Category: Local & Community
Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber Urges Californians to Vote Early as Voter ID Battle Intensifies
Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber is asking voters to help protect the integrity of the November 2026 election by taking one important step: Vote early. Weber said her office is working to combat misinformation, expand voter outreach and maintain ballot security as California prepares for the…
Tutoring Empowers Struggling Students to Start the Year with Confidence and Succeed
“Our one-on-one tutoring and mentoring program is specifically designed to reduce, or altogether eliminate, the gaps students experience and provide real solutions that set them up for a strong, successful year ahead,” says Aaron Valdez, CEO of Valdez Educational Services. SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Students who struggled academically last year don’t have to repeat that…
Milestone reflects the state’s investment in early asset-building, educational opportunity and long-term economic mobility
SACRAMENTO, CA — California has reached a major milestone in expanding educational and economic opportunity for children, with 1 million CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts now claimed by students and families across the state. This achievement reflects California’s bold, long-term commitment to ensuring more children begin with an early financial foundation for college, career training and beyond….
A Life of Service: Riverside Honors Dell Roberts on His 90th Birthday
RIVERSIDE, CA– The City of Riverside will officially recognize the birthday of Dell Roberts with an official Dell Roberts Day on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, to celebrate the 90th birthday of community leader and civic champion Dell Roberts. The ceremonial event will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Riverside City Council Chambers at City…
Special education funding model is failing California schools
By Helio Brasil, retired superintendent, Keyes Union School District in Stanislaus County After more than three decades in public education, including many years as a superintendent, I believe we have reached a point where something has to change in how we fund and deliver special education and student mental health services. California has built a…
Assemblymember Ramos Launches County’s Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
State Leader Joins with The Salvation Army Advisory Board to Launch 2026 Campaign Supporting Lifesaving Services for Vulnerable Populations SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Salvation Army of San Bernardino County announces that California Assemblymember James Ramos will serve as keynote speaker at the Red Kettle Kickoff celebration, marking the official launch of the 2026 holiday…
FARSB Makes the Advocacy High Honor Roll for 4th Year in a Row
Riverside, CA – August 25th, 2026 – Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) has been recognized in the national media outlet, Food Bank News, and its annual Advocacy High Honor Roll that lists food banks that have Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) resources available, an advocacy page, community calls to action for contacting legislators,…
Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
Gov. Newsom Launches New Free Lunch Program; Announces Nearly $14,000 Per Family in Universal TK Bo Tefu | California Black Media Gov. Gavin Newsom marked the start of California’s new school year by highlighting universal free school meals and the statewide expansion of Transitional Kindergarten, which the state says saves families nearly $14,000 per child…
Targeted Crime Suppression – Operation Consequences: 5 arrests, 10 firearms seized
Between Aug. 3 and Aug. 9, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division, along with deputies from patrol stations and personnel from partnering agencies, served 16 search warrants and contacted suspects throughout the county. Additionally, the San Bernardino Movement Against Street Hoodlums (SMASH) Street Enforcement Team (SET) conducted proactive patrols in…
California lawmakers call for faster DACA renewals amid prolonged processing delays
By Betty Márquez Rosales, EdSource When Alma Mendoza Tlachi’s work permit expired while she waited for the federal government to process her renewal, she had to stop teaching her high school students and could not return to work over the summer or prepare her classroom for the new school year. As a Deferred Action for…
SB 811 Still Has Time to Hold Corporations Accountable
Recycling Could be Impacted Statewide Including San Bernardino County It’s been said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. That may be true, but as we witness a flawed bill making its way through the California legislature, it may also be paved with new, burdensome metal recycling regulations that as written will…
The Home of Neighborly Service Has A New Home at Arrowhead United Way
San Bernardino, CA — Arrowhead United Way (AUW) and The Home of Neighborly Service (HNS) are proud to announce a new partnership that brings HNS operations to their new home at Arrowhead United Way’s facility at 646 N. D Street. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in expanding community services, strengthening local support systems,…
ABC Announces New Liquor License Authorizations
SACRAMENTO — Paul Tupy, director of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), announced authorization for the issuance of new on-sale general and off-sale general licenses and authorization for the intercounty transfer of on-sale general and off-sale general licenses. This year, based on statutory authorizations and limitations, the following counties will be eligible for additional…
Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media California Legislative Black Caucus Elects New Leaders On Aug. 14, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) announced that Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) was elected the chairperson for the 2027-2028 legislative session. Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood) will serve as the vice chair of the political…
Black Culture Foundation Names Christen Irving as the New President
Riverside, CA – The Black Culture Foundation today announced a leadership transition, with Carl M. Dameronstepping down as president and Christen Irving advancing to the role, effective July 15, 2026. Dameron, who has led the Foundation for two years, cited ongoing health challenges as the reason for the transition. Despite stepping away from the day-to-day…
Gov. Newsom Announces New AI Tools to Track Extreme Heat and Simplify Tax Filing and State Hiring
Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media Gov. Gavin Newsom is highlighting new technology and efficiency initiatives designed to modernize California government, including artificial intelligence tools for state employees, an extreme heat tracking system, faster hiring and simplified tax filing for small businesses. The initiatives come one year since Newsom signed an…
TOGETHER WE RISE
TOGETHER WE RISE – High Desert Economic Development Summit Saturday, August 29, 2026 . 10 AM – 2 PM Victor Valley College, Victorville Millionaire Mind Kids, in partnership with Victor Valley College, invites all High Desert residents to the Together We Rise Economic Development Summit-a community event connecting local businesses, educators, workforce partners, and families…
Bill Requiring Public Notices to Be Published in Newspapers’ Print Editions Heads to Gov. Newsom’s Desk
Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media Assembly Bill (AB) 2323, legislation by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) that would modernize how newspapers publish legally mandated public notices is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration. AB 2323, co-authored by Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach), cleared the Legislature after the Assembly voted 75-0 on Aug. 7…
New data on English learners could help California schools pinpoint needed support, experts say
By Zaidee Stavely, EdSource For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, California has released school-by-school data showing how many English learners became proficient in English, giving parents, educators and policymakers a new way to see how well schools are helping students become proficient in English. The data shows that 13.8% of English learners statewide…
Urban One to Launch “ONE Yard: The HBCU Experience”–a Multi-City Tour Bringing the Cultural Power of the HBCU Yard to Life
SILVER SPRING, MD, August 11, 2026 — Urban One, the nation’s largest distributor of Black and Urban content, today announced the official launch of ONE Yard: The HBCU Experience, a multi-city engagement tour celebrating the culture, community, and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Originally born as a digital sanctuary, ONE Yard is…
LAUSD could face layoffs, furloughs and school consolidation amid projected $231M shortfall
By Mallika Seshadri, EdSource Los Angeles Unified School District leaders say they are confident they can persuade county officials that the district can avoid a projected cash shortfall and remain under local control, and are preparing for budget cuts, possible furloughs and school consolidation. A July 2 letter from the Los Angeles County Office…
Salvation Army and City of San Bernardino unite families through collaborative homelessness response
Partnership turns emergency housing into lasting hope and stability. What began as an emergency response to homelessness became a comprehensive solution focused on family connection and long-term well-being. SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Salvation Army and the City of San Bernardino announced a successful family reunification case that demonstrates the power of community collaboration in…
Marcelino “Mars” Serna to Receive a Black Rose Award
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.— The 34th Annual Black Rose Award nominees showcase the outstanding leadership within the Inland Empire, according to Black Culture Foundation President Christen Irving. “Nominations started in September, with individuals from every corner of the Inland Empire nominating those who have made a profound impact on our communities.” 2026 Black Rose awardee Marcelino…
Lose the Chaos, Not Just the Weight: Healthy School-Year Routines
Milwaukee, WI — When the school year begins, routines naturally start to take shape. Early mornings, packed schedules, and busy evenings can make it challenging to prioritize your health. TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly SM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy, teaches that consistent routines and…
Santa Clarita native participates in world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Osborne, Navy Office of Community Outreach PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – 2nd Lt. Philip Olivero, a native of Santa Clarita, California, is assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy warship participating in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in…




