Local

The annual Point-In-Time Count (PITC) of unsheltered homeless individuals will be conducted on Jan. 27. Volunteers throughout the county, who are members of the public, community groups, County employees, homeless service providers and private-sector stakeholders will canvass the county’s cities, towns and unincorporated communities to count, survey and assist the county’s homeless population.

The PITC is critical to secure government and private grant funding, as well as other resources for local communities to assist individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The PITC will be conducted using a web-based application designed specifically for the San Bernardino County PITC.  Volunteers will need to have an Apple or Android smartphone to conduct the survey.

The annual PITC, is coordinated by the Community Revitalization Office of Homeless Services (OHS) in conjunction with the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership and is designed to provide invaluable data on homeless individuals and families within the county on a given day and time.

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to volunteer and help count in their own communities. Considerations for COVID-19 have been taken. Teams will adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 safety guidelines. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided to all volunteers.

To register please visit https://link.sbcounty.gov/PITC. If you have questions regarding the count or registration, please call (909) 501-0617 or email Claudia Doyle at claudia.doyle@hss.sbcounty.gov.

A case of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, was confirmed at the end of November in California thanks to the state’s large-scale testing and early detection systems. This variant is a cause for concern, not a reason to panic, and public health officials are monitoring the situation.

Until we know more about the new variant, it is important to remember the four things we can do to protect ourselves and our families against COVID-19:

• Get fully vaccinated and get boosted
• Wear a mask in indoor public settings
• Get tested if you have symptoms or may have been exposed, and
• Stay home when feeling sick

California and federal health officials are working around the clock to study the new variant, including how it spreads, the vaccine’s efficacy against it and impact on COVID-19 symptoms. The reality is that the longer COVID-19 remains a threat, the most variants we will have to overcome. That’s why it is critical Californians get vaccinated to slow the spread of the dominant strains. Kids 5-11 are eligible for vaccines and adults who have already completed their vaccine series are able to receive booters in time for the holidays.

Based on what we do know about this emerging variant, I’m answering your questions below:

How can I protect my family from this new variant?

COVID-19 safety basics continue to be important tools to help slow the spread of COVID-19. First and foremost, everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated and complete their vaccination series. Get a booster when you are eligible. If you are sick, stay home and get tested for COVID-19. And wear a mask when it can protect you and others, especially in indoor public settings. N95 and KN95 masks offer the best protection.

Additionally, Californians are strongly encouraged to enroll in CA Notify to be informed when they have been exposed to COVID-19, or to anonymously report that they’ve tested positive. CANotify.ca.gov makes it easy for California to quickly alert others of possible exposure, allowing them to take the necessary precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 across the state.

Will the vaccines still work against the Omicron variant?

We are still learning about the new variant, including how it spreads and infects individuals as well as how it responds to vaccines. But we do know that variants will continue to emerge as long as there are large proportions of unvaccinated people. We have to remember that COVID-19 is a virus, it wants to live as long as possible by mutating into other variants, which is why vaccination is key to stopping it and its future variants in their tracks.

Right now, we know that all three COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death associated with the main variant circulating in California: the Delta variant.

Will the tests we have in California be able to detect the Omicron variant?

The Omicron variant can be detected with PCR and antigen testing that is currently available in California. Testing is being expanded by the state at international airports, prioritizing arrivals from affected countries. The state is monitoring for the variant’s presence through COVIDNet, the unprecedented Whole Genome Sequencing Surveillance that utilizes sequencing data to help control the spread of COVID-19.

I have family overseas and I am worried about us and them traveling during the holiday season.

Travelers should follow guidance from the CDC. All air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before travel to the U.S. starting December 6. Additionally, the CDC recommends testing within 3-5 days after arrival, and unvaccinated travelers should quarantine for 7 days regardless of a negative test. If COVID-19 symptoms develop, travelers should continue to isolate and get tested again.

Where can I go to get tested if I have symptoms of COVID-19, or if I have been potentially exposed?

Californians can find a COVID-19 testing site online at MyTurn.ca.gov or by calling (833) 422-4255. 

Where can families get more information about the vaccine and to make an appointment?

Visit the state’s websites at www.vaccinateall58.com or www.myturn.ca.gov for more information on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and to make a vaccination appointment.

YUCAIPA, CA— The California Community College’s (CCC) Strong Workforce project has awarded funding to Crafton Hills College (CHC) to expand and strengthen its partnership with the Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupation Program (CRY-ROP).

The award is from Strong Workforce’s “Building Bridges from High School to Community College” project. CHC will use the funding to provide area high school students with the opportunity to learn about the benefits of attending community college and completing career and technical education (CTE) certificates or degrees.

“Crafton Hills College is incredibly excited about this partnership,” said CHC Dean of Student Equity and Success Dr. Ivan Peña. “This funding will help us continue to build on our track record of leading the Inland Empire in transfers to four-year universities and promote some of our highly sought-after career and technical education programs.”

CHC aims to improve enrollment and completion rates of students in its established CTE pathways for students from partner high schools. CHC will add two senior student services staff members who will work directly with CRY-ROP to provide college and career awareness workshops, college visit opportunities, financial aid awareness and other research-proven activities and services to help local high school students enroll and succeed in college. CHC and ROP staff will provide onsite advising and transition services, individualized college transition/career plans and support in navigating the postsecondary environment. Project services will promote student success by addressing equity and access gaps faced by underserved and vulnerable student populations.

“We are pleased to formalize our partnership with Crafton Hills College to work side by side to benefit all CTE students,” said CRY-ROP Superintendent Tracie Zerpoli. “With the addition of the Student Services Technician positions, students will plan their future and make a seamless transition to college and career. We are grateful for this opportunity.”

SACRAMENTO, CA—- The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) kicked off the 2022 tax filing season this week, offering Californians tips on how to avoid tax scams, claim valuable cash-back tax credits, file a return for free, and more.

“We encourage Californians to use FTB’s online services, including free e-filing, and to file as early as possible for a faster refund,” said State Controller and FTB Chair Betty T. Yee. “Millions of taxpayers are expected to qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit, and many of them also will get the Young Child Tax Credit. Combined, these credits can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to California taxpayers and their families.”

FTB began accepting state tax returns on January 3.

California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)
Californians with income up to $30,000 may qualify for CalEITC. Those who are eligible for CalEITC and have a child age five or younger also may receive up to $1,000 from the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). In addition, people earning less than $57,414 also may qualify for the federal EITC. Between CalEITC, YCTC, and the federal EITC, a family can receive up to $10,888.

CalEITC and YCTC are claimed by filing a state tax return, while the federal EITC is claimed on a federal return filed with the Internal Revenue Service. For more information about these credits, visit www.ftb.ca.gov/caleitc.

Homeless Hiring Tax Credit
California employers can receive a hiring tax credit for each qualified homeless individual they hire. The employer can tentatively make a reservation to claim the credit with FTB; a total of $30 million of credits is available annually. The credit is available for taxable years beginning January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2026.

An employer may receive $2,500 to $10,000 through this tax credit per eligible employee hired, based on hours worked in the taxable year. Employers may claim up to $30,000 of credit per taxable year when filing their tax returns. For more information, go to ftb.ca.gov and search for homeless hiring credit.

Health Care Coverage Penalties
Californians who did not have qualifying health insurance throughout the year are subject to a penalty of $800 or more when they file their state tax returns. The penalty for a dependent child is half that of an adult; a family of four could face a penalty of $2,400 or more. If you had health coverage in 2021, check the “Full-year health care coverage,” box 92, on your state tax return to avoid penalties.

You can get health coverage and financial help at CoveredCA.com. It is crucial to get health coverage to avoid penalties when filing your tax return next year. For information, visit ftb.ca.gov and search for health care mandate.

State Tax Deduction for Losses from a Disaster
Taxpayers affected by governor-declared California wildfires may claim a disaster loss as a state tax deduction in the tax year when the disaster occurred. They also may file an amended or original return from the year before the disaster occurred. Upon request, FTB will provide replacement state tax documents for free for those who lost them due to a disaster. For more information and a complete list of all disasters declared by the governor, visit ftb.ca.gov and search for disaster loss.

Beware of Scams
FTB encourages taxpayers to protect themselves from scams. Scammers often prey on taxpayers by impersonating IRS or FTB employees. They may attempt to trick taxpayers into sending money not owed, or into providing personal information that could be used to file fraudulent returns and steal refunds. If you receive a letter from FTB or the IRS that appears suspicious, contact FTB at 800.852.5711 or IRS at 800.829.1040. Concerned taxpayers also may check the FTB Letters page or Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter.

Free tax help and FTB Services
Taxpayers may be able to get help with their taxes for free. For a list of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program locations throughout California, go to ftb.ca.gov and search for free tax help. FTB offers free electronic filing for state tax returns through CalFile, an easy-to-use tool that allows taxpayers to file directly with FTB and provides instant confirmation. CalFile will be available starting January 18. Taxpayers can check if they qualify for CalFile and find a list of other filing options at ftb.ca.gov. Taxpayers also can use FTB’s MyFTB service to view their tax documents, check balances due, send secure messages to FTB staff, and more.

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

The Monday after Christmas, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shortened its COVID-19 quarantine recommendation by half.

That same day, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Twitter that California will follow suit, recommending a five-day isolation period instead of the state’s former guidance of 10 days.

“California will align with the CDC’s updated guidelines for isolation and quarantine time,” Newsom tweeted.

However, California’s updated guidance differs from the CDC’s in one important way. The state is recommending that people who quarantine after a positive diagnosis take a follow up test and get a negative result before ending isolation.

The CDC’s guidelines do not include taking another test after quarantining.

The CDC said its decision, in part, is based on science that shows people are most infectious during the first five days of catching the virus.

In an interview with NPR, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said another rationale for the new shortened guidance is the concern for keeping industries that are critical to the national economy operating.

Sharing this concern, Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian, along with the company’s Medical Advisor Dr. Carlos del Rio and Chief Health Officer Dr. Henry Ting, sent a letter to Walensky less than a week before CDC’s updated recommendation, requesting a five-day isolation period for Delta’s fully vaccinated employees.

The letter argued that the previous guidelines were out of date and did not account for vaccinations.

It also argued that the former 10-day isolation period would hurt business because with the spread of the Omicron variant, vaccinated workers who do catch COVID-19 would be out for a longer period of time.

“With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the 10-day isolation for those who are fully vaccinated may significantly impact our workforce and operations,” the letter read. “Similar to healthcare, police, fire, and public transportation workforces, the Omicron surge may exacerbate shortages and create significant disruptions.”

In December 2020, the CDC shortened its previous recommendation of a 14-day isolation period to 10 days.

California Black Media’s coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Four high school teams have advanced to the semifinals of the 40th annual San Bernardino County Mock Trial competition. Currently, Los Osos High School (Gold Team), Oak Hills High School (White Team), Ontario Christian High School and Redlands High School are scheduled to compete in person at the San Bernardino Superior Courthouse on Jan. 12 and 13. Updates to this schedule will be announced prior to the event if circumstances necessitate a change in venue or transition to a virtual platform.

Twenty-eight teams throughout San Bernardino County competed virtually in four preliminary rounds of Mock Trial, which ended on Dec. 8. Only four teams secured a spot in the semifinals.

Los Osos (Gold Team) from Chaffey Joint Union High School District will showcase their legal skills against Redlands High School from Redlands Unified School District while Ontario Christian competes against Oak Hills (White Team) from Hesperia Unified School District for a spot in the finals. Each team will have an opportunity to argue their case as both the prosecution and defense. Only two teams will emerge from the two-day competition with a coveted spot in the finals event on Jan. 22.

The Mock Trial competition simulates a criminal case in which high school students portray principal courtroom attorneys and witnesses, representing both the prosecution and defense. Students present their case before a real judge and use constitutional amendments and legal objections.

This year’s case is People v. Cobey—the trial of Jamie Cobey, a horticulturist living in the community of Burnsley, California. Cobey is charged with the homicide of Cobey’s landlord and next-door neighbor, Erik Smith. Cobey is accused of intentionally placing a venomous snake in Smith’s mailbox, which fatally bit Smith and led to his death. Prosecution teams will argue that the defendant should either be convicted of first-degree murder or the lesser-included offense of voluntary manslaughter.

The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office co-sponsor the event. The winner of the county competition will advance to the California Mock Trial Finals scheduled for March 18 – 20.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino County Public Health Department on Friday (Dec. 17) delivered more than 1,000 over the counter COVID-19 testing kits and face masks to Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (C.O.P.E.), a nonprofit faith-based organization of Black churches in the county.

“Our County is among the first in California to provide these over-the-counter tests to our nonprofits,” said San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “We are leading the way on COVID-19 response by working with trusted community organizations to provide tests kits and masks to keep our communities safe and healthy.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the County has worked in partnership with C.O.P.E. to get people tested and vaccinated, Hagman said.

C.O.P.E.’s mission is to train and develop the capacity of religious and lay leaders in congregations across the Inland Empire to protect and revitalize the communities in which they live, work, and worship.

“On behalf of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (C.O.P.E.), and Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC), we want to thank Supervisor Curt Hagman, as well as the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health for always being great partners,” said C.O.P.E. Executive Director Pastor Samuel Casey. “This is another layer of great partnership in stemming the tide of the pandemic as we see a rise in COVID cases. These take-home kits are a great resource for the community, especially for those who distrust the testing and vaccination process. This partnership is a positive and powerful way to end 2021.”

Friday’s delivery of testing kits and masks to C.O.P.E. was the first group of free supplies that will go out to eligible nonprofit organizations. Non-profit organizations can request an allocation of COVID-19 tests by submitting a request form here. Test kits will be available for distribution starting the week of Dec. 20.

Rapid antigen tests provide results in as little as 10 minutes. Individuals 14 or older can perform the test directly. Adults can help perform the test for children aged 2 or older. The test can be used for individuals with or without symptoms. People who get a positive test result, should self-isolate at home and avoid contact with others and follow care instructions from their healthcare provider.

“Testing continues to be a priority in San Bernardino County and providing COVID testing resources to our non-profit organizations is another way we can mitigate COVID-19 transmission in our community,” said Public Health Director Josh Dugas. “As we enter the holiday season, we want to ensure that travelers have access to fast, reliable, and easy-to-use COVID testing and be able to provide documentation of their results.”

To learn more about the On/Go rapid antigen kit, call the Public Health COVID-19 Testing Program Coordinator at (909) 501-8285.

ADELANTO, CA— Residents of Adelanto formed the group Adelanto Resident Delegate Committee two weeks before announcing their push for recall efforts against Mayor Gabriel Reyes (shown here) from the City of Adelanto. They have filed the Letter of Intention to circulate the Recall Petition on December 15, 2021, against Mayor Reyes  and the San Bernardino County Register of Voters have verified the signatures required to proceed with the recall efforts.

They are hopeful that neighboring communities will support them in our recall efforts as corruption continues to permeate the local governments of the United States of America. They would like to send a message to all elected leaders. The residents are watching, and we are not afraid to take matters into our own hands.

View the letter here

YUCAIPA, CA— Crafton Hills College (CHC) is offering a one-day, virtual registration event on January 5 to help students who want to enroll for spring classes.

On January 5, CHC will hold the Roadrunner Express Enrollment event to help make it easier than ever to get started at the college. CHC staff will assist students through the registration process, including application, orientation, assessment, advisement and enrollment. Those interested in participating in the Roadrunner Express Enrollment event must register at the link below.

The college is offering a variety of perks for students who register for spring, including a free loaner Chromebook and Wi-Fi hotspot, free parking and free textbook rentals. Spring classes at CHC start January 18.

For more information on this opportunity to fast-track your spring registration or register for the event, visit craftonhills.edu/expressenrollment.

The CSUF Black Student Scholarship Fund application opened on December 6. Together, the Orange County Community Foundation and Cal State University, Fullerton have established a dedicated scholarship program to promote the college aspirations of Black students in our community. If selected as a recipient, the student will receive a $1,500 award.

You can also find the requirements listed below, as well as the direct link to the application hosted through the Scholarship America Portal. The deadline to submit applications is February 1, 2022.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Self-identify as Black or African American
• Be a prospective, incoming, or current undergraduate student
• Plan to enroll full-time at CSUF for the upcoming academic year
• Have a minimum 2.8 GPA

To apply, please follow this link: https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/csufscholarship/.

Please feel free to contact Scholarship America with any questions at csufscholarship@scholarshipamerica.org or my colleague Misty Soto, who is leading this partnership, at msoto@oc-cf.org.