Local

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Don’t you know that My warnings are meant for your good? [2 Timothy 3:16]. Circumcise your hearts and avoid the calamity that awaits you. [Jeremiah Chapter 4]. For My Spirit shall not always strive with man. [Genesis 6:3]. Hear instructions and be wise, and do not refuse it. Flee for your life! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away. [Genesis 19:17]. Understand that I am not slow in keeping My promises, as some understand slowness. I am patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish. [2 Peter 3:9]. Return O backsliding children, says the Lord.

Don’t be one of the multitudes of people who will lift up their eyes from Hell, crying out as they remember the “random” incidences where the Holy Spirit tried to reach them. Don’t be like the Pharisees. Jesus in His great love sent the Pharisees men like the Apostle Paul to give warnings. God always gives us a warning or even multiple warnings before His judgment falls upon us. If you just look at our world today, there are many signs and warnings that God has and continues to give to us. These warnings are not meant for our destruction, but they are meant as a way to give us an opportunity before destruction comes. Understand the urgency of the times that we are living in.  The violence in the Middle East and even violence within our own nation is an outward manifestation of the warnings that God sends to us. Abnormal conditions within our world. Even weather patterns that are catastrophic serve as a warning.

Remember, God warned Noah that a global flood would cover the entire earth due to humanity’s wickedness. If Noah had ignored this warning, he and his family would have perished along with everyone else. But by heeding God’s warning, Noah ensured the survival of his family and the continuation of humanity. His faith saved them from the floodwaters. Noah’s faith demonstrated obedience, trust, and action. He believed in what he could not yet see and acted accordingly. In contrast, those who disregarded the warning faced condemnation. Their refusal to repent and heed God’s message led to their demise. My Stubborn, Heedless, Inattentive Children heed my warning. The Time is Near!

Although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Therefore, Hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure. [Isaiah 5:15]. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might. [2 Thessalonians 1:9].

By Charlene Muhammad | California Black Media

On the night of March 10, 2024, Ramadan began for some two billion believers across the Muslim world. The Islamic Holy Month is a time of spiritual renewal for all participants, including many who do not identify as Muslim. Each year, an increasing number of individuals beyond the Muslim world embark on the journey of fasting during this sacred time.

In California, where an estimated half a million Muslims live, accounting for about 1.3% of the state’s population, the faithful are gathering daily for prayers at the 246 mosques located across the Golden State.

This month of Ramadan benefits every human being, regardless of their belief, said Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad of the Nation of Islam during his March 24 address livestreamed from Mosque Maryam in Chicago.

“Did you know that fasting and prayer can help us hear God more clearly?  Did you know that the principle and practice of prayer and fasting can help us make better choices,” Muhammad added.

On Tuesday, April 9, the holy month of fasting will come to an end.

Prayer, fasting and reflecting on Allah (God) gives one the power of discernment, he said.  In addition, they strengthen faith and build self-discipline, which brings one closer to their Creator, he detailed. The name Ramadan, said Muhammad, comes from the ninth month of the Lunar calendar and it means “intense heat.”

According to Islamic history, this is the month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be Upon Him) by the angel Jibril, and every year, during Ramadan, each day, 1/30th of the Holy Book is recited or read by those observing the fast.

Ramadan spans 30 days of fasting, study, recommitment, and heightened awareness of Allah (God). In Arabic, this is known as Taqwa, the state of being conscious and cognizant of God. But what is Ramadan, how does one observe Ramadan, and lastly, how did it come to be observed by over 25% of the world’s population?

“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil,” it reads in Chapter 2, verse 183. “So, whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein,” continues the Holy Qur’an.

“This is a beautiful month.  Thanking Allah for His many blessings, His mercy, His protection, His favor, and we should praise Allah every day,” Muhammad stated.

Acts of fasting were performed by Moses and his community, Jesus and his followers, prophets such as David, Elijah and many other figures in the Torah and the Gospel.

There is, however, a unique all-encompassing quality to fasting in Islam, especially during the time of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims restrain themselves from consuming food and water during the daylight hours. In addition, they are required to abstain from fighting, foul language, and sexual relations with their spouses during the daylight hours. For nearly 12-16 hours a day, from sunrise to sunset, Muslims are engaged in an exercise to gain greater self-control, adding strength to their righteous character.  Ramadan is observed not only through the abstaining of food and water, but through the daily readings of the Holy Qur’an, keeping up prayer, increased acts of kindness and charity especially in the way of feeding the poor.

Amina Lei, a Chinese American artist, and educator who has held forums to bring the Black, Brown, Red and Asian communities into a space to foster understanding and dialogue in Los Angeles, has been a Muslim since 2019.  “It’s really a time for spiritual cultivation, a really great practice to rise above our physical desires, for hunger, vanity as well, to really get into the word of God, to have some quiet time for yourself, and study,” she told California Black Media.

In addition, during Ramadan, she has found great benefit in cultivating communities, she said.  “This practice of rising above our physical limitations brings us to a higher level, a greater cause and to do that with your brothers and sisters in this time is really meaningful,” she added.

California Black Media also spoke to Grammy-nominated producer Kenneth “Trax” Coby, who said, “The first time I did it (Ramadan), I realized I was doing it wrong,” acknowledging that he wasn’t observing the strictest elements of the fast. “It was good, it builds a sort of discipline. I was new to it. You’re consistently working at something then after the 30 days, it’s a huge payout.”

“I’ve been observing the fast of Ramadan since I was 15-years-old, I’m 28 now,” said Na’il Ali Muhammad.  “It took me a few years to see it through and complete the entire 30 days. There’s great satisfaction when you complete it, much like when you climb a mountain and finally reach the top. For me, every fast allows me to reset my mind, body and cater to my soul. Ramadan offers a great chance to connect with God and get a grip on my negative habits and expel ideas that no longer serve me.”

Thus far, Muslims in various Nation of Islam mosques and study groups around the country have been preparing and distributing over 10,000 meals to communities as acts of service since the first week of Ramadan, according to Muhammad.  Girls Training and General Civilization Class) have been working together to ensure delicious, homemade food reaches those in need.

While Ramadan is a special time for individual improvement, the Holy Month also serves as a time for the strengthening of family and community bonds. In the evenings, as the fast concludes, families and friends gather for what is called Iftar –feasts that occur regularly throughout the month and mass assemblies of Muslims gathered for prayer.

For those curious about the benefits of Ramadan, consider tuning in to  “Ramadan: The Ummah Reflects,” a livestream that airs every morning and offers replays of each episode.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is holding a recruitment fair on Saturday, April 6 at Indian Springs High School. This event presents an excellent opportunity for educators and professionals seeking employment opportunities within California’s eighth-largest school district.

There will be interview opportunities with Mauricio Arellano, SBCUSD Superintendent; Dr. Marcus Funchess, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources; and Ms. Dion Clark, Director of Human Resources, Certificated. There will be visual opportunities, which include information booths showcasing career opportunities across various SBCUSD departments and schools; and on-site interviews and résumé submissions for interested candidates.

Educators from diverse backgrounds are invited to explore rewarding career opportunities with SBCUSD and join our team of dedicated individuals committed to making a positive impact on the lives of students in San Bernardino and Highland.

The job fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Indian Springs High School is located at 650 North Del Rosa Drive in San Bernardino, California.

Delia Jimenez Cioc was appointed as the first female Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Jimenez Cioc offers a deep understanding of agricultural practices, environmental protection, consumer protection, and weights and measures regulations to her new role after nearly two decades within Riverside County’s Agricultural Commissioner’s Office.

Jimenez Cioc began her journey with the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office in 2004 after graduating from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Biology. Over the years, she has showcased exemplary dedication and leadership in various capacities within the department.

“We are pleased to welcome Delia as the new Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures,” expressed Board Chair Chuck Washington, Third District. “With a true passion for agriculture and public service, we look forward to working closely with her to support and innovate the county’s agricultural sector.”

Throughout her tenure, Jimenez Cioc has held pivotal roles, including Supervising Agricultural and Standards Investigator, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, and most recently, Assistant Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer. In these positions, she has overseen critical aspects of departmental operations, including managing substantial budgets, supervising personnel, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jimenez Cioc holds a Master of Public Administration from California Baptist University, further enhancing her ability to serve the community effectively.

“As the new Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Riverside County, I remain committed to promoting and protecting our agriculture, the environment, and the residents of our beautiful and diverse county while upholding equity in the marketplace,” said Jimenez Cioc.

Jimenez Cioc’s passion for agriculture dates back to her childhood, where she was surrounded by fields of wheat, corn, grapevines, and sunflowers. This early connection to farming instilled in her a profound appreciation for the industry, which she continues to nurture through her personal and professional endeavors. Outside of work, she enjoys cultivating fruits and vegetables in her backyard and exploring different cuisines and cultures during her travels.

In her new role, Jimenez Cioc assumes leadership of more than 50 employees tasked with upholding the functions of Riverside County’s Agricultural Commissioner’s Office in service to the community. This appointment follows the retirement of the former Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer, Ruben Arroyo.

YUCAIPA, CA— Crafton Hills College (CHC) proudly announces Damian G. Garcia as the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient. This accolade, presented each year by the CHC Foundation, recognizes a former student who exemplifies the dynamic and positive qualities the Crafton experience can produce.

Born and raised in the Inland Empire, Garcia’s upbringing influenced his work ethic and drive early on. Despite facing challenges and being among the few Hispanic people in his community and academic career, Garcia remained committed to pursuing higher education and professional success. He was the first of his family to attend college.

“My parents, particularly my father, instilled the values of hard work, determination and perseverance,” said Garcia. “My family influenced me to always strive for success, no matter what hardships interfered with my path.”

Garcia’s higher education journey began at CHC, where he laid the foundation for his academic pursuits while balancing his personal and professional life.

“Persistence, dedication and patience are character traits I developed during my academic path,” shared Garcia. “Especially at Crafton Hills College, where I had to balance my married life, my professional career, and my academics. I believe my education and experience at Crafton helped me improve my academic skills, ultimately giving me the confidence to further my education.”

After completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Riverside, Garcia attained a Master of Business Administration at the University of Redlands, followed by a law degree from the University of La Verne.

Garcia’s commitment to justice and diversity inspired him to become an attorney and eventually serve as a judge. Recognizing the lack of diversity in the judiciary, he pursued a legal career with a vision to effect positive change in his community.

“I have a passion for the law and justice. I believe I offered a unique and effective balance of passion to serve, passion for the law and passion for justice,” said Garcia. “I believe the diversity of the judiciary should reflect the diversity of the population they serve.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Garcia remains committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation.

He has spoken to groups of at-risk and underrepresented high school and middle school students in the Redlands Unified School District and Perris Union High School District about success and his journey to become an attorney. He has also mentored students at the University of Redlands and the University of La Verne College of Law.

“I intend to continue to motivate and inspire the youth in my community,” Garcia expressed. “Our children have been under significant stress and anxiety because of recent societal events, including the pandemic. The mental health of society, and particularly our youth, needs significant attention to ensure a healthy and productive future.”

Garcia will be honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award at the CHC Foundation Fundraiser/Gala on Thursday, April 18.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- When veteran entertainment industry publicist Makeda Smith began pole dancing as a fitness hobby, over 12 years ago, she had no idea it would morph into a life changing journey.  The 63-year-old grandmother, who has received international notoriety for her dance flow movement practice, Flying Over 50, has announced a brand expansion during Women’s History Month.  Makeda is releasing her first book, “Flying Over 50 at Any Age, A 30-Day Self Journal for Speeding Past Limitations” on April 5, National Self Care Day.  In addition, she has also launched an online wellness portal, The Makeda Method, offering healing breathwork sessions, deep stretch yoga classes, and dance flow movement lessons, all targeted for maturing seniors.

“Flying Over 50 at Any Age, A 30-Day Self Journal for Speeding Past Limitations” is an encouraging guide for navigating through life’s many holding patterns.  The author offers daily motivation and wisdom through introspection about her life while prompting the reader to write and reflect on their own journey.  By the end of the book, readers will hopefully find themselves renewed, invigorated, and ready to ‘Fly Over 50,’ soaring past societal and self-imposed speed limits.

“When I turned 50 over a decade ago, I was at one of the lowest points in my life.  The market had crashed, and I literally lost everything – but through it all, I found myself. I discovered that life doesn’t end at 50, but it does take on new responsibility.  Diving into fitness not only saved my life, but it also positioned me in the current pro-aging movement and garnered me the profound understanding that aging is one of the most powerful celebrations of living a long life,” expresses Makeda. “My book, ‘Flying Over 50 at Any Age’ and my new wellness portal, The Makeda Method, are my support systems for adults who are being challenged with the many effects of what we call ‘growing old.’   Aging is a natural process, but the secret is mastering practices for mitigating the daily stress that comes with it.”

The Makeda Method’ is a culmination of wellness offerings for everyone, all ages, but particularly for individuals struggling with the anxiety of aging.  As a certified breath and stretch coach, Makeda created the online portal to help others establish their own personal routines for health and wellness. Layered with the grace of her private coaching, breathwork is taught as a mindful tool for eliminating tension and unease, while deep stretch classes enhance flexibility and mobility in the body and work to calm the mind as well.

“Embracing senior citizenship can be overwhelming.  That’s where finding a coach comes into play.  A coach can guide you with the training and tools you need to initially get started and hold you accountable for your daily practice. Eventually it all becomes secondhand and then you are fine on your own.  I’m still a busy publicist with my own PR agency, but coaching has always been a passion point for me. Now with the release of my book and wellness portal, I’m hoping to further spread the news that growing older is a divine blessing when approached with attentive self-care!” explains Makeda.

Secure your copy of “Flying Over 50 at Any Age, A 30-Day Self Journal for Speeding Past Limitations” on Amazon.com and check out The Makeda Method at www.themakedamethod.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, Rep. Pete Aguilar hosted a celebration event for the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) being signed into law and lowering the cost of health care for millions of Americans.

This year, nearly two million Californians enrolled through the ACA open marketplace, including close to 20,000 in the region that Rep. Aguilar represents.

“In the last 14 years, we’ve witnessed the Affordable Care Act change millions of lives by lowering the cost of health care and connecting a record-breaking number of Americans to health insurance coverage,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’m proud to have fought to defend the benefits of the ACA and will continue working to make comprehensive health care more accessible for our community to improve the health outcomes of the Inland Empire.”

“The Affordable Care Act has provided an opportunity to expand coverage to residents who did not have access to health care services,” said Joe Baca, Jr., San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor. “Furthermore, the ACA provided the opportunity to provide preventive services that would not have been available before. Had these preventative services not been included as covered benefits, insurance companies could have burdened residents with the cost, thus creating a barrier to preventative health care services.”

“As we commemorate the anniversary of the ACA, we express our gratitude for the opportunity to extend quality health care to a greater number of individuals,” said Susie White, Chief Operating Officer at Inland Empire Health Plan. “Through our commitment to both Medi-Cal and our collaborative efforts with Covered California, we are honored to play a vital role in enhancing access to comprehensive care for this community and beyond.”

Photos from the event can be found here.

RIVERSIDE, CA— Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1887 by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, into law. AB 1887 extends the application deadline for state financial aid programs, including the Cal Grant and Middle-Class Scholarship, from April 2 to May 2. The new law is a response to the ongoing implementation issues with the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which has left many California students unable to apply for financial aid and wreaked havoc on the enrollment timeline for colleges and universities.

“Making the path to fulfilling our students’ dreams of achieving higher education more affordable and accessible is among the highest duties of our state government, and Assembly Bill 1887 being signed into law is a way to honor that duty,” said Assemblymember Cervantes. “This new law will give California students more time to complete the FAFSA and gain access to the financial resources they need to begin their college careers in earnest.”

In late 2020, Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act, which was intended to streamline the FAFSA and make it more accessible for working families. This included reducing the number of questions asked of student applicants from more than 100 questions to less than 40.

However, the implementation of FAFSA reforms has not been easy. Delays in necessary technological upgrades and reduced staffing levels helped contribute to the new FAFSA being made available several months late in 2023. One significant problem is that students with parents who are undocumented have experienced an error message because their parents lack a Social Security number. This has rendered these students unable to complete the FAFSA. Nationwide, FAFSA submissions are down nearly 33 percent compared to the previous academic year.

Assembly Bill 1887 extends the application deadline for state financial aid programs from April 2 to May 2. The new law also allows the federal government to have more time to solve the ongoing implementation issues with the new FAFSA, including the barrier blocking students with parents who are undocumented from completing their applications. It will also provide our colleges and universities with more time to make admissions decisions, provide financial aid award offers, and finalize their enrollment decisions.

“I am grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature—especially Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire—for working with me to move Assembly Bill 1887 rapidly through the legislative process so we can give California students more time to apply for financial aid,” said Assemblymember Cervantes. “I also want to thank Governor Newsom for moving quickly to sign the bill into law so our students can get immediate relief.”

Because Assembly Bill 1887 includes an urgency clause, it goes into effect immediately after being signed into law by the Governor. You can find more information about AB 1887 here.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Omnitrans is pleased to welcome Dietter Aragon as the agency’s new Director of Operations.

As leader of the agency’s largest department, Aragon will oversee day-to-day service, operations, and training.

“Dietter’s unique combination of public/private sector transit and technology experience will be invaluable to Omnitrans initiatives, from West Valley Connector rapid transit to communications system upgrades,” said CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers.

“Omnitrans is an agency at the forefront of innovative mobility solutions that will enhance connections across our region, and I look forward to leading the Operations team to ensure the highest quality transit experience for our employees and customers,” said Aragon.

Aragon began his transit career in 2001 as a coach operator, and since then has advanced through several leadership roles in quality assurance, transit planning, and operations oversight spanning three transit agencies in Southern California, including Foothill Transit, the Antelope Valley Transit Authority, and Torrance Transit before overseeing transit/paratransit technology solutions in the private sector. He is a graduate of Brandman University and serves as a Board Member of Latinos in Transit, embodying his commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the transportation industry.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has announced that an agreement has been reached to settle a $100 million lawsuit stemming from a 2022 officer involved shooting, filed by the estate of Rob Marquise Adams. The settlement amount was $4 million.

“San Bernardino agreed to the settlement recognizing the costs and attorneys’ fees to take a federal civil rights case to trial, as well as the risks associated with a civil jury, given the current climate in the courts,” said attorney Steven Rothans, who represented the city on the case.

In addition to the city and the estate of Rob Marquise Adams, the agreement includes the two police officers involved.

Both the City and representatives of the estate of Rob Adams had been in mediation with retired Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Dan Buckley. The settlement was reached on February 17, 2024.

The trial was scheduled to begin in June. The $4 million total includes all payments to the plaintiffs and fees to their attorneys, Ben Crump, and Brad Gage, as well as additional costs, expert witnesses, etc.

The case was a result of a fatal officer involved shooting that occurred on July 16, 2022.

Two officers from the San Bernardino Police Department drove into an alleyway near the 400 block of Highland Avenue in the City of San Bernardino to obtain information that could potentially lead to a search warrant on a location known for illegal gambling activity.

The officers had learned that a subject known as “JuJu”, who was a convicted felon and had recently been released from custody, was working as a security guard for the gambling establishment.

As the two officers proceeded in their unmarked police unit into the alley, a male African American (later identified as Rob Marquise Adams) who matched the description of the individual that officers had received information about lifted his t-shirt revealing a firearm to the officers. The officers quickly exited their unmarked vehicle in uniforms, identified themselves as police officers, and commanded the male subject to “freeze”.

The individual did not freeze, but with a firearm in his right hand began to run from the officers in between two parked vehicles. Believing that the subject was trying to find cover and ambush the officers, one of the officers fired six rounds at the suspect as the suspect began to turn to look back over his left shoulder. A firearm was recovered at the scene and subsequently tested positive for the subject’s DNA.