Local

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA—-The public is invited to meet District Police officers and personnel during National Night Out at Davidson Elementary School on Tuesday, August 6, 5 to 8 p.m.

National Night Out is held each year by law enforcement organizations across the country so the public can interact with police officers in a friendly and positive way. The campaign was started in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch, according to the association’s website.

“National Night Out is a great event for our District Police officers and the community. Most of the time, officers only get to interact with the public when something is wrong, like reporting a crime. This gives us all a chance to connect on a different level. The community can get to know us as people, not just cops, and officers are reminded that what we do helps the good, upstanding citizens in our community,” said Sgt. John Guttierez, an event organizer. “We hope to see many families and children come out to meet our dedicated officers and have fun.”

National Night Out is a free event held on the Davidson Elementary School playground, 2844 Davidson Avenue in San Bernardino. There will be food, beverages, and activities for children. For more information, please call (909) 388-6030 or follow District Police on social media @SBCUSDPOLICE.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Aaron Moore has joined Omnitrans as Director of the Special Transportations Services department. He succeeds current Director, Douglas Stanley, who will retire in August after a 30-year career at the transit agency.

For the past seven years, Moore served as the Mobility Manager and Consolidated Transportation Service Agency Director at Victor Valley Transit Authority in Hesperia, California.

“We are fortunate to have Aaron on board.  He brings tremendous experience in developing and managing successful special transportation programs in the region,” said Omnitrans CEO/General Manager P. Scott Graham.

At Omnitrans, Moore will lead a department of 14 employees. Special Transportation Services (STS) oversees contracts to deliver Access and OmniGo services and manages special programs for seniors and persons with disabilities such as travel training, volunteer driver reimbursement program, taxi/LYFT subsidy program, and paratransit eligibility certification. STS also develops partnerships with local governments, social services agencies, and private non-profits to provide funding assistance for programs that transport seniors and individuals with disabilities in the Omnitrans service area .

“My favorite part of the work I do in public transit is helping people and seeing the positive effects of the programs which I help to create and operate are having on improving the quality of life for people,” said Moore. “Though many served by our programs are from the vulnerable demographics, public transit has the potential to be a benefit to everyone in the community and also to the environment.”

Prior to working the public transportation industry, Moore held teaching positions at area high schools and churches. He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, San Bernardino and a master’s degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.  Moore also completed numerous transit certificate programs including a Transit and Paratransit Management Certificate from the University of the Pacific and a Managing Community Mobility Certificate from the National Transit Institute.

Beloved restaurant fires up the grill with refreshed look and feel

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Black Angus Steakhouse, the original American Steakhouse, announced today it will officially re-open the doors of its San Bernardino location on Monday, July 15^th. A mainstay in the area since 1979, the restaurant will reveal a renovation that is the second for the chain this year, giving the coveted 55-year-old steakhouse a 21^st century refresh.

“There aren’t a lot of restaurant chains with over five decades of history, but Black Angus wears it well,” said Chris Ames, CEO Black Angus Steakhouse. “As our customers evolve, we must evolve with them – paying homage to our roots but in a more modern way. Our newly renovated space will continue to offer a dining place that is at the border between casual dining and fine dining, a lively and approachable restaurant with booths that are home to family dinners, date nights, celebrations and more.”

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Traditionally known for tall booths, a cozy bar, and western vibe, the Black Angus remodel will keep the original sensibility, but with larger windows, a lighter palette and more open floor plan. A spacious private dining room, a destination-worthy bar, and the comfortable lounge are new features that bring more cause to dine in for longtime restaurant-goers and new ones alike.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The Black Angus Steakhouse menu its guests know and love will return, including USDA choice, 21 day aged steaks, chops and prime rib. Guests can expect to see a revamped beverage program where flavors are highlighted in classic drinks, new brewery partnerships, trending flavors and robust wines.

The San Bernardino location will be open for both lunch and dinner and is located at 290 E. Hospitality Lane. To learn more about Black Angus Steakhouse, visit www.BlackAngus.com or follow Black Angus on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @BASteakhouse.

National Science Foundation award will help promote and retain newly hired historically underrepresented minority faculty in STEM fields

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— POMONA, CA—- Today, U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $310,588 grant to Cal Poly Pomona to promote, recruit, and retain underrepresented minority Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) faculty to address the achievement gap between minority and non-minority undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty members often serve as role models and academic leaders for students to learn from, work with, and emulate.

“The faculty at Cal Poly Pomona plays a powerful role in the lives of students pursuing degrees. They’re more than just teachers—they’re mentors who guide young leaders through challenges in and outside of the classroom,” said Torres. “This grant will help bolster diversity in STEM education, provide faculty with the support to succeed, and give students the representation they need to see that a future in these fields is a real possibility for them.”

“It is important that our faculty reflect the diversity of our students,” said Dr. Victoria Bhavsar, Director of the Faculty Center for Professional Development. “This important work will help Cal Poly Pomona retain excellent faculty, and in turn, our STEM students will be better equipped for their own futures and for addressing the big issues in California’s future.” 

Dr. Bhavsar continued, “I would like to thank Congresswoman Torres in her role on the House Appropriations Committee in supporting funding for the NSF, which makes funding for programs like these possible.”

The funding for the grant is made possible through the NSF’s Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) program. The AGEP program provides trainings about culturally-informed strengths and identity, senior faculty mentoring, peer coaching and networking, and grant proposal writing trainings. Advancing the careers of minority faculty ultimately leads to improved academic mentorship for students from underrepresented groups.  

Torres is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for appropriating federal spending.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino Valley College is once again ranked among the best community colleges in California. SR Education Group, an educational research publisher, just released its inaugural ranking of the Best Online Community Colleges by state, and SBVC ranked #12 in California. 

SR Education Group considered retention and graduation rates, percentage of online enrollment data, and the number of online associate degrees offered.

“Community colleges offer some of the most affordable degrees in the country,” SR Education Group CEO Sung Rhee said in a statement.

“With a growing number of these degrees becoming available online, we wanted to let prospective students know about these great, accessible options near them. By providing these resources, we hope to help more people reach their educational and professional goals.” 

The ranking acknowledges SBVC’s offerings of associate degrees in various fields, including Administration of Justice, Anthropology, Liberal Arts, Philosophy, Sociology, and more. Students can also pursue a variety of online certificates, where all remote students have the opportunity to still participate in free tutoring sessions through the campus writing centers.

For more information about San Bernardino Valley College, visit valleycollege.edu. 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The SBVC Foundation recently announced distance runner Michael Ramirez as the Male Athlete of the Year, and women’s soccer player Karen Jacobs as the Female Athlete of the Year.

Ramirez was the fastest Wolverine at the State Championships, as he earned All-American honors by finishing tenth. He has committed to Chico State in the fall, and is the SBVC’s nomination to the PCAC Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Jacobs was the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference’s player of the year in 2018, leading the team on offense with team highs in goals (18) and assists (13). Jacobs has committed to continue her soccer career at Louisiana State University-Alexandria in the fall.

Congratulations to these SBVC Wolverines!

For more information about San Bernardino Valley College, visit valleycollege.edu. 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino Pastors United (SBPU) in association with community leaders and the faith based community, will have another Community Block party on Saturday, July 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  at San Bernardino High School, located at 1850 North E St, San Bernardino. The theme of this block party is taken from Matthew 19: 26, “with God all things are possible”.

As the City of San Bernardino continues to recover, the SBPU continues to engage the community and fill in the gape as needed. The pastors believe as spiritual leaders they must show love, and demonstrate helping thy neighbor, and being there for one another. The Churches of San Bernardino continue to stand together in solidarity and continue to teach residence how to fish. With God, and resources combined, each person pulling their weight toward recover, all things are possible.

At the event, there will be free food, free groceries, free shoes, free backpacks for kids, free clothes and free health checks, job resources. The host church is S B Community SDA Church, Dr. Jerrold Thompson, co-host 16^th St SDA Church, Dr. Andrea King, Senior Pastor will deliver a life changing message. Please register by phone, or go to our website www.sbpastorsunited.org to register. We are expecting thousands to attend the event try to register.  We are asking the community to join us, as we remain strong, providing:  “Healing, Change, and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino, for more information call 909-353-7977 or contact the S B Community SDA church at 909-883-2400 email sbpastorsunited@gmail.com. Thank you. Pass the Word!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— Kids ages 9-15 will be participating in Operation Fit – a week-long camp that teaches healthy eating habits and active living. Through a series of dynamic, educational and interactive activities, campers will gain the tools they need to make better choices about food, physical activity and their lives. Each camper will also learn how to demonstrate those choices to their families and friends.

Members of the media are invited to come out on Wednesday, July 17 to interact with the kids and have a front-row seat to their education on health and fun fitness. Bring your sneakers to play and learn with the kids for a hands-on experience!

Some of the activities include:

-Nutrition labels lesson: Each child looks at various labels and determines if food is healthy

-Group fun fitness stations: Including badminton, soccer, pickleball, dance, food prep, wallyball, calisthenics, and dodgeball

The event will be held on Wednesday, July 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Loma Linda University Drayson Center, 25040 Stewart Street, Loma Linda.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— POMONA, CA—- This year the Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement (CEEM) will have a youth-led art exhibit at the Los Angeles County Fair (LACF) during the weekend of September 13-15th. This year the LACF is highlighting Pop Culture, and CEEM will feature all youth artists to showcase their visual and performance art. We would love to have students from your schools, organizations and communities featured in the art exhibit and/or stage performances. We also have a “Kids Zone” where we will have art classes and information about community partners available to parents and children. Please let me know if you have students and adults that would like to feature their art (sculptures, paintings, drawings, poetry/spoken word, dance, music, etc.). If you would like additional information about the art exhibit or kid zone please feel free to contact at Ashley.harding23@gmail.com.

Learn how to apply July 13 and 14 at community meetings in San Diego and San Jose; Applications close August 9

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—-ENN)— African American and Black community members need to apply for a commission that will draw California’s voting districts to ensure all communities are fairly represented over the next decade, said Sean Dugar of California Common Cause.  

Since applications opened in June for the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission, about 6 percent of applicants have identified as Black or African American voters, according to theCalifornia State Auditor’s website. About 7 percent of the state’s voting-age population identifies as Black or African American.  

The Citizens Redistricting Commission is required by law to have 5 Republicans, 5 Democrats and 4 unaffiliated or independent voters. But Dugar said it is imperative that the applicants and selected commissioners represent not just political diversity, but all the diversity of the state.  

Without such diversity, commissioners could draw districts that dilute the political power of certain communities by slicing them into different voting areas. Commissioners who are dedicated to fairness and equity are encouraged to apply before the deadline of August 9. 

“California voters aimed to end racial and partisan gerrymandering when they set up the citizens redistricting commission a decade ago and that goal continues today,” Dugar said. “This is your chance to shape California’s future by drawing fair district boundaries that serve the best interests of all of the people of California.”   

The outgoing commission is majority voters of color and is viewed as the best citizens redistricting commission in the nation. The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, a leading research center at Harvard University, awarded the California commission the 2017 Roy and Lila Ash Innovation Award for Public Engagement in Government. Commissioners used a $100,000 grant award to support the replication and dissemination of the California model in other states where gerrymandering suppresses voters.  

How can I learn more? 

Join Sean Dugar of California Common Cause and our allies for informational meetings on how to apply.  

What: San Diego Counts 
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, July 13 
Where: Balboa Park Club, Santa Fe Room, 2150 Pan American Road West, San Diego 
RSVP to San Diego 

What: All Things Redistricting 
When: 1-4 p.m., Sunday, July 14 
Where: SEIU Local 521, 2302 Zanker Road, San Jose 
RSVP to San Jose 

What is the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission?  

Every 10 years, after the federal government conducts the census, California must redraw the boundaries of its congressional, state senate, state assembly, and state board of equalization districts so that the districts correctly reflect the state’s population. The 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission is the entity that will draw all the district lines.  

Why do we have a Commission?  

California voters authorized the creation of the commission when they passed the Voters FIRST Act in 2008 and stripped the power to draw lines from politicians and gave it to the people. In 2010, the Voters FIRST Act for Congress added the responsibility of drawing congressional districts to the commission. The goal was to end racial and partisan gerrymandering in California.  

Who can serve on the Commission?  

The Act requires applicants meet these minimum eligibility requirements:

• Registered to vote since July 1, 2015  
• Have been registered without a, or “independent” of any, political party (decline-to-state or no party preference) or registered with the same political party since approximately July 1, 2015 
• Voted in at least two of the last three statewide elections  

How do I apply for the Commission?  

You may submit an application to the California State Auditor through www.shapecaliforniasfuture.auditor.ca.gov before August 9, 2019. Applicants who meet all of the qualifications for serving on the commission, and do not have a disqualifying conflict of interest, will be invited to submit a supplemental application containing additional information about their qualifications.   

###