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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Seven distinguished young men were presented to society on Saturday, March 30th, 2024, at the beautiful campus of California State University. Sir Knight 2004 Raafi Bell teacher and principle of Hardy Brown College Prep was the Master of Ceremony.

The 57th Annual Beautillion Ball which was no disappointment to a packed house of spectators as each young man was introduced along with their courts. Elegance, excitement, and suspense were thick in the air as the Knights and their courts performed dances with precession for their guests. The Keynote speaker was Dr. Jerrold N. Thompson, Sr., Senior Pastor of San Bernardino Community SDA Church – where he spoke on our theme of “Your Moment of Greatness” and shared his personal examples on the theme.

The Social Lites honored Wallace Allen of Westside Story / Talk Back, Michael Davis, Alton Garrett – Garrett Management Group, Dr. Danielle Osonduagwuike, Tina Darling, Councilman Damon Alexander and SBVC Aeronautics Department of Valley College with service awards for their unselfish act of pouring into our young men through the last 6 months with their various workshops and activities.

In full force our representatives from the federal, state, county and local government were present which included our Congressional Representative Pete Aguilar of the 33rd District, James Ramos California State Assembly representing District 45th office, Assembly member Eloise Gomez-Reyes representing the 50th California Assembly District, Joe Baca Jr. San Bernardino County 5th District, Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers, San Bernardino of the County of School Board and Damon Alexander of the 7th Ward of the City of San Bernardino and Felicia Alexander, San Bernardino City Unified School District Trustee and Social Lite member who presented our Knights with certificates and witnessed the affair.

Our Successful Well Accomplished Gentleman (S.W.A.G.) Award for 2024 was awarded to Edward Brantley, President of the “I Am Gifted Foundation” for providing countless assistance in coaching and providing a stellar example to our young men and Chief Joseph Paulino, Chief of Police for the San Bernardino City Unified School District was awarded the Trail Blazer Award for giving back numerous years to our young men and creating a path while forging ahead for others.

The evening concluded with our crowning of Sir Knight Solomon Moore of Citrus Valley High School. As dubbed Sir Knight, he receiving over $22,500.00 in scholarships and awards for the prestigious title. This included $10,000.00 for the Social Lites, Inc. (SLI) Scholarship, $6,000.00 for the Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leadership Memorial (ETCEL) Award, $3,000 Academic Excellence Award, a $400.00 Mr. Congeniality Award and a $1,000 Travel Voucher including his countless gifts valued at over $1,800.00 for college expenses to allow him to pursue his dream to become a Civil Engineer at Tennessee State University.

Daniel Rivera, Jr., 1^st Runner- Up was awarded $8,000.00 along with $3,000 Academic Excellence Award by the (SLI) Scholarship, $1,000.00 for the (ETCEL) Award along with a host of gifts and prizes valued at over $1,800.00.

2^nd Runner-Up Syncere Brackett-Lambey was awarded $6,000.00 by the (SLI) Scholarship and $1,000.00 for the (ETCEL) Award along with a host of gifts and prizes valued at over $1,950.00.

Darvion McGee was awarded the Perservance Award by the (SLI) Scholarship of $4,000.00 and $1,000.00 for the (ETCEL) Award along with a host of other gifts and prizes valued at $1,500.00.

Ali Dphrepaulezz was awarded the President Award by the (SLI) Scholarship of $2,000.00 and $1,000.00 Academic Excellence Award and $1,000.00 for the (ETCEL) Award along with a host of other gifts and prizes valued over $1,700.00.

Frank Cox III was awarded the Social Lites Award of $1,500.00, $1,000.00 Academic Excellence Award, $1,000.00 for the (ETCEL) Award and along with a host of other gifts and prizes valued at over $1,100.00.

Destyn Maurice was awarded by the (SLI) Scholarship of $8,000.00 for the Alumni Award and $1,000.00 for the (ETCEL) Award along with other gifts and prizes valued at over $1,100.00.

Each young man received a host of Resolutions and Proclamations by local mayors and dignitaries.

As we conclude our ceremonial event, our work is NOT over. With your help, we are seeking our next African American and brown young men to set on the path toward higher levels through their education. The Social Lites program is a non-profit (501c3) program that created the Beautillion Program. It was started in the Inland Empire out of concern for the future and survival of the young black and brown men in the community in which they live and serve. This program is designed to help young men who are seniors in high school prepare for college through the solicitation of ads, leadership development, accountability, responsibility, etiquette, attire for all occasions, spiritual growth, publics peaking, and community service.

If you know any young men 6 years old to their 1st year in college who aspire to improve with their educational aspirations. Please reach out to us so that we can bring them into the program. If you would like to donate to our cause, we appreciate all contributions. To date, we have we have given out approximately 3.5 million dollars in scholarships to our college bound young men.

For more information, please call President, Sheri Lewis at (909) 320-0799 or publicity chairperson, Marlene Davis at (909) 709-5502

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Time for Change Foundation’s (TFCF) 22nd Annual Awards Gala will honor outstanding individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for our communities and continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Kellie Todd Griffin is a dynamic leader with a rich history of driving change and empowering communities across California. With an impressive portfolio spanning 25 years, Kellie has made significant strides in community engagement, strategy development, and social impact initiatives.

As the President and CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, Kellie oversees transformative programs such as the CA Black Women’s Think Tank at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Her experience in healthcare leadership has earned her recognition as a champion for healthcare equity, culminating in her receipt of the Los Angeles County Woman of the Year award.

Kellie’s dedication to political advocacy and community organizing is evident in her leadership of initiatives like CA African Americans for Obama, which she co-chaired alongside prominent figures like Karen Bass and Kamala Harris.

Kellie channels her expertise in public affairs, communications, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to empower nonprofits, government entities, and corporations. Her entrepreneurial spirit is further demonstrated through her founding of organizations such as Sistallect, Inc. and the California Black Women and Girls Social and Economic Impact Fund.

“Kellie Todd Griffin’s unwavering dedication to community empowerment and social justice serves as an inspiration to all who have the privilege of collaborating with her,” said Kim Carter-Tillman, Founder/Ambassador of Time for Change Foundation, “She is truly an inspiration to all women!”

Other Award Honorees include:

Bobby Wagner, football player of the NFL, with the Philanthropist of the Year Award; Rev. George Lamb at F.A.C.C.T with the Lifetime Achievement Award; Dr. Rita (Faridah) Ali from We 2 Matter with the Humanitarian Award; Dawn Downs to receive the Businesswoman of the Year Award; Laurena Bolden at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians with the Community Champion Award; Pastor Craig Hadley from Paradox Church with the Nancy Varner Angel Award; and Rialto ROTC with the Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award.

Time for Change Foundation’s 22^nd Annual Awards Gala will be held on Friday, April 19th, 2024, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario, California at 6:00 p.m. PST. To support the work of Time for Change Foundation, you can become a sponsor, purchase an ad in the event program book, or purchase a Gala ticket.

To register for the event or to become a sponsor and increase your business’s visibility in the community, please visit our website at www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org, or contact Florence White at (909) 886-2994 or by email at fwhite@timeforchangefoundation.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— It was all about smiles, laughter, and a bit of friendly competition at

Glen Helen Regional Park last weekend. This event was dedicated to our community’s underserved at-risk youth and children from San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS), aiming to provide a joyful and inclusive experience for all participants.

This year’s event was made possible through the collaboration of various partners, including the San Bernardino County Probation Department, Regional Parks, and Bass Pro Shop.

“I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped make this day happen,” Supervisor Baca shared, “It’s events like these that remind us of the simple joys in life—fishing, laughing, and spending time with each other. It’s about the kids, their families, and seeing those moments of pure happiness. That’s what it’s really all about.”

In addition to the fishing activities, the event also provided free lunch to ensure that all families were fed. “Seeing the community come together for our kids—especially those who’ve had it tough—means the world to me,” Baca added.

In acknowledging the collaborative effort, Jonathan Byers, Assistant Director of Children and Family Services, shared, “Today isn’t just about catching fish; it’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime. Fishing is an opportunity to connect with nature, bond with loved ones, and make unforgettable memories. It’s a chance to unplug from screens, get outdoors, and simply enjoy each other’s company.”

San Bernardino County works hard to create special moments for our youth. Supervisor Baca is looking forward to next year, hoping to introduce even more kids to their first fishing experience.

By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he granted clemency to 52 people: 37 pardons and 18 commutations.

One of the people the Governor is requesting a full pardon for is  Earlonne Woods, who was formerly incarcerated at San Quentin and is one of the creators of the popular, award-winning podcast Ear Hustle, which chronicles prison life.

Woods, a Los Angeles native who now lives in Oakland, recently signed a deal to work with Morgan Freeman on a documentary series.

Because Woods has been convicted of two or more felonies, his pardon will have to be approved by the State Supreme Court.

“The California Constitution gives the Governor the authority to grant executive clemency in the form of a pardon, commutation, or reprieve, the statement from the Governor’s office reads.

“The Governor regards clemency as an important part of the criminal justice system that can incentivize accountability and rehabilitation, increase public safety by removing counterproductive barriers to successful reentry, correct unjust results in the legal system, and address the health needs of incarcerated people with high medical risks.

Woods, an outspoken advocate for repealing California’s Three Strikes law, spent 21 years in prison, for attempted robbery.

Newsom also granted a posthumous pardon to civil rights activist William Burwell, whose life and advocacy became the impetus for establishing Cal State Northridge’s Africana Studies Department. In 1969, Burwell was arrested and convicted of misdemeanor trespass and failure to disperse during a racial justice protest on campus.

By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

To mark César Chávez Day on March 31, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, who is the son of farmworkers, partnered with Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria (D-Fresno) to honor the legacy of labor leader Cesar Chavez.

“César Chávez is an inspiration, said Soria in short video the two lawmakers posted on X.

“His leadership and advocacy created opportunities for generations of farmworkers – the men and women who feed our entire nation and the entire world. He worked tirelessly alongside Dolores Huerta and others, added Soria. Today, we remember César Chávez’s many lessons and we reiterate our commitment to fight for protections and the right of every worker.”

Ahead of a Los Angeles event organized Sunday by presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy to celebrate the Mexican American labor activist and civil rights leader, Chávez family issued a statement opposing the use of his image in political campaigning.

“When we saw Bobby Kennedy begin to use images of my father, and then when we heard about this event in L.A., it really prompted us to stand up and to make sure that people understood that the Chavez family does not support his campaign,” wrote the labor icon’s son, Paul Chávez.

Andres Chavez, Paul’s son, also registered his outrage with the Kennedy campaign.

“We’ve never seen anybody go as far as using that image for political gain,” said of Kennedy’s campaign event invitation.

The leadership of the National Chavez Center in Keene has announed that they tend to endorse President Biden.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is holding a recruitment fair on Saturday, April 6 at Indian Springs High School. This event presents an excellent opportunity for educators and professionals seeking employment opportunities within California’s eighth-largest school district.

There will be interview opportunities with Mauricio Arellano, SBCUSD Superintendent; Dr. Marcus Funchess, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources; and Ms. Dion Clark, Director of Human Resources, Certificated. There will be visual opportunities, which include information booths showcasing career opportunities across various SBCUSD departments and schools; and on-site interviews and résumé submissions for interested candidates.

Educators from diverse backgrounds are invited to explore rewarding career opportunities with SBCUSD and join our team of dedicated individuals committed to making a positive impact on the lives of students in San Bernardino and Highland.

The job fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Indian Springs High School is located at 650 North Del Rosa Drive in San Bernardino, California.

Delia Jimenez Cioc was appointed as the first female Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Jimenez Cioc offers a deep understanding of agricultural practices, environmental protection, consumer protection, and weights and measures regulations to her new role after nearly two decades within Riverside County’s Agricultural Commissioner’s Office.

Jimenez Cioc began her journey with the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office in 2004 after graduating from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Biology. Over the years, she has showcased exemplary dedication and leadership in various capacities within the department.

“We are pleased to welcome Delia as the new Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures,” expressed Board Chair Chuck Washington, Third District. “With a true passion for agriculture and public service, we look forward to working closely with her to support and innovate the county’s agricultural sector.”

Throughout her tenure, Jimenez Cioc has held pivotal roles, including Supervising Agricultural and Standards Investigator, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, and most recently, Assistant Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer. In these positions, she has overseen critical aspects of departmental operations, including managing substantial budgets, supervising personnel, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jimenez Cioc holds a Master of Public Administration from California Baptist University, further enhancing her ability to serve the community effectively.

“As the new Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Riverside County, I remain committed to promoting and protecting our agriculture, the environment, and the residents of our beautiful and diverse county while upholding equity in the marketplace,” said Jimenez Cioc.

Jimenez Cioc’s passion for agriculture dates back to her childhood, where she was surrounded by fields of wheat, corn, grapevines, and sunflowers. This early connection to farming instilled in her a profound appreciation for the industry, which she continues to nurture through her personal and professional endeavors. Outside of work, she enjoys cultivating fruits and vegetables in her backyard and exploring different cuisines and cultures during her travels.

In her new role, Jimenez Cioc assumes leadership of more than 50 employees tasked with upholding the functions of Riverside County’s Agricultural Commissioner’s Office in service to the community. This appointment follows the retirement of the former Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, Ruben Arroyo.

YUCAIPA, CA— Crafton Hills College (CHC) proudly announces Damian G. Garcia as the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient. This accolade, presented each year by the CHC Foundation, recognizes a former student who exemplifies the dynamic and positive qualities the Crafton experience can produce.

Born and raised in the Inland Empire, Garcia’s upbringing influenced his work ethic and drive early on. Despite facing challenges and being among the few Hispanic people in his community and academic career, Garcia remained committed to pursuing higher education and professional success. He was the first of his family to attend college.

“My parents, particularly my father, instilled the values of hard work, determination and perseverance,” said Garcia. “My family influenced me to always strive for success, no matter what hardships interfered with my path.”

Garcia’s higher education journey began at CHC, where he laid the foundation for his academic pursuits while balancing his personal and professional life.

“Persistence, dedication and patience are character traits I developed during my academic path,” shared Garcia. “Especially at Crafton Hills College, where I had to balance my married life, my professional career, and my academics. I believe my education and experience at Crafton helped me improve my academic skills, ultimately giving me the confidence to further my education.”

After completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Riverside, Garcia attained a Master of Business Administration at the University of Redlands, followed by a law degree from the University of La Verne.

Garcia’s commitment to justice and diversity inspired him to become an attorney and eventually serve as a judge. Recognizing the lack of diversity in the judiciary, he pursued a legal career with a vision to effect positive change in his community.

“I have a passion for the law and justice. I believe I offered a unique and effective balance of passion to serve, passion for the law and passion for justice,” said Garcia. “I believe the diversity of the judiciary should reflect the diversity of the population they serve.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Garcia remains committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation.

He has spoken to groups of at-risk and underrepresented high school and middle school students in the Redlands Unified School District and Perris Union High School District about success and his journey to become an attorney. He has also mentored students at the University of Redlands and the University of La Verne College of Law.

“I intend to continue to motivate and inspire the youth in my community,” Garcia expressed. “Our children have been under significant stress and anxiety because of recent societal events, including the pandemic. The mental health of society, and particularly our youth, needs significant attention to ensure a healthy and productive future.”

Garcia will be honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award at the CHC Foundation Fundraiser/Gala on Thursday, April 18.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, Rep. Pete Aguilar hosted a celebration event for the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) being signed into law and lowering the cost of health care for millions of Americans.

This year, nearly two million Californians enrolled through the ACA open marketplace, including close to 20,000 in the region that Rep. Aguilar represents.

“In the last 14 years, we’ve witnessed the Affordable Care Act change millions of lives by lowering the cost of health care and connecting a record-breaking number of Americans to health insurance coverage,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’m proud to have fought to defend the benefits of the ACA and will continue working to make comprehensive health care more accessible for our community to improve the health outcomes of the Inland Empire.”

“The Affordable Care Act has provided an opportunity to expand coverage to residents who did not have access to health care services,” said Joe Baca, Jr., San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor. “Furthermore, the ACA provided the opportunity to provide preventive services that would not have been available before. Had these preventative services not been included as covered benefits, insurance companies could have burdened residents with the cost, thus creating a barrier to preventative health care services.”

“As we commemorate the anniversary of the ACA, we express our gratitude for the opportunity to extend quality health care to a greater number of individuals,” said Susie White, Chief Operating Officer at Inland Empire Health Plan. “Through our commitment to both Medi-Cal and our collaborative efforts with Covered California, we are honored to play a vital role in enhancing access to comprehensive care for this community and beyond.”

Photos from the event can be found here.

RIVERSIDE, CA— Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1887 by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, into law. AB 1887 extends the application deadline for state financial aid programs, including the Cal Grant and Middle-Class Scholarship, from April 2 to May 2. The new law is a response to the ongoing implementation issues with the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which has left many California students unable to apply for financial aid and wreaked havoc on the enrollment timeline for colleges and universities.

“Making the path to fulfilling our students’ dreams of achieving higher education more affordable and accessible is among the highest duties of our state government, and Assembly Bill 1887 being signed into law is a way to honor that duty,” said Assemblymember Cervantes. “This new law will give California students more time to complete the FAFSA and gain access to the financial resources they need to begin their college careers in earnest.”

In late 2020, Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act, which was intended to streamline the FAFSA and make it more accessible for working families. This included reducing the number of questions asked of student applicants from more than 100 questions to less than 40.

However, the implementation of FAFSA reforms has not been easy. Delays in necessary technological upgrades and reduced staffing levels helped contribute to the new FAFSA being made available several months late in 2023. One significant problem is that students with parents who are undocumented have experienced an error message because their parents lack a Social Security number. This has rendered these students unable to complete the FAFSA. Nationwide, FAFSA submissions are down nearly 33 percent compared to the previous academic year.

Assembly Bill 1887 extends the application deadline for state financial aid programs from April 2 to May 2. The new law also allows the federal government to have more time to solve the ongoing implementation issues with the new FAFSA, including the barrier blocking students with parents who are undocumented from completing their applications. It will also provide our colleges and universities with more time to make admissions decisions, provide financial aid award offers, and finalize their enrollment decisions.

“I am grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature—especially Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire—for working with me to move Assembly Bill 1887 rapidly through the legislative process so we can give California students more time to apply for financial aid,” said Assemblymember Cervantes. “I also want to thank Governor Newsom for moving quickly to sign the bill into law so our students can get immediate relief.”

Because Assembly Bill 1887 includes an urgency clause, it goes into effect immediately after being signed into law by the Governor. You can find more information about AB 1887 here.