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SAN BERNARDINO, CA —On June 11th, 2022, at 11 a.m. Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. is hosting the Street Naming Recognition ceremony in honor of the Hip Hop group JJ Fad, who are Rialto born and raised. Jesse Duran of the KOLA-FM radio station will be emceeing the event. The invitation to the ceremony is open to the public, but space is limited, so reserve seats as soon as possible.

“Join us on June 11th in the County Government Center to celebrate the street unveiling ceremony for the naming of a county road to recognize the cultural contributions of JJ Fad, a locally based female artist group. I grew up listening to their sound “Supersonic” which was a smash hit across the country in 1988. The members of JJ Fad are supportive community members, and this recognition is in honor of their contributions to our county, especially the Fifth District. I’m looking forward to seeing you all there on June 11th! You do not want to miss this!” -Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

To RSVP: Visit https://forms.gle/iLpc3f3MP1ZiaArH7 or email supervisor.baca@bos.sbcounty.gov.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Judge Trina L. Thompson of the Superior Court of Alameda County, who is African American, was confirmed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

The United States Senate voted 51-44 to confirm Thompson, who President Biden nominated.

Appointed under Article III of the U.S. Constitution, federal district court judges serve lifetime appointments upon good behavior.

“All of us in the Northern District are grateful and excited to have Judge Thompson join us,” said Chief Judge Richard Seeborg of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

“She brings a wealth of experience as a highly regarded trial judge, which will be most welcome on our very busy Court,” he said.

Since taking office, the Biden Administration has made it a priority to diversify federal courts.

“Our current federal bench is not representative of the diversity of our democracy,” said U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) in remarks on the floor last week. “We have a lot of work to do to rebuild a judiciary that deserves the faith of the American people.”

More than 70% of President Biden’s 92 district and appellate court picks have been women, and a vast majority have been people of color.

Prior to her appointment, Judge Thompson served as a juvenile court commissioner, a criminal defense attorney in private practice for nearly a decade, and as an assistant public defender as well. Thompson holds the distinction of being the first African American woman elected to the Superior Court of Alameda County.

In addition to her work on the bench, she serves as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where she received her bachelor’s degree in 1983, and her juris doctor from the university’s School of Law in 1986.

Thompson has contributed to educating the public and her peers about equity and equal rights under the law. Her work contrasted the tenets of American law with the history and contemporary realities of discrimination when she participated in the ‘Continuing the Dialogue’ series for the Center for Judicial Education and Research Division (CJER) of the Judicial Council of California. She discussed the history of housing discrimination in California effected through illegal racial covenants, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. She has also presented a CJER lecture on wrongful convictions and the learnings judicial officers can adapt to prevent them.

Thompson is a member of the Association of African American California Judicial Officers, Inc., (AAACJO). The organization was established in 2017 to address the professional interests of Black state and federal judicial officers presiding in the California. The membership includes Superior Court Judges and Commissioners, Appellate Court Justices, Administrative Law Judges and State Bar Court Judges.

“Given her body of work and her dedication to the community, it is clear Judge Thompson will be an invaluable asset in her new role as District Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California,” the AAACJO said in a statement congratulating Thompson.

YUCAIPA, CA— Crafton Hills College’s Class of 2022 veteran graduates were recognized during a lively ceremony on May 17.

Hosted by the Veterans Resource Center (VRC), the event was planned to honor not only each grad’s academic achievements but for their service to the United States.

“These are the veterans who stuck around through COVID, and because of their hard work, we are here today,” remarked VRC services coordinator Steven Rush, to kick off the celebration.

Lisa Mills, a VRC counselor, and Cody Long, a mental health counselor at the center, each took turns sharing stories about each graduate. Each veteran then received a customized stole and cords to wear during CHC’s campus-wide commencement ceremony on May 25.

Alumni in attendance included Michael Hendrix, a Marine Corps veteran focused on business administration, and Steve Rodriquez, an Army veteran studying radiologic technology and recently accepted into a rad tech program to continue his studies.

Jose Aaron Rosales, a Marine veteran who was accepted into Harvard University to study medicine, and Sebastian Romeropreciado, also a Marine transferring to Cal Poly Pomona to continue pursuing his degree in computer science were also recognized.

“The obstacles you overcame were immense,” said CHC President Dr. Kevin Horan.“As you know as veterans, ceremonies are important .We are pleased at this accomplishment, and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.”

Located next to Campus Police, the Veterans Resource Center supports veterans and their dependents in utilizing educational services available to them. In addition, the center provides work-study opportunities, counseling, personal and professional development workshops and career exploration and guidance. To learn more, go to craftonhills.edu/veterans or send an email to veteransservices@craftonhills.edu.

United Aviate Academy’s first class of students is 80% women or people of color, outpacing the airline’s goal to train about 5,000 new pilots at the school by 2030 with at least half being women or people of color

Unprecedented training commitment will dramatically expand access to lucrative and rewarding careers while upholding United’s world-class safety and training standards

United CEO Scott Kirby, United President Brett Hart, and other officials on hand at Phoenix Goodyear Airport to officially open new school and welcome students

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Juneteenth, a national celebration of freedom and equity, has become San Bernardino County’s newest official holiday.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously proclaimed June 19 of each year as Juneteenth within San Bernardino County, encouraging all county residents to take time on that day to reflect upon the freedoms we enjoy and how each of us can practice and promote equity for all people.

The Board also formally granted County employees a corresponding holiday to celebrate Juneteenth and what the observance represents. June 19 falls on a Sunday this year, so County offices will be closed on June 20.

“This time of year holds special significance for San Bernardino County because it was on June 23, 2020 that the Board of Supervisors officially declared racism a public health crisis, added Equity as an element of the Countywide Vision, and established an Equity Element Group to address the underlying causes of disparities in various key aspects of community life,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman.

“The Board is committed to making equity a focus of everything we do,” Hagman said. “We look forward to continuing to work with our county team, community leaders, our residents, and those who invest in the county to build a prosperous and healthy community that creates opportunity and an outstanding quality of life for everyone.”

Juneteenth, a blending of the words “June” and “nineteenth,” marks the date in 1865 when slaves in Galveston, Texas were informed the Civil War had ended and they were free. Although President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years earlier, countless Americans continued to be held as slaves for the duration of the war. June 19 has become the date that represents the end of slavery in the United States.

“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I encourage everyone to observe Juneteenth as a day to celebrate that race, ethnicity, heritage, or belief must never stand in the way of freedom,” Hagman said.

With the upcoming recognition of Juneteenth, also referred to as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, the Victor Valley Museum is pleased to embrace the theme of diversity in the Wade in the Water: Art and Quilt Exhibition. Curated by artist Theresa Polley-Shellcroft, Wade in the Water will be on display June 1 through June 30, 2022, featuring twenty-five nationwide artists whose interpretations derive from African American Spirituals containing messages of freedom through mediums such as painting, photography, mixed media, dolls, and quilts. For more information visit https://fb.me/e/1OqhKSYFp.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— As the only Latino History Bee in the nation, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) event is truly unique and the student winners are among an elite group of who have proven that they value the rich culture and history of Latin America.

Last month, students in grades 6–12 from 11 SBCUSD schools competed in three rounds focused on different aspects of the Latino experience. Round one focused on Latino history. During round two, students identified Latino artwork, including the title, artist, and country of origin. New this year for round three, students presented a Latino-inspired dance, skit, monologue, or other performance.

This year’s judges included Dr. Barbara Flores, Dr. Scott Wyatt, Dr. Esteban Diaz, and Dr. Enrique Murillo.

The winners of the middle school division (grades 6–8) were:
1st Place—Alani Guzman, Richardson PREP HI Middle School
2nd Place—Sophia Williams, Arrowview Middle School
3rd Place—Katty Camacho, Arrowview Middle School

The winners of the high school division (grades 9–12) were:
1st Place—Elizabeth Bañuelos, Arroyo Valley High School
2nd Place—Crystal Tello, Arroyo Valley High School
3rd Place (tie)—Stephen Zermeño, San Gorgonio High School, and Valeria Ramirez, Arroyo Valley High School

“We are proud of the hard work that our students put in to prepare for the competition and their ability to perform under pressure,” said Multilingual Department Director Tex Acosta. “Their collective mastery of facts and knowledge of the Latino culture was impressive.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— “66ERS” is teaming up with Riverside Black chambers of Commerce, and Green Smilez Loving Care Foundation to present a community meet and greet tribute featuring the minor league baseball team who will pay a tribute to the 102nd year negro league, along with a recognition ceremony to the Black Excellence and Achievements of individuals and their businesses.

The “SB 66ers Negro League Tribute” Community Meet and Greet & Award ceremony event gives the community the opportunity to showcase and celebrate the talents of African American players during segregation. Their organized efforts became a successful business enterprise generating millions of dollars in revenue and thousands of jobs in the Black community.

The Negro league athletes were inspiring, and a grand success beating the odds, and representing the very best of the sport.

The event will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at San Manuel Stadium, 280 S E St, San Bernardino, CA 92401. The event hashtag for social media posts is #66ersblackexcellencetribute. The community is encouraged to attend the event. Admission is $18.00. San Manuel Stadium will sell food and beverages. There will be merchandise for purchase and a small vendor marketplace.

The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino are a Minor League Baseball team of the California League and the Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. The 66ers are based in San Bernardino, California, and play at San Manuel Stadium.

The Black chambers of commerce of Riverside Mission is to empower and inspire minority entrepreneurs, in their indigenous communities to be successful, partner with like minded individuals, companies, and nonprofit organizations to achieve that mission. We believe that our greatest opportunity to empower and inspire minority communities and businesses lies in cooperation and collaboration with the industries of tomorrow.

The narrative of African-American playing Professional Baseball has changed sports history. An enterprise of Black ownership launched and funded the Negro National League.

Black Baseball became known for showcasing a style of speed, daring play and showmanship. August 1945, Jackie Robinson shook the baseball world with his official announcement he integrated major league baseball playing for the Dodgers in 1947.

After Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier other major league team followed suit and eventually the Negro American league support was stretched thin. As of 2020 many of the founding Negro leagues baseball teams have been declared official major leagues with their players records and statistics counted in baseball’s record books.

Baseball fans around the world garner strong supporters of players, teams, and the BIG games.

The inner-city kids who play baseball in the community spend this time rising above their circumstances, baseball is where young people find a common purpose in the ball parks and in the stadiums.

It is important that the inland empire youth, and many who grow up in challenging neighborhoods with limited opportunities, be exposed to positive events like the 66ers Negro league tribute to honor the legacy of their ancestors and be empowered by the organizations that bring them resources. Public recognition and highlighting the achievements of local businesses and the people who serve, motivate, encourage, and inspire is the icing on the cake for this event. There will also be a fireworks display preceding the Baseball Game. This will be a Family fun event where all is welcome and your support very much appreciated. Purchase tickets at this link.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, May 14th, 2022, over 150 youth from San Bernardino County joined Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. for a day of fishing and fun at Glen Helen Regional Park’s Lake. The lake was filled with trout the day before the youth came to fish. Children from ages eight to sixteen were in attendance and they spent the day learning how to fish by professionals. The day was made possible by the support of San Bernardino County Probation, Bass Pro Shops, California Fish and Wildlife, San Bernardino County Libraries, San Bernardino County Fire, San Bernardino County Museum, San Bernardino County Agriculture, San Bernardino County Airports, Preschool Services, First 5, Children’s Network, Friends of Regional Parks.

“Fishing with these youth was something that I will always hold dear to me. These kids got to have a fun day outdoors, and we got to highlight the exciting recreational opportunities that Glen Helen has to offer, all while providing mentorship opportunities. This day would not have been made possible without the support and mentorship of all our sponsors, partnering agencies, and volunteers. Fun days like this are made to teach the youth in our community that they can always grow and learn that there is a lot more to life. Their opportunities are endless, and we use these events to remind our youth that they have great potential that should not go unrecognized.”-Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— With 23 valedictorians from 7 comprehensive high schools, San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) has a lot to be proud of—two valedictorians are going to Stanford University, one to Princeton University, three are headed to the University of California, Berkeley, and two to California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).

Our valedictorians have even more to be proud of, as they have shown that with hard work and dedication, you can rise to the top, even when life throws obstacles at you.

Wendy Aguilar has a 4.91 G.P.A. and a passion for politics and leadership, as evidenced by her participation in the Global Leadership Academy club and the Young Legislators club at Arroyo Valley High (AVHS) and her decision to major in Political Science at the University of Redlands. The teacher who had the greatest impact in her life was her high school art teacher, Robyn Holt. Holt’s kindness, positivity, and belief in her students made all the difference.

San Gorgonio High School (San G) valedictorian Melody Ambriz’s 4.92 weighted G.P.A. and extracurricular activities, including National Honor Society and Calculus Club, were the ticket to being accepted to almost any college. And after being accepted to UCLA, Cal State Long Beach, University of California, Irvine, and Cal State LA, she has decided to major in psychology or social gender studies at the University of California, Riverside (UCR).

With a 4.76 weighted G.P.A., Desteny Becerra Figueroa has earned her place as a Middle College High School (MCHS) valedictorian. In addition to taking both high school and college courses, as all MCHS students do, Desteny was also a member of Key Club, School Site Council, National Honor Society, Principal’s Focus Group, Peer Leaders, and the Class Committee of 2022. She plans to become a general physician or cardiothoracic surgeon.

Cardinal City Mayor and valedictorian Kimberlyn Chavez Quiroz is graduating from San Bernardino High School (SBHS) with a 4.785 weighted G.P.A. She is on her way to UC Berkeley to study psychology. She credits Arrowview Middle School science teacher Roice Bethel with teaching her “the importance of keeping a balance between fun and school.”

Indian Springs High School (ISHS) valedictorian Sarai Conde is graduating with a 4.84 G.P.A. and college acceptance letters from California Baptist University, Creighton University, Xavier University, University of California, Santa Cruz, and UC San Diego. However, she has decided to attend University of California, Riverside (UCR) to study neuroscience and neuropsychology.

Daniela De La Torre is a member of ASB (Associated Student Body), Key Club, the Class of 2022 Committee, and Peer Leaders, and maintains a 4.66 weighted G.P.A. This MCHS valedictorian plans to major in business administration at UC Berkeley with the goal of becoming a financial manager.

San G valedictorian Lilianna “Lily” Gracia is a musician at heart, so it’s no surprise that she was part of the San G Quintet and Symphonie Juenesse and the teacher who inspired her most was her high school orchestra teacher, John Brannon. When college starts in the fall, Lily will be studying music history and the music industry at either Berklee College of Music or the University of Southern California (USC).

AVHS valedictorian Frankie Grant credits her freshman English teacher Brian Mudd for much of her academic success by challenging her to develop the work ethic that would land her at the top of her class. Frankie would go on to participate in Academic Decathlon, Best Buddies, Students for Change and Calculus Club. Her goal is to attend UCLA and eventually become a clinical psychologist.

Michelle Le is graduating from AVHS with a 4.87 G.P.A. and plans to earn an Ecology and Evolutionary Biology degree from University of California, Irvine. Her ultimate goal is to become a marine biologist. She credits her ninth-grade biology teacher, Karen Swedlove, with sparking her love of biology.

With activities like Best Buddies, Students for Change, varsity tennis, NHS, and CSF under her belt, Cajon High School valedictorian Kalea Luna had her choice of colleges, and she decided to attend UCLA. She credits Dr. Stephen Imbriani and Cajon’s Sports Medicine Pathway with teaching her basic first aid and injury prevention and helping her build leadership and teamwork skills that have prepared her to deal with an emergency if one happens.

Cajon valedictorian Luis Luna is planning to dual enroll in New York’s Columbia University and France’s SciencesPo to study political science and eventually become a diplomat. With a 4.0 unweighted G.P.A. and extracurricular activities like Speech & Debate and Model United Nations and being the debate coach at Rodriguez Prep Academy, Luis is well on his way to accomplishing his dream.

Cajon valedictorian Eric Martinez is on his way to Stanford University to major in Anthropology and Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity. The founder and president of the DREAMers Club credits his high school International Baccalaureate teacher John Anderson for teaching him “how to learn, how to question my learning, how to take control of my learning, and what it truly means to be human.”

With extracurricular activities like water polo, National Honor Society (NHS)/California Scholarship Federation (CSF), and Jr. Public Relations and Communications Specialist for Tomorrow’s Talent, it’s no surprise that Cajon valedictorian Roxana Martinez will be attending Princeton. Her goal is to become an immigration lawyer.

Not only does Spencer “White Lightning” Nelson excel in academics, he is also part of the SBCUSD Teen Music Workshop and the cross country and track and field teams. Spencer credits Richardson PREP HI Middle School music teacher Peter Llamas with helping him blossom into the type of hard-working student who becomes a Cajon valedictorian. Spencer’s next stop is UC Berkeley, where he will major in biology or business.

MCHS valedictorian, School Site Council member, and peer leader Julie Nguyen said her sophomore math teacher, Steven Wright, “instilled in me an appreciation and fascination of (math), which ultimately led me to deciding to pursue a career in computer science.” Julie was accepted into UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, and UC Santa Barbara, but decided to attend UC San Diego.

Pacific High School valedictorian Miranda Owen excels in academics, sports, and music. She maintained a 4.69 G.P.A. while also playing on the basketball, tennis, and track and field teams, and playing in the band. This Keith Hubbs Award winner was accepted to UCLA, UCR, the University of Hawaii at M?noa, and CSUSB. She has chosen to stay local and study geology at CSUSB.

SBHS valedictorian Fernando Ramirez-Barragan was accepted to UCLA, CSUSB, Cal Poly Pomona, and UC Irvine, but he has decided to attend UCLA to become a civil engineer. He maintained an unweighted 4.0 G.P.A. while also participating in track and field, cross country, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society.

Stanford, Yale, Claremont McKenna, UC San Diego, and UC Irvine all wanted Alexa Roman Serrano, but this San G valedictorian has set her sights on Stanford University. Alexa has not decided on her major yet, but with her 4.87 weighted G.P.A. and her experience in Academic Decathlon, varsity tennis, Key Club, Thrive Scholars, and Speech and Debate Club, she’s ready for whatever she decides to do.

Cajon valedictorian Vivianna “Vivi” Santos wants to open her own dermatology practice in the future, and she has a plan to get there. Her time with Best Buddies, Caremates, and the Latino Student Union have prepared her to lead her own company and care for patients. Soon, she’ll be majoring in pre-biology, with a minor in business, at UC Santa Barbara. Once she earns her bachelor’s degree, Vivi will be heading to medical school to complete her education.

Sahian Solares will go from a wolverine to a coyote when she graduates as a valedictorian from MCHS with a 4.80 weighted G.P.A. and then joins the CSUSB campus to major in kinesiology. Her final goal is to become a doctor of physical therapy. Sahian said Eva Tillman, her fifth-grade teacher from Jones Elementary School, had the greatest impact on her education.

With extracurricular activities like tennis, Academic Decathlon, Club de Español, Best Buddies, AP Spanish Club, and Calculus Club, it’s no surprise that AVHS valedictorian Alexa Tapia-Plazola was accepted into colleges including the University of Redlands, UC Berkeley, USC, UCLA, and Claremont McKenna College. She plans to major in linguistics at Pomona College.

With her involvement in Best Buddies, National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, and the girls’ basketball team, it’s impressive that Cajon valedictorian Mya Verrett maintained a 4.82 weighted G.P.A. In a few months, Mya will be at UC San Diego working toward a degree in bioengineering.

San G Spartan valedictorian Emily Viramontes maintained a 4.0 unweighted G.P.A. while also participating in the National Honor Society, Key Club, the MedicaZone, track and field and cross country, and the BRAINterns Summer webinar. Emily said, “My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. (Julie) Ohrt, was the first teacher to truly encourage me to push myself to new limits, and expectations I wouldn’t have thought of reaching.” Now she is reaching for new heights as she works towards a career as a neurosurgeon.

In order to qualify for the honor of valedictorian or salutatorian, a student must be among the top 10 to 20 students with the highest grade value based on the specific courses that every student at an SBCUSD high school campus has access to for seven semesters of high school. Additionally, the student must complete all SBCUSD graduation requirements and complete the eighth and final semester at the school from which they have been selected as valedictorian or salutatorian.

Unweighted G.P.A.s are based on the standard grade-point system of four points for every A grade, three points for every B, and two points for every C grade. Weighted G.P.A.s are determined by adding a point to grades earned for Honors-level, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. For example, an A grade earned in a Chemistry AP class would be worth five points instead of four.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The City of San Bernardino has announced that Commerce Public Works Director Daniel Hernandez has joined San Bernardino as its new Public Works Director.
“Daniel Hernandez has a proven track record of both leading effective Public Works Departments and private sector experience getting things done efficiently and cost effectively,” said City Manager Robert Field. “This is another win for San Bernardino.”

Hernandez is an accomplished and seasoned leader with two decades of experience in the public sector, aerospace, and manufacturing industries. He has spent the past six years leading public works departments in Los Angeles County, first in Huntington Park for three years and most recently as Public Works Director in the City of Commerce. In both Commerce and Huntington Park, Hernandez modernized those departments, implementing productivity and performance measurement systems, cost controls, work order/process systems, and customer care and responsiveness programs.

In 2011, Hernandez was elected City Clerk in Montebello and served a four-year term.

The San Bernardino Public Works Director oversees the wide variety of operations and programs in the Public Works Department, including Capital Projects, Fleet, Environmental Compliance, Traffic Operations, and Maintenance and Operations. Public Works is also responsible for the maintenance of the city’s parks and community centers.

It’s an honor and privilege to serve the City of San Bernardino,” said Hernandez. “I look forward to taking on challenges, embracing the opportunities, and leading the Public Works Department in achieving the City’s goals.”

Hernandez’s start date was May 16th.