2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins –Advocate for Health, Aging Californians and More

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media  Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins was elected to the California State Assembly in November 2024 to represent the 79th District, which includes southeastern San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies, a master’s in education with an emphasis in Multicultural Counseling, and…

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember Corey Jackson, a Strong Equity-Focused Voice in the Legislature 

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media  Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) represents the 60th Assembly District. He was first elected in November 2022.  In the Legislature, Jackson has emerged as a key voice on issues related to equity, social services, and community well-being — first as chair of the Human Services Committee in…

SBCUSD Honors Inland Empire Children’s Book Project as November Outstanding Community Partner

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education presented its November Outstanding Community Partner Award to the Inland Empire Children’s Book Project for helping ignite a lifelong love of reading by placing thousands of free books into the hands of children across the District. “A home…

Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation Presents 15th Annual SATCHMO Award to GEORGE COLEMAN, January 7, 7pm, at Dizzy’s

The Evening Features the George Coleman Quintet in Concert with Steve Myerson, John Webber, Peter Bernstein and George Coleman, Jr.,and Special Guests, Camille Thurman, Sarah Hanahan, Alexander McCabe, Eric Alexander, Gideon Tazelaar and Adam Brenner Tickets: $25.00-$55.00 | ticketing.jazz.org NEW YORK, NY, December 22, 2025  – The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation (LAEF) will present the…

Funding concerns rise after nursing loses professional degree label

By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer/astevens@afro.com The Department of Education will no longer classify several long-recognized graduate programs as professional degrees, a shift that will affect financial aid limits and reshape how universities describe advanced training in fields that rely on licensing.  The updated definition removes nursing from the government’s professional degree category. The change…

The Voting Rights Act Is Under Threat. So Are Workers’ Rights.

By Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO  Secretary-Treasurer In our workplaces, in our communities and in our government, the right to vote is how working people make our voices heard. The late Rep. John Lewis (Georgia) proclaimed, “Your vote is precious, almost sacred.” The Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing Texas to use a racially discriminatory congressional map threatens…

An Exclusive to The San Bernardino American News- Connecting Communities to Coverage  with   Dr.  Monica  Soni, Chief  Medical  Officer  of  Covered California

LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS Making Confident Health Coverage Decisions for the Year Ahead Choosing a health plan can feel overwhelming, especially for individuals making important decisions about their coverage for the first time or reassessing their needs for the upcoming year. Covered California provides tools, financial assistance, and trusted guidance to help individuals and families review their…

LAUSD Sees Sharp Decline in Newcomer Enrollment as Immigration Crackdowns Strain Schools and Finances

By Nicole Chang Heightened ICE enforcement accelerates student losses. Falling international enrollment raises broader concerns for higher education and the economy. LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second-largest school district in the United States, is experiencing a steep decline in newcomer student enrollment. Educators say the trend has been sharply…

San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. Delivers Holiday Joy to Muscoy Elementary Students

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., in partnership with the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD), brought holiday cheer to Muscoy Elementary School on December 9 by distributing toys to all 650 students and presenting the school with $5,000 to be used for the school’s greatest need. The event…

California Commission on Aging Releases New Policy Brief with Practical Guidance for Disaster Preparedness and Recovery 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) announced the release of a new policy brief that offers clear, actionable strategies to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and recovery for older adults and people with disabilities across California. The brief summarizes key findings and practical recommendations from the Commission’s report, Rebuilding Lives: Disaster Response and…

Jolly winter holidays in store for Ontario International Airport with record numbers expected

ONT passenger volumes on track to exceed 7 million this year Ontario, California – December 15, 2025) – Ontario International Airport (ONT) officials are preparing for record passenger volume during the upcoming winter holidays and embracing all in the spirit of the season. The ONT forecast anticipates more than 362,000 passengers over the 18-day winter…

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Appoints Katherine Bourbeau-Medinilla, M.D., as its first Chief Population Health Officer

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine Bourbeau-Medinilla, M.D., to the newly established senior executive position of Chief Population Health Officer (CPHO) and Associate Chief Medical Officer (ACMO). Reporting directly to the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Bourbeau-Medinilla will be responsible for the clinical aspects and physician alignment of ARMC’s…

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas – an Advocate for Jobs and Justice

Edward Henderson | California Black Media Representing the 28th Senate District, Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) brings a lifelong commitment to working families, shaped by her upbringing as the daughter of a single mother who was a military veteran and a registered nurse.  After earning her communications degree from California State University Hayward (now known…

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember Lori Wilson – Advocate for Equity, the Environment, and More 

Edward Henderson | California Black Media Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) joined the California Legislature in 2022 after making history as Solano County’s first Black female mayor, bringing with her a track record of fiscal discipline, community investment, and inclusive leadership.  She represents the state’s 11th Assembly District, which spans Solano County and portions…

2025  in  Review: Seven  Questions  for Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, Champion of Reparations, Housing and Workers’ Rights 

Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media   Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) represents California’s 61st Assembly District, covering areas including Hawthorne, Gardena, Lawndale, Venice, Westchester, and West Athens.  As a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), McKinnor has become a prominent voice in the Legislature. Elected in 2022, she chairs the Los Angeles…

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Sen. Laura Richardson, Who Made Legislative History This Year

Edward Henderson | California Black Media  Elected in November 2024 to represent California’s 35th Senate District in the Los Angeles area, Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro) brings decades of experience in public service to her role.  Before entering elected office, she served as a legislative staffer at the local, state, and federal levels and built…