Thursday May 28, 2026 | Vol 40 No. 11
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Thursday
May 28, 2026
Jubilee Pantry Named a Nonprofit of the Year COUNTY
Joe Baca Jr., San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor, names Jubilee Pantry of Loveland Church one of the top five nonprofits of the Year for providing food to more than 2,000 families each month. In the photo, left to right, Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., Director Dr. Nita Alexander, and Senior Pastor Chuck Singleton. photo by Carl M. Dameron.
Office
Congratulations to Former WSS News
Intern Noëlle Lilley, Now Mrs. Noëlle Ashun
1987-2026.. Serving The Inland Empire For Over 39 Years
San Bernardino Native and NFL Running Back Alexander Mattison to Attends Making Hope Happen Gala
577 N. "D" Street, #112H San Bernardino, CA 92401
We Need Money Now: Altadena and Pasadena Fire Survivors Rally at State Capitol for More Rebuilding Support
More than 80 survivors of the devastating January 2025 Eaton Fire from Pasadena and Altadena visited the California State Capitol on May 19 to advocate for more recovery support from Sacramento during what they describe as a slow rebuild.
Organized by the Dena Rise Up (DRU) co- alition, the survivors are demanding housing relief, fair insurance protections, environmen- tal remediation, long-term recovery funding, and preservation of their communities' cultural
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bennie Burrell. Many of you know Bennie as a house manager and peer support specialist, or from Starting Over Inc.'s Parole Board workshops. He was also a beloved father, son, friend, All Of Us or None member, Path 2 SEED Cohort 1 graduate, basketball coach, and much more.
Bennie's kindness, sense of humor, and warm presence deeply touched all the lives that he came across. Bennie's family was first intro- duced to the Starting Over Inc., while he was still incarcerated. Through the hard work of his support system, Bennie was released and wel- comed into one of Starting Over Inc.'s transi- tional homes. He went on to become deeply in- volved in giving back to the community during his time at Starting Over.
Bennie was incredibly devoted to supporting other individuals and families toward release and post-release. Over the years, he facilitated legacy.
"The reason why we are here is that we're in a position of being at risk of never returning to Altadena," said Heavenly Hughes, co-founder and executive director of the mutual aid non- profit My Tribe Rise. "Today, we're saying 'SOS.' We need help today. We need money now. We need urgent and immediate assistance when it comes to housing funds, (and) when it comes to rebuilding funds."
The My Tribe movement actively protects lo-
By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media cal Black and Brown families in Altadena from being priced out or pressured into selling their generational land to luxury developers. DRU is a diverse coalition of local grassroots organiza- tions advocating for an inclusive, survivor-led recovery.
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over fifty Parole Board workshops, wrote hun- dreds of support letters, and gave endless words of encouragement to our employment and hous- ing participants.
Bennie was a guiding light to the communi- ty and the whole team at Starting Over. He'll be remembered by his jokes, the smell of the pork chops he'd fry up, his love for Raising Cane's, and his numerous acts of kindness to- ward everyone. Bennie inspired people to be- lieve in themselves above all, and to live their truths without shame. To honor Bennie, Start- ing Over will be presenting the annual Bennie Burrell Service Award to individuals who carry on Bennie's legacy of brotherly love, care, and dedication to the community.
If you have any memories or words you would like to share about Bennie that you would like to share with the community and his family, please contact [email protected].
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026
Congratulations to Former WSS News Intern Noëlle Lilley, Now Mrs. Noëlle Ashun
Westside Story Newspaper proudly congratu- lates former WSS News intern Noëlle Lilley, now Mrs. Noëlle Ashun, on her recent marriage and continued success as a journalist, story- teller, and shining example of the greatness that comes out of San Bernardino, California.
Noëlle's story is one that deserves to be cel- ebrated, not only because of what she has ac- complished professionally, but because of what her journey represents. She is proof that a young woman from San Bernardino can dream boldly, work faithfully, and step into rooms that once may have felt far away.
Years ago, WSS News had the honor of high- lighting Noëlle when she was beginning to make her mark in television news. Since then, she has continued to rise with grace, purpose, and excellence. Today, Noëlle covers Harlem for CBS News New York. Prior to CBS News New York, she served as a general assignment reporter with News 12 Bronx and Brooklyn. But before the cameras, the newsroom dead-
Written by Naomi K. Bonman lines, the live reports, and the New York spot- light, Noëlle's journey included roots right here in San Bernardino. As a former WSS News in- tern, she represents the kind of homegrown tal- ent that reminds our community that greatness is not something we have to look far to find. It is raised here. It is nurtured here. It begins here. Now, as Noëlle steps into a beautiful new chapter as Mrs. Noëlle Ashun, her story be- comes even more inspiring.
For generations, Black women have been told in different ways that they cannot have it all. They are often made to feel that they must choose between ambition and love, between building a powerful career and creating a mean- ingful personal life, between being excellent and being fully loved.
Noëlle's journey tells a different story.
'An Onslaught on Black Political Power': The South's Redistricting Battle After Calais Within hours of the Supreme Court's ruling in Louisiana v. Calais, state legislators across the South were calling emergency redistricting sessions.
sessions.
Within hours of the Supreme Court's ruling in Louisiana v. Calais, state legislators across the South were calling emergency redistricting
What has unfolded, voting rights advocates say, is one of the most concentrated assaults on Black political power since Reconstruction.
The April 29, six-three majority ruling by Justice Samuel Alito struck down Louisiana's congressional map containing two majority-Black districts, effectively gutting Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA) which prohibits voting procedures that dilute minority represen- tation.
The ruling's new standard requires plaintiffs to prove that a legislature actively practiced inten- tional racial discrimination - a nearly impos- sible burden compared to the previous standard of proving that a redistricting map gives Black voters less opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.
"You have to have smoking gun evidence, es- sentially, of a legislator or legislative body say- ing 'I drew this map to disenfranchise and to discriminate against Black, Brown, AAPI vot- ers," said Mitchell Brown, voting rights senior counsel at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice. "These legislators and legislative bod- ies are very cunning people, and they're not go- ing to say the quiet part out loud." "This has been the party line for a very long time," he continued. "When there are periods of increased participation for voters of color, there's this white retrenchment that seeks to take it away. It took us decades to get voting rights and other civil rights... and now partisanship is taking the day rather than racial justice." Just 10 years after the VRA passed, over one million Black people registered to vote in the Deep South, and the number of Black U.S.
House members grew from six in 1965 to 16 in 1975.
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San Bernardino Native and NFL Running Back Alexander Mattison to Attends Making Hope Happen Gala
annually for San Bernardino students through ceeds supporting scholarships and student suc- the organization.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA--- The Making Hope Happen Foundation announced that NFL running back Alexander Mattison, a San Ber- nardino native and San Bernardino High School graduate, attended its upcoming Making Hope Happen Gala.
Mattison's connection to the Foundation dates to his senior year of high school, when he re- ceived a Making Hope Happen scholarship. He now gives back by funding two scholarships
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.
"Alexander's journey reflects exactly why we do this work," said Niki Dettman, Chief Execu- tive Officer at Making Hope Happen Founda- tion. "His continued investment in local stu- dents is making a real impact."
Gala attendees had the opportunity to bid on signed Alexander Mattison memorabilia during the event's live and silent auctions, with pro-
Rallying Around Sisters
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.
cess programs.
The Making Hope Happen Gala is a key fund- raising event supporting education, mentorship, and college access initiatives for San Bernardi- no students.
The gala took place on May 14, 2026, at the Hilltop Banquet Facility in San Bernardino.
Together, we can build healthy beginnings for Black families.
For more information, visit dph.sbcounty.gov/mcah or email [email protected].
Californians need a real progressive leader like Tom Steyer-someone who is not beholden to corporations and will always put the needs of our people first.
Tom Steyer...has the courage to stand shoulder to shoulder with working families to hold economic royalists accountable.
Mia Bonta
California is in a crisis, and Tom is the type of leader who is going to stand up to the utility monopolies, fight for working people, push back against the federal government and believes that everyone should pay their fair share.
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He understands the urgency of addressing the cost of living, elevating community voices, and protecting California's future.
Tom Steyer understands that real leadership is about expanding opportunity and delivering for communities that have too often been left behind. Dr. Corey Jackson
We need California to not only stand up to Trump, but deliver for everyday Californians, make life more affordable, and build a state where everyone can succeed. Tom has proven he is the leader for this challenge.
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026
Rep. Aguilar Delivers Over $1 Million to Improve Emergency Power Infrastructure and Wildfire Resilience Installing emergency generators will make San Bernardino's infrastructure more resilient in the event of a power disruption
PETE AGUILAR
One million one hundred forty-five thousand one hundred forty-four Emergency Hazard Mitigation Infrastructure Resiliency Plan
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $1,145,144 in community project funding for the City of San Bernardino's Emergency Hazard Mitiga- tion Infrastructure Resiliency project. The grant funding will strengthen the City's emergency
ANGER
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$1,145,144 power and water infrastructure and improve wildfire response by providing backup power generators and water booster pump stations and installing backup batteries for fifty traffic sig- nals throughout the city, enabling them to con- tinue operating during power disruptions.
The placement of emergency generators at the Verdemont and Meyers/Magnolia water booster pump stations will sustain water pres- sure if the primary power source is lost. This is particularly important for fighting wildfires, which can cut off the primary power source and otherwise put homes, businesses, and public in- frastructure at risk.
"I'm proud to deliver more than $1 million for emergency water and infrastructure projects that will help reduce the impact of power out- ages and make it easier for first responders to do their job," said Rep. Pete Aguilar. "The upgrades to these backup energy systems will reduce the disruptions residents and firefighters experience when we lose power, especially during disasters like worsening wildfires. I'll keep working in Congress to deliver federal investments in our infrastructure to improve the quality of life for families here in the Inland Empire."
"Today's announcement is about prepared- ness, resilience, and protecting San Bernardino residents and businesses," said Mayor Helen Tran, City of San Bernardino. "The funding from Congressman Aguilar helps us deliver
San Bernardino's Feldheym Library to Hold Its Summer Book Sale May 30 and June 6
SAN BERNARDINO, CA - The Friends of the San Bernardino Public Library (SBPL) will be holding its Summer Book Sale on Saturday, May 30 and Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm at the Norman F. Feldheym Cen- tral Library. Proceeds from the sale will help support programs at all four City Libraries. Books, magazines and other reading materials, as well as DVDs, music and more will be available for purchase at discounted prices. Most hardback books sell for one dollar each; paper- backs and children's books start at $.25 each or five for one dollar; and most CDs and DVDs are only one dollar.
On Saturday, June 6, the sale will feature the li- brary's popular "fill the bag" promotion, where patrons will be able to fill a bag with books for only $3.
The Feldheym Central Library is located 555 West Sixth Street in San Bernardino. The Book Sale room is on the south side of the library, with a separate entrance from the main library. Credit card payments are now being accepted for the first time. There is a $6.00 minimum purchase to use a credit card and there is a 3% processing fee. For cash purchases, denomina- tions of $20 or less will be accepted.
For those unable to attend, a great selection of books and music are available for purchase as part of the on-going book sale at Feldheym Library, located on the main floor next to the Circulation Department. New items are re- freshed weekly. Donations of books and maga- zines, DVDs and music in good condition for future sales are accepted at Feldheym, Inghram, Rowe, and Villasenor Libraries during normal hours. Monetary donations are also accepted.
San Bernardino Libraries' regular hours are: Monday & Tuesday: Noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Sunday: Closed
For more information about the book sale, please call (909) 998-4251. To be notified of fu- ture book sales, email [email protected] or follow the Friends of SBPL on Facebook.
Jubilee Pantry Named a Nonprofit of the Year
NARDINO
Joe Baca Jr., San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor, names Jubilee Pantry of Loveland Church one of the top five nonprofits of the Year for providing food to more than 2,000 families each month. In the photo, left to right, Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., Director Dr. Nita Alexan- der, and Senior Pastor Chuck Singleton. photo by Carl M. Dameron.
Rev. Singleton added, "The mis- sion of Loveland's Jubilee Pantry is to reduce hunger by feeding the homeless, the elderly, and those who otherwise would go without meals. This is a ministry of love, as Christ commanded, so these meals are provided at no cost."
Loveland's Jubilee Pantry is lo- cated at 790 E. Foothill Blvd., Ste. A, Rialto. It has provided essential food assistance to those in need since 1980.
Jubilee Pantry Director Dr. Nita Alexander said, "I started volun- teering for the Jubilee Pantry in 2004. I've been the director since 2014. I love this mission to serve God's people in need."
The Jubilee Pantry receives do- nations from many wonderful or- ganizations, including Feeding America, the Food Bank Com- munity Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, Grocery Out- let, Stater Bros. Markets, Super Walmart, Cardinas Markets, and FONTANA, CA. Joe Baca Jr., San Bernardino County Fifth Dis- trict Supervisor, names Loveland Church's Jubilee Pantry, one of the top five 2025 Nonprofits of the Year, for providing food to more than 2,000 San Bernardino County families every month.
The 2025 Nonprofit of the Year recognition highlights organiza- tions in the Fifth District that go above and beyond to serve our community through compassion, innovation, and impactful programs.
"This was our first year recogniz- ing a 2025 Nonprofit of the Year, and the response from our commu- nity was incredible," said Supervi- sor Joe Baca Jr. "Because of the volume of submissions, we wanted to recognize a Fab 5, nonprofits that are truly doing God's work. Loveland's Jubilee Pantry stood out for its commitment to feeding those in need and serving our com- munity with compassion, dignity, and love."
"Our work is always for the peo- ple in the name of God. We see the smiles and feel the hugs of the hun gry and homeless. Still, we know the work we do would be nearly impossible without the amazing help of Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. We are greatly honored by the Coun- ty's recognition," said Chuck Sin- gleton, Senior Pastor of Loveland Church.
Aldis.
Brenda Williams, a long-time vol- unteer, said, "We provide those in need of food with meats, veggies, and other nutritious foods. We also have smaller, easy-to-carry love bags with nutritious food for the homeless."
For more information, call 909- 988-5683, email Loveland@Love- landChurch.org, or visit https:// lovelandchurch.org.
Eugene Weems, candidate for California's 33rd Congressional District, is calling on the media and public to attend a major press con- ference where he says he will ex- pose corruption, political intimida- tion, and "pay-to-play politics" he personally encountered while at- tempting to work alongside elected officials in San Bernardino County. Weems, a former world champion kickboxer, entrepreneur, bestsell- ing author, and CEO of Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace (VG4VP), has officially launched his con- gressional campaign on a platform. centered around truth, transpar- ency, accountability, and restoring trust between government and the people.
Describing himself as an "Prag- matic Republican: Principled. Not a Politician." and "a true voice for forgotten communities," Weems says voters are tired of establish- ment politics and leaders who pri- oritize political connections over real people.
Formerly Incarcerated Community Leader Turned Congressional Candidate Says Campaign Is Built on Truth, Transparency, and Putting People First
"This campaign is not about polit- ical games," said Weems. "This is about exposing corruption, stand- ing up against intimidation, and giving the people of California's 33rd District a representative who cannot be bought, controlled, or si- lenced."
Weems says he plans to publicly discuss what he describes as first- hand experiences involving politi- cal pressure, attempted extortion, and barriers faced while trying to advocate for underserved commu- nities.
"I've seen what happens behind closed doors," Weems stated. "When I tried to partner with cer- tain political figures to help people in need, I encountered pay-to-play politics. That is not how I operate. I believe in action, transparency, and serving the people first-not pro- tecting political insiders."
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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026
Rep. Aguilar Delivers Over $1 Million to Improve safer streets, improved emergency response, and greater continuity during power outages and emer- gencies."
"Ensuring reliable water service for the residents and businesses that depend on us every day is our high- est priority," said Toni Callicott, Board President, San Bernardino Municipal Water Department. "The funding from Congressman Aguilar's efforts will strengthen the Water Department's ability to maintain essential services during power outages and emergencies and help provide water when and where most needed."
"The need for backup emergency power supply is expected to grow as severe fire and wind conditions become more frequent," said Miguel Guerrero, General Manager, San Bernardino Municipal Water Department. "It is critical that water systems acquire onsite alternative power sources as part of contin- gency planning and these perma- nent generators funded through Congressman Aguilar's advocacy will support water service continu- ity during emergency response op- erations, power outages, and natural disasters."
As a Member of the House Appro- priations Committee, Rep. Aguilar secured $19.7 million for 15 proj- ects in California's 33rd Congres- sional District in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.
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NOTICE OF PETITION otherwise be interested in under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may af fect your rights as a creditor.
files an objection to the peti- tion and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING ON THE PE- TITION WILL BE HELD IN THIS COURT AS FOL- LOWS: Date: JUNE 2, 2026 Time: may examine the file kept 9:00 A.M.
TO ADMINISTER ES- the will or estate, or both, of TATE OF: MARY ANNE (specify all names by which the decedent was known): MARY ANNE CAREY, A Petition for Probate has been filed by KRISTINA CORDOVA in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. The Petition for Probate
CAREY
You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You 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. ATTORNEY FOR PE- TITIONER: JAY S. BELSHAW, ESQ. (97199) LAW OFFICES OF JAY S. BELSHAW, 2276 TOR- RANCE BLVD, TOR- RANCE CA, 90501 PHONE: (310) 320-9742 S/
ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY: JAY S. BELSHAW, ESQ. (97199)
LAW OFFICES OF JAY S. BELSHAW, 2276 TOR- RANCE BLVD, TOR- RANCE CA, 90501 PHONE: (310) 320-9742 EMAIL: jaybelslaw@sbc- global.com
The address of the court is requests that KRISTINA CORDOVA be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
the same as noted above. 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 representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issu- ance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice
The petition requests au- thority to administer the estate under the indepndent 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 To all heirs, beneficiaries, independent administration creditors, contingent credi- authority will be granted tors, and persons who may unless an interested person
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 HOUSE
California Ballot Returns Lag as Governor's Race Struggles to Energize Voters
By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media The data reflects ballots returned as of May 22 and does not indicate fi- nal turnout.
Older Californians continued to make up a large share of early bal- lot returns. Voters age 65 and older represented roughly 54% of bal- lots returned statewide, while voters ages 18 to 34 represented about 10%. Like racial and ethnic categories, the age figures reflect early returns only, not the final composi- tion of the electorate.
The PDI data also showed Black turnout rates trailing 2022 levels. Black turnout dropped from 7.5% during the comparable period in the 2022 primary to 6.1% in 2026. Democratic Black turnout declined from 8.9% to 5.4%, while Black male turnout fell from 8.1% to 5.9% and Black female turnout de- clined from 8.0% to 5.7%.
Earlier in the campaign, Califor- nia Democratic Party officials used polling to press the case for Demo- cratic consolidation, arguing that a crowded field could divide the vote and potentially allow Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco to finish among the top two vote-getters in the primary.
Black voters in California, like other voter groups, have been re- turning mail ballots at a slow pace as the state heads toward the June 2 primary election for governor, a race that has not yet generated the same level of voter excitement as some past statewide contests.
Early ballot return data compiled by Political Data Intelligence, or PDI, a California voter data and an- alytics firm used by campaigns and political organizations, showed that most California voters had not re- turned their ballots during the May 4 to May 22 reporting period. As of May 22, Black voters remained slightly underrepresented in early ballot returns compared with their share of statewide registration.
As of May 22, more than 1.82 million ballots had been returned statewide, representing about 7.9% turnout. That means more than 90% of registered voters had not yet returned ballots as of the re- porting date. The rate was slightly below the 8.38% turnout recorded at the same point during Califor- nia's 2022 primary election.
Black voters accounted for about 4% of registered voters statewide but roughly 3% of ballots returned. White and "Other" voters repre- sented nearly 69% of returned bal- lots, compared with about 18% La- tino voters and 11% Asian voters.
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