WSSN Stories

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

From Los Angeles to Oakland, Black voters gathered at watch parties in living rooms, community centers, and restaurants across California to witness Vice President Kamala Harris face off against former President Donald Trump in a much-anticipated debate. For many, this was more than just a political event — it was a moment to witness Harris, the first Black woman vice president, go toe-to-toe with Trump, whose bombastic debate style has dominated headlines in previous election cycles.

Trump’s decision to rule out another debate against Harris has left the upcoming election more contentious than ever. With both candidates presenting starkly different visions for the future, voters will have to weigh their options before November’s election.

When Harris took the debate stage, she approached Trump, extended her hand, and said firmly “Kamala Harris,” setting a deliberate tone for the evening. Moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News, the debate provided a clear contrast in vision, temperament, and leadership style as the candidates addressed key issues.

The debate opened with discussions on the economy. Harris focused on the Biden administration’s achievements and outlined plans to support small businesses, reduce costs for working families, and create what she called an “opportunity economy.” She proposed down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and tax deductions to help young families. “I intend to create an opportunity economy, investing in small businesses, in new families, and in what we can do around protecting seniors,” Harris said.

Trump, in contrast, offered a more apocalyptic view of the country’s state, repeatedly claiming that the nation was in decline under the Biden-Harris administration. He said the country was being “laughed at” on the world stage and criticized Harris for not accomplishing more during her time as vice president. However, his criticisms lacked concrete solutions. At one point, Trump claimed that 21 million people had crossed the border illegally. Harris quickly rebutted, reminding viewers that Trump had blocked a bipartisan immigration reform bill during his presidency.

As the debate shifted to healthcare, Harris, speaking passionately emphasized the administration’s work to lower prescription drug costs and cap insulin prices. “We have allowed, for the first time, Medicare to negotiate drug prices on behalf of you, the American people,” she said.

Trump struggled to provide specific details about his healthcare plan, despite having promised for years to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). When pressed, he said that he was “working on concepts of a plan,” a vague response that mirrored similar statements from his previous campaigns.

On the issue of abortion, the contrast between the candidates became even sharper. Harris strongly condemned the “Trump abortion bans” in more than 20 states, which she said criminalized healthcare providers and offered no exceptions for rape or incest. “It is immoral for a survivor of a crime, a violation to their body, to not have the right to make a decision about what happens to their body next,” Harris said.

Trump defended his role in appointing Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and repeated false claims about late-term abortions, which Harris dismissed as “lies.”

As the debate moved into foreign policy, the conversation turned to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump claimed that the war “would have been over within 24 hours” had he been president, suggesting that his relationship with Vladimir Putin would have prevented the conflict altogether.

Harris countered by emphasizing the work she and the Biden administration have done to support Ukraine and build a coalition of allies to defend democracy. Harris said that world leaders are “laughing at Donald Trump” and that she has talked with military leaders who have worked with Trump, and they say, “You’re a disgrace.” She accused Trump of favoring dictators like Putin, reminding viewers that Trump had attempted to negotiate directly with the Taliban in Afghanistan, bypassing the Afghan government entirely. Harris’s sharp rebuttal – “If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now” —seemed to visibly unsettle Trump, whose demeanor shifted as he interrupted her multiple times despite the muted microphone rule.

Throughout the debate, Harris adhered to the rules, delivering focused, policy-driven responses. In contrast, Trump frequently interrupted and avoided direct responses, visibly frustrated by the format and Harris’s composure. At one point when he found himself backed into a corner, he went off the rails and made a bizarre claim that illegal immigrants in Ohio were eating pets, which Muir swiftly refuted, noting there was no evidence to support the assertion.

The debate concluded with the candidates delivering a closing statement. Harris’s remarks focused on unity and optimism, reflecting her belief in what America could achieve with the right leadership. “We all have so much more in common than what separates us, and we can chart a new way forward,” she said. Trump, in contrast, offered a grim vision of a nation in decline, recycling many of the same talking points from earlier in the night about economic failure and foreign policy missteps.

After watching the debate, pop star Taylor Swift endorsed Harris on social media, writing, “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.” Swift’s endorsement, which quickly gained over a million likes, added a cultural moment to the post-debate discussions, particularly among younger voters. She signed her post “Childless Cat Lady.”

Despite the attention the debate received, Trump announced that there would be no third debate. Posting on Truth Social, he wrote, “THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!” He referred to the first debate as his June encounter with President Joe Biden and the second as the debate with Harris. Trump argued that Harris only wanted a rematch because he “clearly won” the first debate.

However, in a rally in North Carolina just minutes after Trump’s announcement, Harris said, “We owe it to the voters to have another debate.” Several instant polls taken after the debate indicated that voters felt Harris had outperformed her opponent.

While Trump called his performance in Philadelphia “my best debate”, some Republicans and allies expressed disappointment with his performance. Sen. Lindsey Graham called it “a missed opportunity.”

Launched in 2018, the Medically Tailored Meals pilot program was designed to help Medi-Cal patients with congestive heart failure by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits by providing tailored meals meeting specific dietary needs.

The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.

Medically Tailored Meals are one of 14 new services offered through Medi-Cal that provide members with access to new and improved services to get well-rounded care that goes beyond the doctor’s office or hospital.

Medically Tailored Meals: Overview

Malnutrition and poor nutrition can lead to severe health outcomes, especially among Medi-Cal patients with chronic health conditions. Medically Tailored Meals aim to improve health outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance patient satisfaction by providing essential nutrition.

Key Features:

1. Post-Discharge Delivery: Meals are delivered to patients’ homes immediately following discharge from a hospital or nursing home.
2. Customized Nutrition: Meals are tailored to meet the dietary needs of those with chronic diseases, designed by registered dietitians (RD) or certified nutrition professionals based on evidence-based guidelines.
3. Comprehensive Services: Includes medically tailored groceries, healthy food vouchers, and food pharmacies.
4. Educational Support: Behavioral, cooking, and nutrition education is included when paired with direct food assistance.

Key Benefits:

• Address Food Insecurity: Mitigates poor health outcomes linked to food insecurity.
• Support Complex Care Needs: Tailored to individuals with chronic conditions.
• Improve Health Outcomes: Studies show improvements in diabetes control, fall prevention, and medication adherence.

Patient Testimonial:

“Three days a week, I come home from dialysis tired and hungry. In less than five minutes from fridge to plate, I have a great tasting meal ready to eat. My husband has diabetic needs and I have renal diet needs, so we order our meals and put them in the fridge separately. Mom’s Meals makes mealtime a lot easier in our household.”

Eligibility:

• Eligible Populations: Eligible Medi-Cal members include those with chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, congestive heart failure, stroke, chronic lung disorders, HIV, cancer, gestational diabetes, and chronic mental or behavioral health disorders. Also, those being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility or at high risk of hospitalization or nursing facility placement are also eligible.
• Service Limitations: Up to two meals per day for up to 12 weeks, extendable if medically necessary. Meals eligible for reimbursement by alternate programs are not covered.

Cost Savings and Improved Health Outcomes:

• Health Outcomes: Research indicates a 22% to 58% decrease in emergency department visits and a 27% to 63% decrease in inpatient admissions among Medically Tailored Meals recipients, translating to significant health care cost savings.

Mom’s Meals: A Success Story

Mom’s Meals has partnered with Medi-Cal to deliver medically tailored meals to patients in the Inland Empire, focusing on individuals with severe and chronic illnesses such as diabetes and kidney disease. These meals, aligned with Medi-Cal’s mission to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, provide nutritious, balanced meals directly to patients’ homes. The goal is to help patients develop healthier eating habits, reduce hospital admissions, and lessen the strain on the healthcare system.

Inland Empire Health Plan, one of the Medi-Cal managed-care insurers, has contracted with Mom’s Meals to provide these services. Patients receive weekly deliveries of meals that are customized to their dietary needs. The meals are convenient, microwave-ready, and delivered within 48 hours of processing.

The program aims to empower patients to sustain a healthy diet long after the meal deliveries end. By making medically tailored nutrition accessible, Mom’s Meals is helping Medi-Cal to support some of its sickest and costliest patients in the Inland Empire, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and advancing Medi-Cal’s mission to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Join Us in Our Mission

You can experience the profound impact of Medically Tailored Meals by joining the Medi-Cal Community Supports services initiative. Your involvement can make a difference in promoting your health through nutrition.

Learn More

For more information about Medically Tailored Meals and how to get involved, call the state’s Medi-Cal Health Care options at 800-430-4263 or contact your local managed care plan.

In Riverside County and San Bernardino County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact the following managed care plans:
*   Inland Empire Health Plan: 800-440-4347

*   Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

*   Molina HealthCare of California Partner Plan, Inc.: 888-665-4621

Your health and well-being are your health care provider’s top priority. Medically Tailored Meals are designed to enhance quality of life by advancing health care through the power of nutrition. Experience the benefits today and take the first step toward a healthier you.

By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media??

On September. 3, community leaders and civil rights advocates joined lawmakers at the State Capitol to raise awareness about Proposition (Prop) 6, a ballot initiative that aims to ban forced labor in California’s prisons.

California voters will decide the ballot initiative in this year’s November election. The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) introduced Prop 6 as part of the 14-bill reparations package. The State Legislature passed the measure in June with a bipartisan vote, placing it on the November ballot. The Black Caucus proposed Prop 6 as the “Remove Involuntary Servitude as Punishment for Crime Amendment,” under the Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8 (ACA8) to promote justice and equality in California.

Community groups organized a press conference including members of the Black Caucus, The Anti-Recidivism Coalition, The Abolish Slavery National Network, Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, the ABC Coalition, and the American Civil Liberties Union

Assemblymember and Legislative Black Caucus Chair Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) is the author of the ballot measure and has been supportive of community groups in their efforts to abolish slave labor.

Carmen-Nicole Cox of the ACLU led the rally and condemned forced labor stating that it prevents people from building the necessary skills after they leave prison.

“Slavery never has and never will promote rehabilitation,” said Cox.

Supporters of the reparations bills challenged Republican and Democratic legislators to back the ballot measures and help voters understand the harmful impact of forced labor statewide.

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ (SFBFS) campus, located on Bell Avenue in the state capital, is set to get a $131,583 security facelift.

The funding is courtesy of the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which has awarded nonprofit community and faith-based groups across the Golden State with financial support to prevent hate-motivated violence since 2015.

SFBFS is home to the largest hunger relief group in Sacramento County and a food bank that distributed 31.6 million meals nutritious meals to people in need in 2023.

SFBFS Director of Communications Kevin Buffalino said the grant money will enhance the safety and security of the food bank site.

“We’ll be adding security lighting, security cameras, access control systems to ensure we continue providing food assistance to over 305,000 people every month safely and without interruption,” he said.

SFBFS was one of 193 community organizations across the Golden State to receive $39 million in awards from the grant program in April to enhance their security. In late July, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state’s Office of Emergency Funding is accepting applications from community-based nonprofits to apply for $76 million in expedited funding from the security grant program.

According to a 2023 hate crimes report compiled by the California Department of Justice, Black Californians remain the most affected group by hate crimes. Hate incidents and hate crimes targeting Jewish, Muslim and LGBTQ people are also increasing.

Newsom said an attack against any community is an attack against all of California and its values.

“Every Californian deserves the ability to worship, love, gather safety, without fear or hate,” he said in a news release. “This new round of funding is aimed at helping high-risk organizations protect themselves against violent attacks and hate crimes.”

Funds are awarded through a competitive grant process in which groups, particularly those targeted on the basis of race, religious affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, immigration status or similar criteria may apply.

The monies allow organizations such as Black and LGBTQ+ groups, churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship to implement security equipment upgrades such has access control systems, doors, gates, high-intensity lighting, and inspection and screening systems.

Requests for proposals are on the Office of Emergency Services website. Groups eligible include ones exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 23.

Because anti-Black hate crimes continue to be the most prevalent in the Golden State and last year there was an increase in bias activity against Jewish. Muslim, and LGBTQ+ communities, Newsom increased funding for the grant program, which added an additional $20 million for nonprofits to use.

The initiative awarded $39 million to nonprofits and faith-based organizations in the spring, following Newsom funneling an additional $20 million into the program in October 2023. The state received 1,254 applications from groups.

The program has awarded $152,750,000 in state funding to 924 community groups since the grant program’s beginning.

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D- Los Angeles) and Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) said in a statement that the California Legislature will stand firm in its commitment to support vulnerable communities targeted by hate despite budget difficulties. They also thanked Newsom for expediting the deployment of the security funds.

“We have no doubt that this funding will continue to make a major difference in protecting the Jewish community and all communities targeted by hate,” Gabriel and Wiener said.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Who is the Antichrist?

The Bible is clear that one man, the Antichrist, will rise up to unite the world under ONE GOVERMENT during the Tribulation. This global dictator will pose as an angel of light, just like his father the devil, but will later act out of his true, evil nature. He will persecute, torture, and kill the people of God as he leads the armies of the world into the Battle of Armageddon. He will be the most powerful dictator the world has ever seen, making Caesar, Hitler, Mao, and Saddam seem tame by comparison. [Revelation 13:1–8] describes the Antichrist as a Beast who is against Christ.

How will you recognize him?

The Antichrist will begin inconspicuously as one of many minor political leaders, but he will gradually grasp more and more power. As Daniel says, the coming world leader will be renowned for his eloquence, which will capture the attention and administration of the world. He will be a man whose appearance was greater than his fellows. He will be strikingly attractive. He will be a clever man of great intellect. The combination of his magnetic personality, speaking ability, and extreme good looks will make him virtually irresistible to the masses [Daniel 7:7-8, 20, 25]. When he comes on the scene, people will flock to him like flies to honey, and they will do anything he asks. Step by step, the Antichrist will promote himself from a European leader to a world leader, to a tyrannical global dictator, and finally to a god. His rise to power will be inconspicuous. It will not be noticed in the beginning and will hardly raise the attention even of those who are closer to the center of action. He will rise out of the general population. A contemptible person to whom royal majesty has not been given. He shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom by flatteries [Daniel 11:21]. Daniel describes him as somebody who understands sinister schemes for through his cunning…shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule. [Daniel 8:23,25]. According to Daniel he will come in peaceably and seize the kingdom by intrigue. [Daniel 11:21]. He will be speaking great things and blasphemies; against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those that dwell in heaven. The Antichrist will and start his own religion [Revelation 13:5-6].

During the last 3½ years of the Tribulation, the Antichrist will personify Satan himself with all power, signs, and lying wonders [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10].

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. It is crucial to be aware of the prophecies regarding the Antichrist and the end times for the groundwork is being laid for the Antichrist’s appearance at the present hour. Current events such as increasing divisions and conflicts between nations, tremendous social unrest, a general hostility toward the Jews and Christianity, rank moral degradation, technological advancements that have enabled widespread surveillance and control, global pandemics, and the probability of a major worldwide economic crisis, are all signs of the last days pointing to the coming of the Antichrist, who will appear as a charismatic and persuasive leader who can provide salvation and deliverance. When in reality, he is a Beast – a human monster whose power comes from the dreaded Dragon — the devil himself. Do not be deceived.

As [M.R. DeHaan] quoted; “Terrible are the days which lie ahead. The rumblings of the coming judgment can be heard in the distance. The clouds are gathering. Inventions…have made men tremble at what lies ahead. There is only one way out, and that is through him [Christ], who is the door to absolute safety. Those who receive him and enter through the door by faith are safe. They are described as those whose names ‘are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.’ Is your name written there? Are you ready for his coming? If not, will you turn to him [Christ] and be saved now?”

God offers safety and rescue for those who are His. Statement of Personal Trust in God’s Care [Psalms 46:1-3,7; Psalms 91:1-2]. Declaration of God’s Care for His People [Psalms 91:3-4; 14-16]. The Results of God’s Care [Psalms 91:5-8]. The ones who God protects [Psalms 91: 9-10]. The Means of God’s Care [Psalms 91:9-13]. Promises for the people of God – they are not universal; they are reserved for the people of God: those who have given their life to him [John 10:27-29]. This is a relationship that is made possible through repentance and trust in Jesus Christ. So, if you have not given your life to the Lord, repent and get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God NOW. For not only is the Antichrist coming, and all hell is about to break loose, but judgment will soon follow. The Time is Near!

Then I saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and 10 horns, with 10 crowns on its horns. And written on each head were names that blasphemed God. This Beast looked like a Leopard, but it had the feet of a Bear and the mouth of a Lion! And the dragon gave the Beast his own power and throne and great authority. I saw that one of the heads of the Beast seemed wounded beyond recovery — but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the Beast. They worshiped the dragon for giving the Beast such power, and they also worshiped the Beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?” [Revelation 13; Daniel 7].

They did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward [Jeremiah 7:24]. God gave them over [Romans 1:24–28].

As we grow older, our needs and priorities change. In California, a wide range of services is available to help you maintain your independence, stay connected, and lead a fulfilling life. Whether you’re looking for support with daily tasks, health care guidance, or planning for the future, California’s aging services are here to help.

Aging in Place

Many of you may prefer to stay in your own home as you get older. California offers programs that can assist with home repairs, transportation, and in-home care. Additionally, health and social care programs, including day centers with activities like arts and exercise, help you stay independent.

Nutrition Services

You can enjoy home-delivered meals or gather for group meals at local centers. For those with limited income, there are options to get fresh produce and other food benefits through the CalFresh Expansion program.

Health Insurance Guidance

Confused about health insurance options? The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides guidance on Medicare and long-term care insurance.

Support for Caregivers

If you are caring for an older adult, there are programs like Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) and the Family Caregiver Support Program offering respite, counseling, and assistance with paperwork. CRCs also provide action plans for families dealing with dementia.

Legal Assistance

Facing issues like consumer fraud, elder abuse, or age discrimination? Legal Services are available to help with Social Security, health insurance, pensions, and more.

Employment Opportunities

Looking for a job? Free training and job placement services are available for older Californians.

Emergency Preparedness

Planning for emergencies is especially important as we age. California offers resources to help you prepare for natural disasters, power outages, and other emergencies. Creating a personal emergency plan, keeping an emergency kit ready, and staying informed about local resources can make all the difference.

All these services and more are coordinated through local Area Agencies on Aging. Find yours by calling the California Aging and Adult Information Line at 800-510-2020 or visiting aging.ca.gov.

Just a few gentle strums of ukelele music can immediately transport us to a place of calm. This mysterious effect is one reason board-certified music therapist Lorrie Kubicek helps many patients take up the easy-to-play instrument after they’re diagnosed with cancer or another major health condition — transforming a fraught situation into a constructive one.

“Instead of saying ‘I have to go to the hospital for my chemo,’ patients start saying, ‘I have to go to the hospital for my ukelele lesson,'” says Kubicek, co-director of the Katherine A. Gallagher Integrated Therapies Program at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Cancer Center.

But music therapy is far more than a pleasant diversion, exemplifying how the art and science of medicine can work in tandem. With ancient roots — the Chinese character for medicine includes the character for music — the approach also helped rehabilitate World War II veterans’ minds, bodies, and spirits.

Characterized by personally tailored music interventions such as singing, songwriting, playing an instrument, listening to music, or moving to the beat, music therapy strikes a chord in many areas of medicine. Evidence increasingly suggests it helps people better manage disease symptoms and treatment side effects by curbing stress, soothing pain, promoting sleep, and boosting focus.

“Music connects you to a part of yourself that’s well, and that’s true no matter what patient population we’re working with,” Kubicek says. “Music remains, no matter the challenges a person is facing.”

Personalized approach

Music therapy isn’t the same thing as music medicine, in which patients simply wear headphones and listen to their favorite music for relaxation or distraction while undergoing medical treatment. It also doesn’t require any musical background or experience to participate or benefit.

The therapy begins with a one-on-one assessment with a music therapist to explore how each person relates to music and what problems they may face. “We combine this information with evidence-based interventions to help patients feel, deal, or heal as quickly as possible,” Kubicek says. “We figure out how music can help you move toward your goals in a way that sets you up for success.”

Building on decades of research, recent studies indicate this type of intervention can provide important relief by reducing anxiety during medical treatment, according to a 2021 research review published in Psychiatry Research.

“We see this all the time,” she says. “Because of music’s connection to the limbic system in the brain, it can help you access the relaxation response and calm your nervous system, slowing down your breathing. It really helps shift your mind from what it’s stuck on or worried about and helps you land in the moment you’re in.”

People with Alzheimer’s disease were the focus of a research review published online in March 2023 by Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, which suggested that music therapy improved memory, attention, and orientation in these patients. And for people with psychiatric illnesses such as depression, Kubicek says, music therapy can “bring energy and joy back at a very dark time in people’s lives. It’s also really beautiful to see how music can connect people of different ages and stages, cognitive abilities, and cultures.”

DALLAS, TX— Marvin Sapp’s 16th album, Then & Now is available today at www.marvinsapp.com and everywhere that digital music is sold. Physical copies of Then & Now will also be available for purchase in any of the 35 cities of the Reunion Tour, which begins September 6th in Philadelphia.

Then & Now is a live recording that takes listeners on a dazzling ride through Sapp’s three decades of recording music, and sprinkles in powerful new songs that show Sapp’s musical gift is still as strong as ever.

Refreshed medleys of iconic hits such as “One Thing,” “Perfect Peace” and “He Has His Hands on You” are enduring crowd pleasers that represent Marvin Sapp “then,” while new songs including “Glory to His Name” co-written by Israel Houghton, and the radio single “He Was There,” bring listeners to Marvin Sapp “now.”

Then & Now is the second album released on Sapp’s independent label, Elev8 Media & Entertainment.

“I wanted this record to feel like a Marvin Sapp concert, and we pulled it off,” says Sapp. “The album sounds incredible and I’m proud of this body of work. Then & Now is a musical diary of my career. It is what I like to call ‘churchy but funky’ and it offers something new for those who have been supporting my ministry throughout the years.”

Marvin Sapp is known for delivering rich live recording experiences that translate into musical masterpieces. His platinum-selling album Thirsty was recorded live, in addition to Here I Am (2010), You Shall Live (2015), and Chosen Vessel (2020).

Then & Now can officially be added to his masterful “live album” discography.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

More than 250 news professionals representing nearly 150 media outlets attended the annual Ethnic Media Conference, Expo, and Awards held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento on Aug. 27 and 28.

Hosted by Ethnic Media Services (EMS) and California Black Media (CBM), the awards ceremony recognized journalists for their outstanding reporting in different topic areas, including health, politics and culture.

The conference sessions leading up to that event included panel discussions featuring state officials, government agencies, lobbying firms, advocacy organizations and more. It also provided networking opportunities for news media owners and professionals from the Black, Native American, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Eastern European, North African, Caribbean and LGBTQ press.

“Last year, the inaugural convening in the state capital focused on ‘meeting the decision-makers,’” said Regina Wilson, Executive Director of CBM. “This year, the emphasis is on strengthening those connections. Key decision-makers have expressed their appreciation for our return, recognizing that at a time of deep budget cuts, our community ties and communication skills are more essential than ever for building new, more equitable messaging,” Wilson added.

State leaders who attended the event included Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

In addition to state government officials, business leaders, communications firms, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations also participated in the conference organized to highlight the crucial role ethnic media play in California’s diverse communities.

“California is home to the largest concentration of multilingual news outlets serving immigrant and ethnic communities in the U.S.,” said Sandy Close, Director of EMS. “This breakthrough public-private partnership to support local journalism brings welcome recognition of the ethnic media sector’s indispensable role in connecting these diverse communities to each other and to the wider public realm.”

Thurmond discussed the ethnic media’s role in reporting on education in the state and why articles from ethnic media outlets have an advantage in reaching targeted audiences in underserved communities.

Thurmond, who is running for the governor of California in 2026, spoke at the opening luncheon where CBM and EMS presented Communications Champion Awards to key stakeholders representing organizations across the state’s communications infrastructure.

“We can’t get the right information out about education without the ethnic media in our state,” Thurmond said. “We need to get people to understand that if a student is not reading at a third-grade level in the third grade we will lose them, and they could end up in the prison pipeline.”

On the first day of the conference, Bonta sat down with Larry Lee, the publisher of the Sacramento Observer, to have a fireside conversation, titled “Stop the Hate – Spread the Love.” Focused on the impact of California’s “Stop the Hate” effort, the conversation focused on state government policy and programs created to prevent hate crimes and hate incidents and provide resources to victims and survivors.

“Our goal is to not have hate crimes,” Bonta said of the Department of Justice’s objectives. “In California, we believe everyone belongs, no one should be targeted or attacked, hurt or harmed because of who they are, where they are from or how they look, who they love, and how they pray.”

In conclusion, Bonta said “There are signs of progress (decreasing numbers of hate crimes) but still too many tragedies. We still have work to do.”

The conference’s workshops, plenaries and breakout sessions focused on concerns such as health care, artificial intelligence, public education, climate change, misinformation, hate crimes, equity in government procurement, and more.
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Google provided training workshops on some of its digital news tools and panelists discussed the impact of AI on the future of journalism.

“Our unique strength lies in our deep connection to the audiences we serve,” Wilson said. “We are high touch as well as high-tech media, embedded in our communities and committed to delivering impactful, culturally relevant content.”

The conference ended with the Ethnic Media Awards. Winners were recognized for their reporting in nine different categories. Over 300 entries were submitted that included 12 different languages.

This year’s conference coincided with the announcement of the historic $172 million public-private partnership in California aimed at supporting journalism. That agreement brings together state government and high-tech companies led by Google to support local newsrooms.

The deal, supporters say, serves as a national model for strengthening the traditional role of journalism in providing checks and balances in government and business affairs. At a reception held the first day of the conference, CBM and EMS honored Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) with the “Legislator of the Year” award. The organizations also thanked Wicks for brokering the deal with Google and for her ongoing support for news media.

“We’ve worked long and hard to gain this recognition as a multilingual, multiracial, multimedia sector,” said Wilson. “We extend our deepest thanks to our sponsors, speakers, media partners, and all our attendees for supporting this collective effort.”

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Obey Me, the Lord, or cause Me to become your enemy? The Choice is Yours. Time is running out and so is My patience! [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8]. Life and Prosperity or Death and Disaster, that is the choice that I set before you today. [Deuteronomy 30:15-16]. Whatcha Gonna Do? For behold, Now is “The Acceptable Time,” behold, Now is “The Day of Salvation.” [2 Corinthians 6:1-2].

This is a call to action that echoes through the corridors of time, resonating with the same urgency and importance as it did when Joshua first uttered the words to the Israelites. Fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth. [Joshua 24:14-18]. Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wildness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, they do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So, I swore in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest. [Hebrew 3:7-13].

There is a clear choice with eternal consequences. Make a Decision! Today! Now! Right this moment even as you are reading this message. Choose Jesus verses Choosing Hell for the Bible makes it clear: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them” [John 3:36].

I tell you; the eternal consequences of this decision cannot be overstated. Choosing Jesus opens the door to an eternity in Heaven, in the presence of God, where joy, peace, and love abound. Ignoring or rejecting this choice leaves one on the path to Hell, a place of eternal separation from God’s love and mercy. The Record Of Choice: It has always been life or death, blessings or cursing.

You know, a few years back, George Jones the country singer came out with a song that reflected on his life. The title of the song was [Living and Dying With the Choices that I’ve Made]. I’ve had choices since the day that I was born. There were voices that told me right from wrong. If I had listened, No, I wouldn’t be here today. Living and dying with the choices I’ve made. I guess I’m paying’, for the things that I have done. If I could go back Oh, Lord knows I’d run. But I’m still losing’ this game of life I play. Living and dying with the choices I’ve made.

Adam and Eve Chose Death, [Genesis 3]. Annanias and Saphirra Chose Death. [Acts 5]. The Rich Man Chose Death, [Luke 16]. BUT Lazarus Chose Life. Abraham Chose Life. Paul Chose Life, Peter Chose Life, Nathaniel Chose Life! Whatcha Gonna Do? Life Or Death-It’s Your Choice.

But I admonish you to choose consciously, intentionally and wisely because Life is Short. Death is Certain. Eternity is Forever. [I Peter 1:17-2]. Understanding the realities of this truism is the key to understanding the purpose of your life. Our life on earth is ended by physical Death, and Death is followed by Judgment, and Judgment by Eternal Life.

This is not a decision to be made lightly. It’s not a decision to be made once and then forgotten. It’s a decision that needs to be made daily, hourly, even moment by moment. It’s a decision that will shape your life, your relationships, your future. It’s a decision that will determine your eternal destiny. Whatcha Gonna Do?

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decisions. [Joel 3:14].

Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. [Deuteronomy 30:19].