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

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill (SB) 51, which promotes greater diversity in California’s cannabis industry. The bill is authored by California Legislative Black Caucus vice chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood).

Specifically, SB 51 will allow the California Department of Cannabis Control to issue provisional licenses for local cannabis retail equity applicants.

A provisional license allows applicants to operate their business while completing the requirements for an annual license, and eventually become fully licensed participants in the cannabis retail market.

“For California’s legal cannabis market to succeed, it must look like California,” Bradford stated.

“Right now, it doesn’t. Time and time again, I hear from community members who are being boxed out of the industry. Equity applicants deserve an opportunity to stand up a business, obtain a license, and participate in the market.”

So far, the legal cannabis industry in California has lacked diversity. A 2017 survey conducted Marijuana Business Daily found that 81% of cannabis business owners and founders in America were White. Hispanic/Latino and Blacks made up only 10% of cannabis business founders.

While Black people make up approximately 13% of the U.S. population, they represent 1.2% to 1.7% of business owners in the cannabis industry, according to Leafly’s Jobs Report of 2021.

In 2018, Bradford introduced SB 1294, the California Cannabis Equity Act. This law facilitates the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities in California’s legalized cannabis industry. However, the regulations for an annual license have proven to be a challenge for equity applicants, demonstrating a need for the provisional licensing program authorized by SB 51.

SB 51 will become law on Jan. 1, 2024.

“Equity applicants, who bore the brunt of California’s failed history of cannabis prohibition, are disproportionately impacted by a lack of access to capital and technical support, steep licensing fees, lengthy land-use approvals, environmental requirements, and more,” Newsom said in an Oct. 8 statement.

“While I support the author’s effort to bring temporary relief to equity applicants, this bill does not address the fundamental issues that continue to increase costs and uncertainty for those seeking to participate in the legal market,” Newsom stated.

This week, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 326 authored by Senator Susan Eggman, modernizing the Mental Health Services Act, and Assembly Bill 531 authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, a $6.38 Billion bond to build new behavioral health housing and treatment settings across the state. Californians will vote on this package, collectively known as Proposition 1, on the March 2024 ballot.

“This week has been powerful and incredibly effective in moving forward efforts to tackle our state’s mental health crisis. From the signing of my Youth Mental Health Services Bill, AB 289, earlier this week, to the signing of my colleagues’ bills yesterday, we are moving on this issue as one united front and that is how meaningful change happens,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden.

These bills collectively will work to allocate resources to California’s most vulnerable constituents who are fighting to overcome mental and emotional health challenges. The expansion of these resources allows for more citizens to find the necessary care needed in order for them to live productive lives in the state of California while also helping to prevent many people from facing some of the issues that can come from untreated mental disorders, including homelessness and substance abuse.

“I want to thank Senator Eggman and Assemblymember Irwin for authoring these bills and making mental health a priority. I am with you in this fight for a happier and healthier society,” said Holden.

By Lisa D. Kelly

Jazz in the Spirit 2022 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Highland, California was such a great success, they decided to do it again this year!  What’s all the excitement about?  What is Jazz in the Spirit 2023?  It’s a smooth jazz and gospel music outreach concert whose main goal is to unite people from diverse cultural backgrounds for a night of worship, fellowship, and fun!  Doors open at 6:00 pm, Friday, October 27, 2023, and admission is FREE!  What a great way to end the week!  You’ll want to get there early because they are expecting a packed house!

Skip Cain and Jessica Lund will lead everyone into worship with their unique gospel singing styles.  Skip, known to some as a jazz and blues soul singer and crooner, doesn’t mind doing a little preaching occasionally, as he’s singing.  Skip says, “The Church brings me joy!  Even though I started off as a front man in a teenage garage band singing at various events, I was drawn to sing for the Lord at church.  The patience of the Lord has been a blessing to me.  A lot of my inspiration comes from my beautiful 91-year-old mother who still sings at church every Sunday faithfully.  Psalm 100 says: ‘Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…’  That’s where I am.  I love to sing praises to the Lord.”

Jessica Lund brings her soul to every gospel and country music song.  When she sings there isn’t a dry eye in the building.  Jessica says it is “such a blessing to be used by the Lord to bless others and bring them into a place of worship and reflection of who He is.  My heart is never to have my voice showcased or for me to be the center of any song.  My heart is to bring fun and an energetic spirit to the gospel collectively with others.”  There is profound purpose in serving and glorifying the Lord through song.  For Jessica, that purpose is to help others to be seen and to experience the freedom that comes through the gospel, the Good News, of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

“I started playing at Immanuel Baptist Church because of my long relationship with Bob Barrett.  He and I played together at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest for eight years before Bob Barrett became the musical Director over at Immanuel.  Soon after, about 11 years ago, Bob called me and asked if I would like to join him at Immanuel, and I have been there ever since,” says renown electric guitar player, Blake Aaron.  Even though Blake has topped the Smooth Jazz charts, has several #1 Billboard singles, and has recorded and/or performed with such musical greats as Philip Bailey, Sheila E., Bobby Womack, Carlos Santana, and many others, Blake still plays his guitar regularly at the Immanuel Baptist Church Sunday morning services.  Blake will be sharing his musical genius with you at the Jazz in the Spirit concert.  If you close your eyes for just a moment while Blake is playing, you might actually think Jimi Hendrix came back to life as a smooth jazz artist.  You are going to love hearing Blake shred his guitar.  And if you’re lucky, he just might come over to you and give you your own private performance.

Last, but not least, is Charles A. Kelly, Jr.  You may know him in the neighbor as Manager/Coach/Assistant Coach for the local Little League teams.  Or, you may have seen him and his children serving in the Worship Arts Ministry at church for many years, where Charles (who was always surrounded by keyboards) and the Praise and Worship Team opened up concerts for Christian artists, CeCe Winans, Israel Houghton, Jeremy Camp, the Katinas, Mary Mary, Salvador, Selah, and Tommy Walker.

When asked how he had learned to play multiple keyboards at a time, Charles credits much of his musical experience to the time he spent in the music studio working with Stevie Wonder and his time on the road as Musical Director touring with Sister Sledge (song: We Are Family).  So, with all that experience, why go into music ministry for the Church?  Charles says,  “I got into Christian music initially because I felt it was a healthy environment to resume my music career while helping out at the church as a volunteer.  However, as time went on, I realized that volunteering to play keyboards in the church services was bringing me into a much-needed personal relationship with Christ.  As I began to be filled with the Holy Spirit, I soon realized that God has a purpose for me playing Christian music.  It had become an integral part of my life, and it still is.

Now, after many years of playing keyboards, Charles, for the first time, has fused his love for Christ with his musical experience in his first album as a solo artist titled, You’re Not Alone.  Each song, though instrumental, tells a story about Charles’ personal relationship with either God, his wife, or even himself.  Come to the Jazz in the Spirit 2023 concert and let the gospel music and smooth jazz flavors rejuvenate your soul!  We’ll see you there!!

Concert begins at 6:30 pm

Immanuel Baptist Church

28355 Base Line Street

Highland, California 92346

(909) 425-1777

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) San Bernardino High School crowned a new Mr. and Miss Cardinal City and Court.

The Mr. and Miss Cardinal City pageant is the brainchild of Bilingual School Outreach Worker and Pageant Director Jaime Rios, who wanted to bring positive attention to both San Bernardino High School (SBHS) and the entire San Bernardino community, as well as build confidence and inspire positive values in the young men and women of SBHS.

Mr. and Miss Cardinal City and Court

Mr. Cardinal City 2023–2024: Alejandro Davalos

Mr. Cardinal City 2023–2024 First Runner Up: Carlos Robb Godoy

Mr. Cardinal 2023–2024 Second Runner Up: Nicholas Virgen

Miss Cardinal City 2023–2024: Danielle Francesca Villanueva

Miss Cardinal City 2023–2024 First Runner Up: Stephanie Dominguez

Miss Cardinal City 2023–2024 Second Runner Up: Dalia Aracely Mendoza

Special Pageant Awards

Mr. Photogenic: Oswaldo Diego

Miss Photogenic: Kayanna Aaliyah Marie Walker

Mr. Congeniality: Angel Ramon Jauregui

Miss Congeniality: Lisa Mariah Morfin

Mr. Cardinal People’s Choice: Alejandro Davalos

Miss Cardinal People’s Choice: Wendy Madariaga

Mr. Cardinal Contestant with the Highest GPA: Salvador Gaeta (4.65 weighted G.P.A.)

Miss Cardinal Contestant with the Highest GPA: Stephanie Dominguez (4.48 weighted G.P.A.)

Mr. Cardinal Contestant Best in Interview: Alejandro Davalos

Miss Cardinal Contestant Best in Interview: Danielle Francesca VillanuevaPrior to the pageant, all contestants had to volunteer many hours of community service. Winners commit to attending a wide variety of community events and providing many additional hours of community service to benefit the SBCUSD community.

Mr. Cardinal City Alejandro Davalos (center) and his court, Carlos Robb Godoy (left) and Nicholas Virgen (right)

Celebrating 30 Years of Empowerment with our Presidential Gala, we, the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, mark a milestone anniversary, awarding local community leaders on November 18, 2023, at the Embassy Suites Ontario, Ontario, California.

The SCBCOC proudly commemorates three decades of unwavering commitment of advocacy for economic growth for over 200,000 businesses and entrepreneurs. Established in 1993, the organization has been a driving force in fostering a vibrant and resilient business community, making significant strides in the pursuit of economic equality and social progress.

Our 30th Anniversary, Presidential Gala will be celebrated on November 18, 2023, from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, at the Embassy Suites Ontario, Ontario, California. From humble beginnings, we have grown into a formidable organization. The SCBCOC stands at the forefront of economic empowerment by fostering opportunities for businesses across the nation.

Throughout the years, with 15 chapters, SCBCOC has provided invaluable resources: mentorship programs, workshops, networking, as well as funding opportunities. Additionally, our organization has actively engaged in policy advocacy, ensuring that the voices of businesses are heard, and acknowledged at local, state, and federal levels.

“We are immensely proud to reach this milestone,” said Richard Wallace President of the SCBCOC. “Over the past three decades, we have witnessed the transformative impact of our efforts in the lives of countless entrepreneurs, fostering an environment of growth and prosperity. As we move forward, we remain committed to breaking barriers, and building a future where opportunities are boundless for every business owner. We invite all stakeholders, partners, and supporters to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion on November 18, 2023, from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, at the Embassy Suites Ontario, Ontario, California.”

To learn more about the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and our Presidential Gala, please visit www.blackchamberofcommerce.org/30-years-of-service.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- For the first time, at the San Bernardino County Government Center, Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. hosted another successful College and Career Day. The event gathered over 200 students from the Colton Joint Unified, Rialto Unified, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, and San Bernardino City Unified, school districts.

Supervisor Baca, Jr. stated, “The significance of this event reaches far beyond today. It’s about planting seeds for our community’s future. Offering pathways for our youth to explore diverse career and educational possibilities enriches not just individual lives but fortifies our community’s backbone.”

This enriching event featured interactive workshops, panel discussions, and opportunities for direct networking, empowering students to connect with San Bernardino County Departments, San Bernardino County Fire, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s, and other professionals in their fields of interest. The initiative has seen consistent growth and serves as a valuable asset for students from Bloomington, Rialto, Colton, and San Bernardino.

“In hosting this event at the Government Center, we’re not only providing educational and career guidance but also issuing an invitation for civic participation. Our youth, in particular, are given a firsthand look at public service as a viable career path, to provide for their families” elaborated Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

The Office of Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. is committed to providing our young people with the resources necessary for them to succeed in their academic and career goals.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, Lila Brown and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

California State University student workers announced on Oct. 4 that the California Public Employment Relations Board (CPERB) has decided that they have enough support to initiate a union vote.

The process puts the student workers in the position to unionize after more than 8,500 union cards were certified by CPERB. The group filed a petition for a unionized election in April.

Many Student workers in the CSU system make low wages without benefits like sick leave, health insurance, and they are limited to weekly 20-hour shifts.

If the student workers’ effort to unionize is successful, they would be represented by the California State University Employee Union

(CSUEU). Over 20,000 student assistants across the CSU system will vote on whether to join the existing union.

CSUEU serves staff members who support the California State University’s 23 campuses as well as the Office of the Chancellor. The union represents 16,000 CSU support staff – working in six distinct bargaining units – covering the academics and operations of the CSU, including information technology, healthcare, clerical, administrative and academic support, campus operations, grounds and custodial.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, Lila Brown and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

On October 6, US District Judge Dale Fischer approved former L.A. Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas’ request to remain free while he appeals his conviction in front of the 9th Circuit of Appeals.

Mark Ridley-Thomas filed the motion on October 2.

The veteran Los Angeles politician was found guilty of seven felony counts, including conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud, honest services mail fraud in a quid pro quo scheme in which his son received substantial benefits from the University of Southern California (USC). On Aug. 28, he was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in federal prison.

Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA) before her appointment wrote a letter on the behalf of Ridley-Thomas, asking for the judge for leniency in the sentencing of her “friend, mentor and community leader.”

“As you make your consideration for the next phase of this process, I only ask that you consider the totality of who and what Mr. Ridley-Thomas has been, the work he has done, and the leadership he showed so many of us in times of difficulty,” Butler wrote in a letter dated May 25, 2023.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, Lila Brown and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference is hosting its 36th State Convention Oct. 26 – 29, at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront.

This year’s NAACP CA/HI State Convention theme is “This Is How We Thrive.” The convention will bring together elected officials, activists, organizers, faith leaders, and entertainers for workshops and discussions to promote solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing Black communities within California and Hawaii.

Topics on the agenda include Next-Gen Leadership, environmental justice, housing, veterans’ affairs, labor, education, and more.

“Branch members and civil rights leaders from across the state of California and Hawaii come together every year to discuss our most pressing priorities together to find solutions to the issues impacting our communities the most,” said NAACP CA/HI President Rick Callender. “We are excited to come together and thrive together in San Francisco, home to the NAACP San Francisco Branch, the first to initiate and inaugurate reparations in the state.”

Guest speakers at this year’s Convention include Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, NAACP Board of Directors and NAACP New York President; Rob Bonta, California Attorney General; Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus;  Los Angeles Attorney Kamilah Moore, chair of the California Reparations Task Force; Willie Brown, former Assembly Speaker and former San Francisco mayor; and Sen. Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward).

For tickets and more information please visit: bit.ly/3qM4kcD.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, Lila Brown and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

On October 7, Gov. Newsom’s office announced that he has signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1, legislation that permits legislative staff to unionize and collectively bargain.

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus authored the bill, which was co-sponsored by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) and 41 other Members.

“@CAgovernor signed #AB1, #CALeg staff finally have the same right to form a union as all other workers,” California Labor Federation posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter after the Governor signed AB 1.

McKinnor, who is a former legislative staffer, called the bill’s passage an “incredible win” on X.

“Today is a huge victory for the nearly 2,000 legislative and district staff that have dedicated their careers to public service and have long deserved the right to be represented by a union,” said McKinnor in a statement.

“We are taking action to make sure that current and future legislative staff, regardless of their Member’s political affiliation, are afforded a safe, equitable and fair opportunity to build a noble career in public service,” added McKinnor.