Local

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The City of San Bernardino has opened a new, half-mile section of State Street between 16th Street and Baseline Street, improving mobility in the west side of the City. The $7.4 million extension includes four lanes of divided road, as well as new medians, sidewalks, streetlights, and storm drains.

The street was opened to traffic at 12:00 pm on Friday, December 15.

“The completion of the State Street extension marks a significant milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to improve connectivity, accessibility, and the quality of life for our residents,” said City Manager Charles Montoya.

The State Street extension is located just south of the 210 Freeway and parallels the Lytle Creek Basin. The new street improves access to the freeway, decreases cut through traffic in neighborhoods, and provides better access for residents to Arroyo Valley High School and Anne Shirrells Park.

“For over 20 years, this project has been a priority for San Bernardino residents on the West Side,” added Montoya. “We are thrilled to complete this project and see that vision become a reality. It looks beautiful.”

The $7.4 million project was approved by the City Council in August 2022 using Regional Circulation System funds. Work on the project by contractor Riverside Construction Company began in October 2022.

In the coming months, San Bernardino Public Works will add irrigation and landscaping to beautify the roadway. Plans are also underway to build a median between 16th Street and Hanford Street.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation along with the San Manuel Mission Band of Indians joined the City of San Bernardino on December 14 for a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of three new Dodger Dreamfields at the City’s Blair Park. Also in attendance were Dodger outfielder Jonny Deluca and third base coach Dino Ebel.

The fields at Blair Park represent the 61st, 62nd, and 63rd baseball and softball fields built or refurbished by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation since 2003.

“Everyone deserves a space to play,” said Nicole Whiteman, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring this vital resource to San Bernardino, a city with such great history.”

The $1.7 million investment will support youth baseball and softball with three refurbished fields at Blair Park. Refurbishments will include new playing surfaces and grass, enclosed fields, upgraded dugouts, upgraded irrigation systems, new pitching mounds, bullpens and LED scoreboards resembling Dodger Stadium. The project is expected to be completed by June 2024.

“This investment is not merely about refurbishing fields. It is about investing in our future,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “Much like Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels learned to play football on the fields of San Bernardino, tomorrow’s Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani can get their start on the fields we will be improving.”

Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel, who attended San Bernardino Valley College and coached the San Bernardino Spirit minor league team, was happy to be back in San Bernardino. “This is a dream come true for the neighborhood and especially the kids,” Ebel said. “I am so excited to be a part of this.”

The project was made possible by a nearly $1.3 million grant from lead partner, the San Manuel Mission Band of Indians. This is the largest gift for a Dodgers Dreamfield project to date. Additional project sponsors include Security Benefit, LA84 Foundation and the Helen and Will Webster Foundation.

PASADENA, CA— Assemblymember Chris Holden hosted his Annual Shoe Drive with key community partner, Shoes That Fit, to provide new athletic shoes to school aged children in need. The shoe drive took place at his District Office on December 13, 2023, from 6-8pm and featured the La Cañada High School string quartet, light refreshments including delicious pastries from Vrej, the 41st District Small Business of The Year recipient, and updates on legislative successes and goals for the upcoming session.

“A good reliable pair of shoes can take you far in life and each year we get to show kids just how much this community cares about them and their fundamental well-being,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “It is always a pleasure to come together with Shoes That Fit and ensure that when our kids step out into the world that they are able to put their best foot forward.”

Shoes That Fit, based in Claremont California, has raised over 2.3 million pairs of new shoes to date to help school aged children and young adults build their confidence and self-esteem. Over the years, thanks to participation from the community, Assemblymember Holden’s shoe drive has collected over 1,000 pairs of shoes for Shoes That Fit.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Ephesians New Testament Church will host “2 Days of Refreshment and Renewal” from Wednesday, December 27, 2023, and Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. nightly. There will be great preaching, music, and praise. The revival will be held at Ephesians New Testament Worship Center located at 9161 Sierra Avenue, Suite #110, Fontana, California.

The Speaker will be Dr. Raymond W. Turner of Temple Missionary Baptist Church in San Bernardino, California.

Come be blessed and get ready for the New Year! For additional information please contact Ephesians New Testament Church office (909) 823-2310.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. is excited to share the joy of the holiday season with Newmark Elementary School through the 3rd Annual Holiday Giveaway. This year, Supervisor Baca, Jr. adopted Newmark Elementary, recognizing the school’s needs and the difference a kind gesture can make.

With generous support from Toys for Tots, and community partners, including the Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association, various County Departments, and the San Bernardino City Unified School District, Supervisor Baca, Jr. provided a toy to over 400 students and a meal from In-N-Out Burger for all the students, at the school.

“It’s all about the kids and making sure they have a great holiday,” said Supervisor Baca, Jr. “We want every student and teacher at Newmark Elementary to know they are appreciated. In this season of giving, it’s important for us to show up for our students. That’s why, we are also providing Newmark Elementary with a $5,000 contribution to continue our support.”

This year’s holiday giveaway continues Supervisor Baca, Jr.’s commitment to supporting our schools and underserved communities. In addition, Supervisor Baca, Jr. is actively distributing toys to preschools and non-profit organizations across the Fifth District, further spreading holiday cheer and support to all in our community.

“As we bring toys to the children of the Fifth District, we’re reminded of the powerful impact community unity and kindness can have,” Supervisor Baca, Jr. added.

Laura A. Mancha was elected the San Bernardino County Board of Education President on Dec. 11. Mancha, appointed to the Board in 2011, represents Trustee Area C.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino County Board of Education voted Dec. 11 to elect Laura A. Mancha as Board President. The Board also elected Dr. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers as Vice President.

Both positions are a one-year term. The County Board of Education holds an election every December for the ensuing year.

Mancha, appointed to the Board in 2011, represents Trustee Area C which includes the school districts of Chino Valley, Cucamonga, Fontana, Mountain View and portions of Chaffey Joint Union High and Ontario-Montclair.

Dowdy-Rodgers, elected to the Board in 2022, represents Trustee Area D which includes the unified school districts of Rialto, San Bernardino City and Snowline Joint.

The other three members of the Board are Ryan McEachron (Trustee Area A), Rita Fernandez-Loof (Trustee Area B) and Andrea De Leon (Trustee Area E).

The County Board of Education establishes policy, adopts an annual budget, approves building plans, and conducts appeal hearings for student expulsions, inter-district transfers and charter school approvals. The Board meets monthly, generally the second Monday of the month. For more information about the San Bernardino County Board of Education, visit sbcboe.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Each year the Miss Black Awareness Scholarship Pageant committee crowns a young lady to represent in Inland Empire with sweet honesty, grace, and integrity. Pagent Director, Charlene Dixon, would like to thank Miss Black Awareness Lydia Blevins and her Royal Court for fulfilling their Royal duties in 2022-2023.

Queen Lydia Blevins and Princess SiYae Purnell crowned 9-year-old Khaleena Brown as the 55th Miss Black Awareness Queen on Saturday December 16, 2023, concluding their year reign.

The Miss Black Awareness Pageant is a family affair from the beginning all the way to the reign of the new Queen.  The pageant committee is proud of the family for supporting their little Queen. It’s this kind of support that the young ladies need to be successful in life.

This year’s Court included: Princess Jewels Holley, Kalani Gray, Duchess Lauren Keys, Pharrah Gray, and Amber Keys, and Queen Khaleena Brown.

“All of our young ladies are title holders, and we hope that they will all wear their crown proudly,” Dixon explains. “Let it be known that they have not reached their destination we’re on a journey together. The qualities that we look for in our Queen, is commitment, dedication, follow through and Khaleena proved to be the ONE that met all of the requirements. The Miss Black Awareness Scholarships Pageant committee is happy that the judges saw sweet honesty, grace, integrity and chose you.

If you missed the pageant, you can meet Miss Black Awareness and her Court at the MLK breakfast at the Ontario DoubleTree, MLK parade in San Bernardino, and San Bernardino County Black History Parade and Expo on February 24, 2024 at Citrus avenue and 210 freeway in Fontana.

Registration for the 2024-25 Miss Black Awareness Scholarship Pageant will begin on June 1, 2024. For more information visit  www.blackawarenessparades.com or call (909) 913-0831.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. has demonstrated his steadfast commitment to the well-being of students by presenting a generous $2.6 million check to the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD).

This funding will facilitate the creation of a student wellness center at Indian Springs High School and enhance the sports field lighting at Paakuma’s K-8 School.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. for his unwavering commitment to our students,” SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio Arellano said. “This generous contribution will significantly enhance our capacity to provide comprehensive wellness services. This wellness center and the enhancement of this field will provide invaluable resources, ensuring that our students have access to the support they need to shine academically and personally.”

Supervisor Baca’s contribution underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being in public schools. The wellness center at ISHS will serve as a dedicated space for students to access resources, support services and guidance related to their emotional and mental health.

“Investing in the well-being of our youth is an investment in the future of our community,” Supervisor Baca said. “We are proud to support SBCUSD in their efforts to provide resources for our student’s mental health and wellness. This initiative marks a partnership between the county and district to establish a wellness center at a school site in our region. The wellness center at Indian Springs High and the added lighting at Paakuma K-8 School will play an important role in creating a nurturing environment for our students, setting a precedent for similar collaborations in the future.”

The sports field at Paakuma K-8 School, which serves as a joint-use facility, will offer enhanced recreational opportunities for both students and the Rosena Ranch community.

The check presentation ceremony took place at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting at the Dr. Margaret Hill Community Room, bringing together community leaders, school officials and partners to celebrate this collaborative effort in prioritizing the mental health of San Bernardino’s youth.

The district is grateful to Supervisor Baca for his continued advocacy and dedication to the well-being of SBCUSD’s 46,000 students, especially because providing social-emotional learning supports is as important as delivering quality academic instruction, Arellano said.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Congratulations to Brenda Dowdy on an incredible 17-year journey at San Bernardino County Schools!  Her unwavering dedication and passion in supporting homeless education students have left an indelible mark. The district wisher her well in her retirement filled with joy and fulfillment!

RIALTO, CA—Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. has allocated county funds for a new, specialized medium-duty truck for the Rialto Fire Department. This effort is part of a broader commitment to improve local emergency response and to enhance the California Fire Service and Rescue Mutual Aid Plan.

“The safety and well-being of our communities is a top priority,” said Supervisor Baca, Jr. “This investment in the Rialto Fire Department highlights our commitment to ensuring that our first responders have the best tools and equipment at their disposal to handle emergencies effectively.”

The acquisition of this medium-duty truck is in line with the county’s ongoing efforts to support and enhance emergency services throughout the region. It represents a significant step in improving the fire service’s operational efficiency and response effectiveness in Rialto and surrounding areas.

The specialized vehicle, equipped with necessary accessories, advanced rescue tools, state-of-the-art communication equipment, lights, sirens, and identifying decals, symbolizes a tangible improvement in preparedness and response capabilities, particularly in addressing the unique challenges faced by fire and rescue personnel.

Supervisor Baca, Jr. added, “Our firefighters are on the front lines protecting our community every day. Providing them with this state-of-the-art vehicle is just one way we can support their bravery and dedication. This is more than just a vehicle; it’s an investment in the safety and security of Rialto and our County residents.”