Assemblymembers Corey Jackson (D-Riverside) and Ash Kalra (D- San Jose) have introduced a resolution to alter the dress code on the floor of the lower chamber of the State Legislature.
House Resolution 9 (HR9) would make it appropriate for individuals visiting the chamber floor to wear attire considered professional dress based on various cultural standards.
According to Assembly Rule 118.1, “Members of the Legislature, officers or employees of the Legislature, accredited members of the press, or any other persons may be restricted from admission to the Floor of the Assembly if they are inappropriately attired”. As the current rule stands, there is room for discrimination against attire that does not meet Eurocentric standards, proponents of HR 9 say.
Asm. Ash Karla
“Eurocentrism, which refers to a bias on the vantage point of European and Western cultures, has played a role in establishing what is considered “appropriate” fashion, often forcing individuals to adopt various forms of professional attire that conflict with their ethnic or religious backgrounds,” Kalra and Jackson stated in a press release.
“With increased emphasis on anti-racism and inclusion, it is imperative that the Legislature and its members adopt this House Resolution to welcome professional attire of all cultures, ethnicities, and nationalities, so we are able to serve the people in the State of California,” the lawmakers added.
Jackson, who received his doctorate in social work, says he is s aware of the microaggressions that perpetuate racism within professional spaces.
“I’m using HR9 to educate people about how sinister racism is in our society. To make sure that people understand that it’s not just the big things like hate crimes and mass shootings due to race. But, also, it’s the little things we’ve been taught since we are children in America; that is Eurocentric hair, skin tones and dress is superior to anything else.”
In his own form of protest, Jackson rarely abides by the traditional expectations of dress on the chamber floor by not wearing suits and ties. At least once a week, he wears a dashiki.
“I am just sending a message that if California is going to call itself a state that is proud of its diversity — that it is anti-racism, anti-hate, anti-xenophobia, anti-discrimination, we need to start with the State Capitol itself.”
While there hasn’t been a specific incident where an Assemblymember was denied entry to the chamber floor because of their cultural garb, Jackson has received complaints about not wearing a suit and tie.
The spirit behind HR9 has drawn comparisons to the “CROWN Act”.
The CROWN Act (Senate Bill 188) was drafted and sponsored by State Senator Holly Mitchell. It passed unanimously in both chambers of the Legislature and was signed into law on July 3, 2019.
Mitchell is currently a Los Angeles County Supervisor representing the 2nd District.
The act ensures protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in the workplace and public schools.
So far, Jackson and Kalra have received support from Democrats and Republicans on the resolution as they have pointed out that their legislation is not calling for a removal of professional attire standards, but for the inclusion of cultural equivalents of professional attire.
The resolution is currently going through the legislative process. If approved by relevant committees, it will move to the chamber floor where it will be heard and voted on by members of the Assembly.
Deemed “A family reunion” by R&B Sensation and the ’22 Grand Marshal Mr. Kenny Lattimore; and echoed by all that attended, SOCAL’s Biggest Black History Parade and Orange County’s most celebrated event is back for its 43rd year!
The 43rd Annual Orange County Black History Parade & Unity Festival takes place on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 10 am – 5pm with great food, entertainment, vendors, celebrities, college fair, art contest and more!
Adding to the celebration, OCHC PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ADAI LAMAR, 102.3 Radio Free KJLH Local Host The Steve Harvey Morning Show, as the 2023 GRAND MARSHAL!
Millions of Los Angeles radio listeners tune into Adai Lamar every morning as a trusted source of news, information, and trends on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 102.3 KJLH radio station (owned by Stevie Wonder).
Adai Lamar is known for having the inside scoop on the issues and topics that are important to the communities. She is a style diva and sets the bar high with her famous Stiletto Strut, a widely popular fashion event conceptualized by Adai, where her fashionista fans rock fabulous stilettos and celebrate their impeccable style and love for community service in a super fun setting. The event has become such a hit in the Los Angeles market, Adai has been approached by fans to roll the event out nationwide. A bonified “travelista”, Adai jets across the globe to review fabulous travel destinations and discover fashion treasures for her growing community of adventurists. A girly girl with a healthy dose of daredevil, you will find Adai rock climbing, swimming with sharks, joy riding on an ATV, stock car racing and digging in her heels to any given athletic challenge.
Her credo. “See Something Amazing! Do Something Amazing! Wear Something Amazing!” Adai has a healthy zeal for discovery that is contagious. She is like a trusted girlfriend who gives the inside scoop not just on news, trends and current events, but on wish list travel destinations for people who love to “go”. Adai has visited and reviewed some of the most coveted travel destinations around the globe, including South Africa, Mexico, France and more. She goes with a purpose to reveal for her followers and fans the coolest bars, restaurants, attractions and natural beauty experiences to check out on their next travel excursion.
As a seasoned urban radio vet, Adai wakes more than a million Los Angeles listeners every weekday morning, 6am-10am as the Los Angeles voice for the Steve Harvey Morning Show on 102.3 KJLH radio station. Trusted for her community outreach and keeping listeners in the know with an honest opinion and feedback, Adai boasts more than a decade of broadcast experience. A beloved radio personality, Adai is a trailblazer as the first African American woman to lead a Los Angeles morning radio show. She is a noted community champion and advocate for a host of important causes including, Jenesee Center, Ronald McDonald House, Boys & Girls Club, AARP, Susan G. Komen, Brotherhood Crusade and Los Angeles Job Corp.
Follow Adai on Twitter and Instagram @adailamar, find her on Facebook @adailamar1. To learn about Adai’s latest community projects, travel adventures, Angels Unawares Charity and upcoming MixHot Podcast visit AdaiLamar.com.
Produced by the Orange County Heritage Council (OCHC) under the leadership of OCHC President Dwayne Shipp, the goal for the annual event is to continue the traditions and culture of African Americans by honoring the achievements and contributions of black history.
The ’22 OC Black History was celebrated with R&B sensation Mr. Kenny Lattimore, Famed Tae Bo Founders Mr. Billy Blanks, Fox Soul General Manager Mr. James Dubois, Gospel Artist Mr. Brent Jones, Grammy Nominee and R&B Artist Mr. Aloe Blacc, Vocalist and Pianist Mr. Francois Dean, Best Selling Author and Reality Star Omarosa, Actresses Layla Crawford and Daniele Lawson of hit movie “King Richard” and over 10,000 of family friendly community attendees.
Media coverages: ABC7, KTLA, FOX, FOX SOUL, GETTY and more!
To see highlights, please watch videos:
’23 Parade Talents Include:
Dani B JAIA– Recording Artist – Dani B JAIA, member of Klymaxx ft Cheryl Cooley, CEO – Faith House Prod, Show Host of Heart Of Worship w/Dani B JAIA, Actress
SINGING BLACK NATIONAL ATHEN opening parade
Brandon Larkins – Actor General Hospital
Angeliques Bates – Actress/Humanitarian/Mental Health Advocate/Founder Host of “The Evening Showdown” podcast, Tidal’s “Bonnet Chronicles”, Nickelodeon’s “All That”, Netflix, Comedy Central, BET
Adam Blackstone – Grammy/Emmy
Kheris Rogers – 16 Year Old CEO & Creator of Flexin’ In My Complexion Apparel Line and Children’s Book author of debut book “Shine Bright” (HarperCollins).
Stone City Band, Raydio Ft Arnell Carmichael – Concert in San Bernardino evening of parade
Steven Littles – actor, director, commercial voice over
Montana- actress, singer-songwriter, musician, dancer, and advocate. Young Artist Awards, Young Entertainer Awards, Amazon Prime TV series, “2Real4U.” Montana has opened for Jeffrey Osborne, Jaleel White aka Steve Urkel (Sitcom, “Family Matters”), Kechi Okwuchi (“America’s Got Talent” Season 12 Finalist)
Mychal-Bella Rayne Bowman – 7 Emmy Nominated/Golden Globe winner, seen on FORBES, ESPN, PBS & more!
Buffalo Soldiers/Iron Men – AFTER PARADE- bikes will park at CAR SHOW – In 1897, members of the fledgling 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps left Missoula, Mont., headed out on a 41-day, 1,900-mile ride to St. Louis, Mo. They were made up of all Black enlisted U.S. Army personnel, known as Buffalo Soldiers, and were greeted by a crowd of more than 10,000 people when they arrived in Missouri.
Amen Joseph – SNOWFALL
Kim Cruise – FINALIST of THE VOICE
Darius McCray – Actor
DJ Battle Cat / Krayzie Bone / DJ Pozition – Legendary Hip Hop Rappers/DJ – riding in low riders “Building Communities Through Hip Hop”
A’lasia Simone – Actress, model, host – HBO “Insecure”, Showtime “Shameless”, Principle is Disney Commercial
Tanya Nolan – Singer – The TX native is currently enjoying the success of her 3rd Billboard Top 20 R&B single, “PACE YOURSELF” featuring Grammy nominated Recording Artist Raheem DeVaughn. Tanya is also the proud owner of the biggest school facility in the state of Texas. Later this summer, Tanya Nolan will be releasing her new EP. She can be found at @IAMTANYANOLAN on all socials.
*talent subject to change
ACTIVITIES & SCHEDULE AT THE UNITY FESTIVAL:
YOUTH VILLAGE: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Orange County Alumnae Chapter Managed by Wanda Reynolds, Coordinator
· Youth Entertainment
· Senior College $10,000 Scholarships sponsored by Van’s
· Van’s Creative Corner
· Live Music Fest at the James Weldon Stage
· Youth Art Contest (k-12 ) – Artwork will be on display in the OCHC Exhibit Art Exhibit at the MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center beginning February 18, 2023
HEALTH VILLAGE: National Council of Negro Women OC under the direction of DeVera Heard, Coordinator
Onsite testing, healthcare issues, dental care booth with special handouts gifts for children and more.
· Abrazar, Inc – multicultural, multigenerational community-based agency whose core work serves economically challenged and fixed-income populations access quality health care, dental care, food, education, housing, translation and transportation services
· Advance OC – Advance OC’s mission is to use innovation and strategic philanthropy to address inequities in Orange County communities.
· CalOptima – Will share information about CalOptima Medi-Cal benefits and services.
· Caregiver Resource Center Orange County (Providence) – Will provide services and support for family caregivers in Orange County.
· Chorus Innovations, Orange County Health Care Agency (OC Navigator) – Introduce OC Navigator, a tool to find and connect with local resources.
· HEAAL Collective (Health Equity for African American’s League) – Currently surveying the Black community of Orange County to uncover and address the inequities that affect our health.
Our goal at HEAAL is to identify the social determinants of health outcomes within the Black American community in Orange County. We are currently surveying Black residents and workers in Orange County, and those using our medical resources, but live outside of Orange County. We have provided the link to the survey, our website, an email address and have attached is the flyer with a QR code. http://www.heaaloc.org/survey/
· HerStory, Inc. – to provide a safe space for pregnant and postpartum BIPOC families to learn, create community, and thrive.
· The Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies (MECCA) – Mental Health/Substance Use Prevention Education, Older Adult Services, Home Visitation
· National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) – Health Village is hosted by NCNW OC and located at Anaheim Blvd and Center Street
· Norooz Clinic Foundation – Mental health clinic offering affordable and accessible mental health services
· OneLegacy Foundation – Organ Procurement Organization
· Planned Parenthood (Orange and San Bernadino) – Information on reproductive health care and education
A special THANK YOU to our SPONSORS:
The City of Anaheim – The city of Anaheim has proudly served as host city of the OCHC Black History Parade & Unity Fair since 2010, with the city’s mayor and other City Council members taking part in the parade, use of Pearson Park for staging and extensive city planning day of the event support
Van’s – $10,000 for scholarships
· Disneyland – $10,000 for parade – “ The Disneyland Resort is proud to support the Orange County Heritage Council’s 43rd Annual Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival.”
“Faith and prayer without action is meaningless,” said Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-13), the longest serving — and the highest ranking — African American member of California’s delegation to United States House of Representatives.
“House Democrats have met the moment and passed critical gun reform in the 117th Congress,” she added in a statement her office released last week. Lee was reacting to back-to-back mass shootings in three California cities: Monterey Park, Half Moon Bay and Oakland.
The mass shootings left 19 people dead and at least 15 more people injured.
About a week before the Monterey Park shooting, six members of a family, including an infant, were shot and killed at their home in Goshen, a small town in Central California with a population of about 5,000 people.
“It is now on Republicans in both the House and Senate to stand up to the gun lobby and prevent the next tragedy,” Lee emphasized.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Californians should “stand united against all attempts to divide us.”
“The reports coming out of Monterey Park are absolutely devastating. Families deserve to celebrate the holidays in peace — mass shootings and gun violence are a plague on our communities,” she said.
The frustration expressed in Lee’s and Bass’ remarks about the unending occurrences of gun violence in the United States (there have been 44 deaths by guns across the country in January alone) is not isolated. That sentiment was echoed in statements made by civic and political leaders across California.
Last Monday, Gov. Newsom was consoling victims of the Monterey Park killing when his visit was interrupted with news about another incident of gun violence.
“Tragedy upon tragedy,” the Governor took to Twitter, expressing his disappointment.
“At the hospital meeting with victims of a mass shooting when I get pulled away to be briefed about another shooting. This time in Half Moon Bay,” he wrote.
Responding to Newsom, some Twitter users pointed out what seems like an irony to them: the series of horrific killings that happened despite California’s forceful firearm laws, the strongest regulations of their kind in the nation.
“Funny how your strict gun laws in CA aren’t working,” Twitter user S.D. Dank replied to Newsom.
But proponents of gun restrictions point out that California has a lower gun mortality rate per capita than states with more permissive gun policies like Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. All three states are among areas with the highest recorded rates of gun deaths in the country.
“Only Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut have lower firearm mortality rates,” a statement released by the California Department of Justice reports.
While visiting Half Moon Bay the next day, the Governor’s irritation was clear.
“I’m damn sick and tired of this stuff. I’m sick and tired of this. I don’t ever want to see this again,” he told reporters.
The Saturday night before, authorities say, a 72-year-old Asian American gunman, Huu Can Tran, walked into a Monterey Park dance studio where the local Asian community was celebrating the Lunar New Year. Tran shot 42 rounds from a semiautomatic gun into the crowd of partygoers assembled there. Eleven people died.
Then on Monday, San Mateo police accused another elderly Asian American man, Chunli Zhao, 66, of shooting and killing four people at a mushroom farm in Half Moon Bay and three others at a location nearby.
A few hours later the same day in Oakland, authorities say multiple shooters fired rounds into a crowd of about 50 people shooting a music video. One person died and about seven more were injured. At press time, the shooters involved in that Bay Area shooting were still at-large.
Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and one of the most outspoken supporters of strong gun laws serving in the State Legislature.
Last year, Newsom signed into law a bill Gipson authored, AB 1621, that tightened existing restrictions on “ghost guns,” firearms that are privately manufactured or assembled.
“Another senseless mass shooting in our community in this state, the family and friends need more than prayers, they need/we need more federal sensible gun legislation signed into law in hopes that these things will not happen again in any community in this country,” he tweeted.
Across the aisle, Gipson’s Republican colleagues in the Assembly acknowledged the seriousness of the mass shootings but insisted that more gun laws are not the solution.
“Another gun safety law won’t stop these mass shootings … we have to go deeper…policies that deter and prevent the individual behavior,” Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) tweeted.
State officials from both parties, gun safety advocates and other concerned citizens assembled for a vigil on the Capitol steps in Sacramento last Monday During the event, attendees began to receive news about the Half Moon Bay shooting.
“There’s still a lot that we are learning about these particular cases. We won’t jump to conclusions,” said Sen. Alex Padilla. “But we do take it as a reminder of the urgency with which we need to strengthen our gun safety laws across the country.”
CLBC Vice Chair, Sen. Steven Bradford, said the mass shootings left him “heartbroken and angry.”
“This shooting, again, points out that we must do more to protect everyone from gun violence,” he added.
Justin Zhu is the co-founder of Stand with Asian Americans, a coalition seeking justice and equity for Asian Americans that was started by businesspeople and activists in response to an increasing number of hate crimes perpetrated against people of Asian descent.
Zhou said the shootings left him feeling hopeless amid a social climate that feels chaotic to him.
“After these horrific crimes, the vast number of lives lost, and the years of heightened racism, hate and fear, Asian Americans are experiencing immense and complex pain. For thousands of years, Lunar New Year has been a celebration of not only happiness and luck, but also for coming together, and the Year of the Rabbit can symbolize healing,” he said. “To feel our communities wrenched apart at this moment, repeatedly, we are angry, blindsided and shattered.”
“This important settlement with Hesperia prevents the so-called ‘crime-free’ program from devastating individuals and families with the emotional upheaval and financial hardship that accompanies evictions that occur with little notice,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada.
By Gail Fry | WSS News Contributor
On December 14, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a press release obtained by The Westside Story Newspaper, where they announced a landmark settlement reached with the City of Hesperia (Hesperia), its police department, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD) after it found the city discriminated against Black and Latino Renters through its Crime-Free Rental Program.
Those negatively impacted by Hesperia’s “crime-free” program may be compensated under the settlement fund and are asked to contact the DOJ by calling 1-833-223-1571 or by applying online at Hesperia.Investigation@usdoj.gov.
DOJ observed between 2010 to present, the City of Hesperia’s demographics rapidly changed to where Latino and Black residents exceeded the population of White residents. The number of Latino residents went up by 140% between 2000 and 2010, from 18,400 to 44,091, while Black residents went up by 103% from 2,388 to 4,853. However, White residents decreased from 64.2% in 2000 down to 35.8% by 2016.
DOJ alleged Hesperia, wishing to change demographic trends, decided to act by adopting an ordinance for the claimed intent to lower its crime rate using the Crime-Free Rental Program. On November 17, 2015, Hesperia, supported by the Hesperia Police Department (HPD), approved the Crime-Free Rental Program.
Hesperia contracts its police services, exercised by the Hesperia Police Department, through the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Hesperia asserted the ordinance would cut crime. DOJ found Hesperia’s true intent was countering demographic trends by evicting Black and Latino renters, while scaring others from relocating to Hesperia.
Landlords were required to register their rental properties, include a “Crime-free Lease Addendum” (Addendum) in residential leases, pay for annual inspections by the HPD, provide tenant applications to HPD and pay for criminal background checks. The City of Hesperia created and implemented a fee schedule, financial fines up to $500, and criminal penalties for noncompliance.
The Addendum allowed if any occupant, guest, or others under the tenant’s control was involved in criminal activity near the property, a three-day notice to quit could issue. The City of Hesperia gave HPD the authority to decide what was so-called criminal activity and to notify, and order landlords to evict a renter.
BENTSEN HPD SOLE AUTHORITY
HPD Captain Nils Bentsen assured the city council an eviction under the Crime-Free Rental Program would not require an arrest, prosecution, or conviction, because it was a civil action and claimed it was needed based on what DOJ found to have been exaggerated statistics and falsely claimed a connection between higher crime, and rental properties.
BENTSEN CIVIL PROCESS
BENTSEN REDUCE CRIME RENTALS
DOJ viewed Hesperia’s city council meetings videos where they heard council members discredit those living in Section 8 Housing, and Black and Latino renters moving to Hesperia from Los Angeles.
Words like “those kind of people, who are of no value to this community,” and “I want them the hell out of our town, and I don’t care where they go,” were heard from Late Hesperia City Council member Russ Blewett describing the renters.
BLEWETT STOP BAD PEOPLE
Hesperia Mayor Eric Schmidt quoted by DOJ explained, “People from Los Angeles County were moving to Hesperia as a cheap place to hide, bringing their tainted history, and aggravating Hesperia residents.”
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Holland justified, “We are surgically going after those elements that create an inordinate amount of the problem in every single neighborhood.” DOJ quoted Holland reasoning it would cause every landlord “to rid his rental…of that blight” similar to “call[ing] an exterminator out to kill roaches, same difference.”
HOLLAND SURGICAL APPROACH
“We’ve had a lot of people from over the hill move up here that are not very friendly people, and we need to work on getting them out of here,” Hesperia City Council Member Mike Leonard observed explaining the program would address Hesperia’s Section 8 problems, objecting taxpayers pay higher taxes to subsidize these people.
LEONARD SECTION 8
At the meeting, HPD Captain Bentsen reinforced the city council members’ views of Latino, and Black renters, and Section 8 recipients, describing them as threatening, unfriendly, and harming homeowners. Bentsen shared how, in the past, it took years for him to discover a criminal charge he could use to evict Section 8 renters.
Bentsen decried state and federal laws restricting the city’s ability to address the alleged crime problem, reasoning the Crime-Free Rental Program was the only option.
BENTSEN NEW STRATEGY
DOJ found HPD contributed prior resources and support for Hesperia’s proposed Crime-Free Rental Program, planned an enforcement unit, and purchased crime-free tracking software. With the ordinance approved, DOJ found HPD liberally applied its Crime-Free Rental Program toward Black and Latino renters.
Captain Bentsen, in uniform, a proponent of the ordinance, attended numerous city council meetings in support of the ordinance, is now Hesperia’s City Manager.
Landlords, property managers, a California Apartment Association representative, and a Fair Housing Council of Riverside representative questioned the program’s legality, and potential legal liability, objected to the burden placed on landlords, and diversion of law enforcement resources. Bentsen disputed their concerns.
BENTSEN RESPONSE FAIR HOUSING
Overriding their objections, the Hesperia City Council approved the Crime-Free Rental Ordinance. DOJ determined Hesperia and HPD evicted largely Black and Latino renters without legal basis, discriminated based on national origin, while stripping others of their right to live in Hesperia.
The five-year consent order between DOJ and Hesperia and its police department, requires Hesperia to create a $670,000 settlement fund to address the harms their actions had on minority renters, pay $100,000 in civil penalties; require Hesperia to spend $95,000 in funding to promote fair housing; and set aside $85,000 for partnerships with community-based organizations, totaling $950,000.
The consent order requires Hesperia to notify landlords and property managers of ordinance and fee schedule changes; DOJ’s review and approval prior to approving certain policies, procedures and ordinances; non-discrimination policies and complaint procedures be implemented; designate civil rights coordinators; anti-discrimination training; an assessment of fair housing needs; and consistent reporting to the court and the DOJ.
Our weekly coverage of local news in San Bernardino County is supported by the Ethnic Media Sustainability Initiative, a program supported by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services to support minority-owned-and-operated community newspapers in California.
RIVERSIDE, CA– Unity is key when it comes to anything community based. On Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 10 a.m. the Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation (ADCR) will be hosting the 43rd Annual Riverside Black History Parade. The theme this year is “Inland Empire, moving forward in unity.”
Per usual, the day will start off with the parade kicking off at 10 a.m. which starts at Riverside City College making its way downtown ending at 13th and Main Street in Downtown Riverside by the courthouse. Immediately following the parade, is the expo which will go on from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature live performances, award winning food, unique vendors, and so much more! The grand marshal for this year will be Riverside Unified School District Superintendent, Renee Hill.
Prior to the weekend of the parade, the Kickoff Reception will be held on Saturday, February 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Central Middle School in Riverside, California.
For more information on the parade and other ADCR events, visit www.adcrfoundation.org.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA— With our theme being “I Am …Changing the Narrative” the Social-Lites Inc., are excited to have 5 outstanding young men participating in the 2022- 2023 Beautillion Program. The Knights are Jermaine Moreno and Jordan Evans from Grand Terrace High School Senior, K’Miles Davis of Rialto High School, Shannon Williams of Mojave High School & Davion Boyd-Phenix of Arlington High School.
These Knights are in full swing with many dynamic speakers. To date we have had several special guests, starting with:
Edward Brantley, Student Outreach Coordinator for the PAL Center & Lead Instructor for the San Bern. County’s Probation Depts. Independent Living Program opened our season with a well-received spirited talk about Self-Confidence and How to Bring You’re A-Game into your Life.
Michael Davis, newly retired 25-year School Administrator who worked across Southern and Bay Area California covered the proper attire for Dressing for Success for any occasion from head to toes.
Tina Darling, BN MSN Educator and Asst. Director of American Career College discussed all avenues of health and the awareness of STD’s.
Pastor Reginald L Woods, PhD, Pastor of Life Changing Ministries and former Sir Knight 1976, spoke to the entire units (Squires, Fair Maidens and Pages) about all aspects of life and how to attract positive relationships & how to recognize them at an early age.
Chief Joseph Paulino, for the S.B.U.S.D. talked to our youth about life and how to think outside the box and now is the time to start your focus.
Zuriah McKnight – Police Officer of Valverde S.D. and Owner of District Charter Patrol talked to the men about entrepreneurship and how to seize the moment reminding the Knights “if you want something don’t waste time and get it.”
Fire Chief David Reddix for the City of L.A. City Fire Department shared his journey as an African American male and the challenges of growing to the top rank of Chief as well as the career paths available.
Charles Brown, former Sir Knight 1989 and member Dar’rell Jones both of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Xi Lambda Chapter along with Social Lites, Inc. member Twillea Evans-Carthen of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter presented information on the upcoming 35th Annual Oratorical Contest and encouraged each of them to participate for scholarships.
Anthony Roberson, Associate Director of Operations at California State University, San Bernardino and former Knight of 1995 – talked about his past participation of being a “Knight” in the program and how it helped him with his future life experiences. He also shared with the young men the importance of being an African American man today.
Just this past weekend we accompanied the Knights to the L.A. Black College Expo where they were able to meet Admission Counselors from the majority of our historically Black Colleges from around the United States. We were thrilled that several of our Knights walked away with partial scholarships that day!
The Beautillion Program, now it its 56th year, it’s designed to help young men who are seniors in high school prepare for college through the solicitation of ads, leadership development, accountability, responsibility, etiquette, attire for all occasions, spiritual growth, public speaking, and community service. At the conclusion of the program one young man will be recognized “Sir Knight.”
The Beautillion program will conclude on April 1, 2023 at California State University, San Bernardino. To date, we have given out approximately 2.5 million dollars in scholarships to our college bound young men. For more information, please contact Sheri Lewis (909) 320-0799, Elsie Paulino (951)205-8823 or Marlene Davis (909) 709-5502.
YUCAIPA, CA—- Construction is underway on Crafton Hills College’s (CHC) voter-approved and funded Public Safety Training Center, following a groundbreaking ceremony on January 20 in front of a crowd of more than 150.
Upon completion, the $9.5 million facility will house CHC’s Fire Academy and public safety programs and further elevate CHC’s reputation as one of the premier public safety colleges in the nation. The Public Safety Training Center was made possible thanks to the vision of current and former CHC leaders and funding from 2018’s Measure CC, approved by voters to fund campus upgrades at both CHC and its sister college, San Bernardino Valley College.
Consistent community support has been the cornerstone of the public safety programs’ successes. Neighboring agencies, like the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and its fire department, have partnered with CHC to provide necessary tools of the trade, such as fire engines, equipment and training while supporting students’ growth with scholarships.
During the groundbreaking, Tribal leaders presented a check for a $1.8 million grant that will cover student out-of-pocket expenses associated with the program. The need for a steady income and secure housing is an obstacle for many who wish to study public safety fields, said Ed Duro, San Manuel Business Committee member-at-large.
“San Manuel believes that those with their heart [set] to serve others should be able to, especially if they come from historically underrepresented communities,” said Duro, a CHC alumnus, as Tribal leaders presented the gift during the event. “This is why I am proud to announce our investment to offer direct support to students, enabling them to devote themselves to the program. It is a priority for the Tribe to advance these opportunities for everyone regardless of background.”
“This project has been a decade in the making and serves as the best example of what happens when a community comes together for a common goal,” said CHC President Dr. Kevin Horan.
Dr. Stephanie Houston, chair of the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees and a CHC alumna, called the new facility “near and dear” to her heart. As a parent of a first responder, Houston said the Public Safety Training Center brings her a sense of relief because “at that end of the day, [first responder graduates] are going to rely on their training, and their training all started here,” she said.
“So, as we look at our cadets, this next generation of students who are going to be coming through this amazing facility that we are building, [we will know that] it’s to ensure that parents, siblings, spouses and children of our first responders can sleep at night,” Houston said during the ceremony. “Because they can rely on that training we provide [to their loved ones]. This is an amazing opportunity for all of us.”
The Academy—including other first responder-related training programs, such as those for paramedics and respiratory care— has undergone a series of upgrades since its inception in 1982. CHC’s Fire Academy originally operated from an old automotive shop on campus that was transformed into a training space.
Horan concluded the ceremony by thanking the community and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for their legacy of support.
“San Manuel’s generosity in the direct support of fire cadets enables us to continue to build a capable, highly qualified and diverse first responder workforce that will serve our region for decades.”
At a press conference held at the Pasadena Rose Bowl last week, Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 252, called the College Athletic Protection Act.
If the Legislature passes the bill, it will expand and reinforce protections for college athletes, says Holden, who also serves as Assembly Appropriations Committee chair.
“As a former college basketball player at San Diego State, I know how close you can come to an injury taking away not only the game you love to play, but also your opportunity to finish college,” said Holden. “So, we look at this bill as going further and establishing some important safeguards for athletes as they are out there enjoying what they love to do, but also getting a degree.”
In 2019, Holden introduced a similar bill, the college Athlete Civil Rights Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Newsom. That bill required schools in the state to inform student athletes about their rights and made it illegal for schools to retaliate against athletes who report the school for violations of any kind.
Holden represents Assembly District 41, where Pasadena, “The City of Champions,” is the political center. It is a town that prides itself on its appreciation for sports and the many accomplished athletes who have called the area home, including baseball great Jackie Robinson and several NFL players who have excelled in various sports and made it to the Super Bowl, according to the Pasadena Sports Hall of Fame website.
Holden described AB 252 as “comprehensive.” He told California Black Media at the Rose Bowl press conference, that it will require colleges to set aside $25,000 in tuition for athletes who are not fairly compensated annually to cover the cost of game-related injuries. It will also require that Division1 schools set aside 50% of sports revenue to pay athletes as well as make it easier to report abuses and inform their student athletes of their rights.
While other state and federal bills have dealt with the needs of college athletes in a piecemeal fashion, Holden says, this bill comes with a built-in way to enforce it.
A 21-member watchdog group, called the College Athletic Protection (CAP) panel, will oversee enforcement of the bill’s requirements and ensure that schools are reporting their athletic program’s finances. The board will have the power to enforce the provisions in the new bill and mete out discipline to violators.
The financial responsibility of the schools remains tied to annual revenue reports made to the United States Department of Education. For example, institutions reporting revenue over $20 million will pay for “out of pocket sports-related medical expenses” while colleges reporting over $50 million in revenue will also provide “nationally portable primary medical insurance” to each athlete, according to the language in the bill.
Ramogi Huma, the executive director of the National College Players Association, is a former football player at UCLA and has been a longtime advocate of college athletes.
He was introduced by Holden as a “partner” in crafting the bill.
Huma pointed out the difficulties faced by Black athletes and the exploitative nature of some of the NCAA rules, many of which were highlighted in a 2020 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, which looked at basketball and football. It found that the system funnels funds away Black and students from low-income backgrounds.
Huma was quick to call the NCAA business model illegal using “amateurism” to “strip wealth” from Black athletes.
“The NCAA and its colleges do nothing about the trail of seriously injured abused and dead college athletes. This unchecked abuse is not an oversight – it’s by design,” said Huma.
Huma’s organization supports the bill, and, in his speech, he talked about player safety and fair market value as important parts of helping student athletes. He referred to the bill as a step to ending what he characterizes as “exploitation” by the NCAA.
The bill requires those students who are not receiving “fair market” value to have a graduation fund created for them every year which will apply to tuition – even if they can no longer play. Making graduation a goal for student athletes, the bill’s supporters say, is pivotal because data shows many students are spending long hours training to the detriment of their education or forced to play with serious injuries for fear of losing a scholarship.
Amy LeClaire was a college gymnast and victim of sexual assault at San Jose State in 2016. She and over two dozen other victims settled with the college, according to Jemma Dunn, her attorney. LeClair was abused by her coach and her trainer, and the college failed to report the abuse, the lawsuit alleged.
Several of the working conditions LeClair endured will also be addressed by the bill. Ensuring athletes can complete medical treatment and providing ways to report abuse without repercussion are both included in the language.
“I have witnessed firsthand the depths and complexities of institutional cover ups. Universities have not earned the privilege of operating unchecked, nor have they earned the benefit of the doubt,” said LeClair. “I entered the Institute as knowing the risks of a high-level sport, but never imagined the dangers of the institution itself.”
Not everyone will be happy if the bill passes. The NCAA has asked the federal government to block many of the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) laws being passed by states and claims that these types of laws undermine their ability to regulate this billion-dollar industry, according to Linda Livingstone, the NCAA’s Board of Governors chair who was quoted in Fortune magazine.
Livingstone said in cases involving NIL disagreements, said, “We already see that state legislators will take action that they believe will give the universities in their states a competitive edge over their neighbors.”
Elisha Guidry is a recent graduate from UCLA and was a student athlete for the Bruins. As a recent graduate, he has a hopeful view on how the bill will affect students.
“I want to thank all student athletes out there past current and future,” said Guidry. “Our hard work and dedication on and off the field has gone unnoticed. This bill is a step in the right direction to improving things for us now and in the future to come.”
The California Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board (RIPA Board) released its annual report on policing in December. It revealed that People “perceived as Black were searched at 2.2 times the rate of people” appearing as White.
Additionally, law enforcement officers in the state searched a total of 6,622 more people perceived as Black than those perceived as White, the report states. Also of note, those perceived to be Black adolescents between 15 to 17 years old were searched at nearly six times the rate of those perceived as White youth.
“In addition to providing a detailed analysis of the policing activities of 58 law enforcement agencies, this year’s report provides much-needed context on the negative physical, emotional, and mental health consequences experienced by students and the broader communities that are most often the subject of those activities,” said RIPA board member Melanie Ochoa, Co-Chair of the Board and Director of Police Practices at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.
RIPA Board is a diverse group of 19 members representing the public, law enforcement, and educators. It was formed in 2016 when Assembly Bill (AB) 953, the “Racial and Identity Profiling Act,” was passed. The bill was authored by Shirley Weber, California Secretary of State, when she was an Assemblymember representing the 79th District in the greater San Diego area. The board’s charge is to “eliminate racial and identity profiling and improve diversity and racial and identity sensitivity in law enforcement,” according to language included in AB 953.
“California remains at the forefront of the nation in examining police stop data,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Over the last several years, we’ve collected and analyzed information on nearly 12 million police encounters in our state.”
The current report, sheds light on a study of millions of vehicular and pedestrian stops conducted from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2021, by 58 law enforcement agencies in California — a notable expansion from the 18 participating agencies documented in the previous report released by RIPA last July.
At the conclusion of a stop, officers are required to report the outcome such as no action taken, warning or citation given, or arrest. For individuals perceived as Black, the 2023 report stated, officers reported “no action taken” approximately 2.2 times as often as they did for individuals viewed as White. The report concluded that there is an indication that a higher rate of those stopped who were perceived as Black were not actually engaged in unlawful activity.
In addition, Black children and adolescents (10 to 14 and 15 to 17 years old) were detained curbside or in a patrol car, searched, or handcuffed during a higher percentage of stops than any other combination of perceived race or ethnicity and age groups.
The report also details that law enforcement officers used force against people perceived as Black at 2.2 times the rate of individuals perceived as White. For those perceived as Latino, officers used force against them at 1.3 times the rate of individuals perceived as White.
Fifty-eight agencies reported over 3.1 million stops during the data collection 12-month study, with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) conducting the most stops of any single agency (54.9%). In addition, individuals perceived to be Hispanic/Latinos (42.4%), White (30.7%), or Black (15.0%) comprised the majority of stopped individuals.
“Coupled with a strong set of evidence-based recommendations to the Legislature, local jurisdictions, and policing agencies, such as an end to pretext stops and consent searches, our hope is that this year’s report will continue to push California towards building communities that are safer for all,” Ochoa stated.
The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), a coalition of over 77,000 public safety workers in more than 950 associations, released its own study, which refutes the RIPA Board’s report.
PORAC’s 2023 annual report, “A Critical Analysis” by Dr. Brian L. Withrow, dated Jan. 2, 2023, states that “California is experiencing a public safety crisis” while “law enforcement departments are understaffed, underfunded, and underappreciated.”
“Unfortunately, California’s Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board (RIPA) has pursued an inherently flawed approach to assessing police stop data that both misrepresents the data itself and misleads the public to believe things that simply are not true,” Withrow said. “Californians deserve appropriate scrutiny of officer behavior, but they also deserve the truth. To do otherwise would only sow further division between law enforcement and the communities they risk their lives every day to serve.”
To date, the traffic stop data made available by the RIPA Board is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive collection effort under which all state and local law enforcement agencies will be required to report to the California Department of Justice by April 1, 2023.
In addition to providing an in-depth look into policing in 2021, the Board’s report lists a wide range of recommendations related to policing, with a focus on the impact of pretextual stops, law enforcement interactions with youth, civilian complaint processes, and training on racial and identity profiling.
The RIPA Board insists that the report is consistent with the disparities observed in prior years’ data with respect to perceived race, gender, and disability status.
“California is leading the nation in its effort to collect data on police-citizen interactions and to foster transparency and make progress towards fair, equitable, effective policing,” said Steven Raphael, Co-Chair of the Board and Professor of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. “Data collected under RIPA provides important information to the public, to legislators, and to law enforcement to guide policy and practice throughout the state.”
For more on RIPA and other criminal justice data, members of the public are encouraged to visit OpenJustice, a California Department of Justice, data-driven public initiative that works to increase access to criminal justice data and support the development of public policy.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino Building and Safety Division issued
6,093 building permits in 2022, more than any other recent year. The total reflects an increase of 42.6% over 2021, when 4,270 permits were issued.
“These numbers show that people are investing in San Bernardino,” said Mayor Helen Tran.
“There is a great deal of opportunity here and I am glad to see people are taking advantage of it.”
The valuation of the permits issued also jumped significantly, totaling $363,841,706. This represents an increase of 57% over 2021, or a gain of more than $132 million in investment. Also noteworthy is that the building permit amounts do not reflect total project costs. Property acquisition costs and architecture services are not included. Government projects are not included in the total either.
“I expect these numbers to increase further in 2023 despite the national economic headwinds,” said San Bernardino Community, Housing, and Economic Development Agency Director Nathan Freeman. “We have a number of large projects in the queue and our phone continues to ring with developer interest.”
In the short term, the increase in permitted activity will be reflected in an increase of local construction jobs, to be followed by new housing, new shopping options, permanent jobs, local sales tax revenue, and property tax revenue.
Freeman added that San Bernardino is in the process of launching a One Stop Shop to speed up the development process. “This is reinventing our customer service approach to serving residents, contractors, investors, and developers through the entitlement and
permitting process, making it easier to get projects done.”
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