Happily Divorced And After

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office released a statement last week announcing that Senate Bill (SB) 457 was among a slew of bills sent back to the Legislature without his signature.

SB 457 proposed a $1000 tax credit to California households with zero registered vehicles.

“Addressing climate change is one of our state ‘s highest priorities. We have made historic investments in programs to reduce emissions and improve public transportation. I support approaches to incentivize a transition from vehicles to more sustainable transportation, however the estimated cost to implement this bill is nearly one billion dollars per year and is not accounted for in the budget,” Newsom said in a statement.

Often, when the Governor vetoes a bill it’s because its financial viability is questionable.

Supporters of SB 457 say the legislation was written to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. With around 28 million vehicles on the road in California, the bill’s author, Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank), saw a need to incentivize change.

Transportation accounts for 41% of California’s greenhouse gas emissions, more than any other sector of society, according to the California Air Resources Board. The state offers tax rebates of up to $7,000 for purchases of electric vehicles or plug in hybrids.

This bill would have required the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide necessary taxpayer and vehicle information to the Franchise Tax Board for administration of the credit. Built into the legislation was an income limitation of $40,000 for single filers and $60,000 for joint filers.

“We are disappointed to see Newsom veto SB 457, Streets for All’s bill with Senator Portantino to create a $1000 refundable tax credit for low income, car-free families,” said Bubba Fish, legislative advocate for Streets for All. “Newsom argued that the rebate was not fiscally responsible just months after proposing to spend hundreds of millions to pay families for each car they own and suspend the diesel gas tax. The state also rewards EV buyers up to $9500, but gives nothing to families who don’t drive at all. Families that don’t contribute to traffic, traffic violence, or pollution. Where is their rebate? Until the Governor replaces automobile subsidies with real support for alternative modes, his aggressive rhetoric on fighting climate change rings hollow.”

A fiscal analysis initially estimated the bill would cost $900 million in its first year of implementation and $950 million in the second year.

However, updated scrutiny from the Franchise Tax Board shared with Streets For All shows that the first year of implementation would cost $16 million, followed by $900 million in the second year and $950 million in the third year. While it is unclear if these updated numbers would have made a difference in Newsom’s decision, Fish remains hopeful in the future a similar bill will pass.

“We are especially grateful for our coalition of supporters, Senator Portantino, and his staff for all their hard work on this bill,” Fish said. Despite the Governor’s bewildering decision, we are proud of this bill for the conversation it sparked about how to invest in a greener, safer future while centering those who need the most support. We won’t give up on that.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Who’s ready for change? Special Ed teacher Mary Ellen Abilez Grande would leave teaching to serve students in San Bernardino another way should she slip in a win over any incumbents, who voters may decide they want to change.

A Candidate for San Bernardino City Unified School Board Member, Mary Ellen has been endorsed by the Inland Empire Labor Council and COPE. At The Chicago NEA Convention this past July, David Goldberg, CTA Vice President said just one word to Mary Ellen after she shared her plans with him to run against well-established incumbents- “Gutsy!” She raised 3 daughters as a single mom, all graduates of SBCUSD.

Mary Ellen Abilez Grande is a seasoned educator dedicated to all students, and a creative team leader with the ability to inspire efficacy in others. As an advocate for students and peers, in the community and in the K12 system, she actively engaged in promoting contemporary solutions for education.

“My resume includes academic and professional degrees and credentials, reflects training in the current issues of today, and many other roles within our community. I believe I have always been in service of inspiring students within the educational environment. My now twenty years of serving students in the K-12 classroom, has given me a personal perspective, understanding, empathy and knowledge of students, their parents, and the home,” says Mary Ellen.  “I have also been directly impacted by board policies, and while I honor those efforts, I believe that I and my skill set in collaboration, empathy, and mind for efficacy is an asset.”

Not being afraid to share the platform, Mary Ellen will be holding a meet and greet Wednesday, October 19, 2022, for all candidates to be able to introduce themselves to community members and share remarks. The meet and greet will be held at the Downtown bar located at 123 N. E Street, San Bernardino, CA starting at 7:00 pm ending at 9:00 pm. Light refreshments will be provided along with live jazz music from the house band. For more information on how to participate please visit website listed below.

The elections will take place on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Vote Mary Ellen Abilez Grande, A WOMAN FOR CHANGE.

For more information on Mary Ellen Abilez Grande visit Maryellenabilezgrande.Democrat.

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.”