Tuesday, February 18, is the deadline for citizens to register to vote for the 2020 Presidential Primary Election. Voters who are already registered should re-register to vote if they have changed their signature, name, or address, or want to change their party affiliation.

Voters can check their registration status by visiting www.SBCountyElections.com and logging into the ‘My Elections Gateway’ application. Registered voters can also use My Elections Gateway to find their polling place, voting districts, and other personalized election information.

Citizens may register to vote online at www.SBCountyElections.com. Voter registration applications are also available at the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters and throughout San Bernardino County at post offices, city clerks’ offices, county libraries, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. A map of these locations is available on the Registrar of Voters website.

Citizens who miss the Feb. 18 voter registration deadline still have an opportunity to register and vote in this election. A new California law allows for this conditional voter registration option beginning February 19 through Election Day.

A conditional voter registration application must be submitted in person at the Registrar of Voters or an early vote site on or before Election Day, or at a polling place on Election Day. After completing a voter registration application, the voter will be provided with a provisional ballot to vote at that location. Visit www.SBCountyElections.com to view a complete list of these locations, addresses, and hours. It is recommended that individuals complete the conditional voter registration process before Election Day.

For more information about this election, including the locations and hours of the additional early vote sites that open on February 25, visit the Registrar of Voters website, www.SBCountyElections.com, or call (909) 387-8300.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) will be offering free tax preparation help at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) in February.

TAD’s team will be available at SBVC in the Business Building, Room 100 from 1:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. on February 11, 13, and 26.

Additionally, the college is hosting Tacos & Taxes on March 7 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.. Free tax preparation services and tacos will be available in the grassy area near the Business Building on SBVC’s campus.

All services are free and available for eligible individuals and families whose combined household earned income was less than $56,000 in 2019. Participants are encouraged to bring the following documents: proof of income (including W-2s and/or 1099), verification of tax deductible expenses (ex: property tax statement, child care provider information), form of current government identification for taxpayer and spouse (ex. driver’s license, state ID, passport or military ID), original social security card and/or ITINs for all persons listed on return (no copies), account and routing numbers for checking or savings accounts for direct deposit and a faster refund, health insurance marketplace statement (1095-A and/or C) if applicable, and copy of 2018 tax return if available.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call TAD at 909.347.1255 or 760.552.6176. Walk-ins are also welcome.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Last week, from February 5^th to February 7th, the California branch of the National Action Network (NAN) met in Sacramento to hold its inaugural Western Regional Conference of chapters in California, Arizona, and Nevada.

The Rev. Al Sharpton founded NAN in 1991. The organization observes the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., promoting a modern civil rights agenda that includes supporting any type of school that is successfully serving Black students.

Among the events the conference featured were a student rally at the state Capitol to send lawmakers the message that “Black kids deserve great schools too;” ground breaking ceremonies for the newest Fortune School campus, Tecoy Porter College Prep, to be built on Dr. Porter’s Genesis Church property in Sacramento; the convening of leaders from California’s top majority Black schools and honoring them at the NAN Gala Banquet; and the “Bridging the African American Achievement Gap” panel discussion.

Those events coincided with the release of a report titled “African American Leaders Hold the Roadmap to Black Student Achievement” authored by the Fortune School of Education and the National Action Network. African American students in California are the lowest performing subgroup on English language art and math standardized tests. The report proposes how to close their education achievement gap. 

Identified in the report are schools with majority Black populations that are in the top half of academic performance in math and English language arts. Of the sixteen schools highlighted, fifteen of them were founded or are led by African Americans.

Dr. Margaret Fortune, Secretary and Treasurer of the NAN Sacramento Chapter, deserves credit for taking the lead in producing the report and assembling the education leaders at the conference. In addition to her NAN duties, she is CEO and President of Fortune School of Education, Board Chair of the California Charter School Association, a Trustee of the California State University, and she has served as an education advisor to two California Governors. Four of her schools are on the list of top performers.

While Dr. Fortune supports the efforts of Gov. Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to close the African American achievement gap, she contends that they are not moving the needle on progress fast enough.

The signal that she wants her former education policy colleagues to receive is that “We don’t need more policy, we need more successful schools” and they should turn their attention to consulting with the people like the education leaders in the report who are doing the work and adopt what they are doing  to solve the problem.

Her plea to the state is provide incentives to these educators to replicate what they are doing. Today there are sixteen schools on the list of top performers. If they all start another school, that’s 32 schools. As more successful schools come on line, the policy makers can then figure out how to bring those ideas to scale across the state.

The educators that participated in the “Bridging The African American Achievement Gap” panel discussion were Dr. Margaret Fortune, President and CEO Fortune School, Sacramento; Ramona Wilder, CEO and Administrative Director, Wilder’s Preparatory Academy, Inglewood; Eugene Fisher, Board President, Watts Learning Center, Watts; Shawn Brumfield, Principal, Pasadena Rosebud Academy, Altadena; and Richard Da Sylveira, Principal, Cowan Avenue Elementary School, Los Angeles.

When asked what they thought Newsom and Thurmond could do to help their schools, the panel responded loud and clear that African-American students should be written into California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).  Because LCFF provides additional funds to low income students most policy makers feel African-American students needs are being satisfied. But, the fact is not all blacks are “broke” and when it comes to their student experience the issues causing their achievement gap are more complicated than income. Race does matter in education. The panel agreed that the support offered to African-American students needs the same specificity provided in policy for English language learning students if it is going to have any impact toward closing the achievement gap.

Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber (D – San Diego) has twice proposed legislation, AB 2635 and AB 575, which would have directed LCFF funding to Black students that does not reference race, but recognizes them as the lowest performing subgroup that has not already drawn federal funding like special needs students.  Both times, concerns about conflicts with Proposition 209, which prohibits state governmental institutions from considering race in public education, was used to stop the bills.

The National Action Network conference has changed the paradigm for how California should approach closing the African American student achievement gap. There are majority Black schools in California that have already closed the gap, although the numbers are small.

Wilder’s Preparatory Academy Charter Middle School in Inglewood has over 80 percent African-American students and over 99 percent students of color. Seventy-four percent of the students qualify for free and reduced price meals. Education researchers would probably predict students at Wilder’s Prep would not perform well on standardized tests. But, the taxpayer-funded public charter school is in the 96 percentile of California schools in English Language arts scoring 30 points above the state average and 14 points above the state average in Math.

Meanwhile it’s an outrage that the majority of Black students find themselves in schools not making progress because of ineffective policies put out by the state.

Dr. Fortune and the other successful leaders of majority Black schools are telling policy makers they are tired of being outliers in the education of Black students and they want to demonstrate to other educators in the state what works so that finally progress can be made in closing the achievement gap in California schools.

The video of the “Bridging the African American Achievement Gap” panel discussion should be required viewing for Governor Newsom and Superintendent Thurmond.  

Link: https://www.facebook.com/Sacgenesis/videos/836172220189578/

SACRAMENTO, CA— Recently, the California Census 2020 campaign announced expanding its outreach to Black Californians through a multimedia effort in partnership with Black-owned and operated media partners across California. Voice Media Ventures, a multimedia company and strategic communications firm, is working with these media partners, leveraging trusted messengers to motivate California’s hardest-to-count communities to participate in the 2020 Census.

“We are attempting to move the needle to address the traditional issues of distrust and educational gaps around the Census that impact participation rates of the Black community in California,” said Ditas Katague, Director of the California Complete Count – Census 2020. “Through our trusted partners, we are creating a surround-sound strategy to help ensure the hardest-to-count Californians complete the Census form.”

Voice Media Ventures has been leading community convenings and holding focus groups to assess Black Californians’ gaps in knowledge about the Census and what will motivate them to participate in the 2020 Census count. The information collected from these gatherings are being used to create culturally relevant messages for Black media partners to share with local communities.

“While the overall strategy for the communications campaign is to ensure the state is reaching the hardest-to-count Californians through trusted messengers, for outreach to the Black community, it was especially important to also work with Black owned and operated partners,” said Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds, founder of Voice Media Ventures. “This is not only a partnership that involves innovative tactics, but also a social justice issue to ensure trusted partners on the ground are involved with Census work in California.”

Media partners involved in the campaign include: KDEE, Sacramento HUB, Sacramento Observer, East Palo Alto Today, Post News Group, Richmond Pulse, San Francisco Bay View, Sun Reporter Publishing Company, The Bay Area Review, 99One FM KJBU-LP, California Advocate, Central Valley Voice, Observer News Group, ONEMEDIA Central Valley, Inland Valley News, San Bernardino American News, The Precinct Reporter Group, Black Voice News, IE Voice, Westside Story News, Carib Press, Compton Herald, Inglewood Today, KJLH, LA Focus, LA Sentinel, LA Watts Times, LA Wave, Our Weekly, Pace News, Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley Journal, San Diego Monitor, and San Diego Voice & Viewpoint.

In addition, Voice Media Ventures is working with the newly created Mapping Black California Census Lab, a collaborative community mapping project, incorporating technology, data, geography, and place- based study to better understand the African American community in California.

Research conducted on behalf of the Census campaign shows that African American communities may be more inclined to participate if the Census is framed as being done on behalf of their community.

This announcement builds on the Census campaign’s foundation of trusted messengers – community leaders, organizations and influencers who are working together to motivate California’s hardest-to-count communities to participate in the 2020 Census.

For example, My Black Counts is an education and awareness initiative convened by California Calls as part of The California Black Census and Redistricting Hub Project. As one of California’s outreach partners, California Calls has done outreach to Black populations throughout the State using door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and digital communication strategies.

“Throughout history, the Black community has fought for equity and to be represented on our own terms. We are always ready to unite in power to ensure that we are all counted,” said Kevin Cosney, Special Projects Manager of California Calls. “In order to ensure we get our fair share of resources and representation, Black Californians must stand up and be counted in the 2020 Census – and that’s the reason we’re working so hard to get the word out– so the community trusts and accepts ownership in the anthem, ‘My Black Counts.’”

The California Census has joined efforts with these partners in recognition of the need for more effective engagement with the Black population about the 2020 Census count. The Black population has historically been undercounted in past Census enumerations and the state is committed to changing that trend.

Last month, the campaign announced four Census Ambassadors who will leverage their voices and their networks throughout the campaign to educate and empower the hardest-to-count Californians to take part in the upcoming 2020 Census.

California is considered the hardest-to-count state in the nation, with high populations of immigrants, renters, individuals living on homes without a broadband subscription, people living close to or below the poverty line, and children younger than five years old. With billions of dollars in federal funding on the line, the campaign has assembled a historically diverse coalition comprising hundreds of partner organizations to help reach the hardest-to-count populations in California.

The California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office

Once each decade, the U.S. Census Bureau attempts to count every person in the United States. Californians will be receiving an invitation to complete the Census form starting on March 12, with this enumerating being the first to rely heavily on online responses. California leaders have invested $187.2 million toward a statewide outreach and communication campaign. For more information, please go to https://californiacensus.org/.

DATA: To see data on the hard-to-count populations in cities, counties, congressional and legislative districts in California, please visit: https://census.ca.gov/htcfactsheets/

SAN DIEGO, CA—- As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron, Seaman Gillian Valdez is part of a Naval legacy. Valdez is a yeoman responsible for administrative duties, such as tracking awards and evaluations and is a part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. 

“I enjoy the flexibility of our jobs because we get to do different types of work throughout the day,” said Valdez

Valdez is a 2018 Grand Terrace High School graduate and native of San Bernardino, California.

According to Valdez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.

“I learned the importance of never giving up,” said Valdez. “Overall, teamwork is what I learned from my hometown that I’ve been able to carry with me into the Navy.”

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

Sailors assigned to HSM-71 are a part of history, flying with “Romeo” helicopters, the newest and most advanced in the fleet. Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations.

The members of HSM-71 achieve excellence in military performance and create an example for other squadrons to follow through operational readiness, innovation and weapon development.

HSM-71 sailors play a critical role in supporting the Navy’s aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups remain the centerpiece of our nation’s security strategy, supporting and protecting America’s national interests around the world. Carrier strike groups operate across the entire spectrum of military operations, according to Navy officials.

According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.

“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. However, Valdez is most proud of earning Bluejacket of the Quarter in 2019.

“I was selected as the best junior sailor in the squadron,” said Valdez. “I passed an interview, where my record was reviewed. I was honored to be selected.”

For Valdez, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Valdez hopes to continue.

“Both my grandpas served in the Navy,” said Valdez. “Carrying on their legacy means that I have to be the best person I can be and try to be an outstanding sailor.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Valdez, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“I feel a sense of pride putting on this uniform going to work every day,” said Valdez. “It’s definitely the best job I’ve ever had.”

By Lue Dowdy, LUE Productions

This week I’d like to spotlight the very sexy and talented Sabri. Soon to be one of your favorite singers, songwriters, producers, and household name, Sabri is a sure star on the rise!

I was tagged in her new song, “BREATH”, and as soon as the melody came on, I was hooked but then the lyrics took it to another level.

A Brooklyn Queen, born in Cali girl, Sabri gives us the best of both worlds with fiery, edgy lyrics paired with a smooth, sexy, alluring voice. Writing poetry and song lyrics since the age of 12, she has mastered the art of storytelling and delivering a heartfelt message every time. Both men and women can relate to her music.

 “It’s all personal”, is the motto for songwriting and you will know it when you hear it.

Singing and performing in bands, school and church choirs since the age of 6, Sabri is steadily perfecting her craft of singing and writing. Attending W.E.B. Dubois Academy of Music in Brooklyn, New York, Sabri discovered her love of writing. Starting with poetry, slowly progressing into entire three verse songs on subjects way beyond her years, like Heartbreak, Love, and even the weather. Joining forces with a high school best friend, Sabri performed at local talent shows and festivals, at school pep rallies where they sang “The Black National Anthem” educating their peers on the history and importance of such a song. Eventually, they landed a permanent gig opening talent showcases in Oceanside, California at The Starlight Theatre which boosted them into the spotlight and landed them an appearance on Showtime at The Apollo, where the duo outshined all other contestants, and all in her Senior year of high School.

With many early accomplishments and accolades under her belt, Sabri is destined to be a star. Performing at some of the most prestige venues in Southern California, such as BB Kings in Hollywood, The House of Blues, The Zen Lounge, a State tour with Barry White’s Tribute Band, and an array of background vocalist gigs for local and established artist, she is ready for the spotlight and a chance to shine. This is Sabri’s first go as a solo artist and she is stepping on all necks and taking the industry by storm.

“Writing and Creating a mood and bringing someone into that to share these emotions with you, is the greatest feeling in the world, it’s like I’m never alone. Everyone is just a pen and paper away. Telling a story and you visualize it just the way I do is the goal, that’s where my heart is. Undeniably Sabri is sure to capture your mind and reel you in, buckle up and get ready. You Gon Feel This”, say’s Sabri.

Please make sure you support this dynamic artist. Until next time and make sure to always keep it 100 percent.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- The NAACP recently announced that global music and fashion icon, business entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Rihanna, will receive the prestigious President’s Award during the 51st NAACP Image Awards. The President’s Award is presented in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service, with previous recipients including last year’s recipient Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, Jesse Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Soledad O’Brien, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Muhammad Ali among others. NAACP President Derrick Johnson will present the award to Rihanna during a LIVE TV special on BET on Saturday, February 22, 2020, from Pasadena, California.

“Rihanna has not only enjoyed a groundbreaking career as an artist and musician but has also distinguished herself as a stellar public servant,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “From her business achievements through Fenty to her tremendous record as an activist and philanthropist, Rihanna epitomizes the type of character, grace, and devotion to justice that we seek to highlight in our President’s Award.”

Alongside her incredible musical achievements, which include nine GRAMMY awards, Rihanna continues to add more credits to her burgeoning resume: executive producer, fashion designer, actress, business entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Rihanna never stops breaking barriers and has built beauty and fashion empires with global beauty brand FE?TY Beauty, lingerie brand SAVAGE x FENTY, and the recently launched luxury fashion brand FE?TY, which saw her become the first woman of color to partner with LVMH and the first woman to start an original brand for the world’s largest luxury group. 

Rihanna has also used her influence for good through philanthropic efforts. Chief among these is her own Clara Lionel Foundation. The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) was founded in 2012 by Rihanna in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. CLF supports and funds groundbreaking and effective education and emergency response programs around the world. With the voices of Rihanna and her fans, CLF also engages in global advocacy with the goal of improving the quality of life for young people everywhere.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- In celebration of Black History Month, San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) will offer a variety of events throughout February to educate, engage, and inspire students and the public.

The Black History Month Breakfast will take place February 21 at 9 a.m. in the SBVC Sunroom, Campus Center. Attendees will celebrate the cultural contributions and deep history of the African American community by hearing guest speaker La Quette Bush-Simmons and recognizing the contributions of honorees Jerry Mason, Kim Epps, Pat Nichols and James Ramos. This annual event is hosted by SBVC, San Bernardino Community College District’s Black Faculty and Staff Association, and the SBVC Arts, Lectures, and Diversity Committee. Parking and admission are FREE.

SBVC Arts, Lectures and Diversity Committee will partner with the Precinct Reporter Newspaper to present a dance performance of Black Butterfly, featuring Project21Dance on February 27 in the SBVC Auditorium. A community reception will begin at 6 p.m., and the performance will follow at 7 p.m. This event will prove to be an evening of eclectic modern dance, profound spoken word and exquisite Songs of the African Journey. Parking and admission are FREE.

Wrapped in Royalty is a workshop on traditional African head wraps and will be offered February 28 at 1 p.m. in the SBVC Business Building, Room 100.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/sbvcartsandlectures.

ONTARIO, CA— Redlands High School is back on top in the San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon competition, winning its first title since 2011, after results were announced tonight at the banquet for the 37th annual event.

With 45,395 points, Redlands (White) slipped past defending champion Rancho Cucamonga (Purple), which had 44,463.1 points. It was the second-closest finish in the competition in the past 12 years. For Redlands, which is coached by Donna St. George, this was the school’s record 14th Academic Decathlon crown, but first since the 2010-11 school year when it defeated Chaffey High School.

By winning the county title, Redlands advances to the state championships for the sixth consecutive year. The state championships will be held March 27-28 in Sacramento.

In this year’s county competition, the rest of the top five finishing schools behind Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga included Etiwanda (42,173.2 points), Chaffey (41,860.1 points) and Rialto (38,647.7 points). Joining Redlands in qualifying for the state competition will be Rancho Cucamonga, Etiwanda and Chaffey.

In this year’s county competition, there were 43 teams representing 25 high schools that participated. Teams, as well as about 330 individuals that participated in the competition, were recognized with certificates, trophies and gold, silver or bronze medals at the awards ceremony tonight that was held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario.

The academic competition took place on two consecutive Saturdays on Jan. 25 and Feb. 1 at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga. The scholastic contest pitted students against one another in 10 subject areas.

By Lue Dowdy, LUE Productions

Sugar and Spice and Everything nice is WHAT IT DO Folks. Girls rule the world in my- Beyonce Voice. 

Congratulations to Kimberly Woods and the entire team of ‘I’m A Diva And Fabulous Youth Foundation’ for hosting the very first  ‘Miss Teen Rialto Scholarship Pageant ’ that took place this past Saturday on February 1.

I had the pleasure of participating on the judges panel, which wasn’t an easy task. All of the young ladies looked so beautiful and did such an amazing job. The contestants had to go through intensive training which prepared them for the competition.

It was a beautiful evening! The pageant took place in the City of Rialto at Wilmer Amina Carter High School, Hosted by the beautiful ‘Melinda A. Clarkson’, former Mrs. Utah International 2003-04. The competition consisted of three different divisions (Princess Diva ages 2-4 , Jr. Pre-Teen Diva ages 8-9, and Miss Teen Rialto Diva ages 10-18). 

Pageant Director and Founder of ‘I’m A Diva and Fabulous Youth Foundation’, Kimberly Woods, explains her reason for putting on the pageant, “I did this event because I love our young girls and want to see them successful in life and to know that they can achieve anything they put their minds too”.

I salute all the young ladies and their support team. Competition in any field of life can be stressful and hard but as we all know, there can only be one Queen Crowned. Congratulations to all! 

For more information on how you can support the pageant or get involved, please call (909) 200-7591.

Crowned:

• Princess Diva: Daleyza Romirez # 36
• Jr. Pre-Teen Diva: Brooklyn Dorado # 30
• Miss Teen Rialto: Autumn DeVila # 37

Other Awards: 

• Academic Achievement Award: Hannah Romero # 32
• Community Service Award: Brooklyn Dorado # 30
• Community Service Award: Katelynn Shepard
• Viewers Choice Award: Brooklyn Dorado # 30