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SBCTA Celebrates 50 Years Of Innovation To Meet The Transportation, Growth, Economic, Air Quality Needs Of San Bernardino County

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The “Poseidon Adventure” was No. 1 at the box office, “Killing Me Softly with His Song” topped the Billboard charts, “All In The Family” was far and away the most

popular show on TV and San Bernardino’s legendary Swing Auditorium was, well, in full swing, with a spring concert lineup that included Fleetwood Mac, Deep Purple and Swing favorite Rory Gallagher.

Pop culture was thriving back in March 1973, and so was San Bernardino County, with a population that had swelled more than 700,000, a growing Cal State University campus that was about to launch its first master’s degree program, and a Norton Air Force Base that employed more than 20,000 military and civilian workers. Growth brought its challenges, too – notably, an outdated mid-century transportation grid that needed significant care and upgrading.

Determined to confront future needs, leaders from across the county formed the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) in a formal ceremony in 1973, creating the platform and mechanism to attract billions of dollars in transportation funding over the next 50 years.

Today, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) – as SANBAG is now known – has emerged as a regional and national leader in bringing innovative transportation solutions to one of the fastest-growing population and economic centers anywhere.

“As current board members, we’re grateful for the vision and determination that our predecessors showed a half-century ago. Today, we confront similar challenges, along with some new ones, but are better equipped than ever to deal with them and improve the quality of life across our county,” said Art Bishop, President of the SBCTA Board and Mayor Pro Tem for the Town of Apple Valley.

Formed as a joint powers authority, SANBAG was governed by a 19-member general assembly, including five supervisors and one delegate from each of the county’s 14 cities. Today’s SBCTA Board consists of 29 members – five supervisors and one delegate from each of the 24 incorporated cities.

Along with more cities, the county’s population has continued to grow, tripling to nearly 2.2 million today.

“We are fortunate to live in such a dynamic region, but as our own history has taught us, we need to continue innovating and finding ways to meet the needs of a population that is growing much faster than anyone could have anticipated,” said SBCTA Board Vice President Dawn Rowe, San Bernardino County’s 3rd District Supervisor.

SANBAG had little time to waste after its formal dedication. Almost immediately after its formation, the Southern California Rapid Transit District would shut down its east-west bus line across San Bernardino County. This incentivized local leaders to connect local bus service from one city to the next.

The agency’s early work was bolstered by the original state Senate Bill 325 and the one-quarter cent sales tax it authorized for transportation improvements. By early 1976, San Bernardino County had received $11.6 million in SB 325 funding.

Through the 1970s and beyond, SANBAG/SBCTA has taken a leadership role in addressing air quality issues, including endorsing annual smog inspections, promoting public transit and enhancing our highway system to reduce congestion and the accompanying greenhouse gas emissions. It played a leading role in bringing Metrolink service to San Bernardino County in 1993, extending the 210 freeway from the Los Angeles County line to Redlands, and developing the nine-mile Arrow rail line from Redlands to San Bernardino. The latter, which opened earlier this year, represents the next generation of rail transit through an innovative multiple-unit approach that allows for the current low-emission diesel power pack to be replaced by a hydrogen powered zero-emission unit currently under development.

Today, SBCTA also is on the front line of bringing a high-speed rail system from Las Vegas through the High Desert and into the recently rebranded Cucamonga Station. The agency also is seeking bids for a proposed transit tunnel between Cucamonga Station and Ontario International Airport.

“From the earliest days of SANBAG, our county transportation agency has looked for – and found – creative ways to connect people and places across the largest geographic county in the U.S. This has also helped to fortify our economy by opening up new business opportunities, attracting more jobs and helping to establish us as the place to live and work in Southern California,” said Alan D. Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority and Council Member for the City of Ontario.

Funding, of course, is key. SBCTA has been highly successful in securing grant funding for transit and transportation improvements, including more than $110 million for the future West Valley Connector bus rapid transit system linking ONT, two Metrolink lines and multiple activity centers from Pomona to Rancho Cucamonga.

Significant funding also comes from Measure I, a half-cent sales tax approved by county voters – first in 1989 and again in 2004. Over those years, Measure I has funded billions of dollars and leveraged billions more in State and Federal funding in much-needed improvements across the county. The foresight and trust shown by the voters of San Bernardino County played a critical role in the positive growth of the region.

“San Bernardino County was ahead of the game when SANBAG was formed 50 years ago, and we remain ahead of the game today. As we address regional challenges, the collaboration and cooperation of our cities and stakeholders is as important as ever, and SBCTA is the vehicle to make that happen,” said SBCTA Board Member and former Board President Larry McCallon, Councilmember for the City of Highland.

The 45th District Names Vanessa Brierty as the New District Director

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) recently announced he has named Vanessa Brierty as his new district director. In November, Ramos was elected to represent the newly drawn 45th Assembly District which includes Fontana and Rialto, as well as San Bernardino. He will also represent constituents in Highland and Redlands which he previously served as the assemblymember from the 40th assembly district.

Brierty has served as a senior consultant to the California Native American Legislative Caucus which Ramos chairs, for the past year. She is an enrolled tribal member from the Pueblo of Laguna and is one of the few Native American staffers serving in the Legislature. She is currently a graduate student studying Indigenous Education and recently delivered a TedX talk sharing the importance of incorporating traditional cultural practices in one’s overall health and wellness.

36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration to be held at Community Baptist Church in Fontana

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Ephesians New Testament Baptist Church along with the City of Fontana will host the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Celebration.

This year’s celebration will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023, at the historical Community Baptist Church located at 15854 Sierra Lakes Parkway in Fontana. The event will start at 7 p.m.

The speaker for this year’s celebration will be the renowned, Dr. Jasper Williams of Salem Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia. Music presentations will be presented by Praise Leader, Joslyn James; Psalmist, Yolanda Dancy and the Fontana Community Choir.

For additional information, please call the church office at (909) 823-2310.

Gov. Newsom’s Broadband Initiative Is Bringing Internet Access Statewide to the Digitally Disadvantaged

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom held a press conference in San Diego County to announce that the construction of the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative had commenced.

A collaboration between California’s Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Department of Technology, the initiative’s purpose is to construct a 10,000-mile-long broadband network to provide open internet access statewide by the end of 2026.

The Middle-Mile project was authorized by Senate Bill (SB) 156, announced by Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) in July of last year.

“California is now one step closer to making the digital divide a thing of the past,” said Newsom. “This is about ensuring that all Californians, no matter the zip code they call home, can be part of the Golden State’s thriving and diverse economy.”

Once the network has been constructed, the state will provide funding for “last mile” efforts which refers to infrastructure that connects the network to “end-use” entities such as homes and businesses.

The Middle-Mile Initiative boasts a $6.5 billion budget to extend and improve internet access for “unserved and underserved communities” such as Indigenous American reservations, some low-income neighborhoods, and rural areas.

“So, I really want to underscore that our stance on digital equity is that it’s a 21st century civil right,” Sunne Wright McPeak, President and CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), told California Black Media (CBM).

CETF is a non-profit committed to closing the digital divide. It is the only non-state agency serving on the California Broadband Council which identifies and deploys resources for internet access.

“We live in this whole space around the most digitally disadvantaged, which are often the most economically disadvantaged,” said McPeak. “That persistent concentrated poverty is all rooted in systemic racism.”

Communities of color have slightly less broadband access than White communities. While 17% of Black households are without access to internet, 13% of White households lack access, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey (ACS).

“Beginning construction on the Middle-Mile network is a significant step toward broadband equity and providing all Californians the opportunity to access critical information,” Secretary of the California Transportation Agency Toks Omishakin said in a press release.

“High-speed internet is much more than a connection – it’s a lifeline that families need to work, learn, and access critical services,” Omishakin continued.

McPeak asserts that high poverty urban areas are hard to reach and suggests that broadband infrastructure often neglects these neighborhoods.

Another piece of the puzzle is the private sector, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond told CBM.

“And because of the way internet service providers and other companies have tried to capitalize on the internet, that means that the U.S. has communities that have been without access to the internet for a long time, even though there’s so much resourcing available,” Thurmond said.

McPeak echoed the assessment and suggested how state officials can convince private companies to aid in providing open access for Californians by providing incentives to do so.

“One thing the state could do to get much more cooperation is what I call ‘step up or step aside,'” said McPeak. “And that would be powerful if there was that kind of bold leadership that’s on the deployment side.”

Thurmond called these companies to action to bolster state efforts.

“I think that the state is doing everything that it can, and our office is certainly taking the lead as it relates to our students, but we need everyone to help,” Thurmond said. “And that means internet companies have to find ways to help build out pieces of the infrastructure that will reach the homes of Californians.”

Jesse Armendarez takes oath of office Thursday, December 29

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Supervisor-elect Jesse Armendarez, elected last month to represent San Bernardino County’s Second District on the Board of Supervisors, will take the oath of office during ceremonies on Thursday December 29, in the Board of Supervisors Covington Chambers in the County Government Center in San Bernardino.

Supervisor-elect Armendarez was born and raised in San Bernardino County. A strong believer in hard work, Supervisor-elect Armendarez earned his first job pressure washing trucks for a local logistics company at 16 years old. He eventually completed an apprenticeship program to become a licensed mechanic. After graduating from the first class at A.B. Miller High School in Fontana he started his own small business. Supervisor-elect Armendarez currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Inland Valley Association of Realtors and is Past President.

After starting his family with his wife Delene, Supervisor-elect Armendarez decided to become more involved within the community. He served on the Board of Directors for the Fontana Rotary and Fontana Exchange Clubs. He is also a member of the Fontana Chamber of Commerce and the Water of Life Church.

Supervisor-elect Armendarez also served as a Director for the Chaffey College Foundation, helping to raise money so disadvantaged youth could afford to earn their degree. The Jesse and Delene Armendarez Endowment at Chaffey College is fully funded and has helped local students attend college. Wanting to get involved in local government, Jesse earned an appointment to the Fontana Planning Commission where he helped shape the development of one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the Inland Empire.

As a Fontana School Board Member, Jesse Armendarez stood with local educational and community leaders to ensure vital school programs remained in place and expanded. As a Fontana City Councilmember, Jesse Armendarez served as Chair of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency Policy Committee where he represented Fontana on policy issues about sewer, wastewater and recycling programs and was also the Vice Chair of the Housing Authority and Industrial Development Authority for the city.

Being a successful small business owner, Supervisor Armendarez earned a reputation of helping attract businesses and jobs to the city and working to strengthen public safety throughout the community.

Supervisor-elect Armendarez has four children and lives in Fontana with his wife Delene.


About San Bernardino County: San Bernardino County is a diverse public service organization serving America’s largest county. We are governed by an elected Board of Supervisors and dedicated to creating a community where nearly 2.2 million residents can prosper and achieve well-being as outlined in the Countywide Vision. It is comprised of 42 departments and agencies, which are staffed by more than 22,000 public service professionals who provide a wide range of vital services in the areas of public safety, health care, social services, economic and community development and revitalization, fiscal services, infrastructure, recreation and culture, and internal support. San Bernardino County’s organizational culture is defined by the four pillars of value, innovation, service, and vision. For more information, visit sbcounty.gov.

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses Return to the 2023 Rose Parade

For more than a century, families and spectators from all over the world line the streets of Pasadena to view the Rose Parade at the start of each new year. It is a family tradition that fills the air with optimism and hope.

Another tradition is also returning this year. For the first time since 2020, Jehovah’s Witnesses will again be seen along the parade route, standing next to mobile carts displaying positive and hopeful messages for families.

The theme of this year’s Rose Parade is “Turning the Corner.” Parade organizers are hopeful that the nearly 800,000 expected attendees will mark this event as a fresh start for the community.

Many attendees are hoping for a better future. At 35 locations along the 5 ½ mile parade route, more than 250 Jehovah’s Witnesses have been preparing to share a positive message with all in attendance.

“People are looking for happiness and answers and want to make changes. They are hoping that the next year might be better than the last,” said Gene Beltran, local spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses in California.

“We’re finding that a lot of people are just excited to get back to some normalcy,” said Mark Plomaritis of Lake Forest. “People are eager, more eager than ever, to hear something positive,” adds Kathryn Plomaritis.

Along the sidewalks, families bundle up against the early morning cold. Some camp out overnight, make s’mores and secure their best spot to view the breathtaking floats. Despite the heightened excitement, there remains a lingering mindfulness of safety, security and the way times have changed.

“People are now very sensitive to what has happened, said James Villanueva, who assists in organizing this volunteer event for Jehovah’s Witnesses. ”I think our presence at the parade will be instrumental in giving people a real hope that these problems are just temporary,” he added.

In September 2022, Jehovah’s Witnesses resumed their public ministry. Out of concern for the health and safety of the community Witnesses had suspended their activity in March 2020.

“The pandemic gave people the opportunity to reorganize their priorities in life. Many feel it’s important to get in touch with their spirituality,” said Zila Rodriguez of Los Angeles.
Returning volunteer, Crystal Jones from Carson said, “The carts are like a cup of coffee on a cold day. They are so warm and inviting.”

Volunteers stand beside mobile display carts welcoming people from all walks of life and cultures. The featured website jw.org is currently available in 1070 languages, including sign language and some nearly extinct indigenous languages.

The message of hope that Jehovah’s Witnesses extend worldwide is what is needed most as we now “turn the corner” toward a new year.

Come to the San Bernardino County Library Mystery Events

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Library invites residents to investigate the Library Mystery Events. Enjoy an amazing experience of fun-filled crafts, face painting, balloon artists, and games.

These events are another opportunity to celebrate and support the Countywide Vision’s literacy campaign, Vision2Read.  Visitors should bring their library cards, as every 15 items checked out during the events earns visitors a spy pen and an opportunity drawing ticket for a chance to win awesome prizes.  All activities are free and open to all ages.

The San Bernardino County Library Mystery Events will take place in the following locations:

  • 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Library at 14901 Dale Evans Parkway in Apple Valley
  • 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Sam J. Racadio Library & Environmental Learning Center at 7863 Central Avenue in Highland
  • 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. The James S. Thalman Library at 14020 City Center Drive in Chino Hills
  • 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. The Crestline Library at 24105 Lake Gregory Drive in Crestline
  • 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. The Lewis Library & Technology Center at 8437 Sierra Avenue in Fontana

The San Bernardino County Library Mystery Themed Paint Night will take place in the following locations:

  • 28 from 2 to 3 p.m. The Yucca Valley Library at 57271 29 Palms Highway in Yucca Valley

For more programs, events, and additional information, please visit sbclib.org or contact your local branch library.

The San Bernardino County Library System is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serves a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County library system strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs, and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.

The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation Announces the 30th Annual Black Rose Awards Winners

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— 30th Black Rose Award Winners are Linda Wright – Moreno Valley/Perris – Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, Business. Gloria Macias Harrison – Yucaipa/Redlands – President Crafton Hills College Emeritus, Board of Trustees of San Bernardino Community College Board. Deborah Robertson – Mayor of Rialto, Founder of The Women’ Conference. The Founder’s Award – San Bernadino Community Hospital Administration, June Collison, President of the Hospital, (June won’t be in town to represent the administration) and Roz Nolan, Chief Nurse Executive Officer, and Dr. Ruby Skinner.

The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation’s 30th Black Rose Awards Winners receive their awards at the annual Banquet on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The California State University in San Bernardino’s Santos Manuel Student Union.

“This year’s Award Gala is held in honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday,” said Black Rose Committee Co-Chair Jim King.

The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is Non-profit 501.3C organization, founded in 1986 to honor and share the richness of our Black heritage, recognize world diversity, and inspire our youth toward leadership, scholarship, and career opportunities.

President Arlington Rodgers said, the Black Culture Foundation’s mission is to bridge cultural differences for generations through nurturing, educating, and building lasting respectable and encouraging communities by adoption these goals:

  1. Commit to the appreciation and provide an understanding of Black culture while ensuring the Foundation continues to be inclusive.
  2. Our ultimate purpose is to foster better understanding of the contributions that African Americans have made throughout history to the citizens of California and our nation.
  3. Equip our youth with the knowledge of a quality education, leadership skills and the means to be “Lifelong Learners” to achieve life goals.
  4. Recognize our community members, organizations, and businesses that go “above and beyond” the call to do great works in relations to goals 1 and 2.
  5. Collaborate and assist with projects (the Arts, cultural diversity programs, organizations) in alignment with mission statement and goals.

“The Foundation has prided itself with the ability to give more than 125 scholarships to our community students over the years.  This is our first event since Covid, and our coffers are bare and in need of replenishment to continue to provide scholarships to our students,“ said Black Rose Committee Co-Chair Kristine Scott.

In remembrance of Dr. Margaret Hill, the Black Culture Foundation has renamed the “Margaret Hill Community Support Award” to the “Dr. Margaret Hill Black Rose Youth Inspiration Award”. This award will present scholarships to two inspirational and outstanding San Bernardino Black American students graduating grade 12 or in their first or second year of college, said Scott.

Individual tickets are $75 each. For more information or to purchase tickets go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30th-black-rose-awards-banquet-tickets-491089169927.

 

Freshman Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson Selected as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Human Services

SACRAMENTO, CA – On Thursday, December 22nd California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon selected freshman Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson as Chair of the Committee on Human Services. Assemblymember Dr. Jackson is one of six freshman members selected this session (2023-24) to Chair Assembly Committees. His experience successfully leading a non-profit service organization and as a social worker uniquely qualifies him for this position.

Assemblymember Dr. Jackson has spent decades providing direct services to individuals and families in need. He understands the critical importance of the Human Services Committee and the direct services that are enhanced or expanded through this committee.

“I am honored to have the confidence of Speaker Rendon and my colleagues to lead the Human Services Committee as its Chair,” said Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson. “As a social worker and social justice advocate, we must be clear. It is not ok for Californians to just survive. They have a right to thrive! That is my North Star, and I am committed to moving California in that direction.”

In addition to leading this committee, Assemblymember Dr. Jackson has already committed to introducing a bill package this session that will enhance the quality of life for all Californians and expand opportunities for Californians to thrive.

Human Services Committee Jurisdiction: Includes child welfare services, foster care, childcare, adoption assistance, CalWORKs, CalFresh, developmental disability services, In-home Supportive Services (IHSS), community care licensing, adult protective services, SSI/SSP and COVID-19 response.

IE Claims Eugene Weems the 2022 King of The Streets [K.O.T.S.] Underground Fight Club Heavyweight World Champion!

By Lou K Coleman-Yeboah

Inland Empire resident, entrepreneur, community activist Eugene Weems, aka V.I.P. is also a champion mixed martial artist. [MMA]. He is currently, the King of the Streets Underground Fight Club Heavyweight, World Champion [K.O.T.S.] where the most notorious fights are bare knuckle, with no rules, no rounds, and no decisions, thus the winner only gets the prize money by knocking out the opponent!  Weems is also a former Five-time Tough Man Champion. He earned his K.O.T.S. title in Panama on November 26, 2022, by knocking out his opponent in 32 seconds!

Eugene Weems served 17 years 8 months in the California Department of Corrections for robbery. Upon his release in 2018, he made history by running for the California 31st Congressional District seat currently held by Representative Pete Aguilar in 2020.

Weems is also the founder (2013) and CEO of Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace [VG4VP.ORG]. A nonprofit organization.

Eugene Weems is a pillar in the IE community, who, via Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace consistently provides resources to the homeless and underserved populations in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County and Clark County, Las Vegas. He is a consultant, and community intervention specialist. A man, who has built a reputation as a progressive leader focusing on making a difference that benefits society.

When questioned about his motivation, Weems responds, “My motivation is my Grandmother Aldine Weems who raised me to be the man that I am today, a leader who leads by example with strict morals and values. I am a firm believer that Drive, Determination and Persistence does not recognize Failure. I was brought up to put God first and to believe in myself. I don’t allow others’ belief systems to dictate my abilities to achieve my desired goals or impede on my success. I’m a realist. I believe in facts not cliches. When I mentor people, I pass on the same beliefs that my grandmother instilled in me.”

Weems is committed to using his non-profit organization, Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace to reduce gang violence within the urban communities by fostering ways to reduce crime. His passion is to assure that every child has an opportunity to pursue his or her dreams regardless of nationality or ethnicity.

He is currently competing for a “Six Figure” contract in pro boxing’s Team Combat League [TCL]. “I am being trained by the legendary world champion, hall of fame kickboxer, Dewey, “Black Kobra” Cooper! My   strength and conditioning coaches are both world class… Mr. David Hayes and Grandmaster Terry Blackburn, of BKMMA and Two Dragons Taekwondo Gym in Las Vegas Nevada… And I expect to win, both in the ring as well as out of the ring in my quest to help others find their way!” he stated.

Weems will be a guest on the Empire Talks Back (ETB) radio broadcast on Sunday morning, January 8th… ETB is broadcast at 10:05 on KCAA 1050 AM Radio, streaming live video via KCAA Radio