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• Volume 39 No. 51
• WSSNEWS
• Sharing the Quest for Excellence

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Thursday March 5, 2026

California Theatre of the Performing Arts Welcomes Ali Siddiq for a Sold-Out Night of Masterful Storytelling

• ALI SIDDIQ
• IN THE SHADOWS SOLD OUT
• Office
• Sacramento Conference Tackles
• California's Stubborn Housing...

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

Inland Empire Leaders Unite to Launch the Kinetic Al Hub...

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

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

California Theatre of the Performing Arts Welcomes Ali Siddiq for a Sold-Out Night of Masterful Storytelling

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On a cool Fri- day evening in the heart of downtown San Ber- nardino, the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts transformed into a sanctuary for storytelling. The marquee glowed brightly as a sold-out crowd filed into experience Ali Siddiq's highly anticipated "In the Shadows Tour." For a city that does not frequently land nationally touring comedians of this caliber, the moment felt both rare and monumental. And the community showed up.

After an amazing and stellar performance in front of a captivating audience, Siddiq hosted a Meet and Greet for what appeared to be over one hundred attendees who purchased the VIP experience. To observe the joy and smiles on the faces of everyone when they were greet- ed by Siddiq was like witnessing old school friends reuniting. He then graciously sat down in an empty theatre with this reporter for an in- depth and personal interview that gave the im-

CALIFORNIA

ALI SIDDIQ IN THE SHADOWS SOLD OUT

-By Angela Coggs pression of a conversation between two friends reconnecting. Ali Siddiq is undoubtably a man of substance and the epitome of someone that is down-to-earth, genuine and sincere. What you see is what you get.

The event sold out. Residents from across the Inland Empire filled the historic theatre, dem- onstrating that there is both hunger and ap- preciation for high-caliber live entertainment in the region. The energy inside the venue re- flected pride pride in hosting the show and pride in supporting an artist whose work is rooted in authenticity.

"We appreciate you coming and bringing your presence here,' said VIP audience mem- ber Patrica Cornish. "I hope others will follow your lead and bring other events here. This is a very intimate environment."

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• The Social Lites, Inc. Beautillion
• Program Announces
• 2025-2026 Participants

Jayden Moore | Senior | Cajon High School

Ivorion Jones | Senior | San Gorgonio HS

Isaiah Smith | Senior | San Gorgonio HS SAN BERNARDINO, CA--- The Social Lites, Inc. proudly announces the young men who will compete for the distinguished title of Sir Knight of the Beautillion, 2025-2026 Season. The annu- al Beautillion Program recognizes and develops young men who exemplify leadership, academic achievement, and service to the community. This year's theme, "I AM... Because We Are," reflects the principles of unity, shared responsi- bility, and collective empowerment.

The Beautillion Ball is Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1575 W. 17th Street, SB 92411.

MORENO VALLEY, CA Serving as Chief Nursing Offi- cer (CNO) for one of the busiest hospitals in Riverside County is a nonstop responsibility of meet- ing critical standards, strengthen- ing systems and ensuring patients receive the highest quality care. Leah Patterson with Riverside University Health System - Medi- cal Center (RUHSMC) excels in this role and was recently rec- ognized by Becker's Hospital Re- view in its 2025 "CNOs to know" list.

Patterson is one of only 274 CNOS nationwide recognized by the publication. The selected nursing leaders are "at the fore- front of the profession, tackling staffing challenges, overseeing budgets, and creating pathways for the growth and development of emerging nurses," according to Becker's.

"Leah is a tremendous leader who has made waves of positive change at the Medical Center, across the health system and in communities countywide," said Jennifer Crui- kshank, CEO of RUHS - Medical Center and Clinics. "She provides exceptional service and compas- sionate care to patients, and her sincerity and warmth are deeply felt by all our RUHS team mem- bers and the families she serves.

RUHS Chief Nursing Officer Earns National Recognition

Leah Patterson with Riverside University Health System - Medical

Center (RUHS - MC)

She's an incredible CNO."

Patterson oversees 2,100 regis- tered nurses and clinical support staff. Some of her responsibilities include ensuring regulatory stan- dards are met, leading efforts to improve patient outcomes and en- gaging staff.

Under Patterson, the nurse turn- over rate at RUHS is just 3% far below the national average. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Patterson opened an additional 121 hospital beds at the Medi- cal Center in response to patient surges. She also helped rebuild the Medical Center's nursing staff after the pandemic through inno- vative recruitment efforts.

With Patterson's leadership, RUHS has earned multiple Joint Commission certifications and ad- vanced designations and received national recognition from U.S. News & World Report for ma- ternity care and specialty perfor- mance.

"Leah has done so much for our health system, and we can't wait to see what she does next as we em- bark on new projects and continue to provide exemplary healthcare in the region," Cruikshank added. To learn more about RUHS, visit RUHealth.org.

Antonio Villaraigosa, (Shown above) former state Assembly Speaker and former mayor of Los Angeles, entered the race for Cali- fornia governor nearly two years ago in 2024. Although he has not emerged as a leading contender among the crowded field of candi- dates, he has maintained a steady position in the middle of the pack, with his household name recogni- tion and 14 years of experience in California politics.

This is Villaraigosa's second run for governor. His first attempt was in 2018.

California Black Media spoke with Villaraigosa about his plat- form, which is centered on af- fordability; his endorsement from Mayor Karen Bass and his dedi- cation to coalition building among Black, Brown and other Califor- nia communities.

His answers have been edited for WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Q&A: Antonio Villaraigosa on Affordability, Building Coalitions and His Run for Calif. Governor

-By Edward Henderson | California Black Media length and clarity.

What inspired you to run for gov- ernor?

This state and this country have given me more than I could have ever hoped for growing up. It's a state with enormous challenges as well. It's a state that's now the world's fourth-largest economy but is tied with Louisiana for the highest poverty rate in the nation. It's a state of innovation, a state of hard-working people who come from every corner of the world. But it's also a state where people are feeling like we've got big is- sues, and we need someone to take on those issues. We need a prob- lem solver, a proven one, someone who's got the record. I decided to come in because of that.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026

Inland Empire Leaders Unite to Launch the Kinetic AI Hub, Region's First Applied AI Training Center

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Kinetic AI Hub of ficially opened at The BBOP Center in San Bernardino, drawing elected officials, educa- tion leaders, and regional decision-makers to a grand opening for the region's first hands-on artificial intelligence training center serving Inland Empire entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and workforce professionals. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured live demonstrations, net- working opportunities, and insights from lead- ers across government, education, philanthro- py, technology, and entrepreneurship.

The Kinetic AI Hub is an applied innovation and training center focused on advancing AI literacy and the practical use of generative and Perinatal Equity in San Bernardino County

Rallying Around

Sisters agentic AI. The Hub supports education and workforce development by helping individu- als and organizations move from awareness to action in the responsible deployment of emerging technologies. Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations gain See "Inland Empire Leaders Unite..." page 8

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

CLASSIFIED / LEGAL SECTION

NOTICE OF PETITION shows good cause why the grant the authority. A HEARING ON THE PE- TITION WILL BE HELD IN THIS COURT AS FOL- LOWS:

Date: MARCH 26, 2026 Time: 9:00 A.M. Dept: F1 court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING ON THE PE- TITION WILL BE HELD IN THIS COURT AS FOL- LOWS:

Date: MARCH 26, 2026 Time: 9:00A.M. Dept:

NOTICE OF PETITION

TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: OLIVIA GALLEGOS. CASE NUMBER: PROVV2600098 ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY: ELIZABETH RIVAS, 573 WEST 10TH STREET, CAN BERNARDINO. TEL: (909) 749-7941. ATTORNEY FOR PETI- TIONER: ELIZABETH RIVAS PETITIONER IN PRO PER

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO STREET ADDRESS: 17780 ARROW BOULEVARD.

MAILING ADDRESS: 17780 ARROW BOULE- VARD, FONTANA, CA 92335. BRANCH NAME: FONTANA PROBATE

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent credi- tors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of (specify all names by which the decedent was known): OLIVIA GALLEGOS, A Pe- tition for Probate has been filed by ELIZABETH RI- VAS in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. The Petition for Probate requests that ELIZABETH RIVAS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests au- thority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal represen- tative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking cer- tain very important actions, however, the personal rep- resentative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the peti- tion and shows good cause why the court should not.

TO ADMINISTER ES- TATE OF: RAMIRO RIOS PEREZ.

CASE NUMBER: PROVV2600099

ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY: RAMIRO RIOS BERU- MEN, 4340 DON PABLO COURT, SAN BERNARDI- NO 92407. TEL: (949) 419- 0225.

ATTORNEY FOR PETI TIONER: RAMIRO RIOS BERUMEN PETITIONER IN PRO PER SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO STREET ADDRESS: 17780 ARROW BOULEVARD MAILING ADDRESS: 17780 ARROW BOULE- VARD, FONTANA, CA 92335. BRANCH NAME: FONTANA PROBATE

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent credi- tors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of (specify all names by which the decedent was known): RAMIRO RIOS PEREZ, A Petition for Probate has been filed by RAMIRO RIOS BERUMEN in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. The Petition for Probate re- quests that RAMIRO RIOS BERUMEN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to ad- minister the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This author- ity will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before tak ing certain very important actions, however, the per- sonal representative will be required to give notice. to interested persons unless they have waived notice consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and Room

The address of the court is the same as noted above. 17780 ARROW BOULE- VARD, FONTANA, CA 92335. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representa- tive appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal repre- sentative, as defined in sec- tion 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Pro- bate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate as- sets or of any petition or account as provided in Pro- bate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. PETITIONER: ELIZABETH RIVAS, 573 WEST 10TH STREET, CAN BERNARDINO. TEL: (909) 749-7941. Run Dates: 2-19, 2-26 & 3-5-2026 wss 26-008

F1

Room

The address of the court is the same as noted above. 17780 ARROW BOULE- VARD, FONTANA, CA 92335. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representa- tive appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal repre- sentative, as defined in sec- tion 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing on personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Pro- bate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is avail- able from the court clerk. PETITIONER: RAMIRO RIOS BERUMEN, 4340 DON PABLO COURT, SAN BERNARDINO 92407. TEL: (949) 419-0225. Run Dates: 2-19, 2-26 & 3-5-2026 wss 26-009 rofe

Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), the keynote speaker at "A Conference on Housing" in Sacramento on Feb. 24, says solv- ing California's housing crisis at all levels -- and providing afford- able, environmentally responsible homes for low-income families and communities of color -- can go hand in hand.

Wicks, widely recognized as a leading legislative champion for housing production and afford- ability, delivered her remarks at the one-day event organized by WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Sacramento Conference

Tackles California's Stubborn

Housing Crisis

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media housing more affordable and ac- cessible. It included policy ex- perts, industry representatives, academic researchers, and state lawmakers with deep knowledge of California's housing crisis.

The event comes amid ongoing legislative efforts to tackle Cali- fornia's housing shortage, which disproportionately impacts low- income Asian, Black, and Latino households.

Wicks told California Black Media (CBM) that there is "not a single bullet to solve the housing

We will publish all of your Legal Ads Capitol Weekly and the University crisis," but the solutions require

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"I think we can do so in a way that still respects our environmen- tal values," Wicks said in her key- note remarks.

The conference explored solu- tions focused on increasing sup- ply, improving financing, and ad- dressing labor shortages to make of California Student and Policy building for all income levels, including affordable housing for low-income residents and middle- income, market-rate housing for professionals.

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London McBride Appointed to the THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026

Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission tees.

LOS ANGELES, CA― The Board of Super- visors has appointed London McBride to the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Over- sight Commission. He will assume the seat va- cated in March 2025 by former Commissioner Sean Kennedy.

"My work is grounded in the belief that every person deserves dignity, voice, and the chance to thrive," Commissioner McBride said. "I look forward to being a part of the Commis- sion's efforts to ensure constitutional policing by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Depart- ment."

Commissioner McBride's career spans more than 25 years in law enforcement and com- munity engagement, faculty roles in higher education, pastoral leadership, and service on multiple equity and human relations commit-

A human-centered educator, mentor, and leader, Commissioner McBride is committed to helping people and communities grow through justice, compassion, and trauma-informed practice. His work focuses on the intersection of education, community engagement, equity leadership, and holistic safety.

"Commissioner McBride will bring unique expertise and insight to the Commission, which already includes highly accomplished individuals from the law enforcement, legal, academic, advocacy, technology, social work, and other fields," Commission Chair Hans Johnson said.

"Commissioner McBride has spent decades training officers, college students, healthcare workers, and organizational leaders in proce- dural justice, bias awareness, de-escalation, and community-centered safety," Chair John- son added. "His experience is invaluable as the Commission strives to improve how the Sheriff's Department interacts with diverse com- munities across LA County."

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Commission consists of nine civilian LA County residents who are appointed by the Board and serve the Commission in a volun- teer capacity.

Five Commissioners - Hans Johnson, Jamon Hicks, Patricia Giggans, James P. Harris, and George Newhouse - were nominated by the Supervisors from their respective districts. The other four Commissioners - Arthur Calloway II, Irma Cooper, Luis S. Garcia and, now, Lon- don McBride - were appointed to at-large po- sitions at the recommendation of the Board's Executive Officer, in consultation with the Commission and County Counsel. For more information on the Commission, visit coc.lacounty.gov.

Q&A With Gubernatorial Candidate Tony Thurmond: "California Needs a Governor Who Listens and Leads"

As he campaigns for the 2026 governor's equity and expanding opportunity -- themes he working people and middle-class people in our race, Tony Thurmond is promoting in his bid for governor.

state, so they would have more in their pocket to pay for the high cost of gas, groceries and housing.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Thurmond about his campaign and priorities. His answers have been edited for length and I look back on my own experience as someone clarity. born in this state into a family that struggled -- What made you decide to run for governor where we depended on public assistance, food of California? stamps, free lunches and government cheese.

says California is at a crossroads and needs leadership grounded in lived experience, ac- countability and practical problem-solving.

A former social worker and former state as- semblymember representing Richmond and parts of Contra Costa County, Thurmond is serving his second term as California's state superintendent of public instruction, oversee- ing the nation's largest public school system. He said the role has afforded him the oppor- tunity to continue work focused on education, It goes back to my experience. I'm looking at the affordability crisis where people can't afford to pay for anything and they're going to be driven out of the state."

As governor, I plan to provide a tax credit to To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Continued from page 5

Inland Empire

Leaders Unite to Chinese Pioneers at the County Museum: Visual History of Chinese Californians During Exclusion Era

The San Bernardino County Museum is existed between the Chinese and non-Chinese Launch the Kinetic pleased to present "Chinese Pioneers: Power and Politics in Exclusion Era Photographs." This temporary exhibit explores the social, political and judicial disenfranchisement of Chinese Californians as well as moments of Chinese agency and resilience in the de- cades before and after the 1882 Chinese Ex- clusion Act. The exhibit, on view from Mar. 21 to July 26, 2026, examines how photography played a potent role in both Chinese people's interactions with the dominant culture and in the government's fledgling systems of regis- tration, identification and surveillance. The exhibit begins in the Gold Rush era, when large numbers of Chinese immigrants arrived in California. Anti-Chinese sentiment led to protests, violence and vigilante expulsions up and down the West Coast. The Chinese Exclu- sion Act banned Chinese laborers from immigrating or becoming citizens and tightened restrictions on previous residents seeking to reenter the country. It is against this backdrop that the exhibit considers the broad range of nineteenth-century imagery depicting the first generations of Chinese Californians and how visual culture influenced, aligned with and diverged from the politics of Exclusion and the actions of the state.

Featured in the exhibit are examples of how different types of photography (studio por- traits, street photography and surveillance) reflect different facets of the Chinese experi- ence. While studio portraits presented a digni- fied image of the subject, street photography highlighted the unequal social relations that KCAA

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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 populations. Government headshots were used as a tool in the suppression, surveillance and criminalization of Chinese residents through systems of registration and identification. To- gether, these varying styles of photography shaped the perception of the Chinese during the Exclusion Era.

Exhibition Support "Chinese Pioneers" is an exhibit by the California Historical Society and touring through Exhibit Envoy. Institutional support is provided by San Francisco Grants for the Arts and Yerba Buena Com- munity Benefit District. The Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation supported the first six book- ings of this exhibition.

About the California Historical Society Headquartered in San Francisco, with support from California Humanities, the National En- dowment for the Humanities, San Francisco

Grants for the Arts, Yerba Buena Community

Benefit District and all of its donors and members across the state, the nonprofit organiza- tion works statewide to inspire and empower people to make California's past a meaningful part of their contemporary lives. The California Historical Society (CHS), the official state historical society of California, has been collecting, sharing and honoring the extraordinarily diverse stories from through- out the state for 150 years.

About Exhibit Envoy Exhibit Envoy provides traveling exhibitions and professional services to museums throughout California. For more information, visit www.exhibitenvoy.org.

AI Hub, Region's First Applied AI

Training Center access to hands-on training and real-world AI project development, enabling them to apply

AI to drive growth, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. The Hub serves entrepreneurs, nonprofits, creatives, and workforce professionals seeking to streamline op- erations and prepare for the evolving demands of the job market.

Positioning the Inland Empire for the AI Era The strong turnout from civic and education leaders underscores a growing regional con- sensus: AI literacy is no longer optional. It is essential for economic competitiveness and the intersection of employers and education to help the next generation succeed," said Ginger Ontiveros, President & CEO of Tomorrow's mobility. "At Tomorrow's Talent, we work at Talent. "Not all AI is designed for the same purpose, awareness of different tools matters.

When you enter the workforce, understanding how to use them is your advantage. That's how you level up." "I am honored to be here for the launch of the Kinetic AI Hub," said Mayor

Mario Saucedo of Redlands. "When we come together regionally to help lift up San Ber- nardino, we all benefit. Many of us have roots here. Our families are connected to this com- munity. If we work together to strengthen San Bernardino, we strengthen the entire Inland Empire. I'm proud to stand with you in cel- ebrating this important milestone."

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