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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, June 24, San Bernardino Fatherhood will be presenting the event of “Walter Beasley Jazz Concert: A Tribute to Fathers”, at 8 p.m. The doors will open at 6 p.m. with NOJAC opening the show at 7 p.m. The concert will be held at San Bernardino Valley College located at 701 S. Mount Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. Tickets are on sale now from $65 to $85 and can be purchased at bit.ly/3zZ2oyu. Learn more about San Bernardino Fatherhood at www.sbfatherhood.com.

CHINO, CA — The San Bernardino County Fish & Game Commission, in collaboration with Regional Parks, the County Museum, and sponsorships by Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman and the Hesperia Recreation & Park District joins forces to bring its second annual Family Fish & Wildlife Festival to Prado Regional Park on Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The festival is a family-friendly event that provides hands-on fishing workshops with fishing supplies provided, live demonstrations, animal exhibits, food booths, live music and more.

For more information, visit parks.sbcounty.gov and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for event updates.

Park admission is $10 per vehicle. Prado Regional Park is located at 16700 S. Euclid Ave., Chino.

For more information, contact Tammy Gann, Regional Parks Communications Officer at 909.387.2211 or email tammy.gann@parks.abcounty.gov.

ONTARIO, CA— On Friday evening, Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) honored 24 Nonprofits of Distinction at her annual Nonprofit of the Year Celebration. These nonprofits were recognized as entities that are located in or serving the 50th State Assembly District, which she represents.

“My office received nearly 200 nominations for this year’s award,” said Reyes at the event. “Our distinguished finalists represent our region’s best! They have been recognized for showing their love for our communities and dedicating their lives to education, caring for the unhoused, protecting the rights of our veterans and workers, caring for vulnerable animals, taking in young mothers and more. We commend and thank them for their commitment and tenacity in providing these services.”

On Wednesday, June 7th, Angeles Especiales Parent Support Group will be recognized in Sacramento as the 2023 Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 50. This honor highlights Angeles Especiales’s work to bring psycho-educational professionals and experts to teach parents of children with disabilities about special education, SSI, Medicaid, regional centers, inclusion and more.

“Twelve years ago I started a group to help parents who have kids and adults with special needs,” said Helen Neri, Founder and Director of Angeles Especiales. “I never imagined this group could grow so much that we’d be recognized for doing what we are passionate about! Thanks to everyone who has helped us make Angeles Especiales the beautiful, united family it is today. Our families go through lots of challenges and we are always trying to make things better and brighter for them.”

The event was opened by Ontario Mayor Paul Leon, who offered opening remarks at Caramel Connections Foundation’s Seeds of Joy Community Garden, and featured Elizabeth McSwain, Founder of Caramel Connections Foundation, who addressed the honorees as the event’s guest speaker. Visit a50.asmdc.org/photo for pictures of the event, provided by the Majority Leader’s office. Full biographies for Angeles Especiales and all honorees are available on our website.

All 2023 50th Assembly District Nonprofits of Distinction honored were: 360 Human Services, American Association of University Women, Redlands Branch, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, American Red Cross of San Bernardino County, located in Rancho Cucamonga, Angeles Especiales Parent Support Group, located in Fontana, Autism Society Inland Empire, Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild, located in Loma Linda, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Cats of San Bernardino, Fontana Resources at Work, Friends of the AK Smiley Public Library, Adult Literacy Program, located in Fontana, Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino, Inc., Loma Linda University Church Pathfinders Club, Mutts & Company Animal Rescue, Inc., located in Fontana, Off the Chain Alliance, PC4EJ (located in Bloomington),, Reaching New Heights Foundation, S.O.L. Center U.S.A., Smile America ABDI Foundation, located in Ontario, The Brightest Star, Inc., located in Rialto, The Eagle / Reaching the Unreachables, The Love Program, located in San Bernardino, The Unforgettables Foundation (located in Redland), and YouthHope Foundation (located in Redlands).

The action by the City Council aims to resolve a dispute with a State Agency and not add additional delays to the downtown project.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino City Council on Wednesday, May 3, voted to terminate the City’s exclusive negotiating agreement with the San Bernardino Development Company (SBDC) to redevelop the 43-acre Carousel Mall site. This action is anticipated to clear the way for the city to resume the development process in the near future.

In March, San Bernardino received a notice from the California Housing and Community Development Division (HCD), which alleged several violations of the Surplus Land Act, a California law that outlines the steps a public agency must take to sell property.

Based on City staff’s recent conversations with HCD, by terminating the agreement with SBDC, the outstanding issues associated with the March letter from the agency will have been resolved.
According to the 2019 version of the Surplus Land Act, a public agency must first make property it intends to sell available for developers of affordable housing. HCD claims the City of San Bernardino did not follow the proper steps, a claim the city disputes.

Rather than risk extensive delays and possible litigation with HCD, the San Bernardino’s intention is to work closely with HCD on the Surplus Land Act process when the City proceeds with the disposition of the mall property. The termination of the agreement with SBDC eliminates any possible conflict of interest when evaluating new proposals, a concern raised by HCD. As such, the March Notice of Violation will not apply to a future disposition.

It is not known at this time how quickly San Bernardino will once again seek development proposals that include affordable housing at the Carousel Mall site.

In the meantime, demolition of the mall, which began last month, will continue, and the city will evaluate additional nearby infrastructure improvements that may expedite the future development of the mall site.

SBDC was formerly known as RD-ICO, a joint venture between Renaissance Downtowns USA (“RD”) and ICO Real Estate Group (“ICO”).

RIALTO, CA—- On Tuesday, May 30, the City of Rialto, in partnership with the Rialto Unified School District announced the implementation of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program for children walking and biking to school. The event was held at Dunn Elementary School in Rialto.

The event included a demonstration on traffic safety with students showcasing their abilities to avoid traffic collisions on a miniature city course. In addition, students also dropped watermelons wearing bicycle helmets to emphasize the importance of bicycle helmet use.

Safe Routes to School is a nationally recognized program that aims to significantly improve safety for students who walk and bike to school. The Rialto SRTS program combines education and a safer streets component to slow down drivers and build new pedestrian and bicycle safety treatments such as new crosswalks, and bump-outs at an intersection and add stop or yield signs.

“The City of Rialto and the Rialto Unified School District understands the importance of our commitment to ensuring the safety of our students.  As part of our efforts, we will continue to invest in education, encouragement, engineering, enforcement, and evaluation for our schools,” said Tim Sullivan, Rialto’s Director of Maintenance & Facilities.

“We want to encourage our students who live close enough to be able to safely walk or bike to school by providing them with the necessary infrastructure and resources to keep them safe,” said Chief Gordon M. Leary, Rialto Unified School District Safety Services.

The educational activities teach students how to use new infrastructure and to understand traffic rules. It also encourages walking and bicycling by raising awareness of health and environmental benefits.

Programs offered by the Rialto Safe Routes to School Program include:

• Walk to School Day: This event encourages all students who live near their school to walk to school. October 4, 2023, will be International Walk to School Day for Rialto.
• School Bike & Pedestrian Rodeos: The in-person bike and pedestrian clinic includes hands-on safety instruction, a discussion about the rules of the road and bike and pedestrian safety tips including the importance of wearing a bike helmet.
• Community Events: SRTS outreach efforts include participating in community events to educate children and families about pedestrian and bike safety.
• Parent Workshops:  The workshops educate parents on bicycle and pedestrian safety as well as the benefits of walking and bicycling on their children’s health and the environment.

For more information on Rialto Safe Routes to School programs and services contact: Amy Crow, Administrative Analyst, Maintenance & Facilities, City of Rialto, acrow@rialtoca.gov (909) 421-7221.

RIALTO, CA— On Friday, May 26, 34 ambitious students from Carter, Eisenhower, & Rialto High Schools embarked on an eye-opening journey at the California University of Science and Medicine!

They dove deep into the world of healthcare, exploring career options and gaining a first-hand understanding of life as a medical student. From panel discussions with current students to learning about residency programs and the crucial role of community colleges in their educational journey, they gained valuable insights that will undoubtedly shape their future decisions.

The future of medicine is bright with these young minds ready to make their mark. Stay tuned for more opportunities like this!

RIALTO, CA— Eisenhower High School celebrated students from all backgrounds at the first-ever Multicultural Mosaic Awards Night on Tuesday with awards, performances, and recognitions. The school commemorated the different ways Eagles can be excellent while celebrating diversity! Students earned awards for Reclassification, State Seal of Biliteracy, Black Excellence, Latino Excellence, completing the Ethnic Studies Pathway, and more! Great job Eagles!

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Xiaoming Zheng, Navy Office of Community Outreach

YOKOSUKA, Japan – Ensign Keith Masnec, a native of Chino Hills, California, serves in Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
Masnec joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Masnec serves as a surface warfare officer aboard USS Robert Smalls.

“I’ve always looked up to my grandfather as he was in the Korean War as a gunner’s mate,” said Masnec. “I have heard stories and looked up to him and this is something I wanted to do.”

Masnec attended Chino Hills High School and graduated in 2014.

Today, Masnec relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Chino Hills to succeed in the military.

“A lot of my teenage years, I was a Boy Scout and became an Eagle Scout,” said Masnec. “Through Boy Scouts, I learned the importance of team building and giving people autonomy to do what they are good at.”

Modern U.S. Navy surface ships provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.

A Navy surface ship is capable of operating independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups or expeditionary strike groups.

Jobs aboard a U.S. Navy ship are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.

As a member of the Navy, Masnec is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“We are on the front lines and I am proud to be part of this amazing group of sailors because we are a vital part of fairness and safety of the sea,” said Masnec.

Masnec serves in Japan as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

“As the largest force in our nation’s front line against revisionist actors, U.S. Pacific Fleet meets this great responsibility with strength, resolve and confidence,” said Adm. Samuel Paparo, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander. “Together with our joint and combined partner operations, we are positioned to defend – across all domains – any attempts to threaten our nation, our allies and partner’s security, freedom and well-being.”

Masnec and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I am proud of achieving the top fitness award during Officer Cadet School,” said Masnec. “I felt proud of myself when I received recognition from the Marine instructor.”

As Masnec and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means constantly pushing myself day in and day out,” said Masnec. “When I am able to overcome difficulties, especially in terms of leading sailors and taking care of their needs, there is never a dull day.”

Masnec is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my family,” added Masnec. I also want to thank Troop 220 who shaped me into the person I am today.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The City of San Bernardino has awarded $730,000 to 30 local small businesses and nonprofits as part of a grant program it launched last fall. Within the next few months, the City anticipates awarding an additional $2.27 million to approximately 120 additional organizations.

“We are so grateful to San Bernardino for this grant,” said Viva La Boba co-owner Tansu Philip, who received $25,000. “We are going to use these funds to take care of our staff and expand our business.”

The Mayor and City Council allocated $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to create the Small Business and Non-Profit Training and Grant Program in partnership with the Small Business Development Center. Qualifying small businesses and non-profits located in the City of San Bernardino, receive funding between $10,000 and $35,000 each.

Funds were awarded on a first come, first served basis to eligible San Bernardino based organizations that completed an online application, participated in an SBDC training program focusing on growing or sustaining their business, and took part in a one-on-one consultation session with an SBDC consultant.

Grant recipients were grateful for the business training in addition to receiving the funds.

“The four-week marketing class we took was very handy,” said Gear Doctor owner Alfredo Castro, who received $25,000. “Now we are on social media, and it is working out for us.”

Within the next seven weeks, City staff expect to award the remaining funds when the remaining program participants complete their training.

“The Mayor and City Council recognize the vital role our local small businesses and non-profits play in San Bernardino. They are our local employers, our service providers, our shops, and our restaurants,” said San Bernardino Economic Development Manager Amanda Hernandez.

Grant funds may be used for working capital to cover the day-to-day business operating expenses such as rent/lease payments, mortgage payments, payroll and benefit costs, utility expenses, inventory, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) or other similar expenses that occur in the normal course of operations.

Dr. Zachary Ginder, Executive Director of the Inland Empire Autism Assessment Center, which received $35,000, said, “This will go to help support changing the lives of so many families. Thank you, San Bernardino.”

ONTARIO, CA— Healthy Heritage, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating mental health disparities within the African American community, recently concluded their second annual “Laughing for the Health of It” Comedy Show and Mental Health Resource Fair. The event took place on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the Ontario Improv in Ontario, CA, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The evening was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to mental health advocacy. Attendees were treated to an unforgettable comedy show featuring the hilarious talents of Fritz Coleman, Richard Weiss, Sean Grant, and the charismatic host, Donna Maine. Their performances had the audience bursting with laughter, providing an uplifting and entertaining experience for all.

Keynote speaker Martinez “Marty” Sellers from the Marsell Wellness Center delivered a powerful and insightful presentation on mental health, further emphasizing the importance of destigmatizing conversations surrounding mental well-being. Sellers’ contribution to the event was invaluable, leaving a lasting impact on attendees.

The event also created a valuable platform for connection and support, giving attendees the opportunity to engage with more than 20 vendors who came out to provide access to health and wellness resources and help end the stigma surrounding mental health.

Phyllis Clark, CEO of Healthy Heritage, expressed her appreciation for the overwhelming response to the event. “We are thrilled with the success of ‘Laughing for the Health of It’ and the support shown by our community. This event allowed us to bring together the community in a fun and engaging way while raising awareness about mental health and promoting resources for support. Our agency is committed to continuing our mission of eliminating mental health disparities and look forward to hosting more impactful events in the future.”

The evening also showcased a vibrant art exhibit by fine artist, Maurice Howard, entitled “Our Healing Garden,” which added a visually stunning element as people entered the venue. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the artwork and appreciate the profound message of healing and resilience it conveyed.

In recognition of Healthy Heritage’s exceptional dedication to mental health awareness, 13 certificates of recognition were presented to the organization by cities and elected officials across Riverside, San Bernardino and LA counties.

Healthy Heritage extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors, including the California Department of Public Health, Marsell Wellness Center, Riverside University Health System of Behavioral Health, California Reducing Disparities Project, African American Family Wellness Advisory Group (AAFWAG), and the Broken Crayons Still Color Project.

For more information about Healthy Heritage, its programs, and future events, please visit them on the web at https://linktr.ee/healthyheritage or contact (951) 293-4240.