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This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate program. The program is supported by partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/

The California Attorney General’s Office, in 1968, issued a report titled; Palm Springs Section 14 Demolition. The final paragraph of that document is reprinted here…

“The City of Palm Springs not only disregarded the residents of Section 14 as property-owners, taxpayers, and voters. Palm Springs ignored that the residents of Section 14 were human beings.”

The Civil Rights Act was in effect… And yet, the ‘City engineered holocaust’, as described by the AG’s Report, was classified as not illegal, and allowed to continue terrorizing the surviving Section 14 victims and descendants… Section 14’s homes and personal belongings, were not the only things devastated by the fire! People were devastated… But people were not only devastated by the fire, they were, in many cases, most devastated by the blatant hateful racism that it takes to treat people as non-human!
The painful effects of institutional racism go deeper and last longer than that human to human kind of misunderstanding… Institutional racism is terrorizing because it is considered legal! However, sometimes mistakes are made and a crack is created in the institutional racism shield…
The City of Palm Springs recently offered 4 plus million dollars to the ‘Survivors of Section 14’, an organization representing the 300 plus families and their 1200 plus members, an offer which was refused! I think that the offer was/is an insult, and that the city having enough distain for the survivors to make such a stand is another example of the ongoing hate crime being perpetrated on the surviving victims of the “City engineered holocaust”, the demolition of Palm Springs Section 14!
The coordinated actions designed to take property legally through eminent domain is painful enough. But even worse was the City choosing to hatefully, just snatch the land from underneath its owners ignoring their humanity!
I will be reporting this hate crime via the Stop The Hate recommended method and I will report more regarding the victims as I get back to you next week!
This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with 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, 833-8-NO-HATE 833-866-4283
Listen to Empire Talks Back radio Host, Wallace Allen interview Attorney Areva Martin and Pearl Devers, founder of the ‘Palm Springs Survivors of Section 14’,
The Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors are victims of what the 1968 report from the California Attorney General’s Office describes as “A city engineered holocaust”, as an estimated 200 African American homes were burned, bulldozed… Demolished in the city of Palm Springs by the Palm Springs Fire Department. As community organizations and government entities across the state participate in “Unite Against The Hate” activities, beginning September 21st, we think that it is important to point out that as we voice our distain for hate, our government institutions are in some places still defending it!
As partners in the CA vs Hate Program, what are the Attorney General, the Civil Rights Division, and the Department of Social Services doing about the plight of the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors of the “City engineered Holocaust”?

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

When Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) was sworn into the California Legislature in 2009 as an Assemblymember, he brought with him a long and faceted record of accomplishments in both the private and public sectors.

From his experiences as a Fortune 500 corporate executive at IBM and Southern California Edison to earning his chops as the first Black Gardena City Councilmember, Bradford excelled in various roles before being elected State Senator in 2016.

In the State Senate, Bradford secured millions of dollars to support projects, programs, and institutions in his district, including Compton Community College and Watts Rising, a collaborative that advocates for affordable housing. Bradford, who is termed out next year, is also a champion of workforce development and environmental initiatives.

Earlier this year, he announced that he is running for Lieutenant Governor.

Bradford, who served as Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) until this month, says he continues to pursue and enact policies geared toward equity and fairness.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Bradford recently. He reflected on his current goals, his many accomplishments, disappointments, and lessons learned over the course of the last year.

Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

The fact that we got substantive legislation on reparations through both houses with very little opposition, despite the fact that one of those bills was vetoed and two, were not brought up on the floor for a vote.

I still think that’s a major success. We were also able to secure $12 million in the budget, especially during a deficit year, to fund reparations initiatives. So, those things in and of themselves, were highlights – even if we did not get all the final

How did your leadership contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

I think my career overall has been about moving the agenda for not only African Americans, but those who’ve been most disenfranchised, not only by the State, but also by this country. I think my record speaks for itself when you look at the Ebony Alert law, the Bruce’s Beach settlement, or NIL legislation, that not only directly impacted people of color, specifically African Americans, but also helped all people with the challenges they face here. Also, a first-time low-income funding for internet and public housing – $30 million for that.

We secured $40 million for Allensworth, the historic Black-majority city, now state park, that was founded by Colonel Allensworth. The funding helped to restore that park two years ago. My record overall has been one of service and responding where is the most need.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

The veto of my bill, SB 1050, and the fact that 1403 and 1331, two other reparations bills, didn’t even have a vote on the Assembly Floor, despite the fact that those bills made it through both houses with little or no opposition.

The fact that 1403 and 1331 didn’t see the light of day the last week of session, that was really disappointing. Especially when the entire Black Caucus supported 1403. And again, the bill had not been amended from the time it was introduced to the time it got all the way to the Assembly. So, I’m really sorry that, until the last couple of days, they chose not to bring this bill up.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

The fact that we’re resilient. You have to keep hope.

I don’t let one setback define the movement. We’re going to continue to fight, whether I’m in the legislature or not. And whether it’s a Black Caucus party or not, I think our colleagues are going to continue to do what’s right for all Californians — but also have a lane for those folks who have been most disenfranchised here in the state and across this country.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Always be prepared for the double cross. I was told that almost 30 years ago by my mentor, the late Mervyn Dymally, former State Senator, former Assemblyman, Lieutenant Governor, Congressman. He says always expect the double cross because it will happen. We saw it this year. But again, you got to stay positive and soldier through. So that’s what we’re going to continue to do.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Unity. We are, in many ways, moving forward but in a very fragmented way.

As the African proverb states, “If you want to go fast, you go by yourself. But if you want to go far, go together.”

However, we don’t have the unity that we should have.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

To keep being a voice for positive change. Being supportive of impactful legislation that’s going to help all Californians, but especially those folks who have been most disenfranchised in this state.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) has published a Housing Policy Brief  that offers recommendations for reducing housing insecurity and homelessness among older adults in California.

The brief summarizes a more in-depth report titled “Housing Those Hardest Hit: Addressing Older Adult Homelessness.” It also includes seven actionable recommendations to mitigate older adult homelessness in three settings: permanent housing, independent housing, and assisted living.“Expanding housing capacity across all settings in the older adult continuum of care is critical as our state confronts the pressing issues of housing insecurity and homelessness among older adults,” stated CCoA Executive Director Karol Swartzlander.

“The need is urgent, and the time to act is now,” she emphasized.

The CCoA serves as the principal advocating body for older Californians, and it administers programs that support and celebrate Californians as they age. In addition, the CCoA advises the Governor and Legislature, along with state, federal, and local agencies on programs and services that affect older adults in the state.From 2017 to 2022, the number of adults aged 55-64 who accessed homelessness services across California increased by over 90%, while the number of adults over 65 in the state, overall, increased by over 166% – exceeding any other age group, according to the report.

According to CCoa, the commission blends housing solutions within a comprehensive continuum of care, presenting policymakers with targeted strategies that accommodate the diverse housing and supportive service needs of older adults.

Efforts to address homelessness is now one of CCoA’s top priorities, says Swartzlander.  “The need is urgent, and the time to act is now,” she added.

In 1990, 11% of the homeless population was over the age of 50 while in 2023 older adults represented nearly half of the state’s homeless population.  Among this population, 41% first experienced homelessness after the age of 50.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual Point-in-Time Count, 38,028 adults aged 55 and older experienced homelessness in California in 2023. Furthermore, the report stated that 41% first experienced homelessness after the age of 50.

Former Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino), who just completed a six-year term as chairperson of the CCoA, said there must be policies in place to “remedy the problem” of older adults becoming homeless in the state.

The lack of accessible and available housing, health-related behaviors, medical problems, social isolation, and limited resources are some of the root causes of homelessness and poverty among aging Californians. Speaking on own her behalf — not representing CCoA — Brown said more alternatives for affordable housing and services would provide a much-needed safety net for older adults in the state.

“We need to go back to square one and come up with some policies that would help older adults have options,” Brown said. “It’s a tragedy that these people have paid into the system (taxes, social security), and did it the right way, and they still need these services.”

In the policy brief, the CCoA presents seven recommendations to mitigate aging adult homelessness. They are exploring a statewide subsidy for older adults at-risk of homelessness; developing a state homeshare program; expanding ministerial approval for smaller assisted living facilities; reforming housing laws; expanding assisted living waivers; and funding community care suggestions.

For the last five years, homelessness among African Americans nationally and in California has seen a continued uptick. Black Californians are disproportionately likely to experience homelessness, according to the California Budget and Policy Center (Budget Center).

Black Californians roughly consist of 5% of the state’s population. However, they comprised over 1 in 4 unhoused people who made contact with a homelessness service provider during the 2021-22 fiscal year, according to the Budget Center’s “Who Is Experiencing Homelessness In California?” report.

“Long-standing racist policies and practices have also

concentrated marginalized communities in undervalued occupations, increasing their economic insecurity which is a primary driver of experiencing homelessness,” the March 2023 Budget Center report stated.  “We see this today as people of color are largely pushed into lower-paying occupations, the first to lose their jobs during economic downturns, and experience the highest rates of unemployment.”

According to the 2020 Profile of African Americans Age 65 or Older, the African American population age 65 and older was 4,979,133 in 2019 and is projected to grow to 12.1 million by 2060.

Overall, numerous factors contribute to the increase in older adult homelessness. Scattered employment, low-wage employment, and time serving as a family caregiver, result in low wages throughout significant working years.

“As state and federal policymakers consider choices that will affect California’s unhoused and vulnerable communities, it is important to understand the unique housing, economic, and health conditions older unhoused adults face,” the Budget Center reported. “By doing so, policymakers can act on proven policies and interventions that can help solve homelessness among older adults.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Committee is proud to announce that Mr. Rich Wallace, Founder of the Southern Black Chamber of Commerce, has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 5th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Extravaganza. The event, themed “Echoes of Freedom: As We Continue Marching Forward,” will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025, beginning at 12:00 p.m. in Downtown San Bernardino at 624 W. 4th Street.

This year’s celebration marks a significant milestone as the community gathers to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a vibrant and engaging afternoon of activities designed to inspire, educate, and entertain.

Event Highlights Include:

• Live Entertainment and Performances
• Vendor Extravaganza Featuring Local Talent
• Art Walk and Food Vendors
• Classic Car Show
• Celebrity Guests and Local Drill Teams
• Informative and Educational Activities for All Ages

“We are thrilled to celebrate our fifth-year honoring Dr. King’s legacy,” said LuCretia Dowdy. “This event is a reflection of the community’s spirit, resilience, and commitment to the principles of unity and progress that Dr. King stood for.”

The committee also invites students, families, and community members to actively participate in the parade and festivities. This event is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the work that still lies ahead as we continue to advance Dr. King’s dream.

For more information about the parade, vendor opportunities, or how to get involved, please contact Lue Dowdy at 909.567.1000 or 909.495.0848.

About the San Bernardino Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Committee:

The San Bernardino Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Committee is dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King by organizing events that promote unity, diversity, and community engagement.

“IE Choice Awards Get Familiar with Some of the Biggest Acts to Roll Through”

RIALTO, CA— The 2024 IE Choice Awards is set to take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 2 p.m., with the red carpet ready to welcome some of the most influential figures across various fields. This significant event aims to celebrate excellence and recognize individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions in their respective areas. Attendees can look forward to an afternoon filled with entertainment, accolades, inspiring speeches, and the opportunity to connect with industry leaders. As the date draws closer, excitement is building around the nominees and the impact of their work, making this a noteworthy event to watch.

The IE Choice Awards promises to be more than just a night of awards and speeches. It will feature a star-studded lineup of nominees, performers, and the legendary clothing designer for celebrities, Alex Angelino. Notable attendees include actress and singer Brely Evans, Latrice Kristine, rapper DoggyStyleeee, Lil G 909, Tycoon62, and Mac9Most, award-winning DJ Lady P and MMA World Champion Eugene V.I.P. Weems. This annual ceremony not only celebrates hip-hop music but also honors some of the most significant philanthropists and individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

Several prominent artists from the industry will take the stage for unforgettable performances, adding to the evening’s excitement. The ceremony will be taped in San Bernardino, California, and will be broadcast on http://talon36.com/.

The IE Choice Awards is set to be an inspiring and memorable event. The awards will be hosted by yours truly Moori Richardson. Tickets are available @ eventbrite.com. There will be a V.I.P. after party for the IE CHOICE AWARDS starting at 7pm that will be @ RAQUEL’S JAZZ LOUNGE 134 S Riverside Ave, Rialto, CA 92376.

Communications Advisor Veronica Hill had the honor of joining Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus and members of Congressman Jay Obernolte and Assemblyman Tom Lackey’s offices for Multi Company Day at Victor Valley College’s Regional Public Safety Training Center.

More than 550 students from 14 High Desert schools participated in the program, which included live drills of firefighters, police officers and Paramedics reacting to high-stress situations.

The city would like to thank Director of Emergency Medical Services Dave Oleson for the informative tour! The city is fortunate to have such a high-quality and cutting-edge training center right in our own backyard! To learn more about the program, click here.

Monday, December 2, marks the ninth anniversary of the December 2, 2015, terrorist attack in San Bernardino. On that day, 14 people were taken from us, including 13 county employees. Many more were wounded, physically and emotionally.

The county government family will always remember these 14 souls. The public is invited to join us in observing a moment of remembrance at 10:55 a.m. on Monday, December 2, on the county’s Facebook, X and Instagram platforms.

Please watch this video to remember those who were taken from us. Flags at all county facilities will be flown at half-mast on Monday, December 2. The county invites those who fly an American flag at home or their place of work to also lower their flags on December 2.

The public is also invited to visit the Curtain of Courage Memorial, which is located on the east side of the County Government Center at 385 N. Arrowhead Ave. in San Bernardino. This memorial serves to forever honor those who were taken from us, the survivors and first responders from that tragic day.

Resources are available to help those experiencing trauma due to the events of December 2, 2015.

Over 100 youth, ranging in age from 10 ½ months to 14 years old, were adopted into their forever homes on November 13 during the Children and Family Services (CFS) 24th Annual Adoption Finalization Event.

In partnership with the Superior Court of California and the San Bernardino County Juvenile Court, 70 families celebrated the finalization of their adoptions at the Ontario Convention Center. This year’s theme, “Making Campfire Memories with Forever Families,” captured the warmth and lasting bonds formed on this special day. CFS provided various activities for the families such as face painting, balloon animals, treasure hunts, and a resource fair while they waited for their courtroom time to finalize their adoptions.

This year’s celebration featured heartwarming remarks from Assemblyman Tom Lackey, The Honorable Judge Rodney Cortez, the Honorable Judge Lynn M. Poncin, San Bernardino County Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke, Assistant Executive Officer Diane Rundles and CFS Director Jeany Zepeda. Each congratulated the families on this joyful day and emphasized the significance of creating stable, loving homes for youth.

“Today, we celebrate children finding permanency and leaving foster care to join their forever families. This event also honors the village that made this possible, reminding us that no family is alone on this journey. Behind every child and family is a community of dedicated individuals who have played a vital role in supporting them”, Zepeda said.

The Annual Adoption Finalization Event reflects CFS’s commitment to permanency for children when reunification with their biological families is no longer possible. It’s a powerful reminder of the critical work being done to give every child the opportunity to grow up in a safe, nurturing home. For families interested in learning more about adoption, please visit Adoptions – Children and Family Services or contact San Bernardino County Adoption Services at 1-800- 722-4477.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Constituent Services Director Samuel Shoup had the pleasure of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly constructed North First Avenue Bridge on my behalf.

This significant project, led by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) in partnership with the City of Barstow and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, has replaced the outdated bridge with a modern structure that will serve the community for years to come.

The new bridge, which began construction in January 2023, is a testament to the commitment of our local leaders to improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for San Bernardino County residents.

Annual Holiday Concert will be Performed December 16

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will present their annual holiday concert on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. Entitled “A Christmas Festival,” this performance will be held at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts in downtown San Bernardino.

Under the baton of Maestro Anthony Parnther, the repertoire will feature a number of holiday favorites, including “Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovych, “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway and Nadine McKinnor, “The Christmas Song” by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Walter Kent, “Jingle Bells” by James Lord Pierpont, “I Need an Angel” by Ruben Studdard, “Silent Night, Holy Night” by Franz Xaver Gruber, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen,” With A Christmas Heart” by Luther Vandross, “A Whole New World” by Alan Menken, “My Favorite Things” by Richard Rodgers, “Who Would Imagine A King” by Mervyn Warren, “I Just Had to Hear Your Voice” by Oleta Adams, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” by John Francis Wade.

Vocalists Jamie Carganilla, Maiya Sykes, and Drew Tablak, who patrons will recognize from their appearances at the Symphony’s annual concerts under the stars, will lend their angelic voices to this joyful show. Audiences will also marvel at several Cirque performers whose unique skills will bring a further level of festive variety.

In addition, the Granite Hills High School GREAT Academy Choir led by Director of Music and Piano Shane Churchill will accompany the Orchestra, and members of the A.B. Miller High School Conservatory of Dance with direction by Aisha Bardge and Nicole Robinson will make a special appearance. The audience will also take center stage in a grand sing-along finale.

Explained Maestro Parnther, “Perhaps more than anything else we do each year, the annual holiday performance is designed to lift the spirit and gladden the heart. Quite honestly, seeing everyone on their feet raising their voices in song last year literally brought a tear to my eye, and I anticipate it will do the same this year.”

Patrons, who are highly encouraged to dress in their holiday best – with nods to both black tie and ugly sweaters – will begin their festive afternoon even before the baton descends as the Inland Valley Repertory Theater’s Dickens Carolers will be performing in the lobby beginning at 2 p.m.

Attendees are highly encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy which will be donated to Symphony partners, The Children’s Fund of San Bernardino.

“This is going to be the region’s most musically festive evening!” shared Symphony Board of Directors President Donna Marie Minano. “We cannot wait to welcome you all!”

Tickets and Location Details

Tickets for A Christmas Festival are available at $20-$100 per seat. and may be purchased online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday. Students and Active Military are always $15.

Doors open and the carolers begin at 2 p.m.; the concert begins promptly at 3 p.m.

The historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts is located at 562 W. 4th Street San Bernardino. Free, lighted parking is available directly across from the venue and is accessible from E Street by following the signs.

Venue box office sales are planned prior to the concert, but this performance generally sells out, so the availability of seats cannot be guaranteed.

More Great Music December 15

If one fabulous concert isn’t enough, please consider joining us for the inaugural performance of the San Bernardino Youth Symphony Orchestra at the historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 15. $10 general admission tickets are available at www.sanbernardinosymphonyorg or at the door.