The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) remains committed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 so schools can stay open for in-person teaching and learning.

“Not only do we want to provide in-person learning opportunities, in fact, we must,” said Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer Ginger Ontiveros. “The State of California does not permit schools to offer distance learning as their primary means of education this year. Therefore, our focus is on making sure students are as safe as possible in our classrooms.”

SBCUSD has learned a great deal about COVID-19 over the past year, working closely with both the California Department of Public Health and the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health to prepare for re-opening.

“One month into school, and we have continued to learn and tighten our protocols both for safety and communication,” Ontiveros said. “All schools statewide are grappling with the challenges of operating in this unprecedented environment, and many are reaching out to learn from us. Most of what we planned has worked well, and we appreciate the partnership we have with parents and staff, whose input continues to help make us a model for best practices.”

At its most recent meeting on September 7, the Board of Education received an update from District staff on the multiple layers of protection and notification that SBCUSD is using to combat the spread of COVID-19. 

Safety measures include:

• daily health assessments for students and staff
• mandatory face covering for all while indoors and regular handwashing  
• regular sanitation for schools and administrative offices
• HEPA air filters in every classroom
• free, convenient on-campus COVID-19 testing for students and staff
• a medically trained and supervised COVID-19 liaison at each school for quick evaluation and contact tracing

SBCUSD also shared its notification protocol with parents, including the three types of letters parents may receive about a COVID-19 case in schools. Most families who receive a letter will just be informed about a case that was present at school with no direct exposure for their child. Students should continue to attend school as the COVID-19 case they are notified about and anyone who was identified as having been exposed as a close contact have already been quarantined. SBCUSD systems move quickly to contain infections and keep students and staff safe.

In addition, to promote transparency and accountability, the District began publishing an online COVID-19 dashboard, available at www.sbcusd.com/covid19dashboard. This digital tool is updated daily with confirmed data on active cases in each of the District’s schools. The numbers on the dashboard may not be the same as the number of letters families receive because the dashboard numbers reflect completed investigations that could prove previously suspected cases were actually negative for COVID-19.

District officials recently held a virtual town hall meeting on September 9 to give families, employees, and other stakeholders an opportunity to receive information about school operations. A video of the town hall is available on the SBCUSD YouTube channel. 

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey?, California? ?Black? ?Media?

Soon after Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) was sworn in last week to represent California’s 18th Assembly District — which covers parts of East Bay — she signed on as a member of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus (CLWC), the California Latino Legislative Caucus (CLLC), and the California Black Legislative Caucus (CLBC).

Bonta is the 11th member of the Black Caucus and the only lawmaker representing a district in the Bay Area. In the Latino Caucus, she is the 30th member, and out of 120 lawmakers in both houses of the state legislature, she is the 39th woman.

“Special congratulations to our newest member @MiaBonta, who was sworn into the Assembly this morning! #AD18 has chosen a fantastically fearless representative, and I look forward to working with you Assemblymember Bonta! #CALeg,” Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D- San Diego) wrote.

Mialisa “Mia” Tania Bonta, who is Puerto Rican of African descent, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University in 1993 and a Master of Education (Ed.M.) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1996. Bonta also received a J.D. from Yale University Law School in 1999.

Her work experience includes over 20 years working with nonprofits, including serving as CEO of Oakland Promise, a college and career prep program for Alameda County high school students. She was also president of the Alameda Unified School District Board from 2018 to 2021.

“Congratulations to @MiaBonta on her election to the Assembly, which not only made her the first Afro Latina in the Legislature, but also raised the number of women in the Legislature to an all-time high,” California Lt. Gov., Eleni Kounalakis state on Twitter.

The 18th Assembly District includes a large portion of the city of Oakland and the cities of Alameda and San Leandro. Bonta was elected in a special election on Aug. 31, defeating fellow Democrat Janani Ramachandra.

“I am deeply honored to represent the 18th Assembly District. Our district has a long history of bold, progressive, leadership and I plan to continue this work in our diverse district,” Bonta tweeted Sept. 7. “I’m ready to fight for bold solutions to

issues like homelessness, housing affordability, climate change, and criminal justice reform for AD-18 and all Californians. I am ready to get to work.”

Bonta steps in to replace her husband, Rob Bonta, who vacated the AD 18th seat in April after Gov. Newsom appointed him California Attorney General, replacing Xavier Becerra, who is now United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.

YUCAIPA, CA — Crafton Hills College (CHC) students are invited to a free virtual transfer fair on Tuesday, September 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., where they will have the chance to meet with and learn about more than 65 universities.

Representatives from colleges in both the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems, in-state private schools and out-of-state schools will be available to speak with students during the event. The event, organized by the Region 9 California Community Colleges, will also feature special sessions beginning every half-hour.

Those interested in attending must register at Eventbrite.com. 

CHC’s Transfer Center Coordinator, Mariana Macamay is organizing the event. She said there are numerous benefits when students begin their educational journeys at the community college. By attending CHC first and then transferring to a university, students can save money and will have priority for admission to the UC and CSU systems upon transfer.

“With an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from CHC, students now can benefit from guaranteed admission to UC’s, CSU’s, along with many independent, private, and out-of-state universities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s),” she said. “By starting at Crafton, students will get a great education with dedicated faculty and staff who want to see their students succeed and move forward with their educational goals in a beautiful setting.”

The University Transfer Center at CHC offers a variety of services and activities to help students transition smoothly to a four-year institution.

“With over 100 workshops, assistance with completing applications, university application fee waivers, events such as the virtual transfer fair, in-person and virtual advising, it is no wonder that Crafton students have one of the highest admission rates in the Inland Empire to the University of California system,” Macamay said. “Come to Crafton, go anywhere!”

The Inland Empire Region 9 Transfer Consortium is one of 10 California Community College regions and serves the students of Barstow Community College, Cerro Coso Community College, Chaffey College, College of the Desert, Copper Mountain College, Crafton Hills College, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Norco College, Palo Verde College, Riverside City College, San Bernardino Valley College and Victor Valley College.

Click here to register.

Numerous research studies indicate children and youth have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced into remote learning and physically isolated from their peers and activities, many have suffered declines in social, emotional, physical and academic health. And the impact continues to linger.

A recent survey of parents indicated that a third of children in the United States show some signs of mental health distress, including changes in behavior, eating habits, and activity levels.

Research shows transitions of any kind are stressful and impact mental health and major life transitions are environmental risk factors for suicide. As kids readjust to in-person learning and new routines this fall, it’s essential for parents, teachers, and caregivers to understand suicide warning signs and be confident about starting a conversation. These steps can support our young people and save lives.

Four Ways to Start a Conversation

• Read up on the facts, practice your approach, and plan for a time when you won’t be rushed to start the conversation with your loved one.
• Communicate in a straightforward manner. It’s OK to ask, “Are you now or have you thought about ending your life?” Regardless of your feelings, focus on listening openly, expressing concern, and reassure them you are there to help. 
• Ask if they have access to any lethal means and safely help remove their access to them
• Keep in mind children and teenagers may not be aware or able to express what they are feeling. Keep the lines of communication open and check-in more than once.

Encourage Healthy Ways to Cope

• Social Support: One of the most crucial protective factors against stress is having stable and supportive relationships with even just one other person. Encourage your loved one to engage with their social network in a safe manner.
• Take care of their physical health: Ensure children get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and stay active and hydrated. Research has shown this has dramatic effects on people’s mental as well as physical wellbeing.
• Building Mindfulness and Gratitude: Research has found that taking time to practice mindfulness, such as breathing techniques, journaling, or meditation, can help children to recognize and process emotions, build resilience, and buffer the effects of stress. Work with your loved one to find a supportive outlet.
• Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family members, school or professional counselors who can provide resources and help strengthen coping strategies.

Where to Get Help

Resources for those in crisis include:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• The California Peer-Run Warm Line at 1-855-845-7415
• Online resources are also available at suicideispreventable.org
• The Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBTQ youth at 1-866-488-7386

English proverb: From a small acorn mighty oaks grow.

In the early fifties during the time of segregation Mr. James P Johnson enlisted in the United States Army and deployed from New Orleans Louisiana. Mr. Johnson served a tour overseas in France. Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Johnson regained his employment in California with North American aviation (NAA).

North American Aviation (NAA) was a major American aerospace manufacturer, responsible for a number of historic aircraft, including the T-6 Texan trainer, the P-51 Mustang fighter, the B-25 Mitchell bomber, the F-86 Sabre jet fighter, the X-15 rocket plane, and the XB-70, as well as Apollo command and service module, the second stage of the Saturn V rocket, the Space Shuttle orbiter and the B-1 Lancer.

Mr. James Johnson was employed with Rockwell, in 1973 he lived and worked in Cocoa Beach Florida at NASA. In 1973 Rockwell, combined with the aerospace products and was renamed Rockwell international. After working 40 plus years with Rockwell, Mr. Johnson retired in 1998.

To tie everything together, in 1968 aerospace technology provided the blueprints to contributed to the first space shuttle that landed on the moon, made by North American Aviation. As well as the blueprints for the parts on Dragon Space X space shuttle that Commander Victor J Glover Jr. astronaut piloted his crew to the space lab and safely back to Earth in May 2021.

We welcome you all to join us at our annual chilling and grilling barbecue competition at then Sport Pavilion at Jessie Turner Community Center North Fontana Park 15556 Summit Ave. Fontana California 92336.

SAVE THE DATE join us in welcoming a Hidden Hero Mr. James P. Johnson and our Celebrity Guest Commander Victor J Glover Jr. to Fontana. To purchase tickets, check out our site: www.blacknessparade.webs.com also follow us for more information and on more events to come: IG @cc4northfontana, and Facebook: Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana “Great things do indeed come from humble beginnings.”

By Edward Henderson and Kassidy Henson | California Black Media

Four influential California Black women came together for a Facebook Live conversation focused on the COVID Delta Variant, the safety of vaccines and how they work.

Dr. Rhea Boyd, pediatrician, and minority community health advocate was the medical expert on the panel hosted by Regina Wilson, executive director of California Black Media, with the support of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The other two participants were former Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford and Teala Dunn, an actress and social media influencer.

The discussion was livestreamed on the CDPH’s Facebook page and is still available to the public.

With Wilson moderating, Dunn and Crawford posed a series of questions to Boyd – inquiries that reflected some of the most common concerns African Americans have regarding the COVID vaccine.  

“We are actually at the most dangerous point in this pandemic that we have been in yet,” Boyd responded. “The delta variant is more than twice as contagious which means you’re more likely to be exposed to it right now if you’re out in the community. Because of that it’s spreading like wildfire.”

Crawford shared that she has contracted the Cornonavirus twice.  She was unvaccinated during her first bout and experienced another breakthrough case after being vaccinated.

“The first time I got COVID, I lost my sense of smell for 9 months. I had plenty of lingering symptoms afterwards. Thankfully I didn’t have to end up in the ICU for anything. The second time around when I got COVID with the Moderna vaccine, my symptoms were cut in half. It felt like the common cold that time around. So, I felt very lucky to be vaccinated.”

The conversation also addressed – and debunked — many misconceptions about the vaccine and its effects on the body. Dunn asked a question about went to the heart of a major concern amongst Black women: reproductive health and the vaccine. Could the vaccine negatively affect pregnancy and cause changes in menstruation patterns.

“We have the lowest vaccination rate in our community,” said Boyd. “Nine out of 10 Black pregnant women do not have a COVID vaccine, and I want you to consider getting one, but I understand your concern because you want to keep your baby safe.  And what I want to say as a doctor is the number one way to protect baby and yourself during this pandemic is to get the COVID vaccine.”

Boyd went on to explain that if you breast feed after you deliver, mothers can share the immunity and antibodies that you build up from the vaccine to your child through your breast milk. She also assured the panel that the vaccine did not have any effect on menstrual patterns. She attributed an uptick in those cases to the increased stress and overall environment we are living in during the pandemic.

So far in California, 48.4 million people have received at least one COVID vaccine. That number represents more than 80 % of the state’s population who are eligible to get it. About 22.2 million Californians are fully vaccinated, accounting for more than 56 % of the state’s total population.

Boyd said many Blacks want to hear from a Black provider about the vaccine. But only 4% of our physician workforce is Black. We can’t talk to everybody one-on-one, which is why we have events like this one so you we can try and tell as many people as possible and hear from my face to yours that this vaccine is safe.”

Dunn responded to the information by asking what we can do to help protect our communities and what we can tell our friends and oved ones who are still unsure about the vaccine.

“Black folks have been through a lot with the pandemic. We know the toll that COVID-19 takes, and we are the most motivated to do something about it,” Boyd said. “Unfortunately, Vitamin D supplements and exercise are not enough to prevent anyone from getting the vaccine.”

For additional information about access to the COVID vaccine, visit vaccinateall58.com to find a local clinic or call 833-422-4255 to have your questions answered.

You can also watch the recording of the Facebook Live here.   

The City of San Bernardino City Manager’s office is recruiting for a Chief of Police and has selected the firm of Koff & Associates to conduct the search. As part of the recruitment process the city is seeking input from the community and will offer an on-line video forum on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

According to members of the City Manager, “It’s important for the City Manager and our elected officials to know what qualities our citizens believe a Chief of Police must possess to best serve the interests of our city and our community. What we hear will bear heavily in our selection process.”

Appointed by the City Manager, the Chief of Police plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the overall public safety program of the City in the enforcement of law and order and in the prevention of crime; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies. This includes ensuring the department provides courteous and expedient customer service to the general public and City department staff and assumes full management responsibility for all department services and activities.

To gain access to this forum, please click on the following video link, or call on the associated number: To gain access to this forum, please click on the following video link, or call on the associated number:

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81622535366?pwd=MUxOcHZMZTB5dGJvK2VVbXhLMUEzZz09  

Or Dial in: (720) 707-2699 * Passcode: 751450

By Camile Jene

I still remember losing my grandmother when I was 11. I was no stranger to funerals. I have an older family so by that point I had already been to 6 funerals. But this one was different. Gommie was my best friend. 

Profound grief.

Sadness overtook me. I cried so many tears and I let myself feel everything. I grieved how my mind knew how to at that young age. I think it helped me that I helped take care of her on her death bed. I helped bathe her, dress her, comb her hair, and I was able to see her in so much pain and honestly exhausted and ready to be free. So, though it hurt, I understood.

And fond memories help too. I still remember shopping with her on Wednesdays at this factory she would buy wholesale clothing from (and resale to her friends. She operated a “clothing store” from her garage). We’d finish up her purchases Thrifty’s (known now as RiteAid) to get her prescription and for a scoop of ice cream. She usually got strawberry. I got some off-the-wall flavor like confetti-bubble gum. 

When she got sick, I remember telling her I loved her every chance I could. I didn’t know what else to say. We could no longer chat like usual. And though she couldn’t say much, she would respond, “I love you, Camile.”

I will always miss her. 

I’ve written about grief before. When my mother first died, I was devastated and lost. Well… lost is an understatement. She passed away unexpectedly, and she died just 7 days before my son was born. Imagine losing your mother on Saturday and the very next Saturday you give birth to the son she was just as excited about! Yes, that pain was deep.

Profound grief.

I remember the strong suit my mother attempted to wear when she lost her mother. She tried to hold her tears and sadness so we couldn’t see her pain. She wanted to protect us but she needed to grieve and soon enough, she could no longer hold back and when she gave in to the grief, the floodgates opened. For many months she would just cry and cry. All the time… I remember her crying so much I thought, “Is Mommy broken?” I wondered if she would ever feel better. 

When I lost my mom, I understood her grief. Yes, I had a broken heart over losing Gommie but my mother’s heart shattered at the loss. As much as my grandmother was my best friend in the way a granddaughter looks up to her grandmother, she was my mom’s best friend, safe space, advocate, and so much more. And in addition to losing my mother, she lost her first true love in the same few weeks for the second time (a failed reuniting). Double heartbreak. A person can only take so much at a time.

Profound grief.

Mommy was my best friend. No one will ever love me as she did. No one will fight for and advocate for me as she did. 

When she passed, I let myself feel. Just like I was 11-year-old Camile. I cried so many tears. I didn’t shy away from any feeling that came up whether it be anger, regret, sadness, or defeat.

Three years out and I can say I am okay. No, life will never be the same but I’m at peace. I allowed myself to truly tap into the profound loss of my mom. I went to grief therapy and I did my best not to get lost or hide. 

 I will always miss her. 

As I see people around me losing loved ones, I want to encourage you to feel all your feelings. Cry, scream, rage, write, journal, go to therapy, shop, recognize patterns you want to eliminate, evaluate your life and how you’ll live even greater than before in remembrance of your loved one. Do not let this turn into an unhealthy infatuation with carrying on their legacy or projects though. You will need to find your sweet spot and then establish self-boundaries. 

Do all the things that will help you not get stuck in grieving your loved one in an unhealthy way. When you suffer a deep loss, it takes steps to overcome the profound grief. Take those steps. Immerse yourself in the process instead of stuffing down your grief. This will not help you. You do not want the mention of your loved one to trigger you for the rest of your life. You do not honor them by maintaining life as a walking corpse. Continuously re-memorializing them and living in an unshakable and perpetual state of sadness and depression will never bring them honor. If they lived a life that made you proud, in turn, live a life that will make them even prouder. If their story was still in the making and you feel their life cut too short, use their inspiration to further their legacy, vision, or work. 

Let the rest of your life be an addition to the life they lived. 

*Disclaimer: this is not directed toward parents losing a child. That type of grief if not one I have experience with. I cannot and would not direct someone on how to navigate that pain

By Lue Dowdy

How many of you like poetry or spoken word? I know I do. Freedom of speech and expression is important especially for poets and spoken word artists. I love the word play and how the artist’s makes you feel, like my girl Makeda Kumasi. Makeda has a way of pulling you in. 

I’ve had the pleasure of watching this Queen in action. Not only is she a poetess/spoken word artist but she’s also a dynamic dancer, singer, and actress. Wearing so many entertainment hats she still finds time to be a boss by running and overseeing her very own production company titled, ‘WE 3 PRODUCTIONS’. Her production company is community based and teaches cultural dance and music to the youth, young adults, ad elders within San Bernardino and beyond.

Recently dropping her first Spoken Word Album “A SPOKEN WORD EXPERIENCE”, Makeda is making a name for herself globally. This project in my opinion is ‘THE TRUTH’. On the album you’ll hear heartfelt tacks like “Electricity’, ‘Fly Away Bird’, ‘Mother’, and ‘We Return’ along with 7 other amazing tracks. Performing professionally for years all over Southern California, other States, and Countries many have been touched by her performances. Make sure you get the album, which can be accessed on Spotify. 

Studies have shown that the teaching of Spoken Word  and Poetry is a great way to help students with cortical thinking and it teaches them how to use their powerful voices. Now a days you’ll be able to find poetry slams and spoken word contests located all over the word. It’s also therapeutic and a stress reliver. If you ever feel upset or stressed don’t be afraid to take them words to paper, pick up the pen.

Catch Makeda Kumasi’s next event the ‘Urban Djali Tour’ on YouTube live Friday 9/10. Link reservation through Eventbrite Online Events. Remember it’s ya girl LUE and this is WHAT IT DO, Until next week SNAP, SNAP! 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Rep. Pete Aguilar made the second stop on his Inland Empire Community Project Funding tour at Mary’s Mercy Center, Inc., a San Bernardino-based nonprofit dedicated to helping end the cycle of homelessness in San Bernardino County. The Community Project Funding tour was launched after Aguilar secured funding for seven community-submitted projects in the House-passed fiscal year 2022 government funding package, including for the Mary’s Mercy Center Realizing Educational and Career Hopes (REACH) Project. The REACH Project provides skills training and education resources for homeless Inland Empire residents and connects them with resources to find jobs.

“Affordable housing and homelessness are two of the biggest issues facing the Inland Empire, and we need an all-hands-on-deck approach. By investing in local nonprofits like Mary’s Mercy Center, we can empower members of our community to find housing, access to job training and other key resources to help them succeed,” said Aguilar.

“With many of the homeless we serve, we find that medical and socio-emotional support is only part of the equation. The other challenge is finding affordable housing. The REACH program is designed to help our residents enroll in educational and vocational classes to prepare them for a career. We want each resident to have a career path that allows them to earn a good living so they can afford quality housing in the community of their choice,” said Dan Flores, Executive Director of Mary’s Mercy Center, Inc.

Rep. Aguilar serves on the House Appropriations Committee, and successfully passed seven Community Project Funding Requests through the House with others still pending. This tour helps underscore the importance of this funding as Congress works to finalize federal funding for fiscal year 2022.