Applications for the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) internships are now available!

DBH internship programs provide interns with a quality training experience that will prepare them to become competent, effective, and ethical clinicians, medical providers and administrators.

Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Internship Program applications are due Feb. 25 for the July start date, and Social Work Internship Program applications are due March 11 for the Fall cohort.

For more information about the programs, please visit sbcounty.gov/dbh/careers/, call (909) 252-4017 or internprograms@dbh.sbcounty.gov.

By Ben Jealous

President Joe Biden’s first year in office has brought both triumphs and disappointments. There’s no question that the administration has work to do on voting rights and on passing the critical social infrastructure pieces of the Build Back Better plan.

But firmly in the “wins” column is the president’s extraordinary success nominating and confirming to the federal bench extraordinarily qualified judges with a demonstrated commitment to civil rights, especially Black women judges. This is profoundly important to our legal system, to how justice is administered and to how everyday people experience life in our democracy, whether they ever find themselves in court or not.

That’s because even though the Supreme Court grabs headlines when it decides a big case, the high court takes only a few cases every year. The vast majority of federal cases is decided in the lower courts, at the circuit and district levels. This is where rulings are made that affect our right to vote, to not be discriminated against in housing or on the, to access health care, and so much more.

Having a strong contingent of Black women judges on these courts means the lived experience they bring — in addition to their stellar legal credentials — is coming into play in deciding cases that will shape all our lives for years to come.

The numbers tell a powerful story. A full 65 percent of President Biden’s circuit court nominees have been people of color. Three quarters have been women, and 42 percent have been Black women. These statistics break all previous for inclusion on the critically important circuit courts, whose opinions establish the law in all the states in their region.

The president has shown a similar commitment to diversity on the district courts, as well. And all this comes against a backdrop of record-shattering appointments overall: Biden has had more lower federal court judges (circuit and district combined) confirmed than any other president in his first year, in 60 years.

Probe beneath the numbers and you discover even more compelling stories: the personal histories of the Black women tapped by Biden to serve on our highest courts.

A distinguished Yale Law School graduate, Candace Jackson-Akiwumi had her pick of high-powered legal jobs. She worked for a while at a prestigious law firm, then quit to become a public defender, representing people who could not afford a lawyer. In that role, she helped expose the government’s use of “phony stash houses,” a way to trap people into committing crimes they would not otherwise commit. Today she serves as the only Black judge on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.

Similarly, Yale alumna Eunice Lee spent 20 years at Manhattan’s Office of the Appellate Defender, representing poor people in New York City convicted of felonies. Today she is a judge on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York.

And Ketanji Brown Jackson, a Harvard Law graduate, devoted years of her career to public service, representing low-income people in Washington, D.C., as a public defender. She also served on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, where she worked to end the unjust discrepancy between sentences for crack and powder cocaine. Today she serves on the D.C. Circuit and is often talked about as a future Supreme Court nominee.

The paths to confirmation for these women and their fellow nominees were tainted by attacks, racist and otherwise. The right-wing press criticized these nominees as “radical liberals.” The Senate Judiciary Committee asked Jackson and Jackson-Akiwumi point-blank at their confirmation hearings if race would play a role in their judicial decision-making. And far-right conservatives did everything they could to delay their confirmation. But all of them prevailed, with dignity, grit and grace, the qualities that so many accomplished Black women have shown in the face of adversity.

And the story is still being written. On the campaign trail, President Biden promised to name the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, and Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement paves the way for that to occur. Soon, we may see that woman take a long-overdue and rightful seat on the nation’s highest court; I look forward to celebrating that beautiful and momentous day.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of Practice in the Africana Studies Department at the University of Pennsylvania where he teaches leadership. Jealous has decades of experience as a leader, coalition builder, campaigner for social justice and seasoned nonprofit executive. In 2008, he was chosen as the youngest-ever president and CEO of the NAACP. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and he has taught at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— During a virtual ceremony held on Jan. 31, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) and the San Bernardino California School Boards Association (SBCSBA) recognized six school districts in San Bernardino County for earning California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Awards last month.

“The Golden Bell Awards illustrate a district’s commitment to provide the best possible opportunities for students and staff in San Bernardino County,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “It is an honor to recognize the hard work and dedication these districts have demonstrated.”

During the ceremony, each of the seven award-winning programs were highlighted. Individuals critical to each program’s success had a chance to speak about their challenges and accomplishments. To watch the videos spotlighting each of the seven programs, visit our @SBCountySchools YouTube channel here.

“Receiving a Golden Bell Award is a significant honor,” said San Bernardino County Board of Education President Ken Larson. “Each of these programs represents an ongoing collaborative effort that makes a difference for students, educators, families and communities.”

The 2021 Golden Bell Award winners from San Bernardino County are:

• Chaffey Joint Union High SD: Cougar Relays
• Etiwanda SD: Connect with ESD!
• Redlands USD: Mock Trial
• Rialto USD: Rialto USD Induction Program
• San Bernardino City USD: BEYOND Pathways – SBCUSD Continuum of Transition Services Program
• San Bernardino City USD: Onboarding Program
• Victor Valley Union High SD: STEM Academy

Chaffey Joint Union High SD won a Golden Bell award in the Special Education category for its annual Cougar Relays event hosted by Rancho Cucamonga High School. Cougar Relays is a fun-filled day of relays and games designed to encourage both special education and general education students to interact with one another and build a general feeling of mutual appreciation, respect and rapport. The event has evolved over the last 14 years into a massive, districtwide event in which students from all high schools in the district eagerly participate.

Also among the Special Education category winners is Beyond Pathways: San Bernardino City USD (SBCUSD) Continuum of Transition Services program. This program provides support and services to students with disabilities after their high school graduation to help young adults develop skills through work experience, academic assistance with college certificate or degree programs, and training in skills such as self-advocacy, time management and teamwork. These services help ensure they become well-rounded, independent members of their community.

SBCUSD was awarded a second Golden Bell for its Onboarding Program in the Professional Development and Teacher Recruitment/Retention category. Their multi-tiered system of support provides all new classified, certificated and administrative employees with orientation, stakeholder sessions, peer shadowing opportunities and mentorship.

Rialto USD was also awarded a Golden Bell in the Professional Development and Teacher Recruitment/Retention category. The district’s current induction program, initiated in July 2011, provides new teachers who hold preliminary credentials with an individualized, two-year system of mentoring and support.

Etiwanda SD received a Golden Bell in the Family, Student and Community Engagement category, which includes programs that encourage or facilitate family involvement in their child’s education, bolster community partnerships or incorporate student engagement in site and district decision-making. Connect with ESD! is a districtwide initiative that harnesses the power of social media to bridge the gap between home and school life by sharing information, showcasing achievements and highlighting significant individuals in the school community.

The Redlands USD Mock Trial program was selected as the Golden Bell Award winner for English/Reading/Language Arts in the Curriculum and Instruction through the California Standards Implementation category. This category includes models that utilize interdisciplinary teaching, thematic instruction, learning styles, technology or other innovative or exemplary instructional strategies that are successful within the lens of the California Standards. The Mock Trial program has been implemented at its three comprehensive high schools: Redlands High School, Redlands East Valley High School and Citrus Valley High School. It is grounded in the Universal Design for Learning framework and focuses on instruction based on California Common Core Standards and Practices. The program offers students multiple ways of engagement and expression while they learn public speaking, critical thinking and argumentative skills.

The Golden Bell Award winner for STEM/STEAM in the Curriculum and Instruction through the California Standards Implementation category is the Cobalt Institute of Math and Science STEM Academy in Victor Valley Union High SD. The academy aims to ensure all students, predominantly students of color and low-income youth, graduate with the knowledge and exposure to pursue higher education and career options in STEM-related fields. It provides hands-on, problem-based projects and activities that promote 21^st century skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity.

Now in its 42nd year, the CSBA Golden Bell Awards promote excellence in education and school board governance. The honor recognizes outstanding programs and governance practices of school boards in school districts and county offices of education throughout the state. The awards program highlights exemplary education practices that are innovative, equitable and proven to be successful, as demonstrated by their positive student outcomes.

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

By Carrie Stanton

The California Department of Motor Vehicles remains open for business both virtually – through online service options at dmv.ca.gov/online – and in our offices with health and safety precautions.

During this surge of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, customers are encouraged to use our online services as the safest and fastest way to take care of DMV business. Most things you need to accomplish at the DMV can be done online. Of course, if you have to come to an office, we are happy to serve you, but ask that everyone be cautious and follow public health guidelines during this pandemic.

To protect the health and safety of DMV employees and customers, the DMV requires everyone in its offices to wear face coverings, keep their distance, wash hands frequently, and stay home if they are sick. Customers are also asked to limit the number of family members who accompany them to an office to those who are necessary to complete a transaction, and to be patient while waiting to be served.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 to our team members and the public is our priority as we provide service to our customers.

Many DMV transactions, including vehicle registration and driver’s license renewals, and changing an address can be completed at dmv.ca.gov/online. Californians also can save time by filling out the online driver’s license application, including for REAL ID, before they visit a field office. Customers may also upload required REAL ID documents beforehand to save time during their office visit.

Starting May 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved documents, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.

In addition to providing more services online, the DMV has accommodated customers in many ways during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the DMV announced the extension of commercial driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, endorsements and special certificates expiring between March 2020 and February 2022, through February 28, 2022.

The DMV also offers many services through its 365 self-service kiosks located in retail establishments statewide, its business partner locations, over the phone and by mail.

San Bernardino County has jobs that will be opening on Saturday, January 29. We encourage you to apply and share these job openings with those who may be interested in them. Recruitments listed are subject to final department approval. Check sbcounty.gov/jobs for the most up- to -date recruitments.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) believes that all families should have choices and input when it comes to their children’s education. To that end, SBCUSD offers several Signature Programs, middle school lottery programs, and School of Choice options.

If your child is currently enrolled at an SBCUSD school, you can apply now for a change of school for the 2022–2023 school year. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2022.

“School staffing is based on student attendance, which is usually based on the number of children living in a school’s attendance area,” Leonard Buckner, director of Enrollment & Placement Services, said. “However, if students apply early for a change of school, we may be able to alter our staffing, to the extent possible, to accommodate parents’ requests.”

Families are not able to request a transfer to Chavez Middle School, Richardson PREP HI Middle School, or Rodriguez Prep Academy Middle School since all three schools are part of the middle school lottery system. Paakuma’ K–8 School does not have space to accommodate any additional students. Middle College High School has a unique application process. Most other SBCUSD schools are available as a School of Choice option.

Learn more at https://sbcusd.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=59953&pageId=201467.

By Lou Yeboah

What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. [1 Corinthians 7:29-31]. I tell you; our entire lives are about to change.

You see, we are moving forward toward the Biblical description of the last era of human history prior to Christ’s return. [Romans 13:11-14]. Events will unfold soon to destroy the world’s way of life as we have known it. How much time is left? We do not know. That is a mystery that God holds in His hand, and He will not tell us. But what He does tell us is, “IT’S LATER THAN YOU THINK.” Time is passing quickly. It will not be long before this present age as we know it will end. I tell you our entire lives are about to change. Wake up!

The Bible reveals that the worst, most indescribably terrifying time in the entire history of this planet is soon to occur. This terrifying time [the Great Tribulation] spoken of as the time of “Jacob’s trouble” [Jeremiah 30:7] will be such an awful time that the destruction and genocide of World War II will seem like a picnic in comparison! Just thinking about the horrors to be visited on the city caused Jesus to weep. [Luke 19:41].

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” [Matthew 24:21–22].

I tell you, we are now approaching that time, and these things are now being revealed. War, violence and lawlessness, drought and famine, earthquakes and other natural catastrophes, disease epidemics, the rise of an aggressive, fundamentalist Islamic power, an ascendant European Union seeking global primacy, the crisis involving Jerusalem, the abomination of desolation. Understand the significance of today’s news and where it is all leading, for the end of all things is at hand. [1 Peter 4:7]. The night is nearly over the day is almost here. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  [Romans 13:11-14].

And Jesus said to the multitudes on one occasion: “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so, it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?” [Luke 12:54-56]. Days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation” [Luke 19:42-44]. Wake up! Everything is about to change!

Even though Moses, wrote in [Psalms 90], “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” We don’t know how to do that. We don’t know how to measure the number of days we have left. And therefore, the heart of wisdom is for us to assume that today might be our last day on earth, and that we should make the most of the hours we have today, to live them to the fullest to the glory of God, and do this, understanding the present time.

None of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand” [Daniel 12:10].

I say, and I say again, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!”

SOUTH CHINA SEA—Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Victor Rodriguez, from Apple Valley, Calif., assigned to the “Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, conducts maintenance on flight gear aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Aleksandr Freutel)

By Vicki C. Philips

“How fortunate and blessed we are to know about the types of COVID vaccines that are available today.  Why then should we deny ourselves getting vaccinated? We all have the opportunity to be informed, receive advice from professionals we trust and understand how we can protect ourselves by getting vaccinated.”

Those were the words of Lillie Tyson Head, daughter of Freddie Lee Tyson, a United States Public Health Service Syphilis Study Victim at Tuskegee and Macon County, Alabama and President, of the Virginia-based, Voices for Our Fathers Legacy Foundation https://www.voicesforfathers.org, speaking on a panel entitled “Vaccine Hesitancy: Understanding the Science and Getting people to Trust It.” The panel was part of the Annual Round-Up of Education Leaders, co-hosted by the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators, https://www.caaasa.org/the Los Angeles County Alliance of Black School Educators and the National Coalition on Education Equity under the theme “Addressing Equity for African American and Other Students of Color.”

The organizations, including educators from throughout California, met recently at the Reef Restaurant in Long Beach, to discuss several issues related to education equity.  The Annual Round-Up of Education Leaders was co-hosted by the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators, the Los Angeles County Alliance of Black School Educators and the National Coalition on Education Equity under the theme “Addressing Equity for African American and Other Students of Color.”

The presentation on vaccine hesitancy, also featured Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director, LA County Department of Public Health and Dr. Oliver T. Brooks, Chief Medical Officer, Watts HealthCare Corporation and Past President, National Medical Association and was one of four highlighted throughout the day.

During her speech, Tyson Head shared information about the history of Public Health Service’s Study and corrected some of the misinformation that has been widely circulated for decades. For one, she requested that the monikers, “The Tuskegee Syphilis Study,” and “Tuskegee Experiment,” cease from being used.  Tuskegee Institute (now University) was not the owner of the study, nor were they responsible for it, she said

“The study began in 1932 and was initially funded by the Rosenwald Foundation for six months and then, for the next 39 years and 6 months, it was approved and funded by the US government,” she said.  “This study is the longest lasting, non-therapeutic, biomedical study in US history.” The participants were African American men; struggling farmers or poor sharecroppers with little formal education.  They were NOT injected with syphilis, as the myth has been circulated.  The “recruits” included men with congenital syphilis, latent syphilis or no syphilis.

“The men were told that they had ‘bad blood’ and that they would receive treatment.  They were never told they were in a study and the intent of the study.”  To make matters worse, those with syphilis were denied Penicillin, when it became available in 1945, despite the drug’s proven results in treating the disease.

“The ramifications of this study are still haunting and fosters mistrust” she said.  “Forty nine years after the study was exposed and 89 years after the study began, people, particularly in the African American communities, distrust certain medical treatment and medical research.  And they are using this study as reasons for hesitating getting vaccinated or refusing to get vaccinated at all.

Other Round-Up highlights included virtual greetings by California Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond and Education Trust West Executive Director, Dr. Christopher Nellum.  Panel discussions included: Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness; Families and Educational Stakeholders: Maintaining an Equity Focus, Post-COVID; and Supporting the Mental Health of Black Students and Educational Stakeholders.

Founded in 1993, CAAASA is an education equity and advocacy organization that works through collaboration, network-building and direct community engagement to promote the success of African American, Latinx and other underserved California K-12 public school students and families.  CAAASA’s members include school superintendents, administrators, teachers and other educational professionals from throughout California.

Although its primary focus is education, CAAASA has been at the forefront of numerous issues impacting the health of the African American community. Once vaccines became available within LA County, CAAASA hosted a webinar with noted medical professionals, to address the concerns of African American students, families and education stakeholders. Additionally, CAAASA is currently engaged in campaigns, funded by the County COVID-19 Community Equity Fund (CCCEF) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to provide individuals with valuable information about COVID-19, in the hope of increasing vaccine awareness among African Americans living in the Antelope Valley area.