YUCAIPA, CA — Crafton Hills College (CHC) was ranked as the region’s top community college for the University of California (UC) transfer admission rates during the 2023 application cycle, according to the UC Information Center. This achievement reflects CHC’s commitment to providing accurate, efficient, and proactive counseling services, as well as robust transfer support services.

CHC recognizes that the transfer admission process is a critical milestone for students aiming to continue their higher education at prestigious institutions like those in the UC system. The success in achieving high transfer admission rates is attributed to the dedication of CHC’s Counseling Department and University Transfer Center, both of which play a pivotal role in guiding students through the complex transfer process.

Mariana Macamay, CHC’s University Transfer Center faculty coordinator and counselor, explained, “Our counselors are committed to staying up-to-date and current in transfer admission criteria, participating in regular training sessions to enhance their knowledge and skills. This commitment ensures that CHC students receive the most accurate and relevant information, enabling them to make informed decisions about transfer to four-year institutions.”

An integral component of CHC’s success is the noteworthy performance of its Latinx and African American/Black students. These students not only met but exceeded the achievements of other ethnic groups in successfully applying and being admitted to UC campuses. Fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers students from all backgrounds to achieve their academic goals is an essential part of the college’s mission.

CHC Dean of Student Services and Counseling, Dr. Ivan Peña, expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of the student services team. “This recognition underscores our commitment to student success and the effectiveness of our counseling and transfer support services. We are particularly proud of the achievements of our Latinx and African American/Black students, highlighting the commitment to equity at Crafton Hills College.”

SAN BERNARDINO — The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) and the San Bernardino California School Boards Association (SBCSBA) proudly recognized the outstanding achievements of six school districts within San Bernardino County during the SBCSBA Annual Meeting held on January 29, 2024.

“We are thrilled to recognize these exceptional programs,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Each winning school district has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and student success.”

The ceremony, held at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center in San Bernardino, showcased the exemplary programs of each award-winning district. The 2023 Golden Bell Award recipients from San Bernardino County, listed in the order presented by CSBA, are as follows:

• Redlands Unified School District: Computing, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (C-STEM) – Closing the Opportunity Gap
• Morongo Unified School District: Outdoor Classroom Project – Family/Student/Community Engagement
• Rialto Unified School District: RITZ (Rialto’s Incredible Talent Zone) – Family/Student/Community Engagement
• Victor Elementary School District: Child Welfare and Attendance Liaison – Family/Student/Community Engagement
• San Bernardino City Unified School District: SBCUSD Bullying Intervention System – School Culture and Safety
• Chino Valley Unified School District: High School Road Show – Student Support Services

The Computing, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (C-STEM) program in the Redlands Unified School District aims to transform mathematics education by integrating hands-on coding and robotics into California’s Common Core State Standards. The program focuses on closing the achievement gap for students traditionally underrepresented in STEM-related courses and developing 21st-century problem-solving skills.

The Outdoor Classroom Project at Yucca Valley Elementary School, part of the Morongo Unified School District, provides physical spaces for outdoor learning, fostering authentic, project-based learning and environmental education. The program emphasizes collaboration between students, families and the community.

For over 16 years, the RITZ (Rialto’s Incredible Talent Zone) in the Rialto Unified School District has been a showcase for student talent, celebrating music as the universal language and supporting students through the Sharing Our Love Foundation.

The Child Welfare and Attendance Liaison (CWAL) program in the Victor Elementary School District is designed to improve student attendance and build stronger relationships within schools by re-engaging students and families through a data-driven, collaborative approach.

In the San Bernardino City Unified School District, the SBCUSD Bullying Intervention System addresses bullying without resorting to suspensions. The innovative and highly effective restorative practice known as the Undercover Anti-Bullying Team (UABT) helps support bullied students in a structured, safe and restorative manner.

Chino Valley Unified School District’s High School Road Show, created in 2018, focuses on academic data to positively impact student achievement. The Road Show meetings highlight areas of strength and challenges to create yearly goals for the district.

CSBA’s Golden Bell Awards, in its 44th year, recognize outstanding programs and governance practices in school districts and county offices of education throughout California. San Bernardino County is proud to have six school districts recognized at the 2023 CSBA Golden Bell Awards.

To view videos spotlighting each award-winning program, please visit our YouTube Channel.

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

Veteran Jurist Experienced in Overseeing Both Tribal and State Courts

HIGHLAND, CA — The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has appointed the Honorable Judge Yvette Ayala Henderson as Chief Judge for the San Manuel Tribal Court. She was sworn in on January 29, 2024. She will serve as the chief administrator of both the trial and appellate courts of the San Manuel Tribal Court system, along with sitting as a trial court judge and carrying out other duties set out in the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Constitution and San Manuel Judicial Code. The San Manuel Tribal Court system exercises civil jurisdiction over San Manuel Tribal Citizens and others who have consented to the Court’s jurisdiction, whether by contract, presence on the Tribe’s Reservation, or otherwise.

Judge Henderson brings close to 20 years of jurisprudence to this role. Before joining San Manuel, she served as Chief Judge of the Fort Mojave Tribal Court for the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe of Arizona, California, and Nevada, where she presided over civil and criminal proceedings for both adults and juveniles. She also served as Magistrate (16th Judicial District) and Chief Magistrate (13th, 14th, and 16th Judicial Districts) in the Office of the Executive Secretary for the Supreme Court of Virginia.

“Chief Judge Henderson’s experience in tribal court systems gives her a deep understanding of how a sovereign tribe’s unique traditions, principles, and values shape jurisprudence within Native nations,” said San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. “This coupled with her service in state courts is a welcome addition to San Manuel Tribal Court, which works across jurisdictions with other courts and legal systems.”

Apart from her legal experience, Judge Henderson earned the rank of Captain in the United States Army, receiving the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal and U.S. Army Achievement Medal. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law, a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Troy University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Hampton University.

By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media

The California African American Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual “State of the California African American Economy Summit,” with the aim of bolstering Black economic influence through education and fellowship.

Held from Jan. 24 to Jan. 25 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel, the convention brought together some of the most influential Black business leaders, policy makers and economic thinkers in the state. The discussions focused on a wide range of economic topics pertinent to California’s African American business community, including policy, government contracts, and equity, and more.

Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CALSTA) was a guest at the event. He told attendees about his department’s efforts to increase access for Black business owners.

“One thing I’m taking away from this for sure is we’re going to have to do a better job of connecting through your chambers of all these opportunities of billions of dollars that are coming down the pike. I’m honestly disappointed that people don’t know, so we’ll do better,” said Omishakin.

Lueathel Seawood, the president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of San Joaquin County, expressed frustration with obtaining federal contracts for small businesses, and completing the process. She observed that once a small business was certified as DBE, a Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, there was little help getting to the next step.

Omishakin admitted there is more work to be done to help them complete the process and include them in upcoming projects. However, the high-speed rail system expansion by the California High-Speed Rail Authority has set a goal of 30% participation from small businesses — only 10 percent is set aside for DBE.

In 1996, California was the first state to eliminate affirmative action programs through Proposition 209. Since then, African Americans have struggled to achieve equity in education, according to a study at UC Berkely, California, and continue to face inequity in business according to a study commissioned by the Equal Justice Society, which showed a loss in contracts of $1 billion for minority and women business enterprises (MWBEs).

Funds issued by the federal government require that the equity be measured in a disparity study. The data is used to evaluate DBEs and decide how to address any shortfalls. The 2022 Caltrans FTA Disparity Study placed African Americans at the bottom.

“Caltrans and subrecipient local agencies awarded 0.4 percent of their relevant contract dollars to POC- and woman-owned businesses,” the report reads.

The importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in economics was reinforced during the “State of the California Economy” talk led by author and economist Julianne Malveaux, and Anthony Asadullah Samad, Executive Director of the Mervyn Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute (MDAAPEI) at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Malveaux emphasized the significance of economics as a form of political influence. She focused on the power and size of the California economy and the position of African Americans within this power structure. Assaults on DEI disproportionately affect women of color and Black women, according to Malveaux. When asked what role the loss of DEI might serve in economics, she suggested a more sinister purpose.

“The genesis of all this is anti-blackness. So, your question about how this fits into the economy is economic exclusion, that essentially has been promoted as public policy,” said Malveaux.

Samad co-authored the “2022-2023 State of Black Los Angeles County Report” which examines factors affecting African American’s well-being, both sociologically and economically. In response to the George Floyd protests in 2020, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors commissioned the study after establishing the Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative. It includes data on physical and mental health, housing, education, safety, justice and community recommendations.

The report will be produced annually and presented to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

The most anticipated speaker at the event was Janice Bryant Howroyd known affectionately to her peers as “JBH.” She is one of the first Black women to run and own a multi-billion-dollar company. Her company ActOne Group, is one of the largest, and most recognized, hiring, staffing and human resources firms in the world. She is the author of “Acting Up” and has a profile on Forbes.

Chairman of the board of directors of the California African American Chamber of Commerce, Timothy Alan Simon, a lawyer and the first Black Appointments Secretary in the Office of the Governor of California, moderated. They discussed the state of Black entrepreneurship in the country and Howroyd gave advice to other business owners.

Howroyd was dynamic and engaging, offering guidance and fielding inquires. She discussed her modest start with just $900, primarily borrowed from her mother. She also gave advice about how to get to the next level, advising the audience to see their business on a global scale, use new technologies and to be “thoughtful” of what they put on the internet. Howroyd’s style of sharing her personal life with those looking for the keys to success has evolved into the “Ask JBH Podcast.”

“We look to inspire and educate,” said Howroyd. “Inspiration is great but when I’ve got people’s attention, I want to teach them something.”

The Chamber also arranged several workshops to connect businesses directly with the resources they need. An adjoining ballroom connected employees with companies. There were workshops for gaining contracts in industries like health care and energy, and a “matchmaking session” introducing business owners to companies with similar goals.

For chairman Simon the summit is over, but the work has just started.

“The opposition to DEI is well funded. They’re working at all levels of government and in corporations,” said Simon. “But there are still ways that we can continue to elevate our economic profile in anti-DEI environment and that’s what this chamber is committed to doing.”

By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media  

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a warning on Jan. 26, instructing consumers with milk allergies or “severe sensitivity to milk” in the state to not eat at Dave’s Bakery Corn Bread due to “risk of illness.”

The CDPH warns that consumption of the corn bread manufactured by a Gardena-based company — with expiration dates up to June 18, 2024 — may lead to “life threatening” reactions.

“This warning applies only to the Corn Bread produced by Bake R Us, DBA Dave’s Baking Company and distributed to schools, retail facilities and in vending machines primarily in southern California,” the DCPH statement reads.

“This product should not be confused with other similarly named companies with national distribution,” it continues.

According to the CDPH, although the corn bread product contains Whey, which is milk allergen, there is no allergy warning label on the packaging, which is required by state law.

So far, authorities say, no illnesses have been reported in the state, but if anyone finds the products on sale anywhere in the state should call the CDPH complaint hotline at (800) 495-3232 or file a report online at CDPH.ca.gov

The CDPH is also recommending that people who have eaten the product and are experiencing any reaction or ill effects should consult their health care provider.

By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media  

Speaking in Las Vegas on Jan. 27, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a forthcoming federal rule that will extend access to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to Americans who have been convicted of felonies but have served their time.

Small business owners typically apply for the SBA loans to start or sustain their businesses.

Harris thanked U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, for the work he has done in Washington to support small businesses and to invest in people.

“He and I spent some time this afternoon with business leaders and small business leaders here in Nevada. The work you have been doing to invest in community and to invest in the ambition and natural capacity of communities has been exceptional,” Harris said, speaking to a crowd of a few hundred people at the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Hall in East Las Vegas.

On her daylong trip, Harris was joined by Horford, SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman, Interim Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Eric Morrissette, and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev).

“Formerly incarcerated individuals face significant barriers to economic opportunity once they leave prison and return to the community, with an unemployment rate among the population of more than 27%,” the White House press release continued.  “Today’s announcement builds on the Vice President’s work to increase access to capital. Research finds that entrepreneurship can reduce recidivism for unemployed formerly incarcerated individuals by as much as 30%.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The City of San Bernardino has announced that it has received a $1 million grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to fund improvements to the 17.9-acre Lytle Creek Park and Community Center.

“Parks have traditionally been wonderful places for creating a sense of community,” said San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. “As gathering places for the community, they are also crucial for providing essential services and programs to vulnerable groups such as seniors. The Tribe and the City share a commitment to ensuring that Elders, who are highly respected in Indigenous culture, have access to supportive and accessible spaces.”

Lytle Creek Park has seen a 40% increase in attendance due to minor improvements recently completed at its community center. With the funding from the Tribe, additional upgrades are envisioned to further improve the facility and expand programs.

Planned improvements to the Community Center include upgraded seating, new flooring and furniture, and the installation of a wall partition to allow for multiple activities to occur at once.”

“The renovations to the community center and park amenities will continue to increase park attendance year-round,” said Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, Lydie Gutfeld. “The upgraded center will have the potential to be an afterschool hub and provide additional intergenerational programs.”

Improvements to the park will focus on enhancing the Gazebo and picnic shelter area to create a more conducive space for events. Lytle Creek Park has over 30 picnic tables, and demand for family gatherings, parties, and community groups is high, especially in the shade.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians,” said San Bernardino City Manager Charles Montoya. “Their unwavering support helps our parks and community centers become better places for kids, seniors, and families to come together and enjoy.”

Lytle Creek Park is a 17.9-acre park located at 380 South K Street in the City of San Bernardino. It features a community center, basketball, tennis, handball and volleyball courts, a splash pad and over 30 picnic tables. It also features two playgrounds and a walking track with exercise equipment. The Lytle Creek Community Center hosts Senior Nutrition Program Meals Monday through Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 pm.

By Lou K. Coleman

I want to live and just worry about my everyday life. Well, you go right ahead Boo, Boo. Just know that you will have no one to blame but yourself. For the Bible makes it clear that men are responsible for how they respond to warnings. If you choose not to take interest in the way of escape, then you, and you alone, are responsible for your judgment. The choice is yours. But as a watchman, my job is to warn, that’s it and that’s all.

I have been given a very specific call. And it carries with it great consequences. Those consequences can be God honoring or can bring about death and eternal punishment. For I am reminded in [Ezekiel 33: 1-7] that, if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will be require at the watchman’s hand.” Well not on my watch! As God said to Joel, “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm….” You are hearing the sound of the trumpet blowing! Flee for safety without delay! [Jeremiah 4:5-6]. For we are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick succession. No time to waste. Heed the warnings from God! Because past history will be repeated; old controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will beset God’s people on every side…Study Revelation in connection with Daniel, for history will be repeated…. Satan will employ the same policy, manifest the same spirit and work for the same end, as in all receding ages. Except that the coming struggle will be marked with a terrible intensity such as the world has never witnessed. As the Belarusian President said recently: the world is sounding the warning that time is running out for humanity. Do not be a despiser of warning. “Who can I speak to? Who will listen to my warning?” [Jeremiah 6:10].

They failed to listen to the warnings, and tragedies that might have been averted were not.

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

The Hon. Margaret Richards-Bowers, 70, a retired registered nurse, community advocate, and former President of the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) Board of Education, passed away on Jan.16, 2024, following a prolonged illness.

Born on April 15, 1953, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an island nation in the eastern Caribbean, Margaret Mundus Richards was the eldest of seven children born to Vernon Richards and Enid Banfield Richards.

Richards-Bowers graduated from the prestigious St. Vincent Girls’ High School, where she served as class prefect in her senior year, a role held in high regard and viewed as second only to a teacher in terms of authority and respect. She was the first runner-up in the Miss St. Vincent Teenager contest, and she had the honor of having tea with the late Queen Elizabeth II of England.

In 1972, Richards-Bowers moved to Los Angeles. She worked part-time while studying for an Associate of Arts Degree in Nursing at East Los Angeles College. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Service Management from the University of La Verne in Los Angeles County. Although she had interests in acting and singing, she chose a career in nursing for its stability. However, notably, she played a crucial role in the formation of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival, according to Ayuko Babu, the festival’s Executive Director.

“Margaret’s unique perspective, stemming from her Caribbean roots in St. Vincent, and her Los Angeles experiences enriched the festival’s Pan African outlook. Her contributions were pivotal to the festival’s development and will always be cherished,” Babu said.

After becoming a Registered Nurse, Richards-Bowers began her career as Nurse Manager at Pico Psychiatric Medical Clinic. She later joined Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital in Inglewood, where she served in various roles, including Staff Registered Nurse in the Oncology Unit and Charge Nurse in the Coronary Care Unit. In 1990, she joined Kaiser Permanente, West Los Angeles, serving as a Staff Registered Nurse and Relief Charge Nurse in the Urgent Care Clinic.

While at Kaiser, Richards-Bowers served as the Chairperson of the Employee Congress Committee. She authored the committee’s mission statement and initiated “The Culture of Courtesy” program that promoted an environment of courtesy and respect. In 1998, Richards-Bowers left Kaiser to focus on raising her sons.

Richards-Bowers was deeply involved in volunteer activities. She served as a member of the Los Angeles County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Sheriff’s Community Advisory Committee and as a volunteer deputy at the Ladera Heights Sheriff Community Service Center. She was a director and Vice-President of the Ladera Heights Civil Association in unincorporated LA County, and was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., and the National Council of Negro Women.

Richards-Bowers was a community health advocate and Board member of the Citizens Coalition for a Safe Community. She testified before the LA County Planning Commission on the Inglewood Oil Field Community Standards District. She also advocated for environmental considerations and community involvement in a school construction project before the IUSD School Board.

Richards-Bowers, who became a U.S. Citizen in 1996, was deeply involved in political activism even before she could vote. She helped elect local and national candidates that shared her values, like Mervyn Dymally, a fellow Caribbean immigrant, to Congress. Eventually, she became a deputy registrar of voters.

Richards-Bowers participated in several campaigns for former LA Police Chief and City Councilman Bernard Parks who admired her dedication, saying, “Margaret channeled her unwavering political passion into tangible actions. Her journey from grassroots campaigning to becoming a national delegate is a testament to her relentless advocacy. Her legacy will continue to inspire us.”

Furthermore, Richards-Bowers was a member of the New Frontier and Culver City Democratic Clubs, the National Women’s Political Caucus’ South Bay Chapter, and Organizing for America. In 2008, she served in various roles for the Obama for America Campaign, including Precinct Captain, and Volunteer and Resource Coordinator for the 33rd Congressional District. She was elected as a District Delegate for the 2008 Democratic National Convention held in Denver. She had the unique privilege of engaging in conversations with Presidents Clinton and Obama.

Richards-Bowers was a passionate advocate for public education. She held leadership roles, including Co-President of the Frank D. Parent School PTA, and was a member of the IUSD Budget Advisory Committee and Measure GG Bond Committee, which secured $90 million for school facility improvements. She co-founded the Education Equity Coalition when IUSD went into state receivership and advocated for an audit of district management, appearing before the State Legislature twice until the audit was approved.

Richards-Bowers also sought to effect change through elected office. Although her first attempt to join the IUSD School Board was unsuccessful, she persevered and won a seat, eventually serving as President of the Board. Unfortunately, health issues prevented her from running for re-election.

According to current IUSD Board President, Dr. Carliss McGhee, “Margaret Richards-Bowers was my soulmate on the Inglewood school board. Her tireless dedication, love for students, and her spirit and tenacity for progress in education reflect her genuine commitment to ensuring a brighter future for the students she served. Her absence will be felt, and she will be sorely missed.”

Richards-Bowers was not only a dedicated professional and community advocate, but also a published poet, runner, music enthusiast, and an art aficionado.

Richards-Bowers leaves behind a loving family. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Joe William Bowers Jr., eldest son Shawki Haffar Jr., son Jason Takao Bowers and his wife Roslyn, and cherished grandchildren, Wolfgang and Sachiko. She is also survived by sisters Merlyn, Bernadette, and Jacqueline, and brothers Robert, Leon, Bernard, and Claudon.

The funeral for Richards-Bowers is scheduled for Feb. 5 at the Holy Cross Mortuary, located at 5835 West Slauson Ave, Culver City, CA 90230. The viewing will start at 10:30 AM, followed by services from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation has announced its award winners for 2024, honoring two people for The Dr. Juanita Scott Humanitarian of the Year Award. Foundation President Ezekiel Adeleke said, “We have chosen Dr. Marcus Funchess, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and Jack B. Clark, Jr., partner at the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo.”

Foundation President-elect Carl M. Dameron added, “We are also honoring California State University, San Bernardino, with the Jim King Founders Award.

Black Rose Award winners include Acquanetta Warren, Mayor of Fontana, James C. Baker II, Park Commissioner for the City of Moreno Valley; Michael Beauregard, Assistant Manager at Sam’s Club; Tina Darling, Director of Education at American Career College, Ontario, and Chair of the Nursing and Health Ministry at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church; and Aristotle McDaniel, founder of GPL-Grandparents Love.”

“On behalf of CSUSB’s 20,000 students and 125,000 alumni, we are honored to receive the Founders Award from the Black Culture Foundation,” stated Robert J. Nava, Vice President for University Advancement. “We are proud of our partnership with the Black Rose Foundation and the African American community in the Inland Empire in advocating for educational opportunities to the residents of the Inland Empire.”

The 31st Annual San Bernardino Culture Foundation Black Rose Awards ceremony takes place on Friday, Feb. 23, starting at 5:30 p.m. at The Riverside Convention Center. For tickets to the gala, go to the Black Culture Foundation website at:  https://sbbcfoundation.org/events/2024-black-rose-awards/.

To become a Black Rose Awards sponsor, go to https://blackculturefoundation.square.site/.

To become a volunteer or board member, send an email to blackrose@sbbcfoundation.org.