By Edward Henderson | California Black Caucus

The African American Community Empowerment Council of California (AACEC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring government accountability in enhancing the participation of California’s African American communities in the state’s prosperity.

California, the 5th largest economy in the world, boasts a $3.6 trillion GDP that accounts for 14.3% of the total U.S. economy.

A basic tenet of the council is that California’s success is built on the strengths and contributions of all its residents. The state’s economic power can only be maintained by acknowledging what makes California strong: the strength of its diversity and the state’s commitment to inclusion. Therefore, the AACEC believes no resident should be left behind or denied access to the state’s prosperity.

Even though California faces a projected deficit of nearly $68 million in next year’s budget, the state is still on relatively strong footing, considering its cash reserves of nearly $38 billion, the largest of any state in U.S. history.

Nonetheless, policymakers and state budget experts expect deep cuts to spending during the next legislative session. In light of this challenge, the AACEC says it will continue to devise strategies to ensure critical funding reaches African American communities, and that state programs positively influence the lives of the families who need it most.

California Black Media spoke with Michael Carter, Chief Consultant at the AACEC, about the organization’s successes, challenges, and the impact of its work on California’s Black community.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

We have adopted pillars focused on economic development, educational improvement, judicial reform, homelessness — issues that plague our community.

Black Californians make up the largest segment of the state’s homeless population. You have a lot of efforts to address the problem with churches and community groups working along with government. The question is: how much of that is getting to our community and improving the lives of Black folks?

So, for us, the bottom line is how do we help the African American community? We are not only interested in African Americans, but that is our focus because we believe our communities require a bit more attention and level setting for where we are economically.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

The Council has made a concerted effort to hold meetings with the Governor and his appointment secretaries to increase judicial appointees throughout the state and within State government to achieve equity in representation. The results of these efforts have been fruitful so far.

We are also extremely proud of Pastor Amos Brown, Co-Chair of the AACEC and Co-Chair of the state reparations task force, and the recently published report on reparations.

The strategy is now shifting our focus to the legislature to ensure it implements the task Force recommendations. This is a great opportunity for all community associations to unify around solutions to this historical effort.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Our community could be better informed on developments and opportunities. We need to find out strategies on how to do that. Black-on-Black crime has had a devastating effect on our communities and not only the issue of safety, but there’s the impact on businesses in the communities as well as housing prices. We treat that very seriously. We anticipate meeting with Attorney General Bonta to address these issues. We must have better management of our communities and rely more on our public representatives as we work toward solutions.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

The difficulties are getting results. That’s key. We recognize that the state’s budget is $240 billion annually for the general fund. There is going to naturally be a lot of money appropriated towards various solutions. But how much of this is getting to African Americans? What policy solutions can be in play that directly impact our community?

Working to make sure the African American communities are benefitting from state programs is our constant and biggest challenge.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Our focus is to make the task force’s reparations recommendations a reality and create solutions for what essentially is a generational event. There are numerous success stories. We are ready to unify around solutions for reparations and to see where that will take us. It is monumental, it’s generational, and from a historical perspective, what’s done on that issue will have ramifications for years and years.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

We have monthly meetings that are open, and our registry is approximately 100 members. Unless others start participating, there are no capacity limits. People can see what the issues are, and we speak freely on Zoom calls. It is an open forum. You can see first-hand what occurs with our membership. To get involved, sign up online at AACEC-Cal.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has released an executive summary of a recently completed personnel investigation into a complaint filed by a city employee against City Council member Kimberly Calvin under the City’s personnel rules and policies.

On Wednesday, December 6, the San Bernardino City Council voted 5-0 in closed session, with Council members Ben Reynoso and Kimberly Calvin absent, to release the executive summary.

The investigation was conducted by an outside firm, JL Group, LLC. A copy of the executive summary can be viewed here.

Additional inquiries should be made to the San Bernardino City Attorney‘s Office at (909) 384-5355 or Attorney@SBCity.org

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The California Black Women’s Collective (CABWC) is a sisterhood of influential women from different professional backgrounds who aim to uplift and address the issues impacting Black women and girls in all regions of the state. Relying on research, they approach problem solving with a range of expertise – from politics, business, and community advocacy to the arts, entertainment, social justice activism, and more.

The collective also partners with other women’s organizations to elevate women’s voices, eliminate racist and sexist violence, secure adequate representation and support the quest for reparations.

CABWC offers several initiatives in support of its mission of Black Women’s empowerment.

Earlier this month, the organization released a wage report focused on Black women’s earnings in California titled “Pay Me What I am Worth.”

“Black Women in California have always had to be active participants in the labor market, but this report showcases the need for fair and just wages even for those of us with higher educational attainment, said Kellie Todd-Griffin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Black Women’s Collective.

“It can’t just be about an annual recognition of a perceived pay gap. We wanted to see the data for a five-year period and look at it in different ways, continued Todd-Griffin. “Black Women in California wages are below the state mean wage and make less than most of their female counterparts in every category we reviewed. And with the majority being single and primary breadwinners, California Black Women feel the impact of lower wages every day. We must take action now.”

CABWC’s Black Girl Joy Festival is an event designed to uplift Black Women and Girls in a safe space while learning and having fun. The festival includes free workshops that prepare women for college, dancing, self-defense training, health screenings, yoga, arts & crafts, and food vendors.

The Collective’s Empowerment Institute, launched in collaboration with the Los Angeles-based research firm EVITARUS, produces the annual California Black Women’s Quality of Life Survey. This study collects insights from 1,258 Black women voters across California to understand their most pressing concerns, experiences and issues in California.

They are also planning a tour throughout the state focused on empowering Black Women with information to improve their economic status. ‘The Conversation for Black Women – Building an Economic Action Plan Tour’, sponsored by BMO, will travel to six locations throughout the state.

California Black Media spoke with Todd-Griffin about the organization’s impact, challenges it faces and some of its near-term plans.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute’s uplifts the issues and voices of Black Women and Girls in California with our vision of improving their lives and serves as beacon inspiring hope for many. We achieve that through our programming, which includes the Black Women’s Worker Initiative that helps Black Women prepare for public section and non-traditional careers. Other initiatives include the CA Black Women’s Leadership Development Certificate program at CSU Dominguez Hills; Black Girl Joy Festival for middle and high school students; Conversations for Black Women, etc. Our targeted research also uncovers and finds solutions to the toughest challenges Black women and girls face.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

This year, we released the first-ever California Black Women’s Quality of Life Survey. This groundbreaking study collected insights from 1,258 Black women voters across California to understand their economic state, most pressing concerns, their attitudes toward policymakers, and their experiences and issues in California. Black women in California and around the country are struggling socially and economically while serving as primary breadwinners of their households. The results are sobering and paint a picture of the pressures that threaten Black women’s stability and financial security. This data is a call-to-action for meaningful change to policymakers, advocates and community leaders working to address these pressing issues and disparity gaps. Nearly two in five Black women work multiple jobs, yet face significant challenges meeting basic expenses, indicating the strain caused by inflation and the rising cost of living in the Golden State

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Black Californians, especially Black Women, continue to be left out of the conversation when it comes to building meaningful change to improve the lives of those who struggle the most. When there isn’t intentionality in policy and practice transformation, it is not shocking that Black Californians experience the highest rated of unhoused people, the highest unemployment rates, the largest wealth gap, the lowest life expectancy and the lowest homeownership even though we have one of the smallest populations in the state.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

Our biggest challenge over the last year was transitioning from a volunteer driven entity, the California Black Women’s Collective, to creating a non-profit organization, the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, with staff, a board of directors and appropriate budget. We started as a Coalition of Black Women throughout California who showed up in unofficial capacities and therefore could unapologetically challenge the system and people to do the right thing. As non-profit, we still have that role, but we have a set of boundaries that we are governed by.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Absolutely!

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

We are on all the social media channels. They can also go to our website, www.CABlackWomensCollective.org. We also have a podcast, The Power Table – Conversations for Black Women on YouTube and other audio streaming platforms.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Omnitrans introduced mobile fare validators onboard all its fixed route buses this month in order to make boarding more convenient and efficient.

“Omnitrans is committed to innovative mobility solutions,” said Erin Rogers, CEO/General Manager. “The new validators are the next step in enhancing customers’ onboard experience.”

Funded by a Federal Transit Administration grant, the validators allow customers to simply “scan and go,” rather than waiting for visual validation from their driver. Omnitrans mobile fares can be purchased via the Transit or Token Transit apps; wi-fi is not needed to activate a pass.

In addition to convenience, the validators reduce close personal contact time and handling of cash. As technology continues to progress, Omnitrans plans to utilize validators to record fares for its ID based student programs, Free Fares for School and GoSmart.

For more information on validators and an introductory video, please visit https://omnitrans.org/validators/. To learn more about Omnitrans routes and services, please visit www.omnitrans.org

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The City of San Bernardino is pleased to announce that Mayor Helen Tran and her family have welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world on Christmas Day, bringing an extra dose of holiday happiness into their household. The child is the fourth for Tran and her husband Kong.

“On behalf of the City Council, the entire staff, and the residents of San Bernardino, we offer our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Mayor Tran and Kong on the new addition to their family,” said City Manager Charles Montoya. “I can’t think of a better Christmas present than a healthy baby.”

Tran, who was sworn into office one year ago, was still in the office working as late as Thursday, December 21.

While the Mayor and her family are thankful for the outpouring of support from the community over the past few months, they kindly request privacy as they celebrate these precious early moments with their newborn son.

By Sen. Steven Bradford | Special to California Black Media Partners\

There is no greater pain than that of a mother who loses her child — or whose child goes missing.

Bettersten Wade has experienced both. Her 37-year-old son, Dexter Wade, disappeared on March 5 after visiting with her. She reported him to the police as missing the next week and began putting up fliers with his picture and going door to door to speak with neighbors.

For months, the police told her they had no information on his whereabouts, but in August, the police brought her devastating news. Her son, a Black man and father of two had been killed the very night he went missing. Police say he was struck while crossing a highway by an off-duty Jackson Police officer.

The coroner identified Wade using a prescription medicine he was carrying as he had no identification. The coroner’s office claims to have shared his identity with the police, provided them with Wade’s mother’s contact information and asked them to notify her.

The Mayor of Jackson called the almost 6-month delay a “communications failure” between the coroner and the police. The elder Wade and her attorney say the way authorities handled the death of her son is a civil rights violation and they want the federal Department of Justice to investigate.

Without the family’s knowledge or consent, the county buried him in a pauper’s grave with only a small metal sign displaying the number 672.

Although Dexter Wade was a grown man, you can draw a direct line to why California needs and will benefit from the newly signed Ebony Alert notification law which will help locate missing Black children and young women ages 12-25.

Black people make up a disproportionate percentage of all missing

persons in the United States. However, instead of receiving a greater share of the police resources to find them, Black lives get less.

When a Black person goes missing, in a sense, they vanish twice. First, they disappear from their friends and loved ones. Second, they disappear from the police detective’s workload and from the news media’s attention.

This case speaks to the insulting reality of how Black lives are not a priority when they are missing. In the Dexter Wade case, authorities were clearly not looking even as they physically held his body.

Critics of the Ebony Alert say California should not have a special alert system just for African Americans. I would argue California should not need the Ebony Alert just for African Americans.

All people should be given equal value and equal resources should be utilized to find them. But that’s not happening. So, not only does California need the Ebony Alert, but the rest of the nation does as well.

About the Author

Sen. Steven Bradford is Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. He authored SB 673, the Ebony Alert. He represents parts

southern Los Angeles County.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The City of San Bernardino has opened a new, half-mile section of State Street between 16th Street and Baseline Street, improving mobility in the west side of the City. The $7.4 million extension includes four lanes of divided road, as well as new medians, sidewalks, streetlights, and storm drains.

The street was opened to traffic at 12:00 pm on Friday, December 15.

“The completion of the State Street extension marks a significant milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to improve connectivity, accessibility, and the quality of life for our residents,” said City Manager Charles Montoya.

The State Street extension is located just south of the 210 Freeway and parallels the Lytle Creek Basin. The new street improves access to the freeway, decreases cut through traffic in neighborhoods, and provides better access for residents to Arroyo Valley High School and Anne Shirrells Park.

“For over 20 years, this project has been a priority for San Bernardino residents on the West Side,” added Montoya. “We are thrilled to complete this project and see that vision become a reality. It looks beautiful.”

The $7.4 million project was approved by the City Council in August 2022 using Regional Circulation System funds. Work on the project by contractor Riverside Construction Company began in October 2022.

In the coming months, San Bernardino Public Works will add irrigation and landscaping to beautify the roadway. Plans are also underway to build a median between 16th Street and Hanford Street.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation along with the San Manuel Mission Band of Indians joined the City of San Bernardino on December 14 for a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of three new Dodger Dreamfields at the City’s Blair Park. Also in attendance were Dodger outfielder Jonny Deluca and third base coach Dino Ebel.

The fields at Blair Park represent the 61st, 62nd, and 63rd baseball and softball fields built or refurbished by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation since 2003.

“Everyone deserves a space to play,” said Nicole Whiteman, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring this vital resource to San Bernardino, a city with such great history.”

The $1.7 million investment will support youth baseball and softball with three refurbished fields at Blair Park. Refurbishments will include new playing surfaces and grass, enclosed fields, upgraded dugouts, upgraded irrigation systems, new pitching mounds, bullpens and LED scoreboards resembling Dodger Stadium. The project is expected to be completed by June 2024.

“This investment is not merely about refurbishing fields. It is about investing in our future,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “Much like Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels learned to play football on the fields of San Bernardino, tomorrow’s Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani can get their start on the fields we will be improving.”

Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel, who attended San Bernardino Valley College and coached the San Bernardino Spirit minor league team, was happy to be back in San Bernardino. “This is a dream come true for the neighborhood and especially the kids,” Ebel said. “I am so excited to be a part of this.”

The project was made possible by a nearly $1.3 million grant from lead partner, the San Manuel Mission Band of Indians. This is the largest gift for a Dodgers Dreamfield project to date. Additional project sponsors include Security Benefit, LA84 Foundation and the Helen and Will Webster Foundation.

PASADENA, CA— Assemblymember Chris Holden hosted his Annual Shoe Drive with key community partner, Shoes That Fit, to provide new athletic shoes to school aged children in need. The shoe drive took place at his District Office on December 13, 2023, from 6-8pm and featured the La Cañada High School string quartet, light refreshments including delicious pastries from Vrej, the 41st District Small Business of The Year recipient, and updates on legislative successes and goals for the upcoming session.

“A good reliable pair of shoes can take you far in life and each year we get to show kids just how much this community cares about them and their fundamental well-being,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “It is always a pleasure to come together with Shoes That Fit and ensure that when our kids step out into the world that they are able to put their best foot forward.”

Shoes That Fit, based in Claremont California, has raised over 2.3 million pairs of new shoes to date to help school aged children and young adults build their confidence and self-esteem. Over the years, thanks to participation from the community, Assemblymember Holden’s shoe drive has collected over 1,000 pairs of shoes for Shoes That Fit.