Happily Divorced And After

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

Responding to a crime trend involving the theft of catalytic converters, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills on Sept. 25. The new laws, the Governor’s office said, prohibit the sale of used catalytic converters by parties who aren’t licensed auto dealers or dismantlers.

The bills require recyclers to keep specific records establishing a paper trail that tracks the devices used to control car emissions, which the legislations’ supporters say will reduce thefts.

Catalytic converters convert pollutant gases into less harmful gases in cars and cost between $800 to $1,200.

“California is helping to put the brakes on catalytic converter theft with the signing of two new bills. By eliminating a root cause of this issue these bills will help reduce crime and make Californians and their vehicles safer,” read a tweet from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair.

According to a study conducted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), catalytic converter thefts jumped from 3,389 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020 – a 325% increase.

Thieves often resell materials in the converters to other parties.

“People who buy and sell these parts now have to keep detailed records so we can better trace thefts if indeed they do occur,” said Newsom. “You take away the market for stolen goods, you can help cut down on stealing.”

The bills Newsom signed are Assembly Bill (AB) 1740, authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), and Senate Bill (SB) 1087, authored by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach).

“Catalytic converter theft has been a major problem in recent years & @AirResources & I join @CAGovernor in supporting efforts to deter theft by ensuring lawful transactions & imposing fines on violators,” tweeted (California Air Resources Board) CARB Chair Liane Randolph.

Violations of this new law will be punishable as a misdemeanor, leading to fines of up to $4,000.

According to NICB, in California, over the past three years, the cars that catalytic converter thieves targeted most often were the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Ford Econoline, Honda CRV, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Ford Excursion and the Toyota Tacoma.

RIALTO, CA—- Rialto City Council candidate Kelly Erving’s platform has five priorities: help the homeless, enhance public safety, grow local business, ensure a living wage for Rialto workers, and improve the city’s infrastructure. Her campaign slogan reflects these initiatives: “Committed to the Community.”

“If elected to City Council, my objective is to seek innovative, yet achievable, solutions to Rialto’s challenges,” said Dr. Erving. She proposes to tackle the homeless challenge by working with local nonprofit organizations to get them off the streets and into stable living quarters.

Erving works with the underserved and vulnerable subsets of society on a daily basis as an employee of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services. “I am committed to seeing that every Rialto worker, public or private, is paid a living wage. I want the City to provide improved infrastructure, enhanced public safety and attractive incentives that encourage the growth of local businesses.”

Dr. Erving’s academic credentials include a Master of Public Administration; a B.A. in Political Science (with a minor in Women’s Studies), and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership.

Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson and several others have endorsed Erving, seeing her as a “Go-To” expert in operations, policy analysis and the implementation of county, state, and federal programs and policies.

“I am dedicated to the City of Rialto and all of its residents; I chose to reside in Rialto due to its limitless potential and the diversity of its residents,” said Kelly Erving

For more information on Kelly Erving’s candidacy, visit her website at Kelly4RialtoCC.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) has launched Family Resource Centers at five school sites.

“At County Schools, our educators and staff understand we must support the whole child,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “In addition to providing students with an exceptional education in the classroom, we are continuing to find innovative ways to deliver health services, nutrition and home support.”

The Family Resource Centers are available to students and their families Monday through Friday during school hours at Bob Murphy County Community School, Tri-City County Community School, Barbara Phelps County Community School, David Stine Chaffey West County Community School and Victorville Education Center.

Resources include The Market, which provides boxes of nonperishable groceries to students and their families.

From April through August, SBCSS provided nearly 2,000 boxes of food.

“The food boxes that they had over COVID was wonderful because they came with laundry soap, shampoo, conditioner, cleaning products, toothbrushes, band-aids, stuff that we couldn’t afford at the time, so it helped out tremendously,” said Melissa Bell-Elie, mother of a 15-year-old student attending Bob Murphy County Community School.

She says her family continues to take advantage of the food boxes offered at the school sites. Each month, the contents of these boxes’ changes.

“It makes a big difference, at least a 30% difference in the household as far as what I don’t have to financially pay for,” said Bell-Elie.

SBCSS partnered with Hazel Health to provide students and families with quick access to equitable telehealth care. Families are able to have their blood pressure and temperature checked in-person and may even secure same-day virtual doctors’ visits from school or at home.

In addition, each campus is equipped with a washer and dryer, which students and families may use for their laundry.

The Family Resource Centers will also provide expanded learning opportunities after school at each site, once a week.

Selected students may participate in an academy that focuses on leadership training and substance use prevention education so that they can serve as peer leaders on campus.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Screenwriter, director and producer, and Riverside native, Naomi K. Bonman, along with her team, have released their sneak peek for her lighthearted, romantic comedy, Manifested Bliss. Manifested Bliss is a testament to both women and men that they can manifest and create the relationship that they desire. No one has just to settle for a dead-end situation. People will walk out knowing that there is life after divorce and that you’re never too old to find your soul mate if you have yet to come across him or her.

To watch the sneak peek, please visit www.theawakenedlounge.com/manifested-bliss.

First 5 San Bernardino, well-known for its 23-year history of investing in children from prenatal through five years, is launching a new and innovative funding opportunity.

Local organizations seeking financial support to initiate or develop programs or ideas aligning with First 5 San Bernardino’s strategic plan are encouraged to apply for funding through the organization’s request for applications process https://first5sanbernardino.org.

“This is an amazing opportunity, especially for smaller-sized organizations who may already be collaborating with each other, to apply for funding to address critical issues and needs facing young children and their families,” said First 5 San Bernardino Executive Director Karen E. Scott. “Further, we’re hoping it may spark additional creative thinking on how to engage with families and the community in identifying and meeting needs as possible, which is exactly why the initiative was created.”

Named after a beloved staff member who recently lost her battle with cancer, the Merceides Logans Community Innovation Initiative is a $1.5 million fund designated to foster a progressive yet simplified approach for community organizations to obtain resources and work together.

A typical funding application process can be overwhelming for some organizations, explained Ronnie Robinson, first 5 San Bernardino section manager of systems and communication. “This opportunity was designed to be easier to navigate, and we invite community organizations, churches, small nonprofits and those with similar or shared interests in helping children, to apply,” Robinson said.

The Social Lites, Inc., of the Inland Empire is now preparing for their annual program. In their 60 years they have awarded more than two million dollars in scholarships to deserving and underserved youth in the Inland Empire area.  Please help them find these youth in preparing them for college or trade schools.  The organization meets in San Bernardino on Sundays for a few impactful hours. Help them make a difference in their lives with money to have access to a college experience with less debt. Please call Marlene Davis (909) 709-5502 , Sheri Lewis (909)320-0799  or Elsie Paulino (951)205-8823 for more information and the meeting times and dates.

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

One hundred and ten African Americans died or suffered serious bodily injury during encounters with law enforcement officers in the Golden State over the course of the last year.

Blacks made up 16.7 % of the civilians that were killed or suffered severe injury injured during incidents involving the discharge of a firearm or the use of force by police officers in 2021. Of the 660 civilians, who died or were injured, 50.6 % were Hispanic and 25.5 % were White.

The report, however, does not indicate how many of the 149 individuals that died during the 628 incidents were Black or of any other race.

The stats were gleaned from the Use of Force Incident Report released by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) late last month.

The report was one of four annual criminal justice statistical breakdowns released to give the public, policymakers, researchers, and law enforcement statistics to support informed policy choices based on data and analysis and to help protect the safety and well-being of all Californians, according to an Aug. 25 press release from California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

“Good data,” Bonta said, “is key to good public policy.” He urged people to read the documents.

“Accurate statistics and the data in the annual crime reports are a critical part of calibrating our response, ensuring policymakers and law enforcement are able to make informed decisions,” Bonta stated.

The other reports released by the DOJ include Homicide in California, Crime in California, and Juvenile Justice in California.

The quartet of documents are available online and offer an analytical breakdown of criminal activity and related statistics such as the number of homicides reported last year, how much violent crime has increased in the state and the specificity of those crimes, a breakdown of age, race, sex of crime victims and offenders, and the various types of force used by law enforcement during encounters when an individual died or was injured badly.

The information found in the Use of Force report reveals that the types of force used by law enforcement officers against the 660 individuals included blunt impact weapons, chemical sprays, firearms, impact projectiles, vehicles, electronic control devices and their hands, feet, fists use or other body parts.

According to DOJ, officers shooting a firearm hit 233 people and missed 58 others. They used K-9 dogs on 77 people and controlled holds or takedowns on 121 others. While officers perceived that 383 civilians were armed during the incidents, 341 or 89% of them were confirmed to have been carrying weapons.

1,462 officers were reported to be involved in shooting a firearm or using excessive force during incidents that resulted in death or serious injury. Fifty-eight of the officers were Black.

The Crime in California report presents an overview of the criminal justice system in California. It revealed that the violent crime rate rose 6.7 %, from 437 crimes per 100,000 people to 466.2 last year. The property crime rate increased 3 % and the homicide rate jumped up 9.1% while the rape incidence rate increased 8.6 %. The motor vehicle theft rate rose 8.2%. The state’s burglary and arson rates dropped.

There were 153,546 violent crimes in the state in 2021. All the data are based on the number of known victims and incidents.

Bonta said crime rates remain below historical highs, but property and violent crimes continue to have terrible effects on California communities.

“Gun violence, in particular, remains a consistent and growing threat. In fact, in 2021, nearly three-fourths of all homicides in California involved a firearm,” he said. “As we confront these ongoing challenges, we must have accountability and appropriate consequences for those who break the law.”

The total number of reported civilian complaints against peace officers increased from 16,547 in 2020 to 28,617 last year. The number of complaints from civilians accusing officers of crimes — 683 — was the lowest since 1983.

There were 2,361 homicides reported in 2021, according to the Homicide Crime in California report. Of the homicides where the victim’s race or ethnicity was identified, 29.5 % or 690 were Black, second only to the 47.1 % or 1,102 victims who were Hispanic. The largest segment of Black victims — 38.4 % or 264 — were aged 18-29. Three hundred and twenty-five of the Black victims were killed on a street or sidewalk. None were killed on school grounds.

Blacks are 5.5% of the total California population.

The Juvenile Justice in California report detailed the 19,355 juvenile arrests in California reported by law enforcement last year.

Felony arrests made up 47.2 % or 9,132 of the apprehensions, with Black juveniles being 60.3 %. Black juveniles were arrested for 49.0 % of the felony violent offenses.

Over 70 % of all juveniles, including 77.3 %of the Black juveniles arrested were referred to probation departments by law enforcement.

Bonta said the DOJ is using every tool it has to prevent violence and combat crime.

“Whether it’s successfully securing federal certification of our data systems or taking guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals,” he said, “my office remains committed to doing our part to support safety and security for all Californians.”

By Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

On the last night of this year’s legislative session last week, the State Assembly rejected Senate Bill (SB) 918, authored by state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge). The bill — written to strengthen restrictions on concealed firearm permits – was one of several bills the Legislature did not approve during the tension-filled finale to a session marked by pointed debate among members of the Assembly’s Democratic majority.

Before the final vote, supporters of the legislation added an Urgency amendment so it could go into effect immediately — instead of Jan. 1, 2023, when bills passed during the current legislative session take effect.

As an Urgency Measure, SB 918 required 54 votes in the Assembly to pass, rather than the usual 41. The bill received 53 votes which is more than enough votes needed to reach the Governor’s desk had the urgency amendment not been added.

Last June, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen that “may carry” laws giving states discretionary authority to reject concealed carry permits violated the Second Amendment. The decision rendered California’s law requiring applicants to show “good cause,” or a justifiable reason for needing such a permit unconstitutional.

In his opinion on the case, Justice Clarence Thomas, wrote that states could still prohibit guns in “sensitive places.” Chief Justice John Roberts, joined by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, wrote in a concurring opinion that the ruling did not affect “shall issue” laws requiring objective licensing requirements such as “fingerprinting, a background check, a mental health records check, and training in firearms handling, and in laws regarding use of force, among other possible requirements.”

SB 918 complies with the Supreme Court ruling by designating courts, places of worship, zones around schools, hospitals, public parks, libraries, airports, public transportation and bars as sensitive places. The bill requires authorities to review publicly available statements including social media to assess whether applicants present a danger to the public.

Applicants would be required to submit to in-person interviews to ensure they are “qualified,” and licensing officials will be required to interview at least three-character references. The state would also give licensing officials, usually a sheriff’s office, greater ability to revoke a license.

Initially, leaders believed that the measure had enough support to pass with an urgency amendment allowing it to go into effect this month. After the bill passed the Senate with a super majority (2/3) of the votes, it failed to gain a super majority vote in the State Assembly. Seven Democratic Assemblymembers voted against the bill or abstained from voting.

Notably, two Democratic members, Adam Gray (D-Merced) and Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) who are running for Congress in swing Central Valley districts may have felt the possibility of a political backlash by supporting gun control measures. Retiring Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach), voted against the measure, though he was expected to support it.

“I’m very disappointed in the outcome,” the bill’s author, Portantino told California Black Media. “But for one assembly member who switched their vote from aye to no, we would have had the 54 votes. I plan on reintroducing the bill on December 5. I’ve already spoken to the governor and the Attorney General.”

If it had passed, the bill was likely to face legal challenges because many critics believe that it is too restrictive. The requirement of interviews and character references are points of contention for gun rights groups.

For Gov. Gavin Newsom prioritizing gun control measures is still a leading priority in this legislative term, responding to an uptick of gun violence across the country. As of Sept. 2, the Gun Violence Archive reports 450 mass shootings in 2022, compared to 417 in all of 2019.

“California has the toughest gun safety laws in the nation, but none of us can afford to be complacent in tackling the gun violence crisis ravaging our country,” said Newsom. “These new measures will help keep children safe at school, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and responsibly regulate the sale of firearms in our communities.”

Though defeated in this attempt to regulate concealed firearms, Newsom has a number of notable legislative victories, including AB 2571, which restricts the marketing of firearms to children and AB 1594, which strips gun manufacturers of some legal protections when their products are used to commit acts of violence. SB 1327 and AB 1621 target ghost guns by restricting their manufacture, transportation and sale and close the loophole that allowed sale of incomplete and un-serialized “firearm precursors.”

As gun violence plagues the country, the tug-of-war between gun rights and gun regulations on a local and national level will likely continue. Although California has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, the Legislature has yet to find a solution for concealed carry permits.

“Together, all of the gun laws that we passed make California safer,” Portantino said, “though not having a CCW (concealed weapons permit) consistent with the Supreme Court decision hurts California, which is why I’m committed to bringing it back on December 5.”

By Lou Yeboah

In the distance, there is a vague tumult, like that of the sea with its roaring, incoming tide. My heart pounds as I think of this. It trembles within me. I heard behind me a great thunderous voice: “Blessed is the glory of the LORD from His place!” I also heard the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels beside them, and a great thunderous noise. [Ezekiel 3:12-13]. The roar of His voice, to the rumbling that comes from His mouth. He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole heaven and sends it to the ends of the earth holding nothing back” [Job 37:1-4]. Thunder, lightning, hailstones and coals of fire, sound of the roar. [Psalm 18:13].

“Then the Spirit lifted me up and I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” [Revelation 6:1]. God is sending invading armies to punish roaring nations. Because the world, in its blindness and arrogance thinks that it can defy God with impunity, daring to cast aside His laws and foolishly thinking that it has power even to push aside the Almighty.

Listen! Listen, the Lord will roar from on high; He will thunder from His holy dwelling and roar mightily against His land. He will shout like those who tread the grapes, shout against all who live on the earth. The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth, for the Lord will bring charges against the nations; He will bring judgment on all mankind and put the wicked to the sword.” [Jeremiah 25:30-31].

And “The Lord will destroy Babylon; He will silence her noisy din. For the Lord is a God of retribution; He will repay in full” [Jeremiah 51:55-56]. Whether the Babylon of old or that of today, the principle remains the same, the punishment the same, for God’s ways are eternal. [Habakkuk 3:4-6]. Don’t take it lightly! The history of the world is full of examples of the wrath of God being revealed. Consider Noah’s flood and the fire that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Look at the history of the Canaanites. When their iniquity reached its fullness, God wiped them out [Genesis 15:16; Deuteronomy 9:5]. Look at the history of the children of Israel, who were also exiled because of their sin. The history of the world is a history of divine judgment [Daniel 2]. Yet man refuses to recognize God as the Lord of history. Do you hear what I hear?

I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” So, the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea. The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. [Revelation 16:1-21].

After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just; for He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality and has avenged on her the blood of His servants.”

Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants, you who fear Him, small and great.” [Revelation 19:1-21]. Do you hear what I hear?

“If they were wise, they would understand this; they would discern their latter end!” [Deuteronomy 32:29].