Happily Divorced And After

By Jynona Norwood

In the 1970’s, Jim Jones, cult leader and deceiver was able to draw thousands of African Americans to his church from far and near. He used numerous tools to lure them: The Bible, Black gospel music, and activism among false promises.

Our grandmother, Mrs. Julia Gales, was Jones’s first Black member to join Peoples Temple in San Francisco. She recruited many families and friends from across the country. Later, it was our grandmother, who identified – with unbearable screams – the names of our relatives when they scrolled down on the news. From that day to now, the Jones family and church members have caused our memorial services and efforts constant problems to give the innocent victims a dignified memorial.

I do not have the money, staff, nor time to fight a cult, but they do. Jim Jones is listed in honor at the gravesite of the babies that he ordered to be murdered. Jones does not deserve to be honored on top of their sacred final resting place. It is like reliving a second Jonestown.

We were the first to hold a Memorial Service in San Francisco in May 1979 on Fillmore St, at the Queen Adah Hall. We are appreciative that last year in 2023 Madame Vice President Kamala Harris honored our 45th Jonestown Memorial with a recognition. It was healing for those who are still hurting.

We will continue the Memorial Service this year on Monday, Nov. 18 at 11 am with keynote speaker, Dr. Amos Brown. It will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery 6450 Camden, Ave. in Oakland, California.

Jones’s family tried to get our grandmother to recruit new people after killing her only daughter, my mom, her daughter-in-law, 7 grandchildren, and a host of family and friends, with the youngest being our 2-month-old cousin, Charles Gary Henderson. How did Jones, a Euro-American, who posed as a Native American Indian get almost 1,000 people mostly African American to trust him into a snake and mosquito-filled hot Jungle?

He lied with a fully laid out plan just like Hitler. His plan succeeded because Blacks were tired of having their blood drench this land with little or nothing being done about it. America was built off the backs of their ancestors, yet, they were experiencing inequality, injustice, murders, racial profiling, and more.

He seized the Black community – both wealthy and struggling families – because he copied our greatest hero, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speeches and dreams. The world was reeling from the assassination of Dr. King, President John F. Kennedy, and Senator Robert Kennedy which devastated our community. Here you have the perfect atmosphere: “JONESTOWN” with political leaders gracing his pulpit and news media praising him day and night. Jones lured everyone with pictures of happy children and letters in which parents were forced to lie by saying, “Everything is great over here. Come over. We have the land that flows with milk and honey.”

U.S. Rep. Leo Ryan of California traveled to Guyana in November 1978 with a media crew and a few concerned relatives to investigate rumors that people were being held there against their will. I missed the trip with Ryan and the concerned relatives only to live out my days honoring the wonderful people held at gunpoint in America and Jonestown. Many of those who got away were Jones’s family and personal henchmen who were in power to hurt and maim, according to Rev. Richard Clark who died mysteriously from food poisoning.

Jones’s favorite statement was, “You will never forget me.” Help us forget and remove him and remember the innocent victims in which 300 were Children. Forty infant caskets lay buried under Jim Jones’s name in Evergreen Cemetery.

They did not die willingly. They were murdered and surrounded by guards with crossbows and gunmen. First news reports stated with pictures that Jones had enough guns for a military coup and enough poison to kill multiplied thousands. No one drank the Kool-aid as the slogan goes. They were held at gunpoint and ordered to drink or be shot and that included their children, their future, the jewel of their lives, with whom they trusted Jones who is now honored alongside them. This should not be.

Pastor Jynona Norwood is founder of the official Jonestown Memorial Services. She can be reached at Innocent300Jonestown@gmail.com and JonestownOfficialMemorial.com

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jamaal Liddell)

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN — Operation’s Specialist 2nd Class Jazmin Rodriguez, from Ontario, California, participates in a sea-and-anchor evolution as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) returns to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a routine patrol, November 8. Ralph Johnson is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force.

SAN DIEGO, CA— U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Seaman India Hawkins, from San Bernardino, California, tapes a panel light for painting aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Nov. 6, 2024. Theodore Roosevelt, the flagship of Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, is currently pierside at Naval Air Station North Island in its homeport of San Diego.

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

There is one African American woman currently serving in the California State Senate, Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights).

It’s the same in the U.S. Senate.

In October of 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) to complete the term of Sen. Dianne Feinstein after she passed away in September 2023. Butler will likely be replaced in January by Adam Schiff, who is projected to win the seat after the Nov. 5 general election.

Now, two more Black women are on pace to become California State Senators.

In the United States Senate, two Black women have already won seats. Lisa Blunt-Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland will be going to Capitol Hill in January after winning their respective U.S. Senate races.

It will be the first time in U.S., history that two Black women have served in the Senate at the same time.

“It is remarkable to think that in two years, America will celebrate is 250^th birthday and in all those years, there has been more than 2000 people who have served in the United States Senate and only three have looked like me,” said Alsobrooks in her victory speech on Nov. 5.

“So, I want to salute all of those who came before me, who made it possible for me to stand on this stage tonight, whose sacrifice and stories I will continue to carry with me,” added Alsobrooks.

In Southern California, as of Nov. 9, Laura Richardson leads Michelle Chambers with 107,255 votes to 103 638 votes in Senate District 35. Both women are Democrats. The 35th Senate District 35 encompasses an area in South L.A. County, including parts of Inglewood, Compton, San Pedro, Hawthorne, and Carson.

That seat is currently held by California Legislative Black Caucus vice chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), who terms out in December and is running for lieutenant Governor in 2026.

Richardson served in the California State Assembly in 2006-2007 before she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served from 2007 to 2013.

“As a dedicated housing advocate for the past decade, I stand unwavering in my commitment to ending homelessness,” Richardson stated on her campaign website. “With a profound understanding of the pressing issues at hand, my top priority is to spearhead the creation of more affordable housing options.”

Chambers is a former Compton city Councilwoman who has worked for the State’s Attorney General’s office.

“Our campaign is about fighting for the needs of working families,” Chambers posted on the social media platform X, formerly called Twitter, on Oct. 11. “I’ll always stand up for our #SD35 communities – not special interests.”

In San Diego, Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), is leading her Republican opponent, Bob Devine, in the race for the 39th Senate District seat. Weber has 219, 465 votes (62.4%) so far to Devine’s 132, 044 (37.6%).

Weber and Devine are vying for a seat that is currently held by Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), who will be running for governor in 2026.

“I am extremely humbled and incredibly grateful for the support you’ve shown me throughout the election,” Weber posted Nov. 6 on the X. “San Diego has just made history by electing the first African American woman to the CA State Senate south of Los Angeles. Thank you for believing in me. Now let’s get to work.”

Eight years ago, Blunt-Rochester first made history in Congress as the first Black person and woman elected to represent Delaware. Alsobrooks was a Maryland states attorney and a County Executive in Prince Georges County before running for the Senate.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black person elected as U.S. Senator from California, served from 2016 to 2020. Blunt-Rochester pointed out that Kamala Harris had only four months to launch her presidential campaign, highlighting the significant challenge of such a tight timeline.

“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for stepping up to run when our country needed her leadership, tenacity, and commitment to serve the American people,” Blunt-Rochester stated. “Because of the trails she blazed, the lives she touched, the communities she fought for, the stories she uplifted, we are better.”

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media 

After a 12-hour public comment period and debate, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved updates to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) with a 12-2 vote, ensuring its ambitious commitment to reaching zero-emission goals for the transportation sector by 2045.

The meeting took place at Haagen-Smit Auditorium in Riverside. The approval of the fuel standards is expected to trigger an increase in gas prices in the state, but board members are uncertain how much more Californians would have to pay at the pump.

“The proposal approved today strikes a balance between reducing the environmental and health impacts of transportation fuel used in California and ensuring that low-carbon options are available as the state continues to work toward a zero-emissions future,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph.

CARB board members serve as the air quality regulators for the state aligned with climate change programs, and they oversee all air pollution control efforts in California. From requirements for clean vehicles and fuels to promoting solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, CARB creates standards for effective air and climate programs.

The amendments of LCFS are directed to decrease the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuel pool by 30% by 2030 and by 90% by 2045, according to CARB. The provisions also expand support for zero-emissions infrastructure, including for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, and make more public transit agencies eligible to generate credits.

According to CARB staff, the LCFS program is designed to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by “setting a declining carbon intensity target for transportation fuels” used in the state.

The modifications to LCFS arrived after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation legislation to help prevent gas price spikes.

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), voted for the Newsom-backed measure to protect consumers from gas prices spikes, but during the special session he said many people of color in his South Los Angeles district were struggling with high gas prices and were looking for relief.

“I am hoping that in this legislation that we do have the teeth to ensure that people in South Los Angeles will be protected,” Jones-Sawyer said. The lawmaker is termed out of office in December.

CLBC members Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblymembers Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) and and Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) attended the governor’s signing event of Assembly Bill (AB) ABX2-1 at the State Capitol in October.

“The state has the tools to make sure they backfill supplies and plan ahead for maintenance so there aren’t shortages that drive up prices,” Newsom said in an Oct. 14 written statement.

Senate Minority Leader Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) expressed his concerns about the vote. In a written statement released after the meeting, he indicated that California residents could see gas prices upwards of 65 cents per gallon.

Dahle referred to the governor’s extended session as “Special Session Stunt 2.0.”

“(The) decision by CARB will not only make it more expensive for families, but also disproportionately affect residents in rural communities in my district who must travel long distances for groceries, healthcare, etc.,” Dahle stated. “Californians shouldn’t have to forfeit taking their family out to dinner in order to afford putting gas in the car just to get to work.”

In October, California Legislative Republicans (CLR) sent a five-page letter to Randolph estimating that the change could lift gasoline prices 47 cents a gallon, or $6.4 billion a year.

The letter was signed off by 25 Republicans in the California Legislature, including Dahle.

“A separate study placed the pump cost much higher – 65 cents a gallon. Now the air board has backed off its 47-cent price hike estimate. And it refuses to offer a revised forecast,” the Oct. 15 document stated.

At present, the LCFS program currently limits the “pass-through costs companies can shift to consumers,” according to CARB. This action is done by putting a lid on the price of credits that are high-carbon-intensity fuel-producing.

CARB shared that information provided by third-party product experts explains the current LCFS pass-through to Californians is $0.10 per gallon of gasoline.

The data, according to CARB, is in line with the self-reported data by high-carbon-intensity fuel producers, which reflects an LCFS cost pass-through to consumers of $0.08 to $0.10 per gallon of gasoline.

“(The board’s) approval increases consumer options beyond petroleum, provides a roadmap for cleaner air, and leverages private sector investment and federal incentives to spur innovation to address climate change and pollution,” Randolph stated.

By Tanu T. Henry | California Black Media 

Early on Nov. 6 — shortly after 2 a.m. ET in Palm Beach, Fla.– President-elect Donald J. Trump declared victory in the 2024 General Election. He thanked supporters and pledged to “fix” the United States with the support of “the biggest, the broadest, the most unified coalition” the country has ever seen.

“They came from all quarters,” Trump said to applause. “Union, nonunion, African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Arab American, Muslim American, we had everybody, and it was beautiful.”

The next day, Gov. Gavin Newsom thanked Vice President Kamala Harris for a well-fought campaign and congratulated the President-elect, promising to work along with him.

However, Newsom put a stake in the ground with a pledge he made as well: to defend the Constitution of the United States and stand up for policies and values that may be at odds with Trump’s politics but are supported by the majority of Californians.

“Though this is not the outcome we wanted, our fight for freedom and opportunity endures,” said Newsom in a statement. “California will seek to work with the incoming president — but let there be no mistake, we intend to stand with states across our nation to defend our Constitution and uphold the rule of law.”

Throughout his governorship, Newsom has introduced and rallied support for a number of progressive policies on a range of issues from criminal justice reform, immigration and trade to the environment, abortion and racial justice. Championing those views has positioned Newsom as the protagonist of the political Left and a punching bag of the political Right, including Trump. The incoming POTUS frequently references California in his criticisms and invokes Newsom by name, or a disparaging nickname (“Newscum”), setting the Governor up as his arch-nemesis in political diatribes.

On November 8, Newsom issued a proclamation calling for a special convening of the California Legislature to  “safeguard California values and fundamental rights in the face of an incoming Trump administration.”

“The freedoms we hold dear in California are under attack — and we won’t sit idle,” wrote Newsom.

Like Newsom, a number of California elected officials congratulated Trump last week but moderated their well wishes with a commitment to fight against the policies that they disagree with.  In anticipation, many have even begun to put forth counterproposals and organize their opposition to the incoming President and the policies he has promised to introduce to address various problems.

For example, On Nov. 8, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond,  who is running for governor, organized a press conference with leaders and advocates in the California education sector to respond to Trump winning the presidential election.

“This week I heard from some educators in Special Education, and they shared with me their fears and their consternation because of what they heard about a threat to end the U.S. Department of Education,” said Thurmond. “They said, ‘If the U.S. Department of Education is abolished does that mean that they are getting rid of Special Education services for California students?’”

Thurmond addressed those concerns, “Let me be clear,” he continued. “We will not be ever getting rid of Special Education services in the great state of California. And we call on President-elect Trump and the members of Congress to reaffirm their commitment to public education.”

Attorney General Rob Bonta said the California Department of Justice is working closely with the state Legislature “to shore up our defenses and ensure we have the resources we need to take on each fight as it comes.”

“No matter what the incoming Administration has in store, California will keep moving forward,” said Bonta. “We’ve been through this before, and we stand ready to defend your rights and protect California values.”

U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), who served as a surrogate for the Harris-Walz campaign, said in a statement, “We cannot hide our disappointment.”

“This is a dangerous and frightening moment for our democracy,” she continued. “I am fearful that the progress we’ve made over the past four years will be undone,” added Lee.  “That said, we cannot lose sight of the fact that more than 68 million Americans voted to take our country forward. They voted for progress. They voted for Vice President Kamala Harris.”

Lee went on, “We must fight to preserve our democracy and our Constitution. We must fight to preserve our rights.

On November 7, Lateefah Simon, who won the election to succeed Lee in the U.S. Congress, told KQED, a Bay Area news outlet, that “We have to fight like hell to ensure that the people of the United States have health care, that we push back on the Trump administration’s promise to gut Social Security.”

On November 6, during a television interview with News Nation’s Chris Cuomo, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) said it will be difficult to work with Trump.

“He said he is going to get retribution from those who have not worked with him, who don’t like him. He is out to get people like me,” she said.

U.S. Rep Sydney Kamlager (D-CA-37) said “I want the State Legislature here and the attorney general and the governor to go hard in the paint against him,” referring to Trump.  “They will have the backing of the California delegation” in Congress.

Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) and other Republican leaders, on the other hand, celebrated Trump’s victory.

“President Trump has accomplished the comeback of the century! #45 and #47!” Gallagher posted on X election night.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11) reminded everyone of one of their most important civic duties.

“We all pray for America’s success under the next administration. The peaceful transfer of power is the cornerstone of our democracy,” she posted on X.  “After every election, we all have a responsibility to come together and find common ground.”

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Open your eyes! Everything is lining up just like Jesus said it would [Mark 13:28-37]. The signs are everywhere! Examine what has happened on the world scene to gain understanding of what it means in the larger context of Bible Prophecy and God’s purpose in history. Study the Book of Revelations for in it, Jesus allowed his disciple John to see many visions. Time after time, John says throughout this book, “And then I saw… “I turned and saw… “I saw…” things that are meant to reveal to God’s people the truth about what’s happening now. Where things are headed, and how they will all play out.

I tell you; The World is Preparing Itself for The Final Fulfillments of God’s Prophecies. What we are watching in today’s world events is more than a historic cycle of political and national interests. We are watching the concluding chapters of human experience leading to the moment when Jesus appears in the glory of his Second Coming. So, Pay Attention! Be alert! Be awake!

Final Fulfillments of God’s Prophecies –

Sign 1: The Rise of Great Britain and America – The Bible foretold that two powerful nations would rise. One nation would be the leader of a group of nations and become the greatest empire in history. The other nation would become the wealthiest and most powerful nation in history. This prophecy about the last days was fulfilled right on time by Great Britain and the United States of America [Genesis 35:9-11]. Fulfilled!

Sign 2: An Explosion of Knowledge – There would be an increase in travel and knowledge [Daniel 12:4]. Fulfilled.

Sign 3: The Jews Return to the Land of Israel – In 1916, during World War I, Great Britain and France made a secret treaty to divide the Middle East and create a special international zone in the area of modern Israel. With help from the British, the Arabs began a revolt, and soon after the allied forces invaded Palestine. These events opened the way for the Jews to return to the land of Israel. [Jeremiah 30;1-3; Ezekiel 20:41-42 Jeremiah 29:14; Ezra 1:1]. Fulfilled!

Sign 4: The Rise of Germany – After World War II, most people were sure that Germany would never rise again. But those who understood end-time Bible prophecy confidently foretold that Germany would rise again to become the leading power in Europe and the world [Revelation 17]. Fulfilled!

Sign 5: The Decline of the USA and Northwestern Europe – The troubles in America, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, France and the rest of Northwestern Europe are obvious. The Bible predicts many specific troubles these countries are experiencing now and will experience in the next few years [Daniel Chapter 11]. Fulfilled!

Sign 6: Skepticism and Disbelief. The Bible foretells that in the last days, many people will scoff at Bible prophecies [2 Peter 3:3-4]. Fulfilled!

Sign 7: Widespread Selfishness – [1 Timothy 3:1-5]. Fulfilled!

Sign 8: The Rise of a False Christianity – When Jesus taught His followers about the end times, the very first thing He said was: Watch out so that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying I am the Christ, and they will lead many astray [Matthew 24:4-5]. Fulfilled!

Sign 9: Wars, Famine, Disease, and Death – Among the sign that Jesus foretold would come before the end are wars, news of war, famine, disease, and death [Matthew 24:6-7; Revelation 6:8]. Fulfilled!

Sign 10: The Persecution of Christians – Jesus told His followers: At that time, they will hand you over to oppression and will kill you. And you will be hated by all the nations because of My name [Matthew 24:9]. Fulfilled!

Sign 11: The Gospel is Preached – Jesus said that shortly before the end of the age, the gospel of the Kingdom would be preached everywhere in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come [Matthew 24:14]. Fulfilled!

Sign 12: An Attack on Europe – In the Book of Daniel we find a prophecy about a war between the King of the South and the King of the North. This war marks the beginning of “the time of the end [Daniel 11:40]. The King of the North, coming out of Europe, will respond to this attack with an invasion of North Africa and the Middle East. He will conquer Egypt, invade many lands, and many of the countries of North Africa and the Middle East will submit to him. Fulfilled!

Sign 13: Sacrifices Stop in Jerusalem – Just 45 days after the war in North Africa the Middle East begins, the King of the North will stop the daily sacrifices in Jerusalem and set up an image in the holy place called the Abomination of Desolation [Daniel 9:26-27;11:31; 12:11]. Fulfilled!

Sign 14: The Rapture – The Rapture occurs before the start of the tribulation. It is described in [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 24:36-42; Revelation 3:10]

Sign 15: The Great Tribulation – [Matthew 24:21-22; Daniel 7:20 and Revelation 13:1]

Sign 16: The Day of the Lord – In [Joel 1:15; Zephaniah1:14- 3:8; 2 Peter3:10; Jeremiah 23:10; 2 Corinthians 1:14].

Sign 17: The Return of Christ – Finally, at the end of the Day of the Lord, Jesus Christ will appear in the sky. Everyone will see Him, and everyone will hear the sound of a loud trumpet. At that time, Jesus will be proclaimed as the King of the earth. [1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonian 4:13; 5:11].

Sign 18: Armageddon – Shortly after Christ appears in the sky; the nations of the world will form a plan to overthrow Him [Psalms 2]. Huge armies will gather at Mount Megiddo [Armageddon] in Northern Israel, and from there they will march toward Jerusalem to fight Christ.

Sign 19: The Kingdom of God is Established on Earth – [Revelation 11:15].

Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So, you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the door! [Matthew 24:32-34; see also Mark 13:28-29; 32].

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Rep. Pete Aguilar announced a $600,000 grant award for Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Inc. to expand its mental health and substance use treatment services. The funding comes as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Behavioral Health Services Expansion (BHSE) Grant Awards.

“We need to improve access to health services that address addiction and improve the health and well-being of the Inland Empire,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “This grant will empower Inland Behavioral Health and Services, Inc. to expand treatment and support for urgent mental health and substance use needs, helping individuals find stability and opening doors to brighter futures and more job opportunities.”

This funding comes as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Unity Agenda for the Nation. It includes a historic $240 million investment to launch and expand mental health and substance use disorder services in more than 400 community health centers nationwide that provide care for more than 10 million people.

The grant award will help Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Inc. expand its mental health and substance abuse services by hiring certified substance use counselors and Peer Support Specialists and training providers to treat opioid use disorders.

Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Inc. (IBHS) is a community-centered nonprofit and federally qualified healthcare provider that has served the Inland Empire since 1978. IBHS offers primary healthcare and social services, including physical health care, substance abuse treatment, mental health improvement, homeless services and prevention education.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) says he supports Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to expand the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program from its current $330 million annual budget allocation to $750 million.

Gipson, who is chair of the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism, says, historically, that tax credit has aimed to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion” as outlined in SB 132.

He’s counting on it to continue making diversity a priority.

“The Legislature finds and declares an overall trend toward increasing diversity based on existing research on diversity in the motion picture production and television industry,” the bill language states.

In a statement, Gipson told California Black Media (CBM) the tax credit, “would allow our state to be more competitive against states with tax incentive programs of their own, such as Georgia, New York, and New Mexico.”

“The film and television industry is iconic to California, impacting thousands of jobs for below-the-line workers on film and television crews, as well as many others working in hair and make-up, food services and transportation, costume and set design, and more,” Gipson continued.

According to the Governor’s office, the increase would uplift the state for capped film incentive programs, surpassing other states. Gipson says he agrees with Newsom’s assessment and the notion that the program would bring more business back to California.

“California is the entertainment capital of the world, rooted in decades of creativity, innovation, and unparalleled talent,” said Newsom on Oct 27 in L.A. at the unveiling of the tax credit.

“Expanding this program will help keep production here at home, generate thousands of good-paying jobs, and strengthen the vital link between our communities and the state’s iconic film and TV industry,” the Governor continued.

As chair, Gipson’s oversees programs and policies affecting the recording, motion picture, and other entertainment industries, tourism and arts programs, and museums. His purview also extends to professional and amateur sports, including the State Athletic Commission and the regulation of athlete agents.

California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program has generated over $26 billion in economic activity and supported more than 197,000 cast and crew jobs across the state since it was created in 2009, according to Newsom’s office.

The California Film and Television Tax Credit 2.0, enacted in July 2015, has generated over $26 billion in economic activity and supported more than 197,000 cast and crew jobs across the state.

Now, for the first time in 15 years, tax credits will become refundable, beginning with “Program 4.0” set to get underway on July 1, 2025. According to the Newsom Administration, between 2020 and 2024, data reveals that California experienced lower production spending due to limited tax credit funding and increased competition in other states and countries. This dip in production directly impacted California’s labor market and local economies.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says she supports the proposal because California is the entertainment capital of the world and supporting a thriving film and television industry is key to the state’s economy.

Bass said she was Speaker of the Assembly when the tax credit program was first approved.

“I worked to support leaders like now-Councilman Paul Krekorian to create the film tax credit,” Bass said. “Despite the economy being in a difficult spot, we knew that the industry needed support, and if we could at least start the program, then we could grow it.”

Newsom’s tax credit proposal is expected to appear as a bill during the next legislative session, raising concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion for some lawmakers and advocates.

Gipson’s CLBC colleagues Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) led a faction of legislators who demanded answers from Hollywood last year after several Black women left high-profile executive positions in Hollywood.

A number of those Black executives who left those prominent roles were leading DEI initiatives at major entertainment companies such as Netflix, Disney, British Broadcasting Company, Warner Bros., and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Before the tax credit program was scheduled to sunset on June 30, 2025, on July 10, 2023, Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 132 to extend the state’s $1.65 billion or $330 million annually Film and TV Tax Credit Program for an additional five years through fiscal 2030-31.

Speaking on behalf of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) employed in the industry, McKinnor and Smallwood Cuevas insist on holding television and film studio executives accountable as they benefit from taxpayer support but often appear reluctant to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.

“I was highly offended to see the industry’s response to a $1.6 billion tax subsidy?by quietly eliminating Black women from executive positions with a number of studios,” said McKinnor. “Many of these women were involved in their studios’ diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, which raises a serious question about their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the film industry.”

The legislation for this year’s tax credit program has not been written, but Gipson’s staff has indicated that he will not introduce it – even though the issue is close to his heart.

“The impacts of the entertainment industry go beyond movie theaters and television screens, with movies and shows drawing tourists to California from all around the world,” Gipson stated. “I applaud the work being done by the California Film Commission, the studios, and the entertainment unions, and I look forward to supporting this proposal next year as it moves through the legislative process.”

Voters weighed in on key races in San Bernardino County in voting that ended when polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

From the race for president to local races throughout the county, our team has the latest coverage, listed below.

Check out live results here, and we’ll continue to update as new results are released from the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters.

State races

• 19th state Senate District: state Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, R-Yucaipa vs. Democrat Lisa Middleton
• 47th Assembly District: Democrat Christy Holstege vs. Assemblymember Greg Wallis, R-Rancho Mirage

City councils and measures

• Redlands City Council Districts 2 and 4
• Rialto mayor
• San Bernardino City Council Wards 5 and 7
• Upland Measure N

School districts

• Chino Valley Unified School District
• Redlands Unified School District

More on schools

• School bond measures across the Inland Empire