WSSN Stories

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

Lillian Lewis earned multiple degrees from California State University Sacramento (also known as Sac State University).

Lewis said, before the pandemic began, paying down the high student loan debt she accrued to cover her tuition and living expenses while in school put a strain on her monthly budget. Those arrears (“in the thousands”) with growing interest made it difficult for her to make ends meet.

But last month, Lewis and about 30,000 other American student loan borrowers across the United States received some unanticipated good news. The Biden administration announced a $2 billion relief program that expanded the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

 “It took a huge load off my finances and will improve my credit, which was not bad anyway,” said Lewis, who works in social work and now lives in Las Vegas. “It was taking forever to pay off. Now, I don’t have to worry anymore.”

The PSLF wipes out student loan debt for borrowers who commit to public service careers or work full-time for public or nonprofit organizations.

The relief program launched about three months before the federal government lifts a freeze on student loan payments on Jan. 31, 2022. In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the country, the feds paused monthly payments for Americans who owe student loans, stopped all collection activity, and applied a temporary zero-interest rate to all debt.

In California, there are thousands of African Americans like Lewis: saddled with huge balances stemming from loans they took to pay for tuition not covered by scholarships, living arrangements, textbooks, and other expenses.

In November, highlighting one borrower’s story, United States Education Secretary Miguel Cardona tweeted, “we are just getting started” to provide student debt relief for millions of Americans.

According to a report by California Student Loan and Debt Service Review Workgroup (CSLDSRW) — established under the state’s Budget Act of 2020 — and the National Center for Education Statistic (NCES), 84.9% of Blacks who earned bachelor’s degrees from 2015 to 2016 owed an average of $34,000 upon graduation.

CSLDSRW’s study also found that Californians of color default more on their student loans. Neighborhoods in the San Francisco Bay Area with the largest percentages of Black and Latino residents had 19.9% of borrowers in delinquency and 15 % in default.

In Los Angeles, borrowers living in ZIP codes with high minority populations had double the amount of default rates than borrowers in ZIP codes that are predominantly White.

U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts) told the media at an event hosted by the American Federations of Teachers earlier this year that she, too, had defaulted on her student loans.

Black women carry 20% more in student debt than White women, according to the American Association of University Women, an advocacy faction that fights for fair pay and economic opportunities for women.

“Like 85% of Black students, I had to borrow; and like so many of those students, I had also defaulted on those loans. We know that Black and Brown students are five times more likely to default for those loans than our White counterparts,” said Pressley.

CSLDSRW’s reported that among all borrowers, Black women accrued more student debt, an average of $37,558, from their undergraduate studies than any other group.

According to EducationData.org, a website that addresses the rising cost of higher education, Black college graduates owe an average of $52,000 in student-loan debt – nearly $25,000 more than their White counterparts.

In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 424, the Private Student Loan Collection Reform Act, which places new documentation requirements on private student loan lenders before activating any collection activity. AB 424 becomes law on July 1, 2022.

“We’re turning commitments into reality by ensuring that our students have more access to high-quality educational opportunities, creating a change of course for generations to come and bolstering California’s innovation economy,” said Gov. Newsom said when he signed the legislation.

“Californians have thrived at our world class universities for decades, but not everyone has had similar access – today that’s changing,” he continued. Everyone deserves a shot at the ‘California Dream”

The U.S. Department of Education expects thousands more to benefit in the coming months from more federally funded debt relief programs.

Over 45 million Americans have a total of $1.7 trillion worth of student loan debt. Progressive lawmakers have pushed Biden to wipe out all federally held debts up to $50,000 and they are making efforts to stop repayments of loans.

“89% of student borrowers say they aren’t financially ready to resume student loan payments & 27% will be spending at least a third of their income on payments when they resume,” tweeted Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). “Student debt is dragging down our communities and economy@POTUS should #CancelStudentDebt.”

By Lou Yeboah

Oh, I can’t help but respond with an offering of praise. You see, the Father gave His son. The Son gave His life as a ransom for me and you. [Galatians 1:4]. “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” [John 3:17]. God sent His Son to be born of a virgin and to be born into human flesh, to live a perfect life and to have Him give His own life so that we might be saved and not fall under condemnation but rather, be saved by the free gift of grace [Ephesians 2:8-9].

Thank You, Lord for Your Indescribable Gift of Jesus. The invaluable, unspeakable gift You have given us! No thoughts, words, or songs can begin to convey the greatness of Who Jesus is, nor of the love You lavish on us by sacrificing Your beloved Son! I thoroughly delight in the incomparable benefits [current and eternal] that I have received through life in Him [His glorious strength, peace, hope, mercy, pardon, righteousness, love, wisdom, joy, deliverance, light and infinitely more]. Thank You that I have everything in Your Indescribable Gift! I repent for how I have often not treated Him as Your Indescribable Gift, and I pray that I, my family members, and all other believers will, from now on, Exult in Him. Experience Him as Your Pleasure. Know Him as Your Treasure. Love Him, Honor Him, Cherish Him, Worship Him, Abandon ourselves to Him, Abide in Him and speak continually about Him as Your blessed Indescribable Gift.

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.” [Psalm 116: 12-14]. Yes, I will proclaim Your greatness…I will thank You forever. Because my Hallelujah belongs to You. All of the glory belongs to You. I will praise you Oh Lord, because You deserve it. You deserve my love, my adoration, my devotion, my praise, my worship, my obedience, my everything… for you have clothed me with the garments of salvation. You have covered me with the robe of righteousness [Isaiah 61:10]. Oh, When I think upon Christmas! Thank You Lord!

If God has been good to you, you ought to say so. [Psalm 107:2]. If God has delivered you, you ought to say so. If God has saved your soul, you ought to say so. If God has blessed you, you ought to say so. If God woke you up this morning, you ought to say so. If God has brought you from a might long way, you ought to say so. The King of Kings is still alive. Therefore, celebrate Him! Because He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He is your doctor in the sick room. He is your lawyer in the court room. He is your bread when you are hungry. He is your water when you are thirsty. He is a wonderful counselor when you are confused. He is your peace in the midst of the storm. He is your joy when you are sad. Our Great Redeemer, Great Jehovah, the Open Door, the Great Shepard, the Resurrection and the Life, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Giver of the Holy Spirit. The True Vine, Jesus I can’t forget what you have done for me. I can’t forget how you set me free. I can’t forget, No Never. For Grace and Mercy, so freely given, I cannot forget. For Faith that says, my sins are forgiven, I cannot forget. For your sons precious blood, which covers my faults, I cannot forget. Thanks be to You Oh Lord, for your inexpressible gift!” [2 Corinthians 9:15].

Singing ? “Because of Who you are, I give you glory. Because of Who you are, I give you praise. Because of Who you are, I will lift my voice and say: Lord, I worship you because of Who you are. Jehovah Jireh [My provider] Jehovah Nissi [You reign in victory]. Jehovah Shaloh [My prince of peace] I worship you because of Who you are.” [Vicky Yohe – Because I Sing].

“Grateful, Grateful, Grateful, Grateful – Grateful, Grateful, Grateful, Grateful – Grateful, Grateful, Grateful, Gratefulness – is flowing from my heart. Are you grateful for what the Lord has done, why want you give Him glory?” [Hezekiah Walker-Grateful].

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” [Luke 2:8-14].

Celebrate Jesus!

Last week, the California Board of Equalization (BOE) elected Malia M. Cohen its chair. She is the first African American woman to serve on the Board.

It is the second time in four years, Cohen — a San Francisco native — has been elected chair of the five-member body responsible for representing taxpayer interests and “equalizing” county-by-county tax assessments across the state.

BOE is comprised of four members that are elected to represent a region of the state, and California’s Controller Betty Yee.

“It is a privilege and honor to serve again as Chair of the California State Board of Equalization,” she said. “In these unprecedented times, with the daily challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we must remember that our first duty is to the People of California who deserve our continuing dedication, resolve, and service.”

Besides, providing “direct representation” to Californians on their property assessments and other tax-related issues, the BOE directs an estimated $75 billion in annual revenue to the state’s schools and local governments in all 58 counties.

Before her election to the BOE in 2018, Cohen served as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. From 2011 to 2019, she was a member of the board, representing the city’s second district, which includes neighborhoods along the southeastern shore of the Bay like Hunters Point-Bayview, the Central Waterfront and Sunnydale.

On the BOE, Cohen represents the Second District. It spans 23 coastal counties from Santa Barbara County (about 95 miles north of Los Angeles) to Del Norte County on the Oregon border.

As chair of the BOE, Cohen says remaining accessible is her priority.

“For Californians who have struggled during these most difficult times, please know that my door is always open to you,” she says.

Cohen has announced she is a candidate for State Controller in the 2022 election.

SACRAMENTO CA— California’s Save Our Water program is excited to announce the WaterWise Squad, a new TikTok effort featuring a group of young Californians who encourages water conservation through trendy videos, songs, and dance moves.  On the five member WaterWise Squad are two sisters from California’s Central Valley, Nirina and Lalaina Rabetsimba, ages 15 and 16.

The Squad is engaging in a fresh, fun way to raise awareness and get kids to practice and share tips that urges everyone to continue exercising water saving habits.  The Rabetsimba sisters began creating content on TikTok as way to display their extensive backgrounds in musical theater, choir, gymnastics, and dance.

“We hope that by participating in the WaterWise campaign, we encourage other kids, friends, family and people in our community to conserve water,” said Nirina Rabetsimba. “We have always tried to save water, but now we are even more conscious about taking shorter showers because every drop counts.”

The two teens practice saving water by recycling indoor water for outdoor use to water their plants, and by turning the faucet off when brushing their teeth or in-between washing their hands and dishes.

Lalaina and Nirina helped create four TikTok videos that share the following water saving tips:

1. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean outdoor areas.
2. Turn off the faucet in between rinsing produce. Doing so can save over four gallons of water!
3. Three rotations of the coffee grinder dance are all the time it takes to water plants.
4. Don’t let the faucet run while brushing teeth and washing hands.
5. Run the dishwasher or washing machine for full loads only.

Despite recent rain and winter storms across California, water conservation efforts are still very necessary for all Californians during the drought.  For more water conservation resources and tips, visit saveourwater.com.

About Save Our Water

Save Our Water is a statewide, water conservation program created in 2009 by the Department of Water Resources.  The program aims to make water conservation a daily habit among all Californians.

Check out The Rabetsimba sisters on the Save Our Water’s TikTok @SaveOurWaterCA Instagram @saveourwater.

LAS VEGAS, NV— The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (“SMGHA”) an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (“San Manuel” or the “Tribe”) today announced they received approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission as licensees for Palms Casino Resort (“Palms”) in Las Vegas.

With this approval, SMGHA Nevada, LLC, owned by SMGHA, is set to close the transaction and become owners of Palms Casino Resort with plans to reopen next year in the spring.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to share our long-standing tradition of hospitality with Las Vegas and execute our vision for this iconic resort, starting by welcoming back former and current Palms employees,” said SMGHA Chairwoman Latisha Casas. “Together, we will create history.”

“We would like to extend a sincere ‘thank you’ to Red Rock Resorts and their leadership team,” said SMGHA Management Committee Member Laurens Vosloo.  “We deeply appreciate the support and ongoing partnership they provided as we worked through transition of ownership.”

Recruitment for more than 1,000 positions ranging from casino, operations, hotel management, food and beverage along with supervisor positions is underway. Following the close of the transaction on Friday December 17, interested applicants can apply at www.palmscareers.com.

In addition to the casino, Palms includes more than 700 hotel rooms and suites, multiple casual and upscale dining options, meeting and convention space, a 2,500-seat theater, pool and spa, and Palms Place condominiums.

Within days of the close of the deal, guests can make reservations at Palms Place at www.palms.com. Room reservations for Palms Casino Resort will be available in early 2022.

“It’s such an honor to reach this milestone today. As we forge ahead, it’s important we bring forward the strong values and culture of the Tribe into everything we do at the property,” said Cynthia Kiser Murphey, General Manager of Palms. “From team member culture to exceptional guest service, it’s our intent to create a lively and fun environment not only for customers but our dedicated staff as well.”

Even prior to opening the property, the Tribe has supported Las Vegas based community groups and non-profits by contributing more than $10 million to organizations including UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and William S. Boyd School of Law; the Public Education Foundation; Three Square Food Bank and Shade Tree Shelter to name a few. Additionally, the Tribe has partnered with local sports teams through sponsorships with the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium, and the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Tribe owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel (formerly San Manuel Casino), in Highland, CA. What started 35 years ago as a humble bingo hall became one of Southern California’s premier destinations for gaming, entertainment and culinary delights. Earlier this year, the Tribe unveiled the first of a three-part expansion project at the casino, adding more than 6,500 slot machines, a new high-limit gaming room, retail shops, bars and new restaurants. Just days ago, the Tribe celebrated the opening of the resort at Yaamava’, featuring 432 guest rooms with 127 spacious suites, a pool, private cabanas, a full-service spa and salon and new food and beverage options. In 2022, the expansion will be complete with the debut of a 2,800-seat entertainment venue.

San Manuel is a top-10 private employer in San Bernardino County with nearly 6,000 team members and the recipient of Great Place to Work® recognition by the Great Places to Work Institute.

About San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority 
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority is a governmental instrumentality of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe, created for the purpose of independently carrying out the investment in, and ownership and management of, gaming and hospitality businesses outside of the San Manuel Reservation.

Brotherhood Crusade celebrated its 20th Annual Christmas in the Neighborhood, Saturday, December 11th, at the parking lot of the local Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper.

Stacy Hill Williams, Executive Vice President, Brotherhood Crusade said ,”Brotherhood Crusade enjoys bringing this annual holiday event to the community. It creates considerable joy for our neighbors at a time of year when many people feel forgotten. We thank our partners for making it possible to show support for our community and bring this much needed holiday cheer for so many at risk families.”

Families enjoyed free holiday gift baskets, including gift cards, toys, food and clothes. The socially-distanced Drive Thru & Go event, required that all guests wear masks and remain in cars for safe distribution. More than 1000 families were served during the event. Partners for the event included:

Los Angeles Sentinel

AHF

LA Food Bank

Blue Shield of California

Chris Paul Family Foundation

SEIU 2015

SoCalGas

AIM (Acts Inspired by Mookie)

Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation

PepsiCo

City of Los Angeles

Council District 10

Marqueece Harris-Dawson

Council District 8

The Hutt Group

Blackline

The Smidt Foundation

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

Charisse Bremond Weaver, President and CEO , Brotherhood Crusade said, “Thank you to our partners whose generosity continues to make it possible for us to make a significant impact in bringing relief to underserved families. This service helps provide security and stability to many at risk-families, when assistance is most critical.”

“It is so special to kick off the holiday season by distributing toys and meals alongside such a prominent organization as the Brotherhood Crusade. It was my pleasure to support this heartwarming event along with my SoCalGas colleagues. We are a proud partner in the communities where we live and work.” – Cedric Williams, chief safety officer for SoCalGas.

To learn more about Brotherhood Crusade or to make a contribution to its programs and services, please visit us online at brotherhoodcrusade.org or call 323-846-1649.

Below is a list of different organizations that are doing toy and gift drives this season.

• Christmas Toy Giveaway: Now until December 9 to December 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lourdee’s Dentistry located at 16701 Valley Blvd in Fontana. Lourdes’s Dentistry is giving away Christmas toys to all children who come in for their end of the year dental checkup and cleaning! Don’t Miss Out! we will also be providing pictures with Santa Claus this year! Call them today at Call us today! (909)356-4490
• CAPSBC Presents Santa’s Workshop Toy Giveaway: Saturday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in San Bernardino at Community Action Partnership’s headquarters. To participate you must be a resident of San Bernardino County and Pre-Registration is required. Register at ly/capsbcsantasworkshop.
• 4th Annual Christmas Toy Drive Fosters Unity in the Community: Saturday, September 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at North Recreation Center located at 1554 Art Townsend Drive in San Bernardino. This year, SMD aims to gift at least 5,000 toys. There will also be information to connect families with essential resources. Families can find out how to register children for the toy drive by following SMD on Facebook @sistasmd2020 and Instagram @sistasmd. Walk-ups are also welcome.
• Winter Wonderland by Shiekh Shoes and Young Visionaries: Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shiekh Shoes Headquarters located at 1777 S. Vintage Avenue in Ontario. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-winter-wonderland-tickets-212722076457.
• Project Bon Christmas Event: Saturday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Grocery Outlet located at 1145 West Renaissance Parkway in Rialto. Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/project-boon-christmas-event-tickets-210137044557.
• Christmas Community Giveaway: Sunday, December 19 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 1945 East Riverside Avenue in Ontario. Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-community-giveaway-tickets-226485202337.
• 2^nd Annual Never Stop Grinding Impact Toy Drive: Wednesday, December 22 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Wilmer Amina High School located at 2630 North Linden Avenue in Rialto. All children must be present in the car or parent must present school IDs for any child who cannot be present. Registration is recommended but not required to attend and does not guarantee toys. Please register at eventbrite.com.
• Music Changing Lives Christmas Eve Party: Friday, December 24 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 261 West 40^th Street in San Bernardino. Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-eve-party-tickets-222047489017.

By Lou Yeboah

And think about all the events in my life up unto the present time, the good as well as the bad, the bitter, and the sweet, my soul cries Abba, Father. Looking back upon those days I see now that the chief comfort of my soul was you Oh, Lord. In my time of doubt, it was Your assurance. In my time of darkness, it was Your light. In my time of confusion, it was Your instructions. Man’s opinion meant nothing to me because man could not help me. It was You and You alone Oh, God.

“I say a prayer every night, whatever I do, I’ll get it right. With no regrets, no guilt or shame, no not this time once I surrender, I won’t dare look back, cause if I do, I’ll get off track… Prepare my mind, prepare my heart for whatever comes… I feel like I’m so blessed. With You in control, I can’t go wrong. You showed me Your Grace, now my life’s renewed and I thank You, Yes, I thank You. So, I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen. I’ll testify about how good You are to me. The fact that You would show somebody so broke down, so-much-mercy, use me as You will, I’ll pay the price cause You made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s all because of You, that I even have life, and I’ll give my love, as a tribute, to how great You are…” [I’m Gonna Be Ready – Yolanda Adams].

All my days He had sought me, now I began to seek Him. He had called me, now I began to call upon Him, yet I thought He would never hear me. I had truly become the beggar. I wept till I had no more tears; prayed till I had no more words. Sought for advice and comfort but none could help me. Then one night by my bed side as I lay under the burden of my guilty conscience, He suddenly revealed Himself to my heart. I saw all my sin taken away in His blood. For the first time in my life, I knew the Lord, He was in Heaven, and I was on Earth, yet He had made Himself known to me through His cleansing power.

I tell you the Love of God is Unmerited. [Deuteronomy 7:7-8]. The Love of God is Eternal. [Jeremiah 31:3]. The Love of God is Universal. [John 3:16; 1st Timothy 2:4]. The Love of God is Unlimited. [Ephesians 2:4-5]. The Love of God is Immutable. [James 1:17] and He wants to bestow His love upon you. “Come to the feast.” The lamb is slain. The wine is poured. Forgiveness of sins, life and salvation is offered freely to you. God asks for the honor of your presence at the banquet of His love. He will compel you, lavish His gifts upon you, put the wedding suit on you, seat you at His table and feed you. Come. Come Now! “Come to the banquet, come to the feast. Eat the bread of life! Share in the singing, share in the joy. Drink the cup of love!”

“All things are ready,” Come, for the door is open wide… He waits to welcome thee; Delay not while this day is thine, tomorrow may never be. Leave every care and worldly strife; Come, feast upon the love of God, And drink everlasting life.” [Come To The Feast Lyrics & Chords By Charles H. Gabriel & William A. Ogden].

And “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” [Revelation 22:17].

Oh, When I Look Back Over My Life – My Soul Cries Abba, Father!

Governor Newsom: “It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities”

“California has led the nation’s fight against COVID-19 through robust vaccination efforts rooted in science and data. This has helped slow the spread of the virus and save countless lives, especially in our most vulnerable communities,” wrote Governor Newsom. “It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities…Californians have met every challenge with vigor and courage, and together, we will continue to lead the nation in the fight against COVID-19.”