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RIVERSIDE, CA—The Foundation’s annual College Television Awards recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs from colleges across the country. Winners in the competition will be announced by television stars at the red-carpet awards ceremony April 1 at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, California.

Pettit has been nominated, along with two classmates from Brigham Young University, in the Animation Series category for a piece titled Cenote. Pettit served as the producer on the project, which was selected from over 132 submissions from colleges and universities nationwide by Television Academy members.

Cenote tells the story of Axel, a small axolotl who gets separated from his family by ancient magic. Along with an unlikely human ally named Memo, Axel must find his way out of the cenote he’s trapped in to get back to home.

Pettit graduated from Brigham Young University with a BFA in animation and a minor in computer science. He is currently a character shading/groom TD at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California.

“The world needs content that is not only uplifting but entertaining in nature,” said Pettit. “The story we told at its core is about the feeling of being alone and relying on others’ strengths to strengthen yourself and accomplish your goals. Being able to briefly connect the audience to the emotion of abandonment and then showing them how to reach out and rely on others’ strengths was something we wanted to show to our audience.

“I hope to create a greater voice for unique stories and technology that have not been heard or seen before,” continued Pettit. “As a character shading artist, I wish to push the bounds of what 3D animation can look like. We live in an exciting experimental time in animation both in story and look development. I hope to be a large force in encouraging this experimentation in the industry.”

2023 College Television Awards nominees will also participate in a variety of professional-development activities from March 29-April 1, including a special screening of all nominated projects attended by members of the Television Academy, an industry-professionals networking breakfast, Hollywood studio visits and additional career-enhancing activities before the red carpet awards show.

Nominees and winners of the 42nd College Television Awards automatically become members of the Television Academy Foundation’s alumni family, gaining access to year-round networking opportunities, events and professional development resources. Prominent College Television Awards alumni include CNN national correspondent Natasha Chen; Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan director Patricia Riggen; Maya and the Three executive producer Jorge Gutierrez; and Love, Victor executive producer Jason Ensler.

By Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

This profile is part of a series of 10 California Black Media articles capturing the stories of elected Black Mayors working to make a difference in the lives of Californians in large cities and small towns across our state.

When the City of Fontana hosted NASCAR Feb. 24, third-term Mayor Acquanetta Warren served as an honorary official for the final run of the Cup Series Pala Casino 400.

According to Warren, Auto Club Speedway, formerly California Speedway, will undergo reconstruction that will reduce its size from the current two-mile track to a half-mile one.

One observation stood out for Warren as the mayor reflected on the final race on the racetrack that opened in 1996 in the city about fifty miles east of Los Angeles.

“I’m seeing way more African Americans working on the cars. They are more among the vendors, and I think in two more years, we’ll have even more,” she said.

“I’m constantly trying to get younger sisters and brothers that look like me to understand that you can have these dreams and they can be fulfilled,” Warren told California Black Media (CBM). “Don’t limit yourself.”

Although stock car auto racing has a well-known lack of racial diversity, particularly among owners and drivers, former NBA great Michael Jordan bought a majority stake in NASCAR’s 23XI team in 2020. Driving the team’s “23 car,” a nod to Jordan’s Chicago Bulls jersey number, is Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s only active Black racer.

Other racing teams are becoming more diverse, too. Lamar Neal, a 29-year-old Black man, was on the pit crew for Kyle Busch’s race-winning team.

“It’s a sport that’s waiting for young smart people, not just drivers or pit crew, but the analytical side, the engineers — a whole world waiting for young, good people,” said Warren.

As the race cars revved up their engines to the thundering roars of the race spectators, Warren said she was reminded that inflation continues to skyrocket and that natural gas prices are running higher than normal — a point many guests attending the series also pointed out.

“We recognize these are really hard times, especially with the gas costs. People are calling me with bills [totaling] $600 to $800 when they’ve been paying $52 a month. That is terrible,” Warren told CBM.

Leaders must respond urgently to the high costs, Warren said.

Enter Fontana Eats, a program distributing gift cards for food to residents of the city.

“We had already been working on this program, but I want to increase [the amount people in the program receive]. It is also an opportunity for us to get our residents out more and do it safely,” she said. “They can go to restaurants, or they can go to grocery stores.”

When Warren was elected mayor in 2010, she was an experienced local politician, having served eight years on the city council.

Like many places around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges.

“We probably had over a half a million free masks to give out,” Warren said, recalling a step the city took responding to price gouging by some businesses.

Measure EE, in San Bernardino County, narrowly passed in November 2022. It directed elected representatives for San Bernardino County to research and advocate for all methods (including secession from the state) for receiving an equitable share of state funding and resources.

Mayor Acquanetta Warren greets JROTC volunteers at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California on February 26, 2023. (Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media)

“I really advocated for people to vote for [Proposition] EE, because it’s a study on whether or not we’re obtaining the funds fairly in this county. We always are the stepchildren,” said Warren. “San Bernardino County is the largest county in the United States by land mass. Yet, we can’t really make it work if we’re not getting adequate funding.”

For example, Warren says her city does not have enough courthouses and judges.

“People talk about fairness, equity and due process. Well, it would help if we could get them into court and get them out of jail. If you don’t have the resources, everybody has to wait,” she said.

In addition to advocating for funding and tackling food insecurity, Warren is pushing for more public parks.

“We’ve always focused on our recreation, particularly for our young people. We don’t want them to be graduates of sidewalk university,” she said. “We’ve got softball, we’ve got baseball, football, soccer, basketball. We have various programs that the kids can sign up for. They can do arts, they can dance.”

According to Warren, the city now has 59 parks to keep its 220,000 residents active.

As she walked across the front straight away, Warren spoke with anyone who approached her, and she stopped by to a room full of teenagers from the Boys and Girls Club of Fontana.

Warren says she moved to Fontana after the Rodney King riots in 1992 shook her neighborhood in Compton.

“When I got appointed to be the first African American on the council, people were making a really big deal, but I discounted it,” she said. “For many residents though, it was a big deal. The Black pastors and a lot of the older African Americans in this community called me to a meeting and they let me have it. They let me know that I stood on their shoulders, and they were proud of me.”

Warren is an advocate for more diversity among people addressing the challenges all Californians face. This month she was named the Chair of the Southern California Water Coalition’s Board of Trustees.

“We need more African Americans in the water world. All these people are retiring,” she said.

Although several heavy storms have hammered California over the past three months, including a historic storm disrupting the weekend race schedule, Warren doesn’t think California’s historic drought is over.

“The challenge will be, can we capture the water when it melts, and store it, and that’s where we fall short,” she said.

Drivers resume the race at the final NASCAR race on Auto Club Speedway’s 2 mile configuration in Fontana, California on February 26, 2023. (Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media)

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, TN. – A native of Rancho Cucamonga, California, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

Seaman Vicktor Flores, a 2013 Chaffey High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Flores serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.

“I joined the Navy to serve my country after being influenced by my family’s commitment of service,” said Flores.

Established in 1931, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official honor guard of the U.S. Navy and is based at Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.

According to Navy officials, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital. Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard participate in some of our nation’s most prestigious ceremonies, including Presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned from being in the Navy is leadership,” said Flores.

Sailors of the Ceremonial Guard are hand selected while they are attending boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Strict military order and discipline, combined with teamwork, allow the Ceremonial Guard to fulfill their responsibilities with pride and determination. They are experts in the art of close order drill, coordination and timing.

The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party.

“I enjoy serving at my current command because I am able to execute ceremonies and missions that very few are fortunate to do in the Navy,” said Flores.

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.

“I am proud of taking the first step of joining the military, and proud of the fact that I was chosen to be a Ceremonial Guardsman,” said Flores.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Flores, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Serving in the Navy means protecting my family, loved ones and the people that came before me to serve and defend our Constitution,” added Flores.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. allocated for the approval of a funding contract with Provisional Educational Services Inc., to the PAL Ballfield at Blake Park to begin improvements on the park. The project has now been approved and plans to begin the rehabilitation project have begun. PAL Center Chief Executive Officer Dwaine Radden Sr. said, “restoring these fields has been a long time coming. But we are grateful that Joe Baca Jr. embraced the vision to refurbish this community baseball field. He allocated 2.1 million dollars to make this project happen for the PAL students, local baseball youth programs, and the community. Our children need safe fields to play on, or they will be playing in the streets.”

“Allocating these funds for an underserved and disadvantaged community such as Muscoy was just a small step in the right direction. Blake Park Ballfield project approval has allowed our County to keep pushing to provide recreational, health, social services, and better quality of life to our county residents. Creating safe fields, especially for our youth is pivotal in keeping them safe and keeping them from playing on the streets. We are so excited to see this project soon come to life and see our residents enjoy it together, “Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., stated.

By Tanu Henry and Antonio Ray Harvey

Rep. Barbara Lee Holds First Campaign Rally in Oakland

Last Saturday, Rep. Barbara Lee held her first U.S. Senate campaign rally at Laney College in Oakland.

“We fight for freedom, for dignity, for justice, and, together, we win,” said Lee to a cheering crowd of supporters gathered at the Alameda County community college.

“That’s why I’m running for the United States Senate,” continued Lee, who is the highest ranking African American woman in the U.S. Congress and the only African American so far in the 2024 California senatorial race.

Lee, 76, is serving her 12th term in the United States Congress. Known for her progressive politics, she joins the race to replace Feinstein against two other members of California’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives: Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA-37), 49, and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA-30), 62.

Several high-profile Bay Area politicians attended the rally, including San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, the first Hmong-American mayor of a major American city.

“Black women have been at the forefront of frontlines of the fight for freedom and dignity and justice and peace for centuries. Black women get the job done,” said Lee.

The Bontas Have (Clearly) Moved On

After weeks of facing a torrent of criticisms coming from several journalists across California – including an editorial in the L.A. Times — it seems Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) and her husband, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, have moved on.

Mrs. Bonta showed her support for Rep. Barbara Lee after the Congresswoman held the first rally of her senatorial bid on Bonta’s Alameda County home turf.

“Barbara Lee speaks for me,” said Mrs. Bonta who has been keeping herself occupied tackling other issues in her district, including the excessive use of force by law enforcement and the persistent digital divide affecting families of color.

Last week, Assembly Budget Committee chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) also released a statement assuring the public that Mrs. Bonta will not influence issues affecting her husband or the California Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Effective immediately in the Assembly Budget Committee, any state funding matters pertaining to the Department of Justice will be temporarily moved to and overseen by Budget Subcommittee 4,” said Ting. “DOJ’s proposed allocations will go through the same vetting process that all entities funding by California’s budget do, allowing for anyone to weigh in during public hearings.”

On Friday, Mr. Bonta delivered remarks at California’s commemoration of the National Day of Racial Healing.

While pushing back on the media attacks, the Bontas enjoyed support from some commentators.

“The media focus should be on covering both (Rob and Mia Bonta’s) efforts to promote public safety and make California a better place for all citizens. I urge all reporters and editors to uphold the principles of responsible journalism and prioritize the truth and accuracy of their reporting over sensationalism and clickbait. The public deserves better than to be misled by unfounded innuendo,” said Paul Cobb, publisher of the Oakland Post.  “The Black press has a responsibility to step up and do its part to foster a more informed and engaged public and not allow mainstream media and newspapers to marginalize Black leaders without pushing back especially when their reporting shows ignorance and fails to uphold the principles of responsible journalism.”

Assemblymembers Holden and Jones Sawyer Eye Futures in Local Gov’t

As their time in the state legislature gets closer to end due to term limits, California Legislative Black Caucus members Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) and Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) have announced their future political plans.Assemblymember Holden is entering the race for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (5th District). He’ll face Republican incumbent Kathryn Barger.

Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer is seeking to represent the 10^th District on the Los Angeles City Council, hoping to replace Heather Hutt who was appointed to the seat because Mark Ridley-Thomas is under Federal indictment.

Each member elected on or after the passage of Proposition 28, in 2012, are allowed to serve a lifetime maximum of 12 years in the State Legislature, or a combination of service in the Assembly and Senate. Holden has been in office since December 2014 and Jones-Sawyer has served in the Assembly since December 2012.

Public Policy of California Releases Profile of Black Community

As Black History Month draws to a close, the Public Policy Institute of California has released a profile of Black Californians titled “California’s African American Community.”

“One in 20 Black Americans lived in California in the most recent Census count, and California’s Black population is larger than that of all but five other states (Texas, Georgia, Florida, New York, and North Carolina),” the report reads before giving an overview of the history of Blacks in California and pointing out that only 3 % of California’s Black population are non-citizens and only 4% are naturalized.

According to the profile, Black Californians “lag behind other groups in college graduation, home ownership, and income.”

When it comes to political participation, Blacks engage in the electoral process at rates almost equal to their White counterparts.

Read the full profile here.

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

Earlier this month, the California Housing Financing Agency (CalHFA) and the Sacramento branch of NeighborWorks held a press conference at the State Capitol to announce the expansion of California’s mortgage relief program.

“Over the past year, the California Mortgage Relief program has been helping Californians that are most vulnerable to overcome the financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tiena Johnson Hall, Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency.

One of the major new changes to eligibility, CalHFA officials say, applies to those who own residences with up to four units. Those homeowners can now apply for assistance. Relief through the program has also extended to those with partial-claim second mortgages or loan deferrals from the beginning of 2020.

Additionally, for homeowners who have missed at least two mortgage payments or one property payment before March 1st of this year, the delinquency date for payments has been reset.

Previous beneficiaries of the program are now eligible for additional funds that could add up to $80,000 in total aid. Officials say the program is meant for those who have had trouble keeping up with housing payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding for the California Mortgage relief program comes from the Federal Government’s American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeowners Assistance Fund implemented in 2021, which allocated $1 billion for eligible homeowners across the country.

According to Hall, the program has distributed federal grants and funds to over 10,000 California homeowners.

Not only is applying to the program free, she says, homeowners do not have to worry about paying back the relief funds.

The program is provided to homeowners through the CalHFA Homeowner Relief Corporation.

During the press conference held in the first week of Black History Month, Hall made a point to mention that those who tend to struggle with homeownership in California and the nation at large are Black.

“Black communities have been shut out of homeownership by a variety of factors including discriminatory housing practices which equates to less generational wealth,” said Hall.

Homeownership is an incredibly important tool in building generational wealth, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Volma Volcy, Founder and Executive Director of the Ring of Democracy, said it is important to secure the prosperity of neighborhoods where residents are at risk for foreclosure.

“When a family is displaced, a whole community is destroyed,” said Volcy.

Volcy also said that the California Mortgage Relief Program has been successful so far in providing aid for those in fear of losing their homes due to pandemic-related financial hardships.

Visit the California Mortgage Relief website to assess your eligibility and apply for the program.

RIVERSIDE, CA—Riverside Community Health Foundation (RCHF) and Neighborhood Healthcare celebrated two ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the Eastside Health Center Building A and Eastside Health Center Building B.

RCHF, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the community, partnered with Neighborhood Healthcare late last year to assume operations of both clinics without service interruption.

Both facilities, located at 1970 and 1971 University Ave, will accept Medi-Cal and Medicare along with other insurance while providing primary care, behavioral health, pediatrics, women’s health, prenatal, and dental care with expanded specialty services such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. The RCHF and Neighborhood Healthcare relationship expands both organizations’ capabilities to offer individuals and families in the area quality, compassionate care regardless of situation or circumstance at these and other facilities.

“We are excited to celebrate our partnership with Neighborhood Healthcare,” said Dan Anderson, D. Min, President/CEO of Riverside Community Health Foundation. “The organization has a proven track record of quality care, and we are excited to continue to work with them to foster healthier and happier communities through compassionate and quality care.”

U.S. Congressman Mark Takano participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies, which included a check presentation on behalf of the Congressional Appropriations Committee for the Community Project Funding awarded to RCHF for the renovations of Eastside Health Center Building A and Arlanza Family Health Center. California Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes and Riverside Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes also joined the activities.

“I’m thrilled to have secured $2 million in federal Community Project Funding for Riverside Community Health Foundation,” said Congressman Mark Takano. “RCHF provides vital health services for some of the most vulnerable populations in my district, and I look forward to the impact that these renovations will have on access to care in our community.”

“We offer more than just medical care,” said Rakesh Patel, MD, CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare. “Together with RCHF, our programs and resources can help individuals and families with everything from obtaining insurance coverage to planning a family.”

Individuals desiring to schedule a Neighborhood Healthcare appointment may do so online at www.nhcare.org/schedule or call 833-867-4642.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health invites community members to review and comment on the draft Mental Health Services Act Three-Year Integrated Plan.

The draft plan is a comprehensive report that illustrates the impact made in addressing the behavioral health needs of San Bernardino County.

“The draft plan demonstrates the expansion of the public behavioral health system of care, promoting wellness, recovery and resilience for our county,” said DBH Director Dr. Georgina Yoshioka. “Community is at the center of what we do, therefore it is important that you share feedback for DBH to plan on further developing our services.”

View and comment on the draft plan by visiting https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/programs/mhsa/ now until March 15, 2023.

For additional information on the update or to request interpretation services or disability-related accommodations, please call (800) 722-9866 (dial 7-1-1 for TTY users) or email mhsa@dbh.sbcounty.gov.

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Brenda Cano, a native of Barstow, California, serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 78, operating out of San Diego, California. The squadron’s primary mission is to conduct sea control operations in open-ocean and coastal environments. This includes hunting for submarines, searching for surface targets over the horizon and conducting search and rescue operations.

Cano, a 2019 Barstow High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago. Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Barstow.

“In high school I was given the opportunity to do an internship with an organization called PACE,” said Cano. “It taught me the importance of hard work and how hard work can pay off.”

Today, Cano serves with the helicopter squadron that flies the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The MH-60R is a twin-engine helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, and special operations.

This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.

With 90 percent 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.

“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”

As a member of the Navy, Cano is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“We need a strong Navy to defend our nation and keep our loved ones safe at home,” said Cano.

Cano has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m proud to be recognized for what I do,” said Cano. “I was named the Bluejacket of the Year in 2022. It was an honor to earn this award.”

As Cano and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy gives me an opportunity to travel, make new friends and get paid for doing a job I enjoy,” said Cano.

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

“I’d like to thank my friends and family for being there to support me,” said Cano.

SACRAMENTO, CA— This week, long-time San Dimas resident, and Monrovia High School alumnus, Ronald “Ron” Husband was recognized by Assemblymember Chris Holden and the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) as the 41st Assembly District’s Unsung Hero for his positive impact in the community. An Unsung Hero is defined as a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution — a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged. The California Legislative Black Caucus established the Black History Month Unsung Hero Award to recognize individuals who have contributed selflessly to their respective districts.

“Ron is an example of perseverance and persistence – by doing what you love and offering a seat at the table to people who did not think that was possible,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Through his vision of art, he has taught students across the nation what it means to imagine more.”

Mr. Ron Husband, a 38-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company retired as a character artist from the Walt Disney Consumer Products Division. Ron graduated from Monrovia High School and went on to receive his Associate’s Degree in Art from Citrus College, and later his bachelor’s degree in 1973 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Ron joined Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1975 as an animation trainee and worked for 30 years in that department. He holds the distinction of being the first African American animator & the first African American supervising animator for Walt Disney Studios. In 2019, he was inducted into the College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

“I am so touched and humbled by this award, thank you to Assemblymember Holden and The California Legislative Black Caucus,” stated Ron Husband, 2023 Unsung Hero Awardee.