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By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Family members, friends, colleagues, and business associates across California are mourning the tragic loss of Peggy Moore, 60, and her wife Hope Wood, 48. The couple passed away in a car accident that occurred on May 10 in San Diego County.

According to multiple reports, the fatal collision on State Route 76 claimed the lives of four people, with another person sustaining serve injuries.

In 2019, Moore and Wood founded Hope Action Change, an organizational development consultancy and coaching firm. They both had experience working as organizers, strategists, and leaders in education, electoral and issue-based campaigns, and public affairs.

The couple first met while working on Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008.

The news of their passing has elicited a wave of condolences from numerous business and political leaders and Black-led organizations across the state.

“I met Peggy back in 2004. She’s been an amazing sister friend of mine,” said LaNiece Jones, a member of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).

“This morning, my heart broke with the news of the sudden death of Peggy and her dear wife, Hope. My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Peggy and Hope. I am still in shock. Both Peggy and Hope are brilliant and caring individuals who deeply loved giving to the community and the community deeply loved them back.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) took to social media platform X to share her grief.

“I’m heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Peggy Moore and Hope Wood. Peggy was a friend, an activist, and one of the best organizers I knew. Her passion and fight for justice and equality is what brought her and Hope together,” wrote Lee.

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

The California African American Chamber of Commerce partnered with the California African American Action Fund to host its annual “Honorable Gwen Moore California Legislative Reception.” The event took place on May 7 at the Sutter Club in downtown Sacramento.

Distinguished guests included business leaders, state officials, and both former and current lawmakers. Notably, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), attended the event. Former Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, 90, was the keynote speaker. Former state Sen. Roderick Wright and CAACC Executive Director Timothy Alan Simon served as emcees.

“The California African American Chamber of Commerce and the California African American Action Fund represent the African American economy of the fourth largest economy of the world,” Simon said during the introduction of the event. “Therefore, tonight let’s have some fun. We are going to learn how to acquire more power, more financial funding, and more access. We’re opening up those doors to you.”

During the reception, an award ceremony honored individuals for their achievements, innovative ideas, leadership, business acumen, and political contributions.

The CAACC Media and Communications Award was presented to Civil Rights Activist Danny Bakewell Jr., President of the Bakewell Company, and Executive Editor of the Los Angeles Sentinel.

The Gwen Moore Legislative Impact Award was presented to Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Chair of the CLBC. The Legislator of the Year honor went to Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley).

“This is an absolute honor. Especially, with my knowledge and familiarity with Assemblymember Moore’s work,” Wilson said. “It’s just a reminder, honor, and privilege of this space I get to be in. This award holds profound significance for me and those who dedicated their lives to advancing equity, justice, and opportunities for all.”

Cathy Adams, President and CEO of Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce was presented with the Aubry Stone Outstanding Business Award. The Trailblazer Award was presented to the late Linda Crayton, former San Francisco City Commissioner.

Crayton served on the Airport Commission for the City and County of San Francisco from 1996 to 2020.

“She clearly served for almost 25 years, and she was totally sensitive to the need and careful implementation within the framework of all the rules that had been established,” Brown said of Crayton. She was a difference for many.”

Other leaders honored were John Reynolds, California Public Utilities Commission (recipient of the Distinguished Service Award); Hon. Heather Hutt, Councilmember for the City of Los Angeles, representing Council District 10, (Distinguished Service in the African American Community Award); and Thurman White, Senior Advisor ESO Ventures (Distinguished Recognition Award).

Rounding out the special guests and awardees list were Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), CLBC Vice Chair, Dennis Thurston, Supplier Diversity Program Manager for Southern California Edison; Angela Gibson-Shaw, President of Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce; and Tommy Ross, Pinnacle Strategic Group.

Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CALSTA) also attended the two-hour event.

The California African American Chamber of Commerce is one of the state’s largest statewide Black Chamber organizations. Its mission is to drive economic opportunity and wealth creation for African American businesses and connect and harness the collective strength of our statewide network of member organizations to elevate fiscal health.

Moore was elected and first served on the Los Angeles Community College District Board in 1975. She was first elected to the state legislature in 1978 and served for 16 years until 1994, representing California’s 49th district (redistricted and renumbered in 1990 as the 47th district), which currently includes Long Beach, Catalina Island, and parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties.

When Brown was elected to be the Speaker of the Assembly, he appointed Moore the Chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce. The position held legislative jurisdiction over telecommunications, electricity, private water corporations, natural gas, and other issues related to exchanging goods and services between businesses.

Moore passed away in August 2020.

“Her job was done in such a way that when she left the halls of legislation in 1994 the public utility world reached out to get her guidance and judgment in the process of decisions that would be made,” Brown said. “That’s the nature of how we need to work in the world of politics and, how we need to exercise authority and privilege.”

SAN MANUEL INDIAN RESERVATION— During a recent ceremony, three elected leaders took the oath of office to be seated on the Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council of San Manuel: Chairwoman Lynn “Nay” Valbuena, Treasurer Latisha Prieto and Second Governing Council Member Laurena Bolden. All three incumbent San Manuel Tribal Council officials will begin new four-year terms in accordance with the Tribe’s Constitution. They will continue to serve with Tribal Council members Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez, Jr., Secretary Audrey Martinez, Culture Seat Joe Maarango, and First Governing Council Member Edward Duro.

The Tribe’s recently adopted Constitution mandates four-year terms for the Tribal Council, replacing the previous two-year term under the former Business Committee structure.

The Tribal Council is a seven-member body elected to oversee the San Manuel’s day-to-day operations, including stewarding cultural, social and community affairs, carrying out the Tribe’s laws and directives, protecting its governmental and business interests, and exercising the Tribe’s inherent sovereignty. Each Council member is elected by majority vote of the Governing Council, the main governing body of the Tribe.

SMBMI_Second Governing Councilmember Laurena Bolden

Chairwoman Valbuena said making the transition to four-year terms was voiced by the drafters of the constitution and supports the Tribe’s right to self-determination to advance and sustain its tribal government.

“This election is a significant milestone in implementing the Tribe’s constitution,” said Chairwoman Valbuena. “Governments the world over typically elect leaders for four-year terms to ensure continuity of leadership. We express our gratitude to the San Manuel Governing Council for their foresight and support for the ongoing development and governance of this vibrant and self-sustaining Tribal Nation.”

SMBMI_Treasurer Latisha Prieto

United Way and the Los Angeles Rams hosted 7,500 WalkUnitedLA participants, who stepped up to fight poverty and honor moms with a special Mother’s Day Celebration

INGLEWOOD, CA— United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Rams, local community, and philanthropic organizations, and 7,500 participants raised nearly $1.2M during WalkUnitedLA 2024 at SoFi Stadium on May 11. This annual family- friendly walk brought communities together from across the county to power the fight to break cycles of poverty and build communities of prosperity in Los Angeles.

This year’s WalkUnitedLA Honorary Chairs were Rams players: Steve Avila, Ernest Jones, Kobie Turner, and Kyren Williams. Andrew Whitworth, 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and Super Bowl LVI Champion, served as the event’s co-host. In addition, Rams fans had the opportunity to meet the Rams 2024 Rookie Class in their first community appearance following the NFL Draft.

“When I signed [with the Rams] in 2017, something was very clear, the Los Angeles Rams wanted to be a leader in making a positive impact in the community of Los Angeles,” said Andrew Whitworth. “I couldn’t be happier to have been a part of what we’ve been able to do over the last few years. WalkUnitedLA has given us this platform to bring thousands of people together, all to help our most vulnerable neighbors. That is the greatest way to live life, for somebody other than just you.”

The event also featured a special Mother’s Day Celebration, including photo opportunities and giveaways that honored mothers and mother figures in attendance, whose love and every day contributions build stronger communities.

“WalkUnitedLA is a powerful and unique event that brings together people from all ages, diverse backgrounds, and walks of life, joining forces to boost affordable housing, help community college students succeed, and ensure economic mobility in low-income communities,” said Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. “I am thrilled to see the unlocked power of participants to make a real impact in building communities of prosperity across our region.”

Those joined by their mothers and mother figures were able to capture a memorable photo opportunity with Rams Cheerleaders, gift flowers, and post loving messages to their moms in the big heart-shaped sign. Kids had playing time at the Rams Kids Zone, and participants could enjoy international cuisine from food trucks and the beer garden. Walkers and runners had the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, dance and stretch routines led by the Rams Cheerleaders, the team’s mascot Rampage, and more.

“Every day we strive to win on the field and to help Los Angeles win off the field. This event has become one of the signatures of our offseason now in its third year,” said LosAngelesRamsPresidentKevinDemoff. “We are so grateful to our partners, our runners, our walkers and our community leaders who helped make WalkUnitedLA so special. Your presence here today at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park sends the message that you care and that you are committed to playing a role in the fight to end poverty.”

Since 2007, WalkUnitedLA (formerly known as HomeWalk) has brought together nearly 150,000 people from across Los Angeles County and raised over $10 million to end homelessness, becoming the single largest annual event to end homelessness nationwide.

WalkUnitedLA was made possible thanks to the support of sponsors including the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation; the Annenberg Foundation; East West Bank; The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation; Health Net; SoCalGas; Deloitte, Jet Propulsion Laboratory; PwC; Waymo; Kaiser Permanente; Oaktree Capital Management; Cedars-Sinai; Edison International; ACCO Engineered Systems; City National Bank; US Bank; Enterprise Mobility; Torrance Refining Company and Media sponsor ABC-7/KABC-TV Los Angeles.

For more information, please visit www.walkunitedla.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- First 5 San Bernardino is celebrating 25 years of prioritizing young children’s early development in San Bernardino County.  The organization strengthens families with children prenatal through 5 years old through three strategic priority areas – child health, quality early learning and family support.

First 5 San Bernardino was founded in 1998 and funded by Proposition 10 – The California Children and Families Act – through excise taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products.  The revenue from this tax supports the various programs supported through the organization.

“What began from an effort to reduce the harmful effects of tobacco has evolved into a collective impact where tens of thousands of children, parents and caregivers have been served through our programs, services and partnerships,” said Executive Director Karen Scott, First 5 San Bernardino.  “We have worked hard to build meaningful partnerships with organizations in our county who share in our mission to improve the lives of our children and their families.”

Over the past 25 years, First 5 San Bernardino has built sustaining collaborations with dozens of partner agencies, nonprofits and community stakeholders to help thousands of families. Engagement with programs such as Quality Start, Help Me Grow, Maternal Health Network, Smile SBC, Footsteps2Brilliance and more, ensure that all children in San Bernardino County are healthy, safe, nurtured and prepared to thrive.

Two Inland Empire programs that First 5 San Bernardino has served as a critical partner are Reach Out and Read and Help Me Grow. Marti Baum, MD, pediatrician and medical director of Community Health at Loma Linda University Health, has served as a physician champion for both programs.

“We congratulate First 5 San Bernardino for 25 years of exceptional work on behalf of children in our community,” said Dr. Baum.  “Our region is making significant progress in collaborating on early intervention and prevention goals, so all children are kindergarten-ready by age 5.  Thanks to First 5 San Bernardino, we have distributed over 100,000 books to children during well child visits across 30 pediatric clinics.

“Help Me Grow Inland Empire has screened over 15,000 children since its inception in 2021 and together with First 5 San Bernardino, has created a future where even more children will be screened for developmental and social risks to identify the need for early intervention services,” concluded Dr. Baum.

First 5 San Bernardino’s three priority areas are supported by annual campaigns that launch at different times throughout the year. In the winter, the organization executes an oral health campaign called “Little Teeth, Big Responsibility” that emphasizes the importance of pediatric oral health.  Summer focuses on child safety in the hot months through its “Kid Safe Summer” campaign, and “Gift a Kid a Book” happens each fall encouraging early reading to build developmental learning skills.

In its 25^th year, the organization has a dedicated logo that will be used throughout 2024 to celebrate the milestone.  Other efforts include updated branding, new partnerships and innovative marketing and social media efforts.

The organization continues to grow in its community outreach efforts to meet the needs of families across the large footprint of San Bernardino County, the largest county by geography in the contiguous United States.  First 5 San Bernardino continues to collaborate with partners at community events throughout the year to provide resources and information to families. This includes everything from providing free school supplies and books, to water safety materials and promoting special programs.

For more information on First 5 San Bernardino, visit First5SanBernardino.org.

RIALTO, CA—- Rialto’s commitment to public safety was on full display Monday, May 13, as more than 100 City and civic leaders help break ground on a state-of-the-art, 58,000-square-foot Police Facility. Construction started on the new facility earlier this month and is anticipated to finish by late 2026. The existing police station will remain operational during the construction period, with no interruption in service.

By building the new station now, the city will be able to meet the public safety and quality-of-life needs well into the future. By 2035, Rialto forecasts its population to exceed 111,000, along with continued business expansion that has made it a critical economic and employment hub within the Inland Empire. Police staffing by 2035 is projected to reach 169 sworn officers and 91 civilian staff.

“This has been a long road, but we’ve finally gotten here, with the help of a lot of people. This station is for the men and women of the Rialto Police Department. You are, by far, the finest in this state, if not this nation, and you deserve the finest facility to operate in. This is a new chapter for Rialto and Rialto PD, and I’m thrilled that we can celebrate this together,” said Rialto City Councilmember Ed Scott who was part of the committee that planned the new facility.

Last November, the City Council approved a development agreement with Griffin, Swinerton and a financing agreement that includes the issuing of lease revenue bonds to help cover the projected $83 million cost of the project. The City contributed $26 million from its unrestricted fund balance – money that is not part of the General Fund or other operating reserves as equity toward the project. The balance, estimated at roughly $57 million, is financed through the sale of bonds. The agreement with Griffin Swinerton reflects an innovative public-private partnership which streamlines the development process.

“When I got up this morning to get here for the groundbreaking, I thought about what this means to the people of our community, and the first word that came to me was ‘transformation.’ I’m proud to see to see the transformation that occurring, not just with the police station but with other projects that are improving the quality of life across our city,” said Mayor Deborah Robertson, who also served on the station planning committee.

“On behalf of the Rialto Police Department, we are honored to serve the Rialto community and we’re looking forward to this new police facility to set the standard for law enforcement,” said Mark Kling, Chief of Police who has served in that capacity since 2017, and also served as Chief of Police for Rialto from 2001 to 2012.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA —- Golden Valley Middle School (GVMS) in the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is taking center stage as a School to Watch, according to the California Department of Education (CDE), the California League of Middle Schools, the California Middle Grades Alliance and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.

“Their focus on health and wellness and the high expectations they place on student achievement are just a few reasons why Golden Valley Middle School SHINES,” said SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio Arellano.

GVMS is one of only eight middle schools in San Bernardino County and 52 middle schools statewide to earn this state designation. Golden Valley originally earned the designation in 2018 and was redesignated in 2021. This 2024 redesignation affirms that Golden Valley continues to be:

• Academically challenging and engaging;
• Responsive to the diverse needs of students, including offering quality programs that target the needs of the whole child;
• Socially equitable, providing every student with high-quality educational resources and support.

Among the practices that earned Golden Valley the Schools to Watch designation are its dedication to student and family wellness and activities designed to create a positive school climate.

“Students can’t focus on learning when they aren’t feeling well, when they are dealing with mental illness, when they aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from or when they fear for their family’s health and wellness,” said GVMS Principal Gabriel Diaz. “That’s why we expanded our focus beyond just our students’ academic needs to their social-emotional needs and the needs of their immediate families.”

Teachers work hard to create safe learning spaces by creating maps for successful learning that are clear and understandable. By using a common language for expressing themselves, students know what they need to be successful and how to ask for the help they need, and teachers know where to focus their support. This teamwork approach allows students to feel safe and supported as they learn new concepts and face challenges in and out of the classroom.

School staff and counselors offer a variety of health and wellness resources to students and their families. This includes health screenings, access to therapy and mental health providers, food banks, transportation to access these services and more.

About San Bernardino City Unified School District:

The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares more than 46,000 students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY— In a bold move to amplify youth voices and confront the realities of underage tobacco sales, Music Changing Lives (MCL) and the California Health Collaborative – San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Program (CHC – SBCTCP) are gearing up for their Youth-Led Community Resource Fair happening on June 1, 2024. This event, slated to take place from 2:00pm – 5:00pm at the United In Christ Baptist Church, marks a significant milestone in the fight against underage tobacco consumption.

The Resource Fair is a follow-up to the recent Community Dialogue events held in February and March, where the organizations revealed alarming findings from their collaborative investigative efforts. The Community Dialogues, attended by concerned community members, served as a platform to dissect the prevalence of underage tobacco sales and strategize preventive measures.

During decoy operations conducted in early 2024, youths aged 18 to 20 were deployed to local tobacco retailers in Apple Valley, only to discover that they could readily purchase tobacco products, including flavored Swisher Sweets, despite California’s ban on flavored tobacco since late 2022 under Senate Bill 793. Patricia Lopez, CHC Program Manager, grimly affirmed, “Our youth were able to purchase tobacco products in Apple Valley even being under 21.”

In response to these findings, the Apple Valley Against Tobacco campaign was initiated at the onset of 2024, fueled by a sense of urgency to safeguard the youth from the perils of tobacco use. Apple Valley Council Member Curt Emick, echoing the community’s concerns during the March event, emphasized the imperative to educate and hold accountable retailers who ignore laws by selling to underage youth. “Let’s let those companies know. Put it on Facebook – this company sells to 18-year-olds,” urged Emick.

While specific retailer names remain confidential, community members are urged to expose offenders to thwart future sales to minors and disseminate vital information to the broader community. A comprehensive report on underage tobacco sales in Apple Valley by the CHC – SBCTCP will be made available to the public in the coming months.

The upcoming Community Resource Fair on June 1 will be a rallying point for community members and youth advocates alike. The youth-led event will be aimed at addressing underage tobacco sales, use, and overdose prevention. Participants will have access to valuable resources, engage in crucial dialogue, enjoy live musical performances and art activities, all while learning actionable ways to combat underage tobacco sales and contribute positively to their community.

Josiah Bruny, CEO & Founder of MCL emphasized the pivotal role of the community involvement, stating, “Through collective action and sustained advocacy, progress can be achieved in preventing access of tobacco products to minors and promoting healthier lifestyles for our youth.”

Join Music Changing Lives and the California Health Collaborative – San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Program on June 1 as they continue their mission to foster awareness, education, and action surrounding tobacco-related public health issues.

For more information and to RSVP, visit www.musicchanginglives.org/upcoming-events . For direct inquiries, please call 951-992-0721.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- Rubyána, a young singer-songwriter in the Latin music scene, is scheduled to release a sizzling new single titled “Luz Verde” penned by the artist herself this summer via her social media channels and streaming platforms.

The LA-based artist recently assembled an impressive team to help launch her career to new heights. Team members include veteran marketing executive and promoter Issy Sanchez, as well as Thiago Machado, founder and CEO of the leading digital marketing company, Ranked Music. Taken together, these creative entrepreneurs have worked with the likes of Anita, Camilla Cabello, Drake, Alicia Keys, and many other prominent artists.

Rubyana recently covered the hit song “La Diabla” by Xavi. Her feminine approach paired with her unique voice and delivery adds a fresh perspective to the mega-hit song. The cover even gained the attention of Xavi, who started to follow Rubyána on Instagram. The video for the song “La Diabla” was filmed in popular landmarks in L. A & Tijuana, Playas de Tijuana, and Rosarito Beach

Rubyána’s career has steadily been gaining momentum, and her new music will surely expand her fan base. Currently, Rubyána is on a high school and middle school tour in Southern California and Baja California. The principal at Cecytebc Grupo LA Mission High School in Rosarito, Mexico was especially thankful for her recent performance. The principal noted that nobody has ever come to his school to do anything like this and was grateful for Rubyána giving back to the community.

Watch the video of the “La Diabla” cover by Rubyána 

 “La Diabla” is available now on all digital platforms.
For more information about Rubyána, please visit https://linker.ee/rubyana

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

California’s permanent housing and emergency shelter capacity programs are struggling to meet the homeless population’s growing housing needs, a Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) report stated.

California has launched several programs to mitigate its homelessness crisis – the worst in the nation — which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the report, federal funding helped the state increase emergency shelter beds by 34% during the pandemic. However, the shelters only provided temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness.

The PPIC stated that the increase in homelessness indicates that California needs to expand housing programs to accommodate the growing population.

The “programs that can prevent and mitigate homelessness and housing instability are more urgently needed than ever,” the PPIC stated.

Across California, there remains a shortage of beds in shelters for unhoused people. The report estimates that the state has more than 180,000 homeless people but only about 70,000 beds, accounting for an overall shortage of nearly 110,000 beds.

The state’s struggle to provide permanent housing persists despite establishing partnerships with community-based organizations to tackle the problem.

California’s government has spent billions to increase capacity, but the rising cost of living and limited progress has made it difficult to get rid of homelessness. Local governments have also struggled to track city spending and provide accurate audits of housing programs.

A major concern for the state, according to the report, is that local governments are running out of pandemic-related relief funds. This has led to a decline in the number of beds funded by the Emergency Solutions Grants – Coronavirus (ESG-CV) program. Local governments have urged the state to increase funding for city housing programs, but city officials are yet to establish a reliable method to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs.