Latest News
We Are SBCERA: Cheryl Balz
Meet Cheryl Balz, the City Clerk at the City of Chino Hills.
With a deep-rooted work ethic instilled by her father, Cheryl built a career dedicated to public service. She began as a Deputy City Clerk in Riverside in 2001, seeking stability for her family, and over the years, earned both her Certified Municipal Clerk and Master Municipal Clerk designations.
“I love my team and the work we do to serve our community,” Cheryl said. “Advocating for others and ensuring transparency in government is something I take great pride in.”
Invested in Your Future
Have you ever wondered how SBCERA’s investments work and why they matter? Our highly skilled, award-winning team strategically manages investments to fulfill our long-term commitment to members, ensuring a secure and stable future.
Life After Retirement
Member News - January 2025
These periodic electronic newsletters are designed for retirees and beneficiaries. You’ll find our latest news, highlights, and educational resources to help support your life in retirement.
Journey to Retirement
Member News - January 2025
These periodic electronic newsletters are designed for active and deferred members. You’ll find our latest news, highlights, and educational resources to help support your retirement planning.
We Are SBCERA: Thomas Kim
Meet Thomas Kim, a Senior Investment Officer at SBCERA.
With a degree in economics from Yale and more than 25 years of experience in investments, Thomas plays a significant role in the investment strategy at SBCERA. He highlights the dynamic nature of his work, which involves managing relationships with investment managers and exploring new opportunities to grow the fund.
2024 1099-R Tax Forms Available in mySBCERA
January 30, 2025
Retirees and Other Payees: 2024 1099-R tax forms are now available to download in mySBCERA.
We Are SBCERA: Sophia LaRocco
Meet Sofia LaRocco, a Deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Currently based at the Victorville Station, Sofia focuses on crimes against children and elder abuse. She highlights the significance of fostering connections and creating a positive impact through law enforcement.
“Every day, I strive to give it my all for the San Bernardino community. Helping people one person at a time is the best way for me to give back,” Sofia said.
The Board of Trustees Reelect Chair and Vice Chair
We are
pleased to announce Board of Retirement trustees reelected
Marc Bracco as
Chair, and Jean-Rene Basle as Vice
Chair on January 9, 2025.
2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
The SBCERA Board of Retirement has approved a 1% Cost-of-Living Adjustment for retirees and beneficiaries, effective April 1, 2025.
Social Security Fairness Act Signed Into Law
On Sunday, January 5, 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) was signed into law.
The legislation repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), eliminating the reduction of Social Security benefits for retirees who are also entitled to public pensions.
This in no way impacts or changes the amount of your SBCERA retirement benefit.
We Are SBCERA: Neal Waner
Meet Neal Waner, Appointed Trustee for SBCERA.
Growing up in Big Bear, he discovered his passion for helping others—starting as a ski instructor and continuing through decades of public service. With 38 years of experience as a financial advisor, Neal is dedicated to ensuring SBCERA members can trust in the security of their retirement.
“There is a brick in my backyard that says ‘Faith, Family, Community,’ and it’s a cornerstone of how I live and work—it reflects my commitment to serving others,” Neal shared.
SBCERA Celebrates 80th Anniversary
January 2, 2025
New Year’s Day marked SBCERA’s 80th
anniversary— a significant milestone in our commitment to proudly
serving those who serve San Bernardino Communities.
Since our establishment on January 1, 1945, SBCERA’s membership has grown from a few hundred San Bernardino County employees to more than 50,000 from 17 different employers
Looking Ahead to 2025: A Message from SBCERA’s CEO
December 27, 2024
As we reflect on this last year, I’m deeply grateful for our team here at SBCERA and for our partnership with all of you—our valued members and public servants who serve San Bernardino communities.
Our team remains focused on our service to you, while continuing to plan for the future.
Invested in Your Future
Providing you with retirement security is central to our mission. Through strategic and opportunistic investing, we closed our fiscal year with a 9.3% return on investments and are now managing over $16 billion in assets.
From all of us at SBCERA, we wish you a happy holiday season.
At SBCERA, we feel fortunate to serve those who serve San Bernardino communities with passion, care, and commitment.
Our members are the reason why we do what we do. To show a small token of our appreciation, some of our team members prepared a special holiday message.
From our families to yours, we wish you a healthy holiday season, full of peace, prosperity, and happiness.
We Are SBCERA: Sarah Hauser
Meet Sarah Hauser, the Recreation Manager of Hesperia Recreation & Park District.
Born and raised in Hesperia, Sarah grew up playing on the same fields she now manages. From her early days in Hesperia American Little League to her current role, she has dedicated her life to participating in and giving back to the community. As a mom of two boys, Sarah is proud to set an example of hard work and dedication.
“The best part of my job is watching kids grow, develop new skills, and build confidence while having fun,” Sarah said.
We Are SBCERA: Debby Cherney
Meet Debby Cherney, Chief Executive Officer at SBCERA.
Through Debby’s career, she’s been passionate about growing successful teams centered on purpose and the important role public service has in our communities. Guided by her leadership and vision, SBCERA has reached new heights and remains committed to the service our members are counting on.
2024 Annual Financial Reports Available for Viewing
December 5, 2024
Our 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and condensed Popular Annual Financial Report are available to view at www.SBCERA.org/Financial-Reports
SBCERA 2024 Board of Retirement Safety Election Results
December 4, 2024
San Bernardino, CA – The San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association (SBCERA) is pleased to announce the 2024 Board of Retirement Safety Election Results. The voting period closed on December 3, 2024, and Marc Bracco has been re-elected to the SBCERA Board of Retirement as the Safety Member Trustee and Jared Newcomer has been re-elected as the Alternate Safety Member Trustee.
Life After Retirement
Member News - November 2024
These periodic electronic newsletters are designed for retirees and beneficiaries. You’ll find our latest news, highlights, and educational resources to help support your life in retirement.