Happily Divorced And After

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

California Republican leaders are pushing back against state and local initiatives across the Golden State aimed at preventing Californians from buying or installing gas appliances in their homes.

On February 10, they asked the administration of President Donald Trump to intervene.

In a letter, the 28 Republican members of the State Assembly and State Senate urged U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Christopher Wright to evaluate the policies and stop gas appliance restrictions wherever possible.

“As executive orders issued by the new Trump/Vance administration recognize, America’s prosperity and national security depend on an affordable, reliable, and sufficient energy supply,” the letter reads. “Recent efforts to restrict natural gas use limit consumer choice and deny vulnerable communities access to an affordable and reliable energy source. Such efforts have created a difficult-to-navigate patchwork of local rules and impose costs on consumers, manufacturers, workers, and businesses, contributing to California’s affordability crisis.”

In a statement Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) said energy policies initiated by Democrats are hurting family budgets and escalating the state’s cost-of-living crisis.

“Working Californians already face some of the highest electric rates in the country – they can’t afford to have out-of-touch bureaucrats ban more affordable energy sources,” Gallagher said. “If California’s leaders won’t stand up for consumers, the federal government should.”

There has been an ongoing effort to decrease the use of natural gas appliances in California in recent years to improve indoor air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The California Air Resources Board approved a plan three years ago requiring homes and businesses to transition to zero-emission alternatives like electric heat pumps instead of gas-powered water and space heaters by 2023.

According to the Building Decarbonization Coalition, a group focused on eliminating fossil fuels in buildings to improve health and make communities more resilient to the climate change, 74 California jurisdictions have policies that seek to end the use of natural gas in new buildings.

However, many of these efforts are facing resistance and legal challenges from homebuilders, restaurants, and the gas industry.

The National Association of Home Builders and other housing groups and businesses filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in December against the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s ban on certain gas appliances.

The lawsuit came seven months after the city of Berkeley agreed to roll back a landmark climate rule that would have prohibited natural gas hookups in new homes. The 2019 gas ban was challenged by the California Restaurant Association and struck down in 2023 by a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

In the letter, Republicans said the gas bans and all-electric mandates have a negative impact because the state’s electricity rates are 92% higher than the national average and natural gas prices are 30% higher.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-Santee) called the energy policies “government overreach” and said Californians don’t need to be dictated to regarding what appliances they can purchase.

“Electricity rates in California are the highest in the nation, and we barely have enough supply to keep the lights on,” he said. “Now, Democrats want to push consumers away from the only more affordable alternative.”

Jones, who represents most of inland San Diego County, told California Black Media (CBM) in an email that the cities of San Diego and Encinitas have passed natural gas bans. He hopes the U.S. Department of Energy will “step in where appropriate and overturn these overreaching policies.”

“The new administration has committed to recognizing that America’s prosperity and national security depend on an affordable, reliable, and sufficient energy supply,” he said. “That starts with ensuring all energy options remain available to consumers.”

Last month, in Grand Terrace, a city in San Bernardino County, over 100 residents in a senior living facility were left in the dark for nine days when Southern California Edison implemented a Public Safety Power Shutoff.

Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa), whose district includes Grand Terrace, said the power outage made it clear that Californians need energy options.

“Families relying solely on electric heating face severe hardships. Until the state strengthens its power grid, eliminating natural gas appliances is both irresponsible and out of touch with the needs of everyday people,” she said.

Republican legislators wrote in the five-page letter that gas bans hurt economic development and that a variety of domestic energy is needed to avoid dependence on foreign energy sources and to protect against vulnerabilities.

The efforts to reduce or eliminate natural gas use have taken several forms and raise legal and political concerns, the GOP lawmakers added.

After listing some of the anti-natural gas efforts, Republicans asked the Department of Energy to legally challenge any California authority that violates the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, which establishes nationally uniform energy conservation standards for many commercial and residential appliances. They said the department should query the lawfulness of the initiatives in the wake of the California Restaurant Association’s win in Berkeley’s recent Supreme Court rulings — such as the overruling of the Chevron deference — and the Trump administration’s executive orders.

At press time, Jim Stanley, a spokesperson for Gallagher, said the California Republicans had not yet received a response from the Department of Energy.

“We’ve seen in recent years that California has enough trouble as it is keeping the lights on in the summer,” he said. “Forcing people to go all electric would be a challenge and strain the grid. Its economics and it is choice. If someone decides electric is the way to go for them, they are certainly welcome to. But we don’t want to mandate that.”

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) wants to amend the state’s penal code to increase the salaries incarcerated firefighters earn while they are actively fighting fires.

Assembly Bill (AB) 247 would require inmate firefighters who have completed training for assignment to a state or county facility to be paid an hourly rate equal to the lowest nonincarcerated firefighter in the state (around $28 per hour).

“I think every time we have a major wildfire, we call in incarcerated firefighters who step in heroically to help suppress these fires. And every time that that happens, we have a long conversation about how they’re risking their lives for subminimum pay,” Bryan told California Black Media (CBM).

“I refuse to let this moment where California and Los Angeles in particular, has experienced its largest wildfire, be another moment where we just talk about this issue,” Bryan continued.

During the wildfires that raged in Southern California last month, more than 900 incarcerated firefighters were dispatched to battle the flames. Incarcerated firefighters work on teams called ‘hand crews,’ using hand tools to clear vegetation and create firebreaks that slow the spread of wildfires. During the emergencies, it’s common for responders to work in 24-hour shifts despite the grueling conditions.

While the position is voluntary, the work can be dangerous and even deadly, says Bryan.

Despite the life-threatening conditions the incarcerated firefighters face, their pay is between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, earning an additional $1 per hour when responding to emergencies and up to $26.90 over a 24-hour shift. These wages are lower than what the lowest-level firefighters earn for only an hour of work.

Under existing law, a prisoner can reduce his or her term of imprisonment by earning a two-day credit for every one day served fighting a fire. This would not change under the new bill.

The lower wages incarcerated firefighters earn are legal due to provisions in the U.S. and California constitutions that permits involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime.

Last November, California voters rejected a ballot initiative, Proposition (Prop) 6, that would have amended the State Constitution to outlaw involuntary servitude in California.

“While it’s disappointing that our measure to remove slavery from California’s constitution was not approved by the voters, this setback does not end the fight,” said Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) in a statement after the election.

Wilson, a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), authored the legislation that became Prop 6.

 “Together, we will continue pushing forward to ensure that our state’s constitution reflects the values of equality and freedom that all Californians deserve,” added Wilson.

Prop 6 sought to repeal language prohibiting involuntary servitude except to punish crime and replace it with language prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude absolutely.

Bryan’s AB 247, however, has more modest goals. It would increase pay only for incarcerated firefighters actively fighting wildfires, aiding in structure fires and responding to overdoses and roadside accidents. They are often put in harm’s way responding to these situations as well.

“Every single firefighter that is out there right now, I’m sure they’re proud to be there,” said former incarcerated firefighter Amika Mota in an interview with The Marshall Project. “Every single one of those people has signed away their rights to any sort of compensation if they die on the fireground. They’re putting themselves on the frontlines without really understanding the health impacts long-term.”

Bryan visited a base camp for incarcerated firefighters in Pasadena last month to spend time with some of the incarcerated firefighters and hear their stories firsthand.

“Many of them are coming home in the not-too-distant future. Being paid a dignified wage for your life-saving work, fighting these fires is actually part of helping folks succeed in their reentry back into society,” said Bryan.

A few celebrities have also recently shown their support for inmate firefighters. Kim Kardashian has been outspoken about the need for wage increases. NFL quarterback CJ Stroud and singers John Legend and Chris Brown also visited the same Pasadena base camp Bryan visited to speak with program members.

“Not supporting folks who are doing this kind of work is setting them up to continue to cycle from poverty to incarceration. They were all incredibly excited, grateful to be seen,” said Bryan.

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

In celebration of Black History Month, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) recognized 16 honorees at the annual Black Business Brunch on Feb. 10 at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento.

The small business owners from every corner of the state were recognized for their entrepreneurship, contributions to their respective communities, and vital roles in improving California’s economic landscape.

The proprietors were chosen by members of the CLBC and CBCC. They were honored on the Assembly floor at the State Capitol later that afternoon.

“We gather here today to honor the incredible African American, small business owners of California,” Jay King, President and CEO of CBCC, told California Black Media. “We have to show them some love because they are the heart and soul of our communities. Their tireless work and unwavering dedication show what it means to be leaders”

CLBC members Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Los Angeles), Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) presented awards to respective honorees.

Assemblymembers Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego), and Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) also paid homage to Black business leaders.

CLBC chair Sen. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) was unable to attend due to a prior commitment. CLBC Vice Chair Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) spoke on her behalf.

“While we recognize you today, you are recognized in your communities every single day,” Bryan told the honorees. “We need you and we rely on you. You were not just picked at random (to receive this award).”

Featured speakers at the brunch were California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Tara Lynn Gray, Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), was also present at the annual brunch.

Omishakin’s message was brief, highlighting ways the state helps support Black small businesses. The Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) allocates substantial amounts each year to finance construction projects started by state and local governments, public transit agencies and airport authorities.

Omshakin said Caltrans’s most important tool for meeting its commitment to inclusion of minority-owned businesses has been its Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) program. Small businesses must be DBE-certified to receive state funding.

Caltrans ensures that firms competing for state-assisted contracts for these projects are not disadvantaged by unlawful discrimination. In fiscal year 2022-2023, nearly $1 billion was awarded to small businesses in the state. African American small businesses received about $40 million, leaving “money on the table,” Omishakin said.

“That’s hundreds of millions of dollars,” Omishakin said about possible procurement opportunities for Black businesses. “There’s a lot of work still to do, with Caltrans and other places, to make sure that African American and Latino owned firms get more opportunities to get that work.”

CLBC member, Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), was presented with the Chairman’s Award for his significant leadership in fostering economic empowerment and his dedication to his constituents in the 65th Assembly District.

The Legacy and Literacy Leadership Award was bestowed upon Georgia “Mother Rose” Peat West, the founder and owner of Underground Books in Sacramento.

West passed away in December. Her son, Ronnie West, accepted the award on her behalf.

The year’s business honorees were Nelson German (alaMar Kitchen and Bar); Jonathan Kinnard (Coffee del Mondo); Brad Cooper (Coop’s West BBQ); Victor Headley (Every Little Thing Jamaican); Eugene Bennett (Grocery Outlet Bargain Market); Marques McCammon (Karma Automotive); Joseph Cannon (KJ’s Barber and Hair Creationz); and Jauneice Munoz (La Casa Azul Design).

Rounding out the awardees were Malik Muhammad (Malik Books); Aimbrell Shanks (Partytime Machine Rentals), John Cleveland (Post and Beam); Mark Jenkins (Preferred Cremation); Herb Hudson (Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles); Dennis Peterson (That Guy Eye Wear); Eric Calvin (Ultra Unlimited); and Kedrin Johnson (WAYS Home Care and Health Agency).

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” King said. “Your role within this large framework cannot be overstated. Black small businesses bring innovation, creativity, and vital services to every corner of California. Today, we stand together to honor and celebrate you.”

Ever heard the saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure?” That’s why the Department of Waste Resources created the Found It Again Reuse Store! Many items that come to the landfill are unwanted but still useful to resourceful residents. Creative staff had a great idea – to save good, working, and valuable items from the waste stream and make them available for purchase at a bargain rate. Come see for yourself this Saturday, Feb. 22 at Lamb Canyon Landfill (Beaumont) from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

While inventory varies from month to month, you may find bicycles, tools, lawn equipment, exercise machines, and other household goods. You get a great price, and we preserve valuable landfill space for future generations.

The Found It Again Reuse Store is open every last non-holiday Saturday of the month, with December closed. Purchases can only be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover accepted). Cash is not accepted. The store is located at Lamb Canyon Landfill (16411 Lamb Canyon Road).

All shoppers must:

• Check in and out at the Gate Fee Booth/Scale House before entering the landfill.
• Wear a high-visibility safety vest and closed-toe shoes while visiting the landfill.
• Load any materials purchased at the Found It Again Reuse Store.
• Secure or cover their load in a manner which will prevent items from falling, spilling, or blowing out while the vehicle is in motion.
• Supervise their children.
• Note: All prices are non-negotiable, and items in dispute between shoppers will not be sold.

For more information, visit https://rcwaste.org/found-it-again-reuse-store or contact the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources at 951-486-3200.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

“Destiny demands that you dig deep and finish strong. You didn’t come this far to only come this far. Dig deep, finish strong, and make yourself proud! Get going. Walk if you have to but finish the damned race.”  [Gary Ryan Blair ? Ron Hill] and get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God NOW! There is no time to waste.

Bible prophecy is quickly being fulfilled in rapid succession. One after another. The progression and convergence of all the fulfilled end time prophecies in our current generation is not by coincidence. This fast progression and convergence of fulfilled prophecy is revealing to us that we can appropriately say that we are extremely close to the Mark of the Beast crisis, Intense Persecution of the True Remnant, the Loud Cry, and the Latter Rain experience. [Isaiah 58:1-9; James 5; 1 Corinthians 2:1-12; Matthew 5:13-20; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 13:16-18].

We are being plunged into a period of time which the Bible talks about more than any other period in history, including the time when Jesus walked the shores of Galilee and climbed the mountains of Judea. [Matthew 15:29]. The Bible says that the end of this age will have distinct signs, telling us what would be taking place. [Matthew 24 and Luke 21]. I tell you; the proverbial writing is on the wall, and it is telling us that the end of the Age of Grace is at hand and that the pause in Daniel’s timeline that occurred at the 69th week is about to end.

The stage has been set, and the actors are in place.

What Prophecies Reveal ?

(1) The Unification of Europe

Scripture Reference: “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast.” [Revelation 13:1-7; Revelation 13:5-7]. A turning point in human history that will dramatically change the course of world events. [Daniel 2:40–45; Daniel 7:8-24].

Fulfillment/Pending: The full unification under a single authority, which will affect the whole world as described in Revelation, is still pending. [Revelation 13:16; Revelation 17:12].

(2) The Rise of a Global Government and Economy

Scripture Reference: “He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead.” [Revelation 13:16].

Fulfillment/Pending: The rise of a global government and economy, along with the implementation of a mark for buying and selling, has not yet occurred. However, the increasing push toward globalism and digital currencies suggests that this prophecy is nearing fulfillment.

(3) The Great Apostasy

Scripture Reference: “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.” [2 Thessalonians 2:3].

Fulfillment/Pending: The great falling away from the faith, known as the apostasy, is already occurring in many parts of the world, where churches embrace false teachings. This prophecy is currently being fulfilled, with more to come as the end approaches.

While there’s no definitive timeline for when all this will occur, we are urged to discern the times and stay spiritually vigilant. [Matthew 24:42; 1 Peter 5:8].

Why? Because Bible prophecy has been fulfilled and continues to be fulfilled, and every prophetic sign seems to point to an imminent rapture. [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54]. If you want to be saved, get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God NOW! For the Bible tells us that once the entire world “sighs” and says finally, we have “peace and safety,” that is when total destruction comes.

The Bible also tells us that there will be a final world battle, the battle of Armageddon, with the East. There will be a 200-million-man army in which it is said that [China or India are the only countries who have or could do this] that will rise up against the global world order and that nearly three quarters of the world population will perish in this horrific war.

We now have this undeniable convergence of prophesied events in the natural realm, in the political realm, and in the economic realm, yet – so many do not know and are not paying attention. Jesus said, when you see all these things happen, “Look up!”

Jesus is urgently letting His people know how soon His coming will be. Even though it is impossible to know the exact day and hour of Jesus coming at this time, we are instructed by Jesus that we need to carefully “watch and pray” and know His coming is “even at the doors.” [Luke 21:35; Matthew 24:33].

Get Going… Walk if You Have to But Finish the Damned Race – [Gary Ryan Blair]. The time is short!

But they say, “When I have a convenient season, I will call for you.” [Acts 24:25]. The same presumption that condemned Felix and will condemn many.

[Acts 24:27] reveals that Felix never received Christ. Felix made three tragic assumptions: that convenience will come, that conviction from the Holy Spirit would continue, and that conflicts would cease, but he forgot as many of us do… tomorrow may never come. [James 4:14].

So I say again, “Get Going… Walk if You Have to But Finish the Damned Race.” [Quote by Gary Ryan Blair].

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By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Flu cases in California have surged to the highest levels the state has seen in years.

By the end of January, 26% of tests sent to state laboratories had come back positive for influenza. This is a significant increase compared to flu season peaks over the past 4 years, according to the most recent data captured by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on respiratory viruses.

Flu-related deaths in California are also on the rise. As of Jan. 25, 2.4% of deaths in the state (484 people) were attributed to influenza this season, compared to 1.6% last season.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Dr. Jerry P. Abraham, a Los Angeles-based Physician and Public Health advocate who currently serves as the Director & Chief Vaccinologist of the CDU-KEDREN Mobile Street Medicine program in Los Angeles. He explained why cases of the flu may be increasing and preventative measures people can take to protect themselves until the flu season ends next month.

“Be fully vaccinated. It’s not too late to get the flu shot for this flu season. We stop giving it out about March every year,” said Abraham.

“Be fully boosted with COVID-19 vaccines as well. This is a very tenuous time because people are not fully vaccinated,” he continued.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that “everyone 6 months or older get a flu shot — ideally by the end of October to boost protection against the disease during high-circulation winter months.

Dr. Scott Flinn, regional medical director for Provider Partnerships at Blue Shield of California, says people should be aware of flu symptoms and be able to recognize them.

“These symptoms can come on suddenly and hit hard,” says Flinn. “If you start feeling unwell, it’s important to rest and monitor your condition closely, especially if you are in a higher-risk group, including elderly individuals, pregnant women, young children, or those with chronic health conditions.”

Typically, those symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue and, for some people – especially children – may experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Flu symptoms typically last five and to seven days, though fatigue and cough can persist for two weeks or longer in some cases.

If contracted, Flinn recommends getting plenty of rest, using over-the-counter meds, and taking steps to not spread the flu like staying home for 24-hours after avoiding close contact with others. He also advises that people fighting the flu should get plenty of rest; use over-the-counter medication; and consult a healthcare professional.

Abraham also recommends wearing masks when out in public if you are exhibiting flu symptoms. He also urges individuals who have insurance to schedule appointments with their primary physician as emergency rooms and urgent cares have become overcrowded.

While the cause of the spike in flu cases is still unknown, Abraham attributes some of the causation to changes in climate and rising temperatures across the state.

“That is why these bugs, these viruses, these bacteria are behaving in these new novel ways because we’re just not used to living amongst them like this; living in these warmer temperatures, getting more infected. There’s more of us too, and we’re interacting in different ways. We’re interacting with animals in different ways, industry, all those things. They’re all coming together and so we’ve got a perfect storm,” he said.

The Bay Area is reporting the highest rates of flu-related hospital admissions in the state at 9.9 per 100,000 people, compared to 9.1 in Southern California, 7.5 in Los Angeles, 7.3 in the Greater Sierra-Sacramento region, 5 in Central California and 2.8 in the rural northern part of the state, according to the California Department of Public Health.

“It really is incumbent upon us and each other to do what we did during COVID when no one came for the Black community to help us. We need to look after each other. If you’re sick, stay home. Remember, there are elders and there are cancer patients and people living with all sorts of conditions that they cannot afford to get sick.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – On Valentine’s Day, the City of San Bernardino joined fifteen other cities across the nation to launch the “Love Your Block” initiative. The program, in partnership with the Bloomberg Center of Public Innovation, offers mini grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to neighborhood, student, and civic groups to organize local art projects and community cleanups.

“San Bernardino is a city where neighbors connect with each other and take pride in their community,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “These grants will allow residents to both showcase what makes their neighborhoods unique and take it up a notch with a community-based project.”

The Love Your Block program was established in 2009 by the Bloomberg Center of Public Innovation to fund resident-led neighborhood revitalization projects in U.S. cities. The City of San Bernardino is one of only sixteen cities in the nation and two in California that were selected last year to be a part of the program.

Selection of San Bernardino’s grant recipients will be made through a “Shark Tank” style competition called Pitch Your Block in April in which finalists pitch their project to judges from local community-based non-profits. Eleven grant recipients will be chosen in April with the winner receiving $5,000.

Local partners include AmeriCorps Vista, Music Changing Lives, Making Hope Happen, and Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services.

The city will accept project proposals through March 31, 2025. Since 2009, Love Your Block has taken place in 50 cities across 33 states while improving nearly 4,000 public spaces – including 800 art displays, cleaning 102,000 square feet of graffiti, and removing 6.7 million pounds of trash.

For more information or to submit a proposal, visit the City’s Love Your Block website at

https://www.sbcity.org/Love-Your-Block.

RIVERSIDE, CA — Local leaders and behavioral health advocates joined the Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH) team for a ribbon-cutting event celebrating the Franklin Residential Care Facility & Behavioral Health Clinic. The 84-bed Adult Residential Facility fills a critical gap in behavioral health and recovery services for adults who need structured support.

Located at 3021 Franklin Ave. in Riverside, the newly renovated 42,000-square-foot facility will provide residential care, outpatient behavioral health services and short-term recuperative care to help individuals regain stability and transition toward independent living.

“This initiative strengthens our broader goal of creating a comprehensive range of support options,” said First District Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina. “We want everyone in our community to have access to the help they need, when they need it.”

The Franklin Residential Care Facility will offer housing, meals, personal care assistance, medication management and supervision to individuals who require structured support without the need for 24-hour nursing care. The facility provides recuperative care services for individuals recovering from hospitalization or behavioral health crises.

An on-site outpatient behavioral health clinic will provide therapy, medication services, and case management for both residents and the surrounding community. Medical oversight, transportation to follow-up care and assistance in accessing benefits and stable housing are among additional essential services.

“This isn’t just a place for care—it’s a place for new beginnings,” said Dr. Matthew Chang, Director of RUHS Behavioral Health. “Many who come here have faced significant challenges, but Franklin offers them a fresh start. With the right support, people can heal, regain stability, and work toward a future filled with hope.”

The renovations to the Franklin facility feature welcoming areas to promote recovery, including multi-purpose rooms, and exercise and outdoor recreation space. A commercial kitchen and dining area will provide daily meals. A nurse’s station, medication room and consultation spaces ensure continuous support as residents build life skills and transition toward independent living.

The $38 million project was approved by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, using a combination of grants and state and local mental health funding. All referrals to the facility are coordinated through RUHS-BH specialty programs, prioritizing individuals discharged from hospitals or at risk of hospitalization, adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and those who require residential services for serious mental illness or substance use disorders.

For more information, visit www.ruhealth.org.

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

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and the College Board brought together educators, students, and lawmakers at the State Capitol to celebrate the progress of the Advanced Placement African American Studies program.

The AP African American Studies program is available to 117 schools across the state and is implemented in 42 states nationwide. It was launched nationally in the Fall of 2024 and over 500 colleges and universities now provide college credit for it.

Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson, the chair of the CLBC, stated that Black lawmakers are “committed to expanding its reach” to all high schools in the state to ensure “every student has the opportunity to engage with African American history in a meaningful way.”

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the success and impact of the AP African American Studies course in California high schools,” stated Weber-Pierson. “The success of this course is a testament to the power of representation in education. We are committed”

A not-for-profit organization founded more than 120 years ago, the College Board reaches over seven million students a year, helping them navigate their journey from high school to college and into their professional careers.

AP African American Studies provides students with the opportunity to explore the history, culture, and literature of African Americans and the larger African diaspora.

The special occasion at the State Capitol included AP students and educators who have taught AP courses in California since the program’s inception three years ago. It also combined an informational session about the program with a tribute to Black History Month.

A news conference was held to share the success of the program and talk about opportunities to expand access to the AP African American Studies’ course in more high schools in California.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) shared their thoughts as a new ethnic studies requirement goes into effect this fall.

“We know that when people learn about themselves – we all do better,” Thurmond said at the gathering. “The other thing is that an inclusive education benefits everyone of all backgrounds.”

The AP Program is designed to academically prepare students to seek out college-level studies — with the freedom to attain college credit, advanced placement, or both — while attending high school.

Tony Green, an AP African American Studies instructor at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland told California Black Media (CBM) that he and Susan Miller Dorsey High School teacher Donald Singleton have been teaching the course since the California pilot program began in 2022 and have been College Board advocates for over three decades.

“We (Singleton and Green) are among the original 60 AP professors. I have 94 students in my AP class consisting of 11th and 12th grade students,” Green said. “We are in year four (of the AP African American Studies course) where I teach three classes.”

Through AP courses in 40 subjects, each culminating in a rigorous exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue — skills that prepare them for college and beyond.

“The benefits are profound,” Singleton said of AP courses and the AP African American Studies program. “It equips students with critical thinking skills by having them examine intersectionality, resistance, and resilience.”

Singleton continued by adding “Also, young people have to learn how to make choices by examining their past.”

The AP program began at the start of the 2022-2023 school year with 60 pilot schools across the country. It has now expanded to about 700 schools in the United States. The pilot students took the first AP African American Studies exam in the Spring of 2024.

The course will be available to all students in the United States in Spring 2025.  According to College Board, over 200 colleges and universities have signed on to provide college credit.

“The introduction of the AP African American Studies class is a major step in strengthening and inclusion in our community,” Gipson said. “This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of African American culture, history, and contributions African Americans have made in our country and state of California.”

London Walker, a junior at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland shared her experiences, explaining that the AP classes have been effective for her, presenting challenges to achieve success and providing a strong foundation in African American history.

Walker, who calls herself “a law fanatic who watches Columbo,” is a lead closing attorney of Bishop O’Dowd’s Mock Trial Team. She aspires to be a criminal defense attorney and has already interned at the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office.

Through AP courses, Green said she and other students study cases that not only concern the United States Supreme Court but how they affect the people who disagree with the structure of the court system.

The AP African American Studies program is beneficial in the legal field because it encourages critical thinking. “It’s more than just a class,” Walker said.

“It’s important to know that AP African American Studies is not just an ethnic study class,” Walker said. “It’s a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) class, history class, and music program. It’s about culture, about connection, and about making change.”