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Public Health Officer also orders social gatherings canceled of 10 or more

Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser today announced the first two deaths associated with coronavirus (COVID-19). Both deaths occurred among patients in the Coachella Valley.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the two patients,” said Kaiser. “Sadly, these outcomes are expected as we face a serious challenge and continue to make the necessary decisions to protect the health of the community.”

In addition, Kaiser today revised his previous order restricting public gatherings from 250 people or greater to no more than 10.

Kaiser’s new health order restricts mass gatherings of 10 people or more, and orders that gatherings with fewer than 10 people must have enough available room to maintain six feet of space between attendees. This is known as social distancing. There are limited exemptions to the 10-person rule, including healthcare facilities, grocery stores, daycare centers and restaurants serving take-out.

“My condolences and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones,” said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “More so now than ever before, we must practice social distancing to flatten the curve. We will be consistently working for the benefit of our communities in these tough times that are before us.”

Kaiser has also ordered the closure of all Riverside County schools from elementary to college. He also has recommended that senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions in the Coachella Valley avoid any non-essential travel. The orders have impacted religious services, weddings, sporting events and classrooms countywide.

Riverside County officials have expanded testing and the county’s public health lab is now operational, meaning local officials will not have to send testing samples to the state lab in Northern California or neighboring San Bernardino County.

“Unfortunately, the number of cases are going to keep going up for awhile,” Kaiser said. “But we’re taking steps to keep us ahead of the curve and getting people taken care of as quickly as we can. If everyone does their part we’ll get through this together.”

Residents are urged to visit www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus for updated information. They can also find information on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/countyriversidedepartmentofpublichealth) and on Twitter @rivcodoc.

By Nigel Duara and Jackie Botts, CalMatters

Six utilities serving more than 21 million Californians have announced that they will not shut off customers’ power for non-payment as the coronavirus continues to disrupt daily life.

Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric and Pacific Power are taking the step until further notice. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which is the nation’s largest municipal utility, will not shut off power or water for non-paying customers until at least the end of March, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District made the same announcement for its power customers.

Utilities usually protect customers who are struggling to pay bills only during major natural disasters.

“We’re trying to reduce the burdens people have,” said Pacific Power spokesman Tom Gauntt, whose company serves customers in Northern California, Oregon and Washington. “We do a similar thing during a big ice storm.”  

A seventh utility, Liberty Utilities, which serves about 50,000 electricity customers near Lake Tahoe, is considering a moratorium across the 14 states it serves, said Liberty western region spokesperson Alison Vai, but hadn’t made a final decision on Friday. 

California also has dozens of other municipally-owned electric utilities, including Pasadena, Anaheim, Riverside and Glendale.

“I think it’s a good thing that the utilities realize that we are in a public health care crisis with the coronavirus pandemic. It is appropriate to make sure that people aren’t disconnected in the middle of it,” said Mark Toney, executive director of the consumer advocacy organization Utility Reform Network, based in San Francisco. “A lot of people are going to not get paid, can’t go to work, can’t collect a salary.” 

In 2017, PG&E, Edison, SDG&E and the Southern California Gas Co. shut off power to about 886,000 households, affecting more than 2.5 million people, according to a report from the Utility Reform Network. These power disconnections are most common in California’s North Coast, Central Valley, the Inland Empire and parts of Los Angeles. Zip codes with large Latino populations are disproportionately affected, according to the report.

SoCal Edison shut off power about nine times for every 100 customers in 2016, while PG&E did so about six times per 100 customers. SDG&E’s rate was three shutoffs per 100 customers, and for SDG&E it was two, according to the Utility Reform Network report. And about 1 percent to 2 percent of Pacific Power’s customers have their power shut off during a typical year, Gaunt said.

Power usage could be altered by the pandemic in unexpected ways, said Wes Jones, communications manager for San Diego Electric & Gas. People who are self-quarantining or self-isolating will likely use more power than if they went to a job. Schools are closing across the state, meaning kids could be spending more time at home, too. 

It all will likely add up to higher power bills for California customers. 

The decision to stop disconnecting customers who can’t pay bills represents a distinct change from how utilities responded to the slower-moving Great Recession, when economic disconnections nearly tripled between 2007 and 2009, according to a 2017 report from the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates privately owned utility companies. Only after the Commission intervened in 2009 did the companies stop shutting off power to customers who were late on their bills.

“I think they’re having a new relationship with their customers in acknowledging that just being punitive is not the answer,” said Commissioner Martha Guzman Aceves. “And that really helping their customers stay in a home with power will only help them revive economically. And that it’s in their interest to keep these customers healthy.”

The Federal Communications Commission on Friday asked Internet and cable providers to hold off on non-payment shutoffs, to not charge late fees and to open wireless hotspots for no charge until May 13, 60 days after the request. Most major telecom providers have agreed, according to a memo by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. 

The same day the California Broadband Council moved to “formally request that providers offer free Internet services until the end of April due to the State’s pandemic emergency,” said Alice Scott-Rowe, communications deputy director for the California Department of Technology. 

About 26 percent of California households lack a broadband subscription at home, according to a Public Policy Institute of California analysis of 2017 survey data from the Census Bureau. Those without broadband will find it nearly impossible to telecommute to work or attend classes online as more workplaces and schools shut down, said Guzman Aceves.

New York and New Jersey both announced Friday that no utility will be permitted to shut off power, heat or water during the states’ emergencies. But there is no statewide edict in California.

As the coronavirus threat spreads, six California legislators have asked Gov. Gavin Newsom for a host of measures aimed at assisting low-income state residents and those facing eviction. Their letter asked for a stay on all evictions and foreclosures, along with a statewide pause on any utility shutoff and a postponement of any adversarial hearing before a housing authority for recipients of housing assistance. 

Twelve Democratic members of Congress have asked for a national moratorium on water shutoffs, citing a survey of 73 utility companies across the country that found that utilities cut water service to at least 1.4 million people in 2016, disproportionately affecting low-income and minority communities. 

ProPublica found that though large water districts in Washington state have vowed not to shut off service for non-payment, smaller towns have made no such assurances, only saying they’ll be flexible regarding bill payment. 

In the last two years, at least two states have declared moratoria on shutoffs for non-payment, both of them weather-related. In Arizona, a woman died of heat-related causes in 2018. The following summer, the state forbade utilities regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission from shutting off customer power during the state’s brutal summers. 

Wisconsin did something similar: In 2019, the state legislature passed a bill that prevents utility companies from shutting off electricity or heat from Nov. 1 to April 15. 

Guzman Aceves said it’s hard to predict how big of an economic impact the moratorium will have on utilities’ bottom line. 

“The real question is what kind of economic downturn is this virus going to cause and if we’re able to rebound? And that’s going to determine how many people are just not going to be able to pay their bills,” Guzman Aceves said. 

“I’d like to think that this is something (the utilities) can weather. I have no idea what this virus is capable of.”

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Jackie Botts and Nigel Duara are reporters with CalMatters. This article is part of The California Divide, a collaboration among newsrooms examining income inequity and economic survival in California.

Parent Management Services, Inc., is looking for a Part-time Administrative Assistant. The ideal candidate must be flexible, well-organized and have good people skills. He/she must be a quick learner and able to follow through on multi-task instructions. He/she must be computer-literate with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel programs. The ideal candidate has social media promotions experience (preferred). He/she must have reliable transportation.

Summary of position: Assist geriatric care managers in providing excellent care for senior clientele. Able to work with senior population with understanding and kindness, as well as maintain professional, business relationships with various providers, responsible parties, etc. May include delivering supplies, receiving and sending faxes, emails, scans. Able to maintain files, office organization. Understanding of medical terminology very helpful, but not essential. Must be extremely accurate in data input.  

Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits and growth will be available for 20+ hours a week employees. May be able to accommodate flexible schedule school, family). Please review the website at www.parentcarems.com before applying. Resumes may be sent to C.Michaelis@parentcarems.com. Hiring immediately.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Nicole Ramos was recently selected as Director of Marketing and Communications at Omnitrans, bringing more than 20 years of transit communications and management experience to the position.

Ramos will oversee and guide a team of 16 employees to implement all aspects of marketing and communications for the agency including campaigns, customer service, promotions, partnerships, outreach, customer satisfaction, growth-based initiatives and team development for San Bernardino County’s largest public transit provider.

“With her expertise, enthusiasm and constant desire to excel, I am excited to see Nicole elevate Omnitrans’ presence among our community and those we serve,” said Interim CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers.

“It has been my pleasure to represent Omnitrans’ customer service and marketing efforts for the past 19 years, and I look forward to leading that team to support Omnitrans’ dynamic growth and sustainable future,” said Ramos.

After beginning her transit career at Foothill Transit, Ramos joined Omnitrans as a Marketing Specialist in 2001. She was promoted to Outreach Specialist in 2009, became Marketing Manager in 2014, and has most recently served as Interim Director of Marketing since last October.

Her tenure at the agency includes initiatives including co-founding the Transit Community Outreach Group and implementing Omnitrans’ Travel Training Bus program. In her new role, Ramos also will serve as chief spokesperson for the agency.

Ramos is a graduate of the University of La Verne.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Time for Change Foundation’s (TFCF) 18th Annual Awards Gala, “Vision 20/20: Our Future is Crystal Clear!” will honor outstanding individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for our community and serve as the bright lights that help those in need envision the path to a crystal clear future.

“She was a kind spirit, yet a fighter, with a strong desire to serve others; and a tireless advocate for women’s health.” shares Kim Carter, Founder of Time For Change Foundation, in reflecting on their long standing friendship and their shared mission.

The inaugural award is being presented to Nancy Negrette, who serves as both the Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Stater Bros. Markets, the largest private employer in the Inland Empire currently operating 169 supermarkets, as well as Chairman and President for Stater Bros. Charities, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports critical needs in the communities where Stater Bros. employees live and work. Since 2008, Stater Bros. Charities has provided over $30 million to countless local organizations and causes that benefit hunger relief, children’s well-being, education, health, and help for our nation’s veterans, and active service members.

“As an agency that helps disenfranchised women, it is empowering to see strong women pave the way for us to follow,” said Vanessa Perez, Director of Time for Change Foundation, “Nancy Negrette is a change agent and her commitment to our community is worthy of recognition!”

To purchase tickets for the event or to become a sponsor and increase your business’ visibility in the community, please visit their website at www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org, or please contact Vanessa Perez at (909) 886-2994 or by email at vperez@timeforchangefoundation.org.

By John Coleman, Community Photographer

Two outstanding Black History Month exhibits were featured at the San Bernardino County Museum on the eve of Wednesday, February 26, but the largely Black population filling the museum reception area were there instead to attend the 2nd Annual Membership Meeting of the recently state registered Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement-IE  (CEEM-IE); or ‘CEEM’, but clearly and seriously intended to grow into a MOVEMENT following  the model of the “Civil Rights Movement” we celebrate, but we lack progress toward  the goal of economic empowerment.

Reggie Webb, Founder of Webb Family Enterprises and former official in the McDonald Franchise system, is leading an organizational effort to improve Black economic health;  work cooperatively with and within our communities; buy and sell within our communities; and earn and share the benefits of and by participating actively within this nation’s trillion dollar economy. The CEEM membership meeting is partially a public report to its membership and a welcome to interested others. Visit www.ceem.coop/membership for more information or to sign up.

FONTANA, CA— The morning before the parade, the phenomenal, honored guest were appropriately invited to the Jessie Turner community center for a breakfast reception, at which time they took part in a sash presentation, awarded by Diane Hall presenter for the Rialto/Fontana branch of the NAACP. Each lady received certificates from California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, City of Fontana and Assemblywoman Reyes office.

San Bernardino County Sheriffs phenomenal female mounted posse color guard, 1926 fire truck engine #1 led the grand procession with our phenomenal California State Treasurer Fiona Ma Grand Marshal riding in one of the original Jeep commissioned in the Korean War, where thousands of African Americans served during a time when President Truman ordered the Armed Forces to be desegregated. 

Other honorable women of the event included: San Bernardino County Honorary Phenomenal Grand Marshals, People’s Choice Dr. Margaret Hill;  PAL center founder Humanitarian Dr. Henry, San Bernardino county’s first Charter School in San Bernardino;  Dr. Yolanda Friday Dean Chaffey college Fontana campus.  Riding in Cruising Brothers car club red mustang, cowgirl, trailblazer, and Bill Pickett rodeo title holder in barrel racing, Miss Sharon Braxton.  Miss Fifi Locke NAACP National life membership representative.  Pacesetter Riverside Superior Court Commissioner Belinda Handy.  Daphne Hawkins representing non-profits that are making a difference in our community.  Pioneers of North Fontana Phenomenal Living Legacy Grand Honorary Marshals, who are both over the age of 90, Mrs. Margie Pullen Fontana unified School district retired teacher; and Mrs. Christine White director of the North Fontana neighborhood employment center. 

The parade would not be a parade without, Dorothy Grant elementary School, all-female equestrian riders from the Bill Pickett rodeo participating, San Bernardino pacesetters drill teams, dance teams, elementary schools, and various car clubs.

At the expo it was exciting to have present Rosa Parks niece who will be releasing a children’s book soon about her aunt. There was also food, unique vendors, a kid zone, and live entertainers.

Ellen Turner, President for the Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana, stated, “Each year when planning the parade it has more significance then the year before.  It is important to us that we continue to bring awareness to our CommUNITY of the accomplishments African Americans have made and still contribute to the Americas.”

She continues, “Mayor Warren is living example. Having an African American mayor in a city that was influenced by Ku Klux Klan is a sign of the times. I am so happy that the Mayor makes every effort to participate in this parade. People who have lived Southern California knew North Fontana as Fontucky, the KKK, and our racial struggles North of Baseline.  This parade each year is so important for the County of San Bernardino as a whole, it symbolizes our progress.”

Nationally Recognized Firm Will Support a Better, More Efficient Work Environment for Workers and Ratepayers

RIALTO, CA— On February 20, 2020, West Valley Water District Board (WVWD) President Channing Hawkins announced at a public board meeting that the Water District selected a firm to rewrite the Human Resources: Policies and Procedures Manual, which is a critical step towards increase accountability, improving hiring procedures and ensuring the Water District maintains a healthy working environment and efficient operations for ratepayers.

President Channing Hawkins stated, “It is inexcusable that we’ve been operating on an outdated policies and procedures for the Water District. I am confident the new policies and procedures will help end dysfunction and address ongoing personnel issues that need to be corrected. With these changes, employees can expect a better organization and ratepayers can expect a better, more efficient public resource.”

Beyond written company culture, values and mission statement, the new manual will contain human resource and legal information as well as rights and obligations to employment. It will also contain organization expectations for employees and employee expectations for the company. Other items may include job descriptions, compensation, vacation time, sick days and other medical and family leave information. The new manual will help to fill knowledge gaps for employees on the correct policies and procedures needed to navigate the Water District.  

The WVWD will enter into an agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore (LCW), a nationally-recognized firm that serves many jurisdictions throughout California. WVWD’s new Interim Human Resources and Risk Manager Martin Piñon selected the firm in accordance with Water District purchasing policies and requested bids from 3 firms and received 2 proposals. Piñon selected LCW due to their extensive experience in representing public agencies in developing related policies. The WVWD hired Piñon earlier this month to address best practices and other human resource issues such as resolving personnel issues. Piñon is a seasoned human resources professional, trained as a lawyer with management-level experience

The firm is a pioneer in the training field through its Employment Relations Consortiums, which are comprised of nearly 800 cities, counties, special districts and schools as well as other public-sector agencies in the State of California. The firm provides annual training to thousands city managers, county executives, general managers, city attorneys and heads of schools. For the Water District, the firm will focus on preparing and presenting new human resources policies and procedures for the Board to consider.

Vice President Kyle Crowther stated, “Some of our policies and procedures are outdated and need to be rewritten. This is an opportune time to perform a complete review and ensure we have a solid document to stand on as we move forward with additional improvements.”

This action follows a major effort by the Board of Directors to make the Water District more transparent and accountable. Some of the most recent actions include approving a temporary hiring freeze, prohibiting the general manager from entering into professional service agreements without board approval, conducting public meetings to scrutinize all professional services contracts, appointing an interim human resources manager and creating a live stream for board meetings via social media.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Grounded Self Care Studio hosted its “GROUNDED” Social Experience Fundraiser on Saturday, February 29 at The Enterprise Building in Downtown San Bernardino to raise funds needed to open for business in June 2020. 

Grounded Self Care Studio will provide artistic alternatives that promote positive mental health and self-exploration in the heart of San Bernardino.  San Bernardino is often overlooked and lacks innovative resources that appeal to the members of the community and Grounded offers a proactive solution, that takes the mental health stigma into consideration, and creates a pressure free zone for healing and self-discovery.

At the GROUNDED Social Experience Fundraiser, Co-Founders Destiny Frye and Clarece Creighton featured powerful workshops and an interactive social hour that was geared towards getting grounded, refocusing, re-centering self, and connecting with others. 

Follow Grounded on Facebook and Instagram @groundedselfcare.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— – LaToya Scott may have been a late bloomer, but once she started on her academic journey at San Bernardino Valley College, she didn’t look back and gave it her all to succeed. As a single mom, Scott was facing many stressful personal obstacles. She reached out for help at the campus CalWORKs office.

“All the ladies in the office were very supportive with helping me navigate Valley College,” she said. “They’re amazing, they’re awesome.”

Through a variety of programs, mentors, and office guidance, she landed a job and was able to get financial aid, plus keep all of her TANF allowance benefits. It helped her stay focused on the most important part of her life – taking care of her then-infant daughter.

Last spring, Scott graduated with full honors, having earned an AA in Human Services Case Management in the Public Sector, an AA in Liberal Arts Behavioral and Social Sciences, along with a certificate for Human Services Case Management.

She admits it was all a bit scary at first. She wondered if she would be the oldest person in class. She worried whether she could retain the information. She hadn’t been in a classroom in 16 years, having dropped out in her senior high school year to help care for her grandparents, who raised her. But when she was 32, both grandparents died two months apart. She knew she had to work hard and fast.

“Life became real for me. I felt like I didn’t have anything to fall back on,” she said. “I didn’t want to fail my daughter.”

Undaunted, she completed her GED in seven weeks. Soon after, she started at SBVC and began working at the San Bernardino Community College District in fiscal and business services. Through the CalWORKs department, which she describes as a lifesaver, she received all the tools she needed to move ahead, including childcare. At one point, she was chosen to head up a workshop to educate other parents at her daughter’s learning center about how they could also access educational tools and flourish.

The CalWORKs campus office was accessible, and a truly judgment-free zone, she added. It helped her realize that there was life after public assistance. She said their doors were always open and guidance there for the asking.

“[It’s like] you’re on the county, but we’re going to help you stop this generational poverty. We’re going to help you get off the system to show your child and show your family that there is life after the system,” she said.

Scott also served an 18-month internship at the award-winning nonprofit Time for Change Foundation.

Most of all, her overall experience helped her to achieve all of her personal goals for her daughter, now four years old, who attended her graduation last spring. Today, Scott is no longer on county assistance. Valley College programming gave her the confidence to move ahead through their workshops and classes. Going forward, she is also considering pursuing her bachelor’s degree. This month, she starts as an eligibility worker with the County of San Bernardino.

“I’m really excited that I did all of this,” she said. “I have a child to provide for.”

To learn more about San Bernardino Valley College, visit www.valleycollege.edu.