E L C H I C A N o llyy

I n l a n d E m p i r e C o m m u n i t y N e w s p a p e r s d i t o r i a l : i e c n 1 @ m a c c o m d v e r t i s i n g : s a l e s @ i e c n c o m e g a l s : i e c n l e g a l s @ h o t m a i l c o m

By Manny Sandoval

Ti m e F o r C h a n g e Foundation is proud to announce the opening of its state-of-the-art Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center on March 15th, 2023

This revolutionary center is the first of its kind, providing a n e c o n o m i c h u b f o r l o w - i n c o m e , d i s e n f r a n c h i s e d women to access the resources, support, and information they n e e d t o b e c o m e s u c c e s s f u l entrepreneurs

Founder Kim Carter, who was f o r m e r l y i n c a r c e r a t e d a f t e r falling victim to addiction, is the driving force behind this project, along with Time for Change Foundation Executive Director Vanessa Perez

After cycling in and out of prison, Carter realized just how little the system does to rehabilitate and support those who are trying to get back on their feet, especially women Now, she is using her experience to create a place where black and brown women can thrive and build generational wealth for their families

The BBOP Center is located at 599 N Arrowhead Ave in San Bernardino, offers 14 offices, a cafeteria, shared workspaces, and a childcare center, and is open 16 hours a day to accommodate those with 9 to 5 jobs

This center also includes the BBOP Business Academy, a 12-week high-touch, a higha c c e s s p r o g r a m d e s i g n e d t o

St. Ber nardine Hospital helps people snowed-in in the San Ber nardino Mountains

BBOP give black and brown women access to the tools, strategies, and support required to build a strong foundation capable of taking innovative ideas to market

“The curriculum for the BBOP Business Academy is designed to provide women with everything they need to build, grow, and scale their businesses This includes access to mentors, coaches, support staff, and an attorney who can offer guidance on procurement and other important decision-making processes One of the most crucial aspects of the program is access to capital, which has been a barrier for many entrepreneurs in underserved communities,” said Perez Carter explains, "By giving them access to capital that has been denied, limited, and hard to come by, we are creating an economy that works for them

We are making it tangible by connecting women to the resources they need to funnel, finance, and gather investment "

The BBOP Business Academy is available to women nationwide, and enrollment is open to anyone who wants to take advantage of this opportunity

"You can register online and be connected to mentors, coaches, and support staff," explains Perez "While a majority of the program’s cohort will be living in Southern California, interested women across the country will be able to access online resources too "

The BBOP Center and Business Academy have been made possible by the support of angel investors who share Carter's vision of creating a place where underprivileged communities can flourish "We've been able to find investors willing to take a chance that we can recreate Silicon Valley," explains Carter "It's part of the inspiration and motivation for us Why can't we have that here?"

The BBOP Center is a gamechanger for black and brown women in underserved communities It provides them with the resources, support, and information they need to become successful entrepreneurs and build generational wealth With the opening of this center, the Time For Change Foundation is changing lives and creating a brighter future for all

For more information, visit timeforchangefoundation org

CSUSB brings an Afr o Latino celebration to San Ber nardino

By Adriana Lopez

February 25 marked the first of two consecutive days of Cal State San Bernardino anthropology museum’s Afro Latino cultural event The event took place at the Garcia Center, at 536 W 11th St in San Bernardino

Director of the CSUSB anthropology museum and event organizer Arianna Huhn had a simple goal in mind: bring attention to the existence of Afro Latinos in Oaxaca

“A lot of people unfortunately don't recognize and don't see blackness as a part of being Chicanx and I think the event, as part of Black History Month, is really important to bring attention to the fact that blackness can come in many forms,” Huhn said

The dedication to this purpose was visible throughout The Garcia Center Guests were treated to free catering from Cenadurìa Oaxaqueña Donaji and were able to browse art created to empower Afro Latinos As guests made their way through the center, they were able to view Oaxacan artifacts that were displayed at the entrance, they would then walk through a room containing the projects “Somos Negros de la Costa” and “Ébano”

“Somos Negros de la Costa” (We are Blacks from the Coast), presented to guests through video, is a project dedicated to musical creativity and learning as forms of empowerment

“Ébano” (Ebony), a photo exhibition created by Nicolás Triedo, features 35 black and white photos documenting the presence of Afro Latinos in Mexico

Guests were then treated to a musical performance from Academia Maqueos, an instrumental band from Los Angeles, in the next room Along a wall was artwork from Raíz de la Ceiba, an art collective meant to empower and inspire Afro Latino children living in Costa Chica, Mexico Guests were also able to write letters of encouragement to the young artists that would later be

Delivered

This room is also where Esteban Zuñga Ruiz was at work Ruiz is an artist who has spent half of his life in Los Angeles, and the other half in Oaxaca He was commissioned to create the turtle and bull sculptures that would be worn during the traditional Oaxacan dances, dances that Ruiz believes are pivotal features of Oaxacan culture

“They observe the lifestyle and nature around them and it unites the elders and the children to pass down the traditions and have that balance and unity,” Ruiz said

For Ruiz, these celebrations of culture have the ability to end a long history of ethnic erasure

“Usually what happens is other ethnic groups feel superior and they try to dominate those other cultures through technology and financially, and they put them aside and suppress them,” Ruiz said “That’s why it's important for Indigenous Afro people to have their own space to express themselves ”

Among the many families attending was Alma Rivera, a San Bernardino resident who was with her husband and two young daughters

Rivera was initially interested in the event due to the promise of Oaxacan food, but saw the event as an effective way to spread acknowledgment of Afro Latino people and culture

“As a child I had a doctor who was Black and spoke Spanish and I thought it was strange, but now as an adult I recognize he is Afro Latino, and I understand these people exist,” Rivera said “So I think events like this are important to remedy these issues and make space in our community ”

As attendees viewed and listened to art created by Afro Latinos, it became clear that community spaces, like art centers, can play a role in ending erasure and beginning a newfound cultural education

Upsets to look f or in r ound 1 of March Madness

By Caden Henderson

The NCAA basketball championship bracket has been revealed and the basketball world is ready for a weekend full of madness, as the journey to the NCAA title begins Looking for an upset to pick on your bracket or want to find Cinderella before the ball begins? Look no further, here are the top upset matchups to look out for in the round of 64

South Region:

9 West Virginia over 8 Maryland: Many may say a 9 over 8 isn’t an upset but I do Bob Huggins has led his team through a tough conference so don’t be too surprised if West Virginia moves on

12 Charleston over 5 San Diego State: High seed mid majors are always subject to upset but when you add in an elite 12 seed that they’re facing, the upset watch is on high alert Charleston has elite depth and that could carry them to a huge win over SDSU

10 Utah State over 7 Mizzou: This game has a very good chance of ending in the high 80’s or 90’s A

Community News

The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Urban and Community Forestry Program announced today that the application period for the Green Schoolyard Grants program is now open

In total, $117 million is available for educational and traditionally underserved communities throughout the state to help lessen the impacts of climate change and provide nature-based solutions where California’s next generation often needs it most

Following public comment opportunities and stakeholder discussions last year, applicants are invited to apply by April 14, 2023

Specific details about the application process can be found by browsing the Urban and Community Forestry Grants Program webpage or contacting CAL FIRE program contacts for more information

Two different grant options are available for interested communities, providing a full spectrum of resources for project management

These include options for planning grants to design and plan projects, and then implementation grants to make planning come to life

“CAL FIRE is delighted to be able to offer this un- shootout certainly benefits the team on the upset hunt, so Utah State should look forward to this matchup

Midwest Region:

9 Auburn over 8 Iowa: Auburn has competed with the best of the best in the SEC, including the tournaments #1 overall seed Alabama Expect them to advance here

10 Penn State over 7 Texas A&M: There’s nothing scarier than a red hot team going into March, which is what Penn State is Texas A&M probably should be a higher seed, but now they’re stuck with this matchup and will be on upset watch

15 Colgate over 2 Texas: This could be this tournaments ultimate bracket buster Colgate can simply explode offensively and in a 1 game setting like this, it gives them a great chance to shock the college basketball world

West Region:

13 Iona over 4 UConn: Every year Iona is popular upset pick and this year is no different They ran away with their conference title and face a UConn team not playing at its peak going into the tournament East Region:

12 Oral Roberts over 5 Duke: If you haven’t heard of Max Abmas yet, get ready to He led Oral Roberts on a Cinderella run 2 years ago and will look to do it again

Don’t get me wrong, Duke is playing some of its best basketball, but a first year coach combined with an elite offensive weapon on the opposite end could spell disaster

10 USC over 7 Michigan State: Two teams with a bit of a rollercoaster ride of a season will meet in this 7-10 matchup

USC’s offense is led by Boogie Ellis and, if he scores 25 or more, expect USC to run away with this game This matchup will be one of runs and whatever team ends hot will likely prevail

There are some of your upsets to watch for in round 1 The greatest weekend in college sports is upon us, so get ready for pure madness precedented amount of funding and support for schoolyard greening projects,” said CAL FIRE’s State Urban Forester, Walter Passmore “Schoolyard trees and greening provide shelter from extreme heat and the impacts of climate change, as well as access to nature-based learning that is often not readily accessible in urban settings ”

This is the first time that CAL FIRE has secured and made funding available for improving nature and tree canopy cover on California K-12 public school campuses and nonprofit childcare facilities

California has approximately 10,000 public schools, the majority of which have very little tree canopy cover and a high degree of impervious surfaces

This leaves children, who are already disproportionately impacted by extreme urban heat, in even unhealthier environments than the surrounding urban areas

A lack of nature, exposure to extreme heat, and associated number of indoor-only days to avoid the heat do not only have negative effects on the physical activity and health of children, but to their mental health and wellbeing as well

“Extreme heat is more dangerous for the most vulnerable among us, including children,” California

Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said

“These grants will enable community-led efforts to protect California’s most heat-vulnerable students by replacing asphalt in school yards with shade trees, plants, and gardens Green schoolyards benefit kids’ physical and mental health, enable outdoor learning, and create habitat to help boost biodiversity ”

CONTACT: CAL FIRE DUTY PIO

(916) 651-3473 or calfire dutypio@fire ca gov

Green schoolyard grant projects include the planting of trees and other vegetation, converting pavement to green spaces, creating drought-tolerant natural areas on school grounds, and other activities that help connect children to nature while improving the immediate environment for students and improving accessibility to nature and nature-based learning

Projects are intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve functionality of urban forests, arrest the decline of urban forest resources, address climate change resilience, improve the quality of the environment in urban areas and for underserved communities, and optimize cobenefits to school children and surrounding urban residents

Open auditions f or LifeHouse T heater’s original musical T he Hunchback of Notr e Dame

Community News

Open auditions for LifeHouse Theater ’s original musical, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” will be Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at LifeHouse Theater, 1135 N Church Street, Redlands

Auditions will be held by appointment and those auditioning must be at least 15 years of age Roles are open for men and women Men are especially encouraged to audition

Appointments can be made online at the LifeHouse Theater website at https://lifehousetheater com/upcoming-auditions/

Those auditioning are asked to upload a recent photo and a theatrical resume when making their audition appointment Those without a theatrical resume can list any performing experience they may have had, though none is required to audition Appointments can be made the night of auditions as space permits

Auditioners should also bring their own sheet music in the preferred key, and be prepared to sing a short selection of about 16 measures

A pianist will be provided but will not be able to transpose any sheet music Auditions with CDs will not be accepted Those without sheet music will be asked to sing “Happy Birthday” with the accompanist

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” opens Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 7:00 PM and will continue on weekends through June 25, 2023 Performances are Fridays at 7:00 PM, Saturdays at 2:00 PM (except Opening Night) and 7:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM In addition to the weekend performances, there will be a special weekday performance at 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 22, 2023

Cheer the courage of Esmeralda and Quasimodo as their heartwarming friendship and determination to do what is right transforms the people of 15th century Paris

Produced to critical acclaim at the Redlands Bowl, this musical rendition of the Victor Hugo classic is a moving portrayal of love and loyalty

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” will be directed by Jana Smith with choreography by Sanlyn Carter LifeHouse Theater is a service organization devoted to serving the Inland Empire through the performing arts For more information, call (909) 335-3037 or visit our website at www lifehousetheater com

Rep. Aguilar Announces Over $2.5 Million f or Infrastr uctur e Impr ovements to 3rd Str eet in San Ber nardino

Community News

Rep Pete Aguilar an- nounced $2,560,000 for critical safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements to Little 3rd Street in San Bernardino This funding will create sidewalks, upgrade roads and ensure the safety of young children and families in this commu- nity

“As a father, the safety of young children in our community is always at the top of my mind,” said Rep Aguilar “That’s why I secured $2,560,000 to convert this dirt path into a sidewalk for kids in the area to safely walk to school every day I look forward to working closely with our local elected officials to secure more funding for our region ”

“San Bernardino County is very grateful for this federal funding for Little Third Street,” said Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr , whose Fifth District includes Little Third Street “This funding will pave roads and install sidewalks, making the neighborhood safer for pedestrians and greatly improving this unincorporated area of the County ”

By Manny Sandoval

In today's uncertain economic climate, it's more important than ever to have a solid financial plan

Wells Fargo can help with a wide range of products and services to meet anyone's banking needs, including checking and high-yield savings accounts, advice and guidance around credit, and more

According to Natasha Mata, region bank director of the Inland Empire, "We focus our attention on what each customer's individual needs are Our economists predict a modest recession and in today's environment, many customers are coming to us for advice "

This is why Wells Fargo is committed to tailoring conversations and providing personalized solutions to help its clients achieve savings goals

With 107 branches across the Inland Empire, Wells Fargo is easily accessible and you do not need an appointment; if a banker is not available, managers are always on hand to assist

But where should you start?

"Write down your budget and understand where your money is going," Mata advises

"Putting it on paper allows you to see in black and white where you are in your finances " From there, you can prioritize your expenses and give every dollar a job

Wells Fargo also offers online spending trackers and limit alerts on cards, so you can stay on top of finances and avoid overspending

Mata reminds us that "every dollar is important to think about when it comes to tracking goals "

In celebration of America Saves Week, which was Feb 27 - Mar 3, Wells Fargo still encourages everyone to do a financial check-in and commit to saving successfully Mata adds, "No matter where you are, it's important to simply start and pay attention to your finances You'll get closer to your savings goals faster than you know "

Visit WellsFargo com or the nearest branch to learn more about how Wells Fargo can help you achieve financial confidence in today's economic climate

Humane Society of San Ber nardino Valley hosting Vir tual Walk f or the Animals

Communtiy News

The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley (HSSBV) will be hosting their Annual Walk for the Animals in a virtual format this year via facebook on Saturday, April 29th from 9:00 am – 11:00 am

This virtual event will be free to attend by joining the HSSBV Walk for the Animals event page on facebook (https://www facebook com/hssbv) Participants will be walking in their own local parks and neighborhoods with their pets and are encouraged to share photos and videos as they do! There will also be fun content posted to the page during the hours of the event including an appearance by Jeff Pope from The Jeff Pope Show on Hot 103 9, video from Purple Easel featuring information on the HSSBV Pet Your Paint fundraiser, special sales and offers from online vendors and more!

Participants are encouraged to create their own fundraising page leading up to the event and collect donations in support of their walk A free gift is earned for supporters who raise $100 or more in donations (while supplies last) To get started visit https://hssbv org/Upcoming-Events to create your own personalized fundraising page!

In addition to these awesome activities, the HSSBV will also be hosting the annual Pet Contests on their facebook page with public voting the week before the event Winners will be announced during the Walk

After working up an appetite walking with your pets, head over to Jose’s Mexican Food in San Bernardino or Redlands after 2:00 pm with your special HSSBV flyer which can be printed at https://hssbv org/Upcoming-Events 15% of your purchase will be donated back to the HSSBV as part of the Walk fundraiser!

The HSSBV is excited to announce our updated Fall event, Santa Paws Pet Photos & Holiday Boutique, will now be combined with the historically in person walk event

This event, Winter Wonderland Walk & Santa Paws Pet Photos will combine all of the traditional Walk elements with the popular Santa Paws Pet Photos & Holiday Boutique and be held on site Saturday, November 18th More details coming soon

All proceeds from this event benefit the HSSBV programs and services, including our low cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinic, as well as our Humane Education and Cruelty Investigation programs

For more details on the HSSBV Virtual Walk for Animals please visit www facebook com/hssbv, www hssbv org or call (909) 386-1400 ext 224

Community Action at Inland Valley Development Agency: Residents demand f air r elocation and justice f or neighbor s at risk of displacement at March 8 meeting-cancelled by IVDA

Community News

Residents near the airport have expressed concerns about a just plan for relocation for over 2,000 residents at risk of being displaced in the Airport Gateway Specific Plan (AGSP) in San Bernardino and will speak up on March 8th, 2023, 2:30PM-5PM at the Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA)

Residents want answers and a clear plan for support with relocation in the midst of a housing crisis, in a city that recently declared a state of emergency of homelessness

“These people are trying to come in and make us homeless This airport is trying to kick people out with no relocation to help others, what are we gonna do? This is a good neighborhood,” said Mike,a local resident of the airport area

Residents are demanding clear information and to be notified, some have not received notice that their landlords have chosen to sell because they are renters and not owners Additionally, business owners in this area have felt harassed and forced to sell and like they have no other choice

The IVDA has failed to authentically engage community and residents: “We want to ensure the Inland Valley Development Agency hosts more opportunities for residents to engage IVDA staff and ask questions related to the project

The AGSP Open House Meeting held January 12th was a meeting that was inaccessible to non-English speakers and did not give attendees consistent answers to their questions There needs to be more opportunities for residents and business owners to engage and ask questions about the project,” Brenda Huerta Soto, Community Organizer with The People’s Collective for Environmental Justice (PC4EJ)

The AGSP project is in a community where a federal judge labeled the expansion of logistics in this community as environmental racism, and this is only going to exacerbate environmental and health concerns

The Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA) is proposing the Airport Gateway Specific Plan (AGSP) - a redevelopment project north of the San Bernardino International Airport that would rezone over 9 million square feet to mixed-use industrial uses in the City of Highland and City of San Bernardino over the course of the next twenty years

Over 9 million square feet of warehouse development

Thousands of diesel trucks into the area

2,500 residents possibly displaced

Less than 500 ft from schools

Request For Bids To Perform Subcontractor Construction Services

Tilden-Coil Constructors is the awarded LeaseLeaseback General Contractor for the following project:

San Bernardino City Unified School District San Bernardino High School – Auditorium Modernization (Roof Replacement)

Bid Submissions:

Bids must be submitted on or before 2:00 pm on March 30, 2023

Please submit your proposal to Tilden-Coil Constructors using the SmartBid submit proposal feature through your secure project link

To become a plan holder and obtain a secure project link please contact Melanie Lopez m l o p e z @ t i l d e n - c o i l c o m or 951-684-5901 x231

Subcontractor / Trade

Descriptions:

Bids are being requested for the following trades:

Roofing

Pre-Bid Conference: A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at 9:00 am on Friday March 17, 2023, at: 1850 N “F Street San Bernardino CA 92405

Requests for Information (RFI’s):

Requests for information for this project is due by 4:00 pm March 22 2023

Bidders are required to indicate the project name in the title of your request submission Submit all requests for information to Mathew Shieh mshieh@tilden-coil com

Pre-Qualification: The San Bernardino City Unified School District ( District ) has determined that contractors on future projects (“Contractor(s)” or Firm(s) ) must be prequalified prior to submitting a bid or proposal on a project This form must be completed by:

• Contractors that intend to bid or propose to perform work under a C-4, C7 C-10 C-16 C-20 C-34 C-36, C-38, C-42, C-43, and/or C-46 license (s) and that intend to bid or submit a proposal

Pre-qualification application packages are available on the District’s website - https://sbcusdfacilit i e s c o m / t r a n s f o r m i n gschools/bid-opportunities/ and must be submitted (10) calendar days prior to the Bid Due date Notices to pre-prequalification applicants will be provided no later than (5) calendar days prior to the Bid Due date with a complete list of prequalified contractors to be published on the District’s website by the following day

Skilled and Trained

Workforce:

Respondents are advised that this project must conform to the revisions of the California Education Code Section 17407 5, mandated by AB 418 As such all subcontractors, are required to provide a

"Skilled and Trained

Workforce

Published El Chicano March 16 23 2023

E-8481

NOTICIA PÚBLICA – AVISO DE CORRECCIÓN AVISO DE PERÍODOS DE COMENTARIOS PÚBLICOS DE 30 DÍAS Y AUDIENCIAS PÚBLICAS PROPORCIONADO POR LA CIUDAD DE San Bernardino ACERCA DEL PLAN DE ASIGNACIÓN HOME-AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) Y LAS ENMIENDAS SUSTANCIALES AL PLAN DE ACCIÓN ANUAL 2021-2022 POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO que el Concejo Municipal de la Ciudad de San Bernardino (C udad) e 1 de marzo de 2023 y el 15 de marzo de 2023 llevará a cabo audiencias públicas y períodos de comentarios públicos para dos acciones separadas: 1 de marzo de 2023: 1) Sumisión del plan y asignación HOME-ARP 15 de marzo de 2023: 2) Las enmiendas sustanc ales al plan de acción anual para el año fiscal 2022-2023 2021-

2022 El 11 de marzo de 2021, El American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) y se asignaron fondos federales de ARP a las c udades locales a través del Programa HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Como receptora de fondos HOME la ciudad de San Bernardino es eleg ble para recibir una asignación HOME-ARP por un monto de $5 048 437 Para recibir sus fondos HOME-ARP la C udad debe desarrollar un Plan de Asignación HOME-ARP y entregar un Plan de Asignación HOME-ARP a HUD como una enmienda sustancial al Plan de Acción Anual del Año Fiscal 2022-2023 2021-2022 previamente aprobado por la Ciudad El Plan de Asignac ón de HOMEARP describe cómo a C udad pretende d str bu r los fondos de HOME-ARP para abordar as necesidades de las pob aciones que califican La Ciudad ha preparado un Plan de Asignac ón HOME-ARP, que requiere que la C udad apruebe una Enmienda Sustancia a su Plan de Acción Anual 2022-20232021-2022 que ahora está disponible para revisión pública La Ciudad recibirá $5 058 437 en fondos HOME-ARP bajo la asignación de fondos de la Ley ARP Los fondos de HOME-ARP se utilizarán para el desarrollo de un Centro de Navegación necesar o que ncluye p an f cación e ingeniería de proyectos unidades de vivienda asequibles, espacio de refug o no congregantes servicios sociales para personas sin hogar y adm nistración de proyectos de la c udad ($758,765 55) Se alienta a os ciudadanos a rev sar a Enmienda Sustanc al, habrá copias disponib es de e P an de Asignación HOME-ARP serán disponibles a partir del lunes 6 de febrero de 2023 hasta el martes 7

AM) Said sale is for the purpose of satisfying l en of the above signed for towing, storage, labor materials and lien charges together with costs of advertising, and expenses of sale

LienTek Solutions Inc P O Box 443 Bonita CA 91908 CNS-3678404# PUBLISHED EL CHICANO 3/16/23 E-8480