Local

SACRMENTO, CA – Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) named Eunice Abel, a youth advocate and undergraduate student, as 2025 Woman of the Year for Assembly District 45. Assemblymembers, including Ramos celebrated their honorees on the Assembly floor this month.

“Eunice is a tireless and steadfast advocate for young people in the Inland Empire and is dedicated to eliminating inequities,” Ramos said. “She is especially committed to addressing youth homelessness, a legislative priority for me since my election. Even at her young age of 22, she has built an exemplary record of positive action and contributions to our community,” Ramos stated.

Abel, born in Aba, Abia, Nigeria, immigrated to the United States at 11 years old and navigated life as an unaccompanied minor throughout her childhood. She confronted countless obstacles, including unstable housing, poverty and difficulty in accessing an education. This struggle fueled her passion for advocacy and inspired her to become a youth homeless advocate.

“This award is a testament to youth who are fighting to empower other youth, showing that our work is valuable and that standing up for others is not a waste of time,” Abel said.

She has served as a youth ambassador for non-profits that support underprivileged youth. In 2022

Abel was elected Chairperson for the Youth Advisory Board of San Bernardino County where she supported several initiatives to aid homeless youth in San Bernardino County. She later became Youth Leadership Coordinator and revived the Youth Advocacy Summit. This summit brought together legislators, service providers, and youth in San Bernardino County to raise awareness and facilitate meaningful conversation about youth homelessness.

Her advocacy extends to other policy areas that affect the overall well-being of California youth such as food insecurity, immigration and racial equity. Abel will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in public policy this spring from University of California, Riverside.

Only one of several dozen escaped dogs remains at large.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The City of San Bernardino Department of Animal Services was the victim of an early morning break-in on Wednesday, February 26 at its facility, resulting in the release of dozens of dogs and the discovery of four escaped dogs placed in a nearby trash dumpster. Authorities were on the scene shortly after the break-in and a person of interest is in custody on unrelated charges.

At approximately 4:45 am on February 26th, 2025, police responded to an emergency call for an overnight break-in. The suspect, who gained unlawful access to the premises using bolt cutters, cut the locks multiple kennels, releasing approximately 25 dogs.

San Bernardino Animal Services staff were able to locate and return all of the escaped dogs to the shelter except for one, who still remains at large. Four dogs were found in a nearby dumpster, believed to have been placed there by the person of interest.

“We are shocked by this event,” said Kristine Watson, San Bernardino Animal Services Director.

“The safety and well-being of the animals in our care are our top priority, and this action put many of our dogs in danger.”

The four dogs found in the dumpster were examined by the Animal Services veterinary care team.

All are in good condition and are expected to be available for adoption within
a few days.

The remaining missing dog is a cream Chihuahua named Louise (ID #A576436), who is both spayed and microchipped. Shelter staff are asking for the community’s assistance to help find Louise and have initiated a social media campaign to spread the word.

“We urge anyone with information about the whereabouts of Louise to contact us. Her safety is of utmost concern, and we are hopeful that someone will recognize her and help
us bring her back,” added Watson.

For updates or to report any sightings, please contact the City of San Bernardino Department of Animal Services at 909-998-4000 for any information on Louise.

In the meantime, Animal Services is pleased that the security measures in place at the shelter led to the quick response by the City of San Bernardino Police Department and the Department of Animal Services staff and resulted in the identification of a possible suspect.

“The support from the community as word has gotten out about the break-in has been overwhelming,” said Watson. “There are so many amazing animals at the shelter, we hope this will inspire area residents to visit our shelter to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate.”

By BoTefu | California Black Media

A day after the U. S. House of Representatives voted to approve a resolution cutting nearly $2 trillion from the federal budget, Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) informed Californians that the state will not be able to fill in the anticipated gap in federal funds.

Chairing an Assembly Budget Committee hearing on Feb. 26, Jackson said, “California cannot save you. The cuts are that devastating. That bad. That disgusting. So, if you are on Medi-Cal, if you’re receiving CalFresh, if you are getting housing support, if you’re getting support for childcare, if you’re getting SSI [Supplemental Security Income], you are in big trouble.”

“Given what Republicans have just voted on last night, I just don’t see that California will have what we need to ensure that people will continue to get their payments, continue to get their healthcare, continue to get assistance with their housing,” Jackson stated.

Jackson pointed out that House Republicans from California also voted for the cuts and urged people to “make it clear” to their representatives that they are “voting against the interest of the people they profess to represent.”

A representative from the California Department of Finance who testified at the hearing, said, “We are analyzing all the federal funding we receive, but with that said, there is no way the general fund can backfill the loss of federal funds.”

U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) said she voted “hell no” on the resolution she is calling the “Republican rip-off.”

“I refuse to be complicit in Donald Trump and House Republicans’ attempts to steal from my constituents. Hell no to raising health care premiums by $2,020 a year; hell no on ripping food assistance away from 40 million Americans; and hell no on giving $4.5 trillion in tax cuts to the Billionaire Boys Club,” Kamlager-Dove said in a statement.

By Joe W. Bowers, Jr. ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The California State Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education, chaired by Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), held a hearing on Feb. 27, where State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond provided a State of Education address and discussed key education funding priorities.

Facing tough questions from lawmakers, Thurmond emphasized the state’s commitment to improving student achievement, despite ongoing budget constraints, declining enrollment, and continued racial disparities in education outcomes.

Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) joined Laird at the hearing, while committee member Sasha Renée Pérez (D-San Gabriel Valley) who represents the Altadena area, was in her district assessing wildfire damage.

Investing in Student Success 

Thurmond discussed several initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. He pointed to California’s universal preschool, free meal programs, and his newly launched “Cohort to Move the Needle on Test Scores,” a coalition of 250 school districts working to close achievement gaps in math and reading.

“Education saved my life,” Thurmond said, recalling his childhood struggles with poverty after losing both parents at a young age. “It’s the greatest equalizer we have, and we must protect it.”

Thurmond argued that California, despite its fiscal challenges, continues to lead the nation in investing in education, calling on lawmakers to support long-term funding for literacy coaches, dual-language immersion programs, and teacher housing to address inequalities.

Rebuilding Schools and Expanding Learning Opportunities

Thurmond also spoke about the devastating impact of natural disasters, particularly in Southern California, where wildfires have destroyed schools and displaced students. He called for accelerating school reconstruction funds through Proposition 2 to rebuild and modernize classrooms.

The Superintendent further stressed the importance of expanded learning opportunities, advocating for incentive grants to encourage schools to extend the school day and year. “We’ve seen the impact in places like Compton Unified, where extra tutoring and longer school days have led to improved reading and math scores,” he noted.

He also discussed teacher shortages and the high cost of living, which have made it difficult for educators to remain in the communities where they work.

“Our schools have 75,000 acres of land that’s ready for development right now,” Thurmond said. “If the school districts that have the surplus property built only 15 units on those parcels, it would result in more than two million units that would be available by the year 2030 for teachers, classified staff, and even first responders and healthcare workers.”

Addressing Student Achievement and Education Funding

Ochoa Bogh raised concerns about student performance despite increased education funding.

“The 2024-25 and proposed 2025-26 budgets have Proposition 98 general funds per-pupil spending at nearly $19,000 – a 59% increase from 2019-20,” she stated. “Despite this, the 2024 California dashboard shows students 13.2 points below the English Language Arts standard, 47.6 points below the mathematics standard, and only 45.7% of our English language learners are making progress, a decline of 3% from 2023.”

Thurmond acknowledged these concerns, explaining that many of California’s education investments are recent and will take time to yield results.

“We’re seeing trending in an upward direction, but we never rest on our laurels,” he said. “We always are going to work to make sure that every student is getting the best experience that they can.”

He pointed out that 240,000 students in the state are homeless, with 10,000 unaccompanied minors struggling to survive on their own.

“We’re working with two million students through our cohort initiative to improve literacy and math,” Thurmond responded. “But we have to be realistic — this is a multi-year process. We must continue making strategic investments if we want to see real change.”

Debate Over Education Funding Formula

Ochoa Bogh questioned why the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), providing extra resources since 2013 for foster youth, English learners, and low-income students, hasn’t yielded stronger outcomes. “How do you explain the performance?” she asked Thurmond.

Thurmond acknowledged the challenges but argued that LCFF alone does not fully fund public education. “California has underfunded education for decades,” he said. “LCFF is a step forward, but we need a stable and long-term funding source to meet the actual cost of education.”

A Fight Over California’s Priorities

Ochoa Bogh also questioned whether California’s overall spending — nearly 40% of the state’s total budget — was enough to fully support education needs.

“In your professional opinion, what would be the considerable, true investment that California should be spending on education?” she asked.

Thurmond declined to give a specific percentage but emphasized that long-term investments in teacher training, student support, and infrastructure were essential.

“We have to spend even more on professional development and training to support our staff, to make sure that we have more reading coaches and specialists to support our staff,” he said.

Senator Laird Highlights Local School Challenges

Laird backed Thurmond’s call for continued investment, sharing firsthand accounts of visiting schools where students were forced to do homework in Taco Bell parking lots just to access Wi-Fi.

“I’ve seen it across my district — teacher shortages, families struggling with the cost of living, schools serving as food pantries for kids who have nothing at home,” Laird said. “These aren’t just statistics. This is real life for too many Californians.”

Laird and Thurmond agreed on the need for educator housing, noting that some school districts have already begun constructing affordable housing for teachers to combat high turnover rates.

What’s Next?

Thurmond invited Ochoa Bogh and Laird to visit schools participating in the “Move the Needle” initiative to see the impact of recent investments firsthand.

We think that this budget is thoughtful and with intention provided by the legislature,” Thurmond said. “We think that we can help our schools continue to ensure that our kids get a quality education despite some of the challenging circumstances that they face.”

California’s 2025-26 education budget allocates $118.9 billion for K-12 and community colleges, marking record spending with $7.8 billion in new investments.

UPLAND, CA –– The LOVE Program is proud to present its annual Awards Brunch, a prestigious event dedicated to honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact on young women, youth, and children throughout California. This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Upland Country Club (1231 E 16th St, Upland, CA 91784).

Hosted by Daphne Hawkins, this highly anticipated gathering is more than just a brunch—it is a celebration of purpose, transformative change, and the pursuit of excellence. The event will feature an inspiring keynote address by Melissa Hibbert, President & Chief Brand Strategist of Beauty Founders Agency, Inc. 

The LOVE Program will proudly recognize a distinguished group of honorees whose dedication and leadership have shaped communities across the state:

• Diann Valentine – CEO & Founder, Glow + Flow
• Jacquelyn Rodriguez – San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office
• Monique Amis – Chief of Community & Family Health
• Dr. Susan Uyemura – CEO & President, Japanese American Living
• Chancellor Diana Rodriguez – San Bernardino Valley College
• Syeda Jafri – Rialto Unified School District
• Jennifer Rosales – Program Director, Young Visionaries
• Jonathan & Keynasia Buffong – CEOs, Inland Empire Black Grad
• San Bernardino County Probation Day Reporting Staff

“This event is a testament to the incredible individuals who have dedicated their lives to empowering young people and fostering community growth,” said Daphne Hawkins. “We invite you to join us for an unforgettable morning of recognition, inspiration, and networking.”

Tickets for the event are available for purchase now. Even if you cannot attend, there are still opportunities to contribute and support the mission of The LOVE Program.

Reserve Your Seat or Donate: https://buytickets.at/theloveprogram/1532403

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact DHawkins@lovenonprofit.com.

About The LOVE Program

The LOVE Program is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering young women, youth, and children through mentorship, education, and community development initiatives. By recognizing and supporting transformational leaders, The LOVE Program continues to drive positive change across California.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Westside Action Group (WAG) proudly announces the appointment of its President, Alton L. Garrett, Jr., to the California Commission on Judicial Performance. Appointed by Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas, Mr. Garrett will serve as a public member from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2029.

The Commission on Judicial Performance, established in 1960, is an independent state agency responsible for investigating judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity, playing a critical role in maintaining the integrity of California’s judicial system.

Mr. Garrett brings a wealth of public service experience to this role. During his tenure as Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, he served as a critical liaison for both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. His responsibilities included advising the Senator on military and Veterans’ issues, representing African American communities statewide, and developing strategic community engagement initiatives. Mr. Garrett frequently met with constituents and local government representatives, demonstrating his commitment to responsive public service.

His federal emergency management experience is equally impressive. As an Incident Management Cadre with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mr. Garrett played a crucial role in disaster response. He coordinated over 25 Congressional Delegation (CODEL) visits to declared disaster areas, including critical deployments during Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and Hurricane Michael in North Carolina. In this role, he was responsible for developing congressional strategies, building relationships with disaster response constituencies, and managing complex logistical challenges.

Currently serving on the Board of Arrowhead United Way, Mr. Garrett continues to demonstrate his commitment to community service. This is his second term with the organization, having previously served on the board in the 1990s and returning in 2023, showcasing his long-standing dedication to community development and social impact.

Additional highlights of Mr. Garrett’s distinguished career include:

• Retired Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) with 27 years of military service
• Master’s degree in public administration from California State University, San Bernardino
• Managing Partner of Garrett Management Group (GMG), LLC
• Recipient of numerous military decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal

“We are extremely proud of Mr. Garrett’s continued commitment to public service,” said Stan “Amiri” Futch, Immediate Past President of Westside Action Group. “His appointment to this critical commission reflects his long-standing dedication to community integrity and professional excellence.”

Mr. Garrett will join the commission as a public member, contributing to its mission of protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the judicial system’s integrity.

RIVERSIDE, CA – For the 12th straight year, all U.S. Walmart stores, and Sam’s Club locations are launching the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, including right here in the Inland Empire.

The goal of the annual cause marketing campaign is to provide people facing hunger with access to the food and resources they need to thrive. Here’s how it works:

The campaign will run in stores and online from March 1-March 31, with three ways for shoppers to participate:

• By donating at check-out in stores or clubs or round up at Walmart.com and the Walmart app.
• By purchasing participating products* in-store or online at Walmart.com or SamsClub.com. For every purchase of a participating product, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent** of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America partner food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.
• By donating at Feeding America’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign donation site at either feedingamerica.org/walmartor www.feedingamerica.org/samsclub

Since its inception in 2014, the campaign has generated more than $206 million and helped secure 2 billion meals* for the Feeding America® network of local food banks.

“The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign empowers our neighbors to make a real difference while going about their daily shopping,” said Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) CEO, Carolyn Fajardo. “We are incredibly grateful to once again be part of this impactful initiative, bringing hope and nourishment to those who need it most.”

Everyone needs nutritious food to thrive, and in every community in America, people are working hard to provide for themselves and their families. Yet in 2023, 47.4 million people—1 in 7 people—experienced food insecurity in the U.S.

Those are the highest numbers in a decade, underscoring the need for more charitable food assistance in the Inland Empire and beyond.

“For the past 20 years, Feeding America, Walmart and Sam’s Club have worked together to fight hunger and help people live better in the communities we serve,” said Julie Gehrki, president, Walmart Foundation and senior vice president, philanthropy at Walmart. “During the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, we invite our customers and members to join us in providing access to food for our neighbors by supporting Feeding America Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.”

The 24 participating suppliers for Walmart include: B&G Foods, Inc., Bush Brothers & Company, Celsius, The Coca-Cola Company, Conagra Foods, Dole Packaged Foods, LLC, Ferrero USA, General Mills, Hershey Salty Snacks, Kellanova, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Kodiak, Kraft Heinz, Lipton Tea, Ben’s Original, Materne, Mondelez International, Olipop, Pepsi-Cola Advertising & Marketing, Inc., Hidden Valley Original Ranch, The Hain Celestial Group, WK Kellogg Co, Unilever and Utz Quality Foods

The six participating suppliers for Sam’s Club include: Kellanova, Kodiak, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Nestlé and Unilever

For more information, visit: feedingamerica.org/campaigns/fight-hunger-spark-change

*Currently, $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local partner food banks.

** For every purchase of a participating product, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America partner food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.

The park will be closed during construction for approximately one year starting March 3.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The City of San Bernardino has announced that work will begin Monday, March 3rd on the $13.8 million renovation of Seccombe Lake Park. Due to the extensive work planned, the 44-acre park will be closed for approximately one year.

The public is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony at the Park’s gazebo to commemorate the project on Thursday, March 13 at 10:00 am. Seccombe Lake Park is located just east of Downtown San Bernardino at 160 East 5th Street. Parking will be available at the Sierra Way lot.

“This will be a complete revitalization of one of the crown jewels of our park system,” said Interim Parks and Recreation Director Ernesto Salinas. The project will bring new amenities to the park as well as restore the existing infrastructure.

Major improvements planned for San Bernardino’s second largest park will include the restoration of the Park’s signature lake; new landscaping and irrigation; renovation of the gazebo and basketball courts; new lighting throughout the park; concrete walking paths; the restoration of the island in the middle of the lake, new playground equipment with large shade sails, upgrades to the dog park, and repaving of the parking lot.

“This transformation will breathe new life into Seccombe Lake Park,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “The Council and I look forward to next year when families and residents can enjoy a renewed and vibrant space in the heart of our city.”

Other improvements will include ADA upgrades, new fishing stations around the lake, EV charging stations, upgraded drinking fountains, restrooms, and trash enclosures, and the installation of palm tree solar lighting.

Funding for the project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as well as $1 million from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

The City Council approved a contract with North Hollywood-based Landscape Support Services in December 2024 to perform the work. CSG Consultants will provide construction management and inspection services for the project. Plans for the renovation were prepared by RHA Landscape Architects of Riverside.

“The renovation of Seccombe Lake Park is just the latest of a series of investments the City is making in our parks,” added Mayor Tran. “Parks are a priority and San Bernardino residents will notice a big difference across the City very soon.”

Other park projects currently underway or about to begin in San Bernardino include Nicholson Park, Guadalupe Field, Gutierrez Park, Speicher Park, the Roosevelt Bowl at Perris Hill Park, the Eastside Skate Park at Speicher, and Lytle Creek Park.

Bills range from domestic violence to suicide prevention to homelessness, natural resources and reintroduction of state tax exemption for military retirees

SACRAMENTO—Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) today announced his 2025 legislative package.

“This package continues to focus on public safety, homelessness, mental health access and suicide prevention, honoring our veterans, and confronting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis and furthering acceptance and knowledge of state tribes,” Ramos stated.

The bills are:

• AB 31(Tribal Peace Officer Status)authorizes the state Department of Justice to grant tribal police from three California tribes state peace officer status if they meet the same California requirements and standards as other police officers in the state. Enactment of AB 31 would assist all law enforcement by clarifying jurisdiction and permitting tribal police to assist communities close to reservations. The bill would also allow participating tribes to enter into agreements to share liability and collaborate on MMIP cases. Sponsor: Yurok Tribe. Referred to Assembly Committee on Public Safety.
• AB 53 (Military Tax Exemption)would provide a state tax exemption for retired members of the Armed Forces and recipients of the Department of Defense’s Survivor Benefits Program starting in 2025. Sponsors: American Legion, Department of California,

California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, California Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Marine Corp League, Department of California and Military Officers Association of America-California Council of Chapters. Referred to Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation.

• AB 221 (Tribal Nation Grant Fund) would streamline the existing Tribal Nation Grant Fund process to provide annual equal distribution grants, upon application, to all federally recognized tribes that either have no gaming or operate less than 350 Class III gaming devices. Federally recognized Indian tribes pay for the grant funds that exclusively benefit eligible federally recognized nongaming and limited gaming tribes. Sponsors: California Nations Indian Gaming Association and Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Nations. Referred to Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization.
• AB 249 (Continuums of Care Update for Homeless Youth) would require state specified housing and homelessness programs to use a youth-specific coordinated entry system to assist homeless youth receive housing related services. Sponsor: California Coalition for Youth. Referred to Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development and Assembly Committee on Human Services.
• AB 285 (Domestic Violence Restraining Order) would require that a 180-day criminal protective order be issued when a defendant convicted of domestic violence or sex offenses is released from state prison to protect the victim(s) they were convicted of harming. Sponsors: Offices of the San Bernardino and Riverside County District Attorneys. Referred to Committee on Public Safety.
• AB 308 (Mobile Crisis Response Teams) would encourage county behavioral health directors to develop training in conjunction with law enforcement for mobile crisis response teams so teams can properly respond to cases involving individuals with autism, behavioral health issues or other developmental disabilities. This bill would also encourage a county behavioral health director to develop procedures that would educate teams on proper use of force, de-escalation and stabilization techniques, and other tools for the care of an individual being transferred to a treatment facility. Co-sponsors: Autism Society Inland Empire and Autism Heroes. Referred to Assembly Committee on Human Services.
• AB 359 (FPPC Local Jurisdictions’ Contracts) would repeal the sunset date authorizing the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) to contract with local agencies to administer, implement and enforce local campaign finance or government ethics law. Sponsor: FPPC. Referred to Assembly Committee on Elections. 
• AB 362 (Shingle Springs Water) would add tribal water uses as a beneficial use of water in the state. AB 362 would also require the State Water Quality Control Board or a regional water quality control to describe, with both quantitative and qualitative information, how the project or regulatory program will impact tribal water uses. Sponsor: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Not yet referred to a policy committee.
• AB 440 (Caltrans Suicide Prevention) would mandate the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to create policies to evaluate, report and develop suicide preventative measures for bridges in the state highway system.AB 440 also requires the California Highway Patrol and state Office of Suicide Prevention to share relevant information with Caltrans. Referred to Assembly Committee on Transportation.
• AB 977 (California State University Burial Sites) wouldrequire the California State University (CSU) system, in consultation with Native American tribes to develop a policy to identify available CSU-owned land for the burial of Native American human remains and establish three tribal burial sites – one in the Northern, Central and Southern regions of the state. Sponsor: Tachi Yokut Tribe. Not yet referred to committee. 
• AB 989 (Native American Day State Holiday) would make the state Native American Day holiday – the fourth Friday in September – a paid holiday for state employees. Not yet referred to committee.
• AB 1369 (Tribal Regalia at High School Graduations) wouldadd clarification to students’ right to wear traditional tribal regalia as determined by the pupil and the pupil’s family at high school graduations. AB 1369 also reaffirms that a local educational agency cannot require a preapproval process to exercise this right or demand that the student wear a cap if the adornment is incompatible with the adornment. Sponsor: California Indian Legal Services. Bill not yet referred to committee.

Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45^th Assembly district that includes the Cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature. Ramos chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #6 on Public Safety. 

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

California’s U.S. Senators, Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with Democratic members of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works (EPW), are demanding answers from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) following the sudden freeze of funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.

This program, authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is designed to accelerate the construction of zero-emission vehicle charging stations across the U.S. It granted California $384 million over five years to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

California’s plan was approved in September 2023 by the Biden administration, but earlier this month the Trump Administration froze $3 billion allocated to the NEVI program, halting planned construction.

In a letter to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, Padilla and Schiff expressed concern that the decision undermines years of planning and effort by state transportation departments. They argued that the freeze disregards Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending and threatens the environmental and economic benefits the program was set to deliver.

“Your abrupt cutoff of NEVI funding disregards these efforts and subjects states and their partners to delay, uncertainty, and bureaucratic red tape. It also threatens the jobs, innovation, and environmental benefits that this program was ready and authorized to deliver through implementation,” the senators wrote in a letter to the president.

The NEVI program aims to make electric vehicles more accessible by installing charging stations every 50 miles along major travel corridors, promoting clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The Senators requested that the funding freeze be immediately reversed and demanded answers on the legal grounds for the decision. They also called for the release of documents related to discussions involving the White House, the Office of Management and Budget, and other key figures.

The freeze could delay critical infrastructure projects and disrupt the transition to zero-emission vehicles, particularly in rural areas, where access to charging stations is limited. The Senators’ letter was signed by several other lawmakers, including Senators Sheldon (D-RI) Whitehouse, Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Bernie Sanders (D-VT).