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SAN BERNARDINO, CA—In November, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Barton and Gomez Elementary Schools, Arrowview Middle School and San Gorgonio High School (San G).

The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Grandparent/Volunteer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the District’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.

Barton Elementary School, Principal Dr. Janice Gordon:

Aaron Caballero is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Caballero is a model student for his peers and the definition of a Barton Bulldog by being respectful, responsible and safe. As ASB class president, he leads by example. His quiet but confident demeanor shines when he makes announcements. Caballero wants to become a lawyer. He said, “I want to help people with their cases.”

Alana Chavez is a sixth-grader and Outstanding Student. Chavez is innovative, creative and excels in all academic areas. Her commitment to her academics is commendable, and it is obvious she has a passion for learning that inspires others to be the best version of themselves. Chavez would like to attend Cal State San Bernardino to major in Business and open a Craft Shop.

Outstanding Aunt Award winner Hanna Perez is an asset to Barton, helping in the classroom, on field trips and events like the Fall Festival. She has a nurturing approach when she works with students. Perez is new as a volunteer, but it seems like she’s been a part of the Barton team for years.

Educational Assistant III (EAIII)-Spanish Luz Cruz models a sense of purpose and emotional commitment by how she carries herself every day. She is emotionally invested in the data-driven discussions to ensure that all the supports are in place for all students. She is truly outstanding.

Third-Grade Teacher Anna Ortega is respected by staff, students, parents and administration for her commitment to educating students. She has a great attitude and tackles any task with a big smile. She is always professional and works collaboratively with colleagues and parents to ensure students are learning and growing.

Gomez Elementary School, Principal Maria Martinez:

Korinna Dominguez is a sixth-grader and Outstanding Student. In addition to excelling in academics, Dominguez also follows all behavioral expectations and is a great role model for other scholars. During her time at Gomez, she has joined the honor orchestra and played the violin. Dominguez enjoys baking cakes, so she aspires to one day become a chef or baker.

Melanie Flores is a fifth-grader and Outstanding Student. Flores is a hardworking and involved student. She plays the violin and is also in choir. She participates in the Expanded Learning acting club, even being cast as the protagonist of one of the school’s films. Flores wants to become a teacher because she wants to help kids learn.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Mayra Romero attends all the school council meetings, as well as the District-level parent council meetings. When she meets with the principal, she always brings solutions and ideas on how to improve. Romero always looks out for not only her own children but for all children at Gomez.

Outstanding Bilingual Secretary II Jose Alvarez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Alvarez always comes to work with a positive attitude. When asked to complete an assignment, he never complains, and he follows through with all requests made. He frequently checks in to ensure that staff members are satisfied with how he handled a situation or how he completed a task.

Fourth-Grade Teacher Iliana Munoz is extremely dedicated and passionate about the students she serves. She ensures that all the students in her class get the best education that they can receive. She has an emotional commitment to her scholars by showing pride and empowering them to become leaders on campus.

Arrowview Middle School, Principal Berenice Rios:

Seventh-grader Tafara Sibanda is an Outstanding Student. Sibanda is polite, respectful and is an overall model student. You will not find another student more excited about coming to school and learning. Sibanda’s goal is to attend UCR’s Medical School to become a heart surgeon.

Arely Velazquez is an eighth-grader and Outstanding Student. Velazquez is mature, confident, respectful, polite and a leader for the many extracurricular activities she participates in, such as Folklorico club, National Jr. Honor Society, Dual Club and more. Velazquez is always ready to learn and always has a positive attitude. Her goal is to become a lawyer.

Maria Solano Moreno is Arrowview’s Outstanding Parent. Solano Moreno has served on the School Site Council and ELAC for the past few years, and when it comes to decision making she is always advocating for all students.

School Accounting Tech I Norma Martinez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. She works closely with the school’s Associated Student Body and the principal to ensure students and staff have everything they need in order to be successful. Martinez goes above and beyond, has positive passion and is focused on results for students.

Outstanding Program Facilitator Yesenia Casillas is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. She has been an instructional coach for 12 years, and she has impacted every new teacher that comes to the Arrowview campus. Casillas wears many hats at the school, and one of them is to organize professional development and the Arrowview Academy for new teachers.

San Gorgonio High School, Principal Jorge De La Torre:

Amara Jackson is a senior and an Outstanding Student. Jackson has been a key member of the music program at San G. As a senior, she has stepped up and been a role model for all student musicians. Jackson is always willing to lend a hand and works hard at everything she sets her mind to. Jackson plans to major in museum arts and hopes to one day be a museum curator.

Senior Gustavo Morales is an Outstanding Student. Morales shows tremendous resiliency and confidence in himself. He strives to step into leadership positions, currently serving as Vice President of Civic Awareness and participating in the Del Sol Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico. Morales has plans to join the military and also has an interest in law.

Nereida Rubio is a stellar San Gorgonio Spartan parent, supporting her three children at San G. Her oldest graduated in 2020 and competed in football and track. Her second oldest just graduated in 2023 and competed in cheerleading and swimming. Her youngest child is currently a junior and plays football and track.

Custodian III Anjeanette Tirado is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Tirado is a positive influence at San G. She is always smiling, laughing and making sure our school is ready for students and staff. She works to ensure customers receive the best service, even working 6 days a week because of the frequent Saturday events at San G.

Associated Student Body Director Jeffrey Juhnke is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. No matter what the obstacles and challenges are, Juhnke makes sure we give our students the best. He builds his students to be leaders and work collaboratively to make decisions for the students they represent.

By Joe W. Bowers, Jr.  | California Black Media

In California, the Lunar New Year presents an opportunity for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities to come together in celebration, marking a time of renewal, tradition, and cultural significance. This year, the festivities span more than two weeks, starting on February 10, with traditions and celebrations being observed throughout the state.

The Lunar New Year is a festive season that holds significant cultural and astrological meaning. It follows the lunisolar calendar and welcomes the beginning of spring, the first new moon of the lunar calendar, and the changing of the zodiac sign.

2024 is the Year of the Dragon

In September 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2596, officially recognizing Lunar New Year as a California state holiday. “I am immensely proud of the richness of diversity and backgrounds represented in our state and understand the importance of wanting to see one’s own experience reflected in state holidays,” Newsom said in a statement at the time.

In proclaiming February 10, 2024, as “Lunar New Year”, Newsom said, “Let us show support and solidarity for our AAPI friends, family and neighbors and recognize their irreplaceable contributions to our California story. As the Year of the Dragon begins, we wish happiness and good fortune to all.”

The origins of Lunar New Year festivals are thousands of years old and are steeped in legends. One legend is that of Nian, a hideous beast believed to feast on human flesh on New Year’s Day. Because Nian feared red, loud noises, and fire, red paper decorations were pasted to doors, lanterns were burned all night, and firecrackers were lit to frighten the beast away.

On the Lunar calendar, each year is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals. The animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. In addition to the animals, the five elements of earth, water, fire, wood, and metal are incorporated into the lunar calendar. Each year is associated with an animal and a corresponding element.

The year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 symbolizes a period of power, wealth, and transformation. It is anticipated to inspire individuals to seize opportunities, pursue their aspirations, and bravely tackle life’s challenges with resilience.

In California, AAPI communities celebrate Lunar New Year with different traditions, though there is some overlap. One of the most widely recognized Lunar New Year traditions is exchanging “red envelopes,” or “lai see” in Cantonese. “Lai see” are distributed by elder family members to younger ones to wish them prosperity. Other traditions include performing lion or dragon dances and lighting fireworks. It is also common to eat special foods; for instance, it is tradition in China to eat longevity noodles to bring oneself a long life.

At Disney California Adventure the world-famous mouse and his friends will celebrate the Year of Dragon with a Mulan Lunar New Year Procession with Disney characters dressed in special costumes, Asian food specials and a Wishing Wall made of ornamental lanterns.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated with various foods and traditions that symbolize prosperity, abundance, and unity. Houses are cleaned thoroughly to rid them of bad luck that might be left over from the past year. Some households hold rituals offering food and paper symbols to their ancestors. Older family members give out envelopes containing money to children. Sticky rice dishes, symbolizing unity, are a common part of the feast.

As Californians of all backgrounds come together to celebrate the Lunar New Year, they honor their heritage, strengthen bonds, and reflect on the diversity of cultures that populate the state. In the Year of the Wood Dragon, the spirit of the Lunar New Year is expected to shine brightly, steering Californians toward a future filled with promise and possibility.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The annual San Bernardino County Black History Month Parade and Expo, scheduled for Saturday, February 24, in Fontana, is now accepting parade entries and vendor applications. This vibrant event celebrates the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Black community.

Parade and Expo Details:

Date: Saturday, February 24th, 2024, 10 a.m.

Location: Citrus Ave and Summit in Fontana.  The Expo will immediately follow the parade on Sierra lakes parkway and Citrus Avenue in the Home Depot parking lot.

How to Participate:

Parade Entries: If you wish to be part of the dynamic parade, please scan the QR code attached to this release to complete the entry form. We encourage diverse representations and expressions of Black culture.

Vendor Applications: Entrepreneurs and businesses interested in being part of the event as vendors are also welcome. Scan the QR code to access the vendor application and secure your spot.

All interested participants should return the completed forms as soon as possible to ensure inclusion in this momentous celebration.

This year’s Black History Month Parade promises to be a memorable occasion, showcasing unity, diversity, and the significant contributions of the Black community. Join in commemorating this cultural heritage in a spirit of joy and togetherness.

For further information, please contact: (909) 333-9950, Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana.

Virtuous Con, the highly-anticipated annual virtual creative convention, is set to return for its 4th Annual Black History Month Event from February 23 to February 25, 2024. Accessible through the official Virtuous Con website, this year’s online event will center around the theme “The Future is Ours,” celebrating and showcasing the remarkable achievements of Black creators in the independent creative space. The online show also features a new free Opening Night event providing attendees with a taste of the larger convention.

An impressive lineup of renowned authors is scheduled to appear, including actor/writer producer Malcolm Barrett, (The Boys, Average Joe), Tananarive Due (The Reformatory), N.K. Jemisin (The Broken Earth Trilogy), Vashti Harrison (BIG), Victor Lavalle (Lone Women) and Daniel José Older (Star Wars the High Republic). Joining them are esteemed screenwriters Brandon Easton (Iyanu), Latoya Morgan (The Walking Dead), as well as Cody Ziglar (Craig of the Creek, Spider-Punk) and Rodney Barnes (Winning Time, Killadelphia), both talented screenwriters and comic book creators.

Other award-winning comic creators featured at the event are Odunze Whyte Oguguo (“Clock Striker”), David Crownson (“Harriet Tubman Demon Slayer”), Alitha Martinez (“Nubia: Queen of the Amazons”), and Roye Okupe, (“The Oloris”) , whose series “Iyanu” has been adapted into an animated series by Lion Forge Entertainment for Max and Cartoon Network.

The cornerstone of the convention are the Virtuous Con Virtual Vendor Rooms. Participants will have access to four virtual “floors,” showcasing independent artists, authors, and illustrators dedicated to science fiction, fantasy, comic books, anime, and more. Hosted on Remo.co, the vendor floor this year features expanded programming within the showroom floor, including tutorials and discussions providing yet another option for attendees.

A few vendors include: Sarah Jefferson Carter, Dream Fury Comics, ARWBooks, Jocelyn Short,KEEF CROSS (Smize and Dream/Tyra Banks), Kingwood Comics.

This years sponsors include Patron Hunt, Lion Forge Entertainment, Wacom, Adobe, Inc, Best Jacket Press and Otaku Noir.

Virtuous Con is scheduled to take place from February 23 through 26, from 11am-6pmET.

Tickets are $30 general admission or $$75 with gift box: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/virtuousconllc/1061490.

Program information, can be found at https://virtuouscon.com.

About VirtuousCon

Virtuous Con is an online science-fiction and comic culture convention dedicated to celebrating independent Black artists and creators worldwide. Our unique platform provides both fans and creators with a live, authentic, and interactive experience, allowing attendees to engage with, support, and purchase directly from artists in real time. Unlike other virtual platforms, Virtuous Con is a truly immersive science fiction (sci-fi) and comic culture virtual convention (Con) that focuses on bringing together independent artists and passionate fans.

About Founder Cerece Rennie Murphy

Rennie Murphy, a Washington D.C. native and Award-Winning science fiction author, is not only celebrated for her imaginative works like The Order of the Seers and The Wolf Queen series but has also emerged as a proactive advocate for independent creators in the realms of science fiction, fantasy, and comics. In response to the challenges faced by her creative colleagues, particularly those from BIPOC backgrounds, during the COVID-19 shutdowns, Murphy founded Virtuous Con.Murphy’s dedication to supporting her peers in the face of adversity is evident in her commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient creative community, showcased through her roles as the founder of the Narazu website and Virtuous Con.

Follow Virtuous Con on their social channels:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConVirtuous

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirtuousCon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevirtuouscon

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 2024 Wolverine Con and San Bernardino Valley College International Student Film Festival on March 5-8, 2024. This year’s theme is an ode to 1980s science fiction and fantasy, promising engaging workshops, panels, expo/arts walk, the “Animation Show of Shows” and much more.

Briana Navarro, a KVCR production assistant and SBVC alum, vividly recalled her first Wolverine Con experience. “It has become a core memory! I remember Film Professor Lucas Cuny encouraging me to submit my first short film. Seeing the red carpet, my name printed next to my film title in the glossy pamphlet, even without a filmmaker’s bio, sparked my journey as a filmmaker.” This year, Briana returns triumphantly, having written and directed a feature film in Spring 2023 via FTVM 235, a cinema production course. Her film is set to premiere after this year’s broadcast Red Carpet Event.

Lucas Cuny, Chair of the SBVC Film, TV, and Media Department, shared his enthusiasm. “This year, we’re bringing Hollywood to the Inland Empire with a live-streamed red carpet hosted by IECN co-owner and publisher Manny Sandoval! Our 80s theme will be alive with debates on DC vs. Marvel, costume design showcases, and a unique workshop on the fusion of film and science. We’re creating an immersive and interactive experience like never before.”

Leticia Hector, SBVC’s Arts & Humanities Dean, highlighted the festival’s impact. “Wolverine Con is a transformative event, exposing students and the community to the vast possibilities within the media arts. It’s a nurturing ground for confidence and career pathways.”

This international event, with past participants from New York City, Canada, the United Kingdom, and beyond, stands as a beacon for budding and seasoned student filmmakers. It offers primarily free and low-cost opportunities, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

The event invites vendors to participate in the expo/arts walk and encourages community members to become sponsors and attend the film screenings. These opportunities expand brand reach and support student scholarship funds via ticket sales.

Film submissions, vendor requests, and guest speaker applications are now open, with detailed information on the official website. Additionally, RSVPs for panels and workshops are being accepted, providing direct engagement with industry experts.

Navarro’s advice to aspiring filmmakers is resonant. “Being nervous means you’re passionate. Your first submission marks the beginning of an exciting journey. This is your sign to submit your film before the February 2nd deadline and join us in this celebration.”

The SBVC Film Festival is a unique event in the Inland Empire, highlighting exceptional talent and fostering community engagement. It is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to experience 1980s sci-fi and fantasy, network with creatives and witness the emergence of cinematic masterpieces.

Event Details:

Dates: March 5-8, 2024

Location: San Bernardino Valley College

Key Features: workshops, panels, expo/arts walk, animation show, film festival

RSVP: Wolverine Con Website

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Mu Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in collaboration with Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., will host the 36th Annual Oratorical Contest from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Rancho Cucamonga High School, 11801 Lark Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701.

The aim of the event is to highlight talented youth in the Riverside and San Bernardino counties to show case their public speaking skills for distinguished guests, family, friends, and community leaders. Scholars will be able to demonstrate their advocacy and share their voice on current topics impacting their community.

Application submission deadline is March 1, 2024. The contest is open to all students in grades 1st through 12th. Participants compete according to three grade groups: 1st through 5th; 6th through 8th; and 9th through 12th.    APPLICATION LINK: https://forms.gle/LGnVsccbyzDJgVkZ8 [forms.gle]

For more information, contact Richard Martin at  rmartin5978@gmail.com or Twillea Evans-Carthen at tevanscarthen@icloud.com.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. are community service organizations that service the Inland Empire, providing mentoring programs for adolescents, and participate in social activities and causes through the Inland Empire.

For information on Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, visit www.apa1906.net. For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., visit: www.aka1908.com

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) is pleased to announce the winners of the 41st annual San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon Competition. The awards ceremony honoring 53 teams from 19 high schools across San Bernardino County occurred on February 8.

“We applaud the unwavering dedication and perseverance of our students in this rigorous program,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “In celebrating their achievements, we also extend our gratitude to the coaches and administrators who have guided them towards excellence in this competition.”

The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

• First Place: Chaffey High School Team Black
• Second Place: Rancho Cucamonga High School Team Purple
• Third Place: Rialto High School Team Blue

Chaffey High School, of Chaffey Joint Union High School District, will send its top nine scoring decathletes and coach to represent San Bernardino County at the California Academic Decathlon State Competition in Santa Clara from March 22-24.

In addition to coming in first place, Chaffey High School Team Black also won awards for the following team events:

• Art
• Economics
• Essay
• Literature
• Music
• Science
• Social Science
• Super Quiz

The award for the highest-scoring student from the Chaffey High School Team Black went to junior, Arielle Jett. Jett earned 7,959 points out of a possible 10,000.

The theme for this year’s competition was “Technology and Humanity.” Each year, the theme is generated by the United States Academic Decathlon and is provided to SBCSS by the California Academic Decathlon.

The event competition took place in January and February consisting of categories in essay writing, both prepared and impromptu speeches, panel interviews, objective testing and culminated with the highly anticipated Super Quiz. More than 300 students from 19 high schools throughout San Bernardino County participated in the competition.

By Antonio Ray Harvey  | California Black Media

Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) announced plans to introduce a package of bills this year designed to address the recommendations the California reparations task force made last year in its final report.

Certain advocacy groups and individuals say the legislative package the lawmakers announced on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 does not go far enough. They criticize the absence of direct cash payments, an element they campaigned for as a centerpiece to any compensation due to the descendants of people who endured slavery in the Deep South and more than a century of social, economic and pollical injustices after abolition.

Chris Lodgson, a member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), released a statement after CLBC members made the announcement during a press briefing with reporters held on January 31.

“As we’ve communicated to elected officials directly for some time, we believe any Reparations package must be targeted explicitly and exclusively to California’s 2 million Black American descendants of persons enslaved in the U.S. (American Freedmen),” Lodgson said in a letter obtained by California Black Media.

“In addition, a true reparations package must include timely, tangible benefits (i.e direct monetary payments). Our team will continue to review the proposals announced (Jan. 31 and Feb. 1) and any related bill/resolution language as they become available. But the time for strong, bold Reparations is now, not later.”

Members of CLBC first presented 14 reparations bills on Jan. 31 while on a Zoom call with Black media outlets from across the state. CLBC chairperson Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) outlined the goals of the package and stated its intention to right the wrongs of historical injustices that African Americans endured in the state of California.

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), the vice chair of CLBC, presented additional pieces legislation to implement reparations at the State Capitol on the first day of Black History Month, February 1.

Wilson said the Caucus’s package is a “first step” in a multi-year effort to implement the legislative recommendations in the report.

Wilson was joined on the briefing by Assemblymembers Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), and Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) – all members of the CLBC.

“While many only associate direct cash payments with reparations the true meaning of the word, to repair, involves much more. As laid out in the report, we need a comprehensive approach to dismantling the legacy of slavery and systemic racism,” Wilson said in a statement. “This year’s legislative package tackles a wide range of issues; from    criminal justice reforms to property rights to education, civil rights and food justice.”

Bradford first introduced legislation Senate Bill (SB) 490 in August 2023. The bill would create a new state agency called the California American Freedman Affairs Agency (CAFAA).

The CAFAA would be responsible for managing the infrastructure required to manage reparations as determined by the Legislature and Governor.

“Our coalition’s unwavering commitment has been to pursue lineage-based reparations, encompassing direct monetary payments/compensation, state recognition of descendants as a protected class, and the establishment of the CA American Freedman Affairs Agency through SB490 (Bradford)” Lodgson stated.

The report documented numerous cases of social injustices against Black Californians that occurred either by custom or by law across the state. For example, last year the city of Palm Springs issued an apology for destroying the homes of Black people on short notice under imminent domain laws in an area of the city known as Section 14. However, the affected families that lost their homes were never compensated for them.

The descendants of the Section 14 property owners filed a claim against Palm Springs seeking $2 billion for alleged harms due to the removal of their forebears, according to the family members’ attorney, Areva Martin.

Before issuing the apology, Palm Springs officials, investigated the removal process of the houses, and they voted to provide compensation in the form of reparations.

Martin said the city has not taken any action yet.

The CLBC bill packages were released three weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom presented a $291 billion spending plan to the California Legislature on Jan. 10. Newsom expects the state to have a $37.9 billion deficit, a figure much lower than the nearly $68 billion deficit projected by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) in December.

Bradford said the state budget will affect potential reparations policies.

“Without a doubt, the budget will impact what we do but we’ve often said in California the budget is a reflection of our priorities and a reflection of our values,” Bradford said during his news conference. “If we say we value reparations and want to heal the harms of slavery in this country and in this state, we have to make this a priority.”

Last year, on June 28, the nine-member panel, officially called the Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans, submitted a 1075-page, comprehensive reparations plan that includes more than 115 recommendations and a survey.

Khansa Jones-Muhammad, better known as “Friday Jones,” a reparations advocate, educator, and Vice President of the Los Angeles Reparations Advisory Commission (RAC), sent a message to the CLBC to share her thoughts about the reparations package.

The RAC is a seven-member task force comprised of activists, academicians, attorneys, racial justice advocates, and more. It is supported by Los Angeles’ Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department’s Office of Racial Equity.

RAC’s main function it to advise the city on the formation of a reparations pilot program for Californians who are descendants of enslaved Black Americans in the Los Angeles area.

“I just emailed @CABlackCaucus to let them know we deserve better #Reparations bill package with targeted, timely, tangible, monetary resources for Black American descendants of U.S. chattel slavery,” Jones-Muhammad posted Feb. 1.

Wilson and Bradford said that additional legislation concerning legislation would be considered in the future.

“The Caucus is looking to make strides in the second half of this legislative session as we build towards righting the wrongs of California’s past in future sessions,” Wilson stated.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- As the importance of mental health becomes more apparent than ever, Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support a wellness center at Indian Springs High School. This wellness center will provide essential resources where over 2,000 students can find support for their well-being.

The wellness center project, backed by a $1.5 million allocation, covers the costs of construction, including architecture, planning fees, and other related expenses. It’s a project that matters deeply to Supervisor Baca, Jr., and he’s thrilled to see it come to life. The contract was officially approved at the San Bernardino County board meeting on January 23, 2024.

This highlights the County’s commitment to its students, emphasizing their well-being as a top priority. What truly highlights the significance of this wellness center is its emphasis on mental

health. Over the past couple of years, our students, like many, have faced unprecedented challenges. The pandemic brought forth concerns, stress, and anxieties, particularly for young adults. Supervisor Baca, Jr. fully understands the importance of mental health and its implications.

In his own words, Supervisor Baca, Jr. says, “Helping our students with their emotional well-being is just as important as teaching them in the classroom. We need to make sure they feel supported, heard, and cared for.”

The Office of Supervisor Baca, Jr. and the County of San Bernardino are committed to shaping a more robust and thriving community. Supervisor Baca, Jr. is a staunch supporter of establishing an environment where the mental health and well-being of students take center stage.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino Superior Court has placed the former American Sports University Dormitory, located at 340 West Fourth Street under receivership. In a ruling dated January 18, 2024, Judge Thomas Garza appointed Richardson Griswold of Griswold Law in Encinitas as Receiver.

“We are pleased that Judge Garza has granted our motion to appoint a Receiver,” said San Bernardino City Manager Charles Montoya. “He agreed that the site conditions have likely worsened since we made our initial request for a receiver a year ago and the property poses a danger to the community.”

Under the powers granted by the Court, Griswold is authorized 1) to rehabilitate the property; 2) demolish the building, or 3) sell the property to an entity who will promptly undertake the rehabilitation and correct the identified deficiencies and violations.

Receiver Richardson “Red” Griswold has extensive experience as a court appointed receiver. He has been appointed by over 180 California courts in 21 different California counties, including appointments related to health & safety, rents, post-judgment, and partition matters. Griswold also acts as an expert witness in cases involving habitability standards. He will report directly to Judge Garza and will enforce the judge’s orders to protect the building from additional break-ins and damage.

In its ruling, the court found “the substandard conditions on the Subject Property are ongoing and will likely persist unless this Court appoints a receiver to take possession of the Subject Property and undertake responsibility for its rehabilitation.”

The court found that the property is a public nuisance and is being maintained in a manner that violates State and local laws. The violations at the property are so extensive and of such a nature that the health and safety of neighboring residents and the general public is substantially endangered.

The court stated that the property owners did not comply with City issued notices and orders to correct the substandard conditions, despite being afforded a reasonable opportunity to correct the conditions.

The court also ordered that Ji Li, Fox Property Holdings, and its representatives are prohibited from entering the building without the Receiver’s permission, making any changes to existing insurance policies, selling, or encumbering the building, or collecting rents or other income from the building.

The property at 340 West 4th Street has been a challenging property for several years. Used as an unpermitted housing facility by Ji Li and Fox Property Holdings, tenants were subjected to unsafe and unlivable conditions including black mold, inoperative fire alarms and sprinklers, blocked fire escapes, and insect and rodent infestations.

San Bernardino had been working through the Civil Court process to take control of the building the past eighteen months. In that time, Ji Li, and Fox Property Holdings of Irwindale, have ignored court orders, including a September 2022 Temporary Restraining Order requiring them to pay to relocate tenants and make all required repairs to the building.

Due to the unsafe conditions, on August 17, 2023, the City of San Bernardino red tagged the building, relocating the tenants that remained. Despite boarding up the property, there have been repeated fires and break-ins.