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Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Harry “Doc” Ervin as Superintendent during today’s Board of Education meeting. Ervin will assume the leadership post on July 1, officially filling the seat vacated by Dr. Dale Marsden.

Ervin joins SBCUSD from Bakersfield City School District, where he has served as superintendent since 2016. He was selected during a nationwide search that resulted in more than 20 highly qualified applicants.

“The Board of Education listened closely to our SBCUSD community about the qualities we should look for in a new superintendent, and Doc Ervin stood out for his passionate commitment to equity and excellence,” said Board President Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers. “We are confident we have found a transformational leader as his experience at all levels of the educational system will help us effectively navigate the opportunities and challenges that come as we recover and grow from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Ervin, who is fluent in English and Spanish, has dedicated his career to bringing equity and access to economically disadvantaged students from culturally diverse backgrounds, setting high expectations for their success. He brings more than 25 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, school principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in districts across the state, serving areas that include Kern County, Monterey County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County. 

“I am pleased to accept the position of Superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and I look forward to ensuring every SBCUSD student has the support they need to be successful,” said Ervin, who was present for the Board of Education’s virtual meeting. “SBCUSD has a lot of great programs in place for students, and I look forward to taking what they have to the next level.”

The SBCUSD Board of Education selected Ervin through a locally driven process where the public was offered multiple opportunities for input. Preparation began a year ago with community listening sessions and surveys to capture stakeholder thoughts about the qualities most important for the new district leader. Among these desired characteristics was a successful track record working in a socioeconomically diverse, multicultural community with similar demographics to San Bernardino. Recruitment was disrupted by COVID-19 and resumed in January of this year where community members were again invited to participate by submitting questions for the Board to consider in their interview process.

Ervin is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and Master of Science in Education Administration from Alliant International University and his Administrative Credential from California State University, Fullerton. He is married with three sons and one daughter.

The SBCUSD Board of Education will formally approve Ervin’s contract at its April 6 meeting. Between now and July 1, Ervin will work with now Interim Superintendent Dr. Harold Vollkommer to ensure a smooth transition.

Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Council Member Damon L. Alexanderin conjunction with the San Bernardino District Attorney’sOffice presents, “Victim/Witness Informational Seminar”, on Tuesday, April 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

If you have ever wondered what would happen if you were a victim of a crime and what you would do or where you would go, then this seminar is for you. The guest speaker of the event will be Victim Advocate, Ryan Isenburg. Resources will be provided during the presentation with a Q&A session immediately following.

Please visit https://zoom.us/j/92336058076 to register.

Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Thursday, April 8 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Time for Change Foundation will be presenting their 19^th Annual “She Is…” Virtual Awards and Gala. If you have not registered, there is still time, but it is running out!

The 19th Annual “SHE IS…” Virtual Awards Gala, will pay homage to the amazing women who have rebuilt their lives, reunified their families and regained their voices for change. COVID-19 has brought with it a dizzying amount of fear, uncertainty, and change. Homelessness has increased, safety net programs have been torn through, and our childcare system is buckling under its own weight. Yet, in the face of future uncertainty, SHE IS…

“SHE IS…” still standing up for racial justice.

“SHE IS…” still working to advance causes that benefit children.

“SHE IS…” still ensuring that no woman is released from incarceration without the protection and support of her sisters.

SHE IS… trailblazing, conquering, surviving.

SHE IS… an example of the most relentless of spirits.

To learn more about Time For Change Foundation and the work we do visit us at www.timeforchangefoundation.org.

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Council Member Damon L. Alexander hosts the 7th Ward Homeless Roundtable on Monday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom. The topics of discussion will include coordination of services, a strategic plan for the 7th Ward homeless population, immediate and achievable solutions, and COVID-19 vaccinations for our homeless population.

The panel is co-sponsored by Time for Change Foundation, The Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Ecclesia Christian Fellowship &Cathedral of Praise.

By Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m., the San Bernardino Symphony will be airing their Spring Concert again on the Symphony’s new SBSOtv platform accessible from their website.

April 10th is the Final Airing of Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and Grieg

Want to know more about the concert?

Concerned you won’t be able to access a digital concert?

Here’s how it’s done:

1. On concert day, go to www.sanbernardinosymphony.org
2. Click on the SBSOtv tab (third white tab from the left just below the purple page header).
3. Input your password at the first prompt, then the same password at the second prompt.
4. Watch the concert from your computer or cast it onto your SmartTV the same way you would other computer-based content.
5. Enjoy the concert from the best seat in Your House!

Remember, even if you’re not right on time, you won’t have missed a thing!

The concert starts for you when you input your password!

See what previous show goers thought

“Breathtaking program, performance, video, sound quality, studio, organ, bassoon – phenomenal details of beauty, curiosity and virtuosity! Wowww!!”

“Another exceptional concert  Loved hearing Anthony on the bassoon all while conducting the orchestra! What a nice surprise to hear the Wurlitzer. Thanks for all that SBSO has been able to present despite the pandemic.” 

“The Golden Era of the San Bernardino Symphony is upon us!” 

“Stunning performance in every way!!! Bravi Tutti, SBSO!! Brilliant!!! And Maestro Anthony, your incredible conducting, commentary and virtuoso bassoon concerto – unreal!! Crying tears of joy of how amazing it was and thinking about the history of your bassoon and its journey back!”

“Extremely moving and beautiful!! “

“Fantastic concert, and especially great to hear Maestro Parnther reunited with his bassoon, singing to us in the Vivaldi concerto. Loved every moment!” 

“This concert was what my soul needed.”

“The concert was so lovely. Hearing our maestro play was so wonderful, a very talented musician in so many ways. The organ pieces were astounding, so many pipes, such amazing ability to play that instrument-our senses were mesmerized. The strings, of course, were angelic-we are so fortunate to have this orchestra for San Bernardino.”

“Another beautiful concert! Loved your brilliant performance, the camera work, and historical background. Well done, everyone!”

“Outstanding concert, the music, the arrangements, the musicians, the videography, the editing, and post production all made for an amazing experience. I look forward to any/all future concerts by SBSO.”

“Sounded really full & the vertical harmonies really balanced about as close to perfect as possible.“ 

“The music brought tears to my eyes it was so beautiful. Thank you for a lovely afternoon!“

By Lue Dowdy

In honor of National Women’s Month, the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce-Inland Cities East Chapter Monthly Mixer presents – Female Black Entrepreneurs – (‘Oh Yes, WE CAN’) a panel discussion of 7 beautiful and talented Black Female Entrepreneurs! The panel discussion will be held via Zoom on Monday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Female entrepreneurship has steadily increased since the 21st century and women business owners are defiantly in the mix.  How does that look for woman of color? Where do BLACK WOMAN ENTREPRENEURS FIT IN? The panel will be sharing their business experiences and speaking on the following topics: How to start your own business, what type of business to start, How and where to seek to help, and Some of the struggles Black Woman entrepreneurs endured!

The ladies on the panel consist of:  Shari’ah Hrdie – Business GURU; LaToya Tillett – The Broker; Keyona Dawson – The Fashion Designer; Vonshai VonCierge – The Chef; Tania; HairCare DivaAtlas – The Shop Owner; and Kimberly Woods – The Print Shop. In addition to the panelist, there will also be a special musical performance by Merrion Morey.

Make sure to register for this fun, entertaining but informative business networking mixer highlighting female Black entrepreneurs. Registration link can be found on the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce website and Facebook page.

On March 25, 2021, James and Loretta Cousar celebrated 60 years of marriage. They met in 1960 at a card party where it was love at first sight and since then they have been building a legacy for their family in West Covina, California.

The couple has two children: Andre Cousar (John Cluckie) and Felicia Alexander (Damon Alexander); 5 grandchildren: Kali, Aryriana, Khalil, Todd, Jordan and one great grandchild: Avery Grace. 

James Cousar is a retired Quality Assurance Engineer for Rockwell International and Loretta Cousar was a Pupil Services and Attendance SARB Chairperson for Los Angeles Unified School District.  In addition to their careers, the couple were very instrumental in the community and members of many organizations, such as Murph Chapel AME, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (San Bernardino Alumnae Chapter), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (Pomona Valley Alumnae Chapter), San Gabriel Valley NAACP, West Covina Chamber of Commerce and San Gabriel Valley League of Women Voters.

Currently, Mrs. Cousar is an elected Trustee for the Banning Library District and Mr. Cousar continues to support his wife in all of her endeavors

Participants must register and have an appointment to get vaccinated

RIVERSIDE, CA— Riverside County residents who qualify are being encouraged to make an appointment to get their COVID-19 vaccination by signing up through the Riverside University Health System-Public Health website.

Hundreds of appointments are available through Friday at the four county-run clinics and those operated by Curative and OptumServe in Riverside County. Those within Phases 1A and 1B are eligible, including residents 65 years of age and older and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccine eligibility is based on the state’s rollout tiers.

“The supply of vaccine has increased and that allows us to provide more vaccination appointments,” said Kim Saruwatari, director of Public Health for Riverside County. “This is a great opportunity for those who have been waiting to get vaccinated. It is quick and easy – both making the appointment and actually getting vaccinated.”

Among the job categories eligible are healthcare workers; long-term care residents; agriculture and food workers; educators and childcare workers; emergency services workers, transportation workers, utility workers and janitors. The state recently expanded the vaccination eligibility to include those at higher risk for COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions. The underlying health conditions include cancer, Down syndrome, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, pregnancy, severe obesity and heart conditions.

“We are encouraged to see that more vaccine is being sent to Riverside County for our many residents who have patiently waited to get their shot,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor.

More than 800,000 doses – both first and second doses — have been administered to Riverside County residents through the county-run clinics and those operated by the nearly 200 community providers.

To make an appointment or to see a list of eligible jobs categories and underlying health conditions that qualify, click www.rivcoph.org/covid-19-vaccine. Those who need assistance to make an appointment can call 2-1-1.

More money for more people equals more and better health insurance coverage for millions of Californians and consumers nationwide — especially vital during this age of COVID-19.

That’s the upshot of President Joe Biden’s recently passed $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, with health care provisions containing new and expanded financial help to benefit an estimated 3 million Californians, among the 25 million Americans who qualify.   The new financial help will greatly reduce monthly health care costs, making health care coverage more affordable and generating savings of hundreds of dollars each month.

Covered California is poised to take a leadership role in ensuring that consumers take full advantage of this unique opportunity that expands the federal Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and reap the benefits of these new health care funds.

“The new and expanded financial help provided by the American Rescue Plan is a very big deal for millions of Americans,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “These new subsidies will help more people get covered, lower health care premium costs and put money back into people’s pockets when they sign up for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act.”

Additionally, Covered California announced that its opening its doors to enroll as many uninsured people as possible into health plans between April and the end of December 2021, because of these American Rescue Plan’s health care provisions. Major efforts will also launch to recruit consumers who now have expensive health coverage outside of Covered California and haven’t been able to get financial help in the past.

Answers to some common questions about the new health care provisions in the American Rescue Plan are below.        

Q. Who benefits from the American Rescue Plan’s health care provisions?

A. There are three key categories of Californians who can benefit from the new health care provisions in the American Rescue Plan. They are:

• Individuals who are currently uninsured and are eligible for the new financial help through Covered California, with many qualifying for $1 dollar health plans.
• Individuals who are currently have health coverage directly through an insurer outside of Covered California and are now eligible for financial help for the first time. These consumers may be able to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by switching to the same or similar health coverage through Covered California.
• Individuals who are currently insured in Covered California health plans and are now eligible for more financial help.

An estimated 1.2 million currently uninsured Californians can get health coverage that is more affordable than ever before. The American Rescue Plan reduces consumers’ monthly health coverage costs so that no one will have to pay more than 8.5 percent of their household income on health care premiums.

The deals don’t stop there. About 1.4 million consumers who are already enrolled through Covered California will get even more financial assistance. These consumers will see their monthly premiums decrease by an average of $119 per household per month.

Another 430,000 Californians who are insured directly through a health insurance company and are not now getting financial help can see dramatic savings if they switch to Covered California health plans.

Q. When will the new financial help and savings be available?

A. Covered California is opening a new special-enrollment period on April 12 that runs through December 31, 2021, and consumers can see savings reflected on their monthly health care bills as soon as May 1 if they enroll by April 30.

Q. What do I need to do to get these savings?

A. Existing consumers in California do not need to take any action since Covered California will automatically apply the savings to their accounts. They will see lower health care bills starting in May.

Those who currently don’t have health coverage through Covered California can enroll through December 31, 2021 to benefit from this round of new financial help.  This includes those consumers who currently are insured through an insurer outside of Covered California and are now eligible to get financial assistance for the first time and switch to more affordable plans.

Q. How long will my health care premium costs stay this low?

A. The reduced health care premiums under the American Rescue Plan will remain in place for all of 2021 and all of 2022, unless Congress extends or makes these provisions permanent.

Q. What are some other benefits of having Covered California health plans?

A. Covered California health plans cover all COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, as well as any medical treatment necessary due to COVID-19 at no charge or minimal co-payments.

In addition, all Covered California health plans must offer essential benefits under the Affordable Care Act that range from maternity care and hospitalizations to preventive and mental health care. Free preventive health care includes annual check ups with your doctor and screenings for diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure.

Q. If you have low household income or no income at all, can you still get health coverage?

A. Yes, you can enroll in quality health plans at no cost or very low cost through California’s Medi-Cal program, if you have lower incomes. Medi-Cal enrollment is year-round.

Q. How do you enroll in Covered California or Medi-Cal?

A. Covered California will launch a new “Shop and Compare” tool on April 12 on CoveredCA.com that will allow consumers to easily see exactly how they will benefit from the new law. People will be able to see how much new financial help they are eligible for in just a few minutes by entering their ZIP code, household income and the ages of the people in the household.

Those interested in learning more about their health coverage options can also:

• Visit www.CoveredCA.com.
• Get local help with free and confidential assistance, in a variety of languages, from a certified enroller.
• Have a certified enroller call them and help them for free.
• Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 8, 2021) – U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dierdre Marsac, from San Bernardino, Calif., takes a photo aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 8, 2021. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.