Local

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

A study on disparities revealed that Black people in California experiencing unstable housing are more likely to struggle with mental health at a higher rate, stated a report by the Center for Health Policy Research (CHPR) at the University of California Los Angeles.

The report details problems associated with housing insecurity and related mental health challenges, stating that 45% of people with unstable housing experienced psychological distress including depression and anxiety.

However, only 22% of adults with housing issues used mental health care to help manage the stress. People of color experienced the highest rates of housing insecurity, the majority of whom reported that they often worry about paying their rents or mortgages.

A total of 5.2 million people described their housing situation as unstable. Consequently, 26% of Black Californians reported that they faced housing insecurity, 44% higher than the national average. The study attributed this crisis to decades of redlining, a system of discrimination that denied people financial services including mortgages and insurance loans based on race and ethnicity.

Sean Tan, a co-author of the study and senior public administration analyst for the research center said that the state’s housing crisis has become a public health concern.

“Our study reinforces what research has demonstrated for years: Access to affordable housing affects a person’s health,” said Tan, regarding the state’s housing crisis. “It also spotlights the critical need for more affordable housing in California.”

The lack of affordable housing across the state has disproportionately impacted Black people. In California, approximately 43% of Black adults reported that they often worry about being able to pay their rent or mortgage.

Joelle Wolstein, a CHPR research scientist and co-author of the study, said housing insecurity has a ripple effect that goes beyond finances and worsens existing disparities.

“Housing is the largest regular expense for the vast majority of people, so it follows that people who typically have lower wages and fewer assets would have more unstable housing and worry more about paying their bills,” said Wolstein.

The CHPR study provided various recommendations for California lawmakers, including investments in creating and preserving affordable housing, connecting mental health services with housing resources, and enacting inclusive housing assistance policies.

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

GREAT LAKES, Ill. – Sailors are some of the most highly trained people on the planet, and this training begins at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, otherwise known as boot camp. Every enlisted sailor starts their Navy journey at boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL), Illinois.

Chief Petty Officer Laurence George Cerezo, a native of San Bernardino, California, is currently stationed at NSGL as an instructor with Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).

Cerezo, a 1994 graduate of Juan C. Laya San Manuel Pangasinan High School in the Philippines, joined the Navy over 18 years ago.

“I joined the Navy to provide better opportunities for my family’s future with the benefits of military life in both honor and pride,” said Cerezo. “After all, being the fifth generation of my family to join the military, it is significant for me to continue the legacy.”

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in the Philippines.

“The town in the Philippines where I grew up, has taught me the priceless quality of being selfless,” said Cerezo. “Living my childhood in poverty caused me to have the mindset of putting others first, which drives me every day to care. It’s about staying patient, being considerate, being an advocate for myself and striving to help bring out the best in people.”

During the 10 weeks at RTC Great Lakes, sailors learn five warfighting competencies – firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms marksmanship.

NSGL is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy’s only boot camp. Located on over 1,600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports more than 50 tenant commands and elements as well as more than 20,000 sailors, Marines, soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

Two commands at NETC are Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes (SWESC GL) and Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes (SCSTC GL). Every surface Navy engineer, quartermaster, boatswain’s mate and deck seaman attends SWESC GL for technical training. These sailors leave SWESC GL as surface warriors, ready to perform aboard ships operating around the globe. Instructors at SCSTC GL provide a culture of excellence and warrior toughness by building a surface warrior mindset to complement the technical and tactical skillsets.

“The thing I enjoy most about training and mentoring sailors is the challenge of seeing people from different backgrounds with aspects of life and unique individual skills, communicating efficiently to bring their ability to a real-world scenario, such as on deployments or when assigned missions,” said Cerezo. “It’s heartwarming and rewarding in itself to see that I’ve had an impact on students during the weeks we share honing more and more knowledge. I enjoy supporting the command’s mission of Excellence, Ownership and Sustainability (E.O.S.), because my part in bringing capable warfighters, and the next generation of leaders and sailors with bright futures to the fleet, brings feelings of pride to me and my career.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Cerezo serves a Navy that operates forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means being a part of the larger mission to keep peace among the vast seas warships that come and go for trade, whether it be myself physically serving on a ship or sending others with the knowledge I have given them,” said Cerezo. “It also means the strength of camaraderie between sailors from diverse backgrounds.”

Cerezo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I will always thank God for giving me the patience to experience life as a Navy sailor,” added Cerezo. “I especially want to thank my wife, Pernita Dabalos Cerezo. She has sacrificed many opportunities, special occasions and her career just to support mine. I would never have served for as long as I have without her being by my side and raising our children, Larence Prinz Cerezo and Larene Precious Cerezo. She has spent all her time raising them and they’ve become my pride and joy. Lastly, I would like to thank my friends and relatives who have supported me throughout my Navy career.”

By Darrell Frye

Good afternoon, Fam! Darrell Frye here, President of the Black Young Dems (IE)! Get ready for the dopest event of the summer!!! Join us on Saturday, August 17th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the City Center SB for an incredible Artivism experience.

Come and explore music, art, and vendors all dedicated to making a difference! Artivism is about using art to create social change – and we plan to create a space that does just that!!! This event will be free with RSVP!

The City Center is located at 455 W. 4th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401. To RSVP as a guest, vendor, or artist, please click here.

The Board of Supervisors passed a proclamation on June 25, declaring July as Park and Recreation Month, which aligns with the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) resolution celebrating parks around the country.

Since 1985, the United States has celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.

NRPA is dedicated to the services that park and recreation professionals provide in communities — from protecting open spaces and natural resources to helping fight obesity and providing activities and resources for all people. Park and Recreation Month encourages everyone to reflect on the exponential value park and recreation professionals bring to communities.

Director of Regional Parks Beahta Davis says, “San Bernardino County Regional Parks is committed to protecting the county’s natural, cultural and historical land resources and we envision an eco-friendly, well maintained, park system that improves the well-being of our communities through recreational and educational activities and events.”

This year, the NRPA’s Park and Recreation Month theme is “Where you Belong,” which celebrates the many ways park and recreation professional across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.

Davis says this is why this proclamation is so vital to supporting our parks and recreation in our communities. Our programs and events align with the Countywide Vision, encouraging residents to increase their physical activity and connecting them to many opportunities to be active.

Davis also added that as part of the celebration this month, Regional Parks is offering visitors half-off park admission and fishing permit fees on Friday, July 19 at the following parks:

• Cucamonga-Guasti: 800 N. Archibald Ave, Ontario
• Glen Helen: 2555 Glen Helen Pkwy., San Bernardino
• Mojave Narrows: 18000 Yates Road, Victorville
• Prado: 16700 S. Euclid Ave., Chino
• Yucaipa: 33900 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa

Park admission on Friday, July 19, will be $4 per vehicle and fishing permits will be $6 per person. The discounted admission does not include camping rates or swimming fees at Glen Helen and Yucaipa swim facilities.

All parks will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the lakes will be stocked with catfish on Thursday, July 18.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

Last week, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) approved nearly $1.9 billion to upgrade and sustain public transportation systems statewide.

The state plans to invest a total of $5.1 billion among regional transportation planning agencies over several years, as mandated in Senate Bill (SB) 125, which Gov. Newsom signed into law in 2023.

The funding will pay for transit operations and capital improvements, allocating varying amounts of money to 22 agencies based on population.

“This vital funding serves as a lifeline for transit agencies all over the state and helps to advance California’s ambitious, world-leading climate goals,” said Newsom.

At the same time, we’re adding accountability measures that help put our state’s transit agencies on a path toward long-term stability,” the Governor added.

Planning agencies will also receive funds from the transportation package. CalSTA plans to approve $500 million for projects implemented this summer. More funds will be approved for future projects until the 2027-2028 fiscal year.

California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said the investment aligns with the state’s environmental and equity goals and responds to the needs of the public.

“California’s commitment to public transit is unwavering, and with billions more in funding in the pipeline — including for zero-emission equipment and operations — we are just getting started in delivering a more sustainable and equitable transit system for the people of California,” said Omishakin.

Deal includes weekly newspapers in several Inland Empire communities

REDLANDS, CA – Times Media Group (TMG) announced today that it has acquired Century Group Media, a publishing company that has operated weekly community newspapers in California’s Inland Empire for the past 37 years.

The deal includes the Redlands Community News, Yucaipa News Mirror, Calimesa News Mirror, Fontana Herald News, The Record Gazette serving Banning and Beaumont, and the outlets’ websites. Each of these longstanding publications have served the San Bernardino/Riverside area of the Inland Empire as the region has experienced significant growth.

What is now Century Group Media was founded in 1987 by Jerry Bean, a longtime newspaper media executive who formed his own company after serving as publisher of Gannett’s San Bernardino Sun. Bean, 81, plans to retire after 66 years in the newspaper business.

As a high school sophomore, Bean was hired by his hometown weekly in Lacon, Illinois, as a part-time “printer’s devil” tasked with cleaning the shop and re-melting the lead type used to print the newspaper at that time. In addition to writing high school sports articles, he learned to operate the newspaper’s typesetting and printing machines, an interest that served him well as he moved through the newspaper ranks.

After volunteering for the Daily Illini while earning a journalism degree from the University of Illinois in 1966, Bean joined the Rockford (Illinois) Morning Star as a reporter. Twelve years later he was named publisher of the then 80,000-circulation Gannett daily.

Bean served Gannett as the launch general manager of USA Today and later as a regional vice president while also serving as publisher of the San Bernardino paper.
Living in nearby Redlands, he has been in leadership roles in many community non-profit organizations. He also was elected president of the California News Publishers Association in 2006.

Times Media Group, headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, owns more than 35 weekly publications throughout Arizona and California. The company is committed to keeping quality local journalism alive in the many communities it serves.

“Every week more than a million readers in communities large and small turn to our pages and websites for the news and happenings in their communities,” said Steve Strickbine, the founder and president of TMG. “Ten years ago, I would never have imagined our growth would encompass such a large footprint and so many loyal readers. We are honored to be the stewards of that trust as a true source for news in a rapidly changing media environment.”

Strickbine founded TMG in 1997, quitting his job as a CPA to pursue his dream of becoming a newspaper publishing entrepreneur. Over the past 27 years, TMG has grown into one of the largest community publishers in the country. Strickbine says the company remains committed to continuing to grow by acquiring more community news groups.

“There are real opportunities to acquire and preserve many of the news publications residents have come to know and trust,” said Strickbine. “I continue to meet many newspaper publishers who want their life’s work to carry on serving the communities they love. I would invite anyone motivated to protect their legacy in newspapers to give me a call, because we would certainly be interested in that discussion.”

Bean said he was impressed with what TMG brings to the table. “In looking for a buyer who would maintain the traditional roles and responsibilities of newspaper journalism, I was impressed with the quality of Steve’s newspapers,” he said. “Just as importantly, he does a great job of incorporating the internet and social media into his operations. That is often hard for an old guy like me to do effectively.”

Bean took care to thank his staff for their hard work. “We have employees who have just joined us and employees who have been with us for the entire 37 years,” he said. “Every one of them is truly appreciated.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted to support changes to the County Code to acknowledge the unique needs of community cats. This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at improving the welfare of community cats through sterilization and vaccination efforts by the County Department of Public Health (DPH).

Residents will have the opportunity to schedule appointments, at no cost, with DPH veterinary contractors or mobile veterinary units. These appointments will facilitate the sterilization and vaccination of community cats, after which the cats will be returned to their outdoor habitats rather than being held in shelters.

“This initiative represents a proactive approach to animal welfare,” said Supervisor Curt Hagman. “This program promotes a humane and sustainable solution that benefits both the cats and our community.”

The amendment to the County Code will not prevent DPH from intervening in situations where community cats pose health or safety risks, or in rare instances of nuisance concerns. This flexibility ensures that the program maintains a balance between animal welfare and community needs.

Residents interested in participating in the program or learning more about the details are encouraged to reach out to San Bernardino County Animal Care.

This initiative aligns with San Bernardino County’s commitment to compassionate animal management practices and reflects a collaborative effort between the County and community stakeholders.

Supervisor Hagman has served as the Fourth District Supervisor since 2014, representing Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, Ontario, and Upland (generally below 14th St.). Hagman holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from UCLA. He, his wife Rossana, and his family currently live in the Chino Valley. He is also proud to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the California State Guard.

Earlier last week, alongside Chair Rowe and Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., Mayor Warren attended the ribbon cutting for Station 81 over in the City of Fontana. This station has been in the works since she was a Council member. And its opening in the North End of Fontana will assist in cutting down response times and helping people at a faster rate. This station was much needed.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

California Attorney General Rob Bonta released the 2023 Hate Crime in California Report on June 29, providing data and resources to support ongoing efforts across the state to combat violence motivated by racial or other biases.

Overall, reported hate crime events in California decreased by 7.1% from 2,120 in 2022 to 1,970 in 2023.

Despite that general downward trend, anti-Black bias incidents in the state remained the most prevalent. Year after year, this disturbing statistic holds true despite a 20.6% decrease from 652 in 2022 to 518 in 2023. The next highest reporting of bias events was 199 Anti-Hispanic or Latino instances.

“The California Department of Justice has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to hate, and will continue working with law enforcement, elected leaders, and community organizations across the state to keep our communities safe through education, prevention, and enforcement,” said Attorney General Robert Bonta in a statement after releasing the report.

“We won’t let bigots and bad actors win. We will not let hate prevail,” said Bonta

The report also found that prosecutions inched up by 5% (about 32 percentage points).

According to the Attorney General’s report, from 2022 to 2023, the number of hate crimes referred for prosecution increased from 647 in 2022 to 679 in 2023. Of the 679 hate crimes that were referred for prosecution, 463 cases were filed by district attorneys and elected city attorneys for prosecution. Of the 463 cases that were filed for prosecution, 322 were filed as hate crimes and 141 were filed as non-bias motivated crimes.

Under California law, a hate crime is a criminal act committed in whole or in part because of a victim’s actual or perceived disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with someone with one or more of these characteristics.

Aside from the information related to Anti-Black hate crimes, other key findings in the 2023 Hate Crime in California Report include:

• Hate crimes fell by 7.1% to 1,970 events.
• Hate crime offenses dropped by 8.9% to 2,359.
• Victims of hate crimes decreased by 6.9% to 2,303.
• Hate crimes due to racial bias went down by 21.6% to 1,017.
• Hate crimes due to religious bias rose by 30% to 394.
• Anti-Islamic bias events increased from 25 to 40.
• Hate crimes due to sexual orientation bias went up by 4.1% to 405.
• Anti-transgender bias events rose by 10.2% to 65.
• Anti-LGBTQ+ bias events surged by 86.4%.

The disproportionate number of hate incidents recorded in the Attorney General’s report lines up with data released by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD).

Responding to a surge in hate crimes and hate incidents, in 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration launched the “California vs. Hate” initiative, which includes a hotline and online reporting platform for victims.

“CA vs Hate is about recognizing and protecting the incredible diversity of our state and sending a clear message that hate will never be tolerated,” said Newsom.

“When California was confronted by an alarming increase in hate, we didn’t just sit back and hope it got better,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish, celebrating the one-year anniversary of the initiative in May.

“We came together and launched an array of nation-leading programs to ensure all our communities feel welcome and protected. I’m incredibly proud of our state’s resilience and commitment to a California for all,” added Kish. “This work is only just beginning, but it would not be possible without the advocacy of our community partners and the foresight of our state’s Administration and Legislature.”

To combat hate crime offenses and events, Bonta urges local partners and law enforcement to review the resources highlighted in the report and to recommit themselves to leveraging them.

“Everyone has a part to play as we continue to fight prejudice and create safer communities in California,” said Bonta.

“I urge everyone to review the data and resources available and recommit to standing united against hate,” he continued. “The California Department of Justice has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to hate, and will continue working with law enforcement, elected leaders, and community organizations across the state to keep our communities safe through education, prevention, and enforcement.”

If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of a hate crime, notify local law enforcement and consider taking the following steps:

How To Report A Hate Crime:

CA vs Hate is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT or online at any time.

Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. For individuals who want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or who are in imminent danger, please call 911.

For more information on CA vs Hate, please visit CAvsHate.org.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

Last week, the California State Legislature approved a $10 million bond proposal to modernize and repair K-12 schools and community colleges statewide.

The education bond measure, Assembly (AB) Bill 247, will appear on this year’s November ballot.

AB 247 aims to upgrade school buildings, allocating $8.5 million to public schools and $1.5 million to community colleges across California.

Authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), the measure was authored in collaboration with Assemblymembers Mike Fong (D-Alhambra), and Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), and Senators Steve Glazer (D-Contra Costa) and Josh Newman (D-Fullerton).

Supporters of the proposition point out that schools in California are over 50 years old, raising safety concerns among community and school leaders. The education bond will provide matching dollars to K-12 school districts based on local priorities and it calls for monitoring spending for local taxpayer accountability.

“California urgently needs a statewide school bond to repair dilapidated and unsafe school facilities and to invest in our children to meet 21st century educational and workforce needs,” said Muratsuchi, an author of the education bond proposal.

Since 1998, the state has been providing $54 billion in education bonds for K-12 schools and institutions of higher education. Voters approved the last successful bond, Proposition 51, during the 2016 November election. That proposition has provided K-12 schools with $7 billion and community colleges with $2 billion for repairs and construction to improve safety.

However, some school district officials are concerned that funds from state and local bonds mostly benefited affluent districts, leaving rural districts disadvantaged.

A report by the Public Policy Institute of California stated that it is easier for the state to match funds from the district in wealthier areas. The report stated that voters in affluent areas are more likely to approve bonds making it easier to raise funds since their property values are higher.

Public Advocates, a nonprofit law firm, threatened to sue the State claiming that the bond system is unconstitutional.

“The Legislature is shooting itself in the foot. What they’ve proposed will only undermine support from voters,” said John Affeldt, an attorney who supports the bill. “But technically they still have time to fix this.”

State officials, on the other hand, remain optimistic about the outcome of the education bond during this year’s November election.