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By Tanu Henry. | California Black Media

Last weekend, two of the most powerful Black women in California — both elected officers — visited seven churches in the Inland Empire, ahead of the June 7 primary elections.

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Board of Equalization Chair Malia Cohen began their micro-tour of Black churches at Loveland Church located in Fontana where the Rev. Charles Singleton is pastor.

“I’d like to introduce you to two outstanding servants of God in our state government,” retired California Assemblymember Cheryl Brown told the congregation at the oldest Black church in San Bernardino before Weber and Brown spoke.

Brown, who served in the Assembly representing the 47th District in San Bernardino County, was a member of the State Legislature from 2012 to 2016.

“First, the highest ranking African American in the state and the third in line for the governor succession, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber,” Brown asked the church to welcome Weber.

“Following her is Malia Cohen,” Brown continued. “Malia is the Chair of the Board of Equalization, and she’s running for State Controller. Both have the highest integrity.”

“I’m honored to be with you,” Weber told the congregation. “I’m the first African American to serve in this position in the 170-year history of California.”

Weber reminded the parishioners that it is “election time” and they are presented a unique opportunity to make their voices heard. She contrasted the voting rights Californians enjoy with restrictive policies in some conservative states that she says are being implemented to restrict access to the ballot box and limit public information about the electoral process.

Weber, who was an Assemblymember representing the 79th District in San Diego before Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed her Secretary of State in 2021, told the churchgoers that standing up for freedom and justice has been central to her professional career.

“I’ve spent my life as a legislator advocating on your behalf,” she said. “Making sure we had laws concerning police use of force, reparations – those opportunities that are there – those are my bills. But also making sure that everyone has the right to vote, has the information about voting, and we’ve lifted so many of the barriers to voting. Right now, in California, if you’re not sitting in state or federal prison for a felony, you can vote.”

Cohen took the podium following Weber.

“I love being in the Black church,” said Cohen, who served as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2018 to 2019 before she was elected to the BOE. She was a member of the San Francisco city leadership team from 2011 to 2019.

“To the church, I know you know how important voting is. I know you know a lot of elected officials that come through here’” Cohen told congregants. “I don’t want you to be offended. It is our way of saying thank you and acknowledging the power that lies in this congregation.”

Weber and Cohen are two out of three African Americans among California’s eight constitutional officers. The other is State Superintendent for Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. All of them are on the ballot for the upcoming June 7 primary election.

The other Inland Empire churches Cohen and Weber visited are Loveland Church in Fontana, Life Changing Ministries in San Bernardino, St. Paul AME in San Bernardino, Temple Metropolitan Baptist Church in San Bernardino, and Ecclesia Christian Fellowship in San Bernardino.

Cohen also visited New Life Christian Fellowship in Fontana.

“I am here to ask humbly for your support,” said Cohen. “I’ve served eight years on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. I’ve served three years on the Board of Equalization, and I would like to serve another four years as your State Controller. Please remember me as you cast your ballots.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Superintendent Doc Ervin announced Tuesday, May 3 that he will retire at the end of this school year. In making the announcement, Ervin praised the educational community for putting students first during what he called “the most unprecedented time for public education.”

“When I joined the SBCUSD team, my goal was twofold. First to reopen schools to in-person learning after the pandemic pushed classes online for a year, and second to set us on a transformational path toward becoming a high-performing public school district,” said Ervin. “I am proud to say we accomplished the first and have good curricular, instructional, and assessment systems and structures in place to support the second.”

Ervin was hired one year ago, with the Board of Education unanimously appointing him for a three-year assignment. According to Ervin, he made the decision to retire earlier than expected after carefully considering family, health, and progress toward his professional goals here.

“Superintendent Ervin came to SBCUSD, listened to our community, and led us through reopening our schools with an emphasis on doing what’s best for kids,” said Dr. Scott Wyatt, President of the Board of Education. “While his tenure will be brief, his impact on our system has helped us see new opportunities to help scholars excel and move our District on a trajectory toward becoming a high performing district of excellence.”

Ervin spent several months gathering input from the community through his Listening & Learning Tour. He shared his findings with the District’s leadership team who developed five overarching goals to strengthen student outcomes. Then at Mr. Ervin’s urging parents, students, teachers, community leaders, principals, District administrators, and Board members joined a task force to build on these overarching goals and create a new strategic plan known as Framework for Excellence: Vision 2025. Nearly complete, the Framework will provide SBCUSD with a roadmap to guide its success in the future.

Ervin noted that he appreciates the support he’s received from members of the District’s Board of Education. He added that he hopes they will embrace the collaboratively designed Framework before the next school year begins and will come together to select a new leader who is aligned with their educational philosophy.

“As I have said since I started my role here, SBCUSD has everything it needs to be a high-performing, urban public school system,” said Ervin. “I believe in the plans our team developed together with input from our school community. I believe they can be successful regardless of my decision to step away because this District is an educational community that wants transformational change. Success is possible if everyone stays focused on making decisions in the best interests of kids.”

In addition to reopening schools and preparing the Framework for Excellence, Mr. Ervin also led the District in many other accomplishments including:
• Implementation of a robust COVID-19 management system that protected SBCUSD students, staff, and community to the greatest extent possible.
• Establishing a District division to focus on Equity, Access and Innovation and ensure all students are met with the support and opportunity they need to be successful.
• Implementation of a system-wide digitized 4-year plan to guide high school students toward graduation and improve college readiness.
• Adoption of the NWEA assessment systems to provide meaningful insights for teaching and learning that will help educators improve their effectiveness.
• Establishment of a Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee to ensure representation and improved communication with parents and guardians from all 73 schools.
• Improvement of communication between the District and its various stakeholders through the deployment of ParentSquare and several electronic newsletters.
• Achievement of three new Linked Learning Gold Certified Career Pathways and the state’s first Linked Learning Gold High School.
• Launching of a pilot program for a Learning Labs as a model to scale Districtwide in support of academic success in literacy and math.
• Initiation of teacher-led efforts to align curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems to provide uniformity, continuity, and consistency across all schools.

Mr. Ervin’s last day as Superintendent will be July 1, 2022. The Board of Education will discuss the process of identifying the District’s next superintendent at a future board meeting.

YUCAIPA, CA— Eight senior students within the Chaffey Joint Union High School District have been awarded with Chaffey College Trust Fund Scholarships.

The Chaffey Trust, established in 1882, created the scholarship program in 1967 to provide awards to outstanding students in the Chaffey District. Every year, scholarships are awarded to seniors at each of the Chaffey District’s eight comprehensive high schools for their academic record, participation in student activities and potential for collegiate success. Each scholarship is named after a former Chaffey District superintendent.

The recipients are:

Emily Barrera, Chaffey High School, the Bette Harrison Scholarship ($2,000). Barrera plans to attend the University of La Verne and major in education.

Navnit Kaur, Ontario High School, the Barry W. Cadwallader Scholarship ($1,900). Kaur plans to attend the University of California Irvine and major in biology/public health.

Rhema Hooper, Colony High School, the Merton E. Hill Scholarship ($1,800). Hooper plans to attend the Lehigh University and major in humanities and medicine.

Aidan Daniel, Alta Loma High School, the Gardiner W. Spring Scholarship ($1,700). Daniel plans to attend Cal Poly Pomona and major in aerospace engineering.

Annie Pan, Los Osos High School, the Daniel B. Milliken Scholarship ($1,600). Pan plans to attend UCLA or Vanderbilt University and major in applied mathematics.

Hanna Mann, Rancho Cucamonga High School, the Allan G. Smith Scholarship ($1,500). Mann plans to attend UCLA and major in psychobiology.

Richard Nguyen, Ontario High School, the Mike Dirksen Scholarship ($1,400). Nguyen plans to attend the University of California Irvine and major in nursing.

Meghann Domond, Los Osos High School, the Dean Smothers Scholarship ($1,300). Domond plans to attend the California State University Fullerton or the University of California San Diego and major in business legal studies.

The scholarship candidacies were reviewed by Bob Beck, Gary Ovitt, Susan Petrocelli, George Johnson and Joey Collisson.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Election offices have begun sending out vote-by-mail ballots for the June 7, 2022, California Primary. Statewide, voters will discover that Black candidates for United States House of Representative seats are over-represented on their ballots.

California Black Media (CBM) is reporting that 18 Black candidates are running for 14 US House seats. Eleven are registered as Democrats and seven are running as Republicans. Nine are women and nine are men.

Although African Americans are 5.8% of California residents, Black candidates are on ballots for 26.9% of the US House seats.

California’s delegation to the US House of Representative will have 52 members in the next Congress. While it is the still the largest delegation, one seat was lost due to a decline in population count from the 2020 US census. Congressional district population following the 2020 census is about 761,169 people.

A consequence of losing a US House seat is that district boundaries have been redrawn by the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC) and many district numbers have been reassigned. For example, Rep. Barbara Lee, one of the three Black members of the California delegation, currently represents House District 13 and is running to represent District 12. However, the district numbers for the other Black representatives, Maxine Waters (District 43), who is running for re-election, and Karen Bass (District 37), who has decided to run for mayor of Los Angeles have not changed.

The Black candidates running for Congress are:

Democrat Kermit Jones is a Navy veteran and an internal medicine doctor who has a law degree. He is running to represent District 3 (Yuba). He is running against three opponents. This district leans Republican. No current member of Congress is on the ballot for this race.

Republican Jimih L. Jones is a parts advisor for a car dealership. He is running to represent District 4 (Napa). He has five opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Mike Thompson (D) is running in this race.

Republican Tamika Hamilton, a former Air Force Sergeant, is running to represent District 6 (Fair Oaks).  She has six opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Ami Bera (D) is running in this race.

Two Black candidates are in the competition to represent District 12 (Oakland). Democrat Barbara Lee is a current member of Congress representing District 13 (Oakland). Democrat Eric Wilson is a Nonprofit Organization Employee. Five candidates are on the ballot. This is a solid Democratic district.

Republican Brian E. Hawkins is a Councilmember and Pastor. He is running to represent District 25 (Riverside). He has four opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D) is running in this race.

Democrat Quaye Quartey is a US Naval Academy graduate, veteran, and entrepreneur. He is running to represent District 27 (Santa Clarita). He has five opponents. This district is predicted to be a toss-up for Democrats and Republicans. Rep. Mike Garcia (R) is running in this race.

Republican Ronda Kennedy is a Civil Rights Attorney. She is running to represent District 30 (Burbank). She has eight opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Adam Schiff (D) is running in this race.

Democrat Aarika Samone Rhodes is a teacher. She is running to represent District 32 (Sherman Oaks). She has six opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Brad Sherman (D) is running in this race.

Republican Joe E. Collins III is a Retired Navy Sailor. He is running to represent District 36 (Torrance). He has seven opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Ted W. Lieu (D) is running in this race.

Three Black candidates are running to represent District 37 (Los Angeles). Democrat Jan C. Perry is a Community Investment Executive and former LA City Councilmember. Democrat Sydney Kamlager is a California State Senator. Democrat Daniel W. Lee is Mayor of Culver City.  Seven candidates are on the ballot. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Karen Bass (D) currently represents this district.

Republican Aja Smith is a small business owner. She is running to represent District 39 (Moreno Valley). She has six opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Mark Takano (D) is running in this race.

Democrat William Moses Summerville is a Pastor and hospice chaplain. He is running to represent District 42 (Long Beach). He has seven opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. No current member of Congress is on the ballot for this race.

Two Black candidates are on the ballot to represent District 43 (Los Angeles). Democrat Maxine Waters is a member of Congress representing this district. Republican Allison Pratt is a youth advocate and mother. Four candidates are running for the seat. This is a solid Democratic district.

Democrat Morris Falls Griffin is a maintenance technician. He is running to represent District 44 (San Pedro). He has two opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Nanette Diaz Barragan (D), a current Member of Congress, is running in this race.

In the June 7 primary election, the two candidates receiving the most votes – regardless of party preference – move on to the November 8 general election. If a candidate receives a majority of the vote (at least 50% plus 1) a general election still must be held.

The Black candidates winning the general election will serve in the 118^th Congress and be sworn in next January.

RIVERSIDE, CA – The San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will honor two outstanding community leaders during its annual Culmination program this month.

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, Dr. Regina Patton Stell, President of the Riverside NAACP, will receive the 2022 Waudieur Rucker-Hughes Social Action Advocate Award; and Rialto Unified Board of Education Member Dina Walker will receive the 2022 Dorothy Inghram Social Action Advocate Award.

“We are excited to honor these two dynamic women,” said San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter President Erica Shorts. “Both Dr. Patton Stell and Ms. Walker are strong, steadfast advocates for our youth and underserved members of our Inland Empire communities. The fact that they are members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is a testament to the ideals of our sisterhood, which is founded on social action and service.”

About the Honorees
Dr. Regina Patton Stell is a longtime educator and champion for social justice in the Riverside community. She started her career as a special education teacher and then served as a principal. She later became a director in the Riverside County Office of Education and was appointed the first Black assistant superintendent of her school district. Dr. Patton Stell’s passion drives her commitment to improve the lives of others and fuels her active engagement in Delta, in which she’s been a member for over 50 years, and the NAACP, in which she has served for over a decade.

Dr. Patton Stell currently serves as President of the NAACP Riverside Chapter. Under her leadership, the Riverside Chapter continually produces programming and events to raise community awareness about mental and physical health impacts, improve Black academic achievement, and encourage civic participation in local, state, and federal government elections and legislative decisions. She was recently elected to serve as the Democratic Party Delegate for District 58.

Dina Walker has been a member of the Rialto Unified Board of Education since 2014, serving over 25,000 students. Her elected position complements Ms. Walker’s over 20 years of experience working with educational, government, and community organizations. As President and CEO of BLU Educational Foundation, a nonprofit she founded in 2001, Ms. Walker leads a team that provides educational and human services programming to youth, adults, and organizations to build healthy, productive communities throughout the Inland Empire.

Motivated by data that validates the disparities that affect underserved communities and the success stories she hears along the way, she fiercely advocates for education justice on behalf of our most marginalized students. Through BLU’s Institute for Civic Engagement, Ms. Walker and her team are creating a leadership pipeline to help those who have historically lacked representation. The Institute is teaching a new generation how to be change-makers.
Our Memorial Recognitions

In 2021 the San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter gave its first Social Action Advocate Award in Waudieur “Woodie” Rucker-Hughes’ name to honor the legacy of an icon who dedicated her life to seeking social justice, equality, and education for all. Her selfless commitment and tireless advocacy still impact individuals locally and nationally. On February 25, 2022, following the passing of his bill H.R. 5983, U.S. Representative Mark Takano joined the community in celebrating the renaming of the City of Riverside post office on 4150 Chicago Avenue after Woodie Rucker-Hughes.

The Dorothy Inghram Social Action Advocate Award recognizes the legacy of another trailblazer who shattered glass ceilings for black educators in 1942 when she became the first Black teacher in San Bernardino County. Later she became the first Black principal and then the first Black school district superintendent in California. Ms. Inghram was also a charter member of the San Bernardino- Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter, which started in 1959.

The San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter’s Culmination program will be virtual via Zoom on Saturday, May 14, 2022, starting at 10:00 AM. The event is free, but you must register in advance. Click here to register.

Submitted by Sheila Stone

Leilani LaStarr (aka “the star”) Carter was born from a place of miracles and strength! A newborn who fought her way into this life as she punched her way out of her mother’s womb and into this world.  With pure ambition, by the age of right (8), she earned second place in the balance beam event at the Las Vegas Gymnastics Regionals Meet competition.

Though Leilani is active and carries an adventurous spirit, she also thrives in the area of academics.  During the pandemic she continued to strive, exercising her independence, and sustaining a 3.5 G.P.A. while schooling from home.  Now at 11-years of age, Leilani has become a 4-time Principal Honor Roll recipient with earning over seven outstanding achievement awards in the fields of Math, English, and Citizenship.

In addition to being a “student of the month” three times in her elementary journey, she was also a 2021 nominated Class President candidate of her 5th grade class.  As her energy and gifts continue to light up the world around her, we are excited to see what the future holds for this bright star.  A young girl who exudes “Black Girl Magic” with a beautiful heart and a royal spirit, she will indeed be a blessing to many.

Miss Carter will graduate on May 25, 2022, and she will be headed to high school.

If you want to recognize a graduate, send an email to mail@westsidestorynewspaper.com.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

On June 7, California will conduct a primary election — the first opportunity for voters to elect candidates in newly drawn districts based on the 2020 US census. Registered voters will automatically receive a vote-by-mail ballot no later than May 9, with the option to return it to a secure drop box, or vote in-person up to 10 days before the election for those living in Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) counties.

For those not registered to vote, same day registration is possible up until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

The candidates running to fill eight statewide constitutional offices (Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State (SOS), Attorney General, Controller, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Insurance Commissioner and Treasurer) and one California US Senate seat will be listed on all primary ballots. The primaries for the four positions on the Board of Equalization, the 52 US Congressional, 80 State Assembly, and 20 State Senate seats are listed based on district.

There are 40 State Senators. They serve staggered four-year terms. Twenty of them representing even-numbered districts are up for election this year.

Statewide, there are 145 elections being held to fill these state and federal offices.

California Black Media (CBM) reports that 55 Black candidates are running in 37 of the elections. That’s 25.5% of the races. Blacks make up 5.8% of California’s population.

In nine of the contests more than one Black candidate is competing. Party affiliations represented are: 36 Democrat, 11 Republican, 4 No Party Preference, 2 Nonpartisan, 1 Green and 1 Peace and Freedom.

In six statewide contests, 12 Black candidates are on the ballot. Two candidates are incumbents. One is Dr. Shirley Weber, who was appointed California’s first Black SOS by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021, replacing California’s current junior U.S. Sen Alex Padilla. This will be the first time Weber has run for office statewide. The other is Tony Thurmond, California’s second Black State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He was elected in 2018 in a close contest.

There are no Black candidates on the ballot running for Attorney General or Treasurer.

Governor

Running for re-election as the state’s chief executive officer, Newsom faces 25 other candidates on the ballot. Four of those candidates are Black. Shawn Collins is a Republican, an Attorney, and a Navy combat veteran. He says, “We can and will make California the best place to start a small business, give parents a real voice in their children’s educations, and bring compassion and law and order together to end the human tragedies on our streets.”

Serge Fiankan is an entrepreneur and has a No Party Preference designation. He says, “As your governor, I will change the status quo and address the real problems we are facing with measurable actions.”

Woodrow “Woody” Sanders III is an Entrepreneur/Director/Engineer and has a No Party Preference designation. Sander’s passion is for restoring California’s “crown as the best state in the union.”

Major Williams is a Republican Businessman. He ran as write-in candidate during Gov. Newsom’s recall election and received 8,965 votes. His campaign slogan is, “It’s time to think major.”

Lt. Governor

Incumbent Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis is running against field of seven candidates. Angela E. Underwood Jacobs is a Black Republican Businesswoman/Deputy Mayor running against her. Jacobs was the first African American woman elected to serve on the Lancaster City Council.

Secretary of State

Shirley Weber has six opponents for SOS. Before her appointment, Weber served four terms as an Assemblymember representing California’s 79th Assembly District. She is committed to making California the national leader in running inclusive, trustworthy, and transparent elections – expanding the franchise to more of our citizens, ensuring election security and empowering voters to make informed decisions. She is the only Black candidate running for SOS.

State Controller

State Controller Betty Yee is termed out this year. Among six candidates running to replace her is Malia Cohen the first African American woman to serve on the board of Equalization. Cohen wants to make sure the tax code is fair, that people understand tax incentives are out there to benefit the working class. “I am running because I am committed to equity, empowerment, hope and opportunity for all Californians,” Cohen told CBM.

Superintendent of Public Instruction

There are six candidates running to replace incumbent Tony Thurmond as State Superintendent of Public Instruction. As the chief of K-12 education in the state, Thurmond was instrumental in marshalling the efforts of the Department of Education to help school districts deal with systemic inequities that the pandemic put a spotlight light on. He is running to achieve his vision that by 2026 all California students will be literate by third grade. For Thurmond, Black student achievement and student achievement in general have been major priorities. Among his challengers is Black public and charter schoolteacher Ainye E. Long.

California Insurance Commissioner

Incumbent Ricardo Lara has eight challengers vying to be the next Insurance Commissioner. Three of his opponents are Black. Veronika Fimbres is a transgender nurse running as the Green Party candidate. Fimbres, a Black Navy veteran, has pledged to use the bully pulpit that would come from being insurance commissioner to push for universal health care in the state.

Jasper “Jay” Jackson is a paralegal running as a Democrat. His goal is to deliver transparent and speedy services to the people of California.

Vinson Eugene Allen is a medical doctor and businessman running as a Democrat. Allen says, “I will personally address consumer issues and work with insurance carriers for a fair solution to disputes.”

US Senator

The office of US Senate will have two separate contests on the June 7 ballot. One contest is the regular election for the full six-year term beginning January 3, 2023. The other contest is a special vacancy election, to complete the unexpired Senate term of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Sen. Alex Padilla who was chosen by Gov. Newsom to replace Harris will be competing in both contests. In the full-term contest, he faces 22 opponents. Five are Black. And in the special vacancy contest he has seven opponents. Two are Black.

Black candidates in the full-term US Senate race are: Akinyemi Agbede a mathematician and Democrat; Myron L. Hall Podiatric Physician and Republican; Daphne Bradford, an education consultant and No Party Preference candidate; Deon D. Jenkins also has No Ballot Designation and No Party Preference; and John Thompson Parker, a Social Justice Advocate representing the Peace and Freedom Party. Candidates Hall and Bradford are also running in the partial/unexpired term contest.

In the June 7 primary election, the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election. If a candidate receives a majority of the vote (at least 50 % plus 1), a general election must still be held.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— More than 160 students competed in the 40th Annual San Bernardino, Inyo and Mono Counties Science and Engineering Fair (SIMSEF).

“This year’s virtual competition showcased incredible projects that required creativity, knowledge and commitment,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “I am extremely proud of the many engaging and complex projects our students have developed. It’s exciting to see our students cultivating an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

This regional science fair features science projects designed, developed and displayed by elementary, middle and high school students from schools in each county. Individual and group projects were judged in 21 various science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) categories.

Students competed in three different divisions: Elementary (Grades 4-5), Junior (Grades 6-8) and Senior (Grades 9-12). Submissions from students within the three counties totaled 137 projects, with 115 individual entries and 22 group entries. The awards ceremony took place virtually on March 17, 2022.

Nearly 30 students from the Junior and Senior divisions advanced to the California Science & Engineering Fair, held virtually on April 12, 2022.

Four projects were named 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Finalists. The five students will have the opportunity to travel to Atlanta, Georgia in May and compete with over 1800 students from across the world.

Regeneron ISEF Finalists:
• Makena Bailey & Kyra Phaychanpheng, Chino Hills High School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “The Effects of Varying Nitrogen:Phosphorus:Potassium (NPK) Ratios on Algal Growth in Wetland Water”
• Ellery McQuilkin, Lee Vining High School, Eastern Sierra Unified School District, “Eastern Sierra of the Dana Glacier Using Observed Melt Rate and 3D Modeling”
• Varun Srivastava, Redlands High School, Redlands Unified School District “Predicting the onset of Depressive Disorder using Machine Learning.”
• Snow Cameron, Upland High School, Upland Unified School District “Why can’t gamma see? It’s probably AMD.”

Students also earned various Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Regional Awards:
• American Meteorological Society Award – Makena Bailey & Kyra Phaychanpheng, Chino Hills High School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “The Effects of Varying Nitrogen:Phosphorus:Potassium (NPK) Ratios on Algal Growth in Wetland Water”
• American Meteorological Society Award – Isabelle Pinto, Los Osos High School, Chaffey Joint Union High School District, “Need a Little Space?”
• American Psychological Association Award – Varun Srivastava, Redlands High School, Redlands Unified School District, “Predicting Onset of Depressive Disorder using Machine Learning”
• ASM Materials Education Foundation Award – Lidia Diego, Colton High School, Colton Joint Unified School District, “Can plastic be made differently?”
• Association for Women Geoscientists Award – Ellery McQuilkin, Lee Vining High School, Eastern Sierra Unified School District, “Projecting Disappearance of the Dana Glacier Using Observed Melt Rate and 3D Modeling”
• Mu Alpha Theta Award – Varun Srivastava, Redlands High School, Redlands Unified School District, “Predicting Onset of Depressive Disorder using Machine Learning”
• NASA Earth System Science Award – Ellery McQuilkin, Lee Vining High School, Eastern Sierra Unified School District, “Projecting Disappearance of the Dana Glacier Using Observed Melt Rate and 3D Modeling”
• National Geographic Society That’s Geography! Award – Ethan Chang & Kyle Huang, Upland High School, Upland Unified School District, “Breaking Wind”
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award – Elina Kim, Silverado High School, Victor Valley Union High School District, “Microplastics in the Tissues of Farm-Raised Tilapia, Swai, and Salmon”
• Office Of Naval Research U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps Award – Mason Young, Inland Leaders Charter School, “Which damper will tamper with the vibrations?”
• Office Of Naval Research U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps Award – Michael Flynn, Moore Middle School, Redlands Unified School District, “How Does Viscosity Affect the Protection of a Fragile Object?”
• Office Of Naval Research U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps Award – Elina Kim, Silverado High School, Victor Valley Union High School District, “Microplastics in the Tissues of Farm-Raised Tilapia, Swai, and Salmon”
• Office Of Naval Research U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps Award – Ko Er (Carol) Rau, Chino Hills High School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “Fat Digestion with Digestive Supplements: Ox Bile and Pancreatin”
• Regeneron Biomedical Science Award – Varun Srivastava, Redlands High School, Redlands Unified School District, “Predicting Onset of Depressive Disorder using Machine Learning”
• Ricoh USA, Inc. Award – Srinivas Gollapudi, Upland High School, Upland Unified School District, “The Effects of Temperature and pH solutions on Microbial Fuel Cells”
• Society for In Vitro Biology Award – Ko Er (Carol) Rau, Chino Hills High School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “Fat Digestion with Digestive Supplements: Ox Bile and Pancreatin”
• The Lemelson Foundation Early Inventor Award – Daniel Chien & Arjun Wazir, Country Springs Elementary School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “Light Heating”
• U.S Agency for International Development Award – Mason Young, Inland Leaders Charter School, “Which damper will tamper with the vibrations?”
• U.S. Department of Defense STEM Leadership Award – Abigail Espinoza & Isabel Servin, Sacred Heart Academy, “C.S.I. Crime Scene Investigation”
• U.S. Metric Association Award – Sofia Vega, Paul J. Rogers Elementary School, Colton Joint Unified School District, “Alkaline Grass Water”
• U.S. Stockholm Junior Regional Water Prize Award – Elina Kim, Silverado High School, Victor Valley Union High School District, “Microplastics in the Tissues of Farm-Raised Tilapia, Swai, and Salmon”
• U.S. Stockholm Junior Regional Water Prize Award – Ellery McQuilkin, Lee Vining High School, Eastern Sierra Unified School District, “Projecting Disappearance of the Dana Glacier Using Observed Melt Rate and 3D Modeling”
• United States Air Force Award – Wyatt Browning & JC Cervantes, Cameron Elementary School, Barstow Unified School District, “Payload to Mars”
• Yale Science and Engineering Association Award – Arul Loomba, Rancho Cucamonga High School, Chaffey Joint Union High School District, “Characterization of pathogenic enhancer data using computational analysis”

Professional Engineers of California Government (PECG), Inland Empire Sector Local Community Awards recipients are:
• Elementary Division – Andrew Lee, Gerald F. Litel Elementary School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “Earthquake Resilient Building”
• Junior Division – Hannah Chaix, Charlotte Mason Schools Co-op, “Testing Potassium Carbonate as a Fire Retardant in House Paint”
• Senior Division – Ko Er (Carol) Rau, Chino Hills High School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “Fat Digestion with Digestive Supplements: Ox Bile and Pancreatin”

Project Scientist is a non-profit that aims to increase diversity in STEM fields by empowering girls in pursuit of STEM careers. Three students were awarded the Project Scientist Ignite Award:
• Elementary Division – Ava Utterback, Edwin Rhodes Elementary School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “How Does Music Rock the Brain?”
• Junior Division – Hannah Chaix, Charlotte Mason Schools Co-op, “Testing Potassium Carbonate as a Fire Retardant in House Paint”
• Senior Division – Jessie Lin, Los Osos High School, Chaffey Joint Union High School District, “Padding Down Plastic?”

The Sweepstakes and Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEP) Award recognizes projects that are unique and outstanding in their respective divisions. The Sweepstakes and STEP Award winners are:
• Elementary Division – Elementary Division – Andrew Lee, Gerald F. Litel Elementary School, Chino Valley Unified School District, “Earthquake Resilient Building”
• Junior Division – Hannah Chaix, Charlotte Mason Schools Co-op, “Testing Potassium Carbonate as a Fire Retardant in House Paint”
• Senior Division – Varun Srivastava, Redlands High School, Redlands Unified School District “Predicting the onset of Depressive Disorder using Machine Learning.”

County SIMSEF 2022 Gold Medalists in Elementary, Junior and Senior Divisions, by District:

Barstow Unified
Rylan Dokie, Elementary Division
Wyatt Browning, Junior Division
JC Cervantes, Junior Division
Xavior Collado, Junior Division

Chaffey Joint Union High
Arul Loomba, Senior Division

Charlotte Mason Schools – Homeschool Co-op
Hannah Chaix, Junior Division

Chino Valley Unified
Andrew Lee, Elementary Division
Lavith Raj, Elementary Division
Ava Utterback, Elementary Division
Daniel Chien, Junior Division
Arjun Wazir, Junior Division
Makena Bailey, Senior Division
Kyra Phaychanpheng, Senior Division
Ko Er (Carol) Rau, Senior Division

Colton Joint Unified
Audrina Calderon, Elementary Division
Ava Firnkoess, Junior Division

Eastern Sierra Unified (Mono COE)
Ellery McQuilkin, Senior Division
Etiwanda
Ishaan Iyer, Elementary Division
Alexander (AJ) Pesetski, Elementary Division
Shaurya Varshnay, Elementary Division

Inland Leaders Charter School
Samantha Amick, Junior Division
Abigail Espinoza, Junior Division
Isabel Servin, Junior Division
Mason Young, Junior Division

Redlands Unified
Matthew Li, Elementary Division
Jayden Lui, Elementary Division
Amelia Rush, Elementary Division
Michael Flynn, Junior Division
Benjamin Jordan, Junior Division
Varun Srivastava, Senior Division

Upland Unified
Ethan Chang, Senior Division
Srinivas Gollapudi, Senior Division
Kyle Huang, Senior Division
Snow Cameron, Senior Division
Maria Watkins, Senior Division

Victor Valley Union High
Elina Kim, Senior Division

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

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

With a 7-0 vote, the Assembly Education Committee approved legislation that would require California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction to identify — and provide targeted funding for — the lowest-performing pupil subgroup in the state.

That sub-group is Black students.

Assemblymembers Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) and Chris Holden (D-Los Angeles), both members of the California Black Legislative Caucus (CLBC), co-authored the legislation: Assembly Bill (AB) 2774.

AB 2774 also requires school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education (COE) to be held accountable to provide additional services and improve academic performance.

Weber and Holden say they wrote the bill to remedy existing racial equity gaps and ensure that all Black students regardless of socio-economic status have the resources they need to succeed.

“This is one of our priority bills,” Weber said of the effort to enhance educational resources for Black students. “We think it is time for California to invest and focus on closing the academic achievement gap. (This bill) will add a new sub-category for the sole purpose of achieving improved test scores.”

The bill is headed to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Holden.

Before the vote, educators, students, and faith leaders held a rally at the State Capitol in support of AB 2774.

If approved, the legislation would provide $400 million per year in additional funding for the lowest-performing subgroup.

In 2019, testing data showed that Black students are the lowest-performing subgroup on state standardized tests with 67% not passing English Language Arts (ELA) and 79% not meeting the Math standard.

The legislation, the authors say, is designed to address longstanding equity issues with the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which was created to provide additional funding for the highest need students in California. The LCFF was enacted in 2013.

Supporters of AB 2774 say that over one-quarter of Black students are not receiving supplemental funding through LCFF.

“This is not the first time this bill has been introduced. It was previously introduced by my mother Dr. Shirley Weber who is now our Secretary of State,” Weber said. “Although we did not get everything that we wanted, our persistence will ensure this time we will get it passed. We fought hard to make sure we got this hearing.”

The language in AB 2774 states that the subgroup identified for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, based on the 2018-19 the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) scores “shall be included within the ‘unduplicated’ pupil count until its scores equal or exceeds the highest performing subgroup (Asians).”

Existing law provides school districts, charter schools, and County Offices of Education (COEs) with a base level of funding based on the enrollment of pupils who are either English learners, low income, or in foster care. But students that fall into more than one category are counted only once for LCFF purposes, hence the term “unduplicated pupil,” AB 2774 language explains.

Along with Weber, other advocates for Black students attending the rally included Dr. Margaret Fortune, Founder and CEO of Fortune School of Education, a network of seven charter schools in Sacramento and San Bernardino; Dr. Ramona Bishop, co-founder of Elite Public Schools, a charter school focused on technology based in Vallejo and former Superintendent for Vallejo Unified School District; the Rev. Tecoy Porter, Executive Director of National Action Network Sacramento; and the Rev. Jonathon Mosley, Director of National Action Network Western Region.

Other attendees were Joette Spencer Campbell, NAACP San Bernardino; Tak Allen, International Faith Coalition; Dondrell Swanson, Alpha Community Education Initiative; and Bina Lefkovitz, Trustee Sacramento County Board of Education; and Tracie Stafford Chair of the Sacramento Democratic Party.

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), chairperson of the CLBC, and Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Sacramento) also attended the rally.

“This is going to be a collective effort to show that we all care, and all are accountable for the achievement of Black students,” Fortune said. “This is the third time we’ve gone after this bill, and the third time with Dr. Akilah Weber it is going to be the charm.”

RIVERSIDE, CA—- Renee Hill, a 28-year educator at Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) has taught at all levels and been an exemplary leader for the region. In less than one year of taking the job, her tenacity, vision, and commitment to public education have helped navigate RUSD through some serious crises and challenges.

It’s no wonder why Assembly Member Jose Medina (D-Riverside) has announced Superintendent Renee Hill as the 2022 Woman of the Year for Assembly District 61.

Superintendent Renee Hill is the first person of color to lead Riverside schools where she has implemented the promise of high-quality education for all students. Through C.A.R.E. (Care, Academic achievement, reducing service gaps, and Excellence every time), students are the priority to make sure they are developing their full potential through excellence from staff and community.

“Ms. Renee Hill is an exemplary leader and advocate for RUSD students, and I would like to celebrate and thank her,” said Assembly Member Jose Medina.

Renee Hill, a 28-year educator at Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) has taught at all levels and been an exemplary leader for the region. In less than one year of taking the job, her tenacity, vision and commitment to public education have helped navigate RUSD through some serious crises and challenges.

It’s no wonder why Assembly Member Jose Medina (D-Riverside) has announced Superintendent Renee Hill as the 2022 Woman of the Year for Assembly District 61.