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U.S. NAVAL BASE GUAM – More than half of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force is based in the Indo-Pacific region due to the area’s strategic importance. At any given time, the undersea forces are conducting worldwide operations across the full spectrum of undersea warfare missions.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Rene Cardenas, a native of Rialto, California, is one of the sailors continuing the 124-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Cardenas graduated from Keiser High School in 2013.

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

“Growing up, I was taught I needed to have patience and tolerance for those around me,” said Cardenas. “Me and my fellow sailors spend a lot of time together. We eat together, work together and bunk in the same room. We need to have patience with each other and work together to get the mission done.”

Cardenas joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Cardenas serves as a sonar technician.

“I joined the Navy to travel and see the world while protecting and defending my country back at home,” said Cardenas. “The Navy had so many opportunities and I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my family.”

Known as America’s “Apex Predators!” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines can conduct rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.

There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).

Cardenas serves aboard the fast-attack submarine, USS Jefferson City.

Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.

The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. – replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.

The Pacific Submarine Force maximizes our strengths of knowledge, stealth, agility, firepower, and endurance and works as part of joint and combined forces to maintain the international rules-based order and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

“The men and women of the Pacific Submarine Force are among our best and brightest Americans,” said Rear Adm. Richard Seif, Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. “The pace of activity across the force is eye-watering, and our ability to remain on-scene, unseen, is only possible due to their hard work and critical thinking. We are lethal, far-reaching, and incredibly capable, and we deter aggression through our demonstrated advantage in the undersea domain.”

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.

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

“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.”

Cardenas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of being able to travel to Japan and witness the culture and people,” said Cardenas. “I love the fact that I am earning a paycheck, helping defend my country and loved ones while being able to work on a submarine. I don’t like to brag but I think I am the only one from my hometown who has ever been on a submarine, let alone been able to work and live on one.”

Cardenas can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means always being prepared wherever or whenever you are to help others and protect those who need you,” said Cardenas. “The Navy is seen as a symbol of strength and protection for those around the world who need our assistance.”

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

“I would like to thank my parents back home for always supporting me,” added Cardenas. “I would also like to thank my command for teaching me so many valuable skills I can use for the rest of my life.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In Feb., the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education presented the Outstanding Community Partner Award to the Assistance League of San Bernardino, a longtime supporter of SBCUSD students.

For decades, the Assistance League of San Bernardino has had a profound impact on the SBCUSD school community through its dedicated efforts to support children in need. From providing clothing to at-risk students to offering a dental program, the Assistance League has consistently demonstrated its commitment to enhancing opportunities for children in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. Many past and present Board of Education members have performed at the Assistance League’s annual fundraiser, the Headdress Ball.

That event is the League’s chief fundraiser, allowing the nonprofit to provide low-cost and, in some cases, free dental services to children ages 5 to 25, ensuring that every child has access to quality dental care. The Assistance League also runs Operation School Bell, which helps provide clothing for needy children from kindergarten to senior year by sending them shopping for brand-new clothing for free.

By addressing basic needs, the organization helps to remove barriers to learning and promotes student success, said Dorie Stratton, the Assistance League’s Vice President of Resource Development and Principal of San Andreas High School.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award from SBCUSD,” Stratton said. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, as well as the impact of our programs on the lives of those we serve.”

Victor Valley’s First District Community Liaison Paul Marsh was pleased to attend the NAACP Black Excellence Graduation Ceremony at Victor Valley College. “The celebrated students were well deserving of the recognition,” he said. Congratulations to all the honorees!

RIVERSIDE, CA—- What an incredible night at the First Annual Spring Art Experience and Fundraiser hosted by Off the Chain Alliance and MHE Productions on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The event featured the stunning works of artist Maurice Howard and drew a crowd of remarkable individuals, including the renowned Charles Bibbs and his lovely wife, Elaine Bibbs.

The experience was held at the exquisite Mind & Mill in Downtown Riverside, the evening was truly special. Porscha N. Dillard, founder of Off the Chain Alliance, shared her heartfelt story and the mission behind her nonprofit, supporting disenfranchised minority families in the Inland Empire.

Maurice Howard sold two original pieces, generating funds to advance this important cause. The night was elevated by the mesmerizing vocals of Nkese, leaving the audience spellbound.

The collaboration between Porscha N. Dillard and Maurice Howard proved to be exceptional, making the event an unforgettable success. Cheers to more amazing events like this in the future!

By Lue Dowdy

This past Saturday, the Assistant League of San Bernardino hosted their 62nd Annual Headdress Ball, a major fundraiser supporting their philanthropic programs for children and young adults in San Bernardino County. This year’s theme, “I Hope You Dance,” took the audience on a nostalgic musical journey from the 1920s to the 2000s.

The event showcased 12 remarkable women from the community as models, including Dr. Sandra Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent for San Bernardino Unified School District, and Sonietta Brown, President Elect of the San Bernardino Symphony. A highlight of the evening was LuCretia Dowdy, also known as Lue, the Community Engagement Specialist for First 5 San Bernardino. She lit up the stage with a spirited Charleston dance choreographed by Lupita of The Limónadas Dance Company, her radiant smile and energetic moves thrilling the audience.

San Bernardino City Mayor Helen Tran and Felicia Alexander, President of the Assistance League of San Bernardino, delivered the opening remarks. The live auction was expertly conducted by Councilman Damon Alexander of the 7th Ward. The event’s atmosphere was further enlivened by live music from the San Bernardino Music Teen Workshop, creating a memorable and enchanting evening.

The Assistance League of San Bernardino is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact through their philanthropic efforts in San Bernardino and surrounding communities.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May Revised Budget has sparked criticism from criminal justice advocates for failing to include additional prison closures. Despite a budget deficit of as much as $73 billion and the potential to save more than $1.5 billion annually by closing more prisons, as well as billions more in infrastructure repair costs, the governor’s proposal includes only minimal cuts to prison spending by closing 46 housing blocks across 13 state prisons, resulting in savings of $80 million, a tiny fraction of CDCR’s $14.5 billion budget and overall bed capacity.

Amber-Rose Howard, Executive Director of Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB), stated, “If the administration can’t select a prison to close, we are prepared to advocate for closure at specific prisons across the state. Closing entire prisons, starting with a prison like the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco (CRC), is a sensible step towards significant cost savings.”

This morning, CURB launched a petition to close CRC in Riverside County. The petition demands the closure of five more prisons: an immediate closure of CRC, alongside the commitment to close at least four additional state prisons in the future. “This petition will represent the collective voice of thousands of Californians who believe in a more just and fiscally responsible approach to public safety,” said Viju Mathew, a lead organizer with CURB member organization Critical Resistance.

“We are calling on Governor Newsom to change course and really step into leadership on prison closure.”

While some towns have resisted prison closures for economic reasons, the call to shutter CRC has existing community support. Prison closure is part of the city’s official legislative platform and has been supported by local lawmakers. In 2021, CURB named CRC Norco as a top state prison to close based on a survey of more than 2,000 incarcerated people.

CRC Norco has earned the reputation of being a toxic prison. “Without air conditioning, summer temperatures exceed 100 degrees F, with only 5 fans for 100 people,” said an anonymous incarcerated individual at CRC. Marked for closure in 2012 by then-Governor Jerry Brown, the state allocated $810 million to construct prison housing elsewhere. However, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) opted to keep CRC operational to “alleviate overcrowding” in other state prisons.

The state prison population in California has decreased significantly to approximately 93,000 from its peak of 165,000 in 2006, yet the state continues to maintain costly and underutilized facilities. Nonpartisan budget analysts have endorsed closing up to five additional prisons, and Assemblymember Phil Ting (D) introduced AB 2178 this year to limit CDCR’s overall bed capacity.

Notably, the only organization listed in opposition to AB 2178 was the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), the law enforcement special interest group representing prison guards which successfully negotiated $1 billion in raises and bonuses from Newsom for their members last year. CCPOA is one of Newsom’s biggest and most reliable donors.

“We are deeply concerned with the Governor’s comments that more prison closures are not being planned due to proposed policies and initiatives that will fill California prisons,” said Emily Harris, co-director of programs for the Ella Baker Center, in a Friday press release. “This is an alarming signal that the Governor and our lawmakers are preparing to send California backward to an era of mass incarceration. Governor Newsom should do everything he can to stop the attempted roll back of Prop 47.”

“The governor’s budget continues to prioritize the prison system over essential community services,” continued Howard. “These funds should be redirected to offset the shameful cuts to education, housing, and other programs that would better address the root causes of criminalization, like poverty, and support communities across California.

Critics opposing prison closures often cite public safety concerns, despite the fact that California’s three existing prison closures had no associated releases of incarcerated people. Both advocates urged California decision-makers to learn from past mistakes and seek smart solutions to public safety that do not involve putting predominantly Black, Brown, and low-income Californians behind bars.  

Comprehensive economic ‘just transition’ plans, including job programs and economic development initiatives, have been proposed to support workers and communities impacted by prison closure. “The closure of prisons should be seen as an opportunity to repurpose them and bring sustainable and equitable growth to communities,” Howard said. “California needs a practical roadmap to close prisons that meets the needs of multiple stakeholders. This is all possible with political will and common sense. At this moment, we need Newsom to have both. We want the Governor to sign a final budget in June that centers the most vulnerable Californains and more meaningfully addresses out-of-control corrections spending.”

VICTORVILLE, CA— Community Liaison Paul Marsh was pleased to represent our office at last week’s Fentanyl Awareness Forum. This important event, hosted by the Institute for Public Strategies and the City of Victorville, shed light on the effects of opioids on our community, with a special focus on fentanyl.

“It was a great turnout, and the speakers were very engaging,” said Paul.

The forum featured a powerful panel discussion with experts including:

• Alex Cordova from the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health
• Deputy Greg Jones from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
• Takisha Williams from Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC.
• Antoinette Jackson from the Symba Center
• Steve Filson from VOID Victims of Illicit Drugs

We can’t thank the organizers and panelists enough for bringing this important issue to light. Let’s all work together to keep our community safe from the dangers of fentanyl.

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