Tag Archives: slider

The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education recently promoted career educator and San Bernardino native Ana Applegate to assistant superintendent of the Educational Services Division, which oversees the academic achievement of students from kindergarten through high school. 

Applegate, first hired to teach at Hunt Elementary School in 1993, will oversee key departments like Elementary Instruction and Secondary Education, Professional Development, and Multilingual Programs, among others vital to student learning. With an estimated 48,000 students, SBCUSD is the ninth largest school district in California.

Applegate assumes her new leadership role amid challenging school closures prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, which has placed greater emphasis and demand on remote teaching and learning. She will be tasked with strengthening the District’s distance learning program while also preparing for the eventual return of students to in-class learning when it’s deemed safe to reopen schools, as guided by local and state guidelines.

Although Applegate is a familiar face inside and outside the District, she was formally introduced to the community during the November 17 virtual Board of Education meeting. 

“I’m committed to working to provide all our students the highest quality educational experience in order to prepare them for college and careers,” Applegate said. “The relationships we build with students, families, and employees are an important foundation for our work.”

Most recently Applegate served as director of Multilingual Programs, where she was responsible for overseeing all of the English Learner programs, implementing the International Newcomer Academy at Pacific High School, and the trilingual program (English, Spanish, and Vietnamese) at Belvedere Elementary School. Prior to that role, she held a variety of positions, including mentoring new teachers. Applegate earned her bachelor’s degree and bilingual cross-cultural credential from California State University, San Bernardino. She earned her master’s degree in Education Administration from Azusa Pacific University.

Applegate is the third cabinet member to be promoted from within the District’s administrative ranks in recent months, which is attributed to the quality of educational leadership within the District, said Interim Superintendent Dr. Harold J. Vollkommer.

“As educators, we are in the business of building human potential,” Vollkommer said. “Ana is a progressive leader with a clear vision to help our students succeed academically. She takes that responsibility very seriously. Her passion for students and institutional knowledge are assets to our school district.”

By Dana Givens, Black Enterprise

Fast-food giant McDonald’s is moving toward making their senior leadership more diverse. This week, the corporation announced the appointment of Tiffanie Boyd to assume the role of senior vice president U.S chief people officer.

The former General Mills human resources manager brings a vast amount of experience working in a range of roles including human resources leadership, supply chain, and foodservice. The Minnesota resident worked for the company for 23 years before transiting to McDonald’s.

In a company memo written by EVP, Global Chief People Officer Heidi Capozzi, McDonald’s expressed how Boyd’s appointment was a part of its larger mission toward its commitment to its consumers.” As part of our 2021-2022 U.S. Own the Ambition plan, Crew Experience is our most important growth priority,” the company wrote. “In partnership with owner/operator leadership, we intend to make bold moves for our people as we roll out our Employee Value Proposition and People Purpose throughout the System.”

The news comes after the company recently announced the appointment of Reginald Miller to serve as the company’s global chief diversity equity and inclusion officer.

“I’m proud to join a company with such a powerful brand and broad presence across our country. I look forward to working with franchisees to bring the McDonald’s values to life through our people and their employee experience, as well as the communities in which we operate,” says Boyd in a statement sent to BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“My goal is to ensure that McDonald’s is a place where people love the work they do, have opportunities to grow, and can make a meaningful contribution to society. As I step into my role, my first priority will be to spend time with employees, managers, crew, owner/operators, and other partners who bring the iconic McDonald’s brand to life.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The SBMLK DAY planning committee of decided to cancel their physical parade for 2021, to ensure the safety of the community and its members. Faced with challenges, it was decided to push forth with a virtual event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A collective of community organizations along with YouthBuild Inland Empire, is excited to present, ‘Facing Adversity During the Storm’ a one-day virtual parade & extravaganza celebration scheduled to take place Monday, January 18, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This virtual celebration will be an informative and educational event featuring a short film, panel discussion, entertainment from local artists, storytelling, and celebrity guest appearances and more.

The committee is seeking your participation as one of their Story Tellers. They will be shooting at a theater located in the City of Ontario on Saturday, January 9. If available, the address and time will be forwarded to you. Story Tellers will have a total of 4 minutes to share with the community. Please note that they will take every precaution to maintain social distancing. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information or assistance, please call the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce at 1.888.466.7408 ext. 11 or email Lue@blackchamberofcommerce.org or YouthBuild Inland Empire 909.890.9106 or email info@blackchamberofcommerce.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes honored Shirrell McCarey as the 2020 Veteran of the Year for the 47th Assembly District, during the 4th Annual event held virtually this year due to COVID-19.

Shirrell McCarey served in the U.S. Navy, both active duty and reserve, from 1977 to 2012 as a Naval Commander. During this time Shirrell McCarey would serve in the final stages of the Vietnam War and she would also serve in the Gulf War. Her military career would see her be deployed to Vietnam, Grenada, Chernobyl, and the Middle East. After her time in the military, she would become a mental health advisor for the Loma Linda Mental Health Advisory Board for fifteen years.

In addition to her service and leadership, she maintains a membership with the California Leadership for Women, Cal Vets, Disabled American Veterans, and is the Lecture Knight for the Elk Lodge in Victorville. Mrs. McCarey’s primary interest is serving as a mental health advisor for veterans across the country. As a mental health advisor, Mrs. McCarey acts as a counselor to veterans suffering from things like PTSD, other mental health issues, and physical issues. This role also allows her to act as a mediator between veterans and their doctors regarding their mental and physical needs. 

After a review of the many nominations, twenty-five veterans were selected as finalists from throughout the community for the Veteran of the Year award which honors veterans who live, work, or volunteer in the 47th Assembly District who have served our country, protecting our freedoms, and who continue to serve our community. “I congratulate Shirrell McCarey for her selection as the 2020 Veteran of the Year for the 47^th Assembly District. Mrs. McCarey served our country honorably during her time in the U.S. Navyand she was honorable discharged in 2011. Mrs. McCarey has received several awards over her illustrious career including the Unit Citation Award and Good Conduct Medal but the award she is most proud of is the one she received from Loma Lima VA clinic. She received her award on May 25, 2016, after saving the lives of three veterans during a hostage situation where she was able to get the suspect to surrender peacefully via negotiations. The dedication she has demonstrated in supporting her fellow veterans is just one example of how tries to fulfill her life’s mission to uplift others. I’m proud to honor a good soldier and a good friend,” said Assemblymember Reyes. 

Veteran of the Year Finalists for the 47th District:

Heather Lee – Grand Terrace

Toshiro Henry “Hank” Kanbara – Grand Terrace

Hector Reynoso – Colton

Raymond Gómez – Colton

Julie Calderilla Porter – Colton

Eloy Sanchez – Colton

Bob Amaro – Colton

Arlie Hubbard – Colton

Mike Humphrey – Colton

Steven Miranda – Bloomington

Ben Munoz – Bloomington

Artist Gilbert – Rialto

Agustin Ramirez – San Bernardino

Gil Narvarro – San Bernardino

Judy Bryant – San Bernardino

Cynthia La Verne Epps – San Bernardino

Reverend Ching Lee Trenchard – San Bernardino

Basil Kimbrew – San Bernardino

Shirrell McCarey – San Bernardino

Joseph Mosely – San Bernardino

Martin Daly – Fontana

Kylee Quintanilla – Fontana

Howard Eckert – Fontana

Dennis Acron – Fontana

For more information on the Veteran of the Year and finalists contact District Representative Daissy Arteaga at (909) 381-3238 or email at Daissy.Arteaga@asm.ca.gov

Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.

Grounded Self-Care studio offers meditation, yoga and other self care practices for inner healing.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Sunday, November 8, Grounded held its grand opening in the heart of Downtown San Bernardino. The Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Cities assisted with the promotion and support of the ribbon cutting, along with Assemblymember Eloise Reyes. Below are a few words that the founder, Destinee Frye, stated about her purpose and mission with Grounded:

It was all a dream. Chasing purpose is an interesting experience. My husband thought I was crazy, I thought I was crazy, but God said it was time, so I moved.

Yesterday, I saw people moved to tears, to laughter, breathing a little bit easier because they experienced a breakthrough, they didn’t know they needed.

All a reminder that all of the sacrifice was worth it. I chose my purpose over emotions, over expectations, over opinions, over logic, over common sense, over comfort, and I’ll keep choosing it over and over again. 

Thank you to everyone who has believed in the process, new believers, and the ones that have been rocking with me since the beginning. WE did it! And we’re just getting started! 

Grounded Self-Care Studio is located at 381 N E Street in San Bernardino. 

By Derek Major

Former Vice President Joe Biden has now become President-Elect after being named the projected winner of the 2020 presidential election. Supporters were quick to show their support.

“Finally, I want to thank everyone who worked, organized and volunteered for the Biden campaign, every American who got involved in their own way and everybody who voted for the first time,” Obama wrote. “I know it can be exhausting, but for this democracy to endure, it requires our active citizenship and sustained focus on the issues—not just in an election season, but all the days in between.”

Biden was declared the winner Saturday morning, after days of ballot counting, protests, and Donald Trump’s wildly false claims about election fraud. Biden won states on both coasts, including Washington, California, Oregon, and Nevada as well as New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey. But it was the states in the middle of the country that made the difference. Biden and Harris also took Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, the last two of which flipped from Republican.

The former first lady also congratulated Biden and his wife, Jill, as well as Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff.

I’m beyond thrilled that my friend @JoeBiden and our first Black and Indian-American woman Vice President, @KamalaHarris, are headed to restore some dignity, competence, and heart at the White House. Our country sorely needs it. pic.twitter.com/yXqQ3tYRoa

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) November 7, 2020

“I’m beyond thrilled that my friend @JoeBiden and our first Black and Indian-American woman Vice President, @KamalaHarris, are headed to restore some dignity, competence, and heart at the White House. Our country sorely needs it,” the former first lady wrote on Twitter.

Hillary and Bill Clinton also expressed their congratulations to Biden’s and Harris for winning the White House.

“America has spoken and democracy has won,” tweeted former President Bill Clinton, less than an hour after the Associated Press officially called the election for Biden after receiving the 270 electoral college votes necessary. Hillary Clinton wrote “It’s a history-making ticket, a repudiation of Trump, and a new page for America.”

CNN reported Sunday Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) both called and congratulated Joe Biden on his election victory. They were the only two Republicans to express their support to Biden and Harris.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, November 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County in collaboration with Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy and San Bernardino Valley College will be hosting their annual turkey giveaway at San Bernardino Valley College located at 701 South Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. 

Due to COVID, there are some restrictions. The restrictions include: Must pre-register online to attend; must be a resident of San Bernardino County; and one vehicle per household may participate. Please register at: https://annualturkey.eventbrite.com. Entrance begins at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Avenue at Esperanza Street. 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— A number of residents have asked what County leaders are doing to persuade Gov. Gavin Newsom and other State officials to offer more flexibility on COVID-related restrictions and allow more businesses to reopen. Make no mistake, the County has been hard at work on a daily basis throughout the pandemic trying to influence leaders in Sacramento.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman says he and other County officials and staff are in contact with federal, State and local officials on a daily basis. Much of this effort focuses on requesting alterations in State guidelines and securing additional pandemic-related resources for the county.

These efforts have delivered some notable results. Specifically, we have worked with the State to resume business activities serving communities in Purple Tier counties such as ours. Some of these specific businesses and activities we have fought to open include:

• Personal care services
• Campgrounds and outdoor recreation (with modifications)
• Hotels and lodging (with modifications)
• Libraries, retailers and shopping malls (25% capacity)
• Youth sports
• Allowing for in-person worship in churches and places of worship with restrictions. 

We have also secured commitments from the State for additional testing and critical financial resources, as well as:

• Waivers that have allowed 100 schools in the county to open for in-person instruction
• More than $13 million to help provide temporary and permanent housing for the county’s homeless residents
• More than $50 million in federal CARES Act funding for a variety of services associated with combating COVID-19
• Almost $40 million to help backfill revenue losses associated with the pandemic

Our efforts to relax state mandates

While the County’s efforts have resulted in the State’s providing of additional resources, Chairman Hagman says convincing the governor to relax many of the State’s pandemic-related mandates has been a much harder sell.

Specifically, San Bernardino County has pushed hard for the state to recognize our county’s unique characteristics (primarily our immense geography), that would allow less populated rural areas to be treated differently than densely populated urban areas.

“We not only are the largest county in the lower 48 states, but we also have remote communities that have experienced literally zero infections,” Chairman Hagman said. “So we’ve been asking the State to allow us to adjust requirements based on things like population and infection rates. We’ve also emphasized a variety of practical challenges — such as requiring churches in desert communities to hold worship services outdoors when temperatures approach and exceed 100 degrees.”

He believes Governor Newsom is concerned about setting precedents for counties that don’t share San Bernardino’s unique conditions, but will nevertheless demand similar accommodations. Still, Chairman Hagman emphasizes that the County has no intention of easing up on its efforts.

“We have been very vocal in advocating a relaxation of many of the rules associated with reopening businesses, and have been particularly aggressive in seeking accommodations for churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship,” he said. “We’ve seen some success in that area, but are continuing to press our efforts.”

Ignoring the State not a viable option

Though some residents have argued that the county should either simply ignore the State’s directives or take a much more aggressive approach in demanding accommodations, Chairman Hagman said the county’s more cooperative tone has yielded better results — and that defying the State presents a number of unacceptable risks.

“In most of our communications, we have emphasized our willingness to work with the state for the benefit of county residents and others throughout California,” he said. “I am convinced that our cooperative attitude and tone has brought more benefits to San Bernardino County, and that a belligerent attitude would likely backfire.”

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY—- As we await to see will win the Presidential election, we can celebrate on the local side of things. Mayor of Rialto, Deborah Robertson and Assemblymember Eloise Reyes Gomez were among those who were re-elected. So, congratulations to those ladies. They have both been instrumental in bringing about major change to the community. Other good news is that Proposition 17 was passed as well as Proposition 22, and Proposition 20 was rejected. 

Proposition 17 / Free the Vote Act is an amendment to the California constitution restoring the right to vote for people on parole. Now, over 50,000 people on parole in California will be able to vote in the next election. SOI is proud to be a part of the coalition of organizers that worked on the campaign to free the vote. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers that phone banked, did voter registration and helped to get out the vote. 

Proposition 20 was a prison spending scam that would have put more people in prison with longer sentences by turning misdemeanors to felonies and reducing parole options. California rejected Prop 20 and returning back to tough on crime policies.

California voters listened to the hundreds of thousands of drivers like you who want to remain independent. Your story, your voice and your support made this possible, and victory for Prop 22 wouldn’t have happened without you. With the passage of Prop 22, you get to keep your flexibility and will gain new historic benefits.

To see the results for San Bernardino County, please click below

On Sunday, November 8, please join women’s fashion and accessories retailer, Lady MV, for an exclusive fashion show competition and model mixer. The mixer will take place at 6 p.m./PST across Lady MV’s social platforms (Facebook, Instagram) @ladymv. Krystal Yvonne’s social handle is @krystal_yvonne. The winner will receive a cash prize of $500, as well as other prizes.