Volume 40 No.1 | Thursday March 26, 2026

• Volume 40 No. 2
• WSSNEWS
• Sharing the Quest for Excellence

FOR DAILY NEWS AND UPDATES VISIT www.wssnews.com

Thursday March 26, 2026

Pre-Enroll Your Child Now for 2026-2027 San Bernardino City Unified Offers Full-Day Kindergarten and Award-Winning Programs sbtz

• ENKOFA
• JEFFERSON HU
• SAYE
• T SU A ED
• Rising American Driver Truly "The
• Truth" Adams Signs with Berg ...
• Office

1987-2025.. Serving The Inland Empire For Over 38 Years

San Bernardino City Unified School District Takes Interim Steps...

SANKOFA

EFFERSON HUN

577 N. “D” Street, #112H San Bernardino, CA 92401

• Rising American Driver Truly "The Truth"
• Adams Signs with Berg
• Racing for 2026
• IREL
• TEVRE
• SUA ED o NOTUL

RIVERSIDE, CA year-old driver Truly “The Truth” Adams has signed with Berg Rac- ing and will compete in the 2026 Ligier Junior Formula Champion- ship, marking his entry into one of the sport's most competitive de- velopment environments.

A native of Riverside, Adams is quickly emerging as a young American driver to watch, build- ing momentum on the internation- al stage. In 2025, he made history as the first American to podium at the FEED Racing Volant F4 Finals in France, a key proving ground for drivers advancing into top-tier formula competition.

The Ligier Junior Formula Cham- pionship is a premier development platform for drivers transition- ing from karting into professional auto racing, offering structured testing, race experience, and a clear pathway into higher levels of competition.

Fifteen-

Now competing with Berg Rac- ing for the 2026 season, his move to the team places him in a com- petitive driver development pro- gram as he steps into formula racing. Adams is set to make his debut with the team later this month during pre-season testing, March 23-24 at NOLA Motors- ports Park.

"On behalf of everyone at Berg Racing, we are very pleased to welcome Truly to our race team for the 2026 Ligier Junior Formula Championship,” said Alex Berg, Sporting Director, Berg Racing. “Truly brings valuable experience from kart racing as well as test- ing in cars, and we are confident he will be fighting for wins and championships this season."

To continue, visit www.west- sidestorynewspaper.com.

Gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter brought her campaign to the Inland Empire, outlining her positions on energy policy, feder- al-state relations and environmen- tal justice during a meet-and-greet with local residents.

Porter addressed concerns about offshore oil drilling and rising fuel costs, pointing to California's unique regulatory framework as both a strength and a challenge. "California has something called the low carbon fuel standard, meaning that our mix, how our gas is refined, is different than in WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Letter to the Editor:

Katie Porter Outlines Energy, Federal Funding Positions During Riverside Campaign Stop

WSS News Exclusive

Katie Porter (Photo credit by Wallace J. Allen, IV)

every other state,” Porter said. She explained that while the pol- icy reduces pollution and smog, it also limits supply flexibility when refineries go offline, contributing to price spikes.

"That refining for that special fuel blend, which is a good en- vironmental thing, only happens here,” she said.

The March 21 event, held at IBEW Local 47 and hosted by As- semblymember Corey A. Jackson, was part of Porter's effort to en- gage voters across Southern Cali- fornia as she campaigns for gov-production, instead advocating for ernor.

Porter said the state should not respond by expanding fossil fuel long-term investment in renew- able energy.

"I would say we should certainly step into the energy business, but I think California's money is best spent putting in and pioneering green and clean energy," she said.

To continue, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com.

SACRAMENTO, CA. -As Cal- ifornia students finalize financial aid applications and college plans this spring, more than 100,000 students have claimed over $50 million in CalKIDS Scholarships in the past six months, helping families access money already set aside to support higher education and career training.

The milestone reflects expanded collaboration between the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and CalKIDS, a program of the ScholarShare Investment Board (SIB), which is adminis- tered by the California State Trea- surer's Office.

"Collaboration across state agen- cies helps make programs like CalKIDS work more efficiently for California families," said Cali- fornia State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, chair of the SIB. "By coordinating efforts and sharing data, we're not only connecting more students with scholarships already

$50 Million in CalKIDS Scholarships Claimed by More Than 100,000 California Students

• FBN / DBA $99
• Claim Your
• CalKIDS Scholarship!

CalKIDS waiting for them—we're creating a more seamless pathway to finan- cial security for California fami- lies, helping them cover costs like tuition, books, and career train- ing."

Launched in 2022, the CalKIDS Program provides scholarship ac- counts to eligible California chil- dren and public school students to help pay for higher education or career training. Eligible public school students can receive schol- arships worth up to $1,500, and every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022, receives a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $175.

Students can use their CalKIDS Scholarships between the ages of 17 and 26 for qualified higher education expenses, including tu- ition, fees, books, supplies, and computer equipment at accredited community colleges, universities, and career training programs.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA- The Pomona Valley Alumnae

Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta So- rority, Inc. is bringing a full day of fun, resources, and community connection to Rancho Cucamonga this spring. May Day in the Park is a free, family-friendly outdoor event scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Red Hill Park, locat- ed at 7484 Vineyard Ave.

Attendees can expect a vibrant mix of activities and services, including health screenings, a blood drive, a kid's corner, games, adult prizes, live DJ entertain- ment, food, and vendor booths. The event is open to all and free to attend, with RSVPs available through Eventbrite.

Founded in 1913 at Howard Uni- versity, Delta Sigma Theta Soror- ity, Inc. is a sisterhood of college- educated women committed to THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026

Delta Sigma Theta's Pomona Valley Chapter to Host Free Community Event at Red Hill Park

The Pomona Valley Alumnae Chapter, chartered in 1979, has served its surrounding commu- nities for over 45 years through quality programming and civic engagement.

The chapter is also seeking spon- sors to support the event through product donations of 50 to 100 items for swag bags distributed to registered attendees. In recogni- tion of their contributions, spon- sors will receive a complimentary booth at the event to promote their brand and connect directly with the community. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to reach out to may- [email protected].

The Pomona Valley Alumnae Chapter hopes to establish May Day in the Park as an annual tra- dition in Rancho Cucamonga one that reflects the chapter's longstanding dedication to upliftwww.wssnews.com | (909)384-8131 social welfare, academic excel- ing and serving the communities lence, and cultural enrichment. it calls home.

Letter to the Editor:

Cutting Coverage of Diabetes and Weight Loss Meds Hits Black Californians Hardest

By Rhonda M. Smith | Special to California Black Media

But beneath that image is a grow- ing public health crisis we cannot afford to ignore.

Roughly 11 million adults in Cali- fornia about 27% of Califor- nians are living with obesity. If trends continue, that number could surpass 40% by 2030. This is not a cosmetic issue. It is a chronic dis- ease crisis with profound health and economic consequences.

And like most health crises in this country, it does not impact all com- munities equally.

Nearly 38% of Black adults in California-including 41% of Black women in the state are obese or overweight. Because obesity is a precursor to many other conditions, See "Cutting Coverage..." page 7

• Catch the Flavor Melba's! MELBA'S
• MELBA'S
• SOULFOOD KITCHEN
• CATCH THE DEAL!
• 5 PIECE CHICKEN
• + 2 SIDES
• ONLY

2360 Sterling Ave, San Bernardino, C& 92404

• Wednesday-Sunday 12-7pm
• WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER
• Letter to the Editor:

LUE Productions Launches Search for Young Talent for Inland Empire-Based Boy Group "Urban City Boyzz"

INLAND EMPIRE, CA - LUE Productions is proud to announce an exciting casting call for two tal- ented young performers to join its new all-boy urban singing group, Inland Empire UCB – Urban City 10 and 13 Boyzz (UCB).

This new youth group aims to showcase rising talent from the Inland Empire, blending vocal performance, choreography, and stage presence into a dynamic en- tertainment experience. LUE Pro- ductions is seeking young boys with passion, energy, and the “it factor" to help shape the next gen- eration of performers.

"We are creating something spe- cial that not only highlights talent but also builds confidence, discipline, and teamwork among youth in our community,” said a repre- sentative from LUE Productions. Audition Requirements:

Boys between the ages of Must be able to sing Must be able to dance Must demonstrate confi- dence and stage presence Selected members will have the opportunity to train, perform, and grow within a professionally guided group environment. How to Apply: Interested candidates or parents/ guardians can contact LUE Pro- ductions directly by email at Lue. [email protected] or by phone at 909-567-1000.

• LUE productions
• SINGER
• SOULFOOD KITCHEN, Wanted

UCB-Urban Citty Boyzz

LUE Productions is searching for 2 talented boys to complete our dynamic all-boy urban singing group, Inland Empire UCB - Urban Citty Boyzz!

• BAS
• MELBA'S
• SOULFOOD KINCAN
• Boys ages 9-11 years old
• FOR MORE INFORMATION
• CONTACT US

Your voice could be the star we've been waiting for.

[email protected] - Lueproductions.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026

San Bernardino City Unified School District Takes Interim Steps Regarding Cesar E. Chavez Middle School Name

Welcome to Cesar E. Chavez MS

CESAR CHAVEZ MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT MEETINGS

APR 12 ELAC SSC AAPAC 130 230 330 SPRING BREAK MAR 26 TO APR 5

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Ber- nardino School District (SBCUSD) announced today that it is taking precautionary, interim measures related to Cesar E. Chavez Middle School following recent concerns that have come to the district's attention.

Effective immediately, the district will begin removing or covering external signage bear- ing the school's name and will pause the use of the name and logo across District-managed platforms and channels, including digital and printed materials. During this period, the school will be referred to as Middle School #318.

District officials emphasize that these actions are not a final determination, but rather a step to allow time for a thoughtful review.

"We recognize the significance that Cesar Chavez holds for many, as well as the serious- ness of the concerns being raised,” said Super- intendent Mauricio Arellano. “Our responsi- bility is to proceed with care, ensuring that we are respectful to all members of our commu- nity, particularly those who are impacted.”

• Perinatal Equity in San Bernardino County
• Rallying Around
• Sisters

Any permanent decision regarding the school's name will require formal action by the SBCUSD Board of Education in accor- dance with Board Policy 7310, which outlines the process for school naming and renaming.

The district will provide additional informa- tion regarding next steps, including opportu- nity for community input and the timeline for Board consideration.

For updates, please visit www.sbcusd.com.

Did you know that Black babies in the U.S. and California are two to three times more likely to die before they turn one than white babies? Black moms also have more health problems during pregnancy-almost four times more than white moms. In San Bernardino County, the numbers are still very bad. Black babies are almost three times more likely to die in their first year than white babies. Black moms are more likely to have their babies too early and feel sad or worried during pregnancy.

These are not just numbers. These are real people and real families. We must do better.

That's why programs like Black Infant Health and the Perinatal Equity Initiative are here. They give Black moms and families free care and support before, during, and after having a baby. They offer group support, one-on-one help, mental health care, doulas, and support for dads too. We believe every baby should have a healthy start, and every mom should be treated with kindness and care.

Together, we can build healthy beginnings for Black families. To learn more or get support, call 844-352-3985 or visit dph.sbcounty.gov/pei.

• SAN BERNARDINO
• Public Health
• COUNTY

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Pre-Enroll Your Child Now for the 2026-2027 School Year

San Bernardino City Unified Offers Full-Day Kindergarten and Award-Winning Programs

• ANKO
• JEFFERSON HU
• TANKOFA

EHERSIN HUN

The award-winning SANKOFA signature program at Hunt Elementary School is one of many programs available exclusively to San Ber- nardino City Unified School District students starting in kindergarten. Pre-enrollment is underway for students who will be in kindergarten and transitional kindergarten during the 2026–2027 school year. (Photo by Steven Moore and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)

Online enrollment for kindergarten and transitional kindergarten (TK) in San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is underway. Children who will be five years old by September 1, 2026, are eligible to pre-enroll in kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year. Transitional kindergarten is available for students who will turn five years old from September 2, 2026, to September 1, 2027.

"For families who are thinking that it's too early to enroll their little ones for kindergarten or TK, it's important to understand that early enrollment has benefits,” said Leonard Buck- ner, Director of Enrollment and Placement Services. "SBCUSD offers a number of pro- grams and services designed to support not just students, but also their families. Space may be limited in some of our most popular programs, so pre-enrollment can help make sure you and your child have access to the school sites, pro- grams and services most important to you." Full-day kindergarten is offered at most SB- CUSD elementary schools. Kindergarten stu-

SAN BERNARDINO dents start the school year in August with a half-day morning schedule before transitioning to a full day in September. This gives students an adjustment period before starting full-day classes, while also limiting the length of time families might need to arrange for childcare during the day.

To support families with both childcare and academic enrichment, SBCUSD offers Ex- panded Learning (EXL) for students starting in TK. Sunrise, the before-school program, is available at elementary schools from 7:15 a.m. until breakfast begins or until lunch for after- noon TK students. SBCUSD's award-winning after-school program, CAPS (Creative After- school Programs for Success), provides sup- per, academic support, enrichment activities and recreational activities from the dismissal bell until 6 p.m. every school day for students from TK to high school. Students must be en- rolled in an SBCUSD school before enrolling in EXL, and EXL enrollment begins before the start of the new school year. Families may choose to enroll their child in just Sunrise, just

CAPS or both.

"We know our SBCUSD community is filled with hard-working families who are dedicat- ed to their children but often find it difficult to juggle work and childcare responsibilities," said EXL Director Ann Pearson. “EXL can help ease that burden while also supporting students' academic growth and success, but early enrollment is important.”

SBCUSD's award-winning SANKOFA sig- nature program is available exclusively at Hunt Elementary School starting in kindergar- ten. SANKOFA is a brain-based, rigorous pro- gram rooted in culturally responsive teaching that values the experiences and perspectives of African-American students while welcoming and supporting strong outcomes for all learn- ers. SANKOFA students regularly meet and exceed all learning targets.

SBCUSD's award-winning Dual Immersion Program is available starting in kindergarten at 24 schools and starting in TK at select cam- puses. Dual Immersion students receive stan- See "Pre-Enroll Your Child..." page 7

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Sen. Weber Pierson Bill Takes

Aim at Early Math Gaps in California Classrooms

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

• CALIFORNIA
• SB1067
• MATH SCREENING FOR EVERY CHILD
• MAT
• OR D
• SB1067
• MATH SCREENING FOR EVERY CHILD
• SB 1067
• MATH SCREENING FOR EVERY CHILD

Dr. Akilah Weber Person

Senate Bill (SB) 1067, introduced in February by Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-San Diego), seeks to close California's racial achievement gap in education by requiring universal screen- ing and early identification of math difficulties for students in kindergarten through second grade.

"California students are tested multiple times throughout their academic careers. Through the statewide California Assessment of Stu- dent Performance and Progress (CAASPP), students take math assessments in grades 3-8 and again in the 11th grade," Weber-Pierson said. "These assessments provide important information about student learning, but they begin in the third grade, and by that time, many students who are struggling with foundational math skills have already fallen behind.”

Weber Pierson's proposal comes amid grow- ing concern about math performance state- wide. According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), the share of students meeting or exceeding math standards rose slightly to 37.3% in 2025, up from 35.5% the previous year. However, disparities remain stark: only 18% of Black students and 21% of Latino students were proficient in math in 2025, meaning roughly four out of five stu- dents in those groups did not meet standards. Researchers say pandemic-related disruptions have widened these gaps.

Weber Pierson said SB 1067 is designed to help educators intervene earlier. "SB 1067 does not add high-stakes testing. Instead, it introduces a simple early math screener to help educators identify learning gaps earlier and provide support before those challenges grow," she said.

• To continue, visit www.westsidestorynewspaper.com.
• SERVICES
• + Business Managers
• * Professional Accounting
• • Non Profit 5010 Specialist
• + Income Tax Preparation
• • File Partnership & Corporation Returns
• + Corporate Specialist
• + Church Accounting
• MDISNET
• REGINALD. YOUNG Corporate Tax Accountant
• Cell: (909) 238-6891 Email: [email protected] www.mdisnet.com
• THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026
• Continued from page 4
• Cutting Coverage of Diabetes and Weight
• Loss Meds

Black experience dispropor- tionately high rates of diabetes, hyperten- sion, and cardiovas- cular disease.

Californians

Black women are also more likely to be uninsured or un- derinsured and rely on our state's health safety net. In fact, roughly 35% of Black women in our state depend on Medi-Cal for health coverage, a sign of limited ability to absorb additional healthcare costs when coverage disappears.

For many Black households, access to preventive care, healthy food, safe environments for ex- ercise, and consistent insurance coverage is already fragile. When evidence-based treat- ments become avail- able, access to them should be expanded not restricted. To continue, visit www.westsidesto- rynewspaper.com.

Continued from page

Pre-Enroll Your

Child Now dards-based, high-quality instruction in both English and Spanish during the school day. The program is open to native Spanish speak- ers and native English speakers, as well as stu- dents who are new to both languages and are interested in becoming fluent in English and Spanish. For more information about the Dual Immersion Program, contact the Language Assessment Center at (909) 891-1037. Parents and guardians will need several docu- ments on hand in order to pre-enroll their child for school either online at https://sbcusd.asp. aeries.net/air/ or in person:

Child's birth verification (i.e. birth cer- tificate, hospital certificate, baptismal certifi- cate or passport)

Child's immunization record

Parent/guardian photo identification

Address verification (i.e. utility bill, lease/rental agreement or affidavit from land- lord)

Children who have some, but not all, of their required vaccinations may still be eligible to pre-enroll so long as required immunizations are completed before the first day of school.

Families may check https://locator.pea.pow- erschool.com/?StudyID=235043 to determine their child's home school. Families may also watch an Enrollment/Pre-Enrollment Instruc- tional Video for directions on how to pre-en- roll online. For more information about de- termining your child's home school or how to pre-enroll, contact Enrollment and Placement Services at (909) 889-7576.

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Smallwood-Cuevas Town Hall Warns ICE Risks Extend Beyond Immigrants

A Los Angeles town hall on immigration took on broader urgency as speakers warned that encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are not limited to immigrants and can also affect African Ameri- cans, underscoring shared concerns across Black communities.

The Black Migrant Town Hall, convened by State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D -Los Angeles), brought together residents, advo- cates and organizers at Messob Ethiopian Res- CLASSIFIED / LEGAL SECTION

Property to sell is as follows Wss - 3-26-26 but not limited to Clothing, Household Items, Electron- ics, Refrigerators, Furni- ture, Equipment, Tools, and Parts.

Notice is hereby given that the personal property de- scribed below will be sold to the highest bidder on April 01, 2026 at or after

Notice of Lien of Sale Notice is given pursuant Section; 21701-21715 of Business and Professional's Code, Section 2328 of Com- mercial Code. Section 535 of the Personal Code. Storage Plus located at 2325 Foothill Blvd, San Ber- nardino CA, 92410 will sell units in arrears by competi- tive bidding online {April 7th, 2026} at {10:00am}.

The items belong to the 10:00AM, at Southwest following:

Mobile Storage, 9551 Lucas Ranch Rd. Rancho Cu- camonga, CA 91730 Phn: 866.503.0668 Property of: %FEDERICO, DOMENIC

HUGO RAMIREZ TOR- RES ANDREW SMITH

KCAA

102.3 FM | 1050 AM | 106.5 FM

RADIO

Lomte

Linda

Tune into the station that leaves no listener behind, KCAA 1050-AM! Advertise your company or product on KCAA 1050-AM. Call the KCAA business office at 909-885-8497. For program information and live Internet streaming, log on to www.kcaaradio.com.

taurant, located in the heart of the Little Ethio- pia neighborhood in Central Los Angeles, to discuss how federal immigration policies are impacting Black Californians both immi- grants and citizens.

"When they see us, they see a Black person," said Nana Gyamfi, executive director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) and a human rights and criminal defense attor- ney. "Everything that happens to Black people in this country happens to us."

& DOLLY Last known address: PO BOX 162 BUENA PARK, CA 90621 Property in Unit: 40-4098; 40-4085 Misc. Refrigera- tors; Wooden and Plastic Chairs; Sealed Plastic Bins; Wheelbarrow; Cardboard Boxes; Speaker Cabinet; Metal Trunk: WSS-3-19, 3-26-26

• LISTEN ON YOUR PHONE WORLDWIDE 720-835-3099
• YOUR HOST: WALLACE ALLEN
• VIDEO STREAM WWW.KCAARADIO.COM

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Los Angeles County has the largest Black im- migrant population in California, with nearly 75,000 residents from across Africa and the Caribbean contributing to the region's work- force, culture and economy. Statewide, about 218,000 Black immigrants make up about 8% of California's Black population.

• To continue, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com.
• EMPIRE
• Talks Back
• 10AM SUNDAY
• KCAA1050
• Sponsored
• IMPROVE