Happily Divorced And After

By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media

SOUTH CHINA SEA– Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 3rd Class Gabriel Silva, of Hesperia, Calif., takes the midpoint sample of JP-5 fuel aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) during a replenishment-at-sea with the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), Jan. 4, 2025. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On January 7, 2025, businessman, actor and popular media personality. Jason Lee – who is the CEO, host and owner of the popular media platform Hollywood Unlocked — was sworn into office as a Stockton City Councilmember, representing the city’s 6th District.

He will also serve as Vice Mayor.

Lee, a Stockton native, rose to prominence in the entertainment industry, after overcoming numerous disadvantages in his childhood, including abuse, poverty, homelessness, foster care and violence. Lee details some of these experiences in his memoir titled “God Must Have Forgotten About Me.”

Despite facing numerous setbacks as a young man, Lee says he has dedicated his life to serving others. He began his career in education and probation before transitioning to labor relations. In 2009, he became a Labor Representative for the California Nurses Association in Los Angeles, where he negotiated contracts for registered nurses in private hospitals.

During his time in LA, Lee connected with various influential figures in the entertainment industry and began documenting his experiences on a website he created. In 2015, he founded Hollywood Unlocked, which currently has 3.5 million followers on Instagram and 1.9 million on Facebook.

When Lee announced that he was expanding his focus and running to serve on the city council in his hometown, many in the political arena questioned his motives for running.

Lee recently spoke with California Black Media and shared what drove his decision, the strategy behind his successful campaign, and his plans as he takes office.

“For some, I am reduced to a blogger and a reality star who spills the tea,” said Lee.

“Thankfully they did that. And I was able to put my head down and focus on organizing a phenomenal campaign, finding like-minded people, getting Kevin Hart, Floyd Mayweather and other friends like Babyface, Cardi B and people who had a platform and money to pour into my campaign — and a slate of four candidates running for city council positions. They supported all four of us and we all won. So, now, for the first time ever, you have a slate of people who are all aligned.”

Lee says his motivation to run for office was first sparked by a tragedy at Stagg High School in Stockton, where he used to work and attended as a youth.

Last year, a 15-year-old student, Alicia Reynaga, was stabbed and killed by an intruder on the high school’s campus. After the tragedy, Lee returned home to offer emotional support to the students along with actress Tiffany Haddish. He also planned to work with the city to fund programming to support youth in the city but grew frustrated by the political posturing and red tape he encountered from city authorities at the time.

“Once I saw the politicking around that tragedy, I tried to find people to run. Nobody wanted to run; nobody believed anything could change. So, I called my executive team, moved everything around, and made the decision to run.”

Lee says his campaign was fueled by the memories and lessons of his experiences growing up in Stockton. endured. He realizes that many residents in his district are going through challenges similar to the ones he endured.

“I’m the face of everything they talk about. People politicize topics like homelessness, but you can’t talk to me about homelessness because I was homeless; you can’t talk to me about foster care or young people transitioning out of foster care because that was me; you can’t talk to me about gun violence and crime because not only was I a survivor of that but I watched my brother get murdered. I know what it takes to be able to navigate all of those experiences,” says Lee.

While in office, Lee wants to focus on issues like rent stabilization, police accountability and food deserts. He also plans to launch a voter registration education campaign to get younger and progressive thinkers involved in the political process.

“I ain’t in it to be a politician. I’m in it to be a public servant. On my day job, I may spill the tea, which, in my opinion, stands for the truth, trust, and transparency of my entertainment business. We’re going to spill the tea in Stockton, too. Truth, trust, and transparency.”

While Lee still plans to continue running his entertainment business, he understands his approach to his new position will need to be different from the branded personality the public now associates with his Hollywood Unlocked image.

“I can’t be as reckless in my delivery as I am sometimes over there, because real lives are impacted by the words that I choose over here, and the decisions that I make over here have a very significant impact to people who have entrusted me to and given me to help change what they’re experiencing,” Lee says.

“I take the obligation very seriously,” he added.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Keep Watch! Be on Guard, Stay Alert, and Pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen. [Luke 21:36; Mark 13:33-37].

Again, the Word of the Lord came unto me, saying, daughter of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: Therefore, hear a word from my mouth, and give them warning from me. [Ezekiel 3:17].

God gives a Summons –

Come near, you nations, and listen; pay attention, you, people! Let the earth hear, and all that is in it, the world, and all that comes out of it! [Isaiah 34:1]. I want you to know what’s going to happen. I want to tell you what the future holds. [Isaiah 1:2].

The Lord is angry with all nations; His wrath is on all their armies. [Isaiah 34:2]. He will totally destroy them; He will give them over to slaughter. Their slain will be thrown out, their dead bodies will stink; the mountains will be soaked with their blood. All the stars in the sky will be dissolved and the heavens rolled up like a scroll; and all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree. [Isaiah 13:9; Isaiah 34:1-4; Mark 13:23].

God has had enough; His patience and forbearance exhausted [Matthew 24; Revelation chapters 6, 8-9, and 16-18; Hebrew 11:15; Joshua 6:21; 1 Samuel 15:3].

What you are witnessing on the world scene now, earthquakes, tropical cyclones, floods, volcanoes, droughts, forest fires, wildfire, hurricanes, eruptions, avalanches, heat waves, landslides, blizzards, dust storms, firestorms, hails, ice storms, sinkholes, thunderstorms, tornadoes and tsunamis, doesn’t even compare to what is coming. A day cruel both with wrath and raging anger, to make the land desolate, a horror of devastation [Isaiah 13:9].

Yes, I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. [Genesis 6:17]. This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back? [Isaiah 14:26-27].

Wail, for the Day of the Lord, is near. [Isaiah 13:6].

If you have not repented, please do it NOW! The Day of the Lord will come suddenly, unexpectedly at a time when you are least expecting it, and it will be too late then to decide to be saved. [1 Peter 4:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:3].

Don’t wait until it is too late! The judgments of God are in the land. [Matthew 24:36-44,1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 3:3; Revelation 22:12-21

I have told you everything ahead of time. [Mark 13:23]. Be vigilant in prayer [Ephesians 6:18-20] seeking God’s guidance as you discern the times. [Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 30:21]. For the Lord will arise to shake terribly the earth. You shall see troubles on all sides. Thousands of ships will be hurled into the depths of the sea. Navies will go down, and human lives will be sacrificed by millions. Fires will break out unexpectedly, and no human effort will be able to quench them. The palaces of earth will be swept away in the fury of the flames. Disasters by rail will become more and more frequent; confusion, collision, and death without a moment’s warning will occur.

Shouting to the Rooftop! Repent for the Kingdom of God is at Hand!

Please get under the umbrella of the Almighty God NOW! There is no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecies of the eleventh of Daniel have almost reached their final fulfillment. [Daniel 11].

I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. [Acts 20:26-27]. God warns us.

Yet just as in the days of Noah and Lot, people continue to ‘eat and drink’ and live as if nothing is going to happen. [Luke 17:26-27].

I tell you; it will be more bearable for Sodom in the day of judgment than for them. [Matthew 11:20-24]. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might. [2 Thessalonians 1:8-9]

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds which fly in midheaven, Come, assemble for the great supper of God; in order that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them and the flesh of all men, both free men and slaves, and small and great. And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies, assembled to make war against Him who sat upon the horse, and against His army. And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; and these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat upon the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh. [Revelation 6:12-17; Revelation 16:17-21; Revelation 19].

By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media 

The Eaton Fire has left a devastating mark on Southern California, including the Black and Brown communities of Pasadena and Altadena, where homeowners are grappling with unimaginable loss.

Among them is Ruth Hopkins, publisher of The Pasadena Journal, the area’s only Black newspaper. Hopkins lost her family home and with it, over 60 years of archives documenting the rich history, culture, and lives of Black residents in the Altadena-Pasadena area. Her son, Jamal Dominique Hopkins has set up a GoFundMe campaign, for her and her grandson.

Six historically Black Churches in Pasadena and Altadena have been destroyed and the families of more than 200 of their members have lost their homes. Those churches are: Metropolitan Baptist Church (the Rev. Tyrone Skinner); Lifeline Fellowship Church (Bishop Charles Dorsey); Abounding Grace COGIC (the Rev. Thomas Burrell); Hillside Tabernacle City of Faith (the Rev. G. LaKeith Kennebrew); Community Bible Church of Greater Pasadena (the Rev. Jean Burch); and Morningstar Baptist Church (the Rev. W.H. Trotter).

The Eaton fire, fueled by unseasonably strong winds of up to 70 miles per hour, has consumed over 10,000 acres, damaged and destroyed an estimated 7,000 structures, and claimed at least 16 lives. Black and Brown families, many with deep generational ties to the area, are now among the thousands displaced.

So far 24 people have been confirmed dead in all of the fires ongoing in Southern California.

Historically, Altadena has had a significant African American middle-class community compared to other parts of California. Currently, its Black population is 17.9%. Despite redlining policies that restricted Black homeownership in much of California, African Americans in Altadena Meadows, an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, could secure loans to buy homes.

Jasmyne Cannick, an L.A.-based writer, media strategist and political commentator, released a list of Black families affected by the Eaton fire in Altadena and Pasadena. She also provided GoFundMe links the public can use to assist them.

“Those erratic wind gusts were throwing embers multiple miles ahead of the fire,” said Chad Augustin, Pasadena fire chief at a press conference. He said several firefighters from other places, including Sacramento and the state of Oregon, have come to the aid of the city.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that President Biden has approved a state of emergency in California and over 14,500 personnel are actively responding to the fire.

“We are putting all available resources behind fighting these wildfires, including leveraging local and federal assets. California has thousands of boots on the ground working to combat these fires,” said Newsom.  “The state is leaving no stone unturned to protect California communities.”

For several days now, Southern California has seen major fires, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CAL Fire. The Pacific Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires started on Tuesday. The Lidia and Sunset fires began on Wednesday, and the Kenneth Fire ignited on Thursday.  As of this report, the Lidia, Sunset, and Kenneth Fire are fully contained. The Hurst Fire is 89% contained. The Pacific Palisades Fire is 11% contained and the Eaton Fire is 27% contained.

Evacuation notices had been issued, but a number of people decided to stay and fight for their homes. Garden hoses and shovels are the only weapons that most citizens were able to find to fight back embers from the burning remains of their next-door neighbors’ homes.

The Eaton fire is the second largest fire currently burning in Southern California.

An Altadena resident, Bruce, who did not want to give his last name, was watching his mother’s home and said he was prepared to do what he could to keep the house from burning down. He understands the frustration that some people have with the lack of water or manpower, but said he understands everyone is stretched thin.

Bruce’s family has been in Altadena and Pasadena for decades now, he says, and he condolers many people in his neighborhood as part of his family.

“This is where we grew up at,” said Bruce. “It doesn’t even look the same anymore.”

Some Altadena residents like Bruce feel like the fire is a battle they are fighting on their own.

People stood on the roof of their homes, hoses in hand, dousing the rubble of their neighbors’ homes to prevent their own houses from suffering the same fate.

One man was in his neighbors’ yard with a hose, watering down a crumbling heap that was the remains of the house’s garage. The home had already been consumed by fire. An open gas line continued to spew a stream of blue flames; the heat from that leak could be felt several feet away.

This man declined to give his name but said that he was not willing to leave the damage yet. Eventually he was able to get some help from firefighters driving through and reporting on the status of the fire.

Haywood Micheal Ammons, a filmmaker and father of two boys, stayed behind to protect the only remaining structure on a property his family owns. Surrounding structures had burning gas leaks that could not be put out with water. Ammons and Kevin Bautista, another resident with a deep connection to the property, tried to use a hose to push back embers but there was no water.

Ammons managed to get firefighters to turn off the gas and put out hotspots.

The home remained intact, but the new additional unit built for his two sons and ex-wife is gone.

Ammons reflected on his relief and frustration.

“The damage is done,” he said.

Presented by DCH Subaru of Riverside – A Community Event to Inspire Change

RIVERSIDE, CA — Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) invites you to its highly anticipated annual luncheon, Curbing Hunger: Bridging Gaps, proudly presented by DCH Subaru of Riverside. Held at FARSB’s warehouse, this in-person gathering offers a meaningful experience with a humble yet heartfelt soup-and-bread meal. Attendees will discover how FARSB is driving impactful initiatives to combat food insecurity across the Inland Empire while connecting with like-minded community advocates.

“Once a year, we come together with a simple goal: to share and inspire,” said Carolyn Fajardo, CEO at FARSB. “Our hope with Curbing Hunger is for every guest to leave motivated and eager to explore how they can take part in supporting meaningful hunger relief initiatives in their community,“ said Fajardo.

This event offers a rare opportunity to break bread together—volunteers, donors, and supporters alike—while gaining firsthand updates on the essential work the food bank is doing to transform lives. Guests will receive valuable insights into FARSB’s ongoing efforts and local programs and have the chance to engage with others who share a passion for creating a hunger-free community.

The event takes place on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are free and can be accessed until Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at https://FeedingIE.org/CurbingHungerBG.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 14, 2025) – Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Lilo Leialoha, of San Bernardino, communicates via radio during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 14, 2025. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Our hearts go out to our neighbors as they face the overwhelming challenges of the devastating SoCal wildfires in Los Angeles County.  In response to mutual aid requests, our dedicated San Manuel Fire Department is on the ground at the Eaton fire in Altadena, supporting those bravely battling the flames. In this difficult time, we stand united with the courageous first responders, fully committed to help safeguard homes, loved ones, and the spirit of community.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, in partnership with the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and YouthBuild Charter School – Inland Empire, proudly announces the 5th Annual Gala Celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This milestone event, themed “Echoes of Freedom as We Continue Marching Forward,” will shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of community leaders, businesses, and organizations throughout San Bernardino County and beyond.

Set to take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at The Enterprise Building in San Bernardino, the gala promises an unforgettable experience. Guests will enjoy a formal dinner, live entertainment, and an inspiring award ceremony recognizing those who have made significant impacts within the community.

Among this year’s honorees are individuals and organizations whose efforts embody the spirit of service and leadership. Bryan Wing, a dedicated advocate for the performing arts in the San Bernardino City Unified School District, will be celebrated, along with Dee Goins for her invaluable role as a liaison for the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce. The Pomona Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will receive the Community Service Award, while Dr. Kim Carter-Tillman of the Time for Change Foundation will be honored for her commitment to family engagement. Felicia Alexander, a devoted board member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, will be recognized as an ambassador for the chamber, and Patricia Nickols-Butler of Community Action Partnership San Bernardino will receive the Non-Profit Service Award.

Robert Porter, host of I Love San Bernardino Radio, will be acknowledged for his contributions to communications, while the San Bernardino City Unified School District will be honored as a community partner. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will be recognized for their civic engagement, and Shiekh Shoes Impact Center for their commitment to community engagement. Additionally, Terrance Stone, founder of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy, will be celebrated as a community leader, and The Enterprise Building will receive the Business Service Award for its role in supporting local growth.

The evening is not only a celebration of achievements but also a call to action. Proceeds from the gala will benefit YouthBuild Inland Empire, an innovative program under the YouthBuild Charter School of California that empowers students aged 16-24 to earn their high school diplomas. Through a project-based curriculum, YouthBuild prepares young people for future careers while instilling the values of education and community service.

Tickets for the gala are now available on the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce website. The San Bernardino Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee invites everyone to join this celebration, honoring the legacy of Dr. King while supporting the next generation of leaders poised to make a difference.

For more information, visit blackchamberofcommerce.org/mlk-parade-copy. Together, let us continue marching forward, echoing the dreams of Dr. King for generations to come

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

All twelve members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) have been assigned leadership roles in the State Senate and the State Assembly, according to separate statements issued by Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister).

On Jan. 3, McGuire announced that Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-San Diego), Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), and Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro) are joining several other colleagues as committee heads and an officer of the 2025-2026 Senate Democratic Leadership Team.

“The State Senate is ready to move California forward. Incredibly proud to serve alongside these dynamic Senators, who reflect the best of the Golden State. Let’s go to work,” McGuire posted on Jan. 3 on the social media platform X.

On Dec. 27, Rivas announced his Assembly leadership team and the Chairs of all Assembly committees, including CLBC members: CLBC vice chair Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), Chair, Natural Resources Committee; Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Chair, Transportation Committee; Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), Chair, Budget Human Services Committee; Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Tracy), Chair, Emergency Management Committee; Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), Chair, Health Committee; Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D- Inglewood), Chair, Public Employment and Retirement Committee; Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Chair, Revenue and Taxation Committee; and Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego), Assistant Majority Leader for Policy.

“Californians expect us to deliver practical solutions that improve everyday life, like building more housing for families and lowering energy costs,” Rivas said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the Assembly’s new leaders to chart a path forward that renews opportunity and innovation in our state.”

In the Senate, Richardson was named to the Democratic leadership as Assistant Majority Whip. Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), is the Majority Whip. As Assistant Majority Whip, Richardson helps the Majority Whip to manage monitor legislation and secure votes for bills.

Richardson will also serve as chairperson for the Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation. Weber-Pierson will serve as chair of Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services.

According to the State Legislative Process, Budget subcommittees hold hearings on items in the Governor’s budget during the spring, then again after the

May Revision. The subcommittees and their staffs examine each line item pertaining to their assigned area of the budget.

The Labor, Public Employment and Retirement (formerly the Labor and Industrial Relations Committee) standing committee for the California State Senate will be chaired by Smallwood-Cuevas. She also served in that leadership position during the 2023-2024 legislative session.

Bills are heard in Standing Committees which meet on a regular basis throughout the year.

For the first time in its 58-year-history, most of CLBC members are women. Nine out of its 12 current members are Black women.

Weber-Pierson, Smallwood-Cuevas, and Richardson were sworn in on Dec. 2, the first official day of the 2025-26 Regular Session, in the chambers of the State Senate by the Hon. Patricia Guerrero, Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.

On Dec. 2, McGuire gaveled in the First Extraordinary Session called by Gov. Gavin Newsom to protect California values and fundamental rights from the incoming federal administration under Donald Trump.

Wilson, the former Chair of the CLBC, thanked Rivas for reappointing her Chair of the Transportation Committee.

“Grateful for your continued confidence and excited to deliver on building a sustainable, innovative, and equitable transportation future for California,” she posted on the social media platform Bluesky.