Happily Divorced And After

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Last week, when Gov. Gavin Newsom presented the annual May revision of his budget proposal for the next fiscal year, he announced that California will establish new demographic categories when collecting data pertaining to the ethnic origin of Black state employees.

Kamilah A. Moore, the chairperson of the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans, said the breakdown of data is “amazing news.”

“California will become the first state in the nation to disaggregate data for its Black population by ancestry/lineage,” Moore posted on her Twitter page on May 13. “This will assist the task force in our efforts to develop comprehensive reparations proposals for descendants.”

Disaggregated data refers to the separation of compiled information into smaller units to clarify underlying trends and patterns. Newsom’s actions are similar to a bill authored by then-Assemblyman Rob Bonta.

In September 2016, former Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1726 into law that required the state Department of Public Health to separate demographic data it collects by ethnicity or ancestry for Native Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Islander groups.

Recently, disaggregation of Black data has been a top priority for some Black lawmakers and advocates supporting reparations for Black descendants of American slavery in California. In January, Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), introduced AB 1604, the Upward Mobility Act of 2022, legislation that will require the state to breakdown the data of state employees by ethnic origin.

The Assembly Committee on Appropriations is currently reviewing the bill.

AB 1604 promotes mobility for people of color in California’s civil services system and requires diversity on state boards and commissions. Newsom vetoed AB 105 last year, the legislative forerunner to AB 1604, which Holden also introduced.

Shortly after he was appointed chair of the Assembly Committee on Appropriations in January, Holden reintroduced the legislation as AB 1604.

Holden, a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, said AB 1604 will give the Reparations Task Force more accurate data to utilize in its study and deliberations. The bill was passed by the Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement on March 14.

In a written statement released in October last year, Newsom said he vetoed AB 105 because “the bill conflicts with existing constitutional requirements, labor, agreements, and current data collections efforts” but found disaggregation useful for dissecting data about California’s workforce.

As stated in his 2022-2023 May revision of the state budget, under the section titled “State Workforce Demographic Data Collection,” Newsom proposed the separation of Black employee data beginning with the state’s 2.5 million-plus employees.

The Department of Human Resources (CalHR) will work with the State Controller to establish new demographic categories for the collection of data pertaining to the ancestry or ethnic origin of African American employees.

The collection of this data, the document states, “continues CalHR’s duties to maintain statistical information necessary for the evaluation of equal employment opportunity and upward mobility within state civil service.”

In March, the nine-member Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans decided with a 5-4 vote that lineage will determine who will be eligible for reparations.

The May Revision also includes $1.5 million in funding for the Department of Justice to continue supporting the work of the Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans

Supporters of disaggregation say it will serve as a key tool for the task force as it enters its second year of studying slavery and its lingering effects on African Americans.

The state’s reparations task force will recommend what compensation should be and how it should be paid by July 2023.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– On Saturday April 23rd, in honor of International Earth Day, Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. hosted a community clean up in both Muscoy and Bloomington. With over 350 volunteers altogether in attendance at both locations, and over twenty community partners assisting, both unincorporated areas were left cleaner and healthier for those who reside there. Tons of trash from all over Muscoy and Bloomington were properly disposed, leaving parts of San Bernardino County cleaner than it previously was. The event was meant to last until the afternoon, but due to the abundance of volunteers cleaning up together, the event was completed earlier.

“This year’s community clean up event was more than a success. Seeing so many people go out of their way and volunteer to help clean up both Muscoy and Bloomington was touching. Our teamwork and community commitment to keeping our Earth safe and clean, especially the parts of town that we live brings me so much hope in what is to come for our Fifth District. This event was a huge success, and we couldn’t have done it without our community partners. I want to thank all the volunteers, our County Special Districts, Code Enforcement, California Highway Patrol, and all other partners once again for all the assistance. Let us treat every day like it is Earth Day, let us be kind to our Earth it is our only home. Looking forward to next year’s event! “-Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Primaries will be held June 7 for four positions on the California Board of Equalization, all 80 seats in the State Assembly, and 20 State Senate seats. Half of the 40 State Senate seats are subject to election every two years. The 20 even numbered districts are on ballots this year.

California Black Media (CBM) is reporting that no Black candidates are running for the Board of Equalization. Malia Cohen, current Board Chair and the first Black woman elected to the Board, is passing up a re-election bid to continue representing District 2 to run for State Controller instead.

There are five Black candidates running for two State Senate seats. Four are Democrats and one is a Republican. Three candidates are women and two are men.

Twenty-two Black candidates are on ballots for 18 State Assembly contests. Twenty candidates are Democrats and two are Republicans. Eight candidates are women and 14 are men. Nine races involve incumbents, and eight incumbents are Black. Three Black incumbents are running unopposed. Two Assembly seats are being contested by more than one Black candidate.

Although African Americans are 5.8% of California residents and 7% of the voting-eligible population, Black candidates are on ballots for 10% of the Senate races and 22.5% of the Assembly races.

State Senators represent an average of 988,455 residents and Assemblymembers represent an average of 494,227 residents. After the redistricting done following the 2020 US Census, African Americans no longer exceed 40% of the population in any district. Three Senate districts and five Assembly districts have African American populations exceeding 20%.

Black candidates running for State Senate are:

Republican Gregory Tatum is a pastor, U.S. Army veteran and avionics technician. He is running to represent Senate District 16 (Bakersfield). State Senator Melissa Hurtado who currently represents District 14 is in this race because redistricting changed her district boundaries. This district is predicted to be a tossup for the two Republican and three Democrats on the ballot.

Four Black Democratic candidates are running to represent Senate District 28 (Los Angeles). Jamaal A. Gulledge is a public servant. Kamilah Victoria Moore, chair of the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations proposals for African Americans, has no ballot designation. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas is an educator and community organizer. Cheryl C. Turner is a Civil Rights Lawyer. Five candidates are on the ballot. This is a solid Democratic district.

Black candidates running for State Assembly are:

Democrat Kevin McCarty is an Assemblymember representing District 7 (Sacramento). Due to redistricting, he is running to represent District 6 (Sacramento). He has four opponents. This is a solid Democratic district.

Two Black candidates are competing to represent Assembly District 10 (Elk Grove). Democrat Tecoy Porter is a pastor, educator and nonprofit director. Republican Eric M. Rigard is a retired businessman. Five candidates are on the ballot. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent is on the ballot.

Democrat Lori D. Wilson is listed on the ballot as a Democratic Mayor and Finance Director running to represent Assembly District 11 (Vallejo). Recently, she won a special election to represent District 11, making her the incumbent. She has one opponent. This is a solid Democratic district.

Democrat Ida Times-Green is a School Board Trustee. She is Board President of the Sausalito-Marin City School District and is running to represent Assembly District 12 (Marin). She has three Democratic rivals. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent is on the ballot.

Democrat Mia Bonta is the Assemblymember representing District 18 (Oakland). She is running for re-election unopposed. This is a solid Democratic district.

Democrat Jennifer Esteen is a Psychiatric Registered Nurse. She is on the ballot to represent Assembly District (20) Alameda. Her opponents are two Democrats and a Republican. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent is on the ballot.

Democrat Maurice Goodman is a San Mateo County Community College District Trustee. He is running to represent Assembly District 21 (San Mateo). He is running against five Democrats and a Republican. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent is on the ballot.

Democrat Jon Wizard is a Councilmember and Housing Policymaker. He is running to represent Assembly District 30 (San Luis Obispo). He is running against three Democrats and a Republican. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent is on the ballot.

Democrat Marlon G. Ware is a University Professor and Director. He is also a retired US Marine officer. He is running to represent Assembly District 36 (Imperial). He has two opponents. Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D) currently representing the 56th Assembly District is on the ballot for this seat due to redistricting. This is a solid Democratic district.

Democrat Chris Holden is an Assemblymember representing District 41 (Pasadena). He is running for re-election unopposed. This is a solid Democratic district.

Democrat Jamie Swain is a truck driver and businesswomen. She is running to represent District 47 (Palm Springs). Her opponents are two Republicans and a Democrat. There is no incumbent on the ballot. This race is judged to be a tossup between the Republicans and Democrats.

Democrat Isaac G. Bryan is the Assemblymember representing District 55 (Los Angeles). He is the incumbent and has one opponent, a Republican. This is a solid Democratic district.

Democrat Reggie Jones-Sawyer is the Assemblymember representing District 57 (Los Angeles). He is running for re-election unopposed. This is a solid Democratic district.

Democrat Corey A Jackson is a Riverside County Board of Education member. He is running to represent Assembly District 60 (Moreno Valley). He has three opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent is on the ballot.

Three Black candidates are running to represent Assembly District 61 (Inglewood). Democrat Tina Simone McKinnor is Non-Profit Director and businesswoman. Democrat Robert Pullen-Miles is Mayor, City of Lawndale. Republican James Arlandus Spencer is an Environmental Consultant. Five candidates are on the ballot. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent is on the ballot.

Democrat Mike Anthony Gipson is the Assemblymember for District 65 (Compton). He is running for re-election against one opponent. This is a solid Democratic district

Two Black candidates are on the ballot to represent Assembly District 69 (Long Beach). Democrat Al Austin II is a Long Beach Councilmember. Democrat Janet Denise Foster is a Healthcare Administrator. Four Democratic candidates are running for the seat. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent is on the ballot.

Democrat Akilah Weber Democratic State is an Assemblymember and Doctor. She represents Assembly District 79 (La Mesa) and is running for re-election against two Republican opponents. This is a solid Democratic district.

In each contest for Senate and Assembly seats the two candidates receiving the most votes in the June 7 primary will move on to the November 8 general election.

By Lou Yeboah

I tell you; the message of the rich man should be a warning to all of us. He awoke to the fact of eternity too late. He lifted up his eyes too late. He was too busy in life to stop and look up. He was too absorbed with the Now to think of the Here-after. Could’ve, Would’ve Should’ve – But Didn’t – What Tragedy! This sad story should be a warning to each of us, not to take for granted the grace of God, as well as to realize that there are irreversible decisions in life.

If you are reading this message today and don’t know Christ as your personal Savior, do not wait till it’s too late. The weightiest application here is that one day it will be too late for repentance. As [Hebrews 9:27] says, “It is appointed for me to die once and after this comes judgment. The rich man in [Luke 16] discovered that too late. His destiny was now fixed and like in Esau’s case “there was no place for repentance.” May each of us learn from him, and from Esau, and not wait until it is too late to consider the cost of our decisions and actions.

Right now, there is still time to repent before God releases the last three trumpet judgments, referred to as “woes”. Don’t wait till it’s too late. Heed the warnings. Now is the time to set your life right. Now is the time to get your house in order. Now is the time to repent! Now is the time to put oil in your lamp. Do not be complacent. Don’t wait till it’s too late. Regrets are a killer. The rich man in his eternity of suffering is a man of regrets. He knew he was in hell, and he knew why. Don’t you do it for the Bible makes it very clear that there is a time coming when you won’t be able to be saved. These are the end times, the time of great tribulation, when God will pour out his wrath and judgment on an unbelieving world that will refuse him to the end. The Bible says God will give them up. They will curse God as they are being scorched with hailstones. They will try to hide from his wrath in vain, they will seek death, but death will flee from them. Don’t you do it. Repent and be converted that your sins may be blotted out [Acts 3:19].

For no one is excluded from Jesus’ demand to repent. He made this clear when a group of people came to him with news of two calamities. Innocent people had been killed by Pilate’s massacre and by the fall of the tower of Siloam [Luke 13:1-4]. Jesus took the occasion to warn even the bearers of the news: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” [Luke 13:5]. Jesus, the Son of God, is warning us of the judgment to come, and offering escape if we will repent. If you don’t repent, Jesus has one word, “Woe, unto you” [Matthew 11:21].

The Bible says our earthly lives are a “mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” [James 4:14]. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” [Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:36]. Could’ve, Should’ve Would’ve – But Didn’t – What Tragedy!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — In honor of National Teacher’s Appreciation Week, Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. has recognized five influential educators who go above and beyond for their students. All the educators chosen are from San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Rialto Unified School District, Preschool Services Department, San Bernardino City Unified School District and Colton Joint Unified School District. These teachers have significantly changed the lives of hundreds of students in our community and that is why they were chosen to be honored this year.

• Jill Weigmann: Special Education Program Teacher at Eisenhower High School.
• Laurie Hicks: Reading Specialist at Dollahan Elementary School.
• Irene Perez: Pre-School Services at the Boys and Girls Club.
• Keith Brockie: Art and Demonstration Teacher at Arroyo Valley High School.
• Matthew Johnson: Engineering Pathway Lead at Colton High School.

“As a past educator myself, I know the feeling of wanting to see my students grow and achieve their goals. Pushing and encouraging our students is the first step into them learning to be confident in the work they create. The role of a teacher in society is extremely important and I cannot thank them all enough. My experience as a teacher has taught me characteristics that are forever instilled in me today, and these five teachers chosen for this year’s appreciation week are just some of the few who have changed the lives of students for the better. -Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

This past weekend in the Inland Empire, a San Bernardino couple welcomed hundreds of African American high school graduates from the region for a joyous pan high-school, Black-themed graduation celebration.

“Sometimes we have students doing magnificent things and nobody sees them,” said Keynasia Buffong, co-founder of Buffong Consultation Solutions, the company that organized the celebration honoring graduates from various high schools in the area.

Keynasia Buffong co-owns the firm with her husband Jonathan Buffong. The couple wants to expand the mass graduation event to all regions in the state.

“When you come into your community, we see you. We recognize you,” Kaynasia Buffong continued.

The Buffongs say 694 students signed up for the Black graduation event their company held in conjunction with the Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement (CEEM) and a myriad of other sponsors.

In addition to celebrating the students’ achievements, the Buffongs say the event held at the Los Angeles County Fair Grounds in Pomona introduced members of the class of 2022 to culturally significant career, social and civic opportunities.

Black Greek organizations attended the weekend-long event as well as the first Black valedictorian of Beaumont High School where African American students make up a little under 7 % of the student population.

“We got a chance to give away $27,000 in scholarships,” said Keynasia.

Both Buffongs are educators and student advocates in California. They have been hosting the graduation event appreciating Black students for over 11 years.

But the Buffongs say celebrating success always comes with a reminder of the challenges Black students face.

According to the California Department of Education, at 72.5%, Black students had the lowest high school graduation rate among all other racial or ethnic groups at the end of the 2020 to 2021 academic year.

Jonathan said one of their goals is to help graduates transition into the next stage of their academic life, whether that be a 4-year university, community college, trade school, or employment.

“Sometimes they don’t know where to go or what to do,” said Keynasia. “There’s mentorship and sponsorship and we aim to have both.”

For the scholarship awards, the Buffongs are not just looking at grades but the full context of the graduates’ lives.

“Whether it’s COVID, deaths, family or health issues, disabilities, we’re looking for things to support them on so we can get them to the next level,” said Jonathan.

Outside of academic and career success, the Buffongs spoke about the importance of Black cultural exposure through education and traditional practices such as the Black national anthem and a libation ceremony.

The libation ceremony is performed by an elder in the community as a way to honor one’s ancestors. It is significant in various African cultures as well as other cultures around the globe.

The Buffongs say their next step is to look into more internship opportunities and figure out how to help curb the high numbers of Black high school graduates who leave the state to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tracey Bannister, Navy Office of Community Outreach

BANGOR, Wash. – A Loma Linda, California, native is stationed at Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), homeport to west coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines.

Lt. Yannick Munyakayanza joined the Navy for the educational opportunities and the culture the Navy provides. Today, Munyakayanza serves as an assistant targeting officer.

“I wanted to learn about nuclear engineering, and I joined for the history and heritage in the submarine community with African Americans,” said Munyakayanza.

Munyakayanza attended Campbell High School and graduated in 2007. Today, Munyakayanza uses skills and values similar to those found in Loma Linda to succeed in the Navy.

“A good mental attitude, a good level of malleability, and good study habits are the lessons learned I brought with me to the Navy from my hometown,” said Munyakayanza.

These lessons have helped Munyakayanza while serving with Commander Submarine Group 9/Commander Task Group 114.3.

Known as America’s “Apex Predators!” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.

There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).

Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.

The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. – replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.

Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Munyakayanza is part of a rich 122-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.

Serving in the Navy means Munyakayanza is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

A major component of that maritime security is homeported at Naval Submarine Base Bangor.

For decades Naval Submarine Base Bangor has been home to Ohio Class ballistic-missile submarines. Beginning in 2028, the new Columbia Class ballistic-missile submarines will arrive and provide continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Munyakayanza and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“Qualifying as a submarine officer and being seen as a leader among the submarine personnel, including the subsequent validation through peers and supervisors for my ability to continue a submarine career as a supervisor, is what I’m most proud of,” said Munyakayanza.

As Munyakayanza and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means doing my part in upholding a longstanding and hard fought tradition in the submarine group, having my family be proud of me and being a part of an elite community that’s also willing to serve others,” added Munyakayanza.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Every student attending San Bernardino City Unified schools will receive COVID-19 rapid antigen tests thanks to a generous donation from Amazon.

A longtime community partner, Amazon donated 150,000 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to the District’s Making Hope Happen Foundation, which will be distributed to every SBCUSD school. Students will take the tests home in May and can use them to test until early June, when school is out for summer break.

With the help of partners like Amazon, the Making Hope Happen Foundation (MHHF) engages people, builds partnerships, provides leadership, and delivers resources where they are needed to achieve a thriving and innovative community in which every student is a lifelong learner and can be successful in meeting their hopes and aspirations.

The Amazon donation included 75 boxes of Abbott BinaxNow rapid antigen test kits, with two tests per kit. Amazon donated these COVID-19 tests to SBCUSD in support of its continued pandemic response to ensure communities across the country have access to reliable at-home COVID-19 testing.
The Foundation supports the educational mission of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, which has embraced the power of hope as a primary driver of personal motivation and community change.

“The Making Hope Happen Foundation and SBCUSD are grateful for partnerships like this one that make these tests readily available for our more than 46,000 students,” said Ginger Ontiveros, the District’s Chief Communications/Community Engagement Officer and MHHF Executive Director. “Even as COVID wanes, it is important that we all do our part to protect ourselves and our community.”

“We’re proud to support the San Bernardino Unified School District by providing COVID-19 rapid antigen tests,” said David Ambroz, senior manager of community engagement for Amazon. “Regular and accessible testing during the pandemic continues to help keep our students and communities safe and healthy as we return to in-person activities.”

By Tanu Henry. | California Black Media

Last weekend, two of the most powerful Black women in California — both elected officers — visited seven churches in the Inland Empire, ahead of the June 7 primary elections.

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Board of Equalization Chair Malia Cohen began their micro-tour of Black churches at Loveland Church located in Fontana where the Rev. Charles Singleton is pastor.

“I’d like to introduce you to two outstanding servants of God in our state government,” retired California Assemblymember Cheryl Brown told the congregation at the oldest Black church in San Bernardino before Weber and Brown spoke.

Brown, who served in the Assembly representing the 47th District in San Bernardino County, was a member of the State Legislature from 2012 to 2016.

“First, the highest ranking African American in the state and the third in line for the governor succession, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber,” Brown asked the church to welcome Weber.

“Following her is Malia Cohen,” Brown continued. “Malia is the Chair of the Board of Equalization, and she’s running for State Controller. Both have the highest integrity.”

“I’m honored to be with you,” Weber told the congregation. “I’m the first African American to serve in this position in the 170-year history of California.”

Weber reminded the parishioners that it is “election time” and they are presented a unique opportunity to make their voices heard. She contrasted the voting rights Californians enjoy with restrictive policies in some conservative states that she says are being implemented to restrict access to the ballot box and limit public information about the electoral process.

Weber, who was an Assemblymember representing the 79th District in San Diego before Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed her Secretary of State in 2021, told the churchgoers that standing up for freedom and justice has been central to her professional career.

“I’ve spent my life as a legislator advocating on your behalf,” she said. “Making sure we had laws concerning police use of force, reparations – those opportunities that are there – those are my bills. But also making sure that everyone has the right to vote, has the information about voting, and we’ve lifted so many of the barriers to voting. Right now, in California, if you’re not sitting in state or federal prison for a felony, you can vote.”

Cohen took the podium following Weber.

“I love being in the Black church,” said Cohen, who served as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2018 to 2019 before she was elected to the BOE. She was a member of the San Francisco city leadership team from 2011 to 2019.

“To the church, I know you know how important voting is. I know you know a lot of elected officials that come through here’” Cohen told congregants. “I don’t want you to be offended. It is our way of saying thank you and acknowledging the power that lies in this congregation.”

Weber and Cohen are two out of three African Americans among California’s eight constitutional officers. The other is State Superintendent for Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. All of them are on the ballot for the upcoming June 7 primary election.

The other Inland Empire churches Cohen and Weber visited are Loveland Church in Fontana, Life Changing Ministries in San Bernardino, St. Paul AME in San Bernardino, Temple Metropolitan Baptist Church in San Bernardino, and Ecclesia Christian Fellowship in San Bernardino.

Cohen also visited New Life Christian Fellowship in Fontana.

“I am here to ask humbly for your support,” said Cohen. “I’ve served eight years on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. I’ve served three years on the Board of Equalization, and I would like to serve another four years as your State Controller. Please remember me as you cast your ballots.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Superintendent Doc Ervin announced Tuesday, May 3 that he will retire at the end of this school year. In making the announcement, Ervin praised the educational community for putting students first during what he called “the most unprecedented time for public education.”

“When I joined the SBCUSD team, my goal was twofold. First to reopen schools to in-person learning after the pandemic pushed classes online for a year, and second to set us on a transformational path toward becoming a high-performing public school district,” said Ervin. “I am proud to say we accomplished the first and have good curricular, instructional, and assessment systems and structures in place to support the second.”

Ervin was hired one year ago, with the Board of Education unanimously appointing him for a three-year assignment. According to Ervin, he made the decision to retire earlier than expected after carefully considering family, health, and progress toward his professional goals here.

“Superintendent Ervin came to SBCUSD, listened to our community, and led us through reopening our schools with an emphasis on doing what’s best for kids,” said Dr. Scott Wyatt, President of the Board of Education. “While his tenure will be brief, his impact on our system has helped us see new opportunities to help scholars excel and move our District on a trajectory toward becoming a high performing district of excellence.”

Ervin spent several months gathering input from the community through his Listening & Learning Tour. He shared his findings with the District’s leadership team who developed five overarching goals to strengthen student outcomes. Then at Mr. Ervin’s urging parents, students, teachers, community leaders, principals, District administrators, and Board members joined a task force to build on these overarching goals and create a new strategic plan known as Framework for Excellence: Vision 2025. Nearly complete, the Framework will provide SBCUSD with a roadmap to guide its success in the future.

Ervin noted that he appreciates the support he’s received from members of the District’s Board of Education. He added that he hopes they will embrace the collaboratively designed Framework before the next school year begins and will come together to select a new leader who is aligned with their educational philosophy.

“As I have said since I started my role here, SBCUSD has everything it needs to be a high-performing, urban public school system,” said Ervin. “I believe in the plans our team developed together with input from our school community. I believe they can be successful regardless of my decision to step away because this District is an educational community that wants transformational change. Success is possible if everyone stays focused on making decisions in the best interests of kids.”

In addition to reopening schools and preparing the Framework for Excellence, Mr. Ervin also led the District in many other accomplishments including:
• Implementation of a robust COVID-19 management system that protected SBCUSD students, staff, and community to the greatest extent possible.
• Establishing a District division to focus on Equity, Access and Innovation and ensure all students are met with the support and opportunity they need to be successful.
• Implementation of a system-wide digitized 4-year plan to guide high school students toward graduation and improve college readiness.
• Adoption of the NWEA assessment systems to provide meaningful insights for teaching and learning that will help educators improve their effectiveness.
• Establishment of a Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee to ensure representation and improved communication with parents and guardians from all 73 schools.
• Improvement of communication between the District and its various stakeholders through the deployment of ParentSquare and several electronic newsletters.
• Achievement of three new Linked Learning Gold Certified Career Pathways and the state’s first Linked Learning Gold High School.
• Launching of a pilot program for a Learning Labs as a model to scale Districtwide in support of academic success in literacy and math.
• Initiation of teacher-led efforts to align curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems to provide uniformity, continuity, and consistency across all schools.

Mr. Ervin’s last day as Superintendent will be July 1, 2022. The Board of Education will discuss the process of identifying the District’s next superintendent at a future board meeting.