Local

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.

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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.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) will be offering free tax preparation help at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) in February.

TAD’s team will be available at SBVC in the Business Building, Room 100 from 1:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. on February 11, 13, and 26.

Additionally, the college is hosting Tacos & Taxes on March 7 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.. Free tax preparation services and tacos will be available in the grassy area near the Business Building on SBVC’s campus.

All services are free and available for eligible individuals and families whose combined household earned income was less than $56,000 in 2019. Participants are encouraged to bring the following documents: proof of income (including W-2s and/or 1099), verification of tax deductible expenses (ex: property tax statement, child care provider information), form of current government identification for taxpayer and spouse (ex. driver’s license, state ID, passport or military ID), original social security card and/or ITINs for all persons listed on return (no copies), account and routing numbers for checking or savings accounts for direct deposit and a faster refund, health insurance marketplace statement (1095-A and/or C) if applicable, and copy of 2018 tax return if available.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call TAD at 909.347.1255 or 760.552.6176. Walk-ins are also welcome.

SAN DIEGO, CA—- As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron, Seaman Gillian Valdez is part of a Naval legacy. Valdez is a yeoman responsible for administrative duties, such as tracking awards and evaluations and is a part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. 

“I enjoy the flexibility of our jobs because we get to do different types of work throughout the day,” said Valdez

Valdez is a 2018 Grand Terrace High School graduate and native of San Bernardino, California.

According to Valdez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.

“I learned the importance of never giving up,” said Valdez. “Overall, teamwork is what I learned from my hometown that I’ve been able to carry with me into the Navy.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Sailors assigned to HSM-71 are a part of history, flying with “Romeo” helicopters, the newest and most advanced in the fleet. Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations.

The members of HSM-71 achieve excellence in military performance and create an example for other squadrons to follow through operational readiness, innovation and weapon development.

HSM-71 sailors play a critical role in supporting the Navy’s aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups remain the centerpiece of our nation’s security strategy, supporting and protecting America’s national interests around the world. Carrier strike groups operate across the entire spectrum of military operations, according to Navy officials.

According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.

“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. However, Valdez is most proud of earning Bluejacket of the Quarter in 2019.

“I was selected as the best junior sailor in the squadron,” said Valdez. “I passed an interview, where my record was reviewed. I was honored to be selected.”

For Valdez, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Valdez hopes to continue.

“Both my grandpas served in the Navy,” said Valdez. “Carrying on their legacy means that I have to be the best person I can be and try to be an outstanding sailor.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Valdez, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“I feel a sense of pride putting on this uniform going to work every day,” said Valdez. “It’s definitely the best job I’ve ever had.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- In celebration of Black History Month, San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) will offer a variety of events throughout February to educate, engage, and inspire students and the public.

The Black History Month Breakfast will take place February 21 at 9 a.m. in the SBVC Sunroom, Campus Center. Attendees will celebrate the cultural contributions and deep history of the African American community by hearing guest speaker La Quette Bush-Simmons and recognizing the contributions of honorees Jerry Mason, Kim Epps, Pat Nichols and James Ramos. This annual event is hosted by SBVC, San Bernardino Community College District’s Black Faculty and Staff Association, and the SBVC Arts, Lectures, and Diversity Committee. Parking and admission are FREE.

SBVC Arts, Lectures and Diversity Committee will partner with the Precinct Reporter Newspaper to present a dance performance of Black Butterfly, featuring Project21Dance on February 27 in the SBVC Auditorium. A community reception will begin at 6 p.m., and the performance will follow at 7 p.m. This event will prove to be an evening of eclectic modern dance, profound spoken word and exquisite Songs of the African Journey. Parking and admission are FREE.

Wrapped in Royalty is a workshop on traditional African head wraps and will be offered February 28 at 1 p.m. in the SBVC Business Building, Room 100.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/sbvcartsandlectures.

ONTARIO, CA— Redlands High School is back on top in the San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon competition, winning its first title since 2011, after results were announced tonight at the banquet for the 37th annual event.

With 45,395 points, Redlands (White) slipped past defending champion Rancho Cucamonga (Purple), which had 44,463.1 points. It was the second-closest finish in the competition in the past 12 years. For Redlands, which is coached by Donna St. George, this was the school’s record 14th Academic Decathlon crown, but first since the 2010-11 school year when it defeated Chaffey High School.

By winning the county title, Redlands advances to the state championships for the sixth consecutive year. The state championships will be held March 27-28 in Sacramento.

In this year’s county competition, the rest of the top five finishing schools behind Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga included Etiwanda (42,173.2 points), Chaffey (41,860.1 points) and Rialto (38,647.7 points). Joining Redlands in qualifying for the state competition will be Rancho Cucamonga, Etiwanda and Chaffey.

In this year’s county competition, there were 43 teams representing 25 high schools that participated. Teams, as well as about 330 individuals that participated in the competition, were recognized with certificates, trophies and gold, silver or bronze medals at the awards ceremony tonight that was held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario.

The academic competition took place on two consecutive Saturdays on Jan. 25 and Feb. 1 at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga. The scholastic contest pitted students against one another in 10 subject areas.