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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is bringing back its popular “Sizzlin’ Summer Nights” Concert Series at Perris Hill Park’s Historic Roosevelt Bowl for eight Thursday nights starting June 6 and running through August 1. Now in its third year, the free series will feature music, food, artesian vendors, and activities.
Perris Hill Park’s Roosevelt Bowl is located at 1003 East Highland Avenue in San Bernardino.

Musical styles during the series will include Funk and Soul, Motown, Country, Big Band Swing, Latin Soul, Top 40, as well as performances by two popular Southern California tribute bands.

“Evenings at the Roosevelt Bowl are amazing, and the Summer Concerts turn it into one big dance party,” said San Bernardino Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director Lydie Gutfeld.
Kicking off the series on Thursday, June 6, will be Nojac, a San Bernardino based funk and soul group. Nojac has opened for bands such as Tierra and Malo, and their set includes favorites from artists such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Tower of Power.

Other performers during the series are:
June 6: Nojac (Funk and Soul)
June 13: Blue Breeze Band (Motown)
June 20: Nubes – Pride Night (Caifanes Tribute)
June 27: Pulp Vixen Band (Classic Rock)
July 11: Country Nation (Country)

July 18: Wise Guys Big Band (Big Band Vegas Swing)
July 25: Latin Soul Band (Cumbias, Salsa, Reggaetón)
August 1: No Duh (No Doubt Tribute Band)

Gates will open at 5:30 pm with each concert starting at 7:30 pm. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Activities, booths, food, and vendors will be available at 5:30 pm.
One of the new activities this year will be an “Art in the Park Sip and Paint Experience,” in which attendees will have the opportunity to try out their painting skills under the guidance of an instructor while enjoying a beverage.

There will be no performance on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

The 1,800-seat Roosevelt Bowl at Perris Hill Park was built and dedicated in 1934 as part of the depression era Federal Work Progress Administration. Since then, the outdoor amphitheater has been a featured gathering place in San Bernardino for musical, artistic,
and cultural performances, civic events, and graduations.

By Lila Brown | California Black Media

Before becoming a nationally recognized social justice leader and a member of California’s Mandated Reporting Taskforce, Shane Harris spent 13 years as a foster care youth after he lost both of his parents. As President of the national civil rights organization, People’s Association of Justice Advocates (PAJA), he’s aiming to solve some of the toughest challenges Black and Brown children in the foster care system face.

During National Foster Care Month in May, Harris visited the Sanctuary of Hope in Los Angeles to host a roundtable meeting with current and former foster youth, many of whom, like Harris, have beat the odds and become successful professionals — government officials, social workers and community activists leading their own organizations.

Sanctuary of Hope is a non-profit organization that works to empower youth through education, stabilization initiatives and the dismantling of social and economic barriers that may impede their progress.

According to the federal government’s Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, there are nearly 370,000 American children and youth in foster care. Approximately 18,500 youth are emancipated from foster care without a permanent family annually and in 2021, 77% of eligible youth in foster care, ages 14–21 years old, left care without receiving the federally funded services necessary to prepare them for adulthood and independent living.

Nationally, Black children are overrepresented in foster care. According to datacenter.kidscount.org, Black children represented 14% of the total child population in the United States. However, they represented 23% of all children in foster care. Harris pointed out that one out of every four foster youth go homeless upon exiting foster care in California. Across the state, there are nearly 65,000 children in foster care, he added. Of the 65,000 children in foster care across California, 14,000 of them are Black American.

Harris also announced a new effort already underway to push for the removal of the term “case” in L.A. County when referring to foster youth during the roundtable which featured Hafsa Kaka, Senior Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and Janet Kelly, the Founder and Director of Sanctuary of Hope. The session focused on solving problems foster youth face.

Sharing personal stories, insights, and various visions for policy changes, the participants discussed numerous solutions and addressed specific concerns about ongoing challenges with the foster care system.

One top priority was how to close the foster care to homelessness pipeline for the disproportionate number of Black and Brown children in LA County’s and the state’s foster care system.

Los Angeles County has the highest number of children in foster care of any county in California, with roughly 25,000 children.

“When you see the direct connection between the disproportionate rates of Black children in foster care and the disproportionate rates of Black people in the general homeless population, there is a very clear connection there in which our foster youth are coming out of care,” stated Harris during opening remarks. “Even though there are more programs, housing programs and transitional housing programs, we are still not nearly doing enough. The State’s budget cuts play a role into services being provided, and how that then could create a homelessness pipeline.”

Kaka said the governor has been intentional about making sure that foster children are homeless prioritized as the state addresses homelessness across different sectors.

“This is a critical moment for foster care,” said Kaka. “The systems that are working together are looking at leveraging federal, state and local funds. Prop 1 funds will create more dollars for youth, as well as the general population experiencing mental health, substance abuse and abuse at the intersection of homelessness.”

Harris said he has already begun efforts in San Diego County to drop the word “case” when referring to homeless youth.

“We are asking for a 90-day public input period, in which the county CEO and leadership can facilitate discussions with the community on replacement terminology. There’s plenty of ideas,” Harris elaborated. “It is a criminal justice related term. Foster care to prison pipeline is already large and vast.”

Kelly said a majority of the youth who go through the Sanctuary of Hope program are young people who have experienced some form of housing instability or housing crisis.

“The goal of the work that we do is really centered around helping young people leave here with leadership skills and other forms of what we call protective factors in order for them to continue on with their stabilization journey and become loving, caring and active citizens in this world,” Kelly said.

“It’s always great for me, especially during national foster care month, to see many of the young people that I’ve seen from the time that we founded almost 14 years ago, to see them grow or whether they are getting married or they’re graduating, becoming doctors, having children, because it really talks to the promise and the possibilities, because as individuals, we need to invest in their being, their social being, their emotional well-being, all of those things,” she added.

Last year, Newsom vetoed a bill that would have allowed foster youth to keep the money they accrue through Social Security benefits when they become adults.  The bill would have also required the state to pick up the tab for foster care costs.

A similar bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 2906, has since been introduced by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan to address the issue.

AB 2906 would require social service agencies to ensure that a foster child’s federal Social Security survivors’ benefits are not used to pay for, or to reimburse, the placing agency for any costs of the child’s care and supervision. Existing law requires every youth who is in foster care and nearing emancipation to be screened by the county for potential eligibility for SSI. The bill would also increase benefits and access to Social Security benefits for foster children.

If passed by the Legislature and signed by Newsom, AB 2906 would take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

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.