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By Dr. Naomi Bardach, Safe Schools for All team lead

California school districts are close to fully reopening for the 2021-22 school year. Seventeen of the 20 largest districts have reopened with the other three on schedule to reopen soon. By implementing the right precautions, such as wearing masks indoors, parents can feel confident about their children being back in school for full, in-person learning.

With the help of scientists and medical professionals, we have gathered a lot more information about the coronavirus since it first hit America more than a year ago and those learnings are being applied to the new school year. It is imperative that we work together to support learning and growth for all students by fully reopening schools, which play a vital role in our communities. 

Living with the virus has become our reality and we are learning to adapt. There will continue to be challenges this school year but with a multi-layered strategy in place — testing, vaccinations, masking, improved ventilation — we are confident this is the best path to safely returning to in-person learning.

As we dig into the school year, there are several things that parents should keep top of mind that will directly impact their children’s safety and well-being. Here are five key areas that I recommend paying close attention to.

Vaccinations remain key to COVID-19 prevention in kids.

Medical research has shown that children are less likely to catch the coronavirus than older students and adults. Most children contract the virus from a close relative in their home, not from other students or school personnel. Vaccines substantially reduce the need for quarantines, especially in middle and high schools.

Remember all teachers and staff in K-12 public and private schools are required to get vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. 

The requirement to get vaccinated or weekly COVID-19 testing applies to the state’s 320,000 public school teachers and more than 250,000 support staff — from cafeteria employees to campus custodians — and at least 80,000 private school employees, according to the California Department of Education and labor unions. It will also pertain to school volunteers. These individuals will set the tone on our campuses and ensuring their safety allows for more focus on the students.

School-associated cases are evidence that schools are screening out COVID-19.

Schools are creating safe spaces through layered approaches including testing and contract tracing which supports identifying cases, in addition to sending ongoing notifications to keep parents updated. Vaccinations for anyone 12 years of age and older and masks for all students supports schools in being safe spaces for students. 

Schools reopening promotes mental and social-emotional health.

The last year and half has been a long and hard challenge for many of our students. The absence of school structure has led to social isolation and anxiety which severely impacts student’s social and emotional development. Research supports the reopening of schools to promote the mental, social-emotional and academic well-being of students. We must do all we can to mitigate the substantial effects of students remaining out of in-person learning. We want them back doing the things they love – socializing, spending time with their friends and playing sports.

The Delta variant remains a concern. 

The presence of the Delta variant has created a need to increase testing capacity in many schools, although children are not the principal drivers of virus transmission. Vaccination is the best way to protect against the Delta variant. Unvaccinated children may safely return to school, but that makes other protective measures such as masking more important for them. 

For more information and ongoing updates, parents can visit https://schools.covid19.ca.gov/pages/parent-page.

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Pink Ribbon Place, a program of Riverside Community Health Foundation, is proud to announce the return of its 10th annual breast cancer awareness walk – Pink on Parade -with virtual and in-person activities that highlight the importance of raising breast cancer awareness, screenings and early detection to save lives.
 
According to the CDC, the total number of cancer screening tests received by women through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (Early Detection Program) declined by 87 percent  for breast cancer during the pandemic.
 
“Breast cancer screenings and treatments have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic; many have delayed, and some have even skipped annual screenings, which can be instrumental in the early detection of breast cancer,” said Nicole Stovicek, Director ofThe Pink Ribbon Place. “Pink on Parade is a celebration of strength, hope and survival, but it is also an opportunity to remind every one of us of the importance of early detection and to increase knowledge of breast cancer signs and symptoms. We ask everyone who can get involved in raising breast cancer awareness with us, to do so.” 
 
The Pink Ribbon Place invites you to kick off breast cancer awareness month early this year with two virtual contests, “Art on Parade” and “Paint the Town Pink”. “Art on Parade” invites community members to create an art piece inspired by the breast cancer journey in any medium and “Paint the Town Pink” invites locals to decorate the interior or exterior of their home and/or business in pink. Community members can enter the contests and vote for their favorite entries throughout October. All entries must be submitted by October 2 via pinkonparade.org.   
 
In addition to the virtual contests, the Pink on Parade route will return on Saturday, October 16th at Mt. Rubidoux (Ryan Bonamino Park 5000 Tequesquite Ave, Riverside, CA 92506) from 8AM-5PM. Individuals, family, friends, and co-workers are encouraged to start a team, fundraise, and walk the decorated route at their leisure and enjoy activities which include a Hula celebration and dedication at 8:30AM on top of Mt. Rubidioux, a Jeep Club car show, and breakfast & BBQ provided by Riverside Police Officers Association’s Lost in Sauce food truck are just a few highlights community members can look forward to at this year’s in-person walk.
 
Though registration is free for this year’s event, Team Captains are encouraged to register and engage their family and friends to fundraise and raise breast cancer awareness. Proceeds from Pink on Parade will go towards the no-cost services at The Pink Ribbon Place, which supports individuals and families impacted by cancer by providing education, client navigation, counseling, support groups, headwear, post mastectomy products, treatment kits and much more.  
 
The event is proudly sponsored by Aetna, who is committed to providing individuals, employers, health care professionals, producers and others with innovative benefits, products, and services.  
 
Important Dates to Remember: September 1?-?Contests Open; October 2 – Contests Deadline; October 8-22 – Community Votes; October 16 – Pink on Parade; October 29 – Winners Announced  
 
For more information about the Pink on Parade visit www.pinkonparade.org. 

The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) remains committed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 so schools can stay open for in-person teaching and learning.

“Not only do we want to provide in-person learning opportunities, in fact, we must,” said Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer Ginger Ontiveros. “The State of California does not permit schools to offer distance learning as their primary means of education this year. Therefore, our focus is on making sure students are as safe as possible in our classrooms.”

SBCUSD has learned a great deal about COVID-19 over the past year, working closely with both the California Department of Public Health and the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health to prepare for re-opening.

“One month into school, and we have continued to learn and tighten our protocols both for safety and communication,” Ontiveros said. “All schools statewide are grappling with the challenges of operating in this unprecedented environment, and many are reaching out to learn from us. Most of what we planned has worked well, and we appreciate the partnership we have with parents and staff, whose input continues to help make us a model for best practices.”

At its most recent meeting on September 7, the Board of Education received an update from District staff on the multiple layers of protection and notification that SBCUSD is using to combat the spread of COVID-19. 

Safety measures include:

• daily health assessments for students and staff
• mandatory face covering for all while indoors and regular handwashing  
• regular sanitation for schools and administrative offices
• HEPA air filters in every classroom
• free, convenient on-campus COVID-19 testing for students and staff
• a medically trained and supervised COVID-19 liaison at each school for quick evaluation and contact tracing

SBCUSD also shared its notification protocol with parents, including the three types of letters parents may receive about a COVID-19 case in schools. Most families who receive a letter will just be informed about a case that was present at school with no direct exposure for their child. Students should continue to attend school as the COVID-19 case they are notified about and anyone who was identified as having been exposed as a close contact have already been quarantined. SBCUSD systems move quickly to contain infections and keep students and staff safe.

In addition, to promote transparency and accountability, the District began publishing an online COVID-19 dashboard, available at www.sbcusd.com/covid19dashboard. This digital tool is updated daily with confirmed data on active cases in each of the District’s schools. The numbers on the dashboard may not be the same as the number of letters families receive because the dashboard numbers reflect completed investigations that could prove previously suspected cases were actually negative for COVID-19.

District officials recently held a virtual town hall meeting on September 9 to give families, employees, and other stakeholders an opportunity to receive information about school operations. A video of the town hall is available on the SBCUSD YouTube channel. 

YUCAIPA, CA — Crafton Hills College (CHC) students are invited to a free virtual transfer fair on Tuesday, September 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., where they will have the chance to meet with and learn about more than 65 universities.

Representatives from colleges in both the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems, in-state private schools and out-of-state schools will be available to speak with students during the event. The event, organized by the Region 9 California Community Colleges, will also feature special sessions beginning every half-hour.

Those interested in attending must register at Eventbrite.com. 

CHC’s Transfer Center Coordinator, Mariana Macamay is organizing the event. She said there are numerous benefits when students begin their educational journeys at the community college. By attending CHC first and then transferring to a university, students can save money and will have priority for admission to the UC and CSU systems upon transfer.

“With an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from CHC, students now can benefit from guaranteed admission to UC’s, CSU’s, along with many independent, private, and out-of-state universities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s),” she said. “By starting at Crafton, students will get a great education with dedicated faculty and staff who want to see their students succeed and move forward with their educational goals in a beautiful setting.”

The University Transfer Center at CHC offers a variety of services and activities to help students transition smoothly to a four-year institution.

“With over 100 workshops, assistance with completing applications, university application fee waivers, events such as the virtual transfer fair, in-person and virtual advising, it is no wonder that Crafton students have one of the highest admission rates in the Inland Empire to the University of California system,” Macamay said. “Come to Crafton, go anywhere!”

The Inland Empire Region 9 Transfer Consortium is one of 10 California Community College regions and serves the students of Barstow Community College, Cerro Coso Community College, Chaffey College, College of the Desert, Copper Mountain College, Crafton Hills College, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Norco College, Palo Verde College, Riverside City College, San Bernardino Valley College and Victor Valley College.

Click here to register.

Numerous research studies indicate children and youth have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced into remote learning and physically isolated from their peers and activities, many have suffered declines in social, emotional, physical and academic health. And the impact continues to linger.

A recent survey of parents indicated that a third of children in the United States show some signs of mental health distress, including changes in behavior, eating habits, and activity levels.

Research shows transitions of any kind are stressful and impact mental health and major life transitions are environmental risk factors for suicide. As kids readjust to in-person learning and new routines this fall, it’s essential for parents, teachers, and caregivers to understand suicide warning signs and be confident about starting a conversation. These steps can support our young people and save lives.

Four Ways to Start a Conversation

• Read up on the facts, practice your approach, and plan for a time when you won’t be rushed to start the conversation with your loved one.
• Communicate in a straightforward manner. It’s OK to ask, “Are you now or have you thought about ending your life?” Regardless of your feelings, focus on listening openly, expressing concern, and reassure them you are there to help. 
• Ask if they have access to any lethal means and safely help remove their access to them
• Keep in mind children and teenagers may not be aware or able to express what they are feeling. Keep the lines of communication open and check-in more than once.

Encourage Healthy Ways to Cope

• Social Support: One of the most crucial protective factors against stress is having stable and supportive relationships with even just one other person. Encourage your loved one to engage with their social network in a safe manner.
• Take care of their physical health: Ensure children get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and stay active and hydrated. Research has shown this has dramatic effects on people’s mental as well as physical wellbeing.
• Building Mindfulness and Gratitude: Research has found that taking time to practice mindfulness, such as breathing techniques, journaling, or meditation, can help children to recognize and process emotions, build resilience, and buffer the effects of stress. Work with your loved one to find a supportive outlet.
• Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family members, school or professional counselors who can provide resources and help strengthen coping strategies.

Where to Get Help

Resources for those in crisis include:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• The California Peer-Run Warm Line at 1-855-845-7415
• Online resources are also available at suicideispreventable.org
• The Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBTQ youth at 1-866-488-7386

English proverb: From a small acorn mighty oaks grow.

In the early fifties during the time of segregation Mr. James P Johnson enlisted in the United States Army and deployed from New Orleans Louisiana. Mr. Johnson served a tour overseas in France. Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Johnson regained his employment in California with North American aviation (NAA).

North American Aviation (NAA) was a major American aerospace manufacturer, responsible for a number of historic aircraft, including the T-6 Texan trainer, the P-51 Mustang fighter, the B-25 Mitchell bomber, the F-86 Sabre jet fighter, the X-15 rocket plane, and the XB-70, as well as Apollo command and service module, the second stage of the Saturn V rocket, the Space Shuttle orbiter and the B-1 Lancer.

Mr. James Johnson was employed with Rockwell, in 1973 he lived and worked in Cocoa Beach Florida at NASA. In 1973 Rockwell, combined with the aerospace products and was renamed Rockwell international. After working 40 plus years with Rockwell, Mr. Johnson retired in 1998.

To tie everything together, in 1968 aerospace technology provided the blueprints to contributed to the first space shuttle that landed on the moon, made by North American Aviation. As well as the blueprints for the parts on Dragon Space X space shuttle that Commander Victor J Glover Jr. astronaut piloted his crew to the space lab and safely back to Earth in May 2021.

We welcome you all to join us at our annual chilling and grilling barbecue competition at then Sport Pavilion at Jessie Turner Community Center North Fontana Park 15556 Summit Ave. Fontana California 92336.

SAVE THE DATE join us in welcoming a Hidden Hero Mr. James P. Johnson and our Celebrity Guest Commander Victor J Glover Jr. to Fontana. To purchase tickets, check out our site: www.blacknessparade.webs.com also follow us for more information and on more events to come: IG @cc4northfontana, and Facebook: Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana “Great things do indeed come from humble beginnings.”

The City of San Bernardino City Manager’s office is recruiting for a Chief of Police and has selected the firm of Koff & Associates to conduct the search. As part of the recruitment process the city is seeking input from the community and will offer an on-line video forum on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

According to members of the City Manager, “It’s important for the City Manager and our elected officials to know what qualities our citizens believe a Chief of Police must possess to best serve the interests of our city and our community. What we hear will bear heavily in our selection process.”

Appointed by the City Manager, the Chief of Police plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the overall public safety program of the City in the enforcement of law and order and in the prevention of crime; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies. This includes ensuring the department provides courteous and expedient customer service to the general public and City department staff and assumes full management responsibility for all department services and activities.

To gain access to this forum, please click on the following video link, or call on the associated number: To gain access to this forum, please click on the following video link, or call on the associated number:

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81622535366?pwd=MUxOcHZMZTB5dGJvK2VVbXhLMUEzZz09  

Or Dial in: (720) 707-2699 * Passcode: 751450

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Rep. Pete Aguilar made the second stop on his Inland Empire Community Project Funding tour at Mary’s Mercy Center, Inc., a San Bernardino-based nonprofit dedicated to helping end the cycle of homelessness in San Bernardino County. The Community Project Funding tour was launched after Aguilar secured funding for seven community-submitted projects in the House-passed fiscal year 2022 government funding package, including for the Mary’s Mercy Center Realizing Educational and Career Hopes (REACH) Project. The REACH Project provides skills training and education resources for homeless Inland Empire residents and connects them with resources to find jobs.

“Affordable housing and homelessness are two of the biggest issues facing the Inland Empire, and we need an all-hands-on-deck approach. By investing in local nonprofits like Mary’s Mercy Center, we can empower members of our community to find housing, access to job training and other key resources to help them succeed,” said Aguilar.

“With many of the homeless we serve, we find that medical and socio-emotional support is only part of the equation. The other challenge is finding affordable housing. The REACH program is designed to help our residents enroll in educational and vocational classes to prepare them for a career. We want each resident to have a career path that allows them to earn a good living so they can afford quality housing in the community of their choice,” said Dan Flores, Executive Director of Mary’s Mercy Center, Inc.

Rep. Aguilar serves on the House Appropriations Committee, and successfully passed seven Community Project Funding Requests through the House with others still pending. This tour helps underscore the importance of this funding as Congress works to finalize federal funding for fiscal year 2022.

RIALTO, CA—- While most of her middle school contemporaries are headed to high school, Allanah Mouton, is now attending Cal State L.A. to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. Accepted through the University’s Early Entrance Program (EEP), Allanah Mouton was admitted to Cal State L.A. at the age of 12. She is now on track to graduate summa cum laude in less than 4 years.

Cal State L.A.’s EEP admits extraordinarily gifted youngsters—some as young as 11—directly into college, providing the early entrants with monitored evaluation, regular counseling sessions, and the opportunity to study with like-minded peers. For Allanah the process for applying to EEP CSULA included a year-long competitive interview which began with portfolio submissions, essay responses, individual and family interviews, several mandatory orientations and information sessions, and ended with a five-week summer session in which Allanah completed three college level workshops across various disciplines (calculus, social science, and natural science). While the program began on a zoom call with over 100 applicants only 21 applicants, including Allanah were granted admission to EEP through the Honor College.

Allanah said, “I’m excited about the opportunity, and of course, I have concerns about making the transition from middle school directly to a university, but the support from my family, especially, my mom has made me confident in my decision.”

Allanah has always been exceptional, she tested out of 4th grade, placing well into high school but at the time, her mother decided to only allow her to skip one grade level. She had concerns about opportunities for social and emotional growth. Having earned a 4.0 grade point average throughout elementary and middle school, and after her grandmother saw a news story on CBS about CSULA’s early entrance program. Allanah developed an interest in pursuing early college enrollment

As a part of the EEP program select students are waived the high school A-G requirements which allows them to enroll in the University under a special exemption. The program chooses students whom they feel have the skills necessary to be successful in the program. Allanah’s reading, writing, mathematical skills, and capacity for logical thinking were heavily criticized and tested as a part of the 5-week workshops she completed during the interview process.

Allanah Mouton is a resident of Rialto. She loves to draw, plays several instruments including the drums and saxophone. She enjoys practicing her skateboard and baking in her spare time. She also volunteers at the family’s nonprofit organization which provides residential care facilities to mentally ill adults. She has dreams of working with NASA and contributing solutions to the global climate change crisis. For now, plans after college graduation include applying to graduate school with Stanford as her number one choice and getting her driver’s license!

First Stop at San Bernardino International Airport

San Bernardino, CA— On Wednesday, September 1^st, Rep. Aguilar will kick off a tour to highlight federal funding needs for key community projects in the Inland Empire. The tour stops will feature projects for which Rep. Aguilar secured financial support in the House-passed fiscal year 2022 government funding bills. Aguilar is launching the tour to highlight the urgent need for the Senate to approve the funding to create good-paying jobs, expand access to affordable health care and housing, and support Inland Empire children and veterans. The tour’s first stop will be the San Bernardino International Airport. The House funding bills included $1,000,000 for the airport’s Runway Improvement Project.

“I’m working to secure funding for these projects because the Inland Empire deserves real federal investments. These types of investments create good-paying jobs, revitalize our infrastructure and help ensure families from our region have a chance to succeed. The San Bernardino International Airport is a potential engine for major economic growth in our region, and I’m proud to have advocated for funding that can help realize that potential,” said Aguilar.

Of the ten projects submitted by Aguilar, seven were included for funding when the House passed H.R. 4502 on July 29, 2021. Funding for these projects will become available when the bill is signed into law. The bill is currently pending action in the Senate.

Reporters interested in attending this or any other stop on the Community Projects tour should contact parker.dorrough@mail.house.gov.