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Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace Allen IV

A fight between two students at Jehue Middle School, located in the Rialto Unified School District, has resulted in a recommendation for felony charges against one student and misdemeanor charges against the other.

The fight evolved in a classroom with other students and a substitute teacher present. Witnesses of the event agree that one of the participants began the show by using a water gun to shoot water on several students, and that one of the people hit by the water had an issue with not only the water splashing, but also something about a pencil.

A real physical fight quickly developed from the loud arguing between the two students, one, a small-in-stature female and the other, a much bigger in height and weight male. The fight lasted long enough for anyone who saw the viral video to wonder, “Where is the teacher?” After about 15 seconds of video, the female student was slammed onto a desk and apparently rendered unconscious. As several students went to the aid of the fallen warrior, the question about the teacher’s presence was answered in that you could hear her voice, not addressing the incident or checking the status of the fallen, apparently unconscious student.

The fight provides another level of concern when it is revealed that the female combatant is Black and the male is Brown. The N-word was used by the male fighter, as well as by some other students! As these children wallow in the racist terminology, they have no knowledge of the fact that most of them in the room would have been forced to use the back doors and drink from separate water fountains in Mississippi during the 1950s Jim Crow Era! Furthermore, they, Black and Brown, are equally subject to being picked up and deported by ICE during the present-day Trump era!

Yet some Black and Brown spoke-stars are able to discern the differences between Black and Brown folks enough to promote the ‘they are not like us’ aspect of the relationship. Who does that line of thinking really help? Justifying the divide between Black and Brown people is a tool that benefits fascism and white superiority!

Felonies and misdemeanors are not solutions for the children who drink the poison Kool-aid that encourages violence as a solution to chaos and confusion. Our children need to be protected and nourished!

The students who fought and who witnessed the fight, plus the teacher who was in the room before and during, should all be required to participate in counseling designed to manage and deescalate anger.

By Angela M. Coggs

On March 15, 2025, in Rancho Cucamonga, CA NFL player Alexander Mattison and the IAMGIFTED Foundation hosted the Wild, Wild Wellness Ranch event at the Wellness Ranch Equine Assisted Therapy Center. The family-friendly gathering brought the community together to promote mental health awareness in a fun and welcoming environment.

Mattison, a proud San Bernardino native and San Bernardino High School alumnus, took center stage at the event, sharing his personal journey with mental health struggles. He spoke candidly about-facing past challenges without realizing their impact, crediting mentors Pastor Mark Thornton and his aunt, Dr. Angela Mattison-Brantley, for helping him shift his perspective and embrace a positive path forward. With heartfelt gratitude, Mattison praised Dr. Mattison-Brantley for her unwavering support and guidance.

“At IAMGIFTED Foundation, our purpose is to empower and uplift young minds by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential,” said Niki Dettman, Chief Executive Officer at Making Hop e Happen Foundation and IAMGIFTED Foundation Board Member. “Today’s event truly highlights the power of community, collaboration, and giving back.  We are thankful to Wellness Ranch Therapy and the many sponsors and vendors who supported us.”

Attendees embraced the western theme by donning cowboy hats, boots, and other ranch-inspired attire. Those who participated in the theme were entered into a raffle to win an exciting prize, adding a fun and engaging element to the day.

The event, sponsored by Andre Reed Foundation, Awareness Training, Bank of America, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Carl’s Jr., CIA33 Photography, Creative Kingdom, Cutey Cookies, Goody’s Original Popcorn, Homecooked Meals by Mindy, The Parlor Pizzeria, and SoCAL Fitness and Massage Therapy. It was a lively celebration filled with memorable moments. Mattison actively mingled with guests, signing autographs, posing for photos, and even joining the crowd on the dance floor for the stretching exercise and when the line dance songs started to play. His genuine enthusiasm and energy created a welcoming atmosphere, making it hard to believe this was the IAMGIFTED Foundation’s first wellness event.

“The event at the Wellness Ranch with the Equine Assistance Therapy with Alexander Mattison was absolutely amazing, it was amazing. The kids, the families, the professionals…it was for everybody,” exclaimed County of San Bernardino Behavioral Health Commissioner Troy Mondragon. “Coming here today was a joy for us (Commissioner Contreras). This event saves lives. The way they are demonstrating what mental health can be, how we can live with it and have fun, and that everybody has a gift. That was the message here and it resonated with every single person.”

Mattison’s dedication to his hometown is nothing short of inspiring. Since joining the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, he has consistently given back to his community. He hosts an annual football camp at San Bernardino High School, providing local kids with mentorship, skills training, and inspiration. Additionally, he sponsors scholarships and personally presents monthly Student of the Month awards to deserving students in the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD).

Mattison’s commitment to showing up in person makes a lasting impact on the students he recognizes. His warm smile, approachable personality, and unwavering dedication have earned him a special place in the hearts of his community. “We are very proud that he (Mattison) is from San Bernardino,” said County of San Bernardino Behavioral Health Commissioner Eloisa Contreras.

Mattison sincerely spoke to the attendees straight from the heart: “You were born with a gift. You have to find it, embrace it and use it to shed light on the world. If you can be a little bit of light in somebody’s dark times, pay it forward and bring them to the light. We can all make this place and world a brighter place. Find your gift within. You’re not alone and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams, find your gift and let it shine.”

The Wild, Wild Wellness Ranch event was a powerful reminder that mental health awareness can be addressed in a positive, uplifting way — and Alexander Mattison continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration, on and off the field, for the San Bernardino community and beyond.

Alexander Mattison is an American professional football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football Leagues (NFL).

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Social Lites, Inc. is proud to announce the 58th Annual Beautillion Scholarship Program, which will take place on March 29, 2025, at 5:45 p.m. This prestigious event will showcase the dedication, leadership, and academic excellence of young men vying for the esteemed title of Sir Knight.

The theme for this year’s Beautillion is “Mastering Your Destiny, Defines Your Success,” with keynote speaker Dr. Akinlana Osonduagwuike.  He is an educator who has mentored countless students in helping them align their priorities and pursue their dreams for a successful future. The program underscores the significance of empowering young individuals to take charge of their futures through education, community service, and personal growth.

The participants in this year’s program are Joseph Goree, Jr., Brandon McIntosh, Jr. and Jaden Overstreet where one of the distinguished Knights will be achieve the title of Sir Knight. His journey exemplifies the ideals of perseverance, excellence, and commitment to achieving greatness. The Knights, will present their talents, character, and dedication to making a positive impact in their communities.

Social Lites, Inc. has been dedicated to serving the community for over five decades, providing scholarships and mentorship to deserving young individuals. The Social Lites, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life in our community through educational programs, charitable contributions, and mentorship. The Beautillion Scholarship Program is just one of the many initiatives designed to empower youth and provide them with the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.

The Beautillion Scholarship Program continues to be one of the organization’s signature events, promoting educational advancement and leadership in young men.

The event will feature inspiring speeches and the ceremonial presentation of the Knights, culminating in the announcement of Sir Knight. Scholarships will also be awarded to the Knights who will have demonstrated exemplary qualities throughout the program.

It will take place at San Manuel Santos Student Union Building on the beautiful campus of California State University, CA.

For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Social Lites, Inc., President Sheri Lewis at (909) 320-0799.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of my father’s passing. During this time, my family and I respectfully request privacy as we grieve the loss of our beloved father, grandfather, husband, and extraordinary family patriarch—a man whose strength, wisdom, and love touched so many lives.

Above all, my father was a man of deep faith, and his unwavering belief in God guided every aspect of his life. He instilled in me the importance of faith, integrity, and service, demonstrating what it truly means to lead with purpose and compassion. As both a daughter and a business leader, I am forever grateful for his mentorship, guidance, and the powerful example he set in both family life and professional excellence. He showed me what it meant to lead with integrity, to balance entrepreneurship with parenthood, and to create lasting positive change in our community.

His guiding presence and inspirational spirit will be forever missed. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and care extended to our family from his NBA family, the Louisville community, and beyond.”— Eden Bridgeman, EBONY CEO

By Angela M. Coggs

San Bernardino, CA- On Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. the San Bernardino community, alongside Congressman Pete Aguilar and Maggie’s Kids Foundation, came together for a historic event the Dr. Margaret B. Hill U.S. Post Office Dedication Ceremony. This special occasion honored the legacy of Dr. Margaret B. Hill, a beloved educator, mentor, and advocate for children, by renaming the San Bernardino Del Rosa Post Office in her memory.

A Lasting Tribute to Dr. Hill

Dr. Margaret B. Hill dedicated her life to education and community service, making a profound impact on the lives of countless students and families in San Bernardino. Through her work as a teacher, administrator, and founder of MaggiesKidsFoundation, she empowered and inspired young people to achieve their dreams. Her legacy of kindness, leadership, and dedication continues to resonate throughout the community.

To ensure that Dr. Hill’s contributions are permanently honored, Congressman Pete Aguilar led efforts to secure the necessary signatures and legislative approval to rename the Del Rosa Post Office in her name. It was not an easy task however Aguilar was determined. This dedication stands as a lasting tribute to her unwavering commitment to education and the youth of San Bernardino.

During the ceremony, Congressman Aguilar, family members, and Maggie’s Kids Foundation representatives officially unveiled the plaque that was installed at the post office immediately after the ceremony. The San Bernardino Postmaster Edwin Mendoza was also present and spoke to attendees about this meaningful tribute and the impact of Dr. Hill’s lifelong dedication to the community.

A Community Celebration

To honor Dr. Hill’s memory, all attendees were encouraged to wear purple, a color that symbolizes her warmth, wisdom, and passion for education.

The event marked a historic moment for San Bernardino, ensuring that Dr. Hill’s name and legacy will live on in a place of everyday importance to the community. Although there was a swift breeze in the air, it was exhilarating to witness the celebration the extraordinary life of Dr. Margaret B. Hill and the lasting imprint she has left on generations to come.

SACRMENTO, CA – Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) named Eunice Abel, a youth advocate and undergraduate student, as 2025 Woman of the Year for Assembly District 45. Assemblymembers, including Ramos celebrated their honorees on the Assembly floor this month.

“Eunice is a tireless and steadfast advocate for young people in the Inland Empire and is dedicated to eliminating inequities,” Ramos said. “She is especially committed to addressing youth homelessness, a legislative priority for me since my election. Even at her young age of 22, she has built an exemplary record of positive action and contributions to our community,” Ramos stated.

Abel, born in Aba, Abia, Nigeria, immigrated to the United States at 11 years old and navigated life as an unaccompanied minor throughout her childhood. She confronted countless obstacles, including unstable housing, poverty and difficulty in accessing an education. This struggle fueled her passion for advocacy and inspired her to become a youth homeless advocate.

“This award is a testament to youth who are fighting to empower other youth, showing that our work is valuable and that standing up for others is not a waste of time,” Abel said.

She has served as a youth ambassador for non-profits that support underprivileged youth. In 2022

Abel was elected Chairperson for the Youth Advisory Board of San Bernardino County where she supported several initiatives to aid homeless youth in San Bernardino County. She later became Youth Leadership Coordinator and revived the Youth Advocacy Summit. This summit brought together legislators, service providers, and youth in San Bernardino County to raise awareness and facilitate meaningful conversation about youth homelessness.

Her advocacy extends to other policy areas that affect the overall well-being of California youth such as food insecurity, immigration and racial equity. Abel will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in public policy this spring from University of California, Riverside.

RIVERSIDE, CA – For the 12th straight year, all U.S. Walmart stores, and Sam’s Club locations are launching the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, including right here in the Inland Empire.

The goal of the annual cause marketing campaign is to provide people facing hunger with access to the food and resources they need to thrive. Here’s how it works:

The campaign will run in stores and online from March 1-March 31, with three ways for shoppers to participate:

• By donating at check-out in stores or clubs or round up at Walmart.com and the Walmart app.
• By purchasing participating products* in-store or online at Walmart.com or SamsClub.com. For every purchase of a participating product, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent** of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America partner food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.
• By donating at Feeding America’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign donation site at either feedingamerica.org/walmartor www.feedingamerica.org/samsclub

Since its inception in 2014, the campaign has generated more than $206 million and helped secure 2 billion meals* for the Feeding America® network of local food banks.

“The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign empowers our neighbors to make a real difference while going about their daily shopping,” said Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) CEO, Carolyn Fajardo. “We are incredibly grateful to once again be part of this impactful initiative, bringing hope and nourishment to those who need it most.”

Everyone needs nutritious food to thrive, and in every community in America, people are working hard to provide for themselves and their families. Yet in 2023, 47.4 million people—1 in 7 people—experienced food insecurity in the U.S.

Those are the highest numbers in a decade, underscoring the need for more charitable food assistance in the Inland Empire and beyond.

“For the past 20 years, Feeding America, Walmart and Sam’s Club have worked together to fight hunger and help people live better in the communities we serve,” said Julie Gehrki, president, Walmart Foundation and senior vice president, philanthropy at Walmart. “During the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, we invite our customers and members to join us in providing access to food for our neighbors by supporting Feeding America Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.”

The 24 participating suppliers for Walmart include: B&G Foods, Inc., Bush Brothers & Company, Celsius, The Coca-Cola Company, Conagra Foods, Dole Packaged Foods, LLC, Ferrero USA, General Mills, Hershey Salty Snacks, Kellanova, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Kodiak, Kraft Heinz, Lipton Tea, Ben’s Original, Materne, Mondelez International, Olipop, Pepsi-Cola Advertising & Marketing, Inc., Hidden Valley Original Ranch, The Hain Celestial Group, WK Kellogg Co, Unilever and Utz Quality Foods

The six participating suppliers for Sam’s Club include: Kellanova, Kodiak, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Nestlé and Unilever

For more information, visit: feedingamerica.org/campaigns/fight-hunger-spark-change

*Currently, $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local partner food banks.

** For every purchase of a participating product, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America partner food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On February 21, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass relieved L.A. Fire Department (LAFD) chief Kristin Crowley of her duties in the wake of fallout over how recent deadly firestorms in the city were handled.

Bass announced she appointed former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year LAFD veteran as Interim Fire Chief.

“Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief,” Mayor Bass said in a release. “We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch.

LAFD officer, Captain Robert Hawkins, is alleging that Crowley purposefully mismanaged the department to bring attention to a 17 million deficit and budget as part of a strategy to get more money for the fire department.

“On October 24th, I met with Fire Chief Kristen Crowley about removing recruitment officers and its impact on Black firefighter representation,” Hawkins told California Black Media (CBM). “She told me that she was refusing to maintain staffing and had planned to cut fire engines over a 17-million-dollar deficit, and she asked the stakeholders if we can contact our retirees to fill temporary recruitment roles, stating to us that sometimes you need to ‘let bad things happen’ to get the attention of the city council for our budget.”

After receiving this information, Hawkins requested a meeting with the deputy mayor, Brian Williams, on December 2.

“I met with him to express serious concerns about the leadership of the Los Angeles Fire Department. I told him I do not believe the fire chief has the mayor’s best interests at heart, nor do I believe she is managing the department appropriately,” Hawkins alleged. “I warned him to warn the mayor in the event of a major emergency with casualties or any type of major destruction, I fear that she would fail to protect the city and ultimately shift blame to the mayor and throw her under the bus.”

In addition to understaffing the department, Bass said Crowley refused to complete an after-action report on the fires as instructed by the President of the Fire Commission, a necessary step to the investigation.

“The heroism of our firefighters – during the Palisades fire and every single day – is without question. Bringing new leadership to the fire department is what our city needs,” said Bass.

During her time as LAFD chief, Crowley had been outspoken over her disapproval of funding allocated to the LAFD, citing it affected its ability to adequately respond to the recent fires.

After her dismissal, Crowley released a statement.

 “As the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities. Serving others before self, having the courage and integrity to do what is right, and leading with compassion, love and respect have guided me throughout my career,” Crowley stated. “I am extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of our LAFD members, both sworn and civilian.”

Crowley, who appealed her dismissal on Feb. 27, still serves on the LAFD.

Hawkins said shortly after he shared his concerns with Williams, the deputy mayor was accused of a making a bomb threat to city hall and relieved of his post.

“My concern is our firefighter’s union — if they have a background agenda and when that background agenda started. I know that the union approached me less than two years ago to start the process with a vote of no confidence to remove Kristin Crowley,” said Hawkins. “Then, recently, before the Palisades fire I found it interesting to see their overwhelming support for the Fire Chief.”

CBM reached out to former Chief Crowley for comment, but she did not respond.

The park will be closed during construction for approximately one year starting March 3.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The City of San Bernardino has announced that work will begin Monday, March 3rd on the $13.8 million renovation of Seccombe Lake Park. Due to the extensive work planned, the 44-acre park will be closed for approximately one year.

The public is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony at the Park’s gazebo to commemorate the project on Thursday, March 13 at 10:00 am. Seccombe Lake Park is located just east of Downtown San Bernardino at 160 East 5th Street. Parking will be available at the Sierra Way lot.

“This will be a complete revitalization of one of the crown jewels of our park system,” said Interim Parks and Recreation Director Ernesto Salinas. The project will bring new amenities to the park as well as restore the existing infrastructure.

Major improvements planned for San Bernardino’s second largest park will include the restoration of the Park’s signature lake; new landscaping and irrigation; renovation of the gazebo and basketball courts; new lighting throughout the park; concrete walking paths; the restoration of the island in the middle of the lake, new playground equipment with large shade sails, upgrades to the dog park, and repaving of the parking lot.

“This transformation will breathe new life into Seccombe Lake Park,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “The Council and I look forward to next year when families and residents can enjoy a renewed and vibrant space in the heart of our city.”

Other improvements will include ADA upgrades, new fishing stations around the lake, EV charging stations, upgraded drinking fountains, restrooms, and trash enclosures, and the installation of palm tree solar lighting.

Funding for the project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as well as $1 million from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

The City Council approved a contract with North Hollywood-based Landscape Support Services in December 2024 to perform the work. CSG Consultants will provide construction management and inspection services for the project. Plans for the renovation were prepared by RHA Landscape Architects of Riverside.

“The renovation of Seccombe Lake Park is just the latest of a series of investments the City is making in our parks,” added Mayor Tran. “Parks are a priority and San Bernardino residents will notice a big difference across the City very soon.”

Other park projects currently underway or about to begin in San Bernardino include Nicholson Park, Guadalupe Field, Gutierrez Park, Speicher Park, the Roosevelt Bowl at Perris Hill Park, the Eastside Skate Park at Speicher, and Lytle Creek Park.

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen, Iv.

The proposed February 28^th boycott against spending is an attempt to impress corporate America with the power of the Black Dollar; to show corporate America our displeasure with their retreat from Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI)! We, Black people are requested by civil rights activist and organizations to ‘spend no money’ at all on this Friday, February 28, 2025! However, understanding the difficulty of getting everyone to be able to, or truthfully, want to, participate in the boycott, the follow-up statement is a request to spend as little as necessary.  There is much to be desired relative to our (Black Folks) ability to successfully manipulate our Trillion-Dollar-Plus annual spending power!

In the past, we have successfully refused to spend with businesses where we were not allowed to work… We have been able to successfully impress corporate America with our spending power. However, somehow, we have not perfected our ability to successfully promote and market the obvious benefit of directing our spending power towards developing Black Owned Businesses (BOB)!

I agree that using our spending power to respond to disrespect and mistreatment is something we should do. I think that using our money to develop our self-respect and to assure proper treatment is also something we should do! Just as we can target who not to support financially, we have the ability, some would say responsibility, to target Black Owned Businesses (BOB) with our support!   Many of us are supporting BOB on a regular basis. However, I think you will agree that if we come together to recycle 10% of our Trillion-Dollar-Plus spending, which would amount to about 150 billion Dollars Annually, we would not only impress corporate America, but we would also impress the world, and more importantly, we would impress ourselves!