Local

Throughout the month of September, Californians had hundreds of opportunities to beautify local waterways and contribute to healthier, cleaner communities as part of the 40th Annual Coastal Cleanup Month.

Caltrans partnered with the California Coastal Commission to celebrate four decades of cleaning the state’s rivers, streams and coastlines.

Coastal Cleanup Month events were designed to rid the natural environment of unsightly litter and harmful debris and educate participants to better understand their impact on community waterways, such as lakes, rivers, creeks and the ocean. Increasing awareness and changing behaviors related to waterway preservation aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1.2 billion Clean California initiative, a sweeping three-year, statewide litter reduction and beautification program.

“I encourage everyone to participate in a local clean-up event and do their part to protect our majestic coastline and precious waterways,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “Volunteerism is a powerful way to inspire eco-friendly habits in others and establish a legacy of environmental conservation in communities throughout the state.”

Litter, pet waste and other refuse can pose significant risks and negative impacts to waterways when they aren’t disposed of properly. Even garbage discarded far from rivers and the ocean can make its way there by traveling down storm ways, underscoring the need to keep these valuable natural resources free of pollutants.

Trash accumulates during the drier months when Californians travel, recreate and spend more time outdoors. The first heavy rains of the season often wash untreated waste and debris into waterways and the ocean. Coastal Cleanup Month aimed to generate urgent community action before the winter season to mitigate potential impacts of these contaminants.

“The support by Californians for our coast these past decades has been incredible,” said Coastal Commission Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge. “It’s amazing that volunteers who turned out to the earliest cleanups are now bringing their children or even their grandchildren out to participate. It’s a testament to the strength of the cleanup movement that it has thrived for so long. We can see the impact year-round.”

Following are some of the largest Caltrans co-sponsored cleanup events that took place across the state on Saturday, Sept. 21:

• Inland Empire Waterkeeper’s River Cleanup, Martha McLean Park, 5759 Jurupa Ave, Riverside, 92504
• Orange County Coastkeeper’s California Coastal Cleanup Day, Huntington State Beach, Tower 8. 21601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, 92646
• San Diego Coastkeeper’s Cleanup, Liberty Station NTC Park, 2455 Cushing Road, San Diego, 92106
• Refuse Refuse San Francisco’s Cleanup, Ocean Beach, 800 Great Hwy, San Francisco, 94121
• River City Waterway Alliance’s Coastal Cleanup Day 2024, Tower Bridge Promenade, 1450 Front St., Sacramento, 95814

About Clean California and the Caltrans Stormwater Public Education Campaign:

Both programs are administered by Caltrans. Clean California is Governor Newsom’s sweeping, $1.2 billion, multiyear cleanup effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and join with communities throughout the state to reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces. The Caltrans Stormwater Public Education Campaign complements this endeavor by working to increase understanding of the sources and pathways of stormwater pollution across California.

Since launching Clean California in July 2021, Caltrans and its local partners have picked up more than 2.6 million cubic yards of litter—enough to cover nine lanes of Interstate 5 from San Diego to the Canadian border. Caltrans has hosted more than 500 free dump days in communities throughout the state—resulting in the collection of more than 12,000-plus mattresses and 50,000 tires. For more information, visit CleanCA.com and CleanWaterCA.com.

About the California Coastal Commission:

The California Coastal Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentally sustainable development, strong public participation, education, and effective intergovernmental coordination. The Coastal Cleanup Day Program is part of its effort to raise public awareness of marine and coastal resources and promote coastal stewardship. For more information, visit Coastal.CA.gov

CHINO, CA— – Ware Malcomb, an award-winning international design firm, today announced that construction is complete on a new two-story administration building for the Chino Valley Unified School District. Ware Malcomb provided architecture, interior architecture and design, and branding services for the 60,000 square foot build-to-suit project located at 13461 Romona Ave. in Chino, CA.

“The new facility will serve as a larger and much more updated administrative headquarters for the district,” said Tom Myers, Principal, Ware Malcomb.

Ware Malcomb’s interior architecture and design team focused on classic aesthetics that complement the school’s colors while introducing pops of color, neutral colors, and accent paints. The building’s ground floor design incorporates public-facing uses, including a secure lobby, a board meeting room with dais seating, training rooms, conference rooms, an IT and server room, a coffee bar and break rooms.

“This new headquarters aligns with the district’s goals of continued growth and supporting the students and local community,” said Analisa Olson, Director, Interior Architecture & Design for Ware Malcomb.

The ground floor also includes a test kitchen for the district’s Nutrition Services department to develop new recipes to serve in its school locations, with district employees serving as test subjects. The building’s upper level accommodates office space and facilities for the district’s business services, student support services, attendance, special education, curriculum, technology, communications, facilities, human resources, and other departments.

Ware Malcomb’s in-house branding services included planning, design and coordination of the exterior building and ground-mounted identity signage, entry and interior lobby branding, as well as office, room and workstation identification. Site design and development for the concrete tilt-up office building included an amenity patio, generator system for emergency backup power and separation of public and employee parking.

General contracting services for the project were provided by Xebec Building Company. Chino Valley Unified School District partnered with Xebec Building Company to develop the project on district-owned land. Xebec is a commercial real estate design & build construction firm based in Seal Beach, CA.

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sierra Garcia, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

NORFOLK, VA. – Seaman Isabella Candelaria, a native of Ontario, California, serves aboard USS New Jersey, the U.S. Navy’s newest fast-attack submarine homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.

Candelaria attended Ontario High School and graduated in 2023.The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ontario.

“I learned from my parents, Brenda and Clarence Candelaria, and family in general the importance of working hard,” said Candelaria.

Candelaria joined the Navy one year ago and today serves as a sonar technician (submarines).

“I joined the Navy because it felt like there were good benefits and the opportunity to do something different.,” said Candelaria. “I also wanted to be the first in my family to join.”

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

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

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

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

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Candelaria has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment was finally finishing ‘A’ School and sub school,” said Candelaria. “I am also proud of completing my first underway on a submarine, which was two and half weeks.”

Candelaria can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means I get to do something that most people don’t do,” said Candelaria. “Being on a submarine is something not many people get to do so I think that’s cool.”

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

“I’d like to thank my family for always being there for me when I needed them and everyone else that I’ve met, including Angelica Ramos and Jan Gomez,” added Candelaria. “They endured ‘A’ School with me and supported me in a way that I needed, especially being out here alone.”

FONTANA, CA— Michelle Riggs, director of institutional advancement at Crafton Hills College (CHC), was appointed in June to the Network of California Community College Foundations (NCCCF) board of directors for a three-year term.

The NCCCF’s mission is to advance and increase philanthropy to California’s community colleges. Community colleges receive less state funding per student than all other types of California public schools and the NCCCF’s efforts hope to bridge the gap.

“I am honored to join the NCCCF board of directors and contribute to the vital work of advancing philanthropy for California’s community colleges,” said Riggs. “I see firsthand the transformative impact that financial support can have on our students’ lives. I look forward to collaborating with my peers across the state to help bridge the funding gap and ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

In her current role at CHC, Riggs oversees the college’s fundraising efforts, alumni relations and community engagement initiatives. With a deep commitment to student success, she has been instrumental in securing financial support to enhance educational opportunities at the college.

NCCCF represents 56 foundations supporting community colleges or districts throughout California. There are 116 California community colleges serving 1.8 million students collectively. To strengthen philanthropy in California’s community colleges, the NCCCF provides members with professional development, peer support, access to resources, and collaborative opportunities.

For more information about NCCCF, visit https://ncccfweb.org/Home.aspx.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Nearly 500 Parkside Elementary School students received a special surprise on August 27, just as the new school year is getting underway. Thanks to a generous donation from Toyota of San Bernardino, every Parkside student received a brand-new backpack filled with essential school supplies. This thoughtful gift ensures that students are well-prepared and excited to kick off the academic year.

The surprise donation was met with smiles and excitement throughout the school, but perhaps no one was more appreciative than sixth-grader Henry Sanchez, 12. Henry, a standout student and natural leader in his class, expressed his gratitude for the new backpack, which he says will help him stay organized and focused during the school year.

“I lose my pencils all the time and having everything I need to succeed in one place really makes a difference,” Henry said as he checked out his new school supplies. “It feels great to know that our community cares about us and wants us to do well in school.”

Toyota of San Bernardino has a long history of supporting local education initiatives, and this donation is just the latest example of their commitment to the San Bernardino community.

“By providing students with the tools they need to thrive, we are helping to set the stage for a successful school year for every child at Parkside Elementary,” said the San Bernardino dealership’s General Manager, Eli Rivera. “I see myself in the faces of these students, and that’s why I want them to succeed.”

Parkside Principal Dr. Khaleelah Lewis-Wilkins expressed her heartfelt thanks to Toyota of San Bernardino, noting the positive impact this contribution will have on her students.

“Our students are so excited to receive these backpacks and supplies,” she said. “This generous donation will make a tremendous difference in their lives, giving them the confidence and resources they need to excel in their studies.”

The entire Parkside Elementary School community extends its gratitude to Toyota of San Bernardino for their kindness and continued support of local education. With the help of generous partners like Toyota, students like Henry Sanchez are more motivated than ever to achieve their academic goals and build a bright future.

About San Bernardino City Unified School District:

The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about SBCUSD, visit www.sbcusd.com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

In less than two months, Californians will vote on Proposition (Prop) 32. This voter guide is one in a series of articles that will help you understand what supporters and opponents of each of California’s 10 ballot initiatives are saying about each one.

Prop 34 would permanently allow Medi-Cal, California’s version of the federal Medicaid program, to pay pharmacies directly for prescription drugs.

California started doing this in 2019 after Gov. Newsom signed an executive order allowing the payments. This initiative would codify the executive order into state law. The measure would also require healthcare providers to spend almost all the money (98%) they get from a federal prescription drug program directly on patient care — instead of having the leverage to use it on other things.

Prop 34 would increase the money that comes to California for Medi-Cal prescription drugs with a matching federal subsidy. However, it will restrict healthcare organizations and non-profits from spending that money on other health care-related social services.

Supporters of the proposition argue that, if approved, providers would be held accountable for their spending and provide more affordable care to individuals who need it. California Black Media (CBM) spoke to Elizabeth Helms, President and CEO of the California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC), who has endorsed a YES vote for Prop 34.

The CCCC is an alliance of multiple patient organizations and provider groups with a focus on access to quality, affordable health care, wellness and prevention, and coordinated care.

“We are patient-centric,” said Helms. “We care that people are able to access the care that they need, including their medications, seeing physicians. And when we see that not happening, or we start hearing it from the field that (people are) having problems, (people) can’t do this, (people) can’t afford this, (people) can’t get timely care; you know, (people are) having to choose food over medicine or all these other things. Proposition 34 is important. Especially to people who need care, who can’t get it.”

Some of those opposed to the proposition argue that the only reason it is on the ballot is to personally target The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and its CEO Michael Weinstein, who supports rent control legislation. The California Apartment Association Issues Committee has provided $21.3 million in campaign support for the measure.

CBM spoke to David Kline, Vice President of Communications & Research at California Taxpayers Association who supports a NO vote for Prop 34.

“This is 100% financed by billionaire landlords and the California Apartment Association, and they don’t have an interest in health care,” said Kline. “This is a revenge initiative, a revenge against AIDS Healthcare Foundation for supporting rent control. And they’ve been very explicit on their website and videos they’ve put out about that have had at. But they don’t mention the AIDS Healthcare Foundation in their argument because they know how popular the organization is. This is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

The proposition only applies to providers who spend at least $100 million on expenses other than direct care, that also own and operate buildings and that least 500 severe health and safety violations in the last 10 years. These stipulations have led many to believe it is aimed at The AIDS Healthcare Foundation because they are one of few organizations who meet these criteria

“(Passing Prop. 34) would have a terrifying chilling effect,” said Kline. “What organization, you know, nonprofit would be safe who was speaking truth to power? I mean, taking on these billionaires, if they knew that all that they had to do was to put something on the ballot to take away their nonprofit status and remove their licenses?”

When asked about their thoughts on the involvement of Prop 34 and a focus on Weinstein, the CCCC did not have a comment, reiterating that their focus is “100% on patients” and directing as much funding as possible to their wellbeing.

“The proposition does several things,” said Helms. It protects up to $2 billion in prescription drug rebates for the state of California annually. And these rebates will help offset the cost of the Medi-Cal program, protect access to critical services for millions of low-income patients. It prevents the worst abusers of the 340B program from misusing money that is supposed to be used to help patients.”

A YES vote on this proposition would require Organizations like the AHF to spend nearly all of their money only on healthcare and no other endeavors.

A NO vote would repeal the proposition and keep things the way they already are.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

For more than two weeks now, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) have been facing sharp criticisms from frustrated advocates and other Black Californians after the State Assembly failed to bring up two reparations bills for a floor vote on August 31.

On Sept. 14, Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), and Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) participated in the “State of Black California 2024: Listening Session Tour” in Sacramento. During the session they heard from people who said they felt let down that the bills did not pass the Legislature and advance to Newsom’s desk for his consideration.

The three-hour event was held at the Secretary of State’s office building, one block south of the State Capitol. Amid interruptions and disruptions from the attendees during the event, Bonta said she appreciated the feedback.

“I got out of it what I expected. We have a lot of diverse thoughts and opinions about how to proceed,” Bonta told California Black Media (CBM). “It was helpful to hear directly from people without the constraints of hearing rooms and formalities. I heard a lot of frustration and concerns. I also got out of it a call to action, as we shared, to do better and I am certainly committed to doing that.”

On Sept. 12, CLBC member Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) called-in to Dominique di Prima’s radio show on KBLA 1580 AM in Los Angeles to share her perspective on reasons the CLBC did not to bring the bills to the Assembly floor. She also shared that going forward there needs to be better communications with the community to ensure passage of bills in the future.

“I want to say that the CLBC has laid a strong foundation to build upon. I think what this experience, this dialogue we are in with our community has shown us that we need to address our communication channels,” Smallwood-Cuevas said. “I think we attempted to do that by having the State of (Black) California convening across California.”

The State of Black California Listening Session tour is a community conversation on reparations and the state of the Black community. The tour is an opportunity for the public to learn more about the 2024 legislative report that is an initiative of the University of California, Los Angeles’s Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies, and the reparations package.

In collaboration with the California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF) in partnership with the tour has made stops in San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Fresno. The next destinations for the Listening Session are Oakland on Sept. 28 and Moreno Valley on Oct. 5.

The CBFF is a five-year, $100 million initiative to ensure power building and “movement-based organizations” have the sustained investments and resources they need to eradicate systemic and institutional racism according to their website.

Marc Philpart, the Executive Director who oversees CBFF’s five-year-long initiative to raise and distribute $100 million, was the moderator in Sacramento.

Philpart, who has worked closely with the CLBC and whose organization was the benefactor of  $3.5 million in state funds last year, has also been under fire from advocates.

The night before the State of Black California event, Chris Lodgson, a reparations advocate and member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) questioned Philpart about allegations that the CBFF had been designated by the CLBC to receive $6 million in state funds, requested by the CLBC, to fund reparations legislation implementation.

(The CBFF granted CBM $25,000 of that money to fund its Capitol Correspondent.)

Lodgson asked Philpart,“What is your relationship to that funding” and whether CBFF has made any attempts to get any of the money.

“No, we don’t have any relationship with that,” Philpart told Lodgson at the meeting.

However, Lodgson asserted that he had a discussion with Smallwood-Cuevas and she confirmed that “there was a plan” to fund CBFF $6 million. Lodgson also shared with Philpart that he contacted Bradford’s office and was told that there was a letter sent to Newsom’s office from the CLBC that requested the Governor to direct $6 million to the proposed California African American Freedmen’s Affairs Agency (CAFAA) and $6 million to CBFF.

In a letter obtained by CBM and dated May 24, the CLBC requested that the state provide $6 million to assist funding efforts related to SB 1403 and direct the remaining $6 million to the CBFF. That CLBC letter stated that the money would be “utilized for community-level outreach and engagement efforts and to provide organizational support essential for the effective implementation of Reparations initiatives.”

“Yeah, there’s a letter with my organization’s name on it but it is not an agreement between our organization and the (Black) Caucus, or the legislature,” Philpart said.

In a telephone conversation with CBM, Philpart said CBFF was “not getting the money” and he “had no idea” what his organization would have been doing in terms of reparations implementation had it received any funds. He added that the CLBC can still decide where the funds could be directed to fulfill what it is intended for

“They have power. That is their discretion,” Philpart said. “They are lawmakers. and they have done the work to ensure that this money exists for (implementation) and they have decision-making authority over those dollars.”

Jackson said that the CLBC did make a collective decision to fund the agency and CBFF. Since the bills were held up with the expectations that will be brought during the next legislative session, Jackson said there will have to be another conversation among CLBC members about how the $12 million will be allocated.

“We still have to spend the $12 million,” Jackson said. “We have not gathered yet because we are all in our different districts right now to try to see what that $12 million looks like. Does it need to shift because things have shifted? Does our strategy need to shift? Those are the discussions we still have to have.”

Sunrise: 07/04/1952

Sunset: 08/26/2024

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body,  and to be present with the Lord.” – II Corinthians 5:8

Home Going Celebration

Friday, October 4, 2024

11:00am-1:00pm

Green Acres Memorial Park & Mortuary

11715 Cedar Avenue

Bloomington, California

Officiating: Dr. Jason Welsh Amazing Church, Lake Elsinore

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Social Lites Inc., have served in helping provide scholarships for African American young men for the past 60 years. This past year with the communities support they were able to award $70,000 in scholarship and awards to their 2024 Knights for their education. This year marks the 58th year of the Social Lites Inc. being in existence in the Inland Empire area. The new season is quickly approaching, and their target population is African American high school seniors in the Inland Empire area who are planning on attending secondary education.

The program provides mentoring, leadership, networking, and guidance our young men to ensure that they are college bound and equipped to succeed in life and to realize their full potential as young men, career professionals, entrepreneurs, and productive outstanding citizens.

Please reach out to the Beautillion Chair, Tina Darling, at (909) 644-5816 or Elsie Paulino (VP/Beautillion Chair) at (951) 205-8823 or Sheri Lewis our Social Lites, Inc., President at (909) 320-0799 or you can email ad_4beauknight@yahoo.com and we will respond within 48 hours upon receipt of your inquiry.  They meet at 468 West 5th Street Room #102 in San Bernardino, 92410 every Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

ETB Host Wallace Allen interviews Areva Martin, the attorney representing the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors Group, and joining the discussion is the organization’s founder, Pearl Devers. The Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors are victims of what the 1968 report from the California Attorney General’s Office describes as “A city engineered holocaust”, as an estimated 200 African American homes were burned, bulldozed. Demolished in the city of Palm Springs by the Palm Springs Fire Department.  As community organizations and government entities across the state participate in “Unite Against the Hate” activities, beginning September 21, we think that it is important to point out that as we voice our distain for hate, our government institutions are in some places still defending it!

What are the City of Palm Springs, the Attorney General and the Department of Social Services doing about the plight of the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors of the “City engineered Holocaust”?