Last week, the California Board of Equalization (BOE) elected Malia M. Cohen its chair. She is the first African American woman to serve on the Board.

It is the second time in four years, Cohen — a San Francisco native — has been elected chair of the five-member body responsible for representing taxpayer interests and “equalizing” county-by-county tax assessments across the state.

BOE is comprised of four members that are elected to represent a region of the state, and California’s Controller Betty Yee.

“It is a privilege and honor to serve again as Chair of the California State Board of Equalization,” she said. “In these unprecedented times, with the daily challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we must remember that our first duty is to the People of California who deserve our continuing dedication, resolve, and service.”

Besides, providing “direct representation” to Californians on their property assessments and other tax-related issues, the BOE directs an estimated $75 billion in annual revenue to the state’s schools and local governments in all 58 counties.

Before her election to the BOE in 2018, Cohen served as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. From 2011 to 2019, she was a member of the board, representing the city’s second district, which includes neighborhoods along the southeastern shore of the Bay like Hunters Point-Bayview, the Central Waterfront and Sunnydale.

On the BOE, Cohen represents the Second District. It spans 23 coastal counties from Santa Barbara County (about 95 miles north of Los Angeles) to Del Norte County on the Oregon border.

As chair of the BOE, Cohen says remaining accessible is her priority.

“For Californians who have struggled during these most difficult times, please know that my door is always open to you,” she says.

Cohen has announced she is a candidate for State Controller in the 2022 election.

RIALTO, CA— On Saturday, December 18, was the Smile America, Abdi Foundation annual toy drive at the Werner Elementary School in Rialto.

This event marks the 10-year anniversary of the foundation holding a toy drive to donate toys to children in the Rialto community. In these dire moments due to COVID, they had to double their request for toy donations from their sponsors.

They were able to donate more than 1000 toys and over 1000 meal bags to more than 300 families to help them celebrate Christmas as holy as possible. The foundation’s proud satisfaction is seeing the children smile with great excitement after getting their toy bags.

The Abdi Foundation would like to thank their sponsors Mayor Deborah Robertson, Rialto Fire Department, Children’s’ Fun, IEHPA, Fury Ontario Soccer, Emmanuel Praise Fellowship, Pal Charter Academy, Tires Less Schwab, Werner Elementary School, Operation New Hope, Rialto Democratic Club and a big thanks to their volunteers for their dedication and continuous support.

In loving memory of Abdi Mohamed, they are continuing his work and his dream for the community.

SACRAMENTO CA— California’s Save Our Water program is excited to announce the WaterWise Squad, a new TikTok effort featuring a group of young Californians who encourages water conservation through trendy videos, songs, and dance moves.  On the five member WaterWise Squad are two sisters from California’s Central Valley, Nirina and Lalaina Rabetsimba, ages 15 and 16.

The Squad is engaging in a fresh, fun way to raise awareness and get kids to practice and share tips that urges everyone to continue exercising water saving habits.  The Rabetsimba sisters began creating content on TikTok as way to display their extensive backgrounds in musical theater, choir, gymnastics, and dance.

“We hope that by participating in the WaterWise campaign, we encourage other kids, friends, family and people in our community to conserve water,” said Nirina Rabetsimba. “We have always tried to save water, but now we are even more conscious about taking shorter showers because every drop counts.”

The two teens practice saving water by recycling indoor water for outdoor use to water their plants, and by turning the faucet off when brushing their teeth or in-between washing their hands and dishes.

Lalaina and Nirina helped create four TikTok videos that share the following water saving tips:

1. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean outdoor areas.
2. Turn off the faucet in between rinsing produce. Doing so can save over four gallons of water!
3. Three rotations of the coffee grinder dance are all the time it takes to water plants.
4. Don’t let the faucet run while brushing teeth and washing hands.
5. Run the dishwasher or washing machine for full loads only.

Despite recent rain and winter storms across California, water conservation efforts are still very necessary for all Californians during the drought.  For more water conservation resources and tips, visit saveourwater.com.

About Save Our Water

Save Our Water is a statewide, water conservation program created in 2009 by the Department of Water Resources.  The program aims to make water conservation a daily habit among all Californians.

Check out The Rabetsimba sisters on the Save Our Water’s TikTok @SaveOurWaterCA Instagram @saveourwater.

The love that was outpoured on social media this week for Dr. Margaret Hill was PRICELESS! She was a major influence and inspiration to many of all ages within the Inland Empire. Below are a few quotes and comments that were left across Facebook in remembrance of Dr. Hill.

Lea Michelle Cash: I am reading all the beautiful and loving tributes to our community Queen. I just can’t find words right now, it hurts too, too bad so thank God for photos. Like with many of you in our community, Dr. Hill and I took so many, many photos. As I go through my collection I stumbled on a few when she was sooooooo happy. We all were. Remember this day…..Just priceless.

Darrell Frye: I love you Dr. Hill — your legacy will forever live in my heart . I will honor you with my words and actions #wakandaforever

Eugene Weems: Dr. Margaret Hill I love you Beautiful. You always will be remembered, loved and honored. I will miss your Encouraging words and your Random calls to check up on me. Love You Kiss-Kiss.

Gwen Rodgers: I don’t know how to say goodbye right now because there are no words today or ever that can express the love and respect I have for my mentor, friend and community mother. So, I will simply say so long Queen Margaret Hill until we meet again. You were faithful to the end.

Troy McSwain: The McSwains and everyone at Beola’s are saddened at the passing of a lady that meant so so much to us. If you had the pleasure of meeting her then you know she was a very special lady loved by many. Lord you truly have an Angel… we will always love you Ms. Hill.

Bronique Martindale: Margaret Hill My Moma Hill. I’ve known this woman all my life . She was my mother’s Vice Principal in High School, but it goes so much farther than that. This woman supported everything I’d do. She encouraged my soul . Not many people can encourage the soul. I can’t believe she is no longer here with us physically. This was a woman that truly embodied the phrase an object in motion stays in motion . My heart is truly hurting. I do know that she instilled greatness in myself. I know that she instilled greatness in so many others. In speaking for my self I will continue to carry the mantle . I know there will be others that will do the same. I will continue to make you proud Mama Hill . I’m still in shock and disbelief. I just want to thank you for the matches time to turn them into flames. In casting away my flesh I can say I’m relieved to know that the sickness you fought can’t follow you into the gates of Heaven . Hallelujah !

Carolyn Tillman: …and now on to reward. We were so blessed and there is so much to be thankful for. She poured out her all for us. If you knew her, you know what I’m talking about. It’ll take centuries to figure out her magic. It will linger into eternity. What happy times we have to treasure. So many stories to share with each other after we cry our buckets of tears! For now, our sweet Ms. Margaret Hill is finally able to rest, shedding her earthly tent for an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. I’ll see my friend again, until then may she Rest In Peace.

Kim S. Scott: The village that molded me into the woman I am today stood on your shoulders. I was introduced to you through them at the tender age of 18 when I needed voices like yours and theirs the most and I am forever grateful! There are truly not enough words to describe just how powerful you are but even more importantly, how loving you were to each and every one of us. You made us all feel important and seen! Margaret Hill to say you will be missed is a complete understatement. I pray that we all pick up where you left and continue to run this race and fight the good fight, just like you taught us. Rest in Heaven!

Sending all my love and prayers to The Village and the City of San Bernardino!

Terrance Stone: This Angel has earned her wings Dr. Margaret you believed in me when nobody did… you are my hero and I love you.. you fought the good fight and one of the strongest people I know … a walking talking example of love and appreciation… If I had one wish it would be one more moment with you, one more conversation, one more hug from you … please watch over me from the heavens you will be missed you will be loved and you will never be forgotten. #EverybodyLoveMargaret

Gone from earth, but forever in our hearts!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Dr. Margaret Hill, current member and past president of the Board of Education of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, passed away Sunday, December 19. She was 81 years old.

Dr. Hill was a passionate advocate for children and a dedicated educational leader, having served on the Board of Education faithfully since she was elected in 2011. She led the District as Board President in 2015-2017.

Prior to her election, Dr. Hill served as an assistant superintendent with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. She started her local education career in 1971 as a teacher before serving as vice principal at San Bernardino High School. Dr. Hill retired from SBCUSD in 2003 after serving 16 years as the principal of San Andreas High School.

Dr. Hill returned to work at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools office in 2006, where she was assistant superintendent of Administrative Services until her second retirement July 2, 2012.

“Dr. Hill was loved for her warm heart and frequently encouraged educators to motivate kids with ‘more hugs than tugs.'” said SBCUSD Board President Dr. Scott Wyatt. “We are better because she led with strength, love, and compassion for everyone.  We will miss her every day.”

The district honored Dr. Hill by naming its boardroom, the Dr. Margaret Hill Community Room in 2019. She also received accolades from a multitude of organizations, which recognized her strength as a leader and her character as an example to others.

“Dr. Hill’s tireless, kind, and cheerful presence made her arguably the most admired leader in San Bernardino and among the greats statewide throughout the education community,” said SBCUSD Superintendent Doc Ervin. “She inspired me, and I am thankful to have worked with her here.”

No details are known yet about memorial services, but these will be shared when information becomes available.

LAS VEGAS, NV— The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (“SMGHA”) an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (“San Manuel” or the “Tribe”) today announced they received approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission as licensees for Palms Casino Resort (“Palms”) in Las Vegas.

With this approval, SMGHA Nevada, LLC, owned by SMGHA, is set to close the transaction and become owners of Palms Casino Resort with plans to reopen next year in the spring.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to share our long-standing tradition of hospitality with Las Vegas and execute our vision for this iconic resort, starting by welcoming back former and current Palms employees,” said SMGHA Chairwoman Latisha Casas. “Together, we will create history.”

“We would like to extend a sincere ‘thank you’ to Red Rock Resorts and their leadership team,” said SMGHA Management Committee Member Laurens Vosloo.  “We deeply appreciate the support and ongoing partnership they provided as we worked through transition of ownership.”

Recruitment for more than 1,000 positions ranging from casino, operations, hotel management, food and beverage along with supervisor positions is underway. Following the close of the transaction on Friday December 17, interested applicants can apply at www.palmscareers.com.

In addition to the casino, Palms includes more than 700 hotel rooms and suites, multiple casual and upscale dining options, meeting and convention space, a 2,500-seat theater, pool and spa, and Palms Place condominiums.

Within days of the close of the deal, guests can make reservations at Palms Place at www.palms.com. Room reservations for Palms Casino Resort will be available in early 2022.

“It’s such an honor to reach this milestone today. As we forge ahead, it’s important we bring forward the strong values and culture of the Tribe into everything we do at the property,” said Cynthia Kiser Murphey, General Manager of Palms. “From team member culture to exceptional guest service, it’s our intent to create a lively and fun environment not only for customers but our dedicated staff as well.”

Even prior to opening the property, the Tribe has supported Las Vegas based community groups and non-profits by contributing more than $10 million to organizations including UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and William S. Boyd School of Law; the Public Education Foundation; Three Square Food Bank and Shade Tree Shelter to name a few. Additionally, the Tribe has partnered with local sports teams through sponsorships with the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium, and the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Tribe owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel (formerly San Manuel Casino), in Highland, CA. What started 35 years ago as a humble bingo hall became one of Southern California’s premier destinations for gaming, entertainment and culinary delights. Earlier this year, the Tribe unveiled the first of a three-part expansion project at the casino, adding more than 6,500 slot machines, a new high-limit gaming room, retail shops, bars and new restaurants. Just days ago, the Tribe celebrated the opening of the resort at Yaamava’, featuring 432 guest rooms with 127 spacious suites, a pool, private cabanas, a full-service spa and salon and new food and beverage options. In 2022, the expansion will be complete with the debut of a 2,800-seat entertainment venue.

San Manuel is a top-10 private employer in San Bernardino County with nearly 6,000 team members and the recipient of Great Place to Work® recognition by the Great Places to Work Institute.

About San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority 
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority is a governmental instrumentality of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe, created for the purpose of independently carrying out the investment in, and ownership and management of, gaming and hospitality businesses outside of the San Manuel Reservation.

Brotherhood Crusade celebrated its 20th Annual Christmas in the Neighborhood, Saturday, December 11th, at the parking lot of the local Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper.

Stacy Hill Williams, Executive Vice President, Brotherhood Crusade said ,”Brotherhood Crusade enjoys bringing this annual holiday event to the community. It creates considerable joy for our neighbors at a time of year when many people feel forgotten. We thank our partners for making it possible to show support for our community and bring this much needed holiday cheer for so many at risk families.”

Families enjoyed free holiday gift baskets, including gift cards, toys, food and clothes. The socially-distanced Drive Thru & Go event, required that all guests wear masks and remain in cars for safe distribution. More than 1000 families were served during the event. Partners for the event included:

Los Angeles Sentinel

AHF

LA Food Bank

Blue Shield of California

Chris Paul Family Foundation

SEIU 2015

SoCalGas

AIM (Acts Inspired by Mookie)

Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation

PepsiCo

City of Los Angeles

Council District 10

Marqueece Harris-Dawson

Council District 8

The Hutt Group

Blackline

The Smidt Foundation

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

Charisse Bremond Weaver, President and CEO , Brotherhood Crusade said, “Thank you to our partners whose generosity continues to make it possible for us to make a significant impact in bringing relief to underserved families. This service helps provide security and stability to many at risk-families, when assistance is most critical.”

“It is so special to kick off the holiday season by distributing toys and meals alongside such a prominent organization as the Brotherhood Crusade. It was my pleasure to support this heartwarming event along with my SoCalGas colleagues. We are a proud partner in the communities where we live and work.” – Cedric Williams, chief safety officer for SoCalGas.

To learn more about Brotherhood Crusade or to make a contribution to its programs and services, please visit us online at brotherhoodcrusade.org or call 323-846-1649.

Below is a list of different organizations that are doing toy and gift drives this season.

• Christmas Toy Giveaway: Now until December 9 to December 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lourdee’s Dentistry located at 16701 Valley Blvd in Fontana. Lourdes’s Dentistry is giving away Christmas toys to all children who come in for their end of the year dental checkup and cleaning! Don’t Miss Out! we will also be providing pictures with Santa Claus this year! Call them today at Call us today! (909)356-4490
• CAPSBC Presents Santa’s Workshop Toy Giveaway: Saturday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in San Bernardino at Community Action Partnership’s headquarters. To participate you must be a resident of San Bernardino County and Pre-Registration is required. Register at ly/capsbcsantasworkshop.
• 4th Annual Christmas Toy Drive Fosters Unity in the Community: Saturday, September 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at North Recreation Center located at 1554 Art Townsend Drive in San Bernardino. This year, SMD aims to gift at least 5,000 toys. There will also be information to connect families with essential resources. Families can find out how to register children for the toy drive by following SMD on Facebook @sistasmd2020 and Instagram @sistasmd. Walk-ups are also welcome.
• Winter Wonderland by Shiekh Shoes and Young Visionaries: Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shiekh Shoes Headquarters located at 1777 S. Vintage Avenue in Ontario. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-winter-wonderland-tickets-212722076457.
• Project Bon Christmas Event: Saturday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Grocery Outlet located at 1145 West Renaissance Parkway in Rialto. Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/project-boon-christmas-event-tickets-210137044557.
• Christmas Community Giveaway: Sunday, December 19 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 1945 East Riverside Avenue in Ontario. Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-community-giveaway-tickets-226485202337.
• 2^nd Annual Never Stop Grinding Impact Toy Drive: Wednesday, December 22 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Wilmer Amina High School located at 2630 North Linden Avenue in Rialto. All children must be present in the car or parent must present school IDs for any child who cannot be present. Registration is recommended but not required to attend and does not guarantee toys. Please register at eventbrite.com.
• Music Changing Lives Christmas Eve Party: Friday, December 24 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 261 West 40^th Street in San Bernardino. Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-eve-party-tickets-222047489017.

YUCAIPA, CA— A scholarship established in memory of late Crafton Hills College (CHC) student Adam Yahel Diaz has received funding from a longtime supporter of education and the College.

Patricia Atherton and the CHC Foundation recently entered into an agreement to accept a $20,000 gift to help fund a memorial scholarship endowment established in Diaz’s memory after his 2015 death. The scholarship was created “to recognize the accomplishments and contributions” of Diaz who was just weeks away from graduating from CHC before he was killed from injuries sustained in a car accident. He was 26.

“I feel honored that I was able to do this,” said Atherton. “I can’t think of a better cause.”

Six years after Diaz’s death, his impact is still being felt around the entire Roadrunner community by those who loved him, including Atherton who took Diaz in when he needed a place to live.

Atherton said she first met Diaz when her daughter asked if he could live with them temporarily as he looked for a job and sustainable income. Four months had passed, and Diaz was presented with an ultimatum: either find a job and pay rent or go to school full-time.

“He decided to go to school even though he thought college ‘was for rich white kids with nothing to do,’” Atherton explained. “But he said that when he walked into a classroom (at CHC), he was hooked that very first day.”

Diaz had big plans for the future. Before his death, he had been accepted into the University of California, Berkeley and aspired to earn his Ph.D. in English literature and teach at the college level, all while serving his community as a priest in the Orthodox Christian Church. He died while on his way to attend Easter service on April 7, 2015.

Atherton hopes scholarships awarded through the memorial fund will make an impact on a student’s life. When asked what Diaz’s reaction would have been knowing the fund was established in his honor, Atherton said he would have been “very, very proud.”

“When he lived with us for those few years, he became my son in every way. I just want his memory to live on forever,” Atherton said, and said that prior to his death, Diaz had finally “found his spot in the world.”

“He would have been happy to know that someone else would be getting some help along the way,” she said. “Education can change your life.”

The Foundation remains committed to raising the additional $5,000 to fully endow the fund. To make a donation or learn more about Adam’s scholarship, visit craftonhills.edu/diaz

RIVERSIDE, CA— About 150 young adults and their guests celebrated the holidays this week at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside surrounded by foster parents, friends, social workers, community members and a massive Christmas tree – a scene similar to New York City’s Rockefeller Center.

“This was an incredible event. I was able to reconnect with other foster youth and it really let me know people care,” said Katherene Daughtrey, 19, who entered foster care as a teenager and attended Tuesday’s 10th Annual Young Adult Holiday Celebration.

Children’s Services, which is part of the county’s Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), hosted the event with support from about a dozen faith-based and community partners.

The celebration provided dinner, gifts, free haircuts and holiday-themed activities for youth ages 18-21 who are transitioning from Extended Foster Care to independent living. Approximately 365 young adults in Riverside County are in Extended Foster Care.

Daughtrey graduated with honors from Coachella Valley Adult School in 2020 and was the class valedictorian. Today, she lives on her own while also receiving benefits through the Extended Foster Care program which is helping her afford to attend College of the Desert, where she’s studying culinary arts and business.

Many of the young adults attending the event, including Daughtrey, have limited or no family connections – making the holidays difficult – and Tuesday’s event especially important.

“We hope this event provides our young adults with love, support and joyous holiday memories that may have been missed during their childhood,” said Charity Douglas, assistant director of Children’s Services at DPSS.

“I’ve actually never had a picture with Santa until now,” said Daughtry who cuddled with her 12-month-old son Ezequiel while posing for a photo with Santa.

Last year, social workers delivered holiday gifts to young adults. Daughtrey said she’s glad the event was in-person and hopes to visit again next year.

“I really felt the sense of community and appreciate the community partners who worked so hard to make this possible,” she added.