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Advocates for seniors and disabled adults living in long-term care facilities are needed in San Bernardino County.

The Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) is recruiting volunteer advocates who will be trained and certified to investigate and monitor long-term care facilities and resolve complaints on behalf of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.
 
Ombudsmen investigate reports of abuse, neglect or mistreatment of individuals in long-term care facilities. They also monitor nursing homes and board and care facilities regularly to ensure residents understand their rights and other free services available to them. Volunteers must be over the age of 18, submit to a free background check and not have worked in a long-term care facility for at least one year.  Free training is available to obtain state certification with classes forming in the San Bernardino area. Schedules are flexible and include evenings and weekends.

“This is an opportunity for members of our community to come together to support resident rights and achieve the best possible quality of life for all long-term care residents in our county,” said Sharon Nevins, director of DAAS. “We look forward to training new volunteers to make a difference in the lives of seniors and disabled adults throughout our county.”
 
For more information on becoming an ombudsman volunteer, call 1-866-229-0284.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) Inland Empire Media Academy announces that submissions for panels, artists, and student films are now open for the Wolverine Con and 9th Annual SBVC International Student Film Festival.

The SBVC Media Academy continues its annual celebration of student filmmakers and additionally calls all area artists and media enthusiasts to this year’s event. Starting on April 7, 2020 then continuing thru April 9-11, 2020.

The event will open Thursday, April 7 with a media expo, zine fest, and CosPlay competition focused on this year’s theme “We Are the 80’s”. It will continue Thursday, April 9 with panels and a screening of SBVC College’s own Malik Stalbert’s film “Derelict,” in the campus’ beautiful Auditorium.

The official SBVC International Student Film Festival kicks off with screenings Friday, April 10 through Saturday, April 11. These screenings include student films from Thailand, Australia, and of course San Bernardino, California.

Student filmmakers please submit films at https://filmfreeway.com/SBVC_IEMA. Categories include, short narrative and fan films and documentary short, animation, and experimental. This is a juried film festival with Hollywood connections.

The festival will open with a Gala event on April 9 and close with an awards dinner on April 11. Prizes include cash, filmmaker technology, and much more.

For more information contact Festival Director, Lucas Cuny at 909-384-8546 or lcuny@valleycollege.edu.

Bonnie Sheree Johnson was born on Christmas day 1934 in Kansas City, Missouri to Oscar and Mary (Celestine) Buckles. Her family moved to San Bernardino when she was 10 years old and attended Mills Elementary School, Sturgis Jr. High School and San Bernardino High School. Bonnie enrolled in San Bernardino Valley College and received a Certificate in Stenography. She also received her AA degree from a state college in San Francisco. 

Bonnie married Arthur R.D. Johnson and raised three children, Larry, Deborah, and Kae Johnson. Art was the breadwinner and Bonnie was content as a wife, mother and homemaker. 

From the time of Bonnie’s birth into her early adult years the civil rights movement was nonexistent. Even though the Founding Fathers had labored years before to devise a document that would be humane and just for all, it didn’t apply to all. During her childhood Bonnie saw the New Deal, the Fair Deal, the New Frontier, and a Great Society; however, for blacks, there was no deal at all. This situation became apparent to Bonnie when her children entered the public school system. As a ‘stay at home mom’ Bonnie was enthusiastically engaged in the P.T.A and other activities involving her children. That’s when she noted the disparity in segregated schools. Bonnie adamantly refused to deny her children the “American Dream”. 

By this time, the Civil Rights movement had begun. Led by Martin Luther King Jr.’s example, Bonnie was inspired. Before Dr. King’s famous “I have a Dream” speech, Bonnie had a dream. Her dream was to educate her children and to reach that goal, Bonnie challenged the school system. Working side-by-side Bonnie, along with Francis Grice and Valerie Pope formed the Community League of Mothers, where she was elected President. They led an anti-segregation boycott of the San Bernardino School District. The Dynamic Trio instituted “Freedom Schools” and took their children along with other students out of the public school system. 

Newspapers ran articles regarding the Community League of Mothers’ claims that “Black Schools” were inferior to “White Schools” and were not giving their children a chance at the “American Dream”. The White Schools had better books, better teachers, and a wealth of resources. The School Board and Local Politicians kept saying ‘Everything is okay… or will be  tomorrow’. While at the same time policies were perpetuated that denied Blacks the rightful chance to the “American Dream”. 

This became a dangerous fight of personal sacrifice to the members of the Community League of Mothers, with threats of hanging, cross burning, KKK activities and shootings as the protests heated up. With the aid of the NAACP, many court battles ensued, ending with the California Supreme Court’s ruling that San Bernardino was guilty of segregation and discrimination and mandated an end to segregation in the San Bernardino public school system. 

In the 1970’s, Bonnie became the owner of Greenwood Bail Bonds. A business that she had ran successfully for over 40 years. Often, she has looked outside her office window and remarked how she remembers when Waterman Avenue was just a dirt road. She keeps those thoughts in her memory as she often states, “I can only move forward if I remember where I came from”. That attitude has made Bonnie a torchbearer and catalyst in the City of San Bernardino. Her compassion and generosity motivated her to personally give away millions of dollars which has been recognized and honored by many Civic and Community leaders and politicians. 

On January 15, 1999, Bonnie was recognized by the San Bernardino Unified School District for her fervent devotion to students in bringing about desegregation/integration and fostering a sense of equality in San Bernardino City schools. She has also received certificates of recognition from past Mayors of San Bernardino, Senators Joe Baca and Reuben Ayala, Congressman George Brown, and numerous organizations throughout the Inland Empire. All those recognitions documented her tireless efforts and dedication as a role model for youth. Also noted is the legacy she created through the Community League of Mothers in her struggle for Freedom, Equality, and Justice. 

Bonnie’s life has been a tough journey; from dirt streets to paved roads, dreams to reality and struggles to freedom. Her accomplishments have been a source of pride for her children, who have benefited from her tireless efforts and determination. She truly demonstrated that nobility is not a birth right, it must be earned. 

Those who have preceded Bonnie in passing are; Father, Oscar Buckles; Mother, Mary Celestine E. Washington; Stepfather, Robert Washington; Sisters, Mary Belle McGinnis and Jacqueline Grace Beavers; Brother, Samuel Fellows and Son, Larry Johnson. 

Bonnie has left to cherish her memory her Sister; Sheree Louise Yarbrough; Daughters, Kae Johnson and Deborah Johnson; Granddaughters, Kelle Sheree Johnson and Heather Sheree Johnson; Great Grandson, Arthur R.D. Johnson II (A.J.) and a host of nieces, nephew and friends. 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Tuesday, December 10, Gwen Rodgers was elected to serve as the President of the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education. It is an honor that is well deserved. 

Celebrities arrive at The 88^th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade on December 1 in Hollywood, California. The parade will premiere as a two-hour special on The CW Network on Friday, December 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET / PT, featuring Marine Toys for Tots program, which is essential in providing gifts to less fortunate children everywhere. The parade will also air on the Hallmark Channel on Wednesday, December 25 and on American Forces Network, to more than one million American servicemen and women worldwide. The event will be presented and produced by Associated Television International, in association with The City of Los Angeles. See the parade highlights below.

Write Up By Naomi K. Bonman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- It is always critical that we acknowledge and honor community legends while they are here. Dr. Margaret Hill has been an instrumental key to the community at large and to the San Bernardino Unified School District. She serves on the Board of Education where she was first elected in 2011 and since then she has made tremendous strides. Dr. Hill was honored for her work and dedication to excellence in education and the community on Tuesday, December 10 with a dedication and ribbon cutting of a community room in her honor.

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SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Showcasing its commitment to the local community, Hilton Garden Inn San Bernardino announced today it will be hosting a food drive with Feeding America Riverside/San Bernardino. The food drive will take place in the lobby of the hotel property, located at 1755 S. Waterman Avenue.

“Our signature hospitality and dedication to service extends beyond our hotel and into the surrounding community, so we are very excited to join together with Feeding America Riverside/San Bernardino on such a wonderful cause,” said Shari Hurley, general manager, Hilton Garden Inn San Bernardino. “Donating food is one of the best things that you can do to help others; there are millions of people that go without food daily. Donate today and help alleviate hunger.”

Feeding America Riverside/San Bernardino is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which began in 1980 as Survive Food Bank in response to the increasing concern about the dual problems of hunger and food waste in the Inland Empire. Today, Feeding America Riverside/San Bernardino is the primary source of food for over 470 nonprofits, distributing over 2.5 million pounds of food monthly to emergency food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, high-need elementary schools, halfway houses, senior centers, residential treatment centers, shelters for the abused, after school programs and group homes. More than 425,000 men, women, and children each month rely on the food bank’s distribution center to make ends meet.

For more information, please visit Hilton Garden Inn San Bernardino or call (909) 806-4040.

Read more about Hilton Garden Inn at www.hgi.com.

REDLANDS, CA—- Members of the Redlands Community Center Youth volunteers, known as “Teens Inspiring Others,” conducted their second tobacco litter cleanup on Monday, November 25.

As part of the #freeourbackyard campaign, the volunteers, partnering with the CommonVision Coalition and the Institute for Public Strategies, collected cigarette butts and tobacco litter around Sylvan Park’s picnic area and skate park. Within 40 minutes, the youth volunteers picked up more than 2,167 cigarette butts, tobacco-related litter and marijuana paraphernalia. 

Cigarette butts are a toxic, non-biodegradable substance that is left behind to pollute the environment and is the most commonly littered item in the United States. These items are especially problematic when they are found in areas that are frequented by children and pets. They pose an additional risk if they are ingested.

When smoking occurs in public areas, like parks, it also places the public at the risk of third-hand smoke, a toxic residue that is left on surfaces long after the smoke from devices such as cigarettes and electronic cigarettes has gone. According to the California Department of Public Health, third-hand smoke contains high levels of nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals. Some of the chemicals in third-hand smoke are different from those found in fresh smoke because it changes over time and becomes more toxic.

This cleanup was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Common Vision Coalition, Teens Inspiring Others and the Institute for Public Strategies to promote wellness in the community.

“I am excited to have my youth volunteers collaborate in a project that allows them to get out into their community, learn the importance of civic engagement, and advocate for themselves,” said Jennifer Michaels, Teens Inspiring Others Youth Volunteer Coordinator.

“It is great to see the teens in our community taking a passion in beautifying our public parks,” said Seth Henry, Community Gardens Coordinator. “They did an amazing job, and I was happy to see them working together as a team to serve their community.”

SAN DIEGO, CA—- Covered California continued its statewide open enrollment campaign by teaming up with the Challenged Athletes Foundation in San Diego for its Holiday Boot Camp on Tuesday. The event comes as Covered California alerts consumers about a critical upcoming deadline. Consumers must sign up by December 15 if they want their coverage to start on January 1.

“We want all Californians to know that if they want coverage for all of 2020, the deadline to sign up is this Sunday,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said. “Now is the time to check if you qualify for the new state subsidies that are available for the first time this year, which are lowering costs for hundreds of thousands of Californians, and ring in the New Year with a quality health care plan.”

The event continues Covered California’s campaign of teaming up with well-known Californians who promote healthy lifestyles and understand the importance of access to quality care. 

Scout Bassett will share her awe-inspiring story of perseverance and courage, which saw her go from being adopted as an amputee from a chemical fire in Nanjing, China to growing up with a family in the United States, and eventually becoming a World Record-holding Paralympian in the 400 meters and American record-holder in 100-meter and 200-meter sprints.

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) was established in 1997 and assists, supports, and provides opportunity to people with physical challenges — like Bassett and hundreds and others — so that they can lead active lifestyles and compete in athletic events.

“CAF believes all people deserve the right to a healthy lifestyle and wellness through sports. We are excited to host an inclusive Holiday Bootcamp with Covered California to showcase our commitment to athletes of all ages and abilities, and a shared priority for staying healthy”, says Bob Babbitt, Co-Founder of CAF.

In addition, Covered California will be joined by Betina Gozo at the Boot Camp.  Gozo began learning dance, performing and music at a very young age and used her love of fitness to become a Nike Master Trainer.  She has traveled the country working to help people become the best versions of themselves through fitness and health.

Covered California also wants to make sure that consumers know that California has restored the penalty that was part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act from 2014 through 2018, meaning consumers who do not get covered could face a fine when they file their 2020 taxes in the spring of 2021.

For those facing a penalty, a family of four would pay at least $2,000, and potentially more, for not having health insurance throughout 2020.

“Consumers need to take action now during open enrollment,” Lee said. “This is when people can sign up to get health insurance and avoid the potential of a big surprise when they file their taxes in 2021.”

Those interested in learning more about their coverage options can:

• Visit www.CoveredCA.com.
• Get free and confidential in-person 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.

Open enrollment runs through January 31, 2020.

REDLANDS, CA—- Cooking guru, entrepreneur and auctioneer extraordinaire, Martha Green served as the keynote speaker at the recent Salvation Army Red Kettle Kick Off at the ESRI Café in Redlands.  The event raised $72,000 of the $100,000 goal. All funds raised will go to help the Homeless, Hungry and Hopeless.

“Please give at the Red Kettles this Christmas Season so that we can help more people in need,” said Green.  Last Christmas The Salvation Army assisted over 1000 families and delivered 5,500 toys to 1,400 children.

The Red Kettles are one of the main fundraisers for The Salvation Army and the funds raised help those in need here in the county throughout the year.

The Salvation Army has served the Inland Empire since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination.
“Just wanted to take a quick moment to thank all who attended and donated to this years Red Kettle Kickoff”, said Major Edward “Duke” Markham, Corps Officer/Administrator, The Salvation Army San Bernardino California South Division.  “I want to thank Martha Green for joing us, she did a great job and has shared that she will continue to be of support to us and our mission here in San Bernardino County to help those in need,” Major Markham.
Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.  For more information please call: 909.792.6868 or 909.888.1336.
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About The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino County since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination.  The Salvation Army provides emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of The Universal Christian Church, and also offering holistic programs for people of all ages. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world,

The Salvation Army of San Bernardino serves the communities of: Redlands, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Mentone, Bloomington, Loma Linda, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, Muscoy, San Bernardino and other Mountain Communities. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local numbers are (909) 888-1336 or (909) 792-6868.