Local

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has announced that eleven local neighborhood groups, community groups and non-profit organizations will be receiving $18,000 to complete community-based improvement projects as part of its “Love Your Block” initiative. The top prize of $5,000 was awarded to Tawyna Rhoades-Hensley for her “Unity in the Game: A Mural for Western Regional Little League” proposal.

“The proposals were absolutely amazing,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “It is so inspiring to see this much pride in our community and Love Your Block gave all of these groups an opportunity to make a difference in San Bernardino.”

The grant recipients were selected from amongst fifteen finalists who all made “Shark Tank” style pitches to a group of community judges on Saturday, April 19. The winning proposals were announced at an event on Tuesday, April 22 in conjunction with the sixteen other Love Your Block communities across the United States.

The top award will help fund an inspiring mural entitled “Unity in the Game,” to be painted by local artist Darren Villegas at Al Houghton Stadium, where the baseball and softball Little League World Series Western Regionals take place every year. The mural will feature baseball and softball players from the western region along with iconic landscapes and cultural elements representing the region, symbolizing unity and teamwork.

One of the presentations that had people buzzing came from three young members of Girl Scout Troup 1134. They were seeking funds to build a ”Little Free Library” at Blair Park.

“You could not deny the girls’ enthusiasm for their project,” added Tran. “And they also had detailed timelines, budgets, and goals. Those girls were incredible. It made my heart melt.”

Earlier this year, the City of San Bernardino, along with fifteen other cities across the nation, launched the “Love Your Block” initiative. The program, in partnership with the Bloomberg Center of Public Innovation, offered mini grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to neighborhood, student, and civic groups or individuals to organize local art projects and community cleanups.

The City received 43 applications.

Based upon the success of this program, the City plans on holding a second Love Your Block competition later this year in search of community-based projects celebrating the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Historic Route 66.

The Love Your Block program was established in 2009 by the Bloomberg Center of Public Innovation to fund resident-led neighborhood revitalization projects in U.S. cities. The City of San Bernardino is one of only sixteen cities in the nation and two in California that were selected last year to be a part of the program.

Local partners include AmeriCorps Vista, Music Changing Lives, Making Hope Happen Foundation, and Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services.

Here is a complete list of Love Your Block winners:

• Unity in the Game: A Mural for Western Regional Little League   $5,000
• Arrowview Neighborhood Association Campo Santo Mural     $3,000
• The Bountiful Block                           $2,000
• Bond Street Clean-Up                         $1,500
• Blair Park Free Little Library                      $  500
• Pacific Street Pride                           $1,000
• Electric Avenue Art and Garden Project               $1,000
• Downtown Beautification                        $1,000
• Improving Arrowhead Heights                     $1,000
• Voices of Hope: A Community Mural Against Domestic Violence  $1,000
• Improving Pershing Street with Colorful Murals            $1,000

For  more  information,  visit  the  City’s  Love  Your  Block  website  at

https://www.sbcity.org/1636/Love-Your-Block

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

As a candidate for mayor, former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee released a “10-point plan” last week to reassure residents that she will tackle Oakland’s most pressing challenges.

Now that she has edged out her competitors in the ranked-choice special election with 50% or more of the vote, the former Congresswoman, who represented parts of the Bay Area in the U.S. House of Representatives, can put her vision in motion as the city’s first Black woman mayor.

“I accept your choice with a deep sense of responsibility, humility, and love. Oakland is a deeply divided City,” Lee said in an April 19 statement. “I answered the call to run to unite our community, so that I can represent every voter, and we can all work together as One Oakland to solve our most pressing problems.”

As of April 18, Lee had secured 47,045 votes (50.0%), while Loren Manuel Taylor trailed her with 42,276 (44.9%) votes, according to Alameda County election results. Lee and Taylor were among 10 candidates who vied for the office after embattled former mayor, Sheng Thao, was recalled in November.

On Saturday evening, Taylor conceded to Lee. There are still about 300 Vote-by-Mail ballots left to be verified, according to county election officials. The ballots will be processed on April 21 and April 22.

“This morning, I called Congresswoman Barbara Lee to congratulate her on becoming the next Mayor of Oakland,” Taylor said in a statement.

“I pray that Mayor-Elect Lee fulfills her commitment to unify Oakland by authentically engaging the 47% of Oaklanders who voted for me and who want pragmatic, results-driven leadership.”

The influential Oakland Post endorsed Lee’s campaign, commending her leadership on the local, state, and federal levels.

Paul Cobb, The Post’s publisher, told California Black Media that Lee will bring back “respect and accountability” to the mayor’s office.

“She is going to be a collegial leader drawing on the advice of community nonprofit organizations and those who have experience in dealing with various issues,” Cobb said. “She’s going to try to do a consensus-building thing among those who know the present problems that face the city.”

Cobb continued, “I also think she has the one thing that the previous leaders didn’t – the willingness to want to work with (Alameda) county to solve social issues like homelessness and housing because the county has the resources and the budget.”

Born in El Paso, Texas, Lee’s family moved to California while she was in high school. At 20 years old, Lee divorced her husband after the birth of her first child. After the split, Lee went through a tough period, becoming homeless and having to apply for public assistance to make ends meet.

But destitution did not deter the young woman.

Lee groomed herself to become an activist and advocate in Oakland and committed to standing up for the most vulnerable citizens in her community.

Lee traveled to Washington, D.C. to work for then U.S. Congressman Ron Dellums after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mills College in Oakland in 1973. Lee later won a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) fellowship to attend the School of Social Welfare, and she earned a Master of Social Work from the University of California-Berkeley in 1975.

Lee later served in the California State Assembly and State Senate before she was elected to Congress in 1998 to represent California’s 9th District, which includes parts of Berkeley and Oakland.

After serving in the U.S. Congress for more than 25 years, Lee ran unsuccessfully for California’s U.S. Senate in the 2024 primary election.

Lee joins current Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass and former San Francisco Mayor London Breed as Black women serving as chief executives of major cities in California over the last few years.

“For the past 100 days — as I have for the past 30 years — I worked hard every day to continue to earn your trust, your respect, and your vote,” Lee said in the April 19 press release. “I couldn’t be prouder of the margin of our collective win and our amazing coalition.”

In an April 10 press release, Lee said she expects to improve public safety, find effective solutions to address homelessness, and revitalize the city’s economic state in her first 100 days in office.

According to the United States Census, Oakland’s population was 436,504 in July 2023, a decrease of 4,165 since April 2020. The Black population makes up 21.1% of the city’s residents compared to the city of Los Angeles’s 8.5%. As it has all over the state, homelessness has risen considerably in Oakland over the last decade.

Cobb said that Lee’s work governing will take patience from the community. She not only has to repair the city’s image but also, “like the Betty Wright song, ‘Cleanup Woman,’ she’ll have to clean up the mess that was left behind,” Cobb said.

“That’s the role of Black women in politics – arriving to clean up the mess that was left by others,” Cobb said. “But I believe she can do both, repair and clean up some of the internal bureaucratic messes, while branching out to do things that others did not dare to do or did not care to do.”

Lee stated that she met with voters “every day in their living rooms, at their doors and at community events,” to hear their concerns and hardships of living in a city that once had three professional sports teams that were drawing revenue.

Part of her 10-point plan includes directing the City Council to develop a budget that puts Oakland on solid financial footing. She also wants to establish stronger links between the leadership of the City’s police department and business leaders to keep the city safe.

Another priority for Lee is deploying vegetation management crews to clear hazards in high fire danger zones to help protect residents and property from the growing threat of wildfires.

“I hear them loud and clear – they want a mayor who can make Oakland safer, address the fiscal crisis, and root out corruption,” Lee stated. “Together, we can build a safer, vibrant Oakland that works for everyone. This is our moment to reimagine what’s possible for our beloved city.”

Like chairs with hidden cracks, people carry pain that often goes unnoticed. BROKEN is where art and mental health meet, and healing begins. Empower You Edutainment utilizes performing arts to provide engaging theater, dance and music experiences that promote resilience, empowerment and overall wellness among youth and young adults.

RIVERSIDE, CA— Like chairs with hidden cracks, people carry pain that often goes unnoticed. “BROKEN is where art and mental health meet, and healing begins,” said Sharron Lewis, president and co-founder of Empower You Edutainment.

Broken is on Sunday, April 27th, at 3 p.m. at the Riverside Civil Rights Institute in the Bank of America Diversity Center, 3933 Mission Inn Avenue, Suite 102, in Riverside.  Doors open at 2:30 p.m.

According to Lewis, BROKEN is a unique healing experience that blends music, spoken word, storytelling, and the powerful symbolism of a broken chair to explore how we heal—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

“This event is more than a gathering. It’s a sacred space for release, reflection, and restoration. Just like a cracked chair or a splintered table can be repaired and made whole again—often stronger and more beautiful—so can we,” said Deborah McDuff Williams of The Links Incorporated, San Bernardino Valley (CA) Chapter.

Empower You Edutainment, a non-profit organization promoting health awareness, presents “Broken.” This unique event aims to shed light on the often-unnoticed pain that individuals carry and explore the healing power of art.

“Art has the incredible ability to reveal hidden emotions and provide a therapeutic outlet for those struggling with mental health issues,” said Lewis.

Empower You Edutainment utilizes the performing arts to provide engaging theater, dance and music experiences that promote resilience, empowerment and overall wellness among youth and young adults. Attendees can engage in various artistic activities designed to foster healing and self-expression.

“Through this event, we hope to create a supportive environment where individuals can find solace and understanding. We invite everyone to participate in this transformative experience and join a community that values mental health and artistic expression,” said Lewis.

Guest Artist Deborah McDuff Williams is a multifaceted artist whose work delves into themes of social justice, African heritage and the human experience. In addition to her visual art, Williams incorporates poetry to amplify her healing messages.

BROKEN is sponsored by: Empower You Edutainment, The Links Incorporated, San Bernardino Valley (CA) Chapter, the Civil Rights Institute, Inland Southern California, and Dameron Communications. .

For more information about BROKEN or to register for this free event at EventBrite.com, search for Broken or email Empower@empoweryouedutainment.org.

About Empower You Edutainment

Empower You Edutainment is a non-profit organization founded in 2016. The dedicated team of talented educators and skilled artists leverages their rich background in the performing arts to deliver engaging theatre, dance and music experiences that foster resilience, empowerment and overall wellness among youth and young adults.

Our mission is clear: We strive to dismantle social and economic barriers, providing empowerment, education and transformation to the often voiceless. We aim to inspire and uplift through the powerful mediums of song, interpretive dance, spoken word, music, improvisation and theater.

From our humble origins, we have enriched the Inland Empire with community theatre that draws attention to pressing social issues and positively impacts the lives of many.

About The Links Incorporated, San Bernardino Valley (CA) Chapter

The Links Incorporated, San Bernardino Valley (CA) Chapter, a not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other people of African ancestry.

About The Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California

As the voice of civil rights for Inland Southern California, the Institute provides public programming and children’s programs focusing on civil rights and the region’s civil rights history. It offers programs, exhibits, and performances that support civil rights activities. The Institute is developing a digital archive of regional civil rights materials and conducts oral history projects, supporting the production of civil rights audio and video through the media center.  Additionally, it recognizes the region’s civil rights leaders and their impacts.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Perris Hill Pickleball is thrilled to announce a bold and forward-thinking proposal to transform Perris Hill Park into a premier destination for pickleball and tennis enthusiasts. This state-of-the-art facility promises to enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, while fostering community engagement and bolstering the local economy.

The proposed pickleball and tennis center is set to include cutting-edge amenities such as 12 pickleball courts, 4 tennis courts, new open sided shade structure for players and spectators. A spectacular grand main entrance with a featured sign structure. By creating a shared space for players of all ages and skill levels, the vision for this project reflects the club’s commitment to inclusivity, health, and growth of racquet sports in our region.

“Our vision is to create a world-class facility that inspires connection, competition, and wellness,” said Sam Catalano, spokesperson for Perris Hill Pickleball. “This center will be more than just courts-it will be a vibrant community hub where people can gather, learn, and celebrate the joy of sport.”

In addition to enriching the recreational landscape, the center is poised to deliver significant economic benefits. By hosting tournaments, leagues, and community events, the facility is expected to attract visitors, support local businesses, and generate revenue for the city.

To turn this vision into reality, Perris Hill Pickleball is seeking public and political support to secure necessary approvals and funding for the project. The club is working closely with city officials to ensure that the project aligns with the City of San Bernardino’s goals for sustainable development and community well-being.

“We expect the new pickleball and tennis center will be a high activity hub that will generate significant traffic all the hours and days the park is open,” said Catalano.

By Joseph R. Williams

Community College Month is a time to reflect on how local institutions create opportunity, close equity gaps, and drive economic mobility. In the Inland Empire, that mission is being realized through San Bernardino Valley College’s new Applied Technology Building—a bold, future-facing investment in career education.

This facility is more than just steel and concrete. It’s a symbol of progress. Inside are programs that prepare students for high-growth, high-wage careers—fields like industrial automation, HVAC, clean energy, and advanced transportation. These aren’t abstract degrees; they’re direct connections to jobs that begin at $80,000 a year or more.

For students in San Bernardino and across the region—many of whom are the first in their family to attend college—this kind of access is life-changing. It represents not just education, but empowerment. It means the ability to support a family, purchase a home, or start a business.

Career Technical Education (CTE) is one of the most effective tools we have to create upward mobility. Yet CTE programs—and community colleges more broadly—don’t always get the attention or investment they deserve. While four-year universities dominate the conversation, it is our community colleges that are doing the heavy lifting: training workers, responding to local labor market demands, and meeting students where they are.

San Bernardino Valley College’s new building changes the game. It’s a clear, physical commitment to preparing students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. It’s also a reflection of what can happen when we align vision with resources—when we move beyond conversation and into action.

But buildings alone don’t close equity gaps. Continued investment is needed—not just in infrastructure, but in outreach, support services, and strong partnerships with employers. The success of this project will be measured not only by the number of students enrolled, but by how many of them graduate with industry-recognized credentials, secure good jobs, and stay rooted in the Inland Empire.

This Community College Month, I urge business leaders to partner with us, policymakers to prioritize CTE funding, and community members to see the promise in our public colleges.

Because when we invest in students, we invest in our region. And when we strengthen our colleges, we strengthen our economy.

Joseph R. Williams is a Trustee with the San Bernardino Community College District and a long-time advocate for educational and economic equity in the Inland Empire.

INLAND EMPIRE, CA— The 2025 Remarkable Women program celebrated an extraordinary milestone as Dr. Kimberly Carter-Tillman was named the National Remarkable Woman of the Year. Dr. Carter-Tillman, who represented KTLA as their local finalist, joined 124 other remarkable women from across the nation for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Los Angeles, where they experienced the glamour of Hollywood while being recognized for their contributions to their communities.

The finalists, selected from more than 200 Nexstar Media Group owned or partner stations across 116 U.S. markets, were treated to a special Hollywood experience. The group enjoyed accommodations at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, a poolside reception catered by Wolfgang Puck, and a special “Remarkable Women” presentation.

A highlight of the experience included a visit to Warner Bros. Studios, where the 125 Remarkable Women were invited as special guests to The Jennifer Hudson Show. The women were welcomed warmly and had the opportunity to be part of the show’s audience during a taping.

Dr. Carter-Tillman’s exceptional work clearly stood out among the impressive group of finalists, specifically for what she is doing to transform women from economic dependents to economic leaders through entrepreneurship and supportive housing.  She was first selected as one of the five regional finalists, each of whom received $5,000 towards a charity of their choice. Ultimately, Dr. Carter-Tillman was crowned the National Remarkable Woman of the Year, receiving the grand prize of $25,000 from the Nexstar Charitable Foundation for her designated charity.

The announcement was made during the one-hour “Remarkable Women” special which aired on The CW Network on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Viewers who missed the special can find more information about Dr. Carter-Tillman’s achievements and the program on their local Nexstar station websites.

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

 Is Trump manipulating his way to declaring Martial Law? He has placed troops on the Southern Border in the name of a fictional invasion. He is  using the Alien Enemies Act to make his point by deporting  immigrants, documented or not. He is securing subtle support from closet racist by focusing his immigrant hate on people of color! If someone is not an anti-racist, one might fall into the category of racist.

He is deporting non-white people that he simply declares to be here illegally, while expressing the idea that there should be more people from places like Sweden and Denmark coming to America! See it live daily! He calls Immigrants  invaders in America, the country created by immigrants! He cites immigrants as invaders in order to say that America is in fact at war! If he can convinces us that he believes that America is at war, he can declare a State Of Emergency, which is what he did to place our military troops along the Southern Boarder. The resistance to that unconstitutional move was very slight, and thus a green light for his next assault on the Constitution!

The door has been opened to Martial Law and his apparent ultimate dream status of President for life. He has started so many fires of distraction that I fear we are ignoring his most dangerous plot.

The increasing chaos and confusion caused by his assault on the Economy, Social Security, Healthcare, Education and Foreign Relations is engineered chaos! This chaos will fan the flames of resistance. Protests will increase! Adding to the probability of a protest being used as the final excuse for him to declare Martial Law! No law prevents him from doing it and he certainly has the audacity and cult following to force the question!

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On April 9, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday announced that California is seeking 10,000 people to join the California Service Corps. Members gain meaningful work experience while helping their communities and earning money.

Over the coming year, the goal for the California Service Corps programs is to recruit over 10,000 volunteers who will serve nearly five million hours. Service members help communities by taking environmental actions; tutoring and mentoring students to help them succeed; supporting communities impacted by disasters; working to end hunger; and connecting vulnerable people to vital resources and services.

“As Californians, the spirit of service and giving back is in our DNA — it’s why we have the largest service corps in the nation, bigger than the Peace Corps and a model for other states,” said Newsom. “In the coming year, our service members will provide critical support — whether responding to disasters like the L.A. fires or tackling critical issues like loneliness — as we work to build a California for all.”

Combined, the California Service Corps is a force larger than the United States Peace Corps and will be mobilized at a time when California is addressing post-pandemic academic recovery, the L.A. fire recovery and the future of the state’s workforce.

“These are California’s future leaders, and we need their passion, energy and enthusiasm to address our greatest challenges,” said Fryday. “There is no better example of what they’re capable of than how they immediately mobilized to support the L.A. fire recovery efforts.”

California Service Corps members gain skills and experience?while connecting with others and making a difference. Additionally, service experiences aim to foster a positive sense of connection and belonging, an answer to the loneliness crisis — as defined by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory. 

Current partners and volunteers with the corps joined the digital press conference to share what they’ve experienced so far during their service.

Luckie Diwa, Program Director of Improve Your Tomorrow, was one of the speakers at the press conference. Her organization, which partners with the corps, aims to increase the number of young men of color who attend and graduate from colleges and universities.

“Our service members are absolutely pivotal to our mission we wouldn’t be able to achieve our mission really without our mentors,” said Diwa. “I have personally witnessed so much growth in brothers from just having this one-on-one guidance. A lot of school counselors are just outnumbered at a lot of our schools and can’t have that unique one-to-one connection that a lot of them would desire. So, our service members really come and help carry a huge torch.”

Service members at her organization meet with students once a week providing academic and socio-emotional support. Diwa shared stories of students starting with 1.0 GPAs and improving to 3.0 GPAs while working with the program. She also commented on the benefits she’s seen for the service members themselves.

Marybeth Carranza, an AmeriCorps California member working with Improve Your Tomorrow, spoke about how joining the corps has impacted her life.

“Serving with Improve Your Tomorrow as an AmeriCorps California member has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Carranza. “I’ve grown tremendously in a space dedicated to supporting young men of color on their path to higher education and leadership. Through this work, I’ve gained valuable skills, expanded my professional network and developed a lifelong commitment to contributing to this important cause.”

If you or someone you know are interested in joining the corps, you can learn more and register at  CAServiceCorps.com.

In February, when the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) announced its “Road to Repair 2025 Priority Bill Package,” which consists of 16 bills, Caucus Chair Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) said, “This bill package is about repairing centuries of economic damage and abuse that was inflicted on Black Californians.”

 “This legislative package,” she added, “is a chance to transform the promise of equality into a lived reality, so that everyone can achieve the American dream.”

CLBC Vice Chair Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) echoed Weber Pierson’s commitment.

“This year, as we do every year, we will fight repair the harms of the past and create new ladders of opportunity for Black Californians.” said Bryan.

Two months later, all the bills except for one, ACA 6 — a constitutional amendment aiming to ban slavery in all forms in California – have been assigned to various legislative committees for consideration.

Over the next four weeks, California Black Media (CBM) will cover the 16 bills in the package to detail what each proposes and learn more from the authors. We will also track the bills and give you an update as they make their way through the legislative process.

Here are the first four:

Assembly Bill (AB) 7

AB 7, introduced by Bryan, would allow admission priority to the descendants of slaves at the University of California and California State University. The two institutions are among the largest public university systems in the nation.

“For decades universities gave preferential admission treatment to donors, and their family members, while others tied to legacies of harm were ignored and at times outright excluded,” said Bryan. “We have a moral responsibility to do all we can to right those wrongs.”

This bill comes in the wake of actions from the Trump administration to dismantle affirmative action and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Black students made up about 4% of the California State University’s student population and about 4.7% at the University of California in 2023, according to the university systems’ latest reports.

AB 7 is currently under review in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 6

ACA 6, introduced by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), would ‘prohibit slavery’ in all forms. The Assembly Constitutional Amendment would also clarify that its provisions do not prohibit the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from awarding credits to an incarcerated person who voluntarily accepts a work assignment.

The proposed amendment is a third attempt to amend the California Constitution to ban slavery and involuntary servitude in all forms. It shares the spirit of Proposition 6, which voters rejected in the 2024 voting cycle.

“We’re doing this again and going back because we felt like it was a moral obligation and a righteous thing to do,” said Wilson in a statement. “What we heard from the voters during that time was a lot of misunderstandings around the bill. But when we educated on Prop. 6, they were all behind it. I didn’t talk to any person that wasn’t behind the bill once they knew what the bill did, but that took a lot of time.”

ACA 7

ACA 7, introduced by Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) would amend Proposition 209, a California law passed in 1996 prohibiting the state from considering race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, or contracting.

The proposed amendment would seek to address disparities in health, education and economic outcomes for communities of color in California.

“For too long, certain communities in California have faced significant barriers to success, with the state being extremely limited in their ability to provide the appropriate support,” said Jackson. “This ACA is a crucial step towards addressing the barriers that certain communities in California face in achieving their full potential. Our goal is to provide equal opportunities for all Californians to lead healthy and productive lives.”

ACA 7 also confirms that remedies for violations would align with existing California anti-discrimination laws and do not affect existing court orders or consent decrees.

The Assembly Judiciary Committee is currently reviewing ACA 7.

AB 801

AB 801, introduced by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), seeks to uncover and outlaw discriminatory mortgage and lending practices.

Existing law, the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, generally provides for the licensure and regulation of people engaging in the business of making residential mortgage loans or servicing residential mortgage loans. This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to residential mortgage loans.

“This legislation will help families struggling with rising bill costs,” said Bonta.

“All eyes will be on California to see how we continue to support bold, compassionate, and evidence-based policies in the face of federal chaos. I look forward to working with my colleagues to craft the best possible legislation and serve each and every Californian,” Bonta said.

AB 801 is under consideration in the Assembly Committee on Banking and Finance.

San Bernardino County officials are warning residents to be on the lookout for misleading letters demanding payment for liens. These letters, which may appear official and reference legitimate public records, are being sent by third-party solicitors attempting to deceive residents into sending money. Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales, Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector Ensen Mason, and District Attorney Jason Anderson urge the public to exercise caution when receiving such correspondence.

“These scam letters misrepresent legitimate recorded liens and are designed to intimidate residents into paying unauthorized third parties,” said Gonzales. Mason emphasized the importance of verifying the source before making payments, noting that government offices will never use threats or pressure tactics. District Attorney Anderson added that residents should carefully examine any notices from a government organization and report if they are found fraudulent.

To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of any letter by checking official records through the Recorder’s office or by visiting arc.sbcounty.gov. Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified sources, and be wary of urgent demands for payment. If you suspect fraud or need assistance, contact the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk at 909-387-8306 or the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector at 909-387-8308 or visit mytaxcollector.com.