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28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk-a-thon: Join us on January 17th as we pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! This year our theme is ‘A Legacy of Strength, A Future of Action’. Our 5K walk will start at Stratton Center and end at the Riverside Main Library with a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on Main Street. Free shuttle services back to Stratton Center will be available every half hour beginning at 11 am. Registration will begin at 7:30 AM at Stratton Center. The Walk will begin promptly at 10 AM at the entrance of the Center. Free shuttle service back to Stratton Center will be available every half hour beginning at 11 AM. After the walk join us for a short program (honoring local honorees), booths, entertainment, performances and a contest for the organization with the greatest number of walkers. This year’s Honorees include: Councilmember Erin Edward, Dr. Judy White, Andy Melendrez, Leila Bensaid, and Chani Beeman. Proceeds from the Walk-A-Thon will benefit the Riverside African American Historical Society to support: The Civil Rights Institute, Clarke & Grier College Scholarships and for the maintenance and upkeep of the Martin Luther King Jr. statue.

2022 MLK Day of Service-Exchange club of Fontana: Residents of all ages and backgrounds are invited to advance the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 2022 MLK Day of Service on January 21. Join hundreds of volunteers in making it a “day on, not a day off” by completing service projects throughout the community. To volunteer, please register by contacting Brock Champion at bchampion@ofy.org or call (909) 315-9154. Participants will complete a variety of projects such as painting, beautifying schools, serving meals, and more. To make the event a success, local Fontana-area service projects are needed.  Non-profit organizations are invited to submit their (3) hour project requests to Brock Champion at bchampion@ofy.org or call (909) 315-9154.

21st Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast: The MLK Breakfast Tribute will be Monday, January 17, 2022, from 8:30am to 11:00am. Workshops following from 11:30am to 1:00pm. at the Ontario Airport Doubletree Hotel. Sponsors welcome, advertise in our program book. Looking forward to seeing you there. Please RSVP to Trudy Coleman at (909) 418-8530. or Alice Anderson at (909) 717-9448.

City of Inglewood 39th Annual King Fest Celebration: The 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is almost here! The event will be held on Monday, January 17, 2022, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and include a commemorative parade and family festival at the Fabulous Forum. You don’t want to miss the 39th annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King. Masks and proof of vaccination for persons 12 years and older are required by organizer for entry into the festival. For more information on sponsorship, vendor opportunities, and parade participation, contact the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department: (310) 412-8750.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon: Monday, January 17, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Hilton Garden Inn Victorville located at 12603 Mariposa Road in Victorville. For tickets, go here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-luncheon-tickets-222073657287

Black Lives Matter Pasadena Martin Luther King Protest: Black Lives Matter Pasadena will be leading a protest beginning at the corner of Raymond Avenue and Holly Street. The protest will be on Monday, January 17, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Corner of Raymond Avenue and Holly Street at 85 E Holly Street in Pasadena.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service (Virtual): The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), invites you to the 9th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This event will be held virtually via Zoom. This year’s celebration, “Living, Dreaming, believing in a Clean Air Future” focuses on partnering with communities to address air pollution and the inequalities of environmental justice. South Coast AQMD’s partnership with the communities are vital to improving air quality for all residents of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-of-service-tickets-214304379167

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace Allen

Testing The Test!

The test for COVID-19 is being suggested by some and required by some others. Various activities and events may require evidence of a negative test in order to participate or attend. Having a negative test days before the planned activity or event is often the recommended policy that represents the safe way to gather with others.

Does a negative result from a COVID-19 test truly indicate the COVID-19 status of the person who took the test?

Should we consider the recent exposure that occurred too recently for the test to detect or exposure any time after the test?

Thinking it through seems to suggest that the only thing that the test can really determine is if someone were negative at the time of the test, which is not an indication of their immediate, and certainly not their long-term status, such as one day later.

Taking the vaccine has become a social argument that is now documenting strong results for the vaccinated; however, the unvaccinated have among them some that take the efficiency gaps in bureaucratic policy, logic and procedures as reason to fight the shot.

If we were all tested daily, we would find people that test positive today who tested negative yesterday.

Insisting that taking the test is a truly relevant procedure feeds that skepticism. The energy and resources used on testing are probably better used elsewhere.

REDLANDS, CA—- — In partnership with the Garner Holt Foundation, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) hosted the Animatronics Academy Career Camp, an immersive education and career exploration event. Students from schools across San Bernardino County Schools participated from Jan. 5-7.

“The skills you will learn over the next several days will help you succeed no matter what career path you choose,” County Superintendent Ted Alejandre said in his welcome address to the students. “The ability to think both critically and creatively will be one of your most important assets throughout your life.”

Eligible students in grades six through 12, who are enrolled in San Bernardino County Schools or programs, attended the camp each day at the Garner Holt Education through Imagination headquarters in Redlands.

Through hands-on exploration of robotics, engineering, advanced manufacturing, automation and the visual and performing arts, students gained insight into the creative industries through theme park animatronics.

“I thought it was really cool to see how small items like pieces of plastic and whatnot can become something big like an animatronic,” said Olivia, a student from Wilson Elementary. “I believe that most people think that children don’t really have what it takes to do something big in this world, but that’s not true. They can actually do really good things.”

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre listens to a student as she explains her plans to create an animatronic bird.

Garner Holt, the world’s leading producer of animatronics for theme parks, inspired and guided students during the camp.

“It’s all about the success of the kids and giving them hope for the future,” said Holt. “County Schools has been so supportive of what we’re doing… I think it’s great that schools are seeing the value.”

Over the course of Animatronics Academy Career Camp, students were encouraged to share ideas, give and receive feedback, practice the art of collaboration, and, ultimately, invest in themselves through the relationships they build.

Throughout the experience, students developed life and leadership skills as they worked in teams to create animatronic birds for a show at the end of the week. The students learned a number of skills including coding, programming, set design and script writing throughout the construction and production phases. The camp culminated with a showcase that allowed students to spotlight their work, share their process and reflect on what the experience meant to them.

Students participating in the Animatronics Academy Career Camp worked in teams to create animatronic birds for a show at the end of the multi-day camp.

SBCSS provided transportation to ensure equitable access to the camp for all San Bernardino County Schools students who were eligible to attend.

The Garner Holt Foundation provides the Animatronics Academy Career Camp, a multi-day experiential STEAM learning event, which capitalizes on the industry experience and expertise of Garner Holt Productions, Inc. and their worldwide portfolio of theme park animatronic design, production, animation and installation.

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre and Garner Holt interact with students participating in the Animatronics Academy Career Camp.

The New Year brings strong support for underserved communities during the pandemic.

COSTA MESA, Calif. (January XX, 2022) – Leading information services company Experian announced today a $375,000 contribution to four nonprofit organizations that directly support African American communities, as they emerge from challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. These donations will help organizations with operating expenses, and allow for the development of new programs and initiatives.

“Nonprofits have been a critical resource for underserved communities and continue to be resilient in the face of the health and financial crises caused by the pandemic,” said Abigail Lovell, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility for Experian. “In addition to our work together and reaching out with the message of financial inclusion for all, this is an opportunity to provide real support with their general operating expenses. We hope the funds will enable them to strengthen their impact in the communities that need help the most and lessen the wealth gap in society.”

Experian has contributed to the following four nonprofit organizations:

• United Negro College Fund (UNCF) – UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that UNCF’s network of member institutions is a respected model of best practices in moving students to and through college.
• National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Fund – The NNPA Fund promotes scholastic and professional initiatives designed to honor the historic mission of the Black Press: to explore and celebrate black culture, fill the void in news coverage of the Black experience, and provide compelling content that educates, engages, inspires and empowers consumers.
• California Black Media (CBM) – CBM exists to facilitate communication between the Black community, media, grassroots organizations, and policy makers by providing fact-based reporting to a network of over 21 Black media outlets on leading public policy issues.
• The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) – TLF’s mission is to increase the number of ethnic minorities in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations by providing scholarships, career and professional development workshops, mentorships, and internships/entry-level positions to African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students.

Experian’s contribution will support the development of a new financial literacy program by The LAGRANT Foundation. The TLF-created program will provide ethnic minority college and university students, as well as young professionals, seeking careers in the fields of advertising, marketing and public relations with the knowledge, guidance and resources needed to become financially literate while gaining an understanding of proper credit card use and financial planning.

Investing in underserved communities is a key pillar of Experian’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, which is committed to investing time, resources and partnerships to create a better tomorrow by helping millions gain access to essential everyday services, facilitating inclusion and diversity, and managing Experian’s environmental footprint responsibly.

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About Experian

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have 20,000 people operating across 44 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people, and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.

Charles Patterson freed himself from slavery and built C.R. Patterson and Sons from the ground up

R. Patterson and Sons may not be a familiar name to many, but this small automobile manufacturer is the first and only African American-owned car company. Charles Richard Patterson was born enslaved on a Virginia plantation in 1833. Twenty-eight years later, in 1861, Charles escaped the plantation and traveled to Greenfield, Ohio, to begin a new life. In 1873, he partnered with carriage manufacturer J.P. Lowe and began the successful business of manufacturing horse carriages. Charles then bought out Lowe’s shares of the business and re-established the company as C. R. Patterson and Sons in 1893, with his oldest son, Frederick, taking on more of an ownership role.

In 1910, Charles Richard Patterson died and left the business to Frederick, who quickly began converting the company into an automobile manufacturer. The hard work of shifting the scope of the business culminated in the introduction of the Patterson-Greenfield automobile in 1915. It was sold for $685 and featured a four-cylinder Continental engine that competed with Ford’s Model T.

Unfortunately, like many smaller automobile manufacturers of this time, C. R. Patterson and Sons could neither match the speed of Ford’s manufacturing nor its economies of scale. This led to another strategy change for C.R. Patterson and Sons, which started creating trucks and buses using Ford and General Motors chassis for the next several years. In 1939 after the Great Depression, C. R. Patterson and Sons was forced to close its doors for the last time.

Although the story of C. R. Patterson and Sons is not widely known, it was a multi-generational success story, securing Charles’ and Frederick’s place in the automotive history books. Unfortunately, the Smithsonian reports, there aren’t any known Patterson-Greenfield automobiles that have survived to 2020, as it was estimated that only around 150 were ever built, but the Greenfield Historical Society does have a C. R. Patterson buggy which looks to be kept in great condition. You can learn more about the business and these inspiring individuals by checking out the National Museum of African American History and Culture and The Smithsonian or by checking out the book “The C. R. Patterson and Sons Company: Black Pioneers in the Vehicle Building Industry, 1865-1939”.

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

People who the state of California had a hand in forcing or coercing to undergo vasectomies or get their tubes tied are now eligible for compensation. The payments will come from a $7.5 million state fund.

Some of those victims, both men and women, were sterilized without their consent or knowledge.

“California is committed to confronting this dark chapter in the state’s past and addressing the impacts of this shameful history still being felt by Californians today,” said Gov. Newsom last week when he announced the program which began Jan 1 and is included as a line item in the state’s 2021-22 budget.

The Governor’s office estimates that there about 600 survivors, eligible and alive, who underwent the now-illegal method of birth control either at state medical facilities or in prison.

The survivors have until Dec. 31, 2023, to apply for compensation. $4.5 million of the fund will be used for payments evenly divided among people who apply and are approved. Each will receive a check for an amount up to $25,000 dollars.

Another $2 million will be used for public information campaigns promoting the program. $1 million will be used to create and install commemorative plaques at locations where “the wrongful sterilization of thousands of vulnerable people” happened, according to the Governor’s office.

Last year, Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) wrote and introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1007 that proposed the program and served as the basis for funding the policy, which was included in the state budget after negotiations with legislative leaders.

Carillo said the launch of the program represents a victory that “comes to fruition after decades of advocacy.” She also highlighted the fact most of the victims were low-income, living with disabilities, or were people of color.

“We often discuss a woman’s right to choose, which includes the choice of becoming a mother, to become a parent. California’s eugenics laws have taken that away from many people,” said Carillo. “This is only the first step in addressing this wrong.”

She was referring to the practice, legal in California, that authorized state-run healthcare facilities to sterilize people that they considered “unfit for reproduction.”

“The compensation finally admits that California was in violation of human rights and reproductive justice. As a state, we must and can do more to recognize the horrific impact of eugenic sterilization programs on California families, and the devastating consequences of this failed attempt to eradicate populations.”

California’s sterilization law remained in effect from 1909, when the Assembly approved it, until 1979 when it was overturned. During that period, an estimated 20,000 people were sterilized.

In 2003, Gov. Gray Davis issued an apology to survivors.

“California led the way in eugenics as legislation was copied across the United States and used as a model for Adolf Hitler throughout World War II,” according to a statement Carillo’s office released.

State-sponsored sterilizations, however, continued in California prisons at least until 2010, according to the State Auditor’s office. That policy was banned in 2014.

Survivors can apply for payments through California’s Forced or Involuntary Sterilization Compensation Program, according to Gov Newsom’s office. The California Victim Compensation Board is responsible for administering the program.

The board says the identities of applicants will be kept confidential and payments will not impact a claimant’s trust, or Medicaid or Social Security status or benefits. The state will also not consider compensation survivors receive as income for state tax or child support purposes.

Gov. Newsom said the program is part of a broader state initiative to redress historical injustices.

“While we can never fully make amends for what they’ve endured, the state will do all it can to ensure survivors of wrongful sterilization receive compensation,” the governor said.

To apply, survivors should visit www.victims.ca.gov/fiscp, reach out to CalVCB at 800-777-9229, or send an email to

fiscp@victims.ca.gov to obtain an application. They can also send a letter to P.O. Box 591, Sacramento, CA 95812-0591.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Four high school teams have advanced to the semifinals of the 40th annual San Bernardino County Mock Trial competition. Currently, Los Osos High School (Gold Team), Oak Hills High School (White Team), Ontario Christian High School and Redlands High School are scheduled to compete in person at the San Bernardino Superior Courthouse on Jan. 12 and 13. Updates to this schedule will be announced prior to the event if circumstances necessitate a change in venue or transition to a virtual platform.

Twenty-eight teams throughout San Bernardino County competed virtually in four preliminary rounds of Mock Trial, which ended on Dec. 8. Only four teams secured a spot in the semifinals.

Los Osos (Gold Team) from Chaffey Joint Union High School District will showcase their legal skills against Redlands High School from Redlands Unified School District while Ontario Christian competes against Oak Hills (White Team) from Hesperia Unified School District for a spot in the finals. Each team will have an opportunity to argue their case as both the prosecution and defense. Only two teams will emerge from the two-day competition with a coveted spot in the finals event on Jan. 22.

The Mock Trial competition simulates a criminal case in which high school students portray principal courtroom attorneys and witnesses, representing both the prosecution and defense. Students present their case before a real judge and use constitutional amendments and legal objections.

This year’s case is People v. Cobey—the trial of Jamie Cobey, a horticulturist living in the community of Burnsley, California. Cobey is charged with the homicide of Cobey’s landlord and next-door neighbor, Erik Smith. Cobey is accused of intentionally placing a venomous snake in Smith’s mailbox, which fatally bit Smith and led to his death. Prosecution teams will argue that the defendant should either be convicted of first-degree murder or the lesser-included offense of voluntary manslaughter.

The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office co-sponsor the event. The winner of the county competition will advance to the California Mock Trial Finals scheduled for March 18 – 20.

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

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino County Public Health Department on Friday (Dec. 17) delivered more than 1,000 over the counter COVID-19 testing kits and face masks to Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (C.O.P.E.), a nonprofit faith-based organization of Black churches in the county.

“Our County is among the first in California to provide these over-the-counter tests to our nonprofits,” said San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “We are leading the way on COVID-19 response by working with trusted community organizations to provide tests kits and masks to keep our communities safe and healthy.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the County has worked in partnership with C.O.P.E. to get people tested and vaccinated, Hagman said.

C.O.P.E.’s mission is to train and develop the capacity of religious and lay leaders in congregations across the Inland Empire to protect and revitalize the communities in which they live, work, and worship.

“On behalf of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (C.O.P.E.), and Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC), we want to thank Supervisor Curt Hagman, as well as the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health for always being great partners,” said C.O.P.E. Executive Director Pastor Samuel Casey. “This is another layer of great partnership in stemming the tide of the pandemic as we see a rise in COVID cases. These take-home kits are a great resource for the community, especially for those who distrust the testing and vaccination process. This partnership is a positive and powerful way to end 2021.”

Friday’s delivery of testing kits and masks to C.O.P.E. was the first group of free supplies that will go out to eligible nonprofit organizations. Non-profit organizations can request an allocation of COVID-19 tests by submitting a request form here. Test kits will be available for distribution starting the week of Dec. 20.

Rapid antigen tests provide results in as little as 10 minutes. Individuals 14 or older can perform the test directly. Adults can help perform the test for children aged 2 or older. The test can be used for individuals with or without symptoms. People who get a positive test result, should self-isolate at home and avoid contact with others and follow care instructions from their healthcare provider.

“Testing continues to be a priority in San Bernardino County and providing COVID testing resources to our non-profit organizations is another way we can mitigate COVID-19 transmission in our community,” said Public Health Director Josh Dugas. “As we enter the holiday season, we want to ensure that travelers have access to fast, reliable, and easy-to-use COVID testing and be able to provide documentation of their results.”

To learn more about the On/Go rapid antigen kit, call the Public Health COVID-19 Testing Program Coordinator at (909) 501-8285.

RIALTO, CA—- California’s Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Natalie Palugyai as Secretary of California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) in July 2021, making her the first Latina to ever serve in this post. Last Thursday, Secretary Pulagyai visited the Inland Empire with the California Workforce Development Agency leadership in tow to learn more about High Road Training Partnership grant recipient, IEWorks, a regional water/wastewater workforce collaborative delivering equitable water/wastewater career pathways.

 “I really want to recognize the hard work and partnerships that have come together to make this training program happen,” stated Secretary Palugyai in her opening remarks. “Let’s use these opportunities to break down barriers and do things differently and be ok with testing those new approaches.”

Secretary Pulagyi visited West Valley Water District to explore their operations at the Olivier P. Roemer Water Filtration Facility and to meet participants from IEWorks. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, roughly one-third of the water sector will be eligible to retire in the next ten years. In the Inland Empire, experts project a total of about 835 openings in critical water industry occupations due to workers retiring or transferring to new careers.

“We were thankful to host Secretary Pulagyai and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency to share our progress within the region on building equitable pathways to water/wastewater careers,” shared IEWorks cofounder and West Valley Water District President Channing Hawkins. “Our goal with IEWorks is to create a unique model that involves collaboration amongst water/wastewater agencies, underrepresented communities, and harnessing our collective resources to ensure we create meaningful opportunities for Inland Empire families.”

IEWorks was created from an unprecedented partnership between seven local water agencies, works to address this expected shortage of skilled workers by creating a qualified pipeline of aspiring local water and wastewater professionals. IEWorks also partners with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) and BAYWORK, a consortium of Bay Area water and wastewater utilities, to leverage their successes and best practices. Through a $1 million state grant, the High Road Training Partnership assists IEWorks in recruiting and training 100 jobseekers in underrepresented areas of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Today, 12 interns have participated in the program, with one being hired after their internship. Funding is utilized to provide wraparound services and alleviate burdens associated with job training and attending school, such as transportation vouchers, childcare, and providing livable wages to participants.

“The need to modernize and enhance our operations and infrastructure is fueled by the impact of the climate crisis,” stated IEWorks cofounder and Western Municipal Water District Vice President Gracie Torres. “With forthcoming retirements, droughts, and a need to meet our region’s water needs, we must address the upcoming gap by creating a qualified and prepared workforce that will be able to staff these facilities and lead us into the future of water/wastewater.”

Pictured (from left to right): 1 California Labor Secretary Natalie Palugyai is pictured with IEWorks cofounders, West Valley Water District President Channing Hawkins, and Western Municipal Water District Vice President Gracie Torres.

Representatives from San Bernardino Community College District, local water and utility districts, California Workforce Development Board President Dr. Angelo Farooq, and California State Senator Connie Leyva were amongst the guests in attendance and participated in a tour that highlighted the process which treats surface water from Lytle Creek and the State Water Project delivered through Lake Silverwood. The Olivier P. Roemer facility is scheduled to expand through a $25 million investment to increase capacity by 7.2 million gallons per day (MGD) to meet regional water demands, address water supply reliability, and support regional groundwater sustainability management efforts.

For participants interested and agencies looking to join, visit IEWorks.org to learn more or contact program manager Scott Goodell at scott@ieworks.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- At its December 15 Council meeting, City Manager Robert Field introduced two recently hired members of the city leadership team – Human Resources Director Rene Anderson and Director of Information Technology Rolland Kornblau.

“Both Rene and Rolland bring a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to San Bernardino,” said City Manager Robert Field. “We are very pleased to have them both as part of the team serving our residents.”

In the role of Director of Human Resources, Rene Anderson oversees the recruitment, employment, classification, compensation, employee relations, training and development, performance evaluation, benefits, and workers’ compensation for San Bernardino.

When asked about her decision to come to San Bernadino, Anderson replied, “I am thrilled about the opportunity to connect with the resilient employees here at the city. It’s exciting to be a part of the revitalizing of the community while rebuilding its workforce.”

Anderson joins the city after spending 19 years at the City of Los Angeles and fifteen years in the private sector. While at L.A., she worked for the Public Works, the Port of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power, and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). As the Employee Relations Manager for LAWA, she handled a workforce of over 3,500 sworn and civilian employees. Anderson holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix and bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from California State Dominguez Hills

As Director of Information Technology, Rolland. Kornblau is responsible for leading the City’s technology strategy and managing overall IT operations, including customer service.

For the past five years, Kornblau was the Director of Technology at the El Rancho Unified School District in Pico Rivera, where he was directly responsible for seventeen locations including fifteen school sites. Under his direction, the district replaced all network hardware, replaced wireless hardware and software, installed a voice over internet protocol phone system, and transitioned many applications to the cloud for security and redundancy.

Kornblau has 23 years of Technology experience working in all levels of Information Technology. Prior to his role at El Rancho, he served in several roles, including Director of Technology for the Whittier City School District. He holds a BA degree in Information Systems from American Sentinel University and a MPA from California State, Northridge.