By Tanu Henry | California Black Media
“I really don’t understand how the price of gas can rise so drastically in California,” said a Black woman and 55-year-old Rancho Cucamonga resident who agreed to be interviewed for this article but asked to not be identified.

“Unfortunately, we need to purchase it regardless of the prices and that’s one of reasons, I believe, it continues to increase,” she complained. “Weekly, it is costing me approximately $75 to commute to and from work, which is $35 more than I used to pay.”

The woman, who is a collections officer with a lead abatement company, said filling her tank often means she has to forgo another obligation.

As of Friday, the average gas price per gallon was $5.82 in the state.

Now, news that the state is tacking an extra 3 cent tax on every gallon purchased – which will not be a significant increase – is still absurd, says the woman, considering that California already has the highest gas prices in the nation.

Because Gov. Gavin Newsom and the State Legislature missed the May 1 deadline to suspend an inflationary gas tax increase that is scheduled for July 1, it will still take effect.

Policymakers would have had to act 60 days in advance to avert the increase.
Democratic lawmakers, backed by environmentalists, are digging their heels in, defending their decision not to suspend the inflationary tax increase that they fought hard to approve when they voted to pass Senate Bill 1 in 2017.
“As we’ve said before, suspending the gas tax would reduce critical funds available for road repair and improvement projects,” Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, (D-San Diego) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood said in a joint statement.
“Additionally, as oil companies continue to rake in record-high profits, there is no guarantee this relief would be passed onto consumers,” Atkins and Rendon continued.
With the tax hike, the average excise tax price per gallon in the state will go from about 51cents per gallon to 54 cents per gallon.
Last month, with the May 1 deadline looming, Newsom’s office acknowledged that it would not be able to convince lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly to suspend the tax increase.
Instead, Newsom’s spokesperson Alex Stack released a statement suggesting that the Governor’s office was turning its attention to providing relief to Californians as the cost of gas, food and other commodities continue to skyrocket.
“We look forward to working with lawmakers on the governor’s proposal for direct payments to Californians wrestling with rising prices,” Stack said in a statement. “Helping offset the impact of inflation on California residents remains a top priority for the governor.”
Legislative Republicans blasted their Democratic colleagues for their “inaction” on the gas tax increase.
“Californians are desperate for any relief at the pump while paying the highest gas prices in the nation, but Democrats have decided to run out the clock and increase the state’s gas tax instead,” read a statement the state Republican Party released earlier this month.
Gov. Newsom and lawmakers in both chambers of the Legislature have still not agreed on how to address the excessive cost of gas in the state.

 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— More than 160 students competed in the 40th Annual San Bernardino, Inyo and Mono Counties Science and Engineering Fair (SIMSEF).

“This year’s virtual competition showcased incredible projects that required creativity, knowledge and commitment,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “I am extremely proud of the many engaging and complex projects our students have developed. It’s exciting to see our students cultivating an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

This regional science fair features science projects designed, developed and displayed by elementary, middle and high school students from schools in each county. Individual and group projects were judged in 21 various science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) categories.

Students competed in three different divisions: Elementary (Grades 4-5), Junior (Grades 6-8) and Senior (Grades 9-12). Submissions from students within the three counties totaled 137 projects, with 115 individual entries and 22 group entries. The awards ceremony took place virtually on March 17, 2022.

Nearly 30 students from the Junior and Senior divisions advanced to the California Science & Engineering Fair, held virtually on April 12, 2022.

Four projects were named 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Finalists. The five students will have the opportunity to travel to Atlanta, Georgia in May and compete with over 1800 students from across the world.

Regeneron ISEF Finalists:
• Makena Bailey & Kyra Phaychanpheng, Chino Hills High School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “The Effects of Varying Nitrogen:Phosphorus:Potassium (NPK) Ratios on Algal Growth in Wetland Water”
• Ellery McQuilkin, Lee Vining High School, Eastern Sierra Unified School District, “Eastern Sierra of the Dana Glacier Using Observed Melt Rate and 3D Modeling”
• Varun Srivastava, Redlands High School, Redlands Unified School District “Predicting the onset of Depressive Disorder using Machine Learning.”
• Snow Cameron, Upland High School, Upland Unified School District “Why can’t gamma see? It’s probably AMD.”

Students also earned various Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Regional Awards:
• American Meteorological Society Award – Makena Bailey & Kyra Phaychanpheng, Chino Hills High School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “The Effects of Varying Nitrogen:Phosphorus:Potassium (NPK) Ratios on Algal Growth in Wetland Water”
• American Meteorological Society Award – Isabelle Pinto, Los Osos High School, Chaffey Joint Union High School District, “Need a Little Space?”
• American Psychological Association Award – Varun Srivastava, Redlands High School, Redlands Unified School District, “Predicting Onset of Depressive Disorder using Machine Learning”
• ASM Materials Education Foundation Award – Lidia Diego, Colton High School, Colton Joint Unified School District, “Can plastic be made differently?”
• Association for Women Geoscientists Award – Ellery McQuilkin, Lee Vining High School, Eastern Sierra Unified School District, “Projecting Disappearance of the Dana Glacier Using Observed Melt Rate and 3D Modeling”
• Mu Alpha Theta Award – Varun Srivastava, Redlands High School, Redlands Unified School District, “Predicting Onset of Depressive Disorder using Machine Learning”
• NASA Earth System Science Award – Ellery McQuilkin, Lee Vining High School, Eastern Sierra Unified School District, “Projecting Disappearance of the Dana Glacier Using Observed Melt Rate and 3D Modeling”
• National Geographic Society That’s Geography! Award – Ethan Chang & Kyle Huang, Upland High School, Upland Unified School District, “Breaking Wind”
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award – Elina Kim, Silverado High School, Victor Valley Union High School District, “Microplastics in the Tissues of Farm-Raised Tilapia, Swai, and Salmon”
• Office Of Naval Research U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps Award – Mason Young, Inland Leaders Charter School, “Which damper will tamper with the vibrations?”
• Office Of Naval Research U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps Award – Michael Flynn, Moore Middle School, Redlands Unified School District, “How Does Viscosity Affect the Protection of a Fragile Object?”
• Office Of Naval Research U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps Award – Elina Kim, Silverado High School, Victor Valley Union High School District, “Microplastics in the Tissues of Farm-Raised Tilapia, Swai, and Salmon”
• Office Of Naval Research U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps Award – Ko Er (Carol) Rau, Chino Hills High School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “Fat Digestion with Digestive Supplements: Ox Bile and Pancreatin”
• Regeneron Biomedical Science Award – Varun Srivastava, Redlands High School, Redlands Unified School District, “Predicting Onset of Depressive Disorder using Machine Learning”
• Ricoh USA, Inc. Award – Srinivas Gollapudi, Upland High School, Upland Unified School District, “The Effects of Temperature and pH solutions on Microbial Fuel Cells”
• Society for In Vitro Biology Award – Ko Er (Carol) Rau, Chino Hills High School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “Fat Digestion with Digestive Supplements: Ox Bile and Pancreatin”
• The Lemelson Foundation Early Inventor Award – Daniel Chien & Arjun Wazir, Country Springs Elementary School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “Light Heating”
• U.S Agency for International Development Award – Mason Young, Inland Leaders Charter School, “Which damper will tamper with the vibrations?”
• U.S. Department of Defense STEM Leadership Award – Abigail Espinoza & Isabel Servin, Sacred Heart Academy, “C.S.I. Crime Scene Investigation”
• U.S. Metric Association Award – Sofia Vega, Paul J. Rogers Elementary School, Colton Joint Unified School District, “Alkaline Grass Water”
• U.S. Stockholm Junior Regional Water Prize Award – Elina Kim, Silverado High School, Victor Valley Union High School District, “Microplastics in the Tissues of Farm-Raised Tilapia, Swai, and Salmon”
• U.S. Stockholm Junior Regional Water Prize Award – Ellery McQuilkin, Lee Vining High School, Eastern Sierra Unified School District, “Projecting Disappearance of the Dana Glacier Using Observed Melt Rate and 3D Modeling”
• United States Air Force Award – Wyatt Browning & JC Cervantes, Cameron Elementary School, Barstow Unified School District, “Payload to Mars”
• Yale Science and Engineering Association Award – Arul Loomba, Rancho Cucamonga High School, Chaffey Joint Union High School District, “Characterization of pathogenic enhancer data using computational analysis”

Professional Engineers of California Government (PECG), Inland Empire Sector Local Community Awards recipients are:
• Elementary Division – Andrew Lee, Gerald F. Litel Elementary School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “Earthquake Resilient Building”
• Junior Division – Hannah Chaix, Charlotte Mason Schools Co-op, “Testing Potassium Carbonate as a Fire Retardant in House Paint”
• Senior Division – Ko Er (Carol) Rau, Chino Hills High School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “Fat Digestion with Digestive Supplements: Ox Bile and Pancreatin”

Project Scientist is a non-profit that aims to increase diversity in STEM fields by empowering girls in pursuit of STEM careers. Three students were awarded the Project Scientist Ignite Award:
• Elementary Division – Ava Utterback, Edwin Rhodes Elementary School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “How Does Music Rock the Brain?”
• Junior Division – Hannah Chaix, Charlotte Mason Schools Co-op, “Testing Potassium Carbonate as a Fire Retardant in House Paint”
• Senior Division – Jessie Lin, Los Osos High School, Chaffey Joint Union High School District, “Padding Down Plastic?”

The Sweepstakes and Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEP) Award recognizes projects that are unique and outstanding in their respective divisions. The Sweepstakes and STEP Award winners are:
• Elementary Division – Elementary Division – Andrew Lee, Gerald F. Litel Elementary School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “Earthquake Resilient Building”
• Junior Division – Hannah Chaix, Charlotte Mason Schools Co-op, “Testing Potassium Carbonate as a Fire Retardant in House Paint”
• Senior Division – Varun Srivastava, Redlands High School, Redlands Unified School District “Predicting the onset of Depressive Disorder using Machine Learning.”

County SIMSEF 2022 Gold Medalists in Elementary, Junior and Senior Divisions, by District:

Barstow Unified
Rylan Dokie, Elementary Division
Wyatt Browning, Junior Division
JC Cervantes, Junior Division
Xavior Collado, Junior Division

Chaffey Joint Union High
Arul Loomba, Senior Division

Charlotte Mason Schools – Homeschool Co-op
Hannah Chaix, Junior Division

Chino Valley Unified
Andrew Lee, Elementary Division
Lavith Raj, Elementary Division
Ava Utterback, Elementary Division
Daniel Chien, Junior Division
Arjun Wazir, Junior Division
Makena Bailey, Senior Division
Kyra Phaychanpheng, Senior Division
Ko Er (Carol) Rau, Senior Division

Colton Joint Unified
Audrina Calderon, Elementary Division
Ava Firnkoess, Junior Division

Eastern Sierra Unified (Mono COE)
Ellery McQuilkin, Senior Division
Etiwanda
Ishaan Iyer, Elementary Division
Alexander (AJ) Pesetski, Elementary Division
Shaurya Varshnay, Elementary Division

Inland Leaders Charter School
Samantha Amick, Junior Division
Abigail Espinoza, Junior Division
Isabel Servin, Junior Division
Mason Young, Junior Division

Redlands Unified
Matthew Li, Elementary Division
Jayden Lui, Elementary Division
Amelia Rush, Elementary Division
Michael Flynn, Junior Division
Benjamin Jordan, Junior Division
Varun Srivastava, Senior Division

Upland Unified
Ethan Chang, Senior Division
Srinivas Gollapudi, Senior Division
Kyle Huang, Senior Division
Snow Cameron, Senior Division
Maria Watkins, Senior Division

Victor Valley Union High
Elina Kim, Senior Division

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

 

SACRAMENTO, CA— As part of an annual recognition of Women’s History Month in the State Capitol, Assemblymember Chris Holden announces the City of Pasadena’s Director of Public Health and Health Officer, Dr. Ying Ying Goh as the 41^st Assembly District’s Woman of the Year.

“I am thrilled to have Dr. Ying Ying Goh as Woman of the Year for the 41^st Assembly District,” said Assemblymember Holden. “Her dedication in the face of overwhelming pressure is admirable and deserves to be acknowledged, Dr. Goh has worked tirelessly to get resources to the City of Pasadena and to its residents.”

Dr. Goh serves as the City of Pasadena’s Director of Public Health and Health Officer, and is responsible for the overall planning, administration and operation of the Pasadena Public Health Department. In this dual role, Dr. Goh also provides medical supervision and direction for City health services and programs and has the authority to declare public health emergencies and quarantines. Prior to appointment as Director of Public Health, Dr. Goh served in various capacities at the Pasadena Public Health Department, as the City’s Health Officer/Deputy Director and as the Department’s Medical Director for Programs and Research, securing new grant funding and managing programs related to diabetes care management and childhood obesity prevention. Her professional experience includes clinical pediatric practice; management of a California Endowment task force to improve healthcare access and quality in Los Angeles County; design and implementation of a case management program for seniors with chronic conditions, and research to improve nutrition and physical activity for youth. Dr. Goh earned a bachelor’s degree at Stanford University.

In addition to recognizing Dr. Ying Ying Goh as the 41^st Assembly District’s Woman of the Year, Assemblymember Holden will recognize a Woman of Distinction from each city in the 41^st

Women of Distinction from throughout the district include Juanita West-Tillman (Altadena), Cher Ofstedahl (Claremont), Chief Colleen Flores (La Verne), Maritza Flores-Travanti (Monrovia), Elizabeth McSwain, (Rancho Cucamonga), Marilyn Sparks (San Dimas), Bertha Aguirre (Sierra Madre), Cathy Billings (South Pasadena) and Kim Anthony (Upland). Over 150 nominations were sent to Assemblymember Holden for the honor.

“The 2022 Women of Distinction are dedicated leaders who improve the lives for thousands of individuals and families in the 41st Assembly District and beyond,” said Holden. “They demonstrate the power of giving to others and community empowerment, I am honored to be amongst a high caliber of professionals.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— During a virtual ceremony held on Jan. 31, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) and the San Bernardino California School Boards Association (SBCSBA) recognized six school districts in San Bernardino County for earning California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Awards last month.

“The Golden Bell Awards illustrate a district’s commitment to provide the best possible opportunities for students and staff in San Bernardino County,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “It is an honor to recognize the hard work and dedication these districts have demonstrated.”

During the ceremony, each of the seven award-winning programs were highlighted. Individuals critical to each program’s success had a chance to speak about their challenges and accomplishments. To watch the videos spotlighting each of the seven programs, visit our @SBCountySchools YouTube channel here.

“Receiving a Golden Bell Award is a significant honor,” said San Bernardino County Board of Education President Ken Larson. “Each of these programs represents an ongoing collaborative effort that makes a difference for students, educators, families and communities.”

The 2021 Golden Bell Award winners from San Bernardino County are:

• Chaffey Joint Union High SD: Cougar Relays
• Etiwanda SD: Connect with ESD!
• Redlands USD: Mock Trial
• Rialto USD: Rialto USD Induction Program
• San Bernardino City USD: BEYOND Pathways – SBCUSD Continuum of Transition Services Program
• San Bernardino City USD: Onboarding Program
• Victor Valley Union High SD: STEM Academy

Chaffey Joint Union High SD won a Golden Bell award in the Special Education category for its annual Cougar Relays event hosted by Rancho Cucamonga High School. Cougar Relays is a fun-filled day of relays and games designed to encourage both special education and general education students to interact with one another and build a general feeling of mutual appreciation, respect and rapport. The event has evolved over the last 14 years into a massive, districtwide event in which students from all high schools in the district eagerly participate.

Also among the Special Education category winners is Beyond Pathways: San Bernardino City USD (SBCUSD) Continuum of Transition Services program. This program provides support and services to students with disabilities after their high school graduation to help young adults develop skills through work experience, academic assistance with college certificate or degree programs, and training in skills such as self-advocacy, time management and teamwork. These services help ensure they become well-rounded, independent members of their community.

SBCUSD was awarded a second Golden Bell for its Onboarding Program in the Professional Development and Teacher Recruitment/Retention category. Their multi-tiered system of support provides all new classified, certificated and administrative employees with orientation, stakeholder sessions, peer shadowing opportunities and mentorship.

Rialto USD was also awarded a Golden Bell in the Professional Development and Teacher Recruitment/Retention category. The district’s current induction program, initiated in July 2011, provides new teachers who hold preliminary credentials with an individualized, two-year system of mentoring and support.

Etiwanda SD received a Golden Bell in the Family, Student and Community Engagement category, which includes programs that encourage or facilitate family involvement in their child’s education, bolster community partnerships or incorporate student engagement in site and district decision-making. Connect with ESD! is a districtwide initiative that harnesses the power of social media to bridge the gap between home and school life by sharing information, showcasing achievements and highlighting significant individuals in the school community.

The Redlands USD Mock Trial program was selected as the Golden Bell Award winner for English/Reading/Language Arts in the Curriculum and Instruction through the California Standards Implementation category. This category includes models that utilize interdisciplinary teaching, thematic instruction, learning styles, technology or other innovative or exemplary instructional strategies that are successful within the lens of the California Standards. The Mock Trial program has been implemented at its three comprehensive high schools: Redlands High School, Redlands East Valley High School and Citrus Valley High School. It is grounded in the Universal Design for Learning framework and focuses on instruction based on California Common Core Standards and Practices. The program offers students multiple ways of engagement and expression while they learn public speaking, critical thinking and argumentative skills.

The Golden Bell Award winner for STEM/STEAM in the Curriculum and Instruction through the California Standards Implementation category is the Cobalt Institute of Math and Science STEM Academy in Victor Valley Union High SD. The academy aims to ensure all students, predominantly students of color and low-income youth, graduate with the knowledge and exposure to pursue higher education and career options in STEM-related fields. It provides hands-on, problem-based projects and activities that promote 21^st century skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity.

Now in its 42nd year, the CSBA Golden Bell Awards promote excellence in education and school board governance. The honor recognizes outstanding programs and governance practices of school boards in school districts and county offices of education throughout the state. The awards program highlights exemplary education practices that are innovative, equitable and proven to be successful, as demonstrated by their positive student outcomes.

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

The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) recently unveiled its newest job center in the heart of the county’s vibrant East Valley, providing greater access to resources, technology and support services for thousands of job seekers and employers.

The 24,000 square-foot facility, at 508 Inland Center Drive, is one of three America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) managed by WDB across the county. It offers approximately 50% more space than the previous East Valley AJCC location, including six training classrooms and a large resource room with enhanced technology for individuals looking for new employment or career opportunities.

At the December 17, 2021, Open House, community leaders said the facility will help advance WDB’s commitment to helping people build their careers while ensuring that employers have qualified workers to meet their business needs.

“Our Workforce Development Department is, quite simply, one of the best there is when it comes to preparing job seekers for 21^st-century career opportunities,” said Curt Hagman, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. “With this wonderful new facility, we’re confident that you will be able to do an even better job of fulfilling your mission – and in the process, help to build a stronger economy and a stronger county.”

County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., whose Fifth District includes the new center location, described the timing as critical, coming out of the pandemic. “We hear all the time how tight the labor market is, and we know, here in San Bernardino, that we’ve got a growing population that can fill those jobs,” Baca said. “With the support services that are being offered, every day, within the walls of this impressive new facility, we have an opportunity to help individuals and families fulfill their dreams and, in the process, to uplift the community.”

Leonard X. Hernandez, San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer, described the new one-stop center as another important step forward in fulfilling the Countywide Vision – a key element of which is the development of a skilled workforce that attracts employers and contributes to a vibrant local economy.

“The location is outstanding, and will provide greater access than ever for individuals who are looking for a job or would like to advance their careers,” Hernandez said. “In the process, we’re able to support business growth, attract more jobs and provide a pathway toward even greater countywide prosperity.”

Among the benefits of the new AJCC is the opportunity to hold two job fairs per year within the adjacent Inland Center Mall.

“Businesses are only as successful as their people,” said WDB Chair Phil Cothran, a Fontana business owner. “We have a unique opportunity here in San Bernardino County. Companies and industries are bringing good jobs into our community, and it’s up to us, working together, to make sure we’ve got the talent pool to fill those jobs.”

In addition to the new East Valley center, WDB operates AJCCs in the West Valley – 9650 9^th St., Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga – and the High Desert – 17310 Bear Valley Road, Suite 109, Victorville.

The San Bernardino Board of Supervisors unanimously approved ordinances allowing Code Enforcement to immediately issue citations related to illegal cannabis grows and make it easier to abate or clean up those sites.

Over the past several months the County has taken an aggressive approach in fighting against illegal cannabis grows with Operation Hammer Strike. Illegal grows negatively impact the wellbeing and safety of area residents and have devastating impacts on the environment.

When the sites are abandoned or shut down, they leave behind a blight on the community.

The vote taken by the Board Tuesday will do several things to help mitigate the impacts of illegal cannabis sites in unincorporated San Bernardino County. The new ordinance creates streamlined and expedited procedures for abatement and passes the cost of clean-up on to the property owners, not the taxpayers. It will also authorize issuance of immediate administrative citations where there are proven violations related to the illegal cultivation of cannabis. Moreover, it allows for the items used in the cultivation of illegal cannabis to be declared a public nuisance and therefore subject to abatement and discarding.  Items include things such as trailers, hoop houses, electrical equipment, fencing, greenhouses, sheds, and irrigation systems.

“This vote is a big step forward in our fight against illegal cannabis and the dangers associated with it,” said Dawn Rowe, Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “While we continue to make significant progress in shutting down these sites, we need to do more to ensure that we clean up the mess that these criminals leave behind. All of our residents deserve to live in safe and clean environment.”

#OperationHammer Strike Completes 14 Weeks of Enforcement

The Sheriff’s Department completed a 14th week of #OperationHammerStrike in the areas of Lucerne Valley, Helendale, Johnson Valley, Hinkley, El Mirage, Rancho Cucamonga, El Monte, and San Gabriel.

From Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, the Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team along with deputies from several patrol stations served 22 search warrants after receiving numerous complaints about large outdoor and indoor marijuana cultivations in these areas.

Sheriff’s personnel located and arrested 21 suspects.  Investigators seized 19,117 marijuana plants, 10,844 pounds of processed marijuana, nine guns, and over $99,000. A total of 312 greenhouses were eradicated from these locations and four indoor grow locations.  Investigators mitigated one electrical bypass and one THC extraction lab.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909) 387-8400 or NARC-MET@sbcsd.org. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave the information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

RIALTO, CA—- Local dignitaries and community leaders including Mayor Robertson, City Council members, and members of the Chamber of Commerce joined the Ayres Hotel executive team on Friday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Ayres Hotel Rialto. Ayres Hotels, a family-owned and operated hotel collection based in Southern California, has begun construction on the corner of Linden and Renaissance Parkway.

Situated off the 210 Freeway at the Ayala exit, the hotel is part of the Renaissance Marketplace, a master planned development by Lewis Companies that focuses on residential, retail, restaurant, industrial and corporate space. The hotel will also complement Lewis Companies’ redevelopment of what was once the Rialto Airport that now features a new state-of-the-art industrial zone with top distribution and fulfillment centers.

“Ayres Hotel Rialto is centrally located between Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino and will meet the demands of travelers and the businesses of this new industrial area,” noted Don Ayres III, a fourth generation Ayres family member. “Ayres looks forward to serving the needs of the community, its corporate and leisure guests and will serve as a job stimulator and training ground for young hospitality professionals in the area.” This new location is the 9th Ayres Hotel in the Inland Empire and the 26th property in the Ayres Hotels collection. The addition of the property is part of the overall Ayres Hotels strategy to embrace new markets while continuing their commitment to quality hospitality in the communities they serve.

The hotel was designed to be a reflection of the growth Rialto has seen over recent years. It will feature industrial design elements with mixed metals, exposed brick and concrete floors while also fostering a sense of community through its warm color palette and communal space concept. The lobby promotes guest interaction with an on-site bar and retail. “We encourage our guests to come downstairs and be part of the warmth and charm that is consistent throughout Ayres Hotels,” said Ethan Ayres, a fifthgeneration Ayres family member. In addition, the hotel includes over 3,750 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space that will be available for business and community gatherings. The hotel will offer 135 modern guest rooms, scenic views of the San Gabriel Mountains, an outdoor heated pool and spa adjacent to a beautiful garden courtyard, and fitness center. Signature amenities commonly associated with the Ayres Hotels brand including their complimentary hot breakfast buffet, wi-fi, and parking will be part of the Ayres Hotel Rialto experience.

“We’ve had to overcome some setbacks through the pandemic, but are excited to begin construction and get on our way to bringing Rialto its first new hotel. An anticipated opening date will be in early 2023,” said Ethan. “We have a seasoned team at Ayres Construction Co, along with our in-house design and procurement team, that will ensure the project gets built in a timely manner” said Ethan, who oversees the construction process.

The Ayres Collection, including Ayres Hotel Rialto, continues to be family-owned, operated and managed by Ayres Management.

By Bishop Kelvin Simmons

I’ll be honest. As co-pastor at Immanuel Praise Fellowship in Rancho Cucamonga, I had decided I wasn’t going to encourage my parishioners to get the COVID-19 vaccine until I was sure the vaccine was safe.

And I was not alone among my peers in the Southern California faith community. Dr. Andrea King, pastor at 16th St. Seventh Day Adventist Church in San Bernardino and a fellow member of Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, felt the same way. We know all too well that Black people have been mistreated by doctors, scientists and others for generations.  So, it’s no surprise that many of our brothers and sisters believe the stories circulating on social media making false claims about the vaccine.

However, the truth is that we have a life-saving vaccine that protects us against a virus that has hospitalized and killed far too many of us. 

While hospitals are struggling to keep up with the number of unvaccinated people with severe COVID-19 illness, the FDA granted full approval last month of Pfizer’s vaccine for those ages 16 and up. It’s worth noting that emergency-use authorization also remains in place for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson shots, as well as Pfizer’s for 12- to 15-year-olds.

Dr. King and I believe in being informed, so despite our reservations, we prayed about it and then we got educated. We connected with a group of Black and brown health care providers from nearby Loma Linda University School of Medicine. We fired question after question at them and talked about our suspicions and fears. We delved into how the vaccines were developed, how they work in our bodies, and the possible risks and benefits of getting vaccinated.

We recognized that these people, who look like us, are the real experts. We trusted them to tell us the truth.

When I learned that people with immune system disorders can be fatally impacted by the virus, I thought of my only child, who has lupus. I asked myself, “How can I be out engaging with people and getting exposed to the virus unintentionally and then endanger my daughter?” For me, it was a real ‘Come to Jesus’ moment.

Soon, we were hosting town hall meetings and vaccination clinics for our congregations and surrounding Inland Empire communities. We have educated hundreds of people through our town hall meetings, webinars, and a Black church summit on COVID-19 with Loma Linda University and county health experts. We have vaccinated thousands at more than 20 pop-up clinics. 

When people ask me if I took the vaccine, I tell them, “Yes.” If they ask me how I feel, I say “good.” We cannot argue with the numbers. As an African American, we can’t argue that we are 12 percent of the U.S. population but 34 percent of those who have died of COVID-19, according to CDC data Think about it for yourself and the people around you.

Of course, there are those among us who still don’t trust the vaccine and still don’t want to take it. I pray about it. I tell them that I can’t make them get vaccinated, but I also try to help them understand that we must do better, especially when we have deathly ill children in hospital ICUs with the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus.

I urge my congregation and anyone who follows Biblical teachings to love their neighbor as they love themselves.

The virus itself is what it is. What is keeping COVID-19 around is the hardness of the heart of humanity. If everybody looked out for everybody else, and got vaccinated, we would be talking about something different. The virus can only do what we allow it to do. It’s not about the virus now, it’s about humanity.

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Bishop Kelvin Simmons is co-pastor of Immanuel Praise Fellowship in Rancho Cucamonga, president of the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, and a member of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE). 

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA—For two decades, Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy (YVYLA) has worked tirelessly to support at-risk youth, enhancing their potential for academic, economic, and social success, and striving to build safer, more equitable communities.

Partners for more than 15 years, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and YVYLA have collaborated on several projects, events, and initiatives. YVYLA is also an in-house partner at the health plan’s Community Resource Center (CRC) in Victorville, CA, providing mentoring services and support to local youth.

“Young Visionaries is blessed to be in partnership with IEHP,” said Terrance Stone, YVYLA chief executive officer. “Since COVID-19 hit, we were able to pivot in community outreach engagement activities and serve over 20,000 families. We will continue to work alongside our partners to serve our communities and remain open to partnering with all interested agencies to better support our neighbors.”

YVYLA has served more than 85,000 community youth through various events and activities focused on academic, employment, leadership, and life skills development and more. YVYLA continues to develop new programs that emphasize social innovation and transformation.

“Young Visionaries is extremely aligned with the community they serve we are very proud to host them as in-house partners in our Victorville CRC,” said Marci Coffey, IEHP community partnerships director. “Collaborations with trusted and well-respected organizations like Young Visionaries is a critical element to the work we do in our communities. In addition to filling in social gaps, these organizations often serve as a link or a bridge between a need and healthy lifestyle change. We congratulate YVYLA and we look forward to continuing our work to make the IE a better place, for all.”

To learn more about Young Visionaries and their upcoming 20 Year Anniversary Virtual Gala, visit http://yvyla-ie.org/.

Get Tested from November 30 to December 9

In the height of COVID and now flu season, it is critical that people get tested and get a flu shot. Here are a few locations that are offering FREE testing and shots. Appointments are recommended; walk-ins accepted based upon availability. No symptoms required. No appointment needed for flu shots. All clients MUST wear a face covering.

Rancho Cucamonga – Rancho Sports Center
8303 Rochester Ave., Rancho Cucamonga
Dec. 4 from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
*Offering FREE flu shots! No appointment required*

Redlands – The Contemporary Club
173 S. Eureka St., Redlands
Dec. 4 – 5 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Rancho Cucamonga – Victoria Gardens Cultural Center
12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga
Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Upland – George M. Gibson Senior Center
250 N. 3rd Ave., Upland
Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Fontana – Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center
15556 Summit Ave., Fontana
Dec. 8 from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
*Offering FREE flu shots! No appointment required*

Rancho Cucamonga – Chaffey College (Building 10, CCA)
5885 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga
Dec. 8 – 9 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

To make an appointment for COVID-19 testing or to see all other County testing sites, please visit https://sbcovid19.com. For directions on how to register, call 909-387-3911.