Local

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Prop 4 proposes issuing $10 billion in bonds to fund state and local parks, environmental protection projects, water infrastructure projects, energy projects, and flood protection projects. Additionally, 40% of the bond revenue would be used to fund activities that benefit communities with lower incomes or that are affected by environmental changes or disasters.

$3.8 billion would help pay to improve drinking water systems and prepare for droughts and floods. Another $1.5 billion would go to programs focused on wildfire preparedness and $1.2 billion would go to programs combating the rise of the sea level. The remaining funds would be divided up.

Supporters of the proposition argue that the threat climate change brings to the state is an immediate one. Issues like wildfires, water pollution, and extreme heat call for funding to be directed towards countering the effects of climate change. Several environmental groups are backing the measure as well.

Supporters say urgency to push for the proposition increased even more when Gov. Gavin Newsom scaled back the “California Climate Commitment,” which originally was a $54.3 billion spending package. In the most recent budget, it was cut to $44.6 billion.

Katelyn Roedner Sutter, State Director of the California Environmental Defense Fund, is on record saying, “We need to be not only helping communities adapt to climate change right now, but we also need to be reducing our climate pollution. This is not a problem that can wait until it’s convenient to fund in the budget.”

Ariana Rickard, public policy and funding program manager for Sonoma Land Trust, added, “Every Californian has felt the impact of the climate crisis, whether it is wildfires, extreme heat, flooding, sea level rise. I feel like this will resonate with voters who want to protect themselves and their communities.”

The bond measure would also require the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to publish a list of programs and projects on the agency’s website for the public, increasing transparency and accountability with the public. The measure would require the report to list the project’s location, objective, status, anticipated outcomes, total cost, amount of bond funding, and any matching funds.

Opponents argue that using bonds to pay for what they call “unproven technologies” is not the most prudent way to approach the issues. They believe the state should pay for projects like this without taking on more debt.

Governments, corporations and municipalities issue bonds when they need capital. An investor who buys a government bond is lending the government money. If an investor buys a corporate bond, the investor is lending the corporation money. Like a loan, a bond pays interest periodically and repays the principal at a stated time, known as maturity. Taxpayers eventually are burdened with paying for the bonds the Government issues.

Howard Jarvis of the Taxpayers Association is on the record stating that “These bonds will be paid by people decades from now that didn’t even get to vote for their authorization.”

A “yes” vote supports the state issuing $10 billion in bonds to fund state and local parks, environmental protection projects, water infrastructure projects, energy projects, and flood protection projects.

A “no” vote opposes the state issuing $10 billion in bonds to fund state and local parks, environmental protection projects, water infrastructure projects, energy projects, and flood protection projects.

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) recently conducted a successful two-day undercover sting in Menifee targeting unlicensed contractors. CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) worked with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and Menifee Police Department in identifying 12 people allegedly engaging in illegal contracting activities.

During the sting operation on September 24 and 25, suspected unlicensed contractors were asked to submit bids for various construction projects, resulting in 12 individuals being served with notices to appear in criminal court. Additionally, three others will be referred to the Riverside County District Attorney for similar violations.

All bids exceeded the legal limit of $500 for unlicensed work, with amounts ranging from $2,300 to $31,590 for landscaping, painting, and masonry projects. Under California law, it is illegal for unlicensed contractors to bid or work on projects costing more than $500, including labor and materials.

Penalties for these violations include administrative fines of up to $15,000, jail sentences of up to six months, and fines up to $5,000. Repeat offenders may face a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of $5,000 or 20 percent of the contract price, whichever is greater.

“CSLB is committed to safeguarding homeowners from the dangers posed by unlicensed contractors,” said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. “We strive to consistently inform consumers about the value of hiring licensed contractors and strongly encourage California homeowners to check a contractor’s license before beginning any construction project.”

Six individuals also requested down payments above the legal limit. Down payments for home improvement projects cannot exceed 10 percent of the project cost or $1,000, whichever is less. Violating this law is a misdemeanor, carrying fines up to $5,000 and possible jail time.

For further information or to report suspected unlicensed contractor activities, please visit the CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov or contact CSLB toll-free at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). For ongoing information and updates from CSLB, connect with us on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About CSLB: CSLB operates under the umbrella of the Department of Consumer Affairs and licenses and regulates about 285,000 contractors in California.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— This week, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that he secured $959,757 in federal funding for the City of San Bernardino’s Arrowhead Farms Septic to Sewer Project. This critical funding will connect properties within the Arrowhead Farms community to municipal sewer services at no cost to participating property owners, increasing property values for homeowners and reducing the risk of costly environmental hazards associated with septic tanks.

“I am proud to help secure this funding to facilitate the Septic to Sewer Project aimed at raising property values for these homeowners while addressing the environmental risks associated with outdated septic systems,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’ll continue to fight for more resources to raise the quality of life for working families in the Inland Empire and make our neighborhoods safer.”

“This money would alleviate some of the pressure on our residents, which will provide them with sewer, and a cleaner community,” said Joe Baca, Jr., Fifth District Supervisor, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. “This funding is all the more important for an underserved community like Arrowhead Farms.”

“Thank you to Congressman Aguilar for securing needed funds for this Septic to Sewer project.  This project is the first step toward providing safe, reliable wastewater services for Arrowhead Farms and better water quality for San Bernardino. We deeply appreciate the support of Congressman Aguilar and Supervisor Baca working together to improve local infrastructure and enhance quality of life in our community,” said Miguel Guerrero, General Manager, San Bernardino Municipal Water Department.

The Septic to Sewer Project offers free sewer connections, saving up to $35,000 in construction and connection fees, increasing property value, and reducing or eliminating septic system maintenance costs. Additionally, it will improve public health by preventing pollution from aging septic tanks, which can leak harmful contaminants like nitrates and fecal coliform into the environment. The project eliminates the risk of these hazardous spills and the associated remediation expenses.

In March 2024, Rep. Aguilar helped pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which included over $17 million in federal investments for 15 local projects across the region Rep. Aguilar represents in Congress.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) was proud to honor five outstanding teachers who have dedicated their careers to student success in San Bernardino County. This year’s recipients were recognized during a September 19 ceremony held at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center in San Bernardino.

“Each honoree’s daily contributions are essential to the overall success of our students, schools and communities,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “It is such an honor to be able to recognize their dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of our community through education.”

Annually, each of the 33 school districts in San Bernardino County select a Teacher of the Year. The district’s finalist then advances to the county-level review. After submitting their application for consideration, a screening and selection committee narrows down several finalists to compete for the title of California Teacher of the Year. The California Department of Education will announce the 2025 California Teacher of the Year awardees in October 2024.

The County’s awardees consistently go above and beyond for their students, inspiring a love for learning and creating positive, nurturing and welcoming classroom environments. Their dedication to education is a true testament to the spirit of the California Teacher of the Year award and sets a shining example for educators everywhere.

In addition to their individual awards, the five honorees also received a check from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in the amount of $250.

To learn more about this year’s award winners, visit www.westsidestorynewspaper.com and look for this article.

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) faculty and administrators meet with California Community Colleges (CCC) and San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) leadership during the historic CCC Board of Governors meeting at San Bernardino Valley College on September 23, 2024.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is proud to announce the official approval of its new bachelor’s degree in water resources management, a landmark achievement for the college and the community. The California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors granted the approval during their historic, first-ever meeting at SBVC on September 23, marking a significant milestone for the institution and its students.

“We are thrilled to receive approval for this groundbreaking program,” said SBVC President Dr. Gilbert Contreras. “This degree will not only equip our students with the specialized knowledge and skills required in the water resources management field, but it will also position SBVC as a leader in addressing critical workforce needs in our region. By offering this degree, we are opening doors to high-wage, in-demand careers that will benefit both our students and our community.”

The bachelor’s degree in water resources management is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the vital and evolving field of water management. Focusing on sustainable practices and advanced technologies, the program will address the growing demand for skilled professionals who can tackle complex challenges related to water supply, quality, and infrastructure.

“This program is a testament to SBVC’s commitment to educational excellence and community impact,” said Melita Caldwell-Betties, chair of the water supply technology program at SBVC. “Water is one of our most precious resources, and this degree will give students the expertise needed to make a difference. We are excited to launch this program and support our students in becoming future leaders in this critical field.”

The program’s approval comes at a crucial time for the water industry, which faces significant challenges due to an aging workforce and a looming wave of retirements. According to a recent SBVC regional labor market analysis, over 30% of water industry employees in the Inland Empire are expected to retire within the next 10 years. The new bachelor’s degree program will play a pivotal role in addressing the regional skills gap and providing trained professionals to fill these positions.

The Inland Empire is one of the top regions in the nation for water-related careers, offering high salaries and strong demand for qualified candidates.

Graduates of the program will be prepared for a variety of high-demand roles, including:

• Leadership positions in water supply utilities
• Water and wastewater treatment plant management
• Regulatory agency positions focused on water quality and environmental protection
• Groundwater and conservation district leadership
• Watershed and river basin authority management

SBVC is hoping to begin enrolling students in this innovative new degree program by Fall 2026.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— October 26th, the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will present a 3 p.m. matinee performance of “Movies with the Maestro” featuring some of Maestro Anthony Parnther‘s favorite film and television music including some of the scores he has personally led on the session stages of Hollywood.

“When I’m not here in San Bernardino with our world-class orchestra, I have the distinct pleasure of leading the Hollywood Studio Symphony on many of the most beloved film and television franchises on the planet,” explained Maestro Parnther. “This annual concert has quickly become a San Bernardino Symphony staple and it is great to see so many people from throughout the region excited to experience the incredible music of American television and cinema!”

The repertoire will include selections from Aladdin, Hocus Pocus, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Chariots of Fire, Ghostbusters, Transformers, The X Files, The Body Guard, and more. As always, patrons are encouraged to get into the spirit by dressing as their favorite movie star or bringing their light sabers to conduct along with the Maestro when selections from Star Wars are performed. In addition, this year the Symphony has added a special trick-or-treat time for all the young ones in attendance.

Shared Symphony Board of Directors President Donna Marie Minano, “This is absolutely one of the most fun and exciting concerts of the year! I encourage everyone to get tickets while they last and join us for the liveliest party in town!”

Tickets and Location Details

Tickets are available at $20-$100 per seat and may be securely purchased online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by telephone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Seats for children and students with ID are just $15 and may be obtained with the purchase of an adult seat.

Movies with the Maestro will be held at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth Street in downtown San Bernardino. Doors open at 2 p.m. for this 3 p.m. show. Free, lighted parking is available directly across from the venue and is accessible via D Street.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On a beautiful afternoon on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Sterling Natural Resource Center in San Bernardino among over 130 guests witnessed Stacey Barnier, Niki Dettman, Geraldine “Gerri” Foxall-Kater, Nefertiti Long, and Tansu Phillip receive the Citizens of Achievement Award and American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Redlands receive the Civic Engagement Award at the League of Women Voters, San Bernardino Area 49th Citizens of Achievement and Civic Engagement Awards Ceremony.

League of Women Voters need to ensure all citizens are registered and has information needed to cast a vote. Their action plan is to identify resources and training to support engagement in voter registration, voter education, and get out the vote efforts.

To learn more about the League of Women Voters of San Bernardino, please visit: San Bernardino Area | MyLO (lwv.org)

SACRAMENTO, CA– – Governor Gavin Newsom signs Assembly Bill 1877, a critical step toward justice for California’s youth. This legislation focuses on sealing juvenile records, providing young people with the opportunity to rebuild their lives without the lingering burden of past mistakes.

AB 1877 underscores the importance of offering a fresh start to individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation and growth. Under the new law, juvenile records will be sealed if the person has not been convicted of certain serious offenses. This will allow young people to pursue education, employment, and housing opportunities without the shadow of a juvenile record holding them back.

“This legislation recognizes that a single mistake in their youth should not define a person’s future.

By sealing juvenile records, we open doors to brighter futures and empower young people to fully reintegrate into society,” said Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson. “Everyone deserves a fair chance to contribute positively to their communities, and AB 1877 ensures that second chances are not just for a privileged few but for every young person who has earned it.”

AB 1877 requires the automatic sealing of qualifying juvenile records and ensures that individuals are notified when their records have been sealed. It also protects the integrity of sealed records while allowing access in specific legal circumstances, such as for exculpatory evidence in criminal cases.

By focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration, AB 1877 aligns with California’s commitment to justice reform. The bill prevents barriers to success by allowing young people to move beyond past missteps and embrace a future filled with opportunity.

“Everyone benefits when our youth succeed. AB 1877 is a reflection of California’s dedication to justice and fairness for all, especially for those who deserve a chance to turn their lives around free of systemic barriers,” Dr. Jackson added.

Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson represents Assembly District 60, which includes the cities of Moreno Valley, Perris, Hemet, San Jacinto, a small portion of Riverside, and the unincorporated areas of Mead Valley, Good Hope, Nuevo, and East Hemet and is committed to promoting equity and opportunity for all Californians.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) today expressed his condolences to the family of a missing Morongo Band of Mission Indians tribal member and concern about issues expressed by her family  involving the investigation into her case.

“I wish to send my condolences to the family of Amy Porter whose family found her on Sunday morning in a desert area near the side of Interstate 10 in Yucaipa. It is my hope that the investigation is thorough and conducted in an appropriately timely manner.” He added, “I also hope that my legislation is signed to clarify and improve use of the Feather Alert and public safety on tribal lands.”

The Feather Alert is a public alert system similar to an AMBER or Silver alert and is overseen by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). It is used in the state when Native American are missing.

Porter’s family had been searching for her for a week and had requested the use of the Feather Alert and a speedier law enforcement search. Family and friends eventually launched their own search.

Ramos observed, “Ms. Porter’s family has raised questions about the delay in initiating the investigation into her disappearance and why the Feather Alert was not employed more quickly.”

The lawmaker added, that he authored three bills, now before the governor, that sought to address the questions raised by family members. The measures are:

• AB 1863 which seeks to streamline the Feather Alert requesting process and would allow a California Tribe to directly request the public alert and would require that the CHP respond to a law enforcement agency or tribe’s request to activate a Feather Alert within 48 hours of receiving the request. The Feather Alert has been active since Jan. 1, 2023, and California was the third state to enact the public alert. Ramos authored the legislation in 2022 that created the notification system here in California. Proposed changes to the Feather Alert were made in consultation with tribal leaders, CHP, Department of Justice (DOJ) and local government representatives. Ramos held roundtable discussions around the state and an informational hearing to increase awareness about the new program and hear from stakeholders about how the system was working and what changes would make it more effective. That hearing was followed by further discussions with tribes and law enforcement.
• AB 2138 would create a three-year pilot program allowing tribal law enforcement under specified conditions to obtain state peace officer status. Ramos, in an op-ed this spring, and at a roundtable discussion with tribes, lawmakers, and researchers heard why peace officer status would increase public safety on tribal reservations and their neighboring communities. A federal law known as Public Law 280 (PL 280) enacted in 1953 withdrew federal responsibility, in large part, for public safety on tribal lands. In the op-ed, Ramos wrote that PL 280 “eliminated federal support for law enforcement and courts, except for limited and specified expenditures. This has resulted in widespread confusion among tribal, local and state law enforcement agencies.” Peace officer status for tribal law enforcement officers would hasten response times and give greater investigatory power to tribes for criminal cases occurring on reservations often located in rural and isolated areas.
• AB 2695 would require the DOJ to collect and disaggregate domestic violence crime data so the state can better determine the scope of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis from the information that local law enforcement submits to DOJ. If AB 2695 is approved, local law enforcement would be required to note whether the crime was committed on tribal land. California is fifth in the nation in the numbers of MMIP unresolved and uninvestigated cases. Ramos stated, “While Ms. Porter’s case did not occur on tribal lands, she was a tribal member and her case may have involved domestic violence. It is important for us to understand the when and where about crimes as well as the who so that we can respond more effectively and proactively to increase safety.”

FONTANA, CA— Second District County Supervisor Jesse Armendarez proudly announces his support for the renaming of Randall Pepper Elementary School to O’Day Short Elementary School. This significant change honors the memory of the Short family, whose tragic story serves as a powerful reminder of our community’s commitment to justice and equality.

“I am proud to see that we are changing the name of this school to O’Day Short Elementary School,” said Supervisor Armendarez. “This name change will remind us that our history has not always been pretty, and it is our duty to make sure our future generations and students know and learn this history.”

“The renaming of the school is a crucial step in acknowledging a painful chapter in our local history,” said Supervisor Armendarez. In December 1946, the Short family—O’Day, his wife, and their two children—were tragically murdered due to a heinous act of racism. “Their only “crime” was moving to a side of town that didn’t accept them for who they were. The very land where this tragedy occurred is now home to Randall Pepper Elementary School, making the name change to O’Day Short Elementary School even more significant.”

“Changing the school’s name isn’t just about a new sign,” Supervisor Armendarez explained. “It shows that we remember our past and want to build a better future. The Short family’s story will teach students about standing up for what’s right and the importance of accepting everyone in our community.”

“In a gesture of deep commitment to this cause, I have pledged up to $50,000 to cover the costs of the school’s renaming and rebranding. I want to ensure that the school’s funding can be used to educate their students about the history of this school,” he stated.

Supervisor Armendarez expressed his gratitude to the school board and all those who have supported this important change. “As someone who cares deeply about this community, I support honoring the Short family. It’s important to show that we’re committed to justice and healing. Let’s remember the Short family not just for what they suffered, but for the hope they give us in building a kinder, more just world.”