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Redlands High School Team Blue Secures Win at San Bernardino County Mock Trial Championship

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Redlands High School Team Blue claimed the esteemed San Bernardino County Mock Trial championship title. The triumphant team is set to advance to the state competition scheduled for March 22-24, 2024.

“Redlands High School Team Blue’s triumph is a testament to the extraordinary dedication and teamwork displayed by these exceptional students,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Witnessing their persuasive arguments and critical thinking skills in action was truly inspiring. Congratulations to the champions, and best wishes to them as they advance to the state competition.”

Redlands High School Team White, also from the Redlands Unified School District, secured an impressive second place in this year’s county competition, with a possibility of competing at the state level as a wildcard entry.

Members of the Mock Trial 2023-24 Redlands High School Team Blue:

  • Tala Al Ardah
  • Markus Nieal Calip
  • Kimberly Castro
  • Josephine Faulkner
  • Alexandra Martinez
  • Nahiara Modrow
  • Addison Moralez
  • Abhisri Narayanan
  • Clarice Pham
  • Lauren Reiter
  • Ryan Shagiakhmetov
  • Carol Tadros
  • Julia Tolstova
  • Mikail Trimzi
  • Grace Wang

Members of the Mock Trial 2023-24 Redlands High School Team White:

  • Fatimah Ahmed
  • Sam Buscaglia
  • Nolan Cobb
  • Ansh Dwivedi
  • Brileigh Guillen
  • William Howo
  • Aabir Khan
  • Aakriti Maske
  • Evan Miller
  • Mani Momeni
  • Sarah Moore
  • Elijah Riggins
  • Emily Thompson

This year’s county competition witnessed the participation of over 475 students from 24 teams representing 21 high schools. Students were tasked with studying a hypothetical criminal case developed by Teach Democracy, conducting legal research, and preparing strategies and persuasive arguments for trial. Roles included attorneys, witnesses, defendants, bailiffs, and clerks, guided by local legal professionals who volunteered their time.

The event, co-sponsored by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office, saw students presenting their cases before a real judge, utilizing constitutional amendments and legal objections.

Redlands High School Team Blue is now gearing up for the California Mock Trial Finals where they will compete against teams from 35 different counties. Since the 1982-1983 school year, a Redlands High School Mock Trial team has won the county competition a total of 16 times. The last time a Redlands High School team secured a county competition victory was in the 2019 – 2020 school year. Notably, the team emerged victorious in the state competition during the 2014 – 2015 and 1996 – 1997 school years.

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

San Bernardino County Now Accepting Distinguished Service Award Nominations

SAN BERNARDINO — The San Bernardino County School Boards Association and the San Bernardino County Committee on School District Organization are now accepting nominations for the 26th Annual Distinguished Service Awards.

The annual awards recognize notable individuals for their exceptional leadership and significant contributions to public education within San Bernardino County. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals known to take risks to improve educational opportunities for students, have had broad community involvement, have been willing to speak out on issues that directly impact children, and have the respect of their peers.

The deadline to submit entries is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

Criteria for nominations include how individuals have spent their career improving the quality of education in the county and through their efforts, have achieved a positive, ongoing impact on public schools. Honorees may be career educators, school board members or community members who actively support public schools.

Detailed nomination requirements can be found on the nomination form.

Award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony during the spring meeting of the San Bernardino County School Boards Association.

The online nomination form can be submitted digitally at bit.ly/24DSAApp

  

California Haircare Heiress Cheryl Morrow Leads Fight to Defend Industry Against Tort Lawsuit

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Black hair care industry manufacturers are rallying to defend their products against “attacks” from customers, scientists and federal government officials who claim they are harmful. The companies are being accused of producing relaxers and straightening creams with potentially toxic ingredients that may cause cancer.

On the frontlines of that defense in the Golden State is California Curl heiress Cheryl Morrow, who is also publisher of the San Diego Monitor News.

Morrow, daughter of the late Dr. Willie Morrow who invented and popularized the “California Curl,” also known as the “Jheri Curl” or “Jerry Curl,” has been vocal about debunking the cancer claims as misleading and assuring her customers that the relaxers her company create are not dangerous. She also highlights the pioneering spirit and innovation that led to the creation of products for Black hair care by Black companies before mainstream companies entered the businesses and began to dominate it.  In addition, she points out the many economic and social contributions pioneering Black-owned hair care manufacturers have made to the beauty industry and to Black communities across the country.

“In 2022, you come out with a study with an inconclusive correlation that all of a sudden subjugates a Black legacy of hair care manufacturing to be vilified, demonized, criminalized and connected to Cancer,” Morrow told California Black Media.

That same year, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump filed a mass tort lawsuit on behalf of Jenny Mitchell, a Black woman who he claims contracted uterine cancer after her use of chemical hair straightening products sold by L’Oréal USA. Crump is suing that company as well as entities that assisted in the development, marketing, and sale of the products including Motions, Dark & Lovely, Olive Oil Relaxer, and Organic Root Stimulator.

Mitchell says she first started using these products around 2000 and continued until 2022. In August 2018, Mitchell – who says she has no family history of uterine or other cancer – was diagnosed with the disease and underwent a full hysterectomy.

According to the lawsuit, Mitchell attended mandatory medical appointments every three months for two years and now has appointments every six months.

According to the study, published by Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also known as the “Sister Study,” frequent users of chemical hair straightening products, defined in the study as more than four uses a year, were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer than those who didn’t use those products. The study was conducted by the National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

In the U.S., uterine cancer rates and deaths are on the rise. Non-Hispanic Black women have the highest death rates and are more likely than other populations to be afflicted with aggressive subtypes of uterine cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health, which tracked data from 34,000 women in the Sister Study for more than a decade.

“Black women have long been the victims of dangerous products specifically marketed to them,” said Crump in a press release. “Black hair has been and always will be beautiful, but Black women have been told they have to use these products to meet society’s standards. We will likely discover that Ms. Mitchell’s tragic case is one of countless cases in which companies aggressively misled Black women to increase their profits.”

The study claims that chemical hair straighteners typically contain products associated with higher cancer risk, such as formaldehyde, metals, phthalates, and parabens, which may be more readily absorbed by the body through scalp burns and abrasions often caused by chemical straighteners.

In October last year, the Food and Drug Administration proposed a ban on relaxers made with formaldehyde as an ingredient.

Morrow hosts events in the community and online to educate the public about Black hair care products and point out how she feels the studies and lawsuits are misguided.

“All of that is not by accident,” Morrow insists. “In creating relaxer advocates, my goal is not to protect one brand or manufacturer over another. My goal is to tell the truth, make sure the consumer is informed, to make sure that the industry in relaxing gets innovated.”

As part of her efforts, Morrow hosted an event at the San Diego Jacobs Center in December titled “Take Your Hands Off Our Legacy.” The event showcased Black hair professionals and technicians who educated consumers about the legacies of pioneers like Annie Malone, S.B. Fuller, Marjorie Stewart-Joyner, Joe Dudley, and Dr. Willie L. Morrow. These pioneers laid the foundation for safe standards and an industry that has not only celebrated the diversity of Black hair but also contributed significantly to entrepreneurship and job creation.

“They have the language in the lawsuit that the manufacturers did not and should have known that the relaxer was dangerous. My response to them is that they should’ve known that, actually, Black people have made their products safer and have been doing that since 2007. Dr. Morrow already did it with California Cream.”

My goal here is to clear the air on both sides. To make sure that the states are supporting education, to make sure that we have a pathway to better technology, marketing options, and higher education for cosmetologists and barber stylists. You will not do this by running a pristine and the greatest segment of beauty both domestic and international.”

Court records show that about 75 cases have been filed in the mass tort lawsuit, which was formed at the beginning of February of 2023.

Morrow argues that the lawsuit is being framed as an effort to protect Black women from predatory marketing of dangerous products – many of them, the plaintiffs claim, are created by large White-owned industries.

But, in the end, Morrow says, the lawsuit is hurting the Black entrepreneurs and professionals who originated those products and have been working hard to ensure they are safe for the Black women who buy them.

 

Omnitrans Board Elects New Leadership

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— At its monthly meeting on Wednesday, the Omnitrans Board of Directors elected current Vice Chair and Mayor of Colton Frank J. Navarro to its Chair position, and current Board Member and Ontario Councilmember Alan D. Wapner to the position of Vice Chair. The offices will take effect immediately and will be held through June 2025.

“Both Mayor Navarro and Councilmember Wapner have a history of dedication to and support of Omnitrans,” said CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers after the meeting. “I look forward to partnering with the Board under their leadership to provide innovative mobility solutions to connect our region and strengthen the economy.”

Navarro, who has served as an Omnitrans Board alternate since 2012 and has been an active member since 2019, was first elected to the Colton City Council in 2012. In addition to his work for Omnitrans and the city, he serves on the Inland Valley Development Agency board, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) governing board, the Southern California Association of Government’s Regional Council and Transportation Committee, and as President of the San Bernardino International Airport Authority.

“It is an honor to have been elected as Chair of the Omnitrans Board,” said Navarro of his new position. “The agency provides a vital public service, and I look forward to working with my fellow Board members and Omnitrans’ results-focused staff to build service and continue to develop ridership and our workforce.”

Former Board of Directors Chair Wapner has a legendary record of public service, having served on the Ontario City Council for more than 27 years and as an Omnitrans Board of Directors member or alternate since 2000. He represents the city on regional boards including his service as President of the Ontario International Airport Authority, Vice Chair of the NLC Public Safety Policy Committee, the SBCTA Governing Board, the San Bernardino County Council of Governments Board of Directors, the Metrolink Board of Directors, the Metro Foothill Gold Line Extension Construction Authority Board of Directors, the League of California Cities Board of Directors and Public Safety Committee, the California Association of Councils of Government Board of Directors, and the National Association of Regional Councils Board of Directors.

Said Wapner of his election, “Omnitrans has ambitious goals in the coming years, including the West Valley Connector bus rapid transit project, and I look forward to working with its team to enhance the quality of life in our region.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute From the office of Superintendent Theodore “Ted’ Alejandre

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a world where freedom could ring true for all. Nearly 60 years following his death, we still find ourselves looking to his messages for inspiration.

When accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, Dr. King said, “I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.”

Whether it’s encouraging our students to apply for the California State Seal of Biliteracy, celebrating our multilingual student essay winners, or launching an Ethnic Studies Learning Institute to support our educators to implement new standards, we at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools are actively working to provide students with equitable, innovative, and inclusive learning opportunities. That’s how we can continue to transform lives through education.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute From the office of Assemblymember James C. Ramos, 45th District

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, falling on his actual birthday, January 15th, we celebrate the profound legacy of a visionary leader, a tireless advocate for justice, and a champion of equality. Dr. King’s dream reverberates through the ages, inspiring us to strive for a world where every voice is heard, and every heart is free.

As the first California Native American state legislator, I reflect on the parallels between Dr. King’s fight for civil rights and my commitment to equality among Native Americans. His teachings guide us not just today but throughout the year, fostering unity and understanding.

Let’s carry Dr. King’s spirit of love, compassion, and justice into our actions, shaping a future where equality knows no bounds. May this day be a reminder that together, we can build a more inclusive and harmonious world for all.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute From the office of Assembly Majority Leader Emerita, 50th District, Eloise Gómez Reyes

As we come together to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let us reflect on the enduring legacy of a visionary leader who championed justice, equality, and unity for all. Dr. King’s tireless efforts in the pursuit of civil rights have left an unforgettable mark on our nation’s history, inspiring us to strive for a society built on the principles of inclusion and equity.

In the spirit of Dr. King’s teachings, it is crucial that we continue the journey towards creating a community where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve. Our commitment to fostering an environment of inclusion is not only a tribute to Dr. King’s dream but a pledge to uphold the values that bring us closer as a society.

Let us use this day as an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the principles of justice and fairness. By working together to break down barriers and promote understanding, we can build a future that embraces the richness of our differences and ensures equal opportunities for all.

Thank you for joining me in commemorating Martin Luther King Day and embracing the ongoing journey towards inclusion and equity.

 

Annual Kingdom Day Parade Continues Legacy for the 39th Year in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA—- “Can’t stop, won’t stop, going to the promised land” was the theme of the 39th annual Kingdom Day Parade, honoring the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. 

Organizers say the Monday, January 15 event is the world’s largest and longest-running King celebration, and a beloved Los Angeles tradition. The music-filled, lively procession traveled west on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and down Crenshaw Blvd., ending near Leimert Park, where the celebration continued all day long with a community festival.

Monday’s parade, one of many community activities going on across the southland, took place on what would have been the 95th birthday of King. Civic leaders, marching bands, cultural dance groups, Greek and service organizations and more joined in the festivities.

California Concealed-Carry Law Blocked … for the Second Time

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

Senate Bill (SB) 2, California’s controversial conceal-carry permit law that took effect Jan. 1, has been blocked for a second time now.

SB 2 prohibits gun owners from carrying their concealed firearms at most public places and gatherings, including religious institutions, banks, hospitals, parks and other venues.

On January 6, a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a temporary hold on a lower court injunction that blocked the law. This most recent decision upholds a Dec. 20 ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney that blocked the law.

Before that, on December 22, Attorney Gen. Rob Bonta filed an emergency motion appealing Carney’s decision. A three-judge panel of a different 9th Circuit Court Appeal granted Bonta’s request, allowing the law to take effect, at least temporarily.

The same day, the law was blocked from taking effect, Gov. Newsom’s office shared the findings of a new survey that reports California’s gun laws are working.

Conducted by Everytown USA, a gun safety advocacy group, the survey ranks California and New York at the top of its list for having the lowest rates of gun violence.

“We compared gun policy across the country, scoring every state on the strength of its gun laws and comparing it with its rate of gun violence,” the introduction to the report reads.

“In states where elected officials have taken action to pass gun safety laws, fewer people die by gun violence,” it continues.

 

Letter to the Editor: Police Officers Stop Black Californians 132% More Than Expected

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

A California Department of Justice (DOJ) report released last week states that African Americans in California are stopped by law enforcement officers 132% more than expected, based on a comparison of stop data and residential population.

The findings were included in the DOJ’s Race and Identity Profiling Advisory (RIPA) Board’s seventh annual report. The report analyzes millions of vehicle and pedestrian stops conducted in 2022 by 560 law enforcement agencies in the state.

Established in 2016 as a result of Assembly Bill (AB) 953 written by former Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), RIPA aims to eliminate racial and identity profiling and foster diversity and racial and identity sensitivity within law enforcement.

The 223-page report features the board’s view of pretextual stops where the stops result in resisting arrest charges, looks at the impact police unions have on law enforcement accountability and protocols for law enforcement training on racial and identity profiling, and examines youth interactions with police both in and out of schools.

Black individuals made up 12.5% of stopped people analyzed in the report, with Hispanic/Latinos making up about 43% and Whites making up 32.5% of people.

In a statement released Wednesday, Attorney General Rob Bonta commented on the guidance that RIPA has given to the state in the report.

“The annual collection of the RIPA stop data is making California communities safer by directing thoughtful and reflective reform,” said Bonta.

But not everyone agrees that the data presented by RIPA is accurate or informative.

The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), an organization that represents 80,000 public safety members and over 950 associations, said the report “does not capture enough information for the Board to even satisfy California’s own legal standard for determining racial profiling.”

PORAC enlisted the help of Texas State University professor Dr. Brian Withrow to examine the data from the report which he found “inadequate in many ways.”

“The best data sets are those that recognize the complexities associated with an issue and provide robust qualitative information. However, the data the RIPA Board collects and analyzes — despite the breadth of its reach — is woefully inadequate as a measure of potential racial profiling in routine operations,” Withrow said in a statement.

Withrow recommended that other factors such as age, gender, and context of the communities where officers are assigned should all be taken into consideration along with race. He proposed that members of the RIPA Board sit down with police officers, one-on-one, to better understand why they might make a stop and how they proceed once they do.