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NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN— Operations Specialist 2nd Class Jazmin Rodriguez, from Ontario, California, performed duties as a phone-talker during a replenishment-at-sea aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) in the North Pacific Ocean, May 25. Ralph Johnson is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Trevor Hale)

COLTON, CA—- San Bernardino County proudly announces the grand reopening of the historic Agua Mansa Pio eer Cemetery, a vital landmark that preserves the memories of the Agua Mansa and La Placita communities, some of the earliest non-native settlements in the San Bernardino Valley. This reopening was spearheaded by San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. whose Fifth District includes the historic Agua Mansa Pioneer Cemetery.

“As a former history teacher, it brings me great joy to join the families of those buried here in recognizing, honoring, and appreciating our rich history. This cemetery is a treasure, preserving the memories of our early settlers and reminding us of our community’s roots. said Supervisor Baca, Jr. “Honoring our past lays the foundation for a stronger, more informed future. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”

The reopening event marks the culmination of a $1.1 million investment aimed at revitalizing the cemetery and ensuring its preservation for future generations. The improvements include new landscaping, a new entrance monument, driveway enhancements, and the repair of 14 endangered tombstones. Additionally, the site has been certified by the National Park Service as a historic stop on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail.

The Agua Mansa Pioneer Cemetery is the only remaining vestige of the once-thriving twin communities of Agua Mansa and La Placita, established in the early 1840s along the Santa Ana River. These communities were the first non-native settlements in the San Bernardino Valley and were significant agricultural hubs until they were devastated by a flood in 1862.

David Myers, Director of the San Bernardino County Museum, Added: “This project and its many improvements would not have been possible without the incredible support of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, including Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, who has been a champion of this project from the very start.”

Nancy Melendez President of the Old Spanish Trail Association also shared: “Thank you, Supervisor Baca, for taking the lead and making this happen. This cemetery has been closed since the early 1960s and had suffered a lot of damage due to vandalism and other factors. We are so pleased to see that you have taken the lead in preserving this sacred and historic place.”

The San Bernardino County Museum continues to expand and improve its historic sites with support from the Board of Supervisors. All of the County’s museums and historic sites are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, an honor achieved by only 3 percent of museums nationwide.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County, with the support of Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., proudly announces the grand opening of the new waterslides at Glen Helen Regional Park. This exciting addition underscores San Bernardino County’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible recreational options for families, especially in today’s challenging economic climate.

The celebration marks the completion of a $2.5 million project that features two thrilling waterslides, enhanced safety measures, and upgraded amenities to ensure a fantastic visitor experience.

Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., a key advocate for this project, shared his enthusiasm, “We are thrilled to unveil these new waterslides at Glen Helen Regional Park. With the current economic challenges and inflation, we understand that not every family can afford costly amusement park trips. That’s why we’re bringing high-quality, affordable fun right here to our community.”
The waterslides are part of a broader initiative to upgrade Glen Helen Regional Park, including new picnic areas, updated playground equipment, and enhanced landscaping. These waterslides are part of a larger $15 million investment in Glen Helen Park aimed at enhancing recreational facilities and creating a more enjoyable and accessible environment for all visitors.

Supervisor Baca added, “Investing in our parks is investing in our community’s well-being. We want to ensure every family can enjoy safe, affordable recreational activities. These spaces provide a place where families can create lasting memories and enjoy the beauty of Glen Helen Regional Park”

In addition to the new waterslides, Glen Helen Regional Park offers a variety of activities such as fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The park remains a popular destination for both residents and visitors, offering a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

As the sun gets hotter and the days get longer, it’s time to celebrate summer in the First District. This year, there’s a fantastic lineup of free concerts happening throughout the region, offering a little something for everyone.

Get ready to groove under the stars with genres ranging from smooth jazz and soulful R&B to electrifying 80s rock and toe-tapping bluegrass.

From Town of Apple Valley’s “Sunset Concert Series” to Wrightwood’s “Music in the Pines,” there’s a concert series waiting to be your new Thursday night tradition. On Saturdays from now through September, don’t miss Mountain High Resorts’ free North Lodge concerts.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Victorville’s “Concerts in the Park” at Hook Park in June and Hesperia’s “Bobcat Summer Concert Series” kicking off in August.

Grab your picnic blanket and lawn chairs and get ready for a summer filled with great music and memories in the First District!

SACRAMENTO, CA—Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) today received the 2024 Legislator of the Year Award from the Spirit of Veterans Day nonprofit organization. The award cited the group’s “heartfelt appreciation for your support for California’s 1.6 million veterans and Gold Star Families.”

Ramos said, “This award is a tremendous honor. We owe our veterans so much and their sacrifices are too often overlooked and undervalued. California must do better by those who serve, who sacrifice and the many who have paid the ultimate price for their country.”

Candace Hamilton, Founder and Chair of the 12th Annual Spirit of Veterans Day nonprofit, said the criteria for recognition is based upon making a significant difference in the state legislature in the support of veterans’ issues. Recipients must also honor those who have given their lives during active duty – the loved ones of California’s Gold Star Families. Gold Star Families are those who have lost an immediate family member as the result of active-duty military service.

Hamilton noted Ramos’s legislation to honor Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola. The young man was killed in a suicide bombing on August 26, 2021, at the Kabul Hamid Karzai International Airport while assisting people during an evacuation. Ramos introduced successful legislation, ACR 139, in 2022 to name a San Bernardino freeway overpass in recognition of the fallen hero. He was also a joint author of AB 1452 that was signed last year. It would create a process to establish an Iraq Afghanistan Kuwait Veterans Memorial monument on State Capitol grounds.

Ramos has also introduced AB 46, a bill granting military retirees and dependents a state tax exemption on their pension revenue. That bill is in the State Senate.

RIALTO, CA– Rialto Middle School held its 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Wilmer Amina Carter High School on Thursday May 30, 2024, at 5 p.m. In attendance were Board of Education Members: President Joseph W. Martinez, Vice President Edgar Montes, Clerk Evelyn P. Dominguez, Member Nance G. O’Kelley, Member Dr. Stephanie E. Lewis, and Student Member Keiyne Galazo.

School Principal Ricardo Garcia began working at Rialto Middle School three years ago. These graduating students are the first class he has seen all the way through.

Rialto Middle School is celebrating 100 years of service to Rialto students. The school began in 1924 as a Grammar School and for many years was designated as a Junior High School. It is now functioning as a Middle School serving grades 6th through 8th.

RIVERSIDE, CA—- In honor of Juneteenth, Music Changing Lives is thrilled to invite the Inland SoCal out to the first Block Party of the summer, showcasing an evening of music, art, culture, and inspiration, on Saturday, June 15, 2024.  This event will be taking place between Tios Tacos and the Civil Rights Institute in downtown Riverside, located at 3933 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92501 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This year there will be a live mural by L’Expression Creative Studios, and many more to be announced, along with Live performances by AJ McQueen, JSQ Sax, and more to come.  Enjoy Tios Tacos, Tikal Bakery, and many other merchants such as Divine 1 Clothing and Muse Maven Collective.  Rounding off the lineup on the one’s and two’s is DJ Achilles Aurelius.

“We are humbled to host this concert in the heart of downtown Riverside,” said Josiah Bruny, CEO and Founder of Music Changing Lives. “Music has always been a powerful tool for change and expression, and this event underscores our commitment to fostering community and honoring the legacy of those who fought for justice and equality.  We want to continue to uplift our young people and inspire them to make history!”

MCL is inviting the whole #InlandSoCal to come out and hang out, have fun, enjoy music, art, food, a beer and wine garden, and more.

Vendor opportunities are still available until June 10th.   To purchase tickets and/or to sign up to become a vendor, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-art-speaks-tickets-867405572417.

Join the community in having a great time with one another and lift the community’s spirits!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center, held its inaugural Fast Pitch Competition aimed at investing in Black and Brown women entrepreneurs. Twenty-eight applicants submitted their fast pitch videos, with the hopes of being selected as one of twelve finalists to pitch their businesses for grand prize investments of $3,000, $5,000 and $10,000 cash prizes.

Twelve powerhouse entrepreneurs were selected as finalists based on the criteria outlined prior to the video submissions. Submissions needed to speak to their brand, the business model, value proposition, their competition/market, business model, marketing and sales strategy, just to name a few.  Businesses pitched ranged from a juice bar, wellness brands, event artisans, a seamstress, and loose-leaf tea.  Each finalist shared their business pitch, followed by questions and comments from the judges within a 15-minute time frame.

“Being a judge for the Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit Center’s first annual Fast-pitch Competition was truly inspiring,” said Elvia Rodriguez, owner of Goldamity Insurance Services.  She further expressed, “It was incredible to hear about the different businesses, ranging from newly established ventures signing their first client, to seasoned enterprises looking to scale and advertise.”

This competition provided the unique opportunity for Black and Brown women entrepreneurs to showcase their business ventures, receive invaluable feedback from industry leaders, and compete for a chance to win significant funding and resources to scale their businesses.  The panel of diverse judges were precisely selected to cover a gamut of industries and professional acumen to ensure fair and consistent rating on the finalists’ pitches.  The judges consisted of Angela Myles, CEO of VMA Consulting Group and host of “The Fundable CEO” podcast; Vanessa Casillas, CEO of Changing Lives Staffing; Marla A. Matime founder and CEO of The MAR.M Agency; Elvia Rodriquez, owner of Goldamity Insurance Services; Kimberly Calvin, Councilwoman for San Bernardino Ward 6 and Director of Akoma Unity Center; and Hilda Kennedy, founder and President of AmPac Business Capital.

At the end of the competition, third place business investment of $3,000 went to Roxanne Williams of Roxie Brown Town Productions.  Second place of $5,000 went to Daisy Munguia, CEO and founder of Mastery Blueprint.  The grand prize winner of the $10,000 investment was awarded to La Shaunn Spivey-Angeletti, owner of Dream Cultivators, where she pitched her Reflect, Refresh, Retreats which provides other women entrepreneurs with a chance to get away on a destination retreat to allow for them to heal and release their stresses in order to show up fully for their own lives.

“The competition was a phenomenal learning experience and incredibly empowering. Every participant had such impressive pitches that I found myself wanting to invest in, buy, or sign up for their programs. It was truly inspiring to see so much innovation and dedication, said Daisy Munguia, owner of Mastery Blueprint and winner of the $5k investment.  When asked what her immediate future goals are with her investment, she stated, “With Mastery Blueprint, my goal is to start making a tangible impact on the warehouse industry. I hope to make professional development a new norm for frontline employees, elevating their skills and well-being, and transforming the industry from within.”

Vanessa Casillas left the finalists and attendees with a word of encouragement, “You will struggle no matter where you work.  As an Entrepreneur, you get to choose who you struggle for.”

The BBOP Center’s BBOP Business Academy has ongoing open enrollment.  Black and Brown women entrepreneurs are encouraged to take the courses to learn step by step, how to build, grow, and scale their businesses. To learn more about the BBOP Center or to enroll into the BBOP Business Academy, please visit www.bbopcenter.com, call (909) 530-2267 or email info@bbopcenter.com.

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

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabel Guzman joined hands last week to launch of the first federally recognized Women’s Business Center at the Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC) in South Los Angeles to help small businesses start, grow and develop in the city.

Bass highlighted the partnership Los Angeles has with the federal government and emphasized her administration’s work to open Los Angeles for business by making more resources like the new Women’s Business Center offers available to more Angelenos.

“This beautifully renovated building will provide a dedicated space for business experts and consultants to meet one on one with entrepreneurs and small business owners to help their business launch, grow and thrive,” said Mayor Bass during the ribbon cutting ceremony. She reminded guests that not only the Olympics, but another Super Bowl and All-Star Week is coming to the city and local business owners should be prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead.

“As the business center develops, we need to partner with organizations like Vermont Slauson to make sure that these events don’t just come to LA and pass us by, but that these events help serve as a catalyst so that our small businesses become larger businesses and everyone in the area prospers from the world coming to this center,” said Bass.

The official opening was among initiatives the mayor led this week to support businesses in Los Angeles through LA Optimized 2.0, a program created to help small businesses build and strengthen their digital presence along with LApreneur, a new online learning platform created to equip entrepreneurs with key skills and information to succeed.

Bass also encouraged residents, small business owners, and other residents who were impacted to apply for the low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration that were recently made available following Mayor Bass’ calls for federal support.

“We are committed to investing in women through our Women’s Business Centers, where knowledge and connections to capital can be deployed to power that next generation of founders, said SBA Administrator Guzman following remarks from Mayor Bass. “The SBA is committed to making sure that they have the funding that they need. We have instituted transformations across our policy, loan, investment, and bonding programs to ensure that the $52 billion that’s put out from SBA every year goes to the people who are starting businesses at the highest rates and that our check writers look like the businesses who are starting businesses at the highest rates. We’ve seen a 70% increase in our lending to women.”

“When women-owned businesses succeed, our economy succeeds,” stated U.S. Congressmember Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) in a press release following the event.

“I am thrilled to celebrate the Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation’s launch of its Women’s Business Center, located here in South LA, which will support women entrepreneurs throughout every step of their business journey,” she added.

The South LA Women’s Business Center (WBC) is the first women’s ?business center in South LA and Watts. It will offer support to Black and Latino women ?entrepreneurs.

Marva Smith Battle-Bey founded VSEDC and led the organization for 35 years before her passing in 2016.

By California Black Media Staff

Seventy Black Women will be “crowned” when the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI) presents the 2024 California Trailblazers Hall of Fame Awards Celebration. The event will be held at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre in L.A. on June 14 at 6:30 p.m.

“The Trailblazers Hall of Fame Awards honor and celebrate the remarkable achievements of California Black Women who have made significant contributions in their respective fields,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, CABWCEI president and CEO.

“These trailblazers serve as inspiring role models and catalysts for positive change in our communities,” she said.

CABWCEI is a non-profit that is focused on impacting and improving the lives of Black Women and Girls throughout the state by partnering with corporate, social, not for profit and advocacy organizations to develop programs and initiatives designed to dismantle systemic and economic barriers Black women and girls face.

The Trailblazers Hall of Fame Awards is the first program that highlights Black Women leaders from various parts of California. Honorees will receive an award and a bejeweled crown to represent their royalty and authority, said Todd Griffin.

Cedric “The Entertainer” and his wife Lorna Kyles, event co-chairs, will kick off the show. In addition, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, and other dignitaries will attend the ceremony.

The evening will consist of three segments: A VIP Reception where more than 32 women will be recognized; an Awards Ceremony that will honor more than 38 Legacy Trailblazers and include top entertainment; and an Afterparty with acclaimed deejays, dancing, signature drinks and hors d’oeuvres. For tickets, visit TrailblazerHallofFame.eventbrite.com.

Honorees are from multiple disciplines ranging from advocacy, corporate and civil rights to legal, entertainment and labor. They have all significantly impacted and improved the lives of Black Women and Girls throughout the state.

Inaugural events were held in 2022 in both Northern and Southern California and honored 100 women, including individuals such as Bass, U.S. Congressmember Maxine Waters (D-CA-43); Tia Orr, Executive Director, SEIU California; Crystal Crawford, Executive Director of the Western Center on Law and Poverty; and Yolanda Richardson, CEO, San Francisco Health Plan. This year’s event will combine both regions.

The California Trailblazers Hall of Fame Awards Celebration supports the work of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute which focuses on improving the lives of Black Women and Girls by uplifting their voices and the issues that impact them. CABWCEI has three core programs – The CA Black Women’s Think Tank, Conversations for Black Women and Protect Black Women and Girls.

2024 CA Black Women’s Trailblazer Hall of Fame Awardees include:

For more information, visit www.CABlackWomensCollective.org.