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By Angela M. Coggs

San Bernardino, CA- On Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. the San Bernardino community, alongside Congressman Pete Aguilar and Maggie’s Kids Foundation, came together for a historic event the Dr. Margaret B. Hill U.S. Post Office Dedication Ceremony. This special occasion honored the legacy of Dr. Margaret B. Hill, a beloved educator, mentor, and advocate for children, by renaming the San Bernardino Del Rosa Post Office in her memory.

A Lasting Tribute to Dr. Hill

Dr. Margaret B. Hill dedicated her life to education and community service, making a profound impact on the lives of countless students and families in San Bernardino. Through her work as a teacher, administrator, and founder of MaggiesKidsFoundation, she empowered and inspired young people to achieve their dreams. Her legacy of kindness, leadership, and dedication continues to resonate throughout the community.

To ensure that Dr. Hill’s contributions are permanently honored, Congressman Pete Aguilar led efforts to secure the necessary signatures and legislative approval to rename the Del Rosa Post Office in her name. It was not an easy task however Aguilar was determined. This dedication stands as a lasting tribute to her unwavering commitment to education and the youth of San Bernardino.

During the ceremony, Congressman Aguilar, family members, and Maggie’s Kids Foundation representatives officially unveiled the plaque that was installed at the post office immediately after the ceremony. The San Bernardino Postmaster Edwin Mendoza was also present and spoke to attendees about this meaningful tribute and the impact of Dr. Hill’s lifelong dedication to the community.

A Community Celebration

To honor Dr. Hill’s memory, all attendees were encouraged to wear purple, a color that symbolizes her warmth, wisdom, and passion for education.

The event marked a historic moment for San Bernardino, ensuring that Dr. Hill’s name and legacy will live on in a place of everyday importance to the community. Although there was a swift breeze in the air, it was exhilarating to witness the celebration the extraordinary life of Dr. Margaret B. Hill and the lasting imprint she has left on generations to come.

SACRMENTO, CA – Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) named Eunice Abel, a youth advocate and undergraduate student, as 2025 Woman of the Year for Assembly District 45. Assemblymembers, including Ramos celebrated their honorees on the Assembly floor this month.

“Eunice is a tireless and steadfast advocate for young people in the Inland Empire and is dedicated to eliminating inequities,” Ramos said. “She is especially committed to addressing youth homelessness, a legislative priority for me since my election. Even at her young age of 22, she has built an exemplary record of positive action and contributions to our community,” Ramos stated.

Abel, born in Aba, Abia, Nigeria, immigrated to the United States at 11 years old and navigated life as an unaccompanied minor throughout her childhood. She confronted countless obstacles, including unstable housing, poverty and difficulty in accessing an education. This struggle fueled her passion for advocacy and inspired her to become a youth homeless advocate.

“This award is a testament to youth who are fighting to empower other youth, showing that our work is valuable and that standing up for others is not a waste of time,” Abel said.

She has served as a youth ambassador for non-profits that support underprivileged youth. In 2022

Abel was elected Chairperson for the Youth Advisory Board of San Bernardino County where she supported several initiatives to aid homeless youth in San Bernardino County. She later became Youth Leadership Coordinator and revived the Youth Advocacy Summit. This summit brought together legislators, service providers, and youth in San Bernardino County to raise awareness and facilitate meaningful conversation about youth homelessness.

Her advocacy extends to other policy areas that affect the overall well-being of California youth such as food insecurity, immigration and racial equity. Abel will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in public policy this spring from University of California, Riverside.

RIVERSIDE, CA – For the 12th straight year, all U.S. Walmart stores, and Sam’s Club locations are launching the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, including right here in the Inland Empire.

The goal of the annual cause marketing campaign is to provide people facing hunger with access to the food and resources they need to thrive. Here’s how it works:

The campaign will run in stores and online from March 1-March 31, with three ways for shoppers to participate:

• By donating at check-out in stores or clubs or round up at Walmart.com and the Walmart app.
• By purchasing participating products* in-store or online at Walmart.com or SamsClub.com. For every purchase of a participating product, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent** of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America partner food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.
• By donating at Feeding America’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign donation site at either feedingamerica.org/walmartor www.feedingamerica.org/samsclub

Since its inception in 2014, the campaign has generated more than $206 million and helped secure 2 billion meals* for the Feeding America® network of local food banks.

“The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign empowers our neighbors to make a real difference while going about their daily shopping,” said Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) CEO, Carolyn Fajardo. “We are incredibly grateful to once again be part of this impactful initiative, bringing hope and nourishment to those who need it most.”

Everyone needs nutritious food to thrive, and in every community in America, people are working hard to provide for themselves and their families. Yet in 2023, 47.4 million people—1 in 7 people—experienced food insecurity in the U.S.

Those are the highest numbers in a decade, underscoring the need for more charitable food assistance in the Inland Empire and beyond.

“For the past 20 years, Feeding America, Walmart and Sam’s Club have worked together to fight hunger and help people live better in the communities we serve,” said Julie Gehrki, president, Walmart Foundation and senior vice president, philanthropy at Walmart. “During the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, we invite our customers and members to join us in providing access to food for our neighbors by supporting Feeding America Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.”

The 24 participating suppliers for Walmart include: B&G Foods, Inc., Bush Brothers & Company, Celsius, The Coca-Cola Company, Conagra Foods, Dole Packaged Foods, LLC, Ferrero USA, General Mills, Hershey Salty Snacks, Kellanova, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Kodiak, Kraft Heinz, Lipton Tea, Ben’s Original, Materne, Mondelez International, Olipop, Pepsi-Cola Advertising & Marketing, Inc., Hidden Valley Original Ranch, The Hain Celestial Group, WK Kellogg Co, Unilever and Utz Quality Foods

The six participating suppliers for Sam’s Club include: Kellanova, Kodiak, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Nestlé and Unilever

For more information, visit: feedingamerica.org/campaigns/fight-hunger-spark-change

*Currently, $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local partner food banks.

** For every purchase of a participating product, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America partner food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On February 21, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass relieved L.A. Fire Department (LAFD) chief Kristin Crowley of her duties in the wake of fallout over how recent deadly firestorms in the city were handled.

Bass announced she appointed former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year LAFD veteran as Interim Fire Chief.

“Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief,” Mayor Bass said in a release. “We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch.

LAFD officer, Captain Robert Hawkins, is alleging that Crowley purposefully mismanaged the department to bring attention to a 17 million deficit and budget as part of a strategy to get more money for the fire department.

“On October 24th, I met with Fire Chief Kristen Crowley about removing recruitment officers and its impact on Black firefighter representation,” Hawkins told California Black Media (CBM). “She told me that she was refusing to maintain staffing and had planned to cut fire engines over a 17-million-dollar deficit, and she asked the stakeholders if we can contact our retirees to fill temporary recruitment roles, stating to us that sometimes you need to ‘let bad things happen’ to get the attention of the city council for our budget.”

After receiving this information, Hawkins requested a meeting with the deputy mayor, Brian Williams, on December 2.

“I met with him to express serious concerns about the leadership of the Los Angeles Fire Department. I told him I do not believe the fire chief has the mayor’s best interests at heart, nor do I believe she is managing the department appropriately,” Hawkins alleged. “I warned him to warn the mayor in the event of a major emergency with casualties or any type of major destruction, I fear that she would fail to protect the city and ultimately shift blame to the mayor and throw her under the bus.”

In addition to understaffing the department, Bass said Crowley refused to complete an after-action report on the fires as instructed by the President of the Fire Commission, a necessary step to the investigation.

“The heroism of our firefighters – during the Palisades fire and every single day – is without question. Bringing new leadership to the fire department is what our city needs,” said Bass.

During her time as LAFD chief, Crowley had been outspoken over her disapproval of funding allocated to the LAFD, citing it affected its ability to adequately respond to the recent fires.

After her dismissal, Crowley released a statement.

 “As the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities. Serving others before self, having the courage and integrity to do what is right, and leading with compassion, love and respect have guided me throughout my career,” Crowley stated. “I am extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of our LAFD members, both sworn and civilian.”

Crowley, who appealed her dismissal on Feb. 27, still serves on the LAFD.

Hawkins said shortly after he shared his concerns with Williams, the deputy mayor was accused of a making a bomb threat to city hall and relieved of his post.

“My concern is our firefighter’s union — if they have a background agenda and when that background agenda started. I know that the union approached me less than two years ago to start the process with a vote of no confidence to remove Kristin Crowley,” said Hawkins. “Then, recently, before the Palisades fire I found it interesting to see their overwhelming support for the Fire Chief.”

CBM reached out to former Chief Crowley for comment, but she did not respond.

The park will be closed during construction for approximately one year starting March 3.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The City of San Bernardino has announced that work will begin Monday, March 3rd on the $13.8 million renovation of Seccombe Lake Park. Due to the extensive work planned, the 44-acre park will be closed for approximately one year.

The public is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony at the Park’s gazebo to commemorate the project on Thursday, March 13 at 10:00 am. Seccombe Lake Park is located just east of Downtown San Bernardino at 160 East 5th Street. Parking will be available at the Sierra Way lot.

“This will be a complete revitalization of one of the crown jewels of our park system,” said Interim Parks and Recreation Director Ernesto Salinas. The project will bring new amenities to the park as well as restore the existing infrastructure.

Major improvements planned for San Bernardino’s second largest park will include the restoration of the Park’s signature lake; new landscaping and irrigation; renovation of the gazebo and basketball courts; new lighting throughout the park; concrete walking paths; the restoration of the island in the middle of the lake, new playground equipment with large shade sails, upgrades to the dog park, and repaving of the parking lot.

“This transformation will breathe new life into Seccombe Lake Park,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “The Council and I look forward to next year when families and residents can enjoy a renewed and vibrant space in the heart of our city.”

Other improvements will include ADA upgrades, new fishing stations around the lake, EV charging stations, upgraded drinking fountains, restrooms, and trash enclosures, and the installation of palm tree solar lighting.

Funding for the project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as well as $1 million from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

The City Council approved a contract with North Hollywood-based Landscape Support Services in December 2024 to perform the work. CSG Consultants will provide construction management and inspection services for the project. Plans for the renovation were prepared by RHA Landscape Architects of Riverside.

“The renovation of Seccombe Lake Park is just the latest of a series of investments the City is making in our parks,” added Mayor Tran. “Parks are a priority and San Bernardino residents will notice a big difference across the City very soon.”

Other park projects currently underway or about to begin in San Bernardino include Nicholson Park, Guadalupe Field, Gutierrez Park, Speicher Park, the Roosevelt Bowl at Perris Hill Park, the Eastside Skate Park at Speicher, and Lytle Creek Park.

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen, Iv.

The proposed February 28^th boycott against spending is an attempt to impress corporate America with the power of the Black Dollar; to show corporate America our displeasure with their retreat from Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI)! We, Black people are requested by civil rights activist and organizations to ‘spend no money’ at all on this Friday, February 28, 2025! However, understanding the difficulty of getting everyone to be able to, or truthfully, want to, participate in the boycott, the follow-up statement is a request to spend as little as necessary.  There is much to be desired relative to our (Black Folks) ability to successfully manipulate our Trillion-Dollar-Plus annual spending power!

In the past, we have successfully refused to spend with businesses where we were not allowed to work… We have been able to successfully impress corporate America with our spending power. However, somehow, we have not perfected our ability to successfully promote and market the obvious benefit of directing our spending power towards developing Black Owned Businesses (BOB)!

I agree that using our spending power to respond to disrespect and mistreatment is something we should do. I think that using our money to develop our self-respect and to assure proper treatment is also something we should do! Just as we can target who not to support financially, we have the ability, some would say responsibility, to target Black Owned Businesses (BOB) with our support!   Many of us are supporting BOB on a regular basis. However, I think you will agree that if we come together to recycle 10% of our Trillion-Dollar-Plus spending, which would amount to about 150 billion Dollars Annually, we would not only impress corporate America, but we would also impress the world, and more importantly, we would impress ourselves!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — The City of San Bernardino in partnership with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) have begun an $9.8 million project that will relieve congestion and improve traffic safety at the 210 Freeway and Waterman Avenue in San Bernardino.

Waterman Avenue is a key mobility corridor in San Bernardino, and it serves as an important access point to communities in the San Bernardino Mountains. Increased traffic volumes at the 210 Freeway exit have resulted in heavy congestion and backups for motorists.

The project will add a second left turn lane in each direction of Waterman Avenue and expand the eastbound on-ramp to the 210 freeway from one to two lanes.

“The 210 Freeway – Waterman Avenue Interchange Project represents progress and opportunity for San Bernardino,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran, who represents the City on the SBCTA Board. “By improving traffic efficiency, enhancing safety, and supporting economic development, this project is a vital step toward creating a more accessible and thriving city.”

During construction, Waterman Avenue will remain open at all times. However, there will be periodic lane closures to accommodate work on the improvements. Occasional closures will also be required on the eastbound on-ramp to the 210 Freeway, with planned detours routing drivers to Del Rosa Avenue.

The project, which started in mid-January, is expected to be completed in November 2025. $7.9 million from the voter approved Measure I and $1.9 from the City of San Bernardino are funding the $9.8 million project.

For more information, please visit https://www.gosbcta.com/project/sr-210- waterman avenue/contact  or  contact  SBCTA  at  877-55-SBCTA  or info@goSBCTA.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The City of San Bernardino is moving forward with the process to select its next city manager, starting with the appointment of former Brea City Manager William “Bill” Gallardo to the post of interim City Manager.

In a special meeting held on Friday, February 21, the Mayor and Council unanimously approved a resolution appointing Gallardo, who resides in San Bernardino, to serve in the post while they conduct a recruitment to fill the permanent position.

“Bringing Bill Gallardo on board will ensure a smooth transition while the Council and I take the next steps to find our next City Manager,” said Mayor Helen Tran.

Gallardo is expected to assume his new role next week. As a recently retired employee under the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS), Gallardo must receive approval from the retirement system before working for another Cal Pers agency.

Current Acting City Manager Tanya Romo will return to the role of Deputy City Manager. when CalPERS approves Gallardo’s return to work.

“I am honored and excited to take on the role of Interim City Manager,” said Gallardo. “I will work diligently to become a valuable resource for the Mayor, City Council and staff and, just as importantly, maintain crucial relationships between City Hall, the community, and agency partners during this time of transition as we search for a permanent city manager.”

Bill Gallardo retired in December 2024 after a 35-year career with the City of Brea, including serving as City Manager since 2015. Gallardo also held the positions of Assistant City Manager/Administrative Services Director, Finance Manager,  and Revenue Manager for the Orange County city.

He holds a degree in business from Cal Poly Pomona.

The San Bernardino Mayor and City Council have also announced that they have retained the executive search firm Ralph Anderson to assist them in the recruitment process for their next City Manager.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – On Valentine’s Day, the City of San Bernardino joined fifteen other cities across the nation to launch the “Love Your Block” initiative. The program, in partnership with the Bloomberg Center of Public Innovation, offers mini grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to neighborhood, student, and civic groups to organize local art projects and community cleanups.

“San Bernardino is a city where neighbors connect with each other and take pride in their community,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “These grants will allow residents to both showcase what makes their neighborhoods unique and take it up a notch with a community-based project.”

The Love Your Block program was established in 2009 by the Bloomberg Center of Public Innovation to fund resident-led neighborhood revitalization projects in U.S. cities. The City of San Bernardino is one of only sixteen cities in the nation and two in California that were selected last year to be a part of the program.

Selection of San Bernardino’s grant recipients will be made through a “Shark Tank” style competition called Pitch Your Block in April in which finalists pitch their project to judges from local community-based non-profits. Eleven grant recipients will be chosen in April with the winner receiving $5,000.

Local partners include AmeriCorps Vista, Music Changing Lives, Making Hope Happen, and Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services.

The city will accept project proposals through March 31, 2025. Since 2009, Love Your Block has taken place in 50 cities across 33 states while improving nearly 4,000 public spaces – including 800 art displays, cleaning 102,000 square feet of graffiti, and removing 6.7 million pounds of trash.

For more information or to submit a proposal, visit the City’s Love Your Block website at

https://www.sbcity.org/Love-Your-Block.

RIVERSIDE, CA — Local leaders and behavioral health advocates joined the Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH) team for a ribbon-cutting event celebrating the Franklin Residential Care Facility & Behavioral Health Clinic. The 84-bed Adult Residential Facility fills a critical gap in behavioral health and recovery services for adults who need structured support.

Located at 3021 Franklin Ave. in Riverside, the newly renovated 42,000-square-foot facility will provide residential care, outpatient behavioral health services and short-term recuperative care to help individuals regain stability and transition toward independent living.

“This initiative strengthens our broader goal of creating a comprehensive range of support options,” said First District Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina. “We want everyone in our community to have access to the help they need, when they need it.”

The Franklin Residential Care Facility will offer housing, meals, personal care assistance, medication management and supervision to individuals who require structured support without the need for 24-hour nursing care. The facility provides recuperative care services for individuals recovering from hospitalization or behavioral health crises.

An on-site outpatient behavioral health clinic will provide therapy, medication services, and case management for both residents and the surrounding community. Medical oversight, transportation to follow-up care and assistance in accessing benefits and stable housing are among additional essential services.

“This isn’t just a place for care—it’s a place for new beginnings,” said Dr. Matthew Chang, Director of RUHS Behavioral Health. “Many who come here have faced significant challenges, but Franklin offers them a fresh start. With the right support, people can heal, regain stability, and work toward a future filled with hope.”

The renovations to the Franklin facility feature welcoming areas to promote recovery, including multi-purpose rooms, and exercise and outdoor recreation space. A commercial kitchen and dining area will provide daily meals. A nurse’s station, medication room and consultation spaces ensure continuous support as residents build life skills and transition toward independent living.

The $38 million project was approved by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, using a combination of grants and state and local mental health funding. All referrals to the facility are coordinated through RUHS-BH specialty programs, prioritizing individuals discharged from hospitals or at risk of hospitalization, adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and those who require residential services for serious mental illness or substance use disorders.

For more information, visit www.ruhealth.org.