Latest News
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.
Journey to Retirement
Member News - November 2024
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: Alix Anderson
Meet Alix Anderson, an Emergency Services Dispatcher at CONFIRE.
Celebrating 10 years of making life-saving decisions, Alix talks about the fulfilling and dynamic nature of her job. Regardless of the type of call, Alix remains calm and focused – meeting people on the other side of the phone during some of their hardest days.
“The purpose I find in this job is very fulfilling. I go home every day knowing that I’ve made a real difference in someone’s life,” Alix said.
SBCERA Receives Polaris Awards for Exemplary Public Relations Efforts
November 8, 2024
Congratulations to the SBCERA Communications Team for winning a Polaris Award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – Inland Empire Chapter for exemplary public relations efforts in our Quick Tip Video Series.
2024 Board of Retirement Safety Election
November 5, 2024
Ballots are on their way. Here’s what you need to know.
We Are SBCERA: Barbara Hannah
Meet Barbara Hannah, Chief Counsel at SBCERA.
Every since she was a young girl, Barbara was passionate about justice, and always aspired to become a lawyer. After accepting her position as SBCERA’s Chief Counsel, she dedicated herself to ensuring legal integrity and supporting retirement security for SBCERA members.
“I take my job and my role as Chief Counsel very seriously. It is a crucial and critical role in this organization that ensures legal integrity and compliance,” Barbara said.
SBCERA Receives Recognition for Excellence in Financial Reporting
October 17, 2024
San Bernardino, CA – The San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association (SBCERA) has been awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for our Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and an Award for Outstanding Achievement for Popular Financial Reporting for our
We Are SBCERA: Dawn Stafford
Meet Dawn Stafford, an elected trustee on SBCERA’s Board of Retirement.
Dawn’s father inspired her commitment to public service and helped her realize the essential role of government in providing vital services to the community. She was also profoundly impacted by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who fueled her passion for equality and justice.
“Public service is important because the government provides the essential services that people need,” Dawn said.