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By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

The COVID-19 virus was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. To date, over 90 million cases have been recorded and more than 1 million Americans have died from the disease. After more than two years, COVID-19 doesn’t look like it’s going away.

President Joe Biden’s positive test last month for the disease illustrates that COVID-19’s transmissibility is an ongoing and persistent problem.

Biden, who was treated with the antiviral drug Paxlovid, isolated himself for 5 days and returned to work after testing negative. Then, a few days later, he tested positive again and went back into isolation until he tested negative about a week ago.

Because the President is vaccinated, he suffered mild symptoms. However, the rebound positivity he’s experienced shows more needs to be done to eliminate coronavirus.

While vaccines and past infections have enabled the U.S. population to develop what is described as substantial COVID-19 immunity and those who get sick have a number of effective treatments options, cases of people being infected with new mutations of COVID-19 continue to be reported.

Dr. Ben Neuman, professor of Biology and chief virologist of the Global Health Research Complex, Texas A&M University, has studied the coronavirus and found that it’s constantly changing. That is a major reason people continue to be infected with the disease, he says.

During a recent Ethnic Media Services COVID-19 panel discussion with other medical scientists and researchers, Neuman said that people vaccinated against previous variations of the virus are not fully protected against the new variations. According to him, immunity to the current versions of the virus depends on how recently someone had been vaccinated.

“We are still vaccinating against the 2019 virus, and it is now late 2022. We have a problem……This is a virus that will continue changing,” he said.

Infections caused by Omicron sub variants have been reported to be not as dangerous as ones caused by earlier coronavirus strains, but they appear to be more transmissible.

If Neuman’s predictions are correct, by the time a vaccine is developed to fight the BA.5 subvariant, which is currently responsible for 85.5 % of infections in the US, there will already be a new subvariant spreading the disease.

Neuman added that it is still important to protect yourself with masks and by washing your hands. While he has been vaccinated, he recently tested positive for the coronavirus while after being on an airline and failing to adhere to proper masking protocol.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco, who specializes in treating infectious diseases, stressed the importance of continuing to follow preventative measures when he spoke during the panel discussion.

Chin-Hong pointed out that one problem with implementing a mask mandate is political will. He cited the example of Los Angeles County, which recently considered reintroducing a mask mandate because of rising infection numbers, but cancelled implementation when cases declined. Had the mandate been
imposed, the County sheriff said they would not enforce it which would have been problematic.

Unfortunately, the mask issue has become a political problem and few politicians want to take it on and risk the wrath of voters.

Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville discussed how prevalent the disease is and how strict adherence to preventative measures does not assure protection against mutations of the coronavirus.

Schaffner and his wife tested positive despite being fully vaccinated and were treated with Paxlovid and, unlike Biden, they did not experience a rebound occurrence of the virus.

Chin-Hong said the pandemic will eventually end. But that will only happen when we create the conditions where there are no new host bodies to develop variations of the coronavirus.

Currently, about 400 people are dying every day from COVID-19. That averages out to more than 100,000 deaths every year.

“Right now, we have too many deaths,” he said. “We shouldn’t accept that.”

Chin-Hong also predicted that in the future we might see an annual COVID-19 shot to ward off the disease.

Schaffner agreed and said that we should learn to manage the disease with vaccinations, medications and preventive measures.

“COVID will be with us for the foreseeable future,” he said.

REDLANDS, CA— “I have been asked many times, how and why did The Salvation Army start ringing those silver bells during the Christmas season to encourage donations,” said Major Isaias Braga, Commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino. “Well, this is how it all began…

Captain Joseph McFee, serving with the San Francisco Salvation Army Corps in 1891, wanted to serve Christmas dinner to the poor in his neighborhood. But he didn’t have money to do so.

As a sailor in Liverpool, England, Captain McFee saw people on the docks throw money into a large kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” to help the poor. He decided this might work in California too.

Captain McFee set up a kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing, which operated a ferry that was, in those days, the only way across San Francisco Bay. He put a sign on the kettle saying, “Keep the Pot Boiling” and raised enough money to serve the Christmas dinner.

His idea spread quickly, and by 1897 Salvation Army Corps nationwide were collecting money in kettles to serve the needy in their communities. Among the Salvation Army Corps collecting money this way before the turn of the 20th Century was The Salvation Army of San Bernardino, which was formed in 1887.

Lynn Valbuena, Chair of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, is the keynote speaker at this year’s Red Kettle Kick-Off event for The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle 2022 Christmas campaign on Thursday, November 17^th at 5:30 PM.

Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. For local information call (909) 792-6868.  Donors may drop off turkeys, hams other food, cash or gift cards at the Salvation Army’s Corps Office at 838 Alta Street, Redlands California 92373

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers holistic programs for individuals of all. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world.

The Salvation Army has served San Bernardino since 1887, and Redlands since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination.  They serve the cities of: San Bernardino, Redlands, Highlands, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy, and the mountain communities.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents, and staff at Cajon High School, Holcomb Elementary School, the Kendall-Harmon School complex, and Shandin Hills Middle School.

The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to build self-esteem and honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Grandparent/Volunteer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the district’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.

The September 20 Board meeting marked the first time since the COVID pandemic that the awards have been presented in person.

Cajon High School, Principal Teenya Bishop:
Zoe Campbell is a senior and Outstanding Student. Zoe takes so much pride in her work and always gives her best. In addition to her academic excellence, she has the most amazing personality! She is loved by the Cajon staff, and her peers look up to her. Zoe aspires to create and produce films. She plans to attend NYU, Spelman College, or Clark Atlanta University.

Jorge Ramos is a junior and Outstanding Student. In his time at Cajon, Jorge has made his mark as an award-winning member of two academic teams. He has ranked nationally in Speech & Debate since his freshman year and was named Outstanding Delegate his first year in Model UN. He’s clearly on his way to being a future leader in San Bernardino.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Micaela Escobar has been an active parent and advocate for her own child and all Cajon children, particularly in ensuring students have access to rigorous courses and the social emotional support they need to persevere and do well in those courses. Whenever Micaela sees a need, she works to develop solutions to make Cajon better.

Secretary I Tanisha Slaughter is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Tanisha’s commitment to Cajon is untouchable. When she sees a need, she is always willing to fill in the gap. She is resourceful, customer friendly, solution oriented, and adaptable. Throughout her career, she has served in different capacities, and she uses her skills to enhance the overall school program.

Outstanding Certificated Employee Roger Light develops student leaders through his rigorous auto shop program, building their skills and knowledge to run an auto repair shop for staff. Roger’s program is set to receive Silver Certification through the Linked Learning Alliance this winter, and one member of the certification team stated Roger’s auto shop is one of the best he has seen in the nation.

Holcomb Elementary School, Principal Eva Haddad:
Connor Leedom is a 1st-grader and Outstanding Student. Connor works hard and shows empathy for others both in and out of the classroom. He is always willing to patiently help those who need support, once again demonstrating kindness to others. Connor’s academics are so strong in all areas that the Holcomb team believes he can and will achieve any goal he sets for his future.

Shawn McKenzie is a 4th-grader and Outstanding Student. Shawn is a caring and kind scholar, always willing to help his teacher and classmates without being asked. He gives 100% every day and actively participates in classroom discussions. Shawn’s dream is to become an astronaut, but if that doesn’t work out, he wants to be a fireman or a police officer.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Elaheh Karimi is an active member of Holcomb’s English Language Advisory Committee. She participates and shares ideas. Staff can always count on her for support. She is a very actively engaged parent and participates in all parent events, family nights, parent workshops, and more. Elaheh is a vital member of the Holcomb team.

Secretary II Patricia “Patty” Quinonez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Patty has a positive attitude toward her work and comes in with a smile every morning. She has a strong sense of professionalism and provides excellent customer service. She has helped create positive and lasting relationships with the Holcomb community and is a mentor and role model. Holcomb is a better place because of Patty.

Program Facilitator and International Baccalaureate Coordinator Krista Bjur is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. She is committed to always doing what is best for the Holcomb community whether she is serving as admin designee, collaborating with teachers, working with students, or any of her many assignments. She puts her heart into everything, and Holcomb is better for it.

Kendall-Harmon School complex, Principal Megan Silva:
Pre-kindergartener Kairen Brown is an Outstanding Student. Kairen is being honored for his citizenship, academics and for most improvement. He loves books and is always ready to learn something new! He takes great joy in the results of his efforts. Kairen may become a professor or scientist when he is older.

Airie Kaya Phomello is a transitional kindergartener and Outstanding Student. Airie is becoming more independent and self-sufficient. She is able to follow routines and directions and wait patiently. Airie’s communication skills have also improved significantly. Airie likes to be the teacher in class and takes the lead at circle time. It’s safe to assume she’s a future teacher.

Fifth-grader Emily Soria is an Outstanding Student. Emily is always on task and volunteers during class. She assists her classmates, even volunteering to help them at home to catch up on missing assignments. She is reading above grade level and understands all the math concepts so far. Emily would like to be an artist and attend California State University, San Bernardino.

Charles Michael Sullivan is a 5th-grader and an Outstanding Student. Charles has great hospitality skills. He has a wonderful personality, a warm smile, and is a great classroom helper. He is helpful and willing to assist all of his classmates. Charles loves pretending to be a fast food worker, so he may own his own fast food restaurant or become a fast food manager.

Eddy Garcia is the Outstanding Parent Award winner for Kendall and Harmon. Eddy is a dedicated parent and member of the Harmon School Site Council/Leadership Team. He has represented Harmon on a few District-level task force groups. His input, knowledge, and overall commitment to supporting Harmon are valued assets to the school community.

Outstanding Grandparent Janice Wall is an active member of the Kendall-Harmon community. She serves on the School Site Council and is a member of the African American Parent Advisory Committee. We admire and appreciate her commitment to Kendall and Harmon and her input, as well as her commitment to her grandchildren.

Recreation Aide Yvette Carranza is an Outstanding Classified Employee. She volunteers to provide support wherever it is needed. She assists teachers with setting up classrooms and the librarian assistant with inventorying District-issued devices. Yvette has worked collaboratively with the community to ensure the school supports families in need during the holiday season.

Randie Zamudio is an Education Assistant III–Severe Impairment and an Outstanding Classified Employee. Randie is a true team player and goes above and beyond to support her Harmon team, as well as the needs of her Kendall colleagues. When called upon to provide support with any task or event, she never hesitates and always puts in 100% effort and pride.

First-grade Inclusion Teacher Catherine Cowles is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. She has a positive passion for helping students and goes above and beyond to embody Kendall and Harmon’s vision of providing a safe, productive, and innovative learning environment for all students. Catherine takes the time to learn what each scholar needs and makes it happen.

Cecilia Quintero is a SH/SDC Special Education Preschool Teacher and an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Her positive passion drives her instruction. She celebrates her scholars’ achievements every day, and her enthusiasm is evident as soon as you enter her learning environment. Cecilia establishes positive home-school connections and families to take an active role in their scholar’s education.

Shandin Hills Middle School, Principal Victoria Flores:
Eighth-grader Bradley McGee is an Outstanding Student and the sunshine of Shandin Hills. He is always happy, respectful, caring and has a zest for life. Bradley is an exceptional individual, so it is no surprise he is being honored for his citizenship and congenial nature. For a long time, Bradley wanted to be a YouTuber, but now he is considering other options.

Ellie Negrete is a 7th-grader and an Outstanding Student. Ellie has a strong work ethic, incredible grit, and a drive to improve. She is a student athlete, and after she completes her school work, she puts that same grit and determination into her athletic journey. Ellie has a twin with exceptional needs. This drives Ellie to want to be either a special education teacher or a therapist.

Tiffanie Guinane is an Outstanding Community Member. Tiffanie is without a doubt the most encouraging individual one will ever meet. She is friendly and brings out the best in everyone she comes into contact with. She encourages not only her own child but all the students at Shandin Hills. She does not allow anyone to walk past without giving them a greeting, a hug, a word of encouragement or sound advice, and always with a huge smile. Everyone needs a Tiffanie in their life.

Secretary Debbie Turley is an Outstanding Employee and the mama Trojan. She knows what everyone needs and is always one step ahead of the game. She is quick to get her hands dirty or just lend an ear when someone needs help. Without Debbie in the front office, things would just not run as smoothly. Debbie always puts the community first.

Anel Ortega is a Counselor and Outstanding Certificated Employee. She understands the needs of the students and works tirelessly to meet their needs and the needs of the families she works with. Anel is a problem solver and a team player. She is committed to her job as a counselor and works diligently to make a difference in the lives of others.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Board of Education of the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) presented the inaugural Outstanding Community Partner Award to Loma Linda University Health for its longstanding support of the district’s 46,000 students.

Loma Linda was honored on Tuesday, September 20 during the Board of Education meeting. Dr. J.C. Belliard, representing Loma Linda University Health, received the award, a custom, mahogany plaque made by students in the Bing Wong Elementary School iSTEAM Lab.

Loma Linda’s steadfast support touches all corners of SBCUSD. Doctors and medical students have provided training for hundreds of SBCUSD students. And at least one of those students used the knowledge she gained from Loma Linda’s training to save the life of a loved one who was having a medical emergency.

Loma Linda also supports our families through free immunization clinics and food pantries. And this past weekend, Loma Linda University Health kicked off a new effort to get young people and families more involved in outdoor recreational activities.

“Partners like Loma Linda University Health are invaluable because they help us better serve families and students,” said Ginger Ontiveros, the District’s Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer. “We are grateful to have them in our corner.”

Loma Linda University Health has also worked closely with students in the Indian Springs High School’s Academy of Manufacturing and Product Development Design pathway to help students gain experience in designing and making prosthetic limbs.

SBCUSD launched the Outstanding Community Partner Award as a way to recognize the contributions of its many educational partners. The award will be presented monthly to a deserving organization.

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

Guaranteed basic income isn’t a new idea. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr talked about the idea of low-income people receiving regular checks from the government in the 1960s. It was brought up again during the 2020 presidential campaign when Democratic candidate Andrew Yang, a technology entrepreneur, made it a major part of his platform.

However, Yang was advocating for Universal Basic Income (UBI), which guarantees payments to everyone.

Guaranteed basic income only targets low-income people.

According to Yang, some kind of guaranteed basic income program is going to be necessary for the future when technology makes many jobs obsolete. A 2020 World Economic Forum study predicted that technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics would eliminate 85 million jobs by 2025. However, guaranteed basic income programs are gaining steam across California as poverty alleviation. Several cities are carrying out pilot programs.

Los Angeles County is conducting a guaranteed basic income pilot program called Breathe. The program provides $1,000 to 1,000 LA County residents over a three-year period. The program will be evaluated by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Guaranteed Income Research.

Breathe is overseen by the county’s Poverty Alleviation Initiative. 180,000 residents applied to take part in the program. On a single day during the that process, 95,000 people submitted applications, according to a county press release.

To qualify for Breathe funds, the applicants had to be at least 18 years old, have a single-person household income under $56,000 or $96,000 for a family of four, and have experienced negative impacts due to COVID-19.

One motivation behind the Breathe program was the COVID-19 pandemic, which laid bare the problems of poverty and income inequality.

“The course of this pandemic has revealed the large number of County residents who are living on the brink of the financial crisis, with insufficient savings to weather a job loss, a medical emergency, or a major car repair. This guaranteed income program will help give residents the breathing room they need to better weather those crises,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl.

Other guaranteed basic income programs are being pilot-tested in California.

Miracle Messages, an outreach program for the unhoused in San Francisco, started to pilot test a program called Miracle Money last year. Miracle Money provided $500 to homeless people. And the initial program seemed to be a success. According to Miracle Messages, about 50% of the people in the test group were able to find housing after they received the cash payments. Miracle Money was funded by a GoFundMe campaign.

Oakland Resilient Families is a Bay Area program that provides a $500 grant to families for 18 months. The program stresses it is different from universal basic income. “Guaranteed income is meant to provide an income floor but not meant to be a replacement for wages. Guaranteed income can also be targeted to those who need it most,” according to the organization’s website. Oakland Resilient Families is funded by donations.

Mountain View, another Bay Area city is setting up a new guaranteed basic income pilot program called Elevate MV. The pilot program promises to give, for two years, $500 a month to 166 low-income families with at least one child or who are currently pregnant. Elevate MV is operated through the Community Services Agency, a non-profit organization.

In San Diego County a guaranteed income pilot program was launched in March 2020. One hundred and fifty households with young children residing in one of the four priority ZIP codes in the county – Encanto, Paradise Hills, National City and San Ysidro — are receiving $500 a month for two years. The $2.9 million program is run by Jewish Family Service of San Diego with funding from Alliance Healthcare Foundation and from the state’s budget surplus.

These programs, including LA County’s Breathe program, are modeled after a universal basic income program that was tested in the city of Stockton. The Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) provided $500 to 125 low-income residents for 24 months.

And the research showed that the SEED program worked, according to a National Public Radio (NPR) article.

“Among the key findings outlined in a 25-page white paper are that the unconditional cash reduced the month-to-month income fluctuations that households face, increased recipients’ full-time employment by 12 percentage points, and decreased their measurable feelings of anxiety and depression, compared with their control-group counterparts,” said NPR.

As Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs launched the SEED program in 2019. Following the promising results of the pilot program, in 2020 Tubbs launched Mayors for Guaranteed Income, a coalition of 60 mayors who are advocating for a guaranteed income program to ensure that all Americans have an income floor.

Tubbs lost his bid for re-election in 2020 and is now an adviser to Gov. Gavin Newsom who is a proponent of guaranteed income.

The Adrienne Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation brings Mardi Gras to Riverside with its annual Jazz on the Rooftop Fundraiser

RIVERSIDE, CA—-“Oh, those Mardi Gras Nights!”, that’s the theme for this year’s 4th Annual Jazz on the Rooftop fundraising event hosted by the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation (ADCR). The annual event will take place on Friday, October 21, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Riverside City Hall’s Rooftop located at 3900 Main Street in Riverside.

The entertainment for this year will be Lorie V. Moore and friends, and as usual there will be food and dancing throughout the night. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to get their tickets as early as possible.

Please come dress to impress with your favorite mask. There will be a prize for the best mask. Tickets on sale now and may be purchased at www.adcrfoundation.org.

ABOUT JAZZ ON THE ROOFTOP

Jazz on the Rooftop is an annual fundraiser with the goal of raising funds for the Foundation’s community efforts, which include: the Riverside Black History Parade & Expo, the Young Women’s Empowerment conference, and the Backpack Giveaway for school age students.

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

On November 8, San Bernardino County voters will be presented with a choice on their ballot — leave the state of California and create the 51st state or remain the largest county in the nation.

A consortium in San Bernardino is the latest group of people proposing to alter the boundaries of the state of California. The group wants the county to secede from California and create a 51st state that would be called Empire.

According to real estate developer Jeff Burum, a member of the group, San Bernardino County is not getting its fair share from the state of California. The movement is supported by some local mayors such as Acquanetta Warren, mayor of Fontana, and Bill Velto, mayor of Upland.

“We cannot continue to beg, and crawl … to get resources for our county… Let’s step out and be bold about it and let the people decide what they want to do.” Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren told the San Bernadino Board of Supervisors.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman said, “I’m frustrated, too. I’m frustrated with the state of California. It’s becoming, more and more, ‘one size fits all’ for the greatest state in the nation.”

Burum claimed the move has “overwhelming” support. But he is basing his assessment on a survey of 400 San Bernardino County residents by Wallin Opinion Research.

There are more than 2.1 million people living in the county. San Bernardino is the fifth-most populous county in California and the largest in the nation by area. Geographically, it is larger than Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey and Rhode Island combined.

The issue was first brought up at a meeting of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. And it has continued to be discussed at Board of Supervisors’ meetings over the past few months.

While Board Chair Hagman supports the move, Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., said he disagrees with the effort.

During public comment at a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, Jane Hunt-Ruble, a San Bernardino County resident, said she opposed the move. But she said it would be popular with people who held anti-government feelings.

“It’s never going to happen,” she said.

A group of Inland Empire-area legislators blasted the move in a joint letter.

“We are shocked with the reasoning behind this initiative, concerned about the cost to taxpayers to essentially ask local officials to do their jobs, and disappointed in the narrative being created regarding our community,” according to a letter signed by Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton,) State Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino,) and Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona.)

The Inland Empire legislators also pointed out that in 2020, one-third of the county’s revenue came from state dollars.

However, the San Bernardino Board of Supervisors agreed to put the issue on the ballot. The county’s Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 to put the secession measure on the 2022 ballot. One supervisor was absent.

According to a press statement, the question will be put on the November ballot.

It asks, “Do the people of San Bernardino County want San Bernardino County elected representatives to study and advocate for all options to obtain the county’s fair share of State funding up to and including secession from the State of California?”

Over the years, there have been several efforts led by various groups to partition California — or secede from the state. So far, none of them have succeeded.

The San Bernardino group’s move isn’t the only recent secession movement. In 2020, a group in northern California lobbied to leave the state and merge with parts of Oregon and Idaho. That group was motivated by dissatisfaction with California’s “liberal policies.”

Also, in 2017, there was gathering momentum for a movement calling for California to leave the Union and create its own country. That movement, labeled Calexit, was headed by Louis Marinelli, an American citizen who lived in Russia. According to Bloomberg, the campaign received financial backing from the Russian government. Marinelli later returned to America, renounced Calexit, and ran for a State Assembly seat. He received 6.4% of the vote.

Creating a new state is a complicated process. For example, secession from California would require approval from state legislatures, Congress and a signature from the president of the United States.

The last states to join the union were Hawaii and Alaska, which were admitted in 1959. And the last state to be formed by splitting away from another state was West Virginia, which was created in 1863.

Juanita Nixon Kelly, a 70-year resident of San Bernardino, California will celebrate her 100th birthday on October 3. She was born in Texas, Texarkana in 1922, raised in Oklahoma, then she moved to Los Angeles, California in 1937 at the age of 15, and later graduated from Jefferson High School in1940.

Kelly moved to the Westside of San Bernardino in 1952, where she raised a beautiful family of eight children, four girls and four boys. She has always had a love and desire to help others which led her to be employed at St. Bernardines Hospital and San Bernardino County Foster Care. She also worked as a clerk with the Voter’s Registrar with the voting polls in the family home for 10 years.

After retirement, she became a volunteer for the San Bernardino County Senior Companion for 27 leaving the program at the age of 90, continuing with her walk and work with God and the Church. Her years in the church she served as Sunday School Teacher, choir member, choir president, choir director, and mistress of ceremonies. God has blessed her to live and witness six generations of her family. Having grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren the number exceeds well over 100.

Kelly’s favorite scripture is Psalm 34:1, which states, “I will bless the Lord at all times his praise shall continually be in my mouth”. Her favorite song is “Because He lives I can face tomorrow”.

She has come this far by faith leaning on the Lord! She was also one of the founding organizers in Bethesda M.B.C with Pastor Fred M.Williams; New Jerusalem M.B.C; and Burning Bush M.B.C with Pastor Solomon Stewart. She is an active member of Living Faith Full Gospel Church with Pastor Shelby Roberts.

She was the recipient of the “First Annual Juneteenth Recognition Award”, The Inland Empire/High Desert Component Choir of the L.A Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America Inc in 2022, Dansby Stardivant II, GMWA Asst, Chapter Rep. She has also received recognition and honor from the offices of Joe Baca San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors 5th District, Assembly Woman Wilmer Carter, Mayor Pat Morris, President Bill Clinton, and San Bernardino city council. She her family’s Queen/ Matriarch.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Kaiser High School ROTC color guard started the day off presenting the flags, and Valerie Evans singing the most beautiful rendition of America the beautiful.

Judges Dramond Crawford, Phil Cochran, and R.D. Evans had the hardest job, tasting and judging food from each of the grillers. Making the ultimate decision must have been hard, but somebody had to do it and they were the best men for the job.

Winners of the competition went home with cash prizes, trophies, and plaques. First place chicken, Fontana Police officers’ association, first place ribs San Bernardino County Fire Fighters, second place ribs St Andrews Masonic Lodge #16, and second place chicken went to San Bernardino Police officers’ association.

Parents enjoyed finger licking good barbecue with live entertainment provided by Summit High School band, Route 66 dance studio, Heart and Soul Dancers, and the Tims family praise dancers.

Fontana Kiwanis Key Club students from 3 high schools in Fontana assisted the children in the kids zone with a community service project making cards for kids, that will be delivered to kids hospitalized with chronic illness, and games.

The success of the DAY’S event is due to everyone who participated, and your interest in being “Unity in CommUNITY”.

Our weekly coverage of local news in San Bernardino County is supported by the  Ethnic Media Sustainability Initiative, a program supported by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services to support minority-owned-and-operated community newspapers in California.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association (SEBA) is awarding a total of $40,000 to distribute to teachers throughout San Bernardino County as part of their annual Back to School Shop with a Cop: Teachers’ Edition event.

“We are extremely thankful to our partners at SEBA, who continue to dedicate their time and resources to reward extraordinary teachers who are dedicated to serving our students throughout San Bernardino County,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “This program is an example of how educational and community partners can unite to enrich the learning experience for our students.”

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre will join SEBA President, Sgt. Grant Ward in visiting 16 school sites as part of this year’s program.

“We are fortunate to have generous donors and a valuable partnership with San Bernardino County Schools,” said Ward. “Together, we are able to make a positive impact in the community we serve and say thank you to our teachers for their hard work and dedication.”

A total of 160 teachers will be recognized, and each teacher will receive a $250 gift card that may be used for classroom supplies, innovative learning resources, teacher tools and other classroom needs.

On Aug. 23, all 14 teachers at Snowline Joint Unified School District’s Wrightwood Elementary School received $250 gift cards each for the first visit of this year’s event. The school held an assembly to celebrate all of their teachers.

With the support from generous sponsors, approximately 4,000 students countywide will benefit from the gift cards awarded to teachers as part of these Shop With a Cop events.

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