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By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On February 21, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass relieved L.A. Fire Department (LAFD) chief Kristin Crowley of her duties in the wake of fallout over how recent deadly firestorms in the city were handled.

Bass announced she appointed former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year LAFD veteran as Interim Fire Chief.

“Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief,” Mayor Bass said in a release. “We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch.

LAFD officer, Captain Robert Hawkins, is alleging that Crowley purposefully mismanaged the department to bring attention to a 17 million deficit and budget as part of a strategy to get more money for the fire department.

“On October 24th, I met with Fire Chief Kristen Crowley about removing recruitment officers and its impact on Black firefighter representation,” Hawkins told California Black Media (CBM). “She told me that she was refusing to maintain staffing and had planned to cut fire engines over a 17-million-dollar deficit, and she asked the stakeholders if we can contact our retirees to fill temporary recruitment roles, stating to us that sometimes you need to ‘let bad things happen’ to get the attention of the city council for our budget.”

After receiving this information, Hawkins requested a meeting with the deputy mayor, Brian Williams, on December 2.

“I met with him to express serious concerns about the leadership of the Los Angeles Fire Department. I told him I do not believe the fire chief has the mayor’s best interests at heart, nor do I believe she is managing the department appropriately,” Hawkins alleged. “I warned him to warn the mayor in the event of a major emergency with casualties or any type of major destruction, I fear that she would fail to protect the city and ultimately shift blame to the mayor and throw her under the bus.”

In addition to understaffing the department, Bass said Crowley refused to complete an after-action report on the fires as instructed by the President of the Fire Commission, a necessary step to the investigation.

“The heroism of our firefighters – during the Palisades fire and every single day – is without question. Bringing new leadership to the fire department is what our city needs,” said Bass.

During her time as LAFD chief, Crowley had been outspoken over her disapproval of funding allocated to the LAFD, citing it affected its ability to adequately respond to the recent fires.

After her dismissal, Crowley released a statement.

 “As the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities. Serving others before self, having the courage and integrity to do what is right, and leading with compassion, love and respect have guided me throughout my career,” Crowley stated. “I am extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of our LAFD members, both sworn and civilian.”

Crowley, who appealed her dismissal on Feb. 27, still serves on the LAFD.

Hawkins said shortly after he shared his concerns with Williams, the deputy mayor was accused of a making a bomb threat to city hall and relieved of his post.

“My concern is our firefighter’s union — if they have a background agenda and when that background agenda started. I know that the union approached me less than two years ago to start the process with a vote of no confidence to remove Kristin Crowley,” said Hawkins. “Then, recently, before the Palisades fire I found it interesting to see their overwhelming support for the Fire Chief.”

CBM reached out to former Chief Crowley for comment, but she did not respond.

The park will be closed during construction for approximately one year starting March 3.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The City of San Bernardino has announced that work will begin Monday, March 3rd on the $13.8 million renovation of Seccombe Lake Park. Due to the extensive work planned, the 44-acre park will be closed for approximately one year.

The public is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony at the Park’s gazebo to commemorate the project on Thursday, March 13 at 10:00 am. Seccombe Lake Park is located just east of Downtown San Bernardino at 160 East 5th Street. Parking will be available at the Sierra Way lot.

“This will be a complete revitalization of one of the crown jewels of our park system,” said Interim Parks and Recreation Director Ernesto Salinas. The project will bring new amenities to the park as well as restore the existing infrastructure.

Major improvements planned for San Bernardino’s second largest park will include the restoration of the Park’s signature lake; new landscaping and irrigation; renovation of the gazebo and basketball courts; new lighting throughout the park; concrete walking paths; the restoration of the island in the middle of the lake, new playground equipment with large shade sails, upgrades to the dog park, and repaving of the parking lot.

“This transformation will breathe new life into Seccombe Lake Park,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “The Council and I look forward to next year when families and residents can enjoy a renewed and vibrant space in the heart of our city.”

Other improvements will include ADA upgrades, new fishing stations around the lake, EV charging stations, upgraded drinking fountains, restrooms, and trash enclosures, and the installation of palm tree solar lighting.

Funding for the project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as well as $1 million from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

The City Council approved a contract with North Hollywood-based Landscape Support Services in December 2024 to perform the work. CSG Consultants will provide construction management and inspection services for the project. Plans for the renovation were prepared by RHA Landscape Architects of Riverside.

“The renovation of Seccombe Lake Park is just the latest of a series of investments the City is making in our parks,” added Mayor Tran. “Parks are a priority and San Bernardino residents will notice a big difference across the City very soon.”

Other park projects currently underway or about to begin in San Bernardino include Nicholson Park, Guadalupe Field, Gutierrez Park, Speicher Park, the Roosevelt Bowl at Perris Hill Park, the Eastside Skate Park at Speicher, and Lytle Creek Park.

Metropolitan A.M.E. Smart Surfaces Program Director Rev. Jon Robinson and AURN’s Ebony McMorris discuss the impact of Trump’s executive orders on the environment, particularly as it relates to marginalized communities across the country.

More on Metropolitan A.M.E. at metropolitaname.org

More on the Smart Surfaces Coalition at smartsurfacescoalition.org

Bills range from domestic violence to suicide prevention to homelessness, natural resources and reintroduction of state tax exemption for military retirees

SACRAMENTO—Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) today announced his 2025 legislative package.

“This package continues to focus on public safety, homelessness, mental health access and suicide prevention, honoring our veterans, and confronting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis and furthering acceptance and knowledge of state tribes,” Ramos stated.

The bills are:

• AB 31(Tribal Peace Officer Status)authorizes the state Department of Justice to grant tribal police from three California tribes state peace officer status if they meet the same California requirements and standards as other police officers in the state. Enactment of AB 31 would assist all law enforcement by clarifying jurisdiction and permitting tribal police to assist communities close to reservations. The bill would also allow participating tribes to enter into agreements to share liability and collaborate on MMIP cases. Sponsor: Yurok Tribe. Referred to Assembly Committee on Public Safety.
• AB 53 (Military Tax Exemption)would provide a state tax exemption for retired members of the Armed Forces and recipients of the Department of Defense’s Survivor Benefits Program starting in 2025. Sponsors: American Legion, Department of California,

California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, California Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Marine Corp League, Department of California and Military Officers Association of America-California Council of Chapters. Referred to Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation.

• AB 221 (Tribal Nation Grant Fund) would streamline the existing Tribal Nation Grant Fund process to provide annual equal distribution grants, upon application, to all federally recognized tribes that either have no gaming or operate less than 350 Class III gaming devices. Federally recognized Indian tribes pay for the grant funds that exclusively benefit eligible federally recognized nongaming and limited gaming tribes. Sponsors: California Nations Indian Gaming Association and Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Nations. Referred to Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization.
• AB 249 (Continuums of Care Update for Homeless Youth) would require state specified housing and homelessness programs to use a youth-specific coordinated entry system to assist homeless youth receive housing related services. Sponsor: California Coalition for Youth. Referred to Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development and Assembly Committee on Human Services.
• AB 285 (Domestic Violence Restraining Order) would require that a 180-day criminal protective order be issued when a defendant convicted of domestic violence or sex offenses is released from state prison to protect the victim(s) they were convicted of harming. Sponsors: Offices of the San Bernardino and Riverside County District Attorneys. Referred to Committee on Public Safety.
• AB 308 (Mobile Crisis Response Teams) would encourage county behavioral health directors to develop training in conjunction with law enforcement for mobile crisis response teams so teams can properly respond to cases involving individuals with autism, behavioral health issues or other developmental disabilities. This bill would also encourage a county behavioral health director to develop procedures that would educate teams on proper use of force, de-escalation and stabilization techniques, and other tools for the care of an individual being transferred to a treatment facility. Co-sponsors: Autism Society Inland Empire and Autism Heroes. Referred to Assembly Committee on Human Services.
• AB 359 (FPPC Local Jurisdictions’ Contracts) would repeal the sunset date authorizing the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) to contract with local agencies to administer, implement and enforce local campaign finance or government ethics law. Sponsor: FPPC. Referred to Assembly Committee on Elections. 
• AB 362 (Shingle Springs Water) would add tribal water uses as a beneficial use of water in the state. AB 362 would also require the State Water Quality Control Board or a regional water quality control to describe, with both quantitative and qualitative information, how the project or regulatory program will impact tribal water uses. Sponsor: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Not yet referred to a policy committee.
• AB 440 (Caltrans Suicide Prevention) would mandate the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to create policies to evaluate, report and develop suicide preventative measures for bridges in the state highway system.AB 440 also requires the California Highway Patrol and state Office of Suicide Prevention to share relevant information with Caltrans. Referred to Assembly Committee on Transportation.
• AB 977 (California State University Burial Sites) wouldrequire the California State University (CSU) system, in consultation with Native American tribes to develop a policy to identify available CSU-owned land for the burial of Native American human remains and establish three tribal burial sites – one in the Northern, Central and Southern regions of the state. Sponsor: Tachi Yokut Tribe. Not yet referred to committee. 
• AB 989 (Native American Day State Holiday) would make the state Native American Day holiday – the fourth Friday in September – a paid holiday for state employees. Not yet referred to committee.
• AB 1369 (Tribal Regalia at High School Graduations) wouldadd clarification to students’ right to wear traditional tribal regalia as determined by the pupil and the pupil’s family at high school graduations. AB 1369 also reaffirms that a local educational agency cannot require a preapproval process to exercise this right or demand that the student wear a cap if the adornment is incompatible with the adornment. Sponsor: California Indian Legal Services. Bill not yet referred to committee.

Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45^th Assembly district that includes the Cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature. Ramos chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #6 on Public Safety. 

By NBC Affiliate WDSU-TV

Krewe of ALLA Makes History this week with First Black King and Queen for 2025 Parade Oldest New Orleans Carnival Krewe to feature Black royalty in citywide celebration King and Queen honor Civil Rights Icon credited with desegregating old line carnival organizations

(NEW ORLEANS, LA) – In a historic first for New Orleans Mardi Gras, the Krewe of ALLA, the fifth-oldest parading organization in New Orleans, crowns its first Black King and Queen for their upcoming parade this Wednesday night.

ALLA is the oldest predominantly White New Orleans Mardi Gras organization to have a Black King and Queen. Their crowning marks a tribute to former New Orleans City Councilmember and Civil Rights pioneer Dorothy Mae Taylor, whose 1992 law desegregated Mardi Gras krewes, paving the way for a more inclusive celebration of New Orleans culture.

James Carter, a former New Orleans City Councilmember and Port of New Orleans Board Member, will reign as King alongside Gian Durand, founder and Chief Operating Officer of Loving Hearts of Louisiana and Secretary of the Louisiana Democratic Party, as Queen. Together, they represent the Krewe’s commitment to inclusivity and celebrating excellence in the local community. In addition, New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell will serve as this year’s parade Grand Marshal.

Durand and Carter’s selection as royalty represents a new era for a Mardi Gras, a direct reflection of Taylor’s vision for inclusive and representative celebration which dates to 1856 when the Krewe of Comus formed in the Crecent City. Taylor made history as the first Black woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives and later as a New Orleans Councilmember, where she passed a landmark ordinance calling for all krewes who use city services to adopt non-discriminatory policies.

Durand and Carter’s selection as royalty represents a new era for a Mardi Gras, a direct reflection of Taylor’s vision for inclusive and representative celebration which dates to 1856 when the Krewe of Comus formed in the Crecent City. Taylor made history as the first Black woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives and later as a New Orleans Councilmember, where she passed a landmark ordinance calling for all krewes who use city services to adopt non-discriminatory policies.

2025 ALLA Queen Gian Durand shared her excitement about her upcoming reign: “As a child, I dreamed of being a Carnival queen, but I never imagined it would become a reality, especially as opportunities for Black women in Mardi Gras krewes were so limited. The Krewe of ALLA represents what Mardi Gras should look like–where everyone can live out their dreams.”

This announcement comes as the Krewe prepares to roll in a new, coveted time slot on Wednesday evening, February 26, 2025, along the historic St. Charles Avenue parade route. The theme for 2025, “Only a Matter of Time,” will feature exquisitely revamped floats, an expanded lineup of marching bands and dance groups, and the Krewe’s signature hand-decorated genie lamp throws.

“The Krewe of ALLA has always been about bringing people together,” said Captain Adam Strickland. “Moving to this new time slot and celebrating our first Black King and Queen is a testament to our commitment to progress, diversity, and honoring the unique spirit of Mardi Gras.”

Founded in 1932 in Algiers, Louisiana, the Krewe of ALLA takes its name as a nod to its origins, combining the initials of “Algiers, Louisiana” in the same way “NOLA” represents New Orleans. Since moving to the Uptown parade route a decade ago, the Krewe has grown into a vibrant, co-ed, and family-friendly organization with a rich history and a dedicated focus on inclusivity.

Membership in the Krewe remains open to individuals of all backgrounds, including children aged 13 and older, making ALLA a true reflection of the diverse fabric of New Orleans.

For more information about the Krewe of ALLA and its 2025 parade, visit www.kreweofalla.net.

About the Krewe of ALLA

Founded in 1932, the Krewe of ALLA is one of the oldest and most cherished Mardi Gras organizations in New Orleans. Known for its rich traditions, vibrant parades, and dedication to community engagement, ALLA celebrates the culture and spirit of the Crescent City year-round. From its annual parade during Carnival season to creative events like the ALLA-ween Scavenger Hunt and the ALLA Bash, the Krewe brings people together through fun, inclusive, and unique New Orleans experiences.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

California’s U.S. Senators, Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with Democratic members of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works (EPW), are demanding answers from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) following the sudden freeze of funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.

This program, authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is designed to accelerate the construction of zero-emission vehicle charging stations across the U.S. It granted California $384 million over five years to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

California’s plan was approved in September 2023 by the Biden administration, but earlier this month the Trump Administration froze $3 billion allocated to the NEVI program, halting planned construction.

In a letter to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, Padilla and Schiff expressed concern that the decision undermines years of planning and effort by state transportation departments. They argued that the freeze disregards Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending and threatens the environmental and economic benefits the program was set to deliver.

“Your abrupt cutoff of NEVI funding disregards these efforts and subjects states and their partners to delay, uncertainty, and bureaucratic red tape. It also threatens the jobs, innovation, and environmental benefits that this program was ready and authorized to deliver through implementation,” the senators wrote in a letter to the president.

The NEVI program aims to make electric vehicles more accessible by installing charging stations every 50 miles along major travel corridors, promoting clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The Senators requested that the funding freeze be immediately reversed and demanded answers on the legal grounds for the decision. They also called for the release of documents related to discussions involving the White House, the Office of Management and Budget, and other key figures.

The freeze could delay critical infrastructure projects and disrupt the transition to zero-emission vehicles, particularly in rural areas, where access to charging stations is limited. The Senators’ letter was signed by several other lawmakers, including Senators Sheldon (D-RI) Whitehouse, Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Bernie Sanders (D-VT).

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed three Black judges to Superior Courts across California. The Commission on Judicial Appointments also confirmed a Black Judge, Charles Smiley, that Newsom appointed in November to the state’s Courts of Appeal.

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the commission, announced the unanimous confirmation of Judge Charles Smiley to the First Appellate District, Division One, in San Francisco. Smiley, an Alameda County Superior Court judge since 2012, fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Sandra L. Margulies.

Newsom’s judicial appointments last week included seven judges in Los Angeles County and others in Modoc, Riverside, San Diego, San Mateo, Tulare, and Ventura counties. Among them are three Black judges appointed to Superior Courts:

• James Montgomery Jr. (Los Angeles County Superior Court), a former court commissioner and attorney.
• Chandra Reid (San Diego County Superior Court), a former Deputy District Attorney with nearly two decades of prosecutorial experience.
• Mark McCannon (San Mateo County Superior Court), previously an Alameda County judge and prosecutor.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) introduced her first bill in Congress last week.

 “The Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act,” aims to reduce fraud in government aid programs for small businesses. The bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by Small Business Committee Chair Roger Williams (R-TX-25), seeks to ensure that only eligible small businesses benefit from federal financial support.

The bill amends the Small Business Act to bar individuals and entities convicted of financial fraud — or making false statements related to grants — from receiving non-disaster- related financial assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA). This includes grants and contracts intended to support small businesses, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Simon addressed growing concern over fraud in the SBA’s pandemic relief programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as she emphasized the bill’s importance.

“While small businesses faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, some exploited vital resources meant for struggling businesses,” said Simon.

“My bill ensures that those who have exploited the system will not be able to take advantage of future opportunities,” she added.

The bill is part of Simon’s broader effort to provide long-term support to small businesses across her district, which includes Oakland and other parts of Alameda County.

By BoTefu | California Black Media

In a speech at the 56th annual NAACP Image Awards – held February 22 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium — former Vice President Kamala Harris delivered an upbeat speech, reminding the audience that the future of America “is bright and that they hold the power to determine the course of the country’s future.

In her first major public appearance since she left office, Harris was honored with the NAACP’s prestigious Chairman’s Award.

The NAACP Chairman’s Award honors individuals who “excel in public service and leverage their unique platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change.”

“Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty,” said Harris, who received a standing ovation when she walked on stage. “To stay alert, to seek the truth, and to actively participate in the fight for America’s future.

Harris said the NAACP came into being at a time America struggled with greed, bitterness and hatred.

“Those who forged the NAACP, those who carried its legacy forward, had no illusions about the forces they were up against – – no illusions about how stony the road would be,” Harris continued.

“Some look at this moment and rightly feel the weight of history. Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy, and ask, ‘What do we do now?’ But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”

Ending on an optimistic note, Harris said she has no illusions about the challenges ahead.

“This chapter of our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office — nor by the wealthiest among us,” she said. “The American story will be written by you, written by us — by we the people. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States.”

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The legacy of Black firefighters in California is built on stories of bravery and perseverance in the face of social and legalized discrimination.

As Black History Month comes to a close, California Black Media (CBM) honors the courage and service of Black firefighters in the state who were pioneers and torchbearers for future generations.

Sam Haskins became California’s first documented Black firefighter in 1892. Born a slave in Virginia, he migrated to Los Angeles around 1880, seeking a better life for his family. Haskins worked as a “Call Fireman,” filling in for sick or injured firefighters. Well-liked throughout the city, Haskins tragically lost his life in an accident in route to a distress call.

To honor his service, Councilman James Ashman directed the Fire Commission to organize an engine company of all Black men. This paved the way for Lieutenant George W. Bright to become the first Black member of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1897.

Arnett Hartsfield also played a key role in the history of Black firefighters in California. After serving in the army, he joined the LAFD in the 1940s while earning degrees from both USC and UCLA. Despite his qualifications, Hartsfield was denied promotions and forced to work in segregated firehouses. At the time, Black firefighters could only be promoted within the city’s two African American fire companies, with opportunities opening only when someone left a position.

To challenge these injustices, Hartsfield and 30 others formed the Stentorians, a fraternal organization for Black firefighters, to fight for desegregation. With the legal precedent set by Brown v. Board of Education, they successfully integrated the department. Hartsfield later retired to become an attorney and professor of Black Studies at Cal State Long Beach, also serving as historian for the African American Firefighter Museum, founded in 1997.

Retired Captain Brent Burton, a former Stentorian president, credits Hartsfield’s mentorship as instrumental in his decision to become a firefighter in the 1980s.

“I went down to his house, I’m 16, and he invites me in. He has a slide carousel going in his living room against the wall and he’s showing me all these old images of the Black firemen at the turn of the century, the early 20s and 30s. And I’m looking at this like, wow,” said Burton.  “So, my mind was just totally open and that’s when I fell in love with the history. I hung out with Mr. Hartsfield for 32 years before he passed away.”

Burton’s passion for the service helped him ascend quickly to the rank of Captain within the LAFD by age 28. However, he still faced racial prejudice from White colleagues.

“As a probationary firefighter, you know, going places and these guys are straight out saying, ‘you know, my son can’t get on the job because we’re hiring all these minorities.’ And I said, he must be talking about me,” Burton remembered.

During his 10-year presidency of the Stentorians, Burton helped report and fight cases of discrimination within the department.

“I remember all the cases that we would help guys with. Letters we would write. Meetings with the fire chief. Bringing up racial incidents. And then, of course, the hiring,” he said.  “There has always been problems hiring. It seems like our best people don’t get hired.”

Captain Robert Hawkins, the current Stentorian president with 22 years in the LAFD, has seen firsthand the discrimination Black firefighters still face.

“You hear things like low representation of Black firefighters, the racial treatment that they endured. Although it was horrific back then, we still have a lot of the systems involved that are meant to hold us back. A lot of the racial slurs that are being said in the fire service and low representation of Black firefighters,” Hawkins stated.

Despite the numerous accounts of racial discrimination within the LAFD, there have been two African American fire chiefs. Millage Peaks was appointed the first African American Fire Chief in 2009 and Brian Cummings followed Chief Peaks’ 2011.  In 2011, Daryl Osby was appointed as the Fire Chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, marking the first time an African American held this position in the department’s history.

“I find it interesting that, in 1954, they used terms describing Black firefighters as having a retention problem, being unsafe for themselves and for the fire companies. And we hear those same things today when describing our new firefighters,” he continued.

Hawkins believes that understanding the rich history of Black firefighters who excelled and fought injustice will help current servicemen achieve equality. Despite ongoing challenges, he remains proud of his profession and hopeful for the future.

“I’ve tried to work, in my same community, to serve the people that look like me and don’t look like me, to make sure I could treat everybody as if they were millionaires despite their living circumstance. Whether they are homeless or living in a $10 million mansion. That’s the greatest joy I get. Especially when I can see a young person that looks like me, that looks at this profession and is inspired to do the same thing,” Hawkins said.