wss4-2-26

• Volume 40 No. 3
• WSSNEWS
• Sharing the Quest for Excellence
• Thursday April 2, 2026

FOR DAILY NEWS AND UPDATES VISIT www.wssnews.com

"It's Bigger Than One Person":

Black Caucus Members Support Bill Renaming César Chávez Day to Farm Workers Day

Bottom Line

Publisher's Commentary by Wallace J Allen IV

Prior to his first term, Trump was romancing Putin. The spoken goal was to secure permission to build the Trump brand in Russia. Throughout his two presidential terms, The Donald has bent over backwards to praise and anoint Putin as a trustworthy friend that should be valued more than our traditional documented allies and political/economic Destroying years of effort spent creating and expanding America's foreign policy and international political goodwill! Trump's take- no-prisoners politics has fed the racist sub-conscience of many people who attempt to disguise partners...

Office (909) 384-8131 their racism as concern for ille- gal border crossings! I think that Trump has fostered a level of divi- sion among American Citizens not seen since the Civil War! The reck- less manner in which he has cre- ated world disorder in the name of the United States displays clearly that Donald Trump is not working

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

Is Trump a Russian Agent?

for the betterment of the people of the United States of America! On the other hand, Russia is do- ing better now that Trump has dropped all sanctions and tariffs against them. Despite the fact that Russia is providing strategic infor- mation that allows Iranian military to accurately target American soldiers and equipment.

Whether he is an official Russian Agent or just pretending, the facts indicate that there is no official or paid Russian Agent who could hope to match the disarray caused by Trump!

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

Tina-King

YUCAIPA, CA - Last week, the Aspen Institute College Excel- lence Program (Aspen) announced that Dr. Tina King, President of San Diego College of Continuing Education, is one of 23 innova- tive leaders selected from across third cohort of the Aspen Presi- dents Fellowship, supported by JPMorgan Chase. The fellows will engage in a unique year-long pro- fessional development experience that will help them refine and en- act a reform agenda to help more of their students succeed both dur- ing and after college.

"Community colleges are evolv- ing to meet the demands of to- day's learners, equipping students with the skills and credentials that lead to real opportunities and good jobs," said Josh Wyner, executive director of the College Excellence Program. “These 23 presidents have committed to ensuring their institutions deliver measurable re- sults for every student."

Through the year-long program, fellows will work with highly accomplished community col- lege presidents, Aspen leaders, Dr. Tina King of Crafton Hills College Chosen for the Aspen Institute Presidents Fellowship

One of 23 Community College Leaders Selected for a Fellowship Focused on Improving Access, Completion, and Post-Grad Success for Students the country to participate in the by inclusive excellence, equityand each other to analyze their colleges' outcomes and develop concrete plans inspired by field- leading practices. The curriculum includes real-world exemplars, data on student outcomes and in- demand jobs, and insights on how current practices align with re- search-proven strategies that drive high levels of student success.

This second cohort of Aspen Presidents Fellows reflects our country's diverse talent: 65 per- cent are women, and 57 percent are people of color. They join a network of 433 fellowship alum- ni, 202 of whom are community college presidents today. Aspen connects and supports this grow- ing network of community col- lege reform leaders through tar- geted professional development, research briefings, and conven- ings at national conferences. Dr. Tina M. King is a transfor- mative educational leader guided mindedness, and institutional re- sponsibility for student success. She has served across every sector of public education in California, beginning her career as a middle school teacher in the Compton Unified School District. A tireless advocate for students and educa- tors, Dr. King is deeply committed to advancing equity, improving outcomes, and shaping effective public education policy.

She has launched comprehen- sive reforms to strengthen teach- ing, learning, and student success, including the San Diego Advance Noncredit and Credit Alignment partnership to create seamless pathways to degrees and certifi- cates. She is also leading the $35 million renovation of the historic Educational Cultural Complex Theatre.

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Tony Thurmond Testifies on Plan to Move Education Dept Under Gov's Office

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

Tony Thurmond proposal to move the state's ed- ucation department under the governor's office, while policy researchers argued the current system is too fragmented to deliv- er consistent results for students.

The debate took place March 25 during an Assembly Committee egies such as early literacy and closing achievement gaps.

"If you want to make impact, look to the things that are proven, like making sure that every single student knows how to read by third grade,” he said.

Seth Bramble, legislative advo- cate for the California Teachers Association (CTA), said his orga- nization has a number of concerns. "First of all, teachers report that on Education Informational Hear- ing, where lawmakers examined whether restructuring governance could improve how education policies are implemented across guidance from the California Department of Education is often unavailable when it's needed," he said. "The question that we ask, how does this governance pro- posal address the need for timely, actionable guidance?"

Bramble says there is also a capacity issue more so than a funding one.

the state.

Thurmond told lawmakers he has not seen evidence that the proposed shift would lead to better outcomes for students.

“I don't think that the proposal is a bad thing," he said, noting great- er gubernatorial focus on educa- tion could be beneficial. However, he added, "what I cannot find is any explanation about why and how this will benefit student out- comes."

Thurmond warned that structur- al changes alone would not drive improvement.

"Making this shift alone will not make student outcomes bet- ter," Thurmond said, emphasizing that the proposal does not include new funding or program invest- ments.

"The California Teachers Asso- ciation has significant questions about the current governance pro- posal and related budget trailer bill language," he said. "While the California Department of Educa- tion has room for improvement, we question whether this proposal addresses the real issues. Teach- ers ask us, what are the duties of the newly envisioned superinten- dent?"

Instead, Thurmond urged law- To continue, visit makers to focus on proven strat- westsidestorynewspaper.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026

State and Local Education Leaders Visit Riverside County Schools to Highlight CalKIDS and Early Financial Literacy

WELCOME to our classroom

AVE

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA On March 13, 2026, state and local education leaders will visit two Riverside County schools to highlight how Riverside County is emerging as a model for helping families access CalKIDS Scholar- ships while introducing financial literacy and early wealth-building concepts beginning in the elementary years.

CalKIDS is the nation's largest child devel- opment account program, providing automatic scholarships of up to $1,500 for eligible Cali-

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ONLY fornia public school students and up to $175 for newborns to help pay for future college or career training.

Hosted by the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE), the visit will celebrate Good Hope Elementary School in Perris Ele- mentary School District for achieving a 100% CalKIDS Scholarship claim rate. Good Hope is one of five Riverside County schools that have reached this milestone, demonstrating how schools can ensure every eligible student

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The event will also highlight RCOE's broader effort to expand these strategies across schools throughout Riverside County, beginning with elementary campuses where students are be- ing introduced to financial literacy and future educational opportunities at an early age.

To continue, visit www.westsidestorynewspaper.com.

Baltimore's Coppin State Builds Pipeline for California

• Nurturing
• POTENTIAL
• Students to Attend HBCU
• Transformi
• LIVE
• COPPIN

STATE UNIVERSIT tances

By Joe W. Bowers, Jr. | California Black Media Twelve Inglewood Unified students left a school assembly last week with college accep- and for several, scholarship offers after a visit from Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins, president of Coppin State University. The visit is part of an effort to build a pipeline from California to the Baltimore-based Histor- ically Black College and University (HBCU).

The acceptance offers were made during a presentation at City Honors International Preparatory School, a 2026 California Dis- tinguished School, where Coppin officials in- troduced students to academic, financial and career opportunities.

While the event took place in Inglewood, Coppin officials said the recruitment effort tar- gets students across California who may be in- terested in attending an HBCU but lack access to one in-state.

"Whether it's Coppin or some other institu- tion, the bottom line is you need to go to col- lege," Jenkins told students. "California, our See "Baltimore Coppin State..." page 8

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Riverside Schools Become Statewide Model for Connecting Students with CalKIDS Scholarships

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) is emerg- ing as a statewide model for helping families access CalKIDS Scholarships by combining financial literacy education with coordinated outreach across school communities that con- nects students with scholarships worth up to $1,500 for higher education.

The CalKIDS Program represents a $2.2 billion state investment in children's futures, providing scholarships for college and career

In San Bernardino County, Black babies are almost three times more likely to die before their first birthday than white babies. From 2018 to 2023, the number of babies born too early went up by more than 10%. Black mothers also have a higher chance of feeling sad or depressed during pregnancy, which can affect both mom and baby.

HAPP training. The program is administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board and chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA.

Under RCOE's leadership, educators are conducting targeted outreach, embedding fi- nancial literacy and CalKIDS into everyday school engagement to increase awareness and drive scholarship claims. This approach has led to five schools in Riverside County achiev- ing a 100% CalKIDS Scholarship claim rate, including Lasselle Elementary, West Riverside

Rallying Around Sisters

Perinatal Equity in San Bernardino County

But there is hope-and people are taking action. That's where FIMR, the Fetal Infant Mortality Review, comes in.

FIMR is a local group of doctors, nurses, community leaders, and neighbors. They work together to learn why some babies die and how to stop it from happening. They look at real cases (mom's and baby's information is kept private) and share ideas to help make care better for families.

Elementary, Myra Lynn Elementary, Good Hope Elementary, and San Jacinto Leadership Academy.

In Riverside County, more than $178 million in CalKIDS Scholarships have been designat- ed for more than 340,000 public school stu- dents. So far, approximately 34% of students have claimed their scholarships, including more than 54% of students in grades 9-12, un- locking more than $60 million to support fu- ture college or career training.

"California created CalKIDS because we know that when students believe higher edu- cation is within reach, they are more likely to pursue it," said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA. "As we continue to align CalKIDS with broader outreach and financial aid efforts, in- cluding FAFSA and the California Dream Act Application, we are creating more opportu- nities for students to access and claim their CalKIDS Scholarships. Strong partnerships build on these efforts. RCOE has become a model for district initiatives and school-site outreach, showing how coordinated engage- ment helps students and families take action and claim their scholarships."

To continue, visit www.westsidestorynewspaper.com.

Together, we can build healthy beginnings for Black families.

For more information, visit dph.sbcounty.gov/mcah or email [email protected].

• SAN BERNARDINO
• COUNTY
• Public Health

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026

California Women's, Black Caucuses Unveil

2026 Legislative Package Focused on Families and Equity uity.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media a 2026 legislative package aimed at advancing family-centered economic and social equity. The package focuses on uplifting women, care- givers and survivors of violence, while address- ing economic disparities, strengthening social safety nets and expanding access to health care. Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), a CLBC member, emphasized the critical role of women lawmakers in shaping policies that support families. She introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 2434, which aims to increase transpar- ency and protect the rights of families visiting incarcerated individuals in California.

"Women in this legislature and across this state are the ones who hold things together,” Bonta said. "We show up, and we do our work even when the system falls short."

The legislative package is organized around six core pillars: affordability; child care and education; public safety and gender-based vio- lence; health care access; support for vulnerable communities; and workplace and economic eq

To continue, visit www.westsidestorynewspaper.com.

On March 25, members of the California ration with the California Legislative Wom- Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), in collabo- en's Caucus (LWC), stood in unity to present

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Dr. Lisa Saul

By Dr. Lisa Saul, Chief Medical Officer of Women's Health for UnitedHealthcare

Pregnancy comes with plenty of Your Health Plan May Cover More During Pregnancy Than You Think

If You Get Insurance Through Your Work, You May Have Access To Doula Support

Why support matters more than we talk about

For much of history, pregnancy and recovery weren't meant to be handled alone. In many cultures, new parents were surrounded by family and community – people who helped with meals, checked in emotionally, and made space for rest and healing. These tradi- tions recognized that recovery takes time and that support plays a critical role in health.

Today, many parents are navi- gating pregnancy while juggling work, caregiving, and everyday life, often without that same built in village. It's no surprise that this time can feel overwhelming, isolating, or stressful, especially when everything feels new and high stakes. Research shows that lack of consistent support is associated with higher stress levels and other health challenges that can affect both parent and baby. That's why support isn't a nice to have. It's part of staying well.

The good news is that your health

ATLANTA, GA & LOS ANGE-

LES, CA-- Parenting an 18-month- old can test anyone's nerves—but comedian Dino Archie turned it into comedy gold with Beautiful Burden, a hilarious stand-up spe- cial premiering worldwide March 21, 2026, on the HYPE+ YouTube channel reaching more than one million subscribers. In the special, the comic riffs on the pressures of fatherhood, the realities of get- ting older, and the complicated dynamics of relationships and sex after 40.

With Beautiful Burden, Archie leans into the edgy, unfiltered, and unapologetically funny style that has made him a respected voice among stand-up comedians and fans alike. The release also marks a new partnership with HYPE+, expanding the platform's grow- ing slate of original comedy con- tent while bringing Archie's latest work to a global streaming audience.

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Comedian Dino Archie Premiered Stand-Up Special

Beautiful Burden Now Playing on HYPE+ Channel

Archie added, “I'm excited to bring my first full-length comedy special to HYPE+. They don't chase the algorithm—they change it. Their commitment to original comedy and storytelling makes HYPE+ the perfect home for Beautiful Burden. I hope audienc- es enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it."

An award-winning stand-up comedian and podcaster, Ar- chie has appeared on Comedy Central's Adam Devine's House Party, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen, and Kevin Hart's LOL Network, building a reputation as one of the most consistent co- medians working the international comedy circuit today. Archie's performances include appearanc- es at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal and YouTube's Don't Tell Comedy channel.

His socially aware work has earned significant recognition, in- "We've watched Dino for years cluding winning the Seattle Interplan may offer resources to help and knew immediately that Beau- national Comedy Competition and checklists. Appointments, regis- tries, leave planning. It also comes with a lot of questions people don't always talk about. Is this normal? Should I be worried? Who do I call when something just doesn't feel right?

Between late night scrolling, ad- vice from well meaning friends, and information overload online, it can be hard to know where to turn. What often gets overlooked is that your health plan may offer more support during pregnancy and after birth than you realize. And having the right support can make a real difference in how this season feels, physically, emotion- ally and socially.

support you throughout pregnan- cy, labor and after delivery. If you get health insurance through your employer, here are a few simple steps that can help you feel more informed and supported, without adding another thing to your to do list.

To continue, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com.

tiful Burden was a special we wanted to bring to the HYPE+

HYPE+. "He's a seasoned com- ic with an international following and has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in com- edy, including Andrew Schulz, Hasan Minhaj, and Hannibal Bu- ress. Partnering with Dino is a no- brainer.

audience," said Jon Aba, CEO of val. Born in Fresno, California, the Best Crowd Work Award at the Just For Laughs Northwest Festiand now based in Vancouver, Brit- ish Columbia, Archie has released six comedy albums, including the specials Toxic But Safe and The Lord's Work, currently streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV.

Follow HYPE+ at @HypeP- lusTV on all social media.

Front page story

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026

"It's Bigger Than One Person": Black Caucus Members Support

Last week, members of the California Leg- islative Black Caucus (CLBC), through their voices and votes, supported Assembly Bill (AB) 2156, which proposed renaming César Chávez Day to Farm Workers Day.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on March 26, allowing it to take effect imme- diately before the March 31 observance.

Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), a member of CLBC, says pivoting from hon- oring a single figure to celebrating the broader labor movement recognizes the dignity and FRESH NEWS

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回題 www.mdisnet.com contributions of tens of thousands of agricul- tural workers.

"My remarks are specific in making sure that, one, we acknowledge the work of the farm workers has done here in the state of Cali- fornia because they need to be recognized,” Gipson told California Black Media. “It gives me great pride to respect and stand with farm workers not only here in California, but all across the United States of America, because they are responsible for putting food on our tables."

San Bernardino County, CA - The San Bernardino County As- sessor Recorder County Clerk (ARC) is alerting the public to an unauthorized website impersonat- ing the department. An unknown party has registered the domain sbcountyarc.org and is using it to display content that mimics the style and layout of a past depart- ment website.

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Email: [email protected]

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media The advocacy for the measure was part of a bipartisan, unanimous, and speedy legisla- tive response following allegations of sex- ual abuse against United Farm Workers co- founderChávez. The claims, which surfaced publicly in recent weeks, also referenced that Chávezassaulted Dolores Huerta, the union's co-founder and longtime civil rights advocate.

To continue, visit www.westsidestorynewspaper.com.

San Bernardino County Clerk Warns Public of Unauthorized Website

ing confidence in County services is one of my highest priorities," said Assessor Recorder County Clerk Josie Gonzales. "Any web- site impersonating a government agency poses a risk to our resi- dents. We want our community to know which resources are legiti- mate and which are not."

Upon discovering the issue, ARC took immediate action to confirm that the website was not legitimate and began coordinating with the appropriate parties to investigate the matter. Efforts are underway to contact the company respon- sible for managing the domain to gather more information and de- termine the options available to address the impersonation.

ARC is continuing to assess any potential risks associated with the impersonation website, including public confusion, misuse of infor- mation, or misrepresentation of County services. Residents are en- couraged to verify they are using the correct website (arc.sbcounty. gov) when seeking ARC services or information.

SACRAMENTO-Tribal repre- sentatives along with labor leaders and legislators today urged estab- lishing California Native Ameri- can Day as an official paid state holiday. AB 1841, introduced by Assemblymember James C. Ra- mos (D-San Bernardino) would designate the fourth Friday of September as a paid holiday for state employees.

Ramos, a member of the Serrano/ Cahuilla tribe, is the first Califor- nia Native American lawmaker elected in the state's nearly 175 year history. He has advocated for the establishment of Califor- nia Native American Day since 1998, long before his election to the Legislature.

"I was a San Manuel tribal coun- cil member when I started work- ing toward this goal with then Assemblymember Joe Baca Sr.,” Ramos said. He added, “We have many worthy holidays, but this bill creates justice for past atroci- ties toward the California Indian people who have lived on this land we call California. They lived here through the colonization, the mission and gold rush eras that were followed by the subsequent enslavement, genocide, forced re- location and assimilation as others moved onto the lands where the First People were living. Native American history is California history which is why they deserve a special acknowledgement."

In 2021, Ramos successfully au- thored AB 855, which created a paid judicial holiday.

Antoinette Del Rio, Chairwoman of the California Valley Miwok Tribe stated, "A paid holiday does

Labor Joins Tribal Leaders in Call for Paid California Native American Holiday not atone for the great injustices of the past and those wrongs that continue into the present. But it is an acknowledgement of the price that was paid by California tribes, and it honors those who prevailed through courage, resiliency, and a deep love of the lands. It is these lands that constitute this state and its rich history. It is a histo- ry brought forward by the native people who called this place home long before any other human be- ings."

Ramos is committed to ensur- ing that California's policies re- flect an honest understanding of the state's past and a respectful partnership with its tribal nations. AB 1841 would align California Native American Day with other state holidays and elevate public understanding of tribal history- recognizing the profound role Native communities have played in shaping the state's culture and identity.

Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Federation of Labor Unions, noted that “James Ramos has drastically shown us why rep- resentation matters. Having been elected as the first California Indi- an in the legislature. He made sure that all the issues we should have been looking at are brought to the forefront. We could not have agreed more, when he came to or- ganized labor and said, 'I think it's time for California's First People to have a paid holiday!"

Ramos noted that the courts led the way with a paid holiday. "It is now time for the rest of the state to follow," he concluded.

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Continued from page 3

Baltimore's Coppin State Builds Pipeline for California Students to Attend HBCU nation and the world need your di- versity, your intellect, your curios- ity and your innovation.”

California has opened new path- ways to HBCUs through Assem- bly Bill (AB) 1400, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2023. The law provides up to $5,000 for community college students trans- ferring to HBCUs who agree to return to California to work after graduation, helping increase ac- cess to college and meet the state's workforce needs.

To continue, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com.

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