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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

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.