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SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) partnered with Assemblymember Eloise Gomez-Reyes, First 5 of San Bernardino, San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department, Golden State Opportunities, and the San Bernardino Rotary Club hosted VITA DAY 2020 on Saturday, February 29. 

VITA DAY 2020 was a day of family fun including not only free tax assistance, but also a kid zone, face painting, free tacos, a resource fair, and the opportunity for families to take photos in front of San Bernardino County Fire Department’s firetruck.

“The VITA program has long been an important component in helping families in San Bernardino County maximize their tax credits and avoid unnecessary fees at tax time, which helps them keep more of the money they earn,” said CAPSBC President and CEO Patricia Nickols-Butler. “For our VITA DAY event, we wanted to make it easy for eligible families to access free tax assistance as well as have a fun family day.”

Last year, Governor Gavin Newsome expanded the CalEITC (California Earned Income Tax Credit) and introduced the YCTC (Young Child Tax Credit), which continue to put more money back into the pockets of our families. According to the California Budget & Policy Center, the combination of federal EITC and Child Tax Credits cuts poverty directly by providing a tax refund to boost families’ incomes, and indirectly by boosting work earnings through providing an incentive to seek work. State EITCs build on the federal program to further help reduce poverty through state tax credits. On average, between 2015 and 2017, EITC and federal Child Tax Credits lifted nearly 1.3 million people in California – including 463,000 children – out of poverty each year, according to a Center on Budget and Policy Priorities analysis based on the Supplemental Poverty Measure.

Individuals and families must file their tax returns in order to find out if they are eligible for any tax credits. Tax credits are available at both the state and federal levels.

For those who were not able to attend VITA DAY, CAPSBC will continue to provide free tax assistance Monday through Friday by appointment only until Wednesday, April 15th. Those interested should call Charles Blythe at 909-723-1571. For VITA program free tax assistance in other parts of San Bernardino County, please visit irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to find a site near you.

An online guide to provide Black women with the information and inspiration they need to vote, volunteer, give, and believe that they can make a difference this primary and election season

As Black women in South Carolina head to the polls on February 29, BlackHer, a media and membership company created by and for Black women, released The Black Woman’s Guide to the 2020 Elections, a primer to demystify the electoral process and provide Black women with the information and inspiration they need to vote in the presidential primaries and election. 

Full Guide:https://blackher.us/the-black-womans-guide-to-the-2020-election/

“Black women are some of the most reliable voters and a critical progressive voting bloc,” said Jocelyn Harmon, co-founder and editor of BlackHer. “Unfortunately, our contributions, especially to the Democratic party, often go unnoticed. We wanted to create a resource that provides Black women with the information we need to exercise our political power and elevate our political leadership.”

The online guide offers clear, accessible guidance to Black women on voting, volunteering, and giving to political campaigns and candidates this election season. It provides links to key voter resources to help Black women:

• Verify their voter registration;
• Find their polling place; and, 
• Register to vote. 

It also underscores key issues that are at stake in this election including:

• Ending voter suppression; 
• Expanding affordable healthcare; and, 
• Reforming the criminal justice system.

The guide highlights Black women incumbents running for reelection and candidates running for Congress in 2020. And includes inspirational quotes from current and legendary Black women in politics including: Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American female elected to Congress, Lori Lightfoot, the first African-American mayor of Chicago, and Ayanna Pressley, the freshman Congresswoman from Massachusetts.

The authors cite and link Black women to key organizations like Black Futures Lab, BlackPAC, Black Voters Matter Fund, Higher Heights for America, and the Black Women’s Roundtable that are advancing Black women’s political power.

“Black women understand the importance of being at the table each election season. Together, we have the power to elect a new president, politicians who will actually represent our interests, and create progressive change.” said Angela Dorn, co-founder of BlackHer.

Early voting for the March 3 presidential primary election will be available at four locations in Riverside County. Early voting is available Friday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Galleria at Tyler in Riverside, on the first floor near Nordstrom’s; at the Westfield Palm Desert on the first floor across from Express; and at the Promenade in Temecula on the first floor near the Macy’s Women’s Store.

Early voting is also available at the Registrar of Voters office Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22 and Feb. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The registrar’s office at 2720 Gateway Drive in Riverside is open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Registered voters may attend any of the early voting sites to either drop off a vote-by-mail ballot or vote on an accessible voting unit.

Early voting provides access to voters who are unable to make it to the polls on Election Day and to those who would like their vote to be among the first counted on Election Night. Voters are encouraged to cast ballots as soon as possible so they can be included in the first Election Night results, which will be posted shortly after 8 p.m. on March 3.

Call the registrar’s office at (951) 486-7200 if you have any questions about your eligibility to vote.

Important information regarding the presidential primary election:

Your right to vote in the presidential primary depends on your political party registration. If you are registered with a political party, you can only vote for a candidate running for president in that party.  A “No Party Preference” voter will automatically receive a non-partisan ballot, that will have no presidential candidates listed. However, upon request, a “No Party Preference” voter can instead receive a ballot to vote the presidential ballot of the following parties:

American Independent Party          Democratic Party         Libertarian Party

More voter information is available at www.voteinfo.net.

ONTARIO, CA— Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) today welcomed news that Frontier Airlines will begin nonstop service to Seattle in June, the sixth new route the carrier is adding to its ONT schedule this year.

According to Frontier, the airline will launch service between ONT and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on June 2^nd with flights scheduled three days a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The route will be flown with Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with 186 passenger seats. Tickets are available for sale immediately.

“We pride ourselves on becoming a low-cost airport and our approach is proving to be attractive to our airline partners,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). “Ontario has capacity to grow which is advantageous to carriers adding new aircraft and our hallmark no-hassle experience continues to appeal to our traveling customers.”

“We’re proud to lead the unprecedented growth in air service from Ontario and further expand our network to nine routes from ONT with new nonstop flights to Seattle,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial for Frontier Airlines. “Ontario International Airport’s convenience paired with Frontier’s low fares and friendly service have proven to be a combination for success and we look forward to enhancing our valued partnership.”

In addition to Seattle, Frontier previously announced plans for new nonstop service to Las Vegas, Newark and Miami beginning in April, as well as San Salvador in May and Guatemala City in June.

Frontier currently operates from Terminal 2 at ONT with flights to Denver, Orlando, Austin and San Antonio.

Ontario has been the fastest-growing airport in the U.S. for the past two years, according to the trade journal Global Traveler. Total passenger volume increased more than 9% in 2019 and 12.4% in 2018.

Submitted by Tanay A. Colon

On the day of the most important election of our times, stands an individual long overdue for appointment to our legislative branch. We as a people have continuously nominated and appointed to our government learned individuals that lack the real-world experience necessary to relate to the hardships of the average citizen.

When we talk about the following issues; homelessness, recidivism, low income, bullying, discrimination, healthcare cost, and the increase of criminal activity it would be nice if that person ‘personally’ related to our grievances.

Eugene Weems, a Former Prisoner who served over 17 years in the Department of Corrections has regained the trust of the community. He has fully committed himself to his church, restored his life as a trusted member of society, co-founded and organized Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace. He leads an outreach program designed to facilitate positive growth and good life choices with “at-risk-youth”.

Eugene Weems is a man of action. He plans to work towards making our neighborhoods safe and prosperous again. He will be the leading voice to ensure the people receive the care and benefits they were promised as Americans. The time is NOW for career politicians to find another seat, because REAL CITIZENS like Eugene Weems, will speak, fight, and participate in legislation for you!

Weems said, “Make Your Next Move …Your Best Move” Let’s do just that right now and storm the polls to VOTE for “Write-In” Candidate Eugene Weems for U.S. Representative District 31.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Sponsored by We Are the Change SB, SB Food Fest will be back for its monthly debut in appreciation of Black History Month on Saturday, February 22, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. SB Food Fest is rapidly becoming the newest food festival frenzy in the Inland Empire as it provides a fun and family friendly experience. Held in the heart of the historical downtown of San Bernardino, SB Food Fest is coming back this month stronger than ever with over 25 vendors in food, retail, art, live performances, and a guaranteed one-hundred percent level of fun.

From the very beginning, SB Food Fest’s purpose has always been centered on the intent to celebrate community through integration of different cultures, food, music, and art. The upcoming Appreciation of Black History SB Food Fest event will be no different as it will feature the rich culture and historical achievements of the black community. The strength, resilience, and love ever so present in black history will be demonstrated through art by artists such as Artell Humillion, Marcus’ Art, and Michah Amaro Art.  Live performers will include J.A.M and Eric DeVaugn. Those in attendance will have a variety of food options to choose from ranging from snacks to desserts including Lean Kreations, Farm Fresh to You, Le Frites Gourmet Fry Shop, Hawkins Burgers, Sunny Jays Italian Ice, and many more. The festival of course would not be complete without the crafts and charm delicacies that local vendors such as Southern Charm Jewelry, GM Petite, and LMK Designs will provide.

SB Food Fest is most excited to have the Inland Empire community partake of a fun, family-friendly and safe night out. It is an event that anyone can attend and includes FREE admission, as well as free parking. Enthusiasm is shared by all as SB Food Fest strives to revitalize the community of San Bernardino and the downtown scene for locals and visitors alike.

SB Food Fest also looks forward to adding more vendors, performances and art for future events. For more information, visit www.sbfoodfest.com.

This year’s theme was “It Takes a Village. Let’s Vote” to commemorate the 150^th Anniversary of the Black People’s Right to Vote

Write-up by Naomi K. Bonman

RIVERSIDE, CA— The sun was shining and the community came out to enjoy the sunshine at the 41^st Annual Riverside Black History Parade on Saturday, February 8 held in Downtown Riverside. Many parade goers, as well as the vendors, applauded this year’s parade success. Several vendors sold out of food at the expo.

Tommy the Clown made his return in the parade and expo as well as several local drill teams. However, there was a newcomer to the parade: Compton High School’s drum squad made a highlight to the parade. There was a total of over 70 entries in this year’s parade.

This year’s grand marshal was Riverside’s NAACP Chapter’s president, Regina Patton Stell, which was perfect in complimenting the theme for the parade, which was “It Takes a Village. Let’s Vote”. The 15th Amendment, stating that the right to vote could not be denied based on “race, color, or previous condition of servitude,” was ratified Feb. 3, 1870.

Planning for the 42^nd Annual Riverside Black History Parade is already in motion. If you would like to be involved and volunteer, please visit www.adcrfoundation.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The annual In-N-Out reading program will begin Saturday, March 7, 2020 and will run through Saturday, April 18, 2020. Stop by any of the four San Bernardino City Libraries beginning March 5 to sign up for the In-N-Out Cover to Cover Reading Club. 

Children ages 4 to 12 years old can register to participate in the Cover to Cover Reading Program and receive a reward from In-N-Out Burger! For every five books children check out and read (up to 15 books) they will receive a Cover to Cover Achievement Award with a coupon for a free hamburger or cheeseburger at any In-N-Out Burger restaurant.

For more information call the library at 909-381-8235, visit our website www.sbpl.org or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sbcitylib/

In an effort to strengthen the relationships between law enforcement and communities of color, Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Police Officer Training Academy is offering a unique training program, Expanding our Horizons: A Cultural Awareness Experience to cadets in the 89^th academy. The training takes place at the college’s Law Enforcement Training Center, 7107 Elm Valley Drive in Kalamazoo, on Friday, February 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kalamazoo Valley is the only police academy in the state to offer this type of training.

“The world is seriously divided,” Director of Kalamazoo Valley’s Law Enforcement Training Center Victor Ledbetter said. “This training creates a safe space where people of color, community members and cadets can have open dialogue together.”

During the day-long exercise, the 17 cadets who make up the 16-week academy are divided up into six Racial Healing Circles with members of the local community. The cadets include one white female, one Native American female, one African American male, one Asian male and 13 white men. The 80 diverse community members – including professionals and those who had their own run-ins with law enforcement – range in age from 19 to 77.

The circles focus on listening and being open to others’ perspectives and experiences based on talking points initiated by practitioners from Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (THRT) Kalamazoo, a comprehensive, national and community-based process that focuses on advancing racial equity and racial healing in the United States.

Following the healing circles, everyone participates in a history lesson that focuses on how communities were shaped throughout the nation – in facilitation partnership with Bronson Community Health, Equity and Inclusion staff – that examine events, laws and policies, from an equity perspective.

Ledbetter added the training program, developed by retired Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Captain Stacey Randolph, to the academy when he took over the program in 2018.

“The experience has been so powerful,” Ledbetter said “People’s eyes have really been opened to the need to treat people with dignity, respect and empathy.”

The training is now a permanent part of the academy curriculum.

“As a black man with more than 25 years of experience working in law enforcement, I am in a unique position because I see issues from both sides – as a black man and as an officer,” he said. “I want to ensure that Kalamazoo Valley cadets have a well-rounded understanding of humanity when they are working in the field. When done properly, there is a nobility and honor in protecting and serving as a police officer.”

Tuesday, February 18, is the deadline for citizens to register to vote for the 2020 Presidential Primary Election. Voters who are already registered should re-register to vote if they have changed their signature, name, or address, or want to change their party affiliation.

Voters can check their registration status by visiting www.SBCountyElections.com and logging into the ‘My Elections Gateway’ application. Registered voters can also use My Elections Gateway to find their polling place, voting districts, and other personalized election information.

Citizens may register to vote online at www.SBCountyElections.com. Voter registration applications are also available at the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters and throughout San Bernardino County at post offices, city clerks’ offices, county libraries, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. A map of these locations is available on the Registrar of Voters website.

Citizens who miss the Feb. 18 voter registration deadline still have an opportunity to register and vote in this election. A new California law allows for this conditional voter registration option beginning February 19 through Election Day.

A conditional voter registration application must be submitted in person at the Registrar of Voters or an early vote site on or before Election Day, or at a polling place on Election Day. After completing a voter registration application, the voter will be provided with a provisional ballot to vote at that location. Visit www.SBCountyElections.com to view a complete list of these locations, addresses, and hours. It is recommended that individuals complete the conditional voter registration process before Election Day.

For more information about this election, including the locations and hours of the additional early vote sites that open on February 25, visit the Registrar of Voters website, www.SBCountyElections.com, or call (909) 387-8300.