Happily Divorced And After

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced $34,944,702 in new federal resources for the City of San Bernardino from the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Homekey Program that will go towards 140 new interim housing units and additional supportive services.

“I’m proud to announce nearly $35 million in federal funding is coming to the City of San Bernardino to help tackle the housing crisis,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “By providing temporary shelter and additional resources like rehabilitation, education and employment services, this grant funding will help ensure that everyone in our community can have a roof over their heads.”

“San Bernardino is helping the state address homelessness by delivering a unique Homekey project. Their Community Wellness Campus is a creative approach that will serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. The work and partnership behind this effort demonstrates what is possible when people think outside of the box and refuse to accept the status quo,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

“These funds are a powerful investment in our community to provide shelter, support, and a brighter future for those experiencing homelessness in San Bernardino. Since declaring a state of emergency on homelessness last year, we have been committed and focused on addressing this issue. The resources from Congressman Aguilar and Congress, augmented by the Governor and State, along with partners such as Lutheran Social Services, will help give hope to those in need,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran.

“This is a big win for San Bernardino. It allows us to continue making strides to address homelessness in the City and provide essential support to our homeless population,” said San Bernardino City Manager Charles Montoya. “We are grateful to our State and Federal partners for the funding opportunity, and Lutheran Social Services as our project partner.”

“I am thrilled that we have been selected and awarded funding through Project HomeKey. Being awarded this funding represents a significant milestone that underscores our commitment to providing shelter and vital services to the unsheltered individuals in San Bernardino,” said Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith, President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California.

According to a Point-in-Time Count and Survey conducted last year, homelessness in San Bernardino County increased by over 25 percent in 2023, and 71 percent of the homeless population were unsheltered.

The additional units will offer interim shelter at an existing campus, and supportive services including case management, peer support activities, rehabilitation services, behavioral and physical health services, assistance obtaining essential documentation, and education and employment services.

This grant was funded by the American Rescue Plan, which Rep. Aguilar helped pass. To make housing more affordable in the Inland Empire, Rep. Aguilar also recently announced additional housing vouchers for local veterans.

Photos and videos from the event are available here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Detailed nomination requirements can be found on the nomination form.

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

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

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gov. Gavin Newsom presented a $291 billion spending plan to the California Legislature on Jan. 10. Despite a looming shortfall estimated at tens of billions of dollars, Newsom avoided making cuts to critical expenditures in education, public safety, curbing organized retail theft, housing for the homeless, mental health care reform, climate action, and other issues that are priorities.

During his speech, delivered at the auditorium of the Secretary of State building in Sacramento, Newsom clarified that he expects the state to have a $37.9 billion deficit. That figure is considerably lower than the nearly $68 billion deficit projected last month by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Office (LAO).

“Those of you who’ve been writing about a different number I hope you’re immediately correcting,” Newsom said moments into his presentation. “We’ve been pretty damn transparent with you by making the point publicly, not just privately that that was not the number, but it continues to be reported as the gospel.”

On Jan. 13, the LAO released an analysis of Newsom’s budget proposal that placed the amount of the budget deficit problem to about $58 billion, $10 billion lower than its original projection and nearly $20 million more than the Department of Finance calculations.

In addition to ordering a reduction on general fund spending last month, Newsom proposed a number of actions to bridge the budget gap during his presentation, including the possibility of declaring a budget emergency, which would allow him to borrow cash from the state’s reserves. He also suggested making “moderate cuts” totaling $8.5 billion in spending from some programs that support climate change initiatives, housing and other services; and reconsidering the healthcare wage increase.

“Our state is in a strong position to close this shortfall while protecting key priorities and programs that millions of Californians rely on,” Newsom remained upbeat about the state’s economic forecast. “I look forward to partnering with the Legislature to meet this moment with a balanced approach that meets the needs of Californians and safeguards our state’s future.”

During the Q&A session after his presentation, Newsom, in response to a question posed by California Black Media stated that he took deliberate steps to safeguard programs that the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) had identified as important. They included the state’s equity multiplier funding program designed to support schools with significant numbers of socioeconomically disadvantaged children – an initiative strongly advocated by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), and funding for the Ralph J.Bunche Center for African American Studies at UCLA.

In a statement released Jan. 11, State Controller Malia M. Cohen, who is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s resources, says that she has faith in Newsom’s projections.

“While the Governor had difficult choices to make to address the budget shortfall, I’m confident that the budget announced (Jan. 10) will keep California moving forward and continue the work necessary to support vital public health and safety programs along with other core services,” Cohen stated. “As Controller, my office is prepared to provide the tools and resources necessary to ensure the state meets its financial obligations and maintains economic stability.”

Newsom’s budget plan reflects $18.4 billion in total budgetary reserves, including $11.1 billion in the Rainy Day Fund.

Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber thanked Newsom’s for keeping funding flat for programs that are central to the services her department delivers, including two new digital programs that promote transparency in political financing and provides electronic notarization of business documents.

 “The January Budget includes resources for the Secretary of State to maintain its core ongoing operations,” said Weber.

“In addition, the Budget includes funding to support the Help America Vote Act mandates and resources to continue the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System (CARS) Project and to support the continuation of the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project (NAP 2.0) which are mission critical and vital to the services the SOS provides to the public, Legislature, and its stakeholders,” Weber added.

Several Republican lawmakers expressed their disapproval of Newsom’s spending plan, including Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), who called the Governor’s budget “pure fantasyland.”

Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) and Vice Chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, Sen. Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) also shared their views on Newsom’s budget proposal.

Jones stated in a Jan. 10 statement that Newsom’s plan is “year six of ‘Gavinomics’ where his budgets turn surpluses into deficits and his policies push Californians to flee.”

Niello stated that the governor’s rhetoric is a way to weave “through a deficit of dollars.”

“As the governor pulls revenue gimmicks and accounting tricks, it’s impossible to bury the truth: California is bleeding because of a decade of Democrats’ one-party rule and reckless spending,” Niello stated.

Calling California’s economy, the “greatest wealth generator in the world,” Newsom said he is confident California will close its budget gap, continue on its overall path of prosperity while providing innovative solutions to address social and economic issues.

“This is a story of correction, a story of normalization after a period of a tremendous amount of distortion,” Newsom said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Lou K. Coleman

She cries in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she utters her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and how long will the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? [Proverbs 1:20-21]. Don’t you know that dismissal of God’s messages led to disastrous outcomes. [Proverbs 29:1]. For every violation of the law and every act of disobedience is punished [Hebrews 2:1-2].

Wisdom shouts in the streets; Do not ignore the warnings because before God sends down a judgment against a people, He always sends a warning and when a warning is given, it also come with instructions on what to do to prepare for the destruction.

Listen, massive changes are coming. Wars will be fought on a scale never seen before, and weapons of mass destruction will be used. The level of nuclear devastation from the events of this Fifth Trumpet is prophetically revealed to destroy a third of the United States, which also means the death of over one hundred million people. “One Woe is past, and behold, there are two more Woes coming after this” [Revelation 9:12]. And it is at this juncture that the world is warned of even far greater destruction that will follow. [Revelation 9:13-16]. I know this is unimaginable, but it is soon going to come to pass. Do not ignore the warnings. Wisdom Shouts in the Streets. Warning comes before destruction. Heed the warnings.

Just as God warned the people of the impending doom through Noah, in Noah’s time, most people will ignore the warnings. Noah preached to the people for 120 years, trying to warn them of what was going to happen, but none would listen. They mocked and ridiculed him as he gave the warning. They laughed and insulted as he constructed the ark. The people would not believe Noah and because they did not believe it, the flood came and took them all away. [Matthew 24:30].

Wisdom Shouts in the Streets…. Heed the Warnings of God!