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(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Wells Fargo’s $60 billion pledge to African American homebuyers is a major part of the company’s dedication to a community that’s grown accustomed to being shut out from having a slice of the American Dream. In addition to the $60 billion in lending for home purchases, the company committed to increasing the diversity of its sales team and providing $15 million toward initiatives focused on homebuyer education and counseling.

“Homeownership is vitally important, because homes are the building blocks of the American Dream and a proven, sustainable vehicle for building individual and family wealth that can be passed down from generation to generation,” said Cerita Battles, the senior vice president and head of retail diverse segments for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

Battles continued, “Homes make up our neighborhoods and our communities and are a stabilizing force for families, making homeownership a key driver of our nation’s economic and cultural well-being.”

With that understanding, bank officials know that their commitment and helpful information to those interested in becoming homeowners must be communicated to the African American community.

To that end, sharing news through the Black Press is also important for Wells Fargo, Battles said.

“Being present in the communities we serve is one of our key strategies for reaching our goals and African American newspapers are a trusted vehicle for news and information in those communities,” Battles said. “So, having information about being a homeowner and sustaining homeownership is critical to reaching the goals of the commitment and helping more African American families become homeowners.”

Housing experts have said that it’s important for aspiring homeowners to have as much knowledge as possible about the homeownership process; that information helps to dispel myths that many African Americans have about homeownership.

“There are many myths that cause a lot of potential African American homebuyers to assume that getting a home mortgage is something beyond their reach. But many times, this is completely untrue, and that message needs to get out,” Battles said. “African Americans need to have the confidence and knowledge to recognize that they can be homeowners, and that a lender, like Wells Fargo, truly wants to help them meet their home-financing needs. The Black Press, and other media for that matter, helps us share these messages to those who desire to obtain and sustain homeownership.”

Battles noted that it’s also important to remember that Wells Fargo’s African American homeownership commitment is not a separate loan program, but an effort by the company to increase homeowners in the community. Any of the programs, products, and services that Wells Fargo offers are available to all customers who qualify.

She said it’s not really about what the bank is doing differently for African Americans, but more about how Wells Fargo is showing up for them.

“It’s more about getting the messages to them, meeting them where, when, and how they want to interact with us so that we can leverage all that we have to offer. It’s about education, counseling, and being present in their communities,” Battles said.

Wells Fargo’s commitment to the African American community extends beyond the homeownership commitment. In 2016, the company committed to offering $75 million in grants and lending to help diverse-owned small businesses access capital and technical assistance by the end of 2020.

“In fact, by the end of 2016, the Wells Fargo Works for Small Business: Diverse Community Capital program had distributed $38 million in grants and lending capital to 30 Community Development Financial Institutions serving diverse, small businesses, placing us more than halfway to our goal,” Battles said.

Battles said that even though the goals of the homeownership commitment are challenging, Wells Fargo is committed to doing what it takes to help increase African American homeowners.

“This commitment is not a sprint, but a long journey that will require the focus of our team and collaboration with industry influencers, nonprofits and other organizations,” Battles said. “If this were just a public relations campaign, we would not have made the goals so lofty.”

“Making this commitment holds us accountable to ourselves, our customers, our communities, and the organizations that joined us in this effort; by pushing ourselves, stretching ourselves, and then delivering on our commitments in a responsible manner, we are ensuring true meaningful progress for African-American homeownership across America.”

This article was originally published in The Washington Informer, a member publication of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Learn more about becoming a member at www.nnpa.org.

ONTARIO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) recently congratulated four area high school students accepted to the U.S. military service academies. The students were nominated by a panel of judges with military backgrounds. Following a rigorous application and interview process, the judges made their recommendations to the respective service academies for final approval.

“Each year, one of my greatest privileges as a member of Congress is to nominate the best candidates our district has to offer. I want to congratulate these four exceptional students on their acceptance into the service academies,” said Torres. “These students will not only receive an excellent education and learn invaluable skills and training, they’ll also serve California and our nation proudly.”

The following are this year’s nominees, their city of residence, high school, and the academy to which they have been accepted: Lucas Florendo (Jurupa Hills High School, Air Force Academy); Malachi Samuels (Diamond Bar High School, Air Force Academy Prep School); Nicholas Ramos (Chino Hills High School, USMA-West Point); and Jacob Turner (Damien High School, USMA Prep School-West Point).

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. 

In addition to a free college education, the honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Rep. Torres will nominate, through a competitive process, one individual for each vacant academy slot allotted to the 35^th district.

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Los Angeles resident Debbie Lumpkin, a former corporate executive, and consultant was recently appointed as deputy inspector general for Diversity and Small Business Development in the Office of Audits and Investigations at the California Department of Transportation. Part of her duties will be to oversee minority contractors who apply for transportation funds raised by Senate Bill 1, officially known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The bill raised taxes on gasoline and diesel prices that go towards highway repair and maintenance.

According to a press release from Gov. Jerry Brown, Lumpkin previously worked for Southern California Edison in several senior positions. After leaving Edison, she worked as a consultant who represented “major corporations and diverse communities.” 

“Most notably, she successfully secured $1.5 billion in diverse business contracts, tripling the amount spent on diverse enterprises in her first year,” according to the press release. 

“Serving the great people of California in this capacity excites me. Over the next ten years, Senate Bill 1 is estimated to generate $52 billion in new contracts; someone needs to monitor them. This position has the potential to impact all community groups that represent California,” said Lumpkin.  

“Lumpkin is a proven and devoted leader in every sense of the word. She has single-handedly created opportunities for many minorities, women, disabled and veteran-owned businesses across California,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena,) chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus in a press release. “Advocating for her in this new role was something that came easy for the CLBC. We know she has the best interest of all community groups in our state. I am confident that she will excel at Caltrans in this new role.”

State Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Gardena,) who worked with Lumpkin at Edison, also praised her. 

“I have no doubt that she will handle her new position with the same innovative and vigorous spirit that she has afforded every community she has served,” said Bradford.

Bradford worked hard to make sure minority contractors get a piece of the transportation bill funds. Bradford said he wants at least 25 percent of the contracts awarded to go to minority-owned businesses.

“If we are going to ask drivers who utilize California roads to pay an extra 12 cents per gallon and promise billions of dollars for infrastructure,” he said, “some of that must reach minority trucking firms, minority engineering firms, real estate firms, architectural firms, all those types of services that will be needed to build and repair those roads.”

Although SB 1 is expected to raise $1.8 billion annually, it was controversial when it passed. Many Republicans opposed it. 

“Many Californians are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling just to make ends meet. Jerry Brown’s massive gas tax increase will add $2.50 every time we fill up our gas tanks, which hits our poor and working-class Californians the hardest,” said Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach,) who launched a website to try and repeal the tax. “Meanwhile, Sacramento’s special interests are lining up for their $52 billion payday with absolutely no concern on how this will impact California’s hard-working families.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- The Rites of Passage is currently accepting applications. Directed by Dr. Nana Kweku, Rites of Passage is a rigorous male mentoring program entered in traditional African values and history.  It is designed to strengthen, guide and mentor young males between 10-years and 15-years old and to assist young males in developing character, career and life skills.

Come to the ROP Parent Meeting on Wednesday, May 23 at 6 p.m. at the Akoma Unity Center located at 1367 N. California Street in San Bernardino. Meet the director, Dr. Nana Kweku and learn more about this life changing Male Mentoring program. Light Refreshments will be served.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Board of Equalization Member Jerome E. Horton is working with Assemblyman Miguel Santiago to introduce legislation that will reduce the housing cost for renters.

A full-fledged housing crisis has gripped California, marked by a severe lack of affordable homes and apartments for seniors and middle-class families – as a result of property values climbing to pre-recession levels.  The median cost of a home in California is now a staggering $500,000, twice the national median cost.

“Living in decent, affordable and reasonably located housing is one of the most important determinants of well–being for every Californian. More than just basic shelter, housing affects our lives in other important ways, determining our access to work, education, recreation, shopping, and quality health care.” said Horton.  “If we don’t fix this, seniors and poor to middle income families will be forced to leave California.”

As the Making Home Affordable Program, (HARP), signed into law by President Obama, is set to expire on December 31, 2018, now is the time for this type of legislation.  HARP helped homeowners refinance their mortgage with an average rate reduction of 2.1 percentage points, saving an average of more than $4,100 in interest during their first 12 months, or about $345 every month. Additionally, homeowners who refinance from 30 year fixed mortgages to 15 year fixed mortgages can save up to $145,000. For more information, visit here.

California has the third-lowest home ownership rate and the fourth highest rent in the country.  The decline in home purchases is generally related to higher rents as it becomes a challenge to save enough for a down payment.  There is a direct relationship between high rents and high home prices.  Additionally, studies find that housing costs are a burden on one’s finances when they surpass 30% of income.  According to a Public Policy Institute of California study, nearly one in three California renter households spends at least half of their income on rent.  While incomes have remained stagnant, rents in California continue to soar, resulting in many low- and middle-income workers cutting essential spending, which also hurts the State’s overall economy.

Even with rent control in cities like Santa Monica and Los Angeles, as of March 2018, the average rent for an apartment in Los Angeles is $2554, which is a 0.16% decrease from last year when the average rent was $2558, and a 1.64% increase from last month when the average rent was $2512.

“The cost of renting an apartment or home in California is as high as it’s ever been.  In fact, many millennials are moving from California because the dream of affordable housing seems so unlikely.  It’s necessary we do something to lower the cost of renting one’s residence in this state,” Horton said.

The average rent in California has increased 60% over the past 20 years.  The flat “renter’s credit” amount has not been adjusted since it was enacted in 1972.

Assembly Member Santiago testified at the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation:  “With the rising cost of rental housing in California, the expansion of the renter’s credit can increase access to housing for low-income families.”  The legislation passed out of the committee with a 9-0 bipartisan vote.  The bill now moves to the Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations.

This bill will increase the nonrefundable renter’s credit to the greater of $60 allowed under current law or 10 percent of the median rent in the county where the property is occupied for individuals and $120 under current law, or 20 percent of the median rent in the county where the property is occupied for joint filers, heads of households, and surviving spouses.

Member Horton encourages you to call your Congressional representatives and ask that they legislate to renew the HARP program, and the Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations at (916) 651-4101 to support AB 2833 (Santiago) to increase the renter’s credit.

Andre Anderson

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Navy Ensign Andrew D. Anderson has completed his first semester of study at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Martland and is well on the way to becoming a Navy physician. 

Last summer, Mr. Anderson took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and was commissioned as a Navy ensign in exchange for tuition-free medical education at the Uniformed Services University. Upon completing his course of study, ENS Anderson will go on for additional training in a graduate medical education program followed by seven years of service as an active duty Navy physician.   

Anderson is the son of Felton C. Anderson and Elizabeth A. Kennedy of San Bernardino, California; grandson of Betty D. Anderson of San Bernardino; and nephew of Lynne B. Kennedy of Alta Loma, California.

He graduated in 2009 from Cajon High School, San Bernardino, California, and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2013 from California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, California. 

ENS Andrew Anderson has completed his first semester of study at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University and is well on the way to becoming a Navy physician. Last summer, Mr. Anderson took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and was commissioned as an ENS in exchange for tuition-free medical education at the Uniformed Services University. Upon completing his course of study, ENS Anderson will go on for additional training in a graduate medical education program followed by seven years of service as an active duty Navy physician.

REDLANDS, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- On Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the first Juneteenth Celebration will be held at Israel Beal Park on Riverview Drive off Pioneer, Just East of Citrus Valley High School. The City of Redlands will partner with Unity in the Community in memory of African Americans emancipation from slavery on June 19, 1865.

And why is Juneteenth worth celebrating in Redlands? Every Redlands school child knows about the Smiley Brothers, but few know about Israel Beal, a former slave and African American pioneer who helped build the City of Redlands.

The Juneteenth celebration will have plenty of activities for children, food, entertainment, speakers and opportunities to learn about the city’s history. The theme of the event is, “Safety First, For our Children.”

For more information contact (909) 793-l074, the Second Baptist Church office. Co-chairpersons are Pastor Anthony Green, of the Second Baptist Church of Redlands and Mario Saucedo of North Redlands Visioning Committee.

Noelle Lilley graduates from Arizona State University

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- A BIG Congratulations to our former intern Noëlle D. Lilley on her graduation from Arizona State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts from the Walter Crocknite School of Journalism and Communication. She graduated with a 3.75 GPA, has two post-grad jobs lined up and she did it in four years!

RIVERSIDE, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Balancing school, work and personal issues is a struggle for many of the participants of CCAEJ’s Emerging Young Leaders program.

This is why several participants underwent several presentations from community leaders regarding the importance of mental health on Saturday, May 5.

“Finding stability in your life can be difficult, but it’s essential to have boundaries of what you can and can’t do,” explained Italia Garcia, CCAEJ’s director of Civic Engagement.

“Be forgiving of yourself and create a work environment that aligns with your needs,” she said. “All of this gets real. It’s important to learn to succeed, despite having some dark clouds in your life.”

On Friday, May 11, the Young Emerging Leaders met with Congressman Mark Takano (D-Riverside), Assemblymembers Sabrina Cervantes (D-Eastvale) and Jose Medina (D-Riverside) and Riverside Councilman Jim Perry to discuss local issues and receive insight on college and career readiness. 

The Emerging Young Leaders program will conclude with a graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 19. The ceremony will begin at 12 p.m. and will be held at their headquarters located at 3840 Sunnyhill Drive in Jurupa Valley.

Daz Patterson

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- On Saturday, May 12 at 6 p.m., the Patterson Non-Profit Organization (PNP) is premièring the movie, “Look, I’M Still Here”. This is a red-carpet affair at the Sturges Theatre located at 780 N. E Street in San Bernardino.

The movie is based on a true story of a young girl who had to fight for everything and those fights have continued into her adult life. She learned early in life to depend on God’s grace and mercy.

Daz Patterson shares her story of determination, tenaciousness, surviving cancer four times all without ever considering giving up.

The movie has a tremendous and multitalented cast which include: Sid Burston, Nei-Ce Knight, Susan Lewis, Sebrenia Burt, Bobby Bryant, Linda Davis, Raheem Mitchell, Erica Brown, Anita McZeal, Sharon Hardin, Myron Hester, Michelle Patterson-Peters, Daz Patterson, and a host of supporting cast.

For more information please call (909) 874-3411 or (909) 418-7619. You can also go to Eventbrite.com and search for “Look, I’M Still Here.”