Church presented Phyllis and The Queen Foundation with a plaque in appreciation for over a decade of giving back to the community.   

Mr. and Mrs. Davis surprised the Pastors of San Bernardino with collective donations of $25,000.

Mrs. Davis believes that we must weather the together before we can enjoy the sunshine, and that we must work together regardless of race, religion, or political belief. We are all one race under God.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino County Museum is pleased to present “The Afro, a historical view: From the Afro Comb to the Crown Act.” The show opens Thursday, January 30 and runs through March 1, 2020. A museum member reception takes place on Thursday, February 6, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Curated by Leah Goodwin, the exhibit tells the story of Dr. Willie L. Morrow, barber, creator of the Afro Pick comb, and author of 400 years Without a Comb. The exhibit includes artifacts that document the story of this beauty phenomenon, and features artworks by renowned African American artists Ernie Barnes and Albert Fennel.

Morrow, born in Tuscaloosa, AL in 1940, became a barber at age twelve. He relocated to San Diego, opened his own barber shop, and quickly began inventing tools, formulating products, developing techniques, writing, and teaching. At just 22 years old, Morrow carved his first Afro Pick comb out of wooden dowels. Shortly thereafter, he produced a plastic injection version of the Afro Pick comb, the first commercially produced in the United States, which became a household item and recognized political icon the world over. Several years later, the United States military contracted Morrow to train barbers and beauticians in the U.S., Europe, and Asia on the intricacies of cutting and styling Afro-textured hair.

Morrow’s collection is comprised of tools that he designed, was inspired by, and used in his barber shop; products and books that he collected in order to improve his own formulations; illustrations, paintings, and photographs he commissioned for the books and pamphlets on hair care and history that he wrote and published; and other related artifacts.

Guest Curator Leah Goodwin is a prolific curator, serving in many arts organizations including the Museum of Children’s Art in Oakland, VSA Arts of California, Aesthetics, Inc., and Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation in San Diego. Most recently, she has served as Director of Museum and Education for the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, where she presented 17 exhibitions over four years.

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The exhibit and the exhibit opening reception are included with general admission. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcounty.gov/museum. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Provisional Accelerated Learning (PAL) Charter Academy celebrates 20 years of providing educational and community services in Muscoy. 

On Tuesday, January 14, 2020, PAL Charter Academy (PCA) received its fourth consecutive charter school renewal from the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD). The board vote was unanimous. The PCA, chartered in 2000, was the first charter school in San Bernardino to be approved by the SBCUSD. 

The tentacles of PCA’s Founder, Dr. Mildred Henry, retired CEO and Professor Emeritus at California State University, run deep throughout Muscoy and San Bernardino. The SBCUSD honored her with a namesake school, the Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School, several years ago.

PCA has two campuses. The school’s main campus is nestled in Muscoy, a rural unincorporated area of San Bernardino County.  PCA Muscoy campus is home to over 250 students and parents.  The second campus is located in the heart of the City of San Bernardino and serves over 150 students, which come from all areas of the Inland Empire. Most are in search of an opportunity to recover credits and graduate from high school. Others come to embrace the small classroom sizes, one-on-one instruction, and the family-like environment PCA provides. 

The PAL Charter Academy’s CEO, Dwaine Radden, Sr., states, “We have some great students; however, with most schools that provide students the opportunity to close achievement gaps, their state test scores are impacted. We have taken a 21st-century approach to help us curtail our academic gaps and improve test scores.  We have invested in technology, integrated testing curriculum into student’s classes and schedules, and partnered with programs that can provide our students with support.” 

The PAL Academy has graduated thousands of students over the years. The school received the highest WASC accreditation possible from the governing agency. The motto is, ‘Education with an Individualized Approach’. PCA’s holistic approach to help students academically, socially, and emotionally has elevated them to be a school of choice for communities and local districts. 

In addition to the customized Independent Study approach to education, the school offers all the benefits and opportunities of a traditional setting.  These include, but are not limited to: College prep, CTE classes, CIF sports, Concurrent enrollment with a Community College, Grad-nite, Prom, AVID, College Expos and visits, Mock Trial, Accelerated classes, vocational training, student transportation, and Adult High School. The PAL Center also has an Upward Bound program that provides college preparation services and training to 65 students at San Bernardino High School and the PAL Academy.

The Muscoy campus is currently installing a football field, soccer field, and indoor gymnasium to support their sports program for the students and community.

The school is a subsidiary of Provisional Educational Services, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been providing a variety of services in the community for over 35 years. 

For more information call (909) 887-7002 or visit PCA’s website: www.palcharteracademy.com.

ATLANTIC OCEAN— Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Tykie Nunn, from Apple Valley, California, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) aircraft intermediate maintenance department, performs a routine inspection on a blade clamp assembly in Ford’s aviation structures shop. Ford is currently underway conducting aircraft compatibility testing.

Write up by Naomi K. Bonman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—On Monday, January 20, at Arroyo High School in San Bernardino, the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with several other community organizations, held the first annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Expo. The parade started and ended on time which was another accomplishment.

“History was made today on the beautiful Westside of San Bernardino,” Lucrierta Dowdy, MLK committee member, stated. “We came together for the very 1st San Bernardino MLK Day Parade and Extravaganza. Special thanks to everyone that helped to make it a success.”

This is just the beginning for more to come to the City of San Bernardino. 

RANCHO CUCAMONGA – RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA— Los Osos High School in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District will be the site for the 37th annual San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon competition, which will be held over two weekends, January 25 and February 1.

Approximately 450 high school students have signed up to compete in this year’s event that features teams representing 25 high schools. Both weekends of the competition will take place at Los Osos, located at 6001 Milliken Ave. in Rancho Cucamonga.

There are 10 academic events for students to compete, including written tests in the areas of math, economics, music, art, language/literature, science and social science. Students also write an essay, face a panel of interviewers and give impromptu and prepared speeches.

For the final event on February 2, teams compete in a Super Quiz, a college bowl-style event consisting of multiple-choice questions. This year’s overall competition theme is “In Sickness and in Health: An Exploration of Illness and Wellness.” Rancho Cucamonga High School from the Chaffey district is the defending county champion of Academic Decathlon.

Teams consist of nine students, three from each grade-point category: “A” (Honors), “B” (Scholastic) and “C” (Varsity). Students compete for individual and team awards.

This year’s participating high schools and their districts are: Alta Loma High, Chaffey High, Colony High, Etiwanda High, Los Osos High, Montclair High, Ontario High and Rancho Cucamonga High, Chaffey Joint Union High; Chino Hills High, Chino Valley Unified; Jurupa Hills, Kaiser High and Summit High, Fontana Unified; Citrus Valley High, Redlands East Valley High and Redlands High, Redlands Unified; Eisenhower High and Rialto High, Rialto Unified; Arroyo Valley High, San Bernardino High and San Gorgonio High, San Bernardino City Unified; Upland High, Upland Unified; and Cobalt Institute of Math and Science, Lakeview Leadership Academy and Victor Valley High, Victor Valley Union High. Aquinas High School, a private school, also is participating. Winners and finalists from the Academic Decathlon will be announced at an awards banquet on Feb. 7. The winning team and possible other qualifiers will represent the county at the statewide Academic Decathlon competition in March.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Mr. Joseph G. Paulino, Chief of Police for San Bernardino City Unified School District Police Department spoke to participants of the Social Lites, Inc. Beautillion program on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at the Center for Youth in San Bernardino on leadership and facts about police youth contact.  Chief Paulino emphasized, “when people see you they see your history” using visuals of his identification cards from grade school, middle school, high school, military, and current identification card as Chief of Police.  Future leaders were encouraged to guard their history.  It was important for future leaders to be reminded, “don’t let an uninformed person speak into your life.”  As leaders, Chief Paulino shared the importance of relationships, “it’s not who you know, but who knows you.”

Mr. Neuman Sneed II, Sir Knight 2019, sophomore at University Merced also guest speaker was in the audience prior to speaking appreciated Chief Paulino words of wisdom.  Sneed II entered college as a sophomore. He shared with future leaders “college is hard.” He earned an Associate of Arts Degree while in high school and assumed college would not be as challenging as earning the AA degree while in high school.  Sneed II plans to be an Optometrist.  He shared living on his own, experiencing dormitory life, learning various faculty style has been challenging, one in which he welcomes and looks forward in the upcoming semester.  Both Chief Paulino and Mr. Sneed II inspired the youth to “be good stewards as they pursue their goals in life.”

The 2029/2020 Beautillion Scholarship program will commence on Saturday, March 28, 2020.  For more information regarding the Beautillion Scholarship Program, please telephone chairperson, Mrs. Tina Darling at tribicu2@msn.com or Ms. Lisa Blacksher, President at lisasocialities@gmail.com or Mrs. Bettye Brewster, Business Manager, bettyebrewster@yahoo.com