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SAN BERNARDINO, CA – On February 4th, 2024, Omnitrans will join neighboring transit agencies in celebrating Transit Equity Day by providing FREE rides on all fixed-route bus services in San Bernardino County! Transit Equity Day is a collaborative effort of several organizations to promote public transit as a civil right and a strategy to combat climate change. Transit Equity Day is celebrated on February 4th each year in honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday. Parks, a civil rights pioneer in Montgomery, Alabama, is an iconic figure who famously refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white person in December 1955.  Her courageous actions ultimately led to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public transit was unconstitutional.

Sacramento Steps Up…

To further honor the legacy of Rosa Parks, SacRT will be installing a “reserved for Rosa Parks” sign to one seat at the front of every bus. This symbolic gesture serves as a reminder of the courage and determination that fueled this fight for transit equity.

“We are proud to celebrate Transit Equity Day by offering free rides and paying tribute to Rosa Parks, whose bravery and commitment to justice continues to inspire us,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “By providing free access to our transit services, we hope to underscore our dedication to fostering an inclusive and accessible public transit system for all.”

“Public transportation is interwoven in our nation’s pursuit of equity and social justice,” said SacRT Board Chair and Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy. “As we reflect on the impacts of the Montgomery Bus Boycotts and the courage and leadership of Rosa Parks, we must acknowledge the important role of public transportation by ensuring equity and accessibility to all of our communities.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced $34,944,702 in new federal resources for the City of San Bernardino from the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Homekey Program that will go towards 140 new interim housing units and additional supportive services.

“I’m proud to announce nearly $35 million in federal funding is coming to the City of San Bernardino to help tackle the housing crisis,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “By providing temporary shelter and additional resources like rehabilitation, education and employment services, this grant funding will help ensure that everyone in our community can have a roof over their heads.”

“San Bernardino is helping the state address homelessness by delivering a unique Homekey project. Their Community Wellness Campus is a creative approach that will serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. The work and partnership behind this effort demonstrates what is possible when people think outside of the box and refuse to accept the status quo,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

“These funds are a powerful investment in our community to provide shelter, support, and a brighter future for those experiencing homelessness in San Bernardino. Since declaring a state of emergency on homelessness last year, we have been committed and focused on addressing this issue. The resources from Congressman Aguilar and Congress, augmented by the Governor and State, along with partners such as Lutheran Social Services, will help give hope to those in need,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran.

“This is a big win for San Bernardino. It allows us to continue making strides to address homelessness in the City and provide essential support to our homeless population,” said San Bernardino City Manager Charles Montoya. “We are grateful to our State and Federal partners for the funding opportunity, and Lutheran Social Services as our project partner.”

“I am thrilled that we have been selected and awarded funding through Project HomeKey. Being awarded this funding represents a significant milestone that underscores our commitment to providing shelter and vital services to the unsheltered individuals in San Bernardino,” said Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith, President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California.

According to a Point-in-Time Count and Survey conducted last year, homelessness in San Bernardino County increased by over 25 percent in 2023, and 71 percent of the homeless population were unsheltered.

The additional units will offer interim shelter at an existing campus, and supportive services including case management, peer support activities, rehabilitation services, behavioral and physical health services, assistance obtaining essential documentation, and education and employment services.

This grant was funded by the American Rescue Plan, which Rep. Aguilar helped pass. To make housing more affordable in the Inland Empire, Rep. Aguilar also recently announced additional housing vouchers for local veterans.

Photos and videos from the event are available here.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Redlands High School Team Blue claimed the esteemed San Bernardino County Mock Trial championship title. The triumphant team is set to advance to the state competition scheduled for March 22-24, 2024.

“Redlands High School Team Blue’s triumph is a testament to the extraordinary dedication and teamwork displayed by these exceptional students,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Witnessing their persuasive arguments and critical thinking skills in action was truly inspiring. Congratulations to the champions, and best wishes to them as they advance to the state competition.”

Redlands High School Team White, also from the Redlands Unified School District, secured an impressive second place in this year’s county competition, with a possibility of competing at the state level as a wildcard entry.

Members of the Mock Trial 2023-24 Redlands High School Team Blue:

• Tala Al Ardah
• Markus Nieal Calip
• Kimberly Castro
• Josephine Faulkner
• Alexandra Martinez
• Nahiara Modrow
• Addison Moralez
• Abhisri Narayanan
• Clarice Pham
• Lauren Reiter
• Ryan Shagiakhmetov
• Carol Tadros
• Julia Tolstova
• Mikail Trimzi
• Grace Wang

Members of the Mock Trial 2023-24 Redlands High School Team White:

• Fatimah Ahmed
• Sam Buscaglia
• Nolan Cobb
• Ansh Dwivedi
• Brileigh Guillen
• William Howo
• Aabir Khan
• Aakriti Maske
• Evan Miller
• Mani Momeni
• Sarah Moore
• Elijah Riggins
• Emily Thompson

This year’s county competition witnessed the participation of over 475 students from 24 teams representing 21 high schools. Students were tasked with studying a hypothetical criminal case developed by Teach Democracy, conducting legal research, and preparing strategies and persuasive arguments for trial. Roles included attorneys, witnesses, defendants, bailiffs, and clerks, guided by local legal professionals who volunteered their time.

The event, co-sponsored by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office, saw students presenting their cases before a real judge, utilizing constitutional amendments and legal objections.

Redlands High School Team Blue is now gearing up for the California Mock Trial Finals where they will compete against teams from 35 different counties. Since the 1982-1983 school year, a Redlands High School Mock Trial team has won the county competition a total of 16 times. The last time a Redlands High School team secured a county competition victory was in the 2019 – 2020 school year. Notably, the team emerged victorious in the state competition during the 2014 – 2015 and 1996 – 1997 school years.

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

SAN BERNARDINO — The San Bernardino County School Boards Association and the San Bernardino County Committee on School District Organization are now accepting nominations for the 26th Annual Distinguished Service Awards.

The annual awards recognize notable individuals for their exceptional leadership and significant contributions to public education within San Bernardino County. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals known to take risks to improve educational opportunities for students, have had broad community involvement, have been willing to speak out on issues that directly impact children, and have the respect of their peers.

The deadline to submit entries is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

Criteria for nominations include how individuals have spent their career improving the quality of education in the county and through their efforts, have achieved a positive, ongoing impact on public schools. Honorees may be career educators, school board members or community members who actively support public schools.

Detailed nomination requirements can be found on the nomination form.

Award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony during the spring meeting of the San Bernardino County School Boards Association.

The online nomination form can be submitted digitally at bit.ly/24DSAApp

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

On January 11, Gov. Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Museum announced inductees into the 17th Class of the state’s Hall of Famers.

Among this year’s 10 inductees — both groups and individuals — are four Black Californians: Former San Francisco Mayor and California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown; award-winning filmmaker Ava Duvernay; Federal Judge and civil rights leader Thelton E. Henderson; and basketball Hall of Fame player and broadcaster Cheryl Miller.

Other 2024 inductees are: master chef and “mother of fusion cuisine Helene An; computer scientist and “father of the internet Vincent A. Cerf; all-female pop punk band The Go-Gos; Chicano Rock band Los Lobos; former U.S. Secretary of Defense and Congressman Leon E. Panetta; and artistic director and choreographer Brenda Way.

This year’s honorees join 150 other Californians who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“The contributions of this newest class of the Hall of Fame will have an impact on California – and the nation – for generations to come. Through their boundless qualities and trailblazing achievements, these visionaries embody the spirit of California and will continue to inspire millions more,” Newsom said in a press release issued after videotaped announcement last week.

First Partner Siebel Newsom also welcomed the “spectacular new group of trailblazers.”

“With a penchant for challenging the status quo, these individuals wholly reflect the courageous, ambitious, and bold spirit of California, and have made an indelible mark on our state, nation, and world,” she said.

Inductees are selected annually by the Governor and First Partner.

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

On January 11, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, at a breakfast celebration held at the Grand Ballroom of the Town and Country Event Center in downtown Sacramento.

The annual CLBC event was attended by about 200 people, including members of the Legislature from diverse backgrounds, community leaders, staffers from the State Capitol, among other attendees.

“It was an honor to host this year’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day breakfast. The California Legislative Black Caucus put on another lively event with great discussion on ways we can honor Dr. King’s legacy and uplift all Californians,” CLBC Chair, Assemblymember Lori A. Wilson (D-Suisun City), posted Jan. 11 on the social media platform X.

At the breakfast, Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), a member of the CLBC, served as the master of ceremonies at the breakfast held four days prior to the date that would have marked King’s 95th birthday on Jan. 15.

CLBC members Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) provided the invocation and Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) led the Pledge of Allegiance. Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), Vice Chair of the CLBC, shared a message from members of the Black Caucus.

Bradford revealed a little unknown fact about Dr. King’s name. He was born Michael King, Jr., on Jan. 15, 1929. In 1934, his father, a pastor, traveled to Germany where he was inspired by Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther, Bradford said.

“As a result, King, Sr. changed his own name as well as that of his 5-year-old son,” Bradford shared.

To the delight of the audience at the event, sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, vocalist Nia Moore-Weathers performed a powerful rendition of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a hymn written as poem by National Association for the Advancement of Color People (NAACP) leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900.

Wilson held a 30-minute fireside chat with guest speaker Kwame Anku about Dr. King’s life, achievements, and vision, and the importance of building wealth in Black families and communities.

Anku is the founding managing partner and chief investment officer of Black Star Fund, an early-stage venture capital fund. He got the idea to start the fund on the urging of Roger “Prince” Nelson, the singer, songwriter, multi-music instrumentalist who passed away in 2016.

Anku was named the 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year by Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and was also among 21 distinguished recipients of the prestigious Aspen Ascent Fellowship awarded by the Aspen Institute. He said King’s famous 1963 address at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the “I Have a Dream speech,” could have been more aptly titled “America, It’s Time to Look in the Mirror” reflecting its core messages of accountability and denied justice.

“We’re telling ourselves how great we are but we’re not living up to the promise that we’ve made to ourselves because that’s the bedrock of what we do when he said we have come here today to cash the check,” Anku told Wilson. “So, we’ve come to cash the check because this check guarantees us the riches of freedom and the security of justice. So now we’re not just cashing that check. Now, we are writing those checks.”

This year marks the 57th Anniversary of the CLBC. For nearly six decades, the CLBC has been a key advocate for issues such as fair housing and the prevention of homelessness.

Historically, the coalition of Black lawmakers has actively resisted redlining in banking and insurance in California, and fought against apartheid in South Africa, among other issues.

The CLBC plans to continue the legacy of Dr. King by developing legislation around its current priorities, which include pursuing reparations for eligible Black Californians, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, and helping to ensure greater access to education and enterprise for African Americans. During the 2024 legislative session, the CLBC aspires to secure funding for critical programs and organizations working to enhance the lives of Black Californians.

There are 12 members of the CLBC serving in the California Assembly and Senate.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing teen, Aleena Garcia.

Aleena, 15, was last seen at the Stonewood Center in Downey, California on December 26, 2023. Aleena had gone shopping with her mom and grandmother, after a phone call Aleena was visibly upset and walked out of sight and is believed to have exited the mall. That was nearly two weeks ago, and Aleena is still missing.

Aleena’s mom, Laren Turner, shared that her daughter has never gone missing before and this is very out of character for her. Aleena is very close with her friends and family, and she has not been in contact with anyone. Her mom fears something may have happened to her daughter. Laren told NCMEC “I need her home and to know that she is safe,” she said. “I love her so much and will not stop looking until she is brought home to me”.

In an effort to bring more attention to Aleena’s case, her poster is being featured on the Ring’s Neighbors app as a part of a partnership between NCMEC and Ring. This feature reaches millions of users, providing real-time assistance in locating missing children.

Aleena is described as 5’4″, weighs 160 lbs., and has brown eyes with black hair. If you have any information about Aleena her disappearance, PLEASE contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Downey Police Department (California) at 1-562-861-0771.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- It’s time for the 44th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, hosted by Inland Empire African American Churches (IECAAC). This year’s theme “From Dream to Action” Inspiring Change and Equality, Galatians 3:28. The breakfast will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Entrepreneur High School located at 26655 Highland Avenue in Highland, California 92346. To purchase your ticket, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/44th-annual-martin-luther-king-jr-breakfast-from-dream-to-action-tickets-779217659997.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino M.L.K. Day Parade and Extravaganza Committee is excited to reveal the distinguished grand marshals for the upcoming 4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Extravaganza, hosted by the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and YouthBuild Inland Empire. The parade and expo will be held on Monday, January 15, starting at noon in Downtown San Bernardino, starting at YouthBuild Inland Empire, located at 624 W. 4^th Street. The theme this year is, “Making a Difference in the Lives of All: ‘Justice, Unity, Inclusiveness for a Better Today.”

This year’s grand marshals include:

• Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers: Member of the San Bernardino County Board of Education in California, representing Area D.
• Pepe Serna: Renowned American film and television actor and artist, with a career spanning over 100 films.

The keynote speaker will be Benjamine Reynoso, San Bernardino City Council Board Member representing the 5th ward. Other highlights include: a Kids Zone sponsored by First 5 San Bernardino, Sunshine Party Rentals, and 20/20 Vision Youth; Art exhibits, food vendors, and community organizations such as Off The Chain Alliance, LUE Productions Community Umbrella Services, Uniteee, along with several others; and live performances from local artists on the main stage.

The parade announcers include: Mr. Wallace Allen of the Westside Story Newspaper and Empire Talks Back Radio and Robert Porter of I Love San Bernardino Radio. The Extravaganza hosts are Comedian Mac Rome and Lue Dowdy, President for the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce – Inland Cities East Chapter.

For additional details about the event, please contact the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce at 1.888.466.7408 or text Parade Committee Chair, Lue Dowdy, at 909.495.0848. Visit the chamber website at www.blackchamberofcommerce.org

The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and YouthBuild Inland Empire is proud to support and celebrate events that promote justice, unity, and inclusiveness within our community.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Youth Build Inland Empire, is proud to present the 4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award Gala. This distinguished event will honor ten outstanding individuals for their unwavering commitment, hard work, and dedication to fostering growth, success, and prosperity within their local communities.

Congratulations to the 2024 MLK Gala Award Honorees:

1. Amanda Moody – San Bernardino Valley College Community Engagement Coordinator
2. Kimberly Calvin – San Bernardino City Council Board Member, 6th Ward
3. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers – San Bernardino County Board of Education, representing Area D
4. Sandra Rodriguez – San Bernardino City Unified School District Board Member
5. Frank Reyes – San Bernardino City College District Board of Trustees, Trustee, Area 1
6. Green Shack Marketplace
7. Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches
8. James Thoms Tillman – Community Liaison
9. Lata Wilson – Talon Networks
10. Linda Hart – African American Health Coalition

The gala will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024, starting at 5 p.m., at the San Bernardino International Airport, located at 105 N Leland Norton Way in San Bernardino. The evening promises to be a celebration of achievements, featuring a delightful dinner and a special performance by Monibee Henley Medina and the Old School review group, The Bromatics.

The event will be hosted by LUE Dowdy, President of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Cities East Chapter and co-hosted by Ipyani Lockert of Motivational Realizations.

Tickets for this extraordinary gala can be purchased on the chamber’s official website at www.blackchamberofcommerce.org. We invite the community to come together, enjoy a night of celebration, and show support for these well-deserved honorees.