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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.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Omnitrans is pleased to welcome Dietter Aragon as the agency’s new Director of Operations.

As leader of the agency’s largest department, Aragon will oversee day-to-day service, operations, and training.

“Dietter’s unique combination of public/private sector transit and technology experience will be invaluable to Omnitrans initiatives, from West Valley Connector rapid transit to communications system upgrades,” said CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers.

“Omnitrans is an agency at the forefront of innovative mobility solutions that will enhance connections across our region, and I look forward to leading the Operations team to ensure the highest quality transit experience for our employees and customers,” said Aragon.

Aragon began his transit career in 2001 as a coach operator, and since then has advanced through several leadership roles in quality assurance, transit planning, and operations oversight spanning three transit agencies in Southern California, including Foothill Transit, the Antelope Valley Transit Authority, and Torrance Transit before overseeing transit/paratransit technology solutions in the private sector. He is a graduate of Brandman University and serves as a Board Member of Latinos in Transit, embodying his commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the transportation industry.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has announced that an agreement has been reached to settle a $100 million lawsuit stemming from a 2022 officer involved shooting, filed by the estate of Rob Marquise Adams. The settlement amount was $4 million.

“San Bernardino agreed to the settlement recognizing the costs and attorneys’ fees to take a federal civil rights case to trial, as well as the risks associated with a civil jury, given the current climate in the courts,” said attorney Steven Rothans, who represented the city on the case.

In addition to the city and the estate of Rob Marquise Adams, the agreement includes the two police officers involved.

Both the City and representatives of the estate of Rob Adams had been in mediation with retired Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Dan Buckley. The settlement was reached on February 17, 2024.

The trial was scheduled to begin in June. The $4 million total includes all payments to the plaintiffs and fees to their attorneys, Ben Crump, and Brad Gage, as well as additional costs, expert witnesses, etc.

The case was a result of a fatal officer involved shooting that occurred on July 16, 2022.

Two officers from the San Bernardino Police Department drove into an alleyway near the 400 block of Highland Avenue in the City of San Bernardino to obtain information that could potentially lead to a search warrant on a location known for illegal gambling activity.

The officers had learned that a subject known as “JuJu”, who was a convicted felon and had recently been released from custody, was working as a security guard for the gambling establishment.

As the two officers proceeded in their unmarked police unit into the alley, a male African American (later identified as Rob Marquise Adams) who matched the description of the individual that officers had received information about lifted his t-shirt revealing a firearm to the officers. The officers quickly exited their unmarked vehicle in uniforms, identified themselves as police officers, and commanded the male subject to “freeze”.

The individual did not freeze, but with a firearm in his right hand began to run from the officers in between two parked vehicles. Believing that the subject was trying to find cover and ambush the officers, one of the officers fired six rounds at the suspect as the suspect began to turn to look back over his left shoulder. A firearm was recovered at the scene and subsequently tested positive for the subject’s DNA.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— As part of the national Vietnam Veterans Commemoration, Rep. Pete Aguilar hosted a commemoration ceremony for Inland Empire Vietnam War veterans.

In advance of the National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, Rep. Aguilar presented Vietnam Veterans with the Vietnam Veterans Lapel Pin provided by the Department of Defense.

“The veterans honored at this event, and the thousands of Inland Empire veterans who served in Vietnam, have made extraordinary sacrifices for our country,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’m glad to have hosted this commemoration ceremony to recognize their patriotism and dedication, and I will continue to fight on behalf of the veterans in our community to ensure they have access to the benefits they’ve earned.”

“We appreciate Congressman Aguilar coming out to VFW Post 6476 in Colton to recognize our Vietnam Veterans. Ceremonies like this one reassure our Vietnam Veterans that their service to the nation is not forgotten,” said Bernie Moyeda, Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6476, Colton, CA, and Vietnam Veteran.

Last year, Rep. Aguilar’s bill, the Wounded Warrior Access Act, was signed into law. This bill streamlines veterans’ benefits claims process, so veterans can access their benefits more easily and in a timely manner.

Photos from the event can be found here.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has announced that Gabriel Elliott has joined its leadership team as its new Community Development and Housing Director.

“Gabriel Elliott has a diverse and distinguished background in planning and community development,” said City Manager Charles Montoya. “His experience in these areas will be instrumental in moving projects forward like the General Plan Update and the recently funded $35 million Community Wellness Campus.”

Elliott’s appointment as Community Development and Housing Director became effective March 18. Prior to joining San Bernardino, Elliott was the Director of Planning for the County of Calaveras.

“I am excited to join the City of San Bernardino as Director of Community Development and Housing,” said Elliott. “I plan to lead with empathy, as the most important virtue in community development leadership is empathy.”

Elliott has over 30 years in planning and community development for local government agencies. In addition to his work for Calaveras County, Elliot served as the City Manager and Development Services Director for the City of Adelanto, as well as leadership positions with the City of Salinas and College Station (Texas).

Elliott holds both a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Texas A&M University.

The Director of Community Development and Housing is responsible for the planning and direction of the Department, which has a staff of 77 employees. This position is responsible for the supervision, financial management and efficient operation of the Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, and Housing an Homelessness divisions within the Community Development and Housing Department.

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.

Laurena “Lala” Bolden embodies the spirit of community and service, deeply rooted in her upbringing and family values. A proud native of Highland, CA, Laurena’s journey is intertwined with her commitment to giving back and uplifting those around her. Raised on the San Manuel Indian Reservation, Laurena learned the importance of community involvement from her mother, Alaina, and her grandparents, James & Rowena. Their dedication to serving others inspired Laurena to follow in their footsteps, becoming a beacon of hope and support in her own right.

As a devoted wife and mother of two boys, Laurena leads by example, prioritizing family values and community engagement. Her involvement in the San Manuel Tribal Council as a Councilmember and Vice Chair of the tribe’s Education Board underscores her dedication to her tribal community.

Guided by the foundational principle of “Putting God first in everything we do” and the belief in offering a “hand up” whenever possible, Laurena’s compassion knows no bounds. Her support to various youth sports’ leagues and collaboration with Loma Linda University Health reflect her commitment to promoting pediatric and behavioral health initiatives.

In the words of her grandmother, “Laurena understands the importance of paying forward the kindness and generosity she has received.”

“Laurena’s heart for the community is evident in her life. Her generosity and commitment to helping others throughout various efforts show a true community champion and we are honored to be giving her this award”, said Vanessa Perez, Executive Director.

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; Kellie Todd Griffin at CA Black Women’s Collective with the Michelle Obama Courage 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 22nd Annual Awards Gala will be held on Friday, April 19, 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— The San Bernardino County Spelling Bee concluded with exhilarating victories, showcasing exceptional linguistic scholars from across the region. Representing a diverse array of school districts and charter schools, the competition culminated in a thrilling event between the county’s finest spellers.

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) hosted the annual competition at San Bernardino Valley College on March 13.

This year’s champions emerged from the ranks of Etiwanda School District. Shrey Parikh, a sixth-grade student, and Srikanth Satheesh Kumar, an eighth-grade student, demonstrated exceptional skill and composure throughout the competition.

“The San Bernardino County Spelling Bee serves as a testament to the dedication and talent of our students,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “It’s inspiring to witness their hard work and determination on display, showcasing their semantic skills in such a challenging and prestigious competition.”

Sixth-grader Parikh solidified his victory after correctly spelling the word “rarefaction.” Satheesh Kumar was named the co-champion after providing the correct spelling of the word “recrudescent.”

The champions will now prepare to compete on the national stage where they will represent San Bernardino County during the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

Parikh expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a prestigious event. “Thank you to my mom and dad, family, and my teacher Ms. Miller and to all the spelling bee organizers,” said Parikh.

“I would like to thank my mom, dad, and my brother for support and always being there for me. I will always be thankful for my teachers for encouraging me,” said eighth grader Satheesh Kumar.

Participating school districts in this year’s Spelling Bee included Alta Loma SD, Apple Valley Unified SD, Central SD, Etiwanda SD, Ontario-Montclair SD, San Bernardino City Unified SD, Snowline Joint Unified SD, Upland Unified SD, and Victor Valley Union High SD. Students from Empire Springs Charter, Granite Mountain Charter, and Inland Leaders Charter also participated in this year’s competition.

The San Bernardino County Spelling Bee not only celebrates academic achievement but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants.

The top five 2024 Spelling Bee Champions are:

• First Place Champion – Shrey Parikh, Day Creek Intermediate School
• First Place Champion – Srikanth Satheesh Kumar, Heritage Intermediate School
• Second Place Champion – Ruiee Shih, Day Creek Intermediate School
• Third Place Champion – Abheri Sureddi, John L. Golden Elementary School
• Fourth Place Champion – Afiyah Ashrafi, Spring Charter Schools
• Fourth Place Champion – Anika Crowe, Granite Mountain Charter School
• Fourth Place Champion – Katherine Odell, Spring Charter Schools
• Fourth Place Champion – Leilani Saito, Sitting Bull Academy
• Fifth Place Champion – Summer He, Caryn Elementary School
• Fifth Place Champion – Sophia Raqueno, Ruth Musser Middle School
• Fifth Place Champion – Yahya Tchich, Summit Intermediate School

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.#transforminglives

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Join the Social Lites Inc., for an unforgettable evening at its Beautillion Scholarship Program. This exciting event will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at California State University, San Bernardino. Get ready to witness an extraordinary showcase of talent, grace, and intellect as the community honors and celebrates outstanding young men in the community.

Throughout the evening, you’ll be captivated by the exceptional performances and presentations from the remarkable scholarship candidates. These young men have demonstrated remarkable leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement, making them true inspirations for the next generation. As you mingle with fellow attendees, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with community leaders, educators, and like-minded individuals who share a passion for empowering our youth.

The Social Lites, Inc. Beautillion Scholarship Program is not only a celebration but also a chance to build meaningful connections and foster a supportive network.

In addition to the program, the organization will also honor Chief Joe Paulino, Edward Brantley, Wallace Allen, Alton Garrett, Hardy Brown Sr., Hardy Brown Jr., Robert Bivens, and other recipients, Social Lites Inc., recognizes the importance of celebrating those who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to making the world a better place. Their contributions serve as a reminder that each of us has the power to effect positive change and leave a lasting impact on our communities.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 5:30 PM and make your way to California State University, San Bernardino to be a part of this momentous occasion as we recognize and uplift these extraordinary young men. We look forward to seeing you there!  Tickets can be purchased by contacting Marlene Davis (909)709-5502.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) students from Jones, Muscoy, E. Neal Roberts and Thompson Elementary Schools, Paakuma’ K–8 School and Del Vallejo and Shandin Hills Middle Schools proved their knowledge of Black and African American history and took the top prizes during the 41st Annual Black History Bee on Saturday, Feb. 24 at Indian Springs High School.

During the Black History Bee, teams of two students competed in a spelling bee-like event, with each team demonstrating their knowledge of Black and African American history and culture, including local historical figures.

During select rounds, students were also asked to either identify or recite stanzas from the works of famous African American poets.

The winning teams were:

• Third- and Fourth-Grade Division
  • First Place: Kenia Sandoval and Solei’ Lockett, Jones Elementary School
  • Second Place: Tamel Belton and Ezekiel Corona, Muscoy Elementary School
  • Third Place: Jaceer Gray and Malachi Arlington, Thompson Elementary School
• Fifth- and Sixth-Grade Division
  • First Place: Javier Torres-Martinez and Kevin Ortiz-Ramirez, Jones Elementary School
  • Second Place: Ayden Martinez and Javon Wilson, Jones Elementary School
  • Third Place: Joi Avery and Faith Kemp-Stallworth, Roberts Elementary School
• Middle School Division
  • First Place: Winter Williams and Faith Manago, Paakuma’ K–8 School
  • Second Place: Liam Harris and Kaylee Bush, Paakuma’ K–8 School
  • Third Place: My Asia Boyd and Zha’raea Jackson, Del Vallejo and Shandin Hills Middle Schools

For 41 years, the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. (NSPDK), Delta Rho Chapter sponsored the Black History Bee for SBCUSD elementary and middle school students. SBCUSD’s Department of Equity & Targeted Student Achievement (ETSA) was proud to partner with Delta Rho Chapter for the first time for their 41st Black History Bee.

“We are grateful to the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Delta Rho Chapter and to the individual ladies of the organization for keeping the Bee going in San Bernardino,” said ETSA Director Dr. Wil Greer. “Over the past 41 years, they have educated generations of students on the richness of Black History. We are proud to sponsor and partner with them in this very important endeavor.”

For information on the services and support offered by ETSA,

visit https://www.sbcusd.com/departments/educational-services-division and select Equity & Targeted Student Achievement from the list at the left.

For more information about Delta Rho Chapter, visit https://sites.google.com/view/nspdkdeltarho/home.