Local

SAN BERNARDINO, CA–– For the past three weeks, staff members from the San

Bernardino Animal Services Department have been assisting their counterparts in Los Angeles following the devastating fire that hit the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas.

On January 15, the City received a formal request for animal control assistance from the City of Los Angeles in response to the Palisades Fire.

The San Bernardino Department of Animal Services joined teams from Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Mission Viejo by sending animal control officers to the area affected by the fire to search and rescue pets and wild animals that were lost, left behind, or injured.

“Helping other jurisdictions in need following a disaster is not only the right thing to do, but our staff gain crucial skills that can help San Bernardino’s residents if something were to happen here,” said San Bernardino Animal Services Director Kris Watson.

City of San Bernardino Animal Services Supervisor, Arianna Gonzalez, Lead Animal Control Officer, Eduardo Alvarez as well as Animal Control Officers Patrick Galvan, Jasmine Torres and Estevan Barajas worked in shifts travelling to Los Angeles to assist in the effort.

“Seeing the devastation was heartbreaking and the conditions were difficult, but locating lost pets and returning them to their grateful owners was very rewarding,” said Animal Services Supervisor Arianna Gonzalez. “The appreciation from local residents, including comedian Jay Leno, made the hard work worth it.”

The Animal Control officers would start the day with a list of addresses and pet owners hoping to either find or receive an update on pets they had to leave behind.

In one case, the San Bernardino team was able to let a relieved homeowner know that the 28 fish in one of her koi ponds had survived the fire. Although her house was destroyed, staff were able to locate and evacuate the fish from the disaster area, and they are now recovering in a pond at DreamWorks Studios.

“She was so happy that their fish were ok,” added Gonzalez. “It gave them hope in what was a terrible situation. The City of San Bernardino will be reimbursed for staff time by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer John Salley was the Grand Marshal of the 46th Annual San Bernardino Black History Parade and Festival on Saturday, February 1. making a memorable appearance alongside this year’s Black Rose Award winners.

“It was an honor to participate in the San Bernardino Black History Month Parade. Whenever I can celebrate the lives and accomplishments of Black individuals, I do so with pride. This parade allows me to honor past visionaries and those actively advocating for our rights today,” said Salley.

The San Bernardino City Police Department proudly led the annual parade with its dedicated motorcycle officers, showcasing their commitment to community engagement and public service.

The Department’s esteemed Mounted Unit joined the procession, adding a unique touch to the event. Police Chief Darren Goodman participated by driving a striking convertible Corvette, symbolizing leadership and community spirit. Captain Nelson Carrington also contributed to the festive atmosphere by cruising in a convertible Corvette.

The parade celebrated our community, emphasizing safety, unity, and the invaluable service provided by our police officers.

Parade coordinator Russel Ward noted, “Five marching bands performed during the event. The Cardinal Marching Band from San Bernardino High School led the parade, followed by San Gorgonio High School, Indian Springs High School, and Arroyo Valley High School marching bands, who concluded the parade and directed everyone to Arrow Vistas High School for the festival.”

Last year’s Black Rose Award winner, James Baker, designed an exceptional float. The float featured Grand Marshal Salley and his daughter, alongside Black Rose Award winners: Dr. Shene Bowie, Dr. Teri Davis, Elizabeth Cochrane-Benoit, Dr. Arlington Rodgers Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Charles “Chuck” Singleton, Richard Wallace, Lawrence Hardy, and Deborah Franklin.

COLTON, CA— On January 30, 2025, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) awarded Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) with its Gold Beacon Award for Excellence. The Beacon Award for Excellence — a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments — recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units that achieve this award with gold, silver or bronze designations meet national criteria consistent with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

The Gold Beacon Award for Excellence, earned by ARMC’s 4-North Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), signifies an effective and systematic approach to policies, procedures and processes that include engagement of staff and key stakeholders; evaluation strategies for continuous process improvement; and performance measures that meet or exceed relevant benchmarks. The 4-North team earned a gold award by meeting the following evidence-based Beacon Award for Excellence criteria:

• Patient Outcomes
• Work Environment
• Nursing Workforce

Established in 2003, the Beacon Award for Excellence offers a road map to help guide exceptional care through improved outcomes and greater overall patient satisfaction. U.S. and Canadian units where patients receive their principal nursing care after hospital admission qualify for this excellence award. To learn more, visit www.aacn.org/beacon or call (800) 899-2226.

PASADENA, CA— In a heartfelt tribute to the brave emergency workers who battled the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, Jelly Roll headlined a benefit concert at the iconic Rose Bowl. The free event brought together an impressive lineup of artists, including Public Enemy, Marshmello, Lainey Wilson, and many others, all uniting for a common cause.

L-R Latrice Kristine, Eugene Weems, Tycoon62 raising funds for LA wildfire victims.

The concert served not only as entertainment, but also as a platform to honor the first responders who faced the devastating fires head-on. Attendees were treated to powerful performances while also contributing to a noble cause.

Among the special guests was World Heavyweight Champion Eugene V.I.P Weems, who engaged with the crowd, emphasizing the importa

nce of community support. Singer-songwriter Latrice Kristine and rapper Tycoon62 also made their presence felt, promoting their charity single “Burning Memories,” which aims to raise funds for wildfire victims through its accompanying music video.

This event followed another benefit concert held on January 30 at L.A.’s Intuit Dome and Kia Forum in Inglewood, where Jelly Roll shared the stage with an array of renowned artists, including Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, and Katy Perry. The performances captivated audiences and raised significant funds, with all proceeds directed to designated beneficiaries supporting those affected by the wildfires.

The fundraising efforts were broadcast and streamed widely across various platforms, including Apple, DirecTV, Disney+/Hulu, and more, ensuring that the message of support reached as many people as possible.

As communities continue to recover from the impact of the wildfires, events like these highlight the power of music and solidarity in helping those in need.

RIVERSIDE, CA—- Master horseman, Mike Jones, will be riding and performing stunts and tricks at the Charlie Sampson Rodeo, which will be held on June 28, 2025, in Norco, California. Charlie Sampson and other Black cowboys and cowgirls will be appearing in the Riverside Black History Parade and Expo in Downtown Riverside on Saturday, February 8, 2025. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and the Expo begins at 11a.m.  The public is invited to meet Charlie and take pictures with him and his horses, as well as pet the horses, and request an autograph from Charlie. Charlie’s crew also will hold a drawing during the Expo to give away some free tickets to the June Rodeo!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – San Bernardino County, in partnership with the San Bernardino County Equity Element Group (SBC Equity Element Group), has retained the firm of Equity & Results, a multiracial learning organization expert in supporting organizations in advancing racial equity and liberation through institutional change. A co-principal and co-founder, Theodore B. Miller, Esq., leads the engagement.

“The SBC Equity Element Group is tasked with determining where there may be racial disparities among our residents in San Bernardino County, recommending campaigns and programs to address those issues, and identifying initiatives that are already underway within county government or in the community that can be highlighted and supported,” said San Bernardino County Assistant Executive Officer Diana Alexander.

On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution declaring Racism A Public Health Crisis. It tasked the county with forming an equity group to represent the 11th element of the Countywide Vision.

Discussions that led to the declaration and equity group were inspired by the national conversation taking place in the wake of the May 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The SBC Equity Element Group comprises Black community members who can review the other 10 elements of the Countywide Vision with an equity focus. Eventually, the group will grow to include representatives from other county communities and include an equity focus for all people.

Miller brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in tackling equity issues within the Black community. With more than 20 years of experience, he has dedicated himself to developing community and neighborhood solutions for some of the world’s most challenging problems.

An expert facilitator and educator on racial inequity and social change for Equity & Results, Miller has taught in university, criminal justice, corporate, and community environments worldwide.

Previously, Miller was recently a senior advisor to three consecutive mayors in San Francisco and the director of HOPE SF, the nation’s first large-scale partnership to transform dilapidated and segregated public housing neighborhoods into vibrant, racially equitable, mixed-income communities without mass displacement of residents.

Many long-standing underserved families, especially African Americans and Pacific Islanders, have found new ladders of opportunity thanks to Miller’s efforts. This has come through significant investments in mixed-income housing, fostering community leadership and resident voice networks, and enhancing education, health, and employment services.

A graduate of  Yale University and Harvard Law School, Miller was inspired in college by the youth residents of New Haven, Connecticut, where he worked as a community organizer and mental health counselor.

Throughout his career, he has advised and led businesses, universities, hospitals, and elected officials in urban areas nationwide to redesign policy, create new collaboration models, and achieve dramatically better results for low-income communities of color.

Before his appointment to the Mayor’s Office by the late San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee, Miller managed community benefits for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, was a corporate attorney at the firm Davis Polk & Wardwell, a commercial broker and real estate developer, and a lecturer and Fellow at the Hutchins Center for African American Research at Harvard University.

Miller has served on the San Francisco Bar Association’s Board of Directors, lives in Oakland, and has two daughters.

For more information on the Equity Element Group, email Info@SBCEEG.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– This Valentine’s Day, couples seeking to celebrate their love with a lifelong commitment are invited to make an appointment for marriage services at the San Bernardino County Clerk’s Office. Whether planning an intimate ceremony or looking forward to your special day, the County Clerk’s Office is here to help make the experience seamless and memorable.

“We are thrilled to offer couples the opportunity to marry on one of the most romantic days of the year,” said Josie Gonzales, Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk. “Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, and we are proud to assist couples in starting their journey together in San Bernardino County.”

Appointments for marriage licenses and ceremony services are now available, and couples are encouraged to reserve their spot early. The County Clerk’s Office offers convenient and efficient services to ensure a stress-free experience. Couples are also welcomed to bring loved ones and friends, to make their special moment that much more memorable.

Couples wishing to get married through the County Clerk offices must review the marriage license requirements and complete an application at arc.sbcounty.gov/marriage prior to booking their marriage service appointment online.

San Bernardino County Clerk offices offering marriage services:

San Bernardino- Hall of Records
222 W. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415

High Desert Government Center
15900 Smoke Tree Street, 1st Floor
Hesperia, CA 92345

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino in partnership with California Culture Festival will be ringing in the Year of the Snake at its second annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 1 from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm at the downtown Court Street Square. The free family event will feature cultural musical performances, demonstrations, arts and craft activities, food vendors, art galleries and much more.

“San Bernardino’s Lunar New Year Celebration is a vibrant reflection of our diverse community and a wonderful opportunity to honor the rich traditions and contributions of our Asian American residents,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “It brings us together to celebrate culture, unity, and the shared hope for prosperity and happiness in the year ahead.”

The Court Street Square, located at 349 North E Street will be transformed by the San Bernardino Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, much like recent celebrations such as the Christmas themed Miracle on Court Street in December and the Dia de los Muertos festival in November.

“The Court Street Square is quickly becoming the primary location for festive gatherings in San Bernardino,” said Interim Parks and Recreation Director Ernesto Salinas. “The City is committed to bringing amazing cultural celebrations downtown that are fun, colorful, and educational.”

The festivities will include:

• Musical performances and cultural demonstrations, featuring traditional dragon and lion dances.
• Arts and Craft activities for the whole family, featuring Calligraphy, Origami, and Snake puppets.
• Multiple staged photo areas.
• A gallery highlighting San Bernardino’s Sister Cities from the East.
• Food vendors and merchants selling goods.
• Community Groups and Sponsor informational booths.

This year marks the Year of the Snake, and the snake will play a featured role in traditional musical performances and throughout the celebration.

Every year, a different animal is celebrated on a twelve-year rotating cycle with traits and symbols that hold meaning for what’s to come in the new year. The snake signifies charm, transformation, intelligence, and creativity, but can also be associated with mystery, independence, and cautiousness.

Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among Eastern and Southeast Asian cultures. It reflects the new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China, and widely observed throughout Asia, and in Asian-American communities throughout the United States.

In some countries, the Lunar New Year celebration lasts for fifteen days. This year, the celebration runs from January 29 through February 12.

“I am proud to see our city embrace such a meaningful celebration that highlights the beauty of our collective heritage,” added Mayor Tran.

Event sponsors include California Culture Festival, DAO Real Estate Group, H&H Lending, Inland Chinese Association, Lucky Star Marketing, MVS, Inc, Hiep Thanh Supermarket.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In collaboration with San Bernardino County, The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group (SBC Equity Element Group) has created a workshop series designed to increase the number of minority-owned businesses that can access the millions of dollars in contracts the county will award this year.

The goal of the event, “Empowering Minority-Owned Businesses: Your 101 Guide to Contract Bidding Success,” is to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to boost your chances in winning County contracts.

“The SBC Equity Element Group is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive San Bernardino County. These workshops are designed to help people of color access and increase the number and size of contracts obtained through the procurement process,” said Rev. George Lamb, chair of the SBC Equity Element Group.

Workshop Objectives: 

1. Understanding and Managing ePro: Attendees will learn how to register, manage their vendor accounts, reset credentials, and navigate the ePro system to search for open bids.
2. Review Bid Proposals and Ask Questions: The workshop will cover County bid request templates, completion of the Local Vendor Self-Certification Form, and strategies for effectively posting questions to clarify bid requirements.
3. Respond to Bids Successfully: Participants will master creating and submitting precise quotes in ePro while avoiding common pitfalls.
4. Businesses can register online with ePro at the Purchasing Department website at: https://wp.sbcounty.gov/purchasing/vendor-registration/

Register for the workshop at a time and location that works best for you

Tuesday, February 4, 4 p.m.–7 p.m.  San Bernardino County Government Center 385 N Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA

Thursday, February 6, 4 p.m.–7 p.m.  San Bernardino County Children and Family Services, 15020 Palmdale Rd, Victorville, CA 92392

Wednesday, February 12, 4 p.m.–7 p.m.  San Bernardino County Children and Family Services, 9518 E. 9th St. Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Additional information will be available from the San Bernardino County Departments of:

• Workforce Development: https://workforce.sbcounty.gov/business-services/
• Economic Development: https://selectsbcounty.com/major-initiatives/entrepreneurship
• Purchasing Department: https://wp.sbcounty.gov/purchasing/getting-started/#procurement

“We are committed to increasing the number of local and minority-owned businesses contracting with San Bernardino County,” said San Bernardino County Director of Purchasing, Pete Mendoza.

“Seize the chance to empower your business and improve your bidding skills,” said Rev. Lamb.

For more information, please contact Sandra Abarca at (909) 387-4261.

For additional information about the SBC Equity Element Group, contact Info@SBCEEG.org.

About The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group

The SBC Equity Element Group’s mission is to identify and address systemic inequities within San Bernardino County. It focuses on creating a more just and equitable society for all residents, particularly Black residents and people of color. The Group strives to dismantle barriers, promote inclusivity, and empower marginalized communities through data-driven strategies and community-centered solutions.  We believe that Equity Elevates Everyone.