Thursday, October 8 | Volume 40 No. 30

Thursday, October 8, 2026

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San Bernardino Valley College's First Bachelor's Degree

County Library Welcomes New Book Vendors to Keep Fresh Reads Coming

SAN BERNARDINO

San Bernardino Valley College's first bachelor's degree cohort is off to a running start in the fall 2026 semester. The new bachelor’s degree in water resources management drew more than 100 applicants for fall 2026, leading the program to expand from 20 spots to 35. "We are excited by the interest and appreciate the continued support of organizations, such as the Water Energy Education Alliance," said Melita Caldwell- Betties, chair of the water supply technology program at SBVC. The program aims to supply new workers in the local water industry, where more than a third of employees are expected to retire within the next decade, according to a 2024 SBVC labor analysis. The Inland Empire ranks among the top regions nationally for water-related careers, with strong salaries and persistent demand for qualified candidates. "This degree will not only equip our students with the specialized knowledge and skills required in the water resources management field, but it will also posi tion SBVC as a leader in addressing critical workforce needs in our region," said SBVC President Gilbert J. Contreras. "By offering this degree, we are opening doors to high-wage, in-demand careers that will benefit both our students and our community." SBVC will accept 35 students for the spring 2027 cohort. Celebrating 100 Years of Community & Excellence San Bernardino Valley College is a comprehensive community college serving the Inland Empire since 1926. As California’s first purpose-built community college, SBVC has a long-standing legacy of expanding access to higher education, supporting student success, and strengthening the regional workforce. The college proudly celebrates 100 years of community and excellence in 2026. Learn more at www.valleycollege.edu/100.

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Freddie Jackson, the Voice

SAN BERNARDINO, CA--- The San Bernardino County Library is pleased to welcome Brodart and Libraria as new book vendors, marking an important step in strengthening the County Library’s collection ordering process and ensuring customers continue to have access to new and popular titles. The transition follows a signifi cant shift within the library and publishing industries after the end of Baker & Taylor’s longstanding role as a major supplier of books and materials to libraries. Like library systems across the country, the County Library has been working to transition its ordering processes and establish relationships with new vendors. The County Library recognizes that this industry-wide transition has resulted in delays in the arrival of some new materials and sincerely apologizes to customers who have been waiting longer than expected for new and requested titles.

“We understand how exciting it is to discover a new release or place a hold on a highly anticipated book, and we know the wait can be frustrating,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding as we navigate this industry-wide transition. The addition of Brodart and Libraria will help us move forward with a stronger and more diversified approach to building our col lections and getting materials into the hands of our customers.” Adding multiple vendors will provide the County Library with greater flexibility when purchas ing materials, expand access to available inventory and reduce reliance on a single supplier. The library is also actively working to secure a third book vendor to further strengthen its purchasing network and help minimize potential gaps in the ordering process.

To read more, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com. Continued from page 6

Behind a Generation of R&B (For Old Times Sake),” became a DHS is Using FEMA Buildings

Stardom Born in Harlem, New York, on October 2, 1956, Jackson developed his voice in the church, singing gospel at White Rock Baptist Church. Like many legendary Black artists of his generation, the church became an early training ground where he learned how music could major hit, while the unforgettable ballad “You Are My Lady” further solidified his reputation as one of R&B’s premier vocalists. The album went platinum and earned Jackson two Grammy Award nominations. Jackson followed that success with his 1987 album Just Like the FEMA has previously supported Department and interagency activities in the designated conference space. No FEMA personnel or operational resources are being diverted to support the DHS activities,” said DHS in the statement to ACoM.

The agency noted that immigration court hearings are administered by the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Im migration Review.

To read more, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com.

communicate emotion, faith and storytelling long before international audiences would know his name. Jackson eventually entered New York’s music scene and performed with the R&B group Mystic Merlin before embarking on the solo career that would change his life. His breakthrough arrived with the release of his 1985 debut album, Rock Me Tonight. The project immediately established Jackson as a major force in R&B. Its title track, “Rock Me Tonight

First Time, another platinum-selling project that demonstrated that his debut was far from a one-time success. Over the course of his career, Jackson earned 10 No. 1 hits on the R&B charts, placing him among an elite generation of performers whose voices dominated urban radio and helped shape the sound of an era.

To read more, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com.

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California Enacts Anti-Hate Training Requirements year. According to the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) most recent Hate Crime in California report, 1,955 hate crime events were reported statewide in 2025, a 3.4% decrease from 2,023 and 2024.

However, reported hate crime events involving racial or ethnic bias increased 6.2%, from 1,011 to 1,074.

To read more, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com.