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YUCAIPA, CA– – Crafton Hills College (CHC) announces its summer class schedule, providing an opportunity for prospective and current students to get started or get ahead in their education at an affordable cost.

Summer class tuition averages $150 and includes free textbook rentals. The sessions begin on May 28, June 10, and July 1 and feature five, eight and ten-week courses.

CHC provides a wide range of courses catering to different interests and career paths. Noteworthy class offerings for summer include:

• Counseling-110: An introduction to career planning for the first-time career seeker. This course explores academic, personal and career goals through assessment and self-exploration.
• Child Development-105: Examines physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from conception through adolescence.
• Multimedia-100: Introduction to multimedia technologies, covering principles of design and media production, including digital media for print, screen, animation, interactivity and 3D design.
• Business Administration-103: This course focuses on human resource management, highlighting the impact and accountability of human resources activities in organizations.

Additionally, students can get ahead on general education requirements essential for transfer with classes such as:

• English-101: Freshman Composition
• Biology-100: General Biology
• CommStudies-100: Public Speaking

Classes are expected to fill up quickly. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure their spots.

For more information and to apply, visit craftonhills.edu/Summer24 or call CHC Student Services at 909-389-3372.

By Bo Tefu, Lila Brown and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Last week, the California State Senate voted to advance three landmark reparations bills authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood). The bills aim to redress the economic and social injustices stemming from chattel slavery in the American South and more than a century of state-sectioned discriminatory practices that followed the Civil War.

The package of legislation now moves to the State Assembly for consideration.

The historic vote on Senate Bill (SB) 1403, SB 1050, and SB 1331 was held on the Senate floor late in the afternoon on May 21, while supporters representing several reparations advocacy groups observed from the gallery.

“l appreciate my Legislative colleagues who have directly faced this important issue and shown great courage by passing these historic pieces of legislation,” said Bradford. “I look forward to working with the members of the Assembly to similarly pass these bills so we can present them to Governor Newsom for his signature.”

SB 1403 establishes the framework for the establishment of the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency (CAFAA), a state-level department that would administer all reparations activities. It passed with a 30-7 vote.

SB 1050 would offer compensation to Black Californians who lost homes or had their land taken without fair compensation as a result of the racially motivated misuse of eminent domain. It passed with a 32-4 vote.

With a vote of 30-7 on the Senate floor, SB 1331 also passed. It proposes the establishment of an account in the state treasury for the purpose of funding reparations policies approved by the Legislature and the Governor.

Darlene Crumedy, a Bay Area resident and member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), is one of the reparations supporters who has shown up at every Senate hearing for Bradford’s compensation bills.

She called passage of the bills “historic and special.”

“Now the work begins in the Assembly, and they are going to pass there, too,” Crumedy said expressing optimism about the bills’ future.

By Bo Tefu, Lila Brown and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Last week, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) shared the results of its California vs Hate campaign, including its online reporting tool and telephone hotline, one year after their launch.

The California Vs Hate digital platform is the state’s first-ever multilingual resource to tackle the surge in hate incidents.

Approximately 1,020 acts of hate crimes were reported through the online tool and hotline, according to data provided by the University of California Berkeley’s Possibility Lab to CRD.

CRD Director Kevin Kish, state officials, media outlets, and community partners from across the state came together to mark the initiative’s first anniversary at a news conference held at the California Secretary of State Office in Sacramento on May 20.

“??This work is only just beginning, but it would not be possible without the advocacy of our community partners and the foresight of our state’s Administration and Legislature,” Kish stated. “With CA vs Hate, we’re doing our part to ensure that when people report they get support.”

CA vs Hate was launched in May 2023 by Gov. Gavin Newsom to offer a safe, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate acts. The initiative was a response to a nationwide increase in hate crimes.

In its first year, CA vs Hate had 2,118 inquiries from members of the public seeking assistance and directed people to resources, regardless of whether a report was tied to an act of hate.

The most frequently reported reasons cited were discriminatory treatment (18.4%), verbal harassment (16.7%), and derogatory names or slurs (16.7%). Additionally, most of the hate incidents were reported as residential (29.9%), workplace (9.7%), and in public facilities (9.1%).

Ca vs Hate received 1,020 actual hate incident reports based on the information provided by the individual reporting the act. Of those reports, about four out of six people agreed to follow up for care coordination services, including direct and ongoing support accessing legal aid or counseling.

Nearly 80% of California’s counties were represented in the data, including all 10 of the state’s most populated counties.

The CA vs Hate staff reviewed 560 reports, revealing the primary motivations for bias were race and ethnicity (35.1%), gender identity (15.1%), and sexual orientation (10.8%).

Anti-Black (26.8%), anti-Latino (15.4%), and anti-Asian (14.3%) bias were the most cited reasons for reports related to race and ethnicity, CRD states.

As reported hate crimes have risen in recent years, California has led the charge in responding through increased grant funding, innovative programs, and expansive outreach efforts across state government in collaboration with community-based organizations.

These partnerships — whether through the Stop the Hate Program or Ethnic Media Outreach Grants — are critical to CA vs Hate’s success, according to CRD. As CA vs Hate continues to grow, the program is launching new initiatives and building on existing efforts aimed at enhancing the hotline and online platform’s statewide support network and improving access for all of California’s diverse communities.

A year ago, CRD released preliminary data of a total of 180 acts of hate reported through the resource one month after CA vs Hate was launched. Out of the incidents, 102 were reported over the phone, while 78 were made via the online portal.

“I’m going to highlight that this program is new, and the data should not be treated as representative of all acts of hate in our state,” Kish said. “We have more work to do to reach Californians that might be targeted to earn the trust necessary for people to feel they can pick up the phone and contact the government. We’re not resting on our laurels.”

Kish also announced that CRD is kicking off CA vs Hate’s first-ever billboard campaign to raise awareness about the hotline and a partnership with UC Berkeley’s Possibility Lab to enhance data collection and analysis.

In addition, CRD has recently formed a partnership with California Black Media (CBM). This collaboration aims to bolster engagement within communities that are most often the targets of hate, utilizing the federal Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act grant to ensure these communities have access to resources.

“The support from the California Department of Civil Rights coupled with the California State Library Ethnic Media Grants have strategic, and what I like to say, smart use of federal and state resources that have helped us advance our common goal of reporting and reducing hate crimes in our communities,” said CBM Executive Director Regina Brown-Wilson.

California has increased its grant funding, created innovative programs, and expanded outreach efforts across state government, working in collaboration with community-based organizations.

The partnerships — whether through the Stop the Hate Program or Ethnic Media Outreach Grants — are “crucial and important parts of California’s comprehensive approach to combating hating,” Kish said.

Ethnic media platforms have also been a key component of strengthening the hotline’s statewide support network and improving access to resources for all of California’s diverse communities. CRD Deputy Director Becky Monroe added that ethnic media’s role of communicating with communities through radio, print, and online technology is essential because underserved communities see them as “trusted messengers.”

“We are proud to work with ethnic media because we know that in the past, we have not done justice to those stories. You all do justice to those stories,” Monroe said. “Through this partnership, we are able to effectively reach the communities we want to reach.”

How To Report A Hate Crime:
CA vs Hate is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT or online at any time.

Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. For individuals who want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or who are in imminent danger, please call 911.

For more information on CA vs Hate, please visit CAvsHate.org.

Victor Valley’s First District Community Liaison Paul Marsh was pleased to attend the NAACP Black Excellence Graduation Ceremony at Victor Valley College. “The celebrated students were well deserving of the recognition,” he said. Congratulations to all the honorees!

RIVERSIDE, CA—- What an incredible night at the First Annual Spring Art Experience and Fundraiser hosted by Off the Chain Alliance and MHE Productions on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The event featured the stunning works of artist Maurice Howard and drew a crowd of remarkable individuals, including the renowned Charles Bibbs and his lovely wife, Elaine Bibbs.

The experience was held at the exquisite Mind & Mill in Downtown Riverside, the evening was truly special. Porscha N. Dillard, founder of Off the Chain Alliance, shared her heartfelt story and the mission behind her nonprofit, supporting disenfranchised minority families in the Inland Empire.

Maurice Howard sold two original pieces, generating funds to advance this important cause. The night was elevated by the mesmerizing vocals of Nkese, leaving the audience spellbound.

The collaboration between Porscha N. Dillard and Maurice Howard proved to be exceptional, making the event an unforgettable success. Cheers to more amazing events like this in the future!

By Lue Dowdy

This past Saturday, the Assistant League of San Bernardino hosted their 62nd Annual Headdress Ball, a major fundraiser supporting their philanthropic programs for children and young adults in San Bernardino County. This year’s theme, “I Hope You Dance,” took the audience on a nostalgic musical journey from the 1920s to the 2000s.

The event showcased 12 remarkable women from the community as models, including Dr. Sandra Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent for San Bernardino Unified School District, and Sonietta Brown, President Elect of the San Bernardino Symphony. A highlight of the evening was LuCretia Dowdy, also known as Lue, the Community Engagement Specialist for First 5 San Bernardino. She lit up the stage with a spirited Charleston dance choreographed by Lupita of The Limónadas Dance Company, her radiant smile and energetic moves thrilling the audience.

San Bernardino City Mayor Helen Tran and Felicia Alexander, President of the Assistance League of San Bernardino, delivered the opening remarks. The live auction was expertly conducted by Councilman Damon Alexander of the 7th Ward. The event’s atmosphere was further enlivened by live music from the San Bernardino Music Teen Workshop, creating a memorable and enchanting evening.

The Assistance League of San Bernardino is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact through their philanthropic efforts in San Bernardino and surrounding communities.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- First 5 San Bernardino is celebrating 25 years of prioritizing young children’s early development in San Bernardino County.  The organization strengthens families with children prenatal through 5 years old through three strategic priority areas – child health, quality early learning and family support.

First 5 San Bernardino was founded in 1998 and funded by Proposition 10 – The California Children and Families Act – through excise taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products.  The revenue from this tax supports the various programs supported through the organization.

“What began from an effort to reduce the harmful effects of tobacco has evolved into a collective impact where tens of thousands of children, parents and caregivers have been served through our programs, services and partnerships,” said Executive Director Karen Scott, First 5 San Bernardino.  “We have worked hard to build meaningful partnerships with organizations in our county who share in our mission to improve the lives of our children and their families.”

Over the past 25 years, First 5 San Bernardino has built sustaining collaborations with dozens of partner agencies, nonprofits and community stakeholders to help thousands of families. Engagement with programs such as Quality Start, Help Me Grow, Maternal Health Network, Smile SBC, Footsteps2Brilliance and more, ensure that all children in San Bernardino County are healthy, safe, nurtured and prepared to thrive.

Two Inland Empire programs that First 5 San Bernardino has served as a critical partner are Reach Out and Read and Help Me Grow. Marti Baum, MD, pediatrician and medical director of Community Health at Loma Linda University Health, has served as a physician champion for both programs.

“We congratulate First 5 San Bernardino for 25 years of exceptional work on behalf of children in our community,” said Dr. Baum.  “Our region is making significant progress in collaborating on early intervention and prevention goals, so all children are kindergarten-ready by age 5.  Thanks to First 5 San Bernardino, we have distributed over 100,000 books to children during well child visits across 30 pediatric clinics.

“Help Me Grow Inland Empire has screened over 15,000 children since its inception in 2021 and together with First 5 San Bernardino, has created a future where even more children will be screened for developmental and social risks to identify the need for early intervention services,” concluded Dr. Baum.

First 5 San Bernardino’s three priority areas are supported by annual campaigns that launch at different times throughout the year. In the winter, the organization executes an oral health campaign called “Little Teeth, Big Responsibility” that emphasizes the importance of pediatric oral health.  Summer focuses on child safety in the hot months through its “Kid Safe Summer” campaign, and “Gift a Kid a Book” happens each fall encouraging early reading to build developmental learning skills.

In its 25^th year, the organization has a dedicated logo that will be used throughout 2024 to celebrate the milestone.  Other efforts include updated branding, new partnerships and innovative marketing and social media efforts.

The organization continues to grow in its community outreach efforts to meet the needs of families across the large footprint of San Bernardino County, the largest county by geography in the contiguous United States.  First 5 San Bernardino continues to collaborate with partners at community events throughout the year to provide resources and information to families. This includes everything from providing free school supplies and books, to water safety materials and promoting special programs.

For more information on First 5 San Bernardino, visit First5SanBernardino.org.

RIALTO, CA—- Rialto’s commitment to public safety was on full display Monday, May 13, as more than 100 City and civic leaders help break ground on a state-of-the-art, 58,000-square-foot Police Facility. Construction started on the new facility earlier this month and is anticipated to finish by late 2026. The existing police station will remain operational during the construction period, with no interruption in service.

By building the new station now, the city will be able to meet the public safety and quality-of-life needs well into the future. By 2035, Rialto forecasts its population to exceed 111,000, along with continued business expansion that has made it a critical economic and employment hub within the Inland Empire. Police staffing by 2035 is projected to reach 169 sworn officers and 91 civilian staff.

“This has been a long road, but we’ve finally gotten here, with the help of a lot of people. This station is for the men and women of the Rialto Police Department. You are, by far, the finest in this state, if not this nation, and you deserve the finest facility to operate in. This is a new chapter for Rialto and Rialto PD, and I’m thrilled that we can celebrate this together,” said Rialto City Councilmember Ed Scott who was part of the committee that planned the new facility.

Last November, the City Council approved a development agreement with Griffin, Swinerton and a financing agreement that includes the issuing of lease revenue bonds to help cover the projected $83 million cost of the project. The City contributed $26 million from its unrestricted fund balance – money that is not part of the General Fund or other operating reserves as equity toward the project. The balance, estimated at roughly $57 million, is financed through the sale of bonds. The agreement with Griffin Swinerton reflects an innovative public-private partnership which streamlines the development process.

“When I got up this morning to get here for the groundbreaking, I thought about what this means to the people of our community, and the first word that came to me was ‘transformation.’ I’m proud to see to see the transformation that occurring, not just with the police station but with other projects that are improving the quality of life across our city,” said Mayor Deborah Robertson, who also served on the station planning committee.

“On behalf of the Rialto Police Department, we are honored to serve the Rialto community and we’re looking forward to this new police facility to set the standard for law enforcement,” said Mark Kling, Chief of Police who has served in that capacity since 2017, and also served as Chief of Police for Rialto from 2001 to 2012.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA —- Golden Valley Middle School (GVMS) in the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is taking center stage as a School to Watch, according to the California Department of Education (CDE), the California League of Middle Schools, the California Middle Grades Alliance and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.

“Their focus on health and wellness and the high expectations they place on student achievement are just a few reasons why Golden Valley Middle School SHINES,” said SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio Arellano.

GVMS is one of only eight middle schools in San Bernardino County and 52 middle schools statewide to earn this state designation. Golden Valley originally earned the designation in 2018 and was redesignated in 2021. This 2024 redesignation affirms that Golden Valley continues to be:

• Academically challenging and engaging;
• Responsive to the diverse needs of students, including offering quality programs that target the needs of the whole child;
• Socially equitable, providing every student with high-quality educational resources and support.

Among the practices that earned Golden Valley the Schools to Watch designation are its dedication to student and family wellness and activities designed to create a positive school climate.

“Students can’t focus on learning when they aren’t feeling well, when they are dealing with mental illness, when they aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from or when they fear for their family’s health and wellness,” said GVMS Principal Gabriel Diaz. “That’s why we expanded our focus beyond just our students’ academic needs to their social-emotional needs and the needs of their immediate families.”

Teachers work hard to create safe learning spaces by creating maps for successful learning that are clear and understandable. By using a common language for expressing themselves, students know what they need to be successful and how to ask for the help they need, and teachers know where to focus their support. This teamwork approach allows students to feel safe and supported as they learn new concepts and face challenges in and out of the classroom.

School staff and counselors offer a variety of health and wellness resources to students and their families. This includes health screenings, access to therapy and mental health providers, food banks, transportation to access these services and more.

About San Bernardino City Unified School District:

The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares more than 46,000 students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) announced last week she is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill to honor Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress.

Butler, the only Black woman currently serving in the U.S. Senate, and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA.) proposed the legislation to posthumously endow Chisholm with Congress’s highest award in commemoration of her accomplishments, activism, and legacy.

If the bill passes, Congress will present Chisholm, who was elected in 1968 to represent New York’s 12th District in the United States Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal. A statue of Chisholm will also be erected in the U.S. Capitol in her memory.

“Shirley Chisholm left a mark on our nation’s history that demands its own recognition,” Butler said.

“She was a trailblazer — the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first to run for President — who opened doors for generations of Black women,” Butler added.

Chisholm, a lifelong public servant, worked in education and social services before being elected as the second African American to the New York State Assembly in 1964. She is remembered as a passionate leader who advocated for women and minorities through legislation she introduced and supported.

Warnock said Chisholm’s legacy inspired him to fight for the rights and well-being of Black Americans.

“Shirley Chisholm broke barriers for Black women, Black Americans, and any American who refuses to be confined by injustice,” Warnock said.

“As an educator, and a trailblazing Congresswoman and presidential candidate, she fought for an inclusive democracy, one that lives up to our nation’s highest ideals of equity and justice under law,” he added.