NATIONAL- In a speech riddled with lies and half-truths distorting the performance of his administration, Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address to the nation.

In response, Black Lives Matter Global Network released the following statement:

“It’s no surprise that Donald Trump would double down on his racist, xenophobic, misogynist agenda in his first State of the Union address.

Trump’s first year in office has been marked by instability and policies reflective of its leader. Our people have been forced to endure travel bans. We’ve been stalked by ICE agents in public and in our homes. We’ve heard our countries called shitholes in the Oval office. Trump’s repeated attacks have forced millions to contend with possibly losing their healthcare, women in our cities and small towns have lost access to care, and millions of children lost coverage for more than three months.

This is Trump’s America.

Black people, immigrant and Indigenous people, the poor, women, our LGBTQ family, you name it, are the ones paying the biggest price. Surrounded by enablers bent on wiping out our existence, we’ve seen it all. We can no longer allow Trump’s dangerous policies to harm our families and our communities.

Our people are rising up. From Jemele Hill to Jay-Z to Colin Kaepernick, we will not give up our dignity without a fight. We will continue to show up and show out for restoring our communities, whether it’s ensuring our communities are free from police overreach and outright murder, to economic opportunity and justice in this capitalist system, to the fight to ensure our Black mothers get the care, time and space they need to survive childbirth.

Trump will not deter us from achieving the liberation our people deserve.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  The Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire will be hosting the 3^rd Annual Black History Super Expo Celebration on Saturday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Court Street Square located at 349 N. E Street in San Bernardino. The event is FREE to the public.

There will be live entertainment, vendors, great food, a veggie connection pop-up, and a kids’ zone. Free rides to the expo will be provided by OmniTrans. You can pick up bus tokens from the Akoma Unity Center located at 1367 N. California Street in San Bernardino.

For more information, please contact Tammy at (714) 292-0205 or visit www.BCCInlandEmpire.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  On Friday, February 2, Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes and community partners; San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation and California Department of Transportation District 8 will be unveiling the Rosa Parks Statue at the Rosa Parks Memorial Building located at 464 W. 4^th Street in San Bernardino. The unveiling starts at 10:30 a.m.

The Rosa Parks Statue was made possible by funding contained in the 2017 state budget. “Working together with community partners and the Governor, I was able to secure the final funding needed for this iconic statue,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “The 47th Assembly District is honored to recognize the first lady of the civil rights movement and we are confident her statue will be a beacon of hope for those yearning for change.”  

Join us as we unveil the bronze Rosa Parks Statue and recommit ourselves to justice.

For more information or to RSVP contact District Representative Daniel Peeden or call the District Office at (909) 381-3238.

REDLANDS – This year’s 35th annual San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon competition will take place over two weekend dates – January 27 and February 3 – at Redlands East Valley High School.

With close to 400 high school students competing, this year’s scholastic competition features 41 teams that represent 25 high schools. Both weekends of the competition will take place at Redlands East Valley High, located at 31000 E. Colton Ave. in Redlands.

Students receive points by competing in 10 academic events. There are written tests in the areas of math, economics, music, art, language/literature, science and social science. Students also write an essay, face a panel of interviewers and give impromptu and prepared speeches.

For the finale on February 3, teams compete in a Super Quiz, a college bowl-style event consisting of multiple-choice questions. This year’s overall competition theme is Africa. Chaffey High School from the Chaffey Joint Union High School District is the six-time defending county champion of Academic Decathlon.

Teams consist of nine students, three from each grade-point category: “A” (Honors), “B” (Scholastic) and “C” (Varsity). Students compete for individual and team awards.

This year’s participating high schools and their districts are: Alta Loma High, Chaffey High, Colony High, Etiwanda High, Los Osos High, Montclair High, Ontario High and Rancho Cucamonga High, Chaffey Joint Union High; Ayala High, Chino Hills High and Don Lugo High, Chino Valley Unified; Bloomington High, Colton Joint Unified; Kaiser High, Fontana Unified; Citrus Valley High, Redlands East Valley High and Redlands High, Redlands Unified; Eisenhower High and Rialto High, Rialto Unified; Arroyo Valley High, Pacific High, San Bernardino High and San Gorgonio High, San Bernardino City Unified; and Cobalt Institute of Math and Science and Victor Valley High, Victor Valley Union High. Aquinas High School, a private school, also is participating.

The public is invited to attend the Super Quiz, which begins around 2:30 p.m. on February 3.

Winners and finalists from the Academic Decathlon will be announced at an awards banquet on February 8 at the National Orange Show Events Center. The winning team and possible other qualifiers will represent the county at the statewide Academic Decathlon competition in March.

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, covetous, extortioners, liars , lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, blasphemers, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, disobedient, arrogant, revilers. [1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 2 Timothy 3:1-5]. Don’t you know that the Day of the Lord is at hand?” [Joel 1:15; 2:1]. Wake up! Stir yourself and don’t be slothful. “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore, cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Walk properly, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. [Romans 13:11-14]. Be zealous and repent! [Revelation 3:19]. If you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. [Isaiah 1:20].

I tell you we are seeing the signs that will precede Christ’s return. We are experiencing the birth pangs that will come before Christ’s return. We are being shaken, as prophecy warned. And even though we don’t know the day or the hour, Jesus said we would know the season and we should be living as though His hand is on the door ready to come back. [Matthew 24:42-44.] Repent now while it is still day! For, “He said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” [Revelation 21: 6-8].  Don’t wait too late!

“Repent Now Every One of His Evil Ways and Evil Doing…” [Jeremiah 25:5].

“For the Kingdom of God is at Hand!” [Matthew 3:2].

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live…” [Deuteronomy 31: 19}

Company Hiring Industrial Sewers – in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Call (951) 703-4790

Company – is seeking General Labor with overtime $3,000.00/mo. in Fontana, CA. Call (909) 532-8838

Machine Operator needed – in Ontario, CA. Call (951) 808-5405 ext. 120

Landscape Construction Jobs – $13.50-$24.00/hr. in Colton, CA. Call (714) 986-1060

Packers General Labor needed – in Ontario, CA. Call (909) 939-4988

Shipping Dept. – is seeking Shop Labor in Corona, CA. Apply in person Temeka Group, 9073 Pulsar Court “B,” Corona, CA 92883

Tire Service Tech needed – in Riverside, CA. Call (951) 787-6884

Landscape/General Labor – $11.00-$12.00/hr. in the Inland Empire, CA. Call (909) 308-0879

Deliver RV’s and See the Country – in the United States. Call (574) 642-2024

Freight Handler needed – in Fontana, CA. 1^st  Call (877) 246-2855

Saladino’s Foodservice – is seeking an Order Selector in Ontario, CA. $17.00/hr.  indeed.com

Dependable Highway Express – is seeking a Dock Worker/Forklift Operator in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Whittemore Enterprises, Inc. – is seeking a Shipping & Receiving Worker in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $14.00-$17.00/hr.  indeed.com

Ryder – is seeking a Material Handler I in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

West Coast Staffing – is seeking Packers in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Seldat, Inc. – is seeking a Shipping and Receiving Worker in Chino, CA. $13.00-$15.00/hr.  indeed.com

Ultimate Internet – is seeking a Directional Boring Crew Laborer in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Honda R & D Americas, Inc. – is seeking a Stock & Material Handler (P/T) in Chino, CA. indeed.com

Sync Staffing, Inc. – is seeking a Shipping Clerk in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

APL Logistics – is seeking a Material Handler III in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Burlington Stores – is seeking a Receiving Associate in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Novolex – is seeking a Warehouse Picker in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Waste Connections – is seeking a CAN- Material Handler in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Copyfree Documents and Imaging Solutions – is seeking a Warehouse Associate in San Gabriel, CA. indeed.com

Manpower – is seeking a Warehouse Worker in Ontario, CA. $14.00-$15.00/hr.  indeed.com

Fas Temps – is seeking a Material Handler in Ontario, CA. $11.00-$12.00/hr.  indeed.com

Morgan Corporation – is seeking a Material Handler in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Fabco Steel Fabrication, Inc. – is seeking a Yard Helper & Laborer/Driver in Fontana, CA. $10.50-$11.50/hr.  indeed.com

HRD Services – is seeking a Forklift Operator/Material Handler in Ontario, CA. $12.50/hr.  indeed.com

CRH-Oldcastle – is seeking a Production Laborer in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

ATI – is seeking a Shipping Supervisor in Chino, CA. indeed.com

Corona California – is seeking a Receiving Clerk in Corona, CA. $13.00-$15.00/hr.  indeed.com

Proterra – is seeking a Material Handler in Industry City, CA. indeed.com

ABC Supply Co., – is seeking a Delivery Material Handler/Roof Loader in Ontario, CA. www.indeed.com

Owens & Minor – is seeking a Warehouse Coordinator in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Horizon Printing Ink Group – is seeking a Production Worker in Ontario, CA. $12.00/hr.  indeed.com

Allstars Corporation – is seeking a Warehouse Clerk in Ontario, CA. $13.00-$18.00/hr.  indeed.com

Arconic – is seeking a Forklift Driver/Material Handler in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Quality Custom Distribution – is seeking a Warehouse Lead in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Ardent Mills – is seeking a Warehouse Pack Operator in Colton, CA. indeed.com

Diesel USA Group, Inc. – is seeking a Shipping & Receiving Clerk in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Battery Systems, Inc. – is seeking a Material Handler in Garden Grove, CA. $13.00/hr.  indeed.com

Lineage Logistics – is seeking an Order Picker in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Golden State Foods – is seeking a Warehouse Lead in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Dart Container – is seeking an Inspector Packer in Corona, CA. indeed.com

HR Direct Services – is seeking a Forklift Operator/Material Handler in Mira Loma, CA. indeed.com

Yellow Jacket Drilling Services – is seeking a Laborer in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $14.00-$17.00/hr.  indeed.com

DHL Supply Chain – is seeking Forklift Operators in Perris, CA. $14.35/hr.  indeed.com

US Globalsat, Inc. – is seeking a Shipping Clerk in Chino, CA. $11.00-$13.00/hr.  indeed.com

Hangar 24 Craft Distribution – is seeking a Packaging Tech in Redlands, CA. indeed.com

Target – is seeking a Packer in Rialto, CA. indeed.com

States Logistics Services – is seeking an Order Puller/Forklift Operator in San Bernardino, CA. $12.00-$13.00/hr.  indeed.com

Tru Green – is seeking a (F/T) Lawn Application/Laborer in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

T & D Epoxy Coating, Inc. – is seeking an Epoxy Laborer in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Confidential – is seeking an Import/Export and Shipping Assistant in Irvine, CA. indeed.com

CEVA Logistics – is seeking a Freight Handler Forklift Operator I in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Kloeckner Metals – is seeking a Material Handler in Industry City, CA. indeed.com

Southland Employment Services, Inc. – is seeking a Warehouse Clerk in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Snelling Staffing Services, LLC – is seeking a Shipping Assistant in Pomona, CA. $15.00-$17.00/hr.  indeed.com

7 For All Mankind – is seeking a Receiving Lead in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

CEVA Logistics – is seeking a Driver DOT Freight Handler in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Apex Life Sciences – is seeking a Packaging Tech in San Dimas, CA. $16.00/hr.  indeed.com

AXA Insurance Ireland – is seeking a Claims Handler, Damage in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

RAB Lighting – is seeking a Warehouse Manager in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Pro-Active USA – is seeking a Material Handler in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $11.00-$12.00/hr.  indeed.com

Seldat Staffing – is seeking a Material Handler in Mira Loma, CA. $12.00/hr.  indeed.com

Proclinical Staffing, Inc. – is seeking a Packaging Operator in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $18.00/hr.  indeed.com

Eastridge Workforce Solutions – is seeking an Inventory Coordinator in Irvine, CA. $20.00/hr.  indeed.com

NUUO US, Inc. – is seeking an RMA/Shipping Tech in Chino, CA. indeed.com

Leslie’s Poolmart – is seeking a Seasonal Packaging Associate in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

iHubdeal – is seeking an Order Picker/Forklift Operator in Chino, CA. $13.00/hr.  indeed.com

Info Send, Inc. – is seeking a Warehouse/Shipping Clerk in Anaheim, CA. $15.00/hr.  indeed.com

Your Local Handy Man, Inc. – is seeking Construction Worker/Laborer or Handy Man in Pasadena, CA. $15.00/hr.  indeed.com

Employment Solutions – is seeking a Parts WHS-Order Puller, Forklift in Riverside, CA. $13.00-$14.00/hr.  indeed.com

Smart Warehousing – is seeking a Warehouse Manager in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

KeHE Distributors – is seeking a Warehouse Clerk-Shipping in Chino, CA. indeed.com

AXA Insurance Ireland – is seeking a Claims Handler, Personal Injury in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

It’s Caliber – is seeking a General Laborer Associate in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Schylling, Inc. – is seeking a Receiving/Inventory Control Supervisor in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Restaurant Depot – is seeking a Stocker-Receiving Worker in Colton, CA. indeed.com

Northwest Pallet Supply – is seeking a General Labor-Pallet Sorter in Fontana, CA. $11.50/hr.  indeed.com

Rancho Physical Therapy – is seeking a Front Office Assistant in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

GAF Materials Corporation – is seeking a Production Operator in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

A-I Power Corporation – is seeking a Customer Service Rep in Ontario, CA. $15.00/hr.  indeed.com

International Paper – is seeking General Labor in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Sync Staffing, Inc. – is seeking a Transportation Clerk in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

SDLA Courier Services, Inc. – is seeking a Courier Package Delivery Driver in Chino, CA. $14.00-$15.00/hr.  indeed.com

Advance, Inc. – is seeking a Warehouse Worker in San Dimas, CA. $2,000.00-$2,200.00/mo.  indeed.com

HR Direct Services – is seeking a Packaging and Manufacturing Worker in Mira Loma, CA. $12.00-$13.00/hr.  indeed.com

Pitney Bowes – is seeking a Mail Machine Operator in Corona, CA. indeed.com

Quality Staffing Services – is seeking Help in Chino, CA. indeed.com

Partnership Staffing Solutions – is seeking Help in Rialto, CA. indeed.com

Toyota of San Bernardino – is seeking a Service Valet/Porter in the Inland Empire, CA. $11.50/hr.  indeed.com

M M Fashion & Design, Inc. – is seeking a Warehouse Associate in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $12.50/hr.  indeed.com

San Antonio Regional Hospital – is seeking a Food Service Worker I-Dish Washer in Upland, CA. indeed.com

Cook Security Group – is seeking a Service & Installation Apprentice in Corona, CA. $17.00-$19.00/hr.  indeed.com

West Coast Construction – is seeking a GC Project Coordinator in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – is seeking a Regulatory Affairs Person in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Global Solutions – is seeking an Entry Level-Paid Training in Upland, CA. $35,000.00-$60,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com

Ontario Airport Inn – is seeking a Hotel Front Desk Agent & Night Auditor in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Pacific Roll – is seeking a Metal Fabricator Worker in Riverside, CA. $30,000.00-$60,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com

Seldat, Inc. – is seeking a Posting Casting, Assembly Worker in Fontana, CA. $11.50-$12.50/hr.  indeed.com

Koyla Indian – is seeking Help in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Wacker Chemie AG – is seeking a Production Operator in Chino, CA. indeed.com

Holiday Inn Express – is seeking a Maintenance Worker in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Luxfer Superform – is seeking a Metal Fabricator in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Kimo Staffing – is Hiring for Manufacturing Jobs in Mira Loma, CA. indeed.com

Weber Logistics – is seeking Help in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

McLane Company – is seeking a Warehouse Freezer Selector in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Cap City – is seeking Help in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Interstate Battery Inland Empire – is seeking a Delivery Driver in Upland, CA. indeed.com

Cardinale Way Hyundai – is seeking an Automotive Lot Porter in Corona and the Inland Empire, CA. indeed.com

Las Islas Marias – is seeking Help in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Blind Faith – is seeking a Novelist in the Inland Empire, CA. indeed.com

Arconic – is seeking a Forge Helper-Entry Level, Training provided in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Affluent Staffing – is seeking Help in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Deysi Flowers – is seeking Help in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Ruan – is seeking a Tech III in Fontana, CA. $26.00-$30.00/hr.  indeed.com

Okuma Fishing Tackle Corporation – is seeking an HR Generalist in Ontario, CA. $55,000.00-$65,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com

Chep Recycled Pallet Solutions, LLC – is seeking a Pallet Builder in Riverside, CA. $13.50/hr.  indeed.com

Precision Manufacturing and Rubber, Inc. – is seeking a Rubber Molded Trimmer (Deflasher) in Ontario, CA. $11.00/hr.  indeed.com

Diamond Pure Water Filtration – is seeking a Water Softener & Reverse Osmosis Systems Installer in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $30,000.00-$60,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com

Westland Group, Inc. – is seeking an Assistant Land Surveyor in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

GYL Decauwer, LLP – is seeking a Front Desk Receptionist/Administrative Assistant in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Echo Tape – is seeking a Warehouse Worker in Chino, CA. $12.00/hr.  indeed.com

Core-Mark International, Inc. – is seeking a Warehouse Person (Nights) in Corona, CA. indeed.com

Roettele Industries – is seeking a Job Assistant in Chino, CA. indeed.com

Mullens Flowers – is seeking Help in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Sunlight Supply – is seeking a Warehouse Associate-Graveyard in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Edible Arrangements of Fontana – is seeking a Production Worker in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Accent Care – is seeking Care Partners in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Mountain Vista Winery – is seeking a Wine Maker in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

By Stephanie Williams

They are Black! They Are Beautiful! And, they too have a dream!

The current tension over protecting the dreamers is merely an extension of an historical conflict between those in America who support the sentiments espoused on the base of the Statue of Liberty and those who want a country that fulfills the most egregious desire of White Supremacists, to purge the country of non-white residents on their road to fulfilling their vision of an all-White America.

Last week, the nation bore witness when the president dispelled all doubt about the racist ideology that undergirds the agenda of his white house. Trump allegedly demanded to know during a White House meeting on immigration, why he should accept immigrants from “shithole” (Black) countries like Haiti or Africa–I’m not sure if the president realizes Africa is not a country but a continent—rather than White countries like Norway. 

This was not the first time the president put his full racist attitude on display. The country saw it throughout the 2016 presidential campaign and again and again since he took office.

The president’s apparent attitude toward people of color is not only telling but also threatening to the hundreds of thousands of dreamers at risk of deportation since he ended DACA last September. Although the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked Trump’s efforts to stymie the DACA program last week, the ultimate fate of the dreamers remains uncertain.

Amid the discussions on the probable racist ideology permeating the white house and the president’s implementation of obvious racist immigration policies that have resulted to date, there are nearly 3.7 million Black immigrants who account for about 8.4 percent of all immigrants—many of them from the very countries the president recently disparaged.

According to a report by the Center for American Progress, among the largest groups of Black immigrants, 48 percent are from the Caribbean, 43 percent from various African countries, and 3.6 percent from South America. Black immigrants also make up 25 percent of at least five major metropolitan areas including Boston, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, and Seattle.

The president has also inferred that immigrants from countries like Norway are preferable. He never qualified that statement. However, if his preference is based on qualifications rather than race, we must assume he is unaware of the fact that Black immigrants have as high a rate of education and employment as any other group of immigrants.

For example, 29 percent of Black immigrants have a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 30 percent from White nations, and at least 29 percent have some college or an associates degree compared to only 19 percent from other countries.

Another area where the president is ill informed is in regard to employment. The reality is that at least 73 percent of Black immigrants sixteen years of age and older are employed, compared to 67 percent of all immigrants and only 64 percent of those born in America.

Currently, there are about 11,000 Black immigrants under DACA protection, although the Migration Policy Institute has estimated there are 36,000 African immigrants eligible for the deferred action.

There are those who believe African Americans should not sit idly by on the issue of immigration. Make your voices heard on this issue. Call your congressman, attend a rally, raise your voice in this discussion.

As the president and his supporters continue to push their racist agenda, minorities can not afford to sit silent. We have learned from history—to be silent is to be complicit. We must speak out before silence morphs from complicity to something more sinister. As history has also taught us—silence, equals death.

You can reach your U.S. representative by calling (202) 225-3121, and your U.S. senators at (202) 224-3121. Ask the operator to connect you to the individual office. To find out the name of your representative, enter your zip code here www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.

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Stephanie E. Williams is an award winning investigative reporter, editor and activist who has contributed to several Inland Empire publications. Williams spent more than thirty years as a middle-manager in the telecommunications industry before retiring to pursue her passion as a reporter and non-fiction writer. Beyond writing, Williams’ personal interests include stone-carving, drumming and sculpting.

By Brian Presley

Young women and teen girls have always had it tough and the recent Hollywood scandals illustrate the types of problems women have had to face not only in entertainment, but in many other industries as well.  There is; however, a long-time activity that can help young women from becoming a victim and that’s babysitting.

Most people may dismiss babysitting as just a part-time job for a teen to make a few dollars but with the proper training and experience, a young woman can develop her confidence, a higher level of responsibility, leadership and life-skills that she will use for the rest of her life.  

Being a babysitter is more than just putting the kids in front of the television and then to bed.  A babysitter is responsible for the safety and well-being of another human being.  It looks simple because in most cases, nothing goes wrong.  The importance of having a properly trained babysitter is evident when something does go wrong.

There are hundreds of babysitting courses available across the country.  They teach how to properly handle, feed and change babies, how to deal with toddlers and many other situations that can pop up.  Many babysitting programs also offer emergency first-aid and CPR courses that could help save a kid’s life.  

Just like anti-bullying programs, all the speeches, skits and cheers that kids are exposed to are useless unless that person develops their confidence and has a high level of self-esteem.  In most cases, victims have the opposite.  The majority of people who complete a babysitting course and learn first-aid and CPR do develop a sense of empowerment.

Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency is empowering.  Knowing that you can help save someone’s life helps build confidence and although they may not realize it, learning first-aid and CPR also builds and develops their leadership abilities.  

A young woman with these skills is less likely to be a victim.

For parents, having someone watch their kids so that they can leave their home is like having a mini vacation.  For many others, a babysitter is needed so that they can go to work to earn money to pay their bills.  As long as there are kids, there will always be a need for babysitters. 

A few of the skills that being a babysitter can develop include:

Communication Skills:

It is extremely important that the babysitter is able to understand and communicate clearly with the adults as to what needs to be done when they are gone.  She must be able to ask questions before the adults leave and must also be able to explain to the parents if they are not able or comfortable with something they’ve been asked to do. 

It is also important for her to clearly explain any situations or events that have happened while they were gone.  It could be something as simple as an appliance not working or even noticing the kid developing a rash.  Parents need to know.  

It is also just as important for the babysitter to communicate with the kids as well.  Just barking orders won’t work but being confident in giving them directions will.  Kids will ideally be more cooperative if they feel like they can talk to her.  

Organizational Skills:

A reliable babysitter is organized, prepared and on time.  

Prior to the job, the babysitter must have everything they need for the time they are there.  That may include a change of clothes, a fully charged cell phone and a way to get there on time and a way to get home safely afterwards. 

The parents may also have a number of tasks for the babysitter to do while they’re gone so it’s important to be able to do them properly especially when it involves something important such as giving medication.  Being organized is important for a successful babysitter. 

Responsibility

For some teens, this is the first time that they are really in charge of something important.  

First and foremost, they are responsible for the safety of the kids.  The tasks assigned to them by the adults are not always suggestions and must be completed to the best of their abilities.   

The babysitter must also be responsible enough to tell the parents that they are not confident or even able to do something they are asked to do.  It’s important for the babysitter to be honest with the parents and to themselves about her abilities. 

The babysitter must also check on the kids regularly even after she puts them to bed and be there to help them if they get up in the middle of the night.  It may be boring to be sitting in front of the television but a responsible babysitter knows that they are always “on duty” even when the kids are asleep.  

Problem Solving

You hope that everything goes smoothly but as parents know, it’s not always the case.  Unexpected things happen and a babysitter must be able to adapt and solve problems as they come up. 

She must be able to understand the situation, come up with a solution, implement it and hope that the problem is resolved which may not always happen. 

Being able to find solutions to problems now may help her to solve larger issues in the future as an adult.   

Confidence

Confidence is a skill that is developed over time and as a babysitter, she must be responsible, be organized, solve problems and be able to communicate.   Having these skills and using them will help her to build confidence in herself and increase her self-esteem which will help her throughout her life.    

Not every decision she makes will work out and not every decision she makes may be the right one for her at that time but at least she was confident enough to make that decision.  Deciding about what is good for her will come with time, maturity and experience. 

Kids with confidence are less likely to be bullied and are more likely to succeed at what they do.  Young women who have developed a high level of self-esteem are less likely to become a victim of predators as well.  

There are many other skills that a babysitter can learn but the most important skills they can learn are the ones that will make them a better person as they get older so when you do hire a young woman to look after your kids, remember, you’re not just giving them a job to look after your kids, you’re also helping them to become better prepared for life.  

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Brian Presley is a stay-at-home dad, former youth worker and leadership councilor and is currently the president of What To Do With The Kids®, the website that adults go to when they want to know what to do with their kids.  WTDWTK’s Sitter Advantage app is designed to help babysitters become better at their jobs while providing parents with the peace of mind of knowing that their kids are happy and safe when they’re not there.  Visit www.whattodowiththekids.com for more information or on social media at #WTDWTK. 

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church presents, “Unite the Night – Retro Edition.” This event is set to take place on Saturday, January 27. The last social was amazing, so the team wants to make this one EVEN BIGGER AND BETTER! The event is going to be a chance for the church family to have fun with their pastoral staff and other churches, and it is an opportunity to invite the community. The special guest for this event is POLY HIGH SCHOOL.

Today, in our crazy world it may feel like there is a DISCONNECT between generations. This event is embracing the theme of different generations coming together and enjoying a night of fun. The PAST AND PRESENT will be represented! Come dressed in your favorite generational attire.  There will be food, refreshments, and games! This event is FREE for everyone, of all ages.  If you missed the last one, you surely don’t want to miss this one!  We hope to see you there!!

The San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education honored 12 students with an Outstanding Student Award at the December 5, 2017, Board meeting. The San Bernardino Symphony also recognized students by providing them and their families with free symphony tickets.

Outstanding Student Award winners are recognized for achievement in academics, athletics, fine arts, or citizenship or for showing significant improvement in these areas. Students are encouraged to have hope for the future by thinking about their long-term educational and career goals.

Holcomb Elementary School Outstanding Students

First-grader Kaylen Capetillo is a model student. She is always on task and excels in all academic subjects. She is caring and an empathetic helper in class. Kaylen would like to become a teacher.

Sixth-grader Angel Escobar is a school ambassador who always sets a great example for how to behave appropriately. Angel is successful academically and enjoys playing the violin. Angel would like to attend college and study to be an architect.

Sixth-grader Lilly Gomez is an avid reader and shows a strong thirst for knowledge. She is always up for a challenge, and shows all the traits of an International Baccalaureate learner. Lilly wants to become a geologist someday.

Kendall Elementary School Outstanding Students

Fourth-grader Tyler Franzen is an outstanding student. He excels in all subjects, is a role model for good behavior, and has good attendance. His favorite subject is reading because he says it takes him to another world. Tyler wants to become a kindergarten teacher.

Fourth-grader Tiana Pham is a role model at Kendall. She excels in all subjects and treats others with respect. She loves school, which may explain her perfect attendance record since kindergarten. Tiana wants to become a pediatrician.

Fifth-grader Leah Montero is an exceptional student. She has perfect attendance and excels in both reading and math. She is also a student leader and role model. Leah wants to be the valedictorian of her high school and then attend Harvard or Princeton.

North Verdemont Elementary School Outstanding Students

Fifth-grader Celeste Davila is a scholar and a role model for her peers. She is hard working, kind, and well behaved. She has goals and she isn’t afraid to put in the hard work to reach them. Celeste would like to attend UCLA and study veterinarian medicine.

Sixth-grader Sophia Marquez is respected by her classmates because she is honest and fair. She is an excellent reader and a talented musician. She was selected to play the violin for last year’s honor orchestra. Sophia would like to attend UCLA and become a nurse or an author.

Fourth-grader Michael Moffit is a valuable member of the school community. He is respectful, insightful, and willing to help others. He has great reading comprehension and math skills. Michael plans to attend college and become a video game developer.

Paakuma’ K–8 School Outstanding Students

Sixth-grader Julia Mendez is a top-notch student who is excited about school and learning. She takes pride in her work and is always ready to be challenged. Julia looks forward to attending Cal State San Bernardino and becoming a teacher.

Eighth-grader Wendy Perez is known for her academic excellence and her athletic interests. She is focused on her education, and that inspires her classmates to do the same. Wendy wants to attend college and earn a nursing degree while playing professional volleyball.

Kindergartener Matthew Smith is an amazing role model. He is respectful, responsible, and has lots of school spirit. He works hard and is always willing to help his classmates. Matthew wants to become a chef and open his own cooking school.