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By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey, and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

Gov. Gavin Newsom is committed to creating more jobs, faster, and increasing pathways to higher paying careers for Californians from all backgrounds, according to his office.

To achieve these goals, on March 8, Newsom announced the formation of a new state-level committee focused on increasing jobs called the California Jobs First Council. He also awarded $182 million in grants to 13 organizations around the state involved in developing viable economic development projects that will stimulate employment and attract significant government and private sector investments.

Gov. Newsom has appointed Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development to co-chair the council. She will work alongside co-chair Stewart Knox, California Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development.

“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to align strategic investments that further economic growth and job creation in every region of California,” said Myers.

Other members of the council are the Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning & Research; Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency; Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture; Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency; Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency; Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs; and the President of the Public Utilities Commission.

“California has created more opportunities, more jobs, and more businesses than any other state, but we need to ensure that we’re all moving forward together,” Newsom said in a statement. “Through this new council and these investments, we’re aligning all of our economic resources to create more jobs, faster for Californians in every community.”

APRIL 26, 1948 – FEBRUARY 9, 2024

On February 9, 2024, Dumas Martin, Jr., passed away at the age of 75-years-old. The community will gather to say their final farewell on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at The African American Museum of Beginnings located at 1460 E Holt Avenue, Suite 188, Pomona, CA 91767. Everyone will start assembling at 10 a.m. prior to the start of the memorial at 11 a.m.

APPLE VALLEY, CA— On Saturday, March 23rd, Music Changing Lives (MCL) and the California Health Collaborative – San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Program (CHC – SBCTCP) will hold a powerful community dialogue to address underage tobacco sales taking place in the Town of Apple Valley. This exclusive event is a call to action for parents, students, and residents to join the conversation and discover how they can play a part in standing against tobacco. The event will be held from 12pm – 2:30pm at the United In Christ Baptist Church located at 13580 Nomwaket Rd., Apple Valley, CA 92308.

More than an informative session, this event is an invitation for residents to actively engage in a meaningful and creative dialogue about cultivating a healthier community. Exciting activities include the Apple Valley Against Tobacco poster art contest, the premiere of a compelling music video by MCL youth sharing their perspectives on the impacts of tobacco, and presentations from key speakers representing MCL and CHC.

Josiah Bruny, CEO & Founder of Music Changing Lives, emphasized, “One of the key reasons MCL is part of this campaign is to protect our youth.  Cities and towns across our region need tobacco retail licensing (TRL) policies to prevent retailers from selling tobacco products to underage youth, potentially exposing them to a lifelong nicotine addiction. Local TRL policies can be adapted to meet the unique needs of our communities such as restricting them from selling tobacco products within 1000 feet of youth sensitive areas. As we continue to survey tobacco retailers in different cities, we continue to find stores willing to sell tobacco to our kids. This is unacceptable and detrimental to the health and well-being of future generations.”

To attend the event, community members can RSVP at https://1l.ink/BXB4H7D. A complimentary and delicious lunch will be provided for all guests who join in on the conversation.

The March 23 conversation marks the second event in a 3-part series hosted by Music Changing Lives and the California Health Collaborative -San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Program in the campaign, Apple Valley Against Tobacco. The first event took place in February and served as a significant platform for advancing campaign initiatives by fostering collaboration among stakeholders, disseminating crucial information, and mobilizing community support for tobacco prevention efforts. The recent event featured key speakers, including Bruny, who discussed the impact of music programs on youth development and substance abuse prevention, while CHC highlighted the importance of community collaboration in addressing underage tobacco sales.  The California Health Collaborative – San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Program participated and shared strategies on how to combat sales to youth and enforce regulations.

Ms. Jones, a past event attendee stated, “[I] truly enjoyed the event’s impact on increasing awareness, empowering youth to make healthy choices, and fostering a sense of unity in the community’s commitment to combatting underage tobacco sales.”

For more information about Music Changing Lives and its initiatives, visit www.MusicChangingLives.org or call 951-992-0721.

About MCL and California Health Collaborative:

Music Changing Lives stands as a catalyst for positive change, dedicated to addressing youth advocacy, social injustices, and health disparities within communities. Leveraging the transformative power of music and art, the organization strives to create impactful initiatives that resonate with individuals, fostering positive transformation and community well-being.

The California Health Collaborative is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization committed to enhancing the quality of life and health of the people of California, particularly the underserved and underrepresented. Learn more at www.healthcollaborative.org.

RIVERSIDE, CA— Join the “Dancing with the Leaders of the Inland Empire” project! There will be auditions and an information meeting on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., held at 6377 Riverside Avenue, Suite 120, Riverside, CA 92506.

This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, as part of the Creative Corps Inland SoCal Arts Project. The “Dancing with the Leaders of the Inland Empire” multi-media production will be touring this Summer 2024 with three shows in three locations! Victorville 6/8/24, San Bernardino 6/15/24, and Riverside 6/22/24.  More information is coming soon.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – In a move to bolster safety and security in the unincorporated areas of the Fifth District, Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., celebrates the announcement of additional law enforcement personnel to unincorporated communities within the Fifth Supervisorial District.

These four additional deputies will be strategically placed at Central Station in San Bernardino, focusing on areas identified as priority zones for crime prevention and proactive policing efforts in the unincorporated communities of San Bernardino, and Colton. Two deputies will be assigned to targeted patrol duties, concentrating their efforts in the community of Muscoy.

Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., shared, “In addition to the deputies we’ve already placed in our unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Rosena Ranch, we’re further reinforcing our commitment to safety by adding more deputies in our district.” Supervisor Baca, Jr, further emphasized “Additional deputies in Muscoy means we are really stepping up for our underserved neighborhoods, especially where it’s needed most. It’s about making sure everyone, no matter where they live, feels safe and looked after.”

Implementing additional law enforcement resources in these areas highlights the Supervisor’s responsive and proactive approach to community safety. The decision to enhance law enforcement comes in response to community feedback.

“This is not just about increasing law enforcement numbers; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of our residents,” Supervisor Baca, Jr. added. “We are committed to creating a safe environment where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and communities can flourish. Together, we are making our district a safer place for everyone.”

Residents can expect an increased police presence in the coming weeks, along with continued efforts to engage the community in these safety initiatives.

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey, and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

Closing out a month of Black History Month events, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) honored 12 Californians with its “Unsung Hero” award during a ceremony held at the State Capitol on February 26.

The awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to civic life within each CLBC member’s district.

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) presided over the ceremony and presented a resolution on the Assembly floor celebrating the extraordinary work the award recipients are doing in their respective communities.

“The CLBC created the Unsung Hero Awards in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – to celebrate those who embody his philosophy and ideas,” said Jones-Sawyer, a member of CLBC. “We continue this tradition with this distinguished group of individuals.”

This list of honorees included city of Fairfield librarian Mychael Threets (Assemblymember Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City), Treehouse’s CEO and founder of Prophet Walker (Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, D- Ladera Heights), Young and Prosper Foundation’s Chris Jones (Assemblymember Akilah Weber, D-La Mesa), Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce’s President Cathy Adams (Assemblymember Mia Bonta, D-Alameda), and Los Angeles Unified School District’s Government Affairs advisor Carolyn Fowler (Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, D-Inglewood).

Awards were also given to  Brother 2 Brother At-risk Mentoring and Gang Prevention’s co-founder Mervin Brookins (Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento), KBLA Radio 1580 talk show Host Dominique DiPrima (Reggie Jones Sawyer, D-Los Angeles)), California Justice and member of the California Supreme Court Leondra R. Kruger (Assemblymember Chris Holden, D-Pasadena), Vice Chair of Compton Unified School District’s Board of Education Dr. Ayanna Davis (Assemblymember Mike Gipson, D-Carson), and Moreno Valley youth advocate Kymberly Taylor (Assemblymember Corey Jackson, D-Moreno Valley).

On the Senate side, Dr. Thomas Parham, the 11th President of California State University Dominguez Hills, was honored (Sen. Steven Bradford, D-Inglewood). His wife Davida Parham accepted the award on his behalf. Fran Jemmott, founder of California Black Women’s Health Project and the Jemmott Rollins Group, was escorted to the Assembly floor for her award by Assemblymember Bryan, who stood in for Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles).

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO, CA – Petty Officer 2nd Class Rey Calvillo, a native of San Bernardino, California, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Tripoli operating out of San Diego.

Calvillo graduated from Vista High School in 2018.

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

“I have learned from a young age to not take things personally and not live in the past,” said Calvillo.

“We work in a fast pace and sometimes dangerous environment where things can be misinterpreted, but it is important to know we all care for each other aboard the ship and just want to keep each other safe.”

“I joined the Navy to learn new technical skills I could use for life as well as a career where I could travel and see the world,” said Calvillo.

“The sailors who make up Team Tripoli really are the best the Navy has to offer,” said Capt. Gary Harrington, commanding officer of Tripoli. “We say it all the time, our Navy is nothing without the men and women who serve on the deckplates each and every day. I truly believe that the continued success of our Navy, and Tripoli specifically, is due in no small part to the contributions of our sailors.”

“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.”

“Serving in the Navy provides me with a career as well as family and friends that will last a lifetime,” said Calvillo. “The Navy provides its sailors with a work/life balance and the peace of mind, knowing I will always have a roof over my head and three meals a day.”

“I would like to thank my mom, Kristina, for her support of everything I do,” added Calvillo. “She is my biggest champion and I can always count on her.”

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

The process the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) promised to initiate to pass a package of reparations bills began Feb. 26, on the Assembly floor at the State Capitol with the passage of Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 135.

Authored by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), ACR 135 — or the “Human rights violations and crimes against humanity on African slaves and their descendants” — recognizes the “harms and atrocities committed by representatives of the State of California who promoted, facilitated, enforced and permitted the institution of chattel slavery,” according to the language of the resolution.

The measure was unanimously approved with a 57-0 vote on the Assembly floor.

“ACR 135 is not only a resolution to affirm the (California Reparations Task Force) report,” Weber. Said during her presentation on the Assembly floor.  “It is also meant to educate ourselves on California’s history. Ida B. Wells wrote, ‘The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.’ The reparations task force turned the light on truth, and this is laid out in ACR 135.”

The nine-member reparations task force submitted a comprehensive 1,075-page report to the Legislature on June 28, 2023. The report contains the panel’s findings from a two-year study that involved investigations of harms, testimonies from community members, and up to 115 recommendations for compensation for eligible Black Californians.

On January 31, the CLBC announced the introduction of the 2024 Reparations Priority Bill Package, which includes 14 pieces of legislation that represents the first step in a multi-year effort to implement the legislative recommendations in the report.

ACR 15 was among the list of considerations.

Regarding the passage of significant legislation related to reparations for Black Californians, Weber is following in her mother’s footsteps.

Her mother, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, authored AB 3121, the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans, as an Assemblymember representing the 79^th District. This legislation was the first-in-the-nation bill created at the state level to study and recommend redress for past injustices against the descendants of African people enslaved in the United States.

During the announcement of the rollout of the bills on Feb. 21, CLBC Chair, Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), said the package was part of “30 reparations bills” the Black lawmakers are developing. A bill requesting a formal apology from the Governor and the Legislature for California’s historical injustices against African Americans is next in line, Wilson said.

The passage of ACR 135 will officially open discussions about reparations, Wilson said.

“This year’s legislative package tackles a wide range of issues from criminal justice reforms to property rights to education, civil rights, and food justice,” Wilson stated. “The Caucus is looking to make strides in the second half of this legislative session as we build towards righting the wrongs of California’s past in future sessions.”

Before the vote, members from the CLBC spoke about the significance of the report, educating their colleagues about the issues that affected the Black community after slavery, and the task ahead to get the reparations bills to the Governor’s desk.

The members of the CLBC that spoke on the floor were Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D- Ladera Heights), Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Riverside), Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D- Los Angeles), Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), and Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento).

Other members of the Assembly body shared their sentiments about ACR 135 as well.

Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland), the first Native American elected to the California Legislature, expressed his support for the bill.

“The consequences of those 246 years of slavery and a 100 of segregation still plague African Americans today, and indeed plagues all Americans today,” said Ramos. “It is a history of trauma that still needs to come to light to make sure we can overcome and start the healing process – not only in our nation but here also in the state of California. During those times of slavery, bondage and oppression, many African Americans fled that type of treatment to find solitude with Native American tribes.”

Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Corona) condemned the state’s dark past.

“I rise in commendation of racial discrimination and the despicable indefensible treatment of Black Californians in our state’s early years,” Essayli said. “But I also rise as a proud Californian and believe that despite the bleak history of our early days our state has often been at the forefront of the fight for racial equality.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Time for Change Foundation’s (TFCF) 22nd Anniversary Awards Gala will honor outstanding individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for our communities and continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Bobby Wagner, a football player of the NFL, will be honored with the Philanthropist of the Year Award for his outstanding dedication as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Ontario, CA, Bobby Wagner was drafted 47th overall in the 2012 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Quickly excelling on the field, Bobby won a Super Bowl in 2013, and throughout his career, has earned nine Pro-Bowl selections, six First-Team All-Pros, four- Second Team All-Pros, a 2010 NFL All-Decade Team, the Seattle Seahawks Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee (2x) and the Art Rooney Sportsmanship award. He currently leads all active players in total tackles.

Bobby’s passion to promote stroke education and assist stroke patients has led to a partnership with the American Heart & Stroke Association, as well as the creation of the Phenia Mae Fund in partnership with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Cedar Sinai, and Kaiser Permanente. Additionally, Bobby has worked closely with several organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of King County, Time for Change Foundation and HBCUs, to advocate for health and wellness, education, and child development.

“We appreciate the heart behind Bobby’s giving which is why we chose to honor him at this year’s gala,” said Vanessa Perez, Executive Director, “his support to his local community is helping single mothers provide a stable home for their children, that’s priceless!”

Other Award Honorees include:

Dawn Downs at Symbiosis with the Businesswoman of the Year Award, Laurena Bolden at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians with the Community Champion Award, Dr. Rita (Faridah) Ali from We 2 Matter with the Humanitarian Award, Rev. George Lamb at F.A.C.C.T with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Kellie Todd Griffin at CA Black Women’s Collective with the Michelle Obama Courage Award, Pastor Craig Hadley from Paradox Church with the Nancy Varner Angel Award, and Rialto ROTC with the Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award.

Time for Change Foundation’s 22nd Anniversary Awards Gala will be held on Friday, April 19th, 2024, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario, California at 6:00 p.m. PST. To support the work of Time for Change Foundation, you can become a sponsor, purchase an ad in the event program book, or purchase a Gala ticket.

To register for the event or to become a sponsor and increase your business’s visibility in the community, please visit our website at www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org, or contact Florence White at (909) 886-2994 or by email at fwhite@timeforchangefoundation.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has announced that Andrea E. Russell has joined its leadership team as its new Human Resources and Risk Management Director.

“Andrea Russell has demonstrated her diverse and distinguished human resources experience in her time with the city,” said City Manager Charles Montoya. “Her background in recruitment will play an important role as San Bernardino continues to strategically hire additional staff.”

Russell joined San Bernardino in June 2023 as a Supervising Human Resources Analyst and has been serving as the Interim Human Resources and Risk Management Director since January. Prior to joining the city, Russell was a Human Resources Advisor to multiple public sector agencies in the areas of recruitment and candidate selection, applicant tracking systems administration, and employee classification and compensation.

“I am honored to serve the City of San Bernardino as Director of Human Resources and Risk Management,” said Russell. “This is an exciting time for the city, and I look forward to contributing to its success.”

Prior to consulting, Russell spent over 20 years in human resources for local government agencies, including with the County of San Bernardino and cities of Covina, Riverside, and Henderson (Nevada). While at the County, she led their classification and compensation process; overhauled the recruitment processes from requisition to hire; implemented innovative off-site hiring events; and worked with union representatives.

Russell holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nevada State University, and a master’s degree in human resources management from Capella University.

The Human Resources and Risk Management Director is responsible for the planning, organization, direction, implementation of San Bernardino’s City-wide human resources and risk management programs. This includes recruitment, employment, classification, compensation, employee relations, training and development, performance evaluation, benefits, and workers’ compensation for the City’s 879 employees.

Russell replaces Suzie Soren, who was promoted to Deputy City Manager in January.