Happily Divorced And After

By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Participation in dual enrollment high school and community college programs has increased among students in California. However, the percentage of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in dual enrollment programs has decreased in recent years, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California Davis.

California policymakers and educators are integrating dual enrollment as a key mechanism for improving educational attainment, ensuring students have equal access to postsecondary opportunities. State legislators increased funding to expand dual enrollment programs under Assembly Bill 288 authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), a law that helps facilitate collaboration between high schools and community colleges. California made an annual investment of $200 million for high school students. The state also allocated $10 million for the STEM Pathways Grant program that supports creating 6-year programs for students to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics within 2 years of graduating high school.

Despite California’s investment over the years, the study revealed that the number of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in community college courses has declined since 2020. The enrollment gap between Asian-Pacific Islander students, who have the highest participation rate, and Black students doubled from 7 % in 2019 to 14.5% in 2022.

“For students whose life circumstances, such as economic hardship, may inhibit educational pursuits, opportunities to enroll in community college while in high school may be less accessible,” researchers stated.

Participation rates in dual enrollment programs are lower among socioeconomically disadvantaged students, English learners, youth in foster care, and students with disabilities compared to their counterparts. The research study attributed the steady decline in enrollment rates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr.  | California Black Media

In 2024, the 12-member California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), introduced nearly 600 bills aimed at improving the lives of all Californians, many with a particular focus on addressing inequities faced by Black citizens. Of these bills, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed 230 into law and vetoed 50. The remaining bills either failed to pass out of committee, were rejected in one of the chambers, or were withdrawn by their authors for possible re-introduction later.

CLBC’s legislative victories reflect their commitment to creating a more equitable California for Black residents across areas like education, healthcare, housing, and criminal justice reform. The following are some of the key bills taking effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Education Reform for Black Students

Senate Bill (SB) -1348 by CLBC vice-chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D- Inglewood) designates California Black-Serving Institutions (BSIs), a groundbreaking effort to provide additional resources and support to higher education institutions that primarily serve Black students. This bill will help ensure that Black students have access to culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities.

Assembly Bill (AB)-51 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) makes sure that Black families from low-income communities have access to critical early childhood education.

AB-1113 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D–Sacramento) expands the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) to include data on expanded learning opportunity programs. This bill improves the state’s ability to track student outcomes and offer targeted support to underrepresented students, including Black students, addressing systemic inequities in the education system.

Health and Human Services: Improving Health Outcomes for Black Californians

AB-2319 by CLBC chair Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D– Suisun City) mandates implicit bias training for healthcare providers, addressing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, especially affecting Black women.

AB-3059 by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D–La Mesa) requires commercial health plans to cover medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk for infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This bill also simplifies the process for hospitals to distribute donor milk by removing the need for a tissue bank license, ensuring that families, particularly in Black communities where infant mortality rates are disproportionately high, have access to life-saving nutrition for their newborn.

Tackling the Job Security

Job security is a critical issue for Black Californians, and the CLBC introduced several bills addressing these challenges. SB-1089 by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D–Los Angeles) requires grocery stores and pharmacies to provide advance notice to workers and the community before closures, addressing the issue of food deserts and limited access to essential services in vulnerable communities.

AB-647 by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D–Pasadena) strengthens grocery worker protections by preventing mass layoffs and ensuring that trained and skilled grocery store and pharmacy workers are rehired. This bill supports job security for workers in essential sectors and helps maintain consistency in food safety and pharmaceutical access in their communities.

Environmental Justice for Black Neighborhoods

Bonta’s AB-2851 mandates air quality monitoring near metal shredding facilities, protecting the health of Black communities often located near industrial areas from harmful pollutants.

Bradford’s SB-1130 prevents low-income Black families from being left out of the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program, which helps subsidize electricity costs. It would also require the state’s three largest investor-owned utilities to report on enrollment of customers in the FERA program.

Criminal Justice and Civil Rights Advocacy

Criminal justice reform remains a top priority for the CLBC given the overrepresentation of Black individuals in California’s criminal justice system. AB-1986 by Assemblymember Issac Bryan (D–Ladera Heights) bans certain books in state prisons, addressing concerns over materials that perpetuate racial stereotypes and divisive ideologies.

AB-3089 by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D–South Los Angeles) issues a formal apology for California’s role in chattel slavery, calls for systemic reforms and reparative justice for Black Californians.  This bill was a key component of the CLBC’s reparations package.

AB-2975 by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D–Compton) known as the Secure Hospitals for All Act, focuses on increasing hospital safety by requiring the installation of weapon detection systems at key entrances, such as those for Labor and Delivery and Emergency Departments. The bill aims to reduce workplace violence in hospitals, which disproportionately affects healthcare workers, including many from Black communities

AB-672 by Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D – Moreno Valley) would ensure that Black Californians and other underrepresented communities are able to alert authorities in a timely way regarding alleged violations of civil rights. This bill enhances the state’s civil rights enforcement capability and provides service and support to affected constituents.

Economic Justice and Worker Rights

Economic justice is still a pressing issue especially as Black Californians continue to face higher unemployment rates and economic disparities. Bradford’s SB-1177 ensures that minority-owned businesses, including Black-owned businesses, are prioritized for public utility contracts, helping to create more economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.

AB-1 by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) strengthens collective bargaining rights for workers in the California Legislature, protects Black employees, and ensures they are given equal opportunities to advocate for fair treatment and wages.

A Continued Fight for Equity

The 230 CLBC bills signed into law represent tangible progress in education, healthcare, housing, environmental justice, and criminal justice reform.

As the CLBC looks ahead to the next legislative session, Black Californians can expect continued advocacy on the issues that matter most to their communities, with a clear focus on equity, social justice, and economic empowerment.

By Angela M. Coggs

On September 29, 2024, the eyes of San Bernardino were focused on State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona, where their hometown hero, Jayden Daniels, took the field as the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders. In just his third NFL game as a rookie, Daniels faced off against the Arizona Cardinals, but it wasn’t just any ordinary game—it was a day of pride and celebration for his family, friends, and fans from his hometown.

A Rising Star

Jayden Daniels, a standout from Cajon High School in San Bernardino, has been a source of inspiration for the local community since his high school days. His athleticism, leadership, and work ethic on the field at Cajon earned him a scholarship to Arizona State University (ASU) and played three seasons, where he became one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in college football. He later transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) where he exploded in front of the world and won the Heisman in 2023. After a successful collegiate career, Daniels was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the talented signal-caller.

His meteoric rise to the professional stage has been a point of pride for the San Bernardino community. From youth football leagues to high school glory, Daniels’ journey embodies the dreams of countless young athletes in the region. His hard work, dedication, and perseverance have transformed him into a role model, not just for aspiring football players, but for anyone striving to achieve their goals against the odds.

A Day of Unity and Celebration

When Daniels was named the starter for the Washington Commanders only after his first two NFL games, the San Bernardino community rallied to support their hometown hero against the Arizona Cardinals, it was only a one-hour flight or four-hour drive.  Approximately 100 family members, friends, former coaches, former teachers, current school board member, former principal, and local fans organized trips to attend the game, while many attended on their own to witness Daniels’ first game near his hometown of San Bernardino, California, as a rookie starter. For those who couldn’t make the trip to Arizona, local bars, restaurants, and even parks hosted watch parties, creating a sense of collective pride.

At State Farm Stadium, a strong contingent of supporters from San Bernardino could be seen wearing Commanders jerseys emblazoned with Daniels’ name and number five. Their presence was felt in the stands as they cheered every snap, throw, and scramble by their hometown quarterback.

“It’s surreal to see someone from our town on this stage,” said Coach Nick Rodgers, who coached Daniels at Cajon High School. “He’s always had that ‘it’ factor, and to see him living his dream is an incredible moment for all of us who’ve been a part of his journey.”

A Promising Start to an NFL Career

In just his third NFL game, Daniels has shown promise as a rookie quarterback. His dual-threat ability, honed during his college years, has been a key feature of his early NFL career. Although the Washington Commanders entered the game with a 2-1 record, Daniels had already impressed with his ability to extend plays with his legs and make accurate downfield throws.

Against the Arizona Cardinals, Daniels demonstrated poise under pressure, connecting with his receivers for crucial gains and keeping the defense on its heels with his mobility. Though he is still adjusting to the speed of the professional game, his potential is clear, and many believe he could be a key piece of the Commanders’ future success. The Commanders beat the Cardinals 42-14. At one point Daniels waited for a couple of blockers and then weaved forward for a 9- yard touchdown run, flipped the ball behind his back before doing a little dance and flashing his bright smile. Washington Redskins legendary quarterback Doug Williams  was on the sidelines and the camera caught a glimpse of him providing some encouraging words and inspiration to the young quarterback.

A Symbol of Hope

For the San Bernardino community, Jayden Daniels represents more than just athletic success—he symbolizes hope. In a city that has faced its share of challenges, Daniels’ story of resilience and achievement serves as a reminder that with dedication and support, dreams can become reality.

Community members, whether they knew him personally or followed his career from afar, are inspired by his journey. Daniels’ rise to the NFL shows that despite the obstacles young people may face, hard work and determination can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.

Looking Forward

As Jayden Daniels continues his rookie season, the support from San Bernardino will undoubtedly grow stronger. His journey has only just begun, but his impact on the field and within his community is already profound. Every throw, every touchdown, and every win are celebrated not just in Washington, D.C., but by a community thousands of miles away that continues to root for one of its own.

For San Bernardino, September 29, 2024, will be remembered as a day when their hero took to the field and brought them along on his journey to NFL stardom.

The Washington Commanders are currently 4-1 in the NFC and Daniels has been breaking records after every game. This is the first team since 1970 to score 150 plus points in their first five games while starting a rookie quarterback.

“It feels good that we’re able to execute the gameplan, but we’ve still got room to grow,” Daniels said.

By Angela M. Coggs

On September 7, 2024, the San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter (SBRAAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., hosted a heartwarming and inspiring prayer breakfast that brought together members and community leaders under the theme, “Coming Together in Love to Reach, Restore, and Impact Our Communities.” Held at the Sterling Natural Resource Center in San Bernardino, this spiritually uplifting event centered on fostering love and unity to make a positive difference in the local community.

Dr. Stephanie Davis-Carruth, SBRAAC 1st Vice President, who served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, opened the event by welcoming everyone with grace and setting the tone for a morning filled with reflection and inspiration. An engaging Ice Breaker activity presented by SFeledier “Let” Thrower followed, bringing attendees together in a lighthearted but meaningful way, helping to establish a sense of unity among participants.

The event was enriched by two moving musical performance by soloist Corinthian Buffington and Yolanda Dancy, whose powerful voice captivated the audience. Both songs created a contemplative atmosphere, enhancing the sense of spiritual community in the room.

The keynote address, delivered by Pastor Samuel J. Casey, was the true highlight of the morning. Pastor Casey, Senior Pastor of New Life Christian Church in Fontana, California, and the executive director of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (C.O.P.E.), offered a stirring and motivational message. His words energized the entire room, reminding everyone of the power of love, faith, and action in making lasting impacts in their communities. Pastor Casey emphasized the importance of community solidarity, calling for each individual to be a force for restoration and positive change in their neighborhoods.

Dr. Shene’ Bowie-Hussey, SBRAAC’s chapter president, further highlighted the chapter’s mission to reach out to underserved communities and restore hope where it is needed most. She applauded the efforts of the sorority members and encouraged continued engagement in social action initiatives.

A well-organized Social Action Presentation followed, focusing on the vital issue of voter registration. The presentation outlined the critical importance of being informed and engaged in the electoral process at the local, state, and national levels. With upcoming elections on the horizon, the presentation aimed to mobilize attendees to not only register themselves but also encourage others in their communities to exercise their right to vote.

The event was funded in part by a grant from BEI, showcasing the chapter’s commitment to fostering partnerships that support their community outreach goals.

SBRAAC’s September Prayer Breakfast left attendees feeling empowered, united, and ready to take actionable steps toward improving their communities. Through heartfelt speeches, uplifting music, and vital social action education, the event truly embodied its theme, bringing Sorors and guest together in love to reach, restore, and impact the world around them.

By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

The California Community Colleges’ ICanGoToCollege.com campaign has launched the second season of its EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast series, which focuses on promoting Black student enrollment and retention. Season 1 had over 60,000 listeners, and the new season aims to build on this success by featuring inspiring student stories and expert advice.

The first episode of the new season brings together former foster youth Kevion Louis-Hernandez, Mt. San Antonio College alum; and Junely Merwin, a NextUp Project Expert, with host Danny Morrison. The conversation explores the challenges foster youth face and highlights the transformative impact of community college programs like NextUp, which help students overcome obstacles to reach their higher education and career goals.

“This season continues our commitment to addressing barriers faced by Black students and increasing equitable access to higher education,” said Paige Marlatt Dorr, Director of Communications and Marketing for California Community Colleges.

EDUCATE. ELEVATE. is part of a broader initiative to reverse the significant enrollment declines experienced by Black students during the pandemic. Black student enrollment dropped by 25% system-wide between 2019 and 2022, but outreach efforts and support services have helped increase enrollment by nearly 15% over the last two years, bringing the total to almost 114,000 Black students in the 2023-24 academic year.

The podcast series features candid discussions on overcoming systemic barriers, educational resources, and strategies for student success. Season 2 offers a new visual style and will release episodes every two to three weeks through May 2025.

To listen to the podcast and learn more, visit the Black Student Success page at ICanGoToCollege.com.

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

As Native Americans celebrated 100 years of citizenship and the right to vote at the State Capitol, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a proclamation declaring Native American Day and signed several bills aimed at pushing tribal priorities forward.

The package of bills, which includes policies to enhance laws for vulnerable Native American youth and increase access to social supports, was signed on Sept. 27, while hundreds of people attended the event commemorating the 57th annual California Native American Day.

“I’m proud of the progress California has made to reckon with the dark chapters of our past, and we’re committed to continuing this important work to promote equity, inclusion, and accountability for Native peoples,” Newsom stated. “As we celebrate the many tribal communities in California today, we recommit to working with tribal partners to better address their unique needs and strengthen California for all.”

Newsom signed seven tribal-related bills introduced by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino), including Assembly Bill (AB) 2695, which helps California track trends in domestic violence and collect accurate information concerning violence in tribal lands.

AB 2695 will require the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to align its records and data with the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) to assist law enforcement agencies and other entities with identifying where incidents related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) are taking place.

In addition, the bill requires law enforcement to document whether domestic violence incidents took place in Indian Country.

Ramos is the first Native American elected to the California legislature and the chair of the California Legislative Native American Caucus (CLNAC).

“This measure will help California deal with the lack of clear data about MMIP and where domestic violence occurs,” stated Ramos, a member of the Serrano-Cahuilla tribe.  “That information will better inform us about how to deal with this issue as California ranks fifth in the nation in MMIP unresolved cases.”

According to Ramos’ office, “the National Institute of Justice 2016 report discovered that 84% of American Indian/Alaska Native women (1.5 million people) experience violence in their lifetimes, 67% feared for their own safety, and 41% had been physically harmed from physical violence by intimate partners, stalked, and sexually assaulted.

Underreporting, racial misclassification, bias, and lack of resources to follow through and properly close cases are also obstacles when working on MMIP cases. The DOJ will now have the assets to address those issues.

“For the first time in California, law enforcement agencies will be required to collect data on crimes occurring on Indian lands and report that information to my office,” Attorney General Rob Bonta stated. “(AB 2695) will help all of us develop data-driven strategies to end the MMIP crisis in our state and improve justice for tribal citizens.”

As part of the CLNAC’s priority package, Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 2795 authored by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno). Ramos is the co-author of the legislation.

AB 2795 lowers administrative barriers to CalWORKS and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) services at Indian health clinics in the state. Currently, the law authorizes California to fund clinics that provide substance abuse and mental health treatment services. Despite the law, reporting and reimbursement requirements have made the funds almost unreachable to these clinics.

“It is vital that we ensure members of tribal communities have equitable access to safety net programs when needed,” Arambula stated.

The day of the signing of the bills by CLNAC, Newsom proclaimed Native American Day, a decree that commemorates 100 years ago when Native Americans were conferred citizenship in the United States and the right to vote in California. Native Americans have dealt with generational hate and policies that resulted in the taking of their land and resources. Native American Day is a moment of reckoning, the proclamation declares.

“This important milestone is not without controversy – Congress’ act was in furtherance of assimilationist policy during a period marked by the forced removal of Native children from their families, the seizure and sale of Native lands, and prohibitions on languages Native people spoke since time immemorial,” the Newsom’s decree stated.

“This California Native American Day, I encourage all Californians to learn more about the ways California Native peoples throughout the state are cultivating a new generation of leaders and empowering their communities to build a sustainable future for all.”

Native American Day began in California in 1939, when Gov. Culbert Olson dedicated October 1 as “Indian Day.”

In 1968, California Tribal Leaders and Gov. Ronald Reagan rebranded the fourth Friday of September as “California Indian Day.” The celebration was renamed “Native American Day” in 2015 under the Jerry Brown Administration.

Facilitated by the Native American Heritage Commission and the California Tribal Chairperson Association, the 2024 version of the event attracted hundreds of people for a full day of activities. It was a great opportunity for all to celebrate the rich history, culture of California Tribes, and its first people.

To further the acknowledgment of California Native Americans, Newsom signed Ramos’ AB 1821, a bill that requires California public schools teach the history of the impact on California Native Americans during Spanish Mission and Gold Rush eras.

Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instructions, co-sponsored AB 1821.

“This legislation will help ensure curriculum on California’s Spanish Mission and Gold Rush eras accurately captures the treatment and impact of Native Americans during these significant eras in state history,” Thurmond stated. “This initiative supports California’s diverse students to be seen, heard, and understood in their instructional materials, and to foster a deeper appreciation for our Native communities’ history and cultures.”

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Prop 4 proposes issuing $10 billion in bonds to fund state and local parks, environmental protection projects, water infrastructure projects, energy projects, and flood protection projects. Additionally, 40% of the bond revenue would be used to fund activities that benefit communities with lower incomes or that are affected by environmental changes or disasters.

$3.8 billion would help pay to improve drinking water systems and prepare for droughts and floods. Another $1.5 billion would go to programs focused on wildfire preparedness and $1.2 billion would go to programs combating the rise of the sea level. The remaining funds would be divided up.

Supporters of the proposition argue that the threat climate change brings to the state is an immediate one. Issues like wildfires, water pollution, and extreme heat call for funding to be directed towards countering the effects of climate change. Several environmental groups are backing the measure as well.

Supporters say urgency to push for the proposition increased even more when Gov. Gavin Newsom scaled back the “California Climate Commitment,” which originally was a $54.3 billion spending package. In the most recent budget, it was cut to $44.6 billion.

Katelyn Roedner Sutter, State Director of the California Environmental Defense Fund, is on record saying, “We need to be not only helping communities adapt to climate change right now, but we also need to be reducing our climate pollution. This is not a problem that can wait until it’s convenient to fund in the budget.”

Ariana Rickard, public policy and funding program manager for Sonoma Land Trust, added, “Every Californian has felt the impact of the climate crisis, whether it is wildfires, extreme heat, flooding, sea level rise. I feel like this will resonate with voters who want to protect themselves and their communities.”

The bond measure would also require the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to publish a list of programs and projects on the agency’s website for the public, increasing transparency and accountability with the public. The measure would require the report to list the project’s location, objective, status, anticipated outcomes, total cost, amount of bond funding, and any matching funds.

Opponents argue that using bonds to pay for what they call “unproven technologies” is not the most prudent way to approach the issues. They believe the state should pay for projects like this without taking on more debt.

Governments, corporations and municipalities issue bonds when they need capital. An investor who buys a government bond is lending the government money. If an investor buys a corporate bond, the investor is lending the corporation money. Like a loan, a bond pays interest periodically and repays the principal at a stated time, known as maturity. Taxpayers eventually are burdened with paying for the bonds the Government issues.

Howard Jarvis of the Taxpayers Association is on the record stating that “These bonds will be paid by people decades from now that didn’t even get to vote for their authorization.”

A “yes” vote supports the state issuing $10 billion in bonds to fund state and local parks, environmental protection projects, water infrastructure projects, energy projects, and flood protection projects.

A “no” vote opposes the state issuing $10 billion in bonds to fund state and local parks, environmental protection projects, water infrastructure projects, energy projects, and flood protection projects.

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) recently conducted a successful two-day undercover sting in Menifee targeting unlicensed contractors. CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) worked with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and Menifee Police Department in identifying 12 people allegedly engaging in illegal contracting activities.

During the sting operation on September 24 and 25, suspected unlicensed contractors were asked to submit bids for various construction projects, resulting in 12 individuals being served with notices to appear in criminal court. Additionally, three others will be referred to the Riverside County District Attorney for similar violations.

All bids exceeded the legal limit of $500 for unlicensed work, with amounts ranging from $2,300 to $31,590 for landscaping, painting, and masonry projects. Under California law, it is illegal for unlicensed contractors to bid or work on projects costing more than $500, including labor and materials.

Penalties for these violations include administrative fines of up to $15,000, jail sentences of up to six months, and fines up to $5,000. Repeat offenders may face a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of $5,000 or 20 percent of the contract price, whichever is greater.

“CSLB is committed to safeguarding homeowners from the dangers posed by unlicensed contractors,” said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. “We strive to consistently inform consumers about the value of hiring licensed contractors and strongly encourage California homeowners to check a contractor’s license before beginning any construction project.”

Six individuals also requested down payments above the legal limit. Down payments for home improvement projects cannot exceed 10 percent of the project cost or $1,000, whichever is less. Violating this law is a misdemeanor, carrying fines up to $5,000 and possible jail time.

For further information or to report suspected unlicensed contractor activities, please visit the CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov or contact CSLB toll-free at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752). For ongoing information and updates from CSLB, connect with us on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About CSLB: CSLB operates under the umbrella of the Department of Consumer Affairs and licenses and regulates about 285,000 contractors in California.

August marked the start of a new academic year as California’s K-12 students headed back to freshly decorated classrooms.

While some parents may welcome the fact that summer vacation has ended, not all parents can be certain their children are safe in our public and private schools. According to recent reports, many low-income families and their children may be exposed to dangerously unsafe water in public schools. This month, reports of high levels of lead in the historically Black neighborhoods of South-Central Los Angeles came to light by a local environmental group. No amount of classroom décor can mask the reality of poor water quality in children’s homes and schools.

That’s why it’s important for state and local lawmakers to address the underlying infrastructural gaps perpetuating the problem – like old water pipes, dams, and spillways – instead of pursuing ineffective solutions that often impose significant unintended consequences for low-income families, leaving them in the same situation they’ve faced for decades.

We believe that everyone has the right to clean water, clean air, and life in a clean, safe environment, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or income.

Environmental Justice is a key part of the California Black Health Network’s Health Equity Framework, and it is why we work to address the root causes of health inequities, sometimes referred to as Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). Research shows that SDoH contribute to 80% of health outcomes. So, improving access to a community’s basic needs, like clean water, can have a significant impact – not only on just health outcomes, but life expectancy as well.

Water quality and safety are nothing new in the Golden State. A decade after California declared access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water a human right, roughly one million California residents are still forced to rely on poor-quality water served by sub-standard water infrastructure systems. The state’s struggle is underscored by the fact that nearly 400 water systems are at risk of failing new, stringent testing requirements.

A 2020 CALPIRG Education Fund survey found that 53% of reporting school districts tested positive for lead in over 2,100 water fountains at 1,300 schools throughout the state. One school reported lead at 1,100 parts per billion (ppb) in one water fountain while another reported 2,000 ppb in a single classroom’s water fountain. These numbers far exceed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of no more than 1 ppb of lead in water.

The problem goes beyond schools, putting even our youngest, and most vulnerable at risk. The lead present in the drinking water at nearly 1,700 licensed child care facilities across California also exceeds the amount allowable for infants and preschool-age children. A sample from one facility tested last year was found to contain a lead level of 290 ppb — 58 times the state limit.

Exposure to lead is dangerous and can impact kids’ ability to learn and grow. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), low levels of lead exposure in children “have been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells.” This is an unacceptable risk for our children while they’re at school and at home, but it’s an everyday reality for millions of low-income Californians across the state.

To effectively tackle water quality issues, increased funding for water infrastructure projects and less restrictive regulations on bottled water are essential. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal for a $130 million annual fund until 2030 underscores the state’s minimal commitment to improving water systems. However, this investment must be coupled with supportive regulatory frameworks that facilitate, rather than obstruct, access to alternative water sources like bottled water.

This balanced approach must also consider currently available tools for families to mitigate their risk. Ordinances prohibiting the sale of bottled water products, as proposed by multiple municipalities across California and implemented by others in the state, only reduce available supplies of safe drinking water for families at home or children at school. For low-income communities with compromised water quality, bottled water can provide a short-term alternative that is a necessity, not a luxury.

It should not go unnoticed that August also marked Water Quality Month, which highlights the importance of clean water to our “individual health, our collective agricultural needs, and the needs of our environment.”  The irony of children returning to schools with water contaminated by lead during a month recognizing the importance of clean water should not be lost on all any California lawmaker — nor should the irony of banning the very product that offers them a safe drinking option.

In communities and schools across the state, parents and teachers are raising and educating the next generation of Californians. They deserve no less than access to basic needs such as a clean drinking water supply — and it’s up to policymakers to ensure that this happens.

About the Author

Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of the California Black Health Network (CBHN).

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Hell is real, and the miseries of Hell are unending [Jude 13; Rev. 20:10]. Hell, a place of outer darkness, and eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth. A place of eternal damnation. A place where God’s wrath is poured out. A place of everlasting destruction. A place where people scream for mercy, have memories, are tormented and cannot escape. [Matthew 8:12; Mark 9:48; Luke 16:23-31; Mark 3: 29; 2 Thessalonians 1: 9; Revelation 9:2; Revelation 14:10]. And this is not some weird prophet seeing a vision of the afterlife; this is Jesus Himself speaking plainly about what Hell is like. That why Jesus says, if your hand causes you to sin, cut if off. For it is better for you to enter life crippled, than with two hands and go to Hell, to the unquenchable fire. [Mark 9:43]. And make no mistake about it, those who choose not to accept God’s gift of salvation will go to Hell. [John 15:6]. Biblical Truth!

I tell you, our lives are finite, and we do not know how much time we have. Delaying the decision to accept Christ is just down right foolishness. [Matthew 25:41]. For the Bible clearly and explicitly teaches that Hell is a real place to which the wicked/unbelievers are sent after death.  Accepting Christ not only secures our eternal future but also brings blessings and a renewed relationship with Him in this life.

As [Dr. Benjamin E. Mays] said so eloquently, “I have only just a minute, only sixty seconds in it. Forced upon me, can’t refuse it. Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it, but it’s up to me to use it. I MUST SUFFER if I lose it. Give account if I abuse it. Just a tiny little minute, but eternity is in it.” Heaven or Hell.

O sinner man! Consider the fearful danger you are in. It is a great furnace of wrath, a wide and bottomless pit, full of the fire of wrath that you are held over in the hand of God, whose wrath is provoked and incensed as much against you, as against many of the damned in Hell. You hang by a slender thread, with the flames of divine wrath flashing about it, and ready every moment to singe it, and burn it apart; and you have no interest in any Mediator, and nothing to lay hold of to save yourself, nothing to keep off the flames of wrath, nothing of your own, nothing that you ever have done, nothing that you can do, to induce God to spare you one moment more [Jonathan Edwards – Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God].

Consider that the Son of Man will send his angels, and they will separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth [Matthew 13:41–42, 49–50].

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life [Matthew 25:41, 46].

Sinner man [unbelieving man], where would you go if you were to die this very moment?  Are you sure you would go to heaven?

I tell you, “As the world turns from day to day, as we live, we have to make decisions and when we make those decisions, things don’t always turn out the way we’d like them to or want them to no matter what we feel or what seems real, things change. We don’t have a crystal ball to look into to know what our future is going to be. Gone are the days that seem so many years away. Whatever we had, we had [Songwriters: Barry White, Michael Lovesmith].

Oh, sinner man, unbelieving man, don’t wait until it’s too late! The Time is Near! The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Repent before it is too late and get under the umbrella of the Almighty God, NOW! For Jesus will send his angels, and they will separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth [Matthew 25:41, 46].

Remember, the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  Don’t delay, the Time is Near! Biblical Truth!