Happily Divorced And After

By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

On Jan. 16, a day after America celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, California Attorney General Rob Bonta hosted a conversation with a diverse group of state leaders to commemorate the National Day of Racial Healing.

“The National Day of Racial Healing is typically observed each year in January, and it is intended to be a time to reflect on our shared values – what brings us together and what unites us,” said Bonta.

“It is also an opportunity to discuss the real lasting and present harms of racism in our society,” continued Bonta. “But more importantly, it is about healing. That takes acknowledgement of the pain and harm. It takes accountability, and it takes justice-oriented solutions.”

The panel’s participants were Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell; California reparations task force members Don Tamaki and Cheryl Grills; Orange County Human Relations Commission Chair Jo-Anne Matsuba; and Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center Executive Director Jennifer Wang.

Mitchell thanked Bonta for not shying away from difficult conversations on anti-racism initiatives, especially as “we acknowledge the role government has played and will continue to play – unless we stand in the gap – in promoting racially biased policies,” she said.

Mitchell, who served in the State Legislature as an Assemblymember and Senator from 2010 to 2020, is also the founder of the created the Second District Racial Justice Learning Exchange.

Grills and Tamaki shared their experiences serving on the on the California Task Force to Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans.

“The number of those taking up the cause of reparations is growing, and I believe our efforts in California has contributed to that. While this has been a painful and necessary journey, I appreciate the allies who have stepped up from various racial and ethnic groups, standing up in solidarity, rolling up their sleeves to educate their communities,” said Grills.

Bonta thanked the Department of Justice and its Racial Justice Bureau for the work it does to confront hate that affects all Californians.

“Whether it is tackling the ongoing effects of systemic discrimination and the legacy of slavery or confronting our state and nation’s history of prosecution of Native Americans — the destruction of their homes or confronting the recent rises of pandemic-fueled hate and bias, we all have work to do,” said Bonta. “There’s no single solution, but what I do know is we can solve these challenges together.”

LOS ANGELES, CA– Cynthia Mitchell Heard, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League, (LAUL) and the LAUL Board of Directors, is pleased to announce the appointment of David P. Anderson, MSSE as its new Chief Operating Officer effective immediately.

In this key leadership position, Mr. Anderson will play a pivotal role in LAUL’s strategic direction and operational management. With a background in youth workforce development and public-private partnerships, he brings a wealth of experience that will contribute to LAUL’s continued growth and success.

Commenting on the appointment, Cynthia Mitchell Heard said, “We are delighted that David P. Anderson has joined the Los Angeles Urban League team. His commitment to systemic change is inspiring. He will play an important role in ushering in a new era for the Los Angeles Urban League as we build for tomorrow.” Prior to her appointment to the President and CEO position, Miss Heard was the Chief Operating Officer.

“I am honored to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Los Angeles Urban League and continue their rich legacy of advocacy and advancement for all people in underserved communities so they may achieve success and fulfillment in their professional and personal lives,” said  David P. Anderson, Chief Operating Officer of LAUL. “Growing up in Los Angeles, I’ve had the honor and privilege to engage with thought leaders of our community from different races, cultures, and religions: this is the diverse identity of Los Angeles. These dynamic and inspiring change makers are with me now and motivate me daily in all that I do.”

David P. Anderson has a proven history of over 20 years in education and philanthropy. He developed a keen understanding of the fundraising and non-profit industries while supporting the advancement of over 100,000 students through afterschool programs in 293 schools across six (6) school districts. Anderson’s prior experience includes serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of LA’s BEST where he oversaw afterschool experiential learning to 197 Los Angeles Unified School District schools.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, David attended Santa Monica College and later transferred to the University of Southern California (USC), where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. He went on to achieve a Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship degree from the USC Marshall School of Business, where he was awarded Social Entrepreneur of the Year.

“David impressed us with his depth, professionalism and commitment to spreading opportunities to Black and other underserved communities in Los Angeles,” said Elliot Hinds, Chairman of the Los Angeles Urban League. “I think he will be a great fit to propel the LA Urban League forward and to work with our new CEO Cynthia Heard to guide our strategic planning process and its implementation.”

Mr. Anderson’s passion and purpose to create change by raising the trajectory of the community align with the Los Angeles Urban League, a premier civil rights organization, move into its second century of service to the underserved community in Los Angeles.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

As of Jan. 1, California became the first state in the nation to disaggregate data for its Black population by ethnic lineage. Thanks to a bill authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena).

Holden is a member of the California Legilslative Black Caucus.

A California Department of Human Resource (CalHR) questionnaire requests newly or rehired employees to voluntarily self-identify their race, ethnicity and gender for the state to track and evaluate equal employment opportunities and non-discriminatory employment practices more accurately.

“For the first time, the descendants of our ancestors, people in my family and the families of over 2 million Californians, the overwhelming majority of Black California, will see our community represented and counted among the very important data our state collects, starting among current and future state employees,” said Chris Lodgson, a member of Coalition for Just and Equitable (CJEC). 

CJEC is a statewide organization comprised of various associations, community groups, and individuals united by a commitment to fight for reparations and reparative justice for descendants of enslaved Black American men and women.

Applicants now have the option to check boxes under Black or African American that declare them a descendent of persons who were enslaved in the United States, or not a descendant of persons who were enslaved in the United States, including African Black and Caribbean Black. They can also identify by marking “descendant status is unknown” or they can choose not to identify.

Holden introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1604, the Upward Mobility Act in January 2022. The legislation requires the state to breakdown the data of state employees by ethnic origin.

Furthermore, AB 1604, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September 2022, provides state workers with greater opportunity to move upward within state service through improvements and best practices in processes for hiring, recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.

The new disaggregation mandate is designed to help spot irregularities such as disparities in income, health care outcomes, career development and state agencies’ leadership.

Holden had previously pushed legislation to promote mobility for people of color in California’s civil services system and require diversity on state boards and commissions. Newsom vetoed AB 105 in October 2021, the legislative forerunner to AB 1604, which Holden also introduced.

Newsom said in an October 2021 letter that AB 105 had “unintended consequences” and “elements of the bill conflict with existing constitutional requirements, labor agreements, and current data collection efforts.”

When Holden was appointed chair of the Assembly Committee on Appropriations in January 2022 by then-Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), he reintroduced the legislation as AB 1604.

AB 1604 resembles legislation that requires data from other racial groups. In September 2016, former Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 1726 into law, requiring the state Department of Public Health to disaggregate data it collects by ethnicity or ancestry for Native Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Islander.

The question of identity became front-and-center in state government decision-making when the California Reparations Task Force elected a lineage-based framework to determine eligibility for reparations. The nine-member panel decided that compensation should be limited to descendants of enslaved or free Black people whose ancestors were in the United States by the end of the 19th century.

That narrow 5-4 task force decision overrode a model for determining eligibility that is race-based.

Lodgson said that he believes the lineage-based arrangement will help Black Americans self-identify with their heritage in this country on the heels of Black History Month.

In August 2023, Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) introduced Senate Bill (SB) 490 that would amend Title 2 of the state government code to establish a new state agency called the California American Freedman Affairs Agency (CAAFAA).

That agency would be responsible for managing the reparations process for Black Californians and determining eligibility under the lineage-based structure set up by the state’s reparations task force.

“The first in the nation California Reparations Task Force re-affirmed the intent of the law that created it when it said descendants of persons enslaved in the U.S. would be the community eligible for Reparations,” Lodgson said. “The next step would be to collect information on which Californians are within this community and set up a way for the state to help people show that they’re eligible.”

According to a May 14, 2021, Pew Research Center report, Black and Hispanic adults were more likely than White adults to say their origins are central to their identity and that they feel a strong connection to their family’s cultural roots.

On Jan. 18, 2024, PEW released data that the Black population in the U.S. has grown by 32% since 2000, rising from 36.2 million then to 47.9 million in 2022. In addition, the number of people self-identifying as another race in addition to Black has increased nearly 254% since 2000.

In 2022, there were 5.1 million Black immigrants in the U.S., up from 2.4 million in 2000, according to PEW’s analysis of Census Bureau data. Immigrants accounted for 11% of the Black population in 2022, up from 7% in 2000.

Race-based reparations would have stretched the eligibility pool for reparations to include anyone in California who identifies as Black as opposed to Californians with a direct connection to a person who was enslaved in the United States.

According to the California Department of Finance’s July 2023 report, just over 39 million people reside in California. The Black/African American populations consist of 2,223,654 people (5.64%) in California. With a growing Black immigrant population across the country, Lodgson said that the disaggregated data being collected in California can serve as a model for the rest of the country.

“This historic change is the result of the hard work of Black Americans, all volunteers, who come from outside of politics and yet were able to make something big happen,” Lodgson said. “This is a testament to what each of us can do. Just as important as anything else, as one of my colleagues recently shared, you can’t fix a problem if you don’t see a problem.”

By Congresswoman Barbara Lee | Special to California Black Media Partners

In the words of W. E. B. Du Bois, a trailblazer in the founding of the NAACP, “The power of the ballot we need in sheer self-defense — else what shall save us from a second slavery? Freedom, too, the long-sought, we still seek — the freedom of life and limb, the freedom to work and think, the freedom to love and aspire.”

These profound sentiments have been a guiding force throughout my journey, one that has taken me from an elected official in the California State Legislature to a member of Congress proudly representing the 12th Congressional District, to my current candidacy for the U.S. Senate. The NAACP’s commitment to justice and equality has been a constant influence, shaping my perspective on democracy and inspiring me to champion these principles at every stage of my career.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, the roots of my connection to the NAACP run deep. My late mother, Mildred Parish Massey, was a trailblazer herself, named as one of the first 12 students in the NAACP lawsuit to integrate Texas Western College, now known as the University of Texas at El Paso. My grandfather W.C. Parish was the first African American letter carrier in El Paso. He spoke fluent Spanish in order to better serve his community and was an active member of the NAACP.

Even as my family moved to the seemingly progressive San Fernando Valley in Southern California, the specter of racism persisted. High school, supposed to be a time of joy and growth, became a battleground for fairness. Seeking to become a cheerleader, I encountered an unfair selection process that excluded Black and Brown girls. Here, the NAACP once again intervened, successfully advocating for a policy change, shifting from a selection process to an election. Winning that election at the age of 15 marked my first tangible encounter with the transformative power of democracy. It was a victory not just for Black girls but for all, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity.

Just as my former intern and a former student in the Oakland branch of the NAACP’s ACT-SO program, Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones, continues to lift up the legacy of the NAACP, so do many young people. They stand up, make their voices heard, register to vote, run for office, and work to secure our planet for the next generation. The NAACP’s legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation to carry the torch of justice, equality, and democratic values forward.

The documentary, “Barbara Lee Speaks for Me,” created by filmmaker Abby Ginzberg, became an unexpected testament to my journey. Initially hesitant to participate due to my ceaseless commitment to serving constituents, Californians, and our planet, the documentary went on to win multiple awards, including the NAACP’s Best Documentary Film in 2022.

Our democracy is fragile. The January 6th attempted coup of our government threatened the peaceful transfer of power. We withstood this test and prevailed, but let me tell you how I personally experienced that day where five people died and many more were injured, including 138 Capitol Police Officers. Our brave officers fought the protestors to save lives. This included Black officers who were called the “N” word, spat upon, and treated in a manner that was bigoted, racist, and disgusting. Yet they stood up and fought to save our democracy.

I was sitting in the House Chambers, when we barely escaped. We went to the undisclosed location, in the midst of COVID, where many Republicans refused to wear a mask and several contracted this illness. Some Republicans, who would later vote against certifying the election of President Joe Biden, had the nerve to pray out loud. In the early morning, we returned to the Capitol when told it was safe. I was determined to stay until the end to witness the peaceful transfer of power. Tensions were high. Two members, a Republican and a Democratic Congressional Black Caucus member, almost threw hands and had to be restrained. The good news is–though the peaceful transfer of power was almost thwarted–our democracy survived. The House voted to certify Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris, the first African American, the first Indian American, first woman—and yes—the first from Oakland, as our Vice President.

The trauma of that day was very real. That following weekend, I decided to stay in Washington, DC. I collect writing pens as a hobby and have a wonderful collection of about 400. To try and process my trauma, I wrote my name 400 times using my pens while listening to songs of empowerment. I found comfort in the music of Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughn, and Beyonce?. I was inspired and uplifted. Our community is accustomed to finding comfort in moments of extreme trauma. I knew I had to do more.

When the NAACP approached me to be a plaintiff in their lawsuit holding Donald Trump, the Oath Keepers, the Proud Boys, and Rudy Giuliani accountable for the attempted overthrow of our democracy, I enthusiastically said “YES!” Mind you, this was before the January 6th Committee had been formed. My colleague Congressman Bennie Thompson was initially the lead plaintiff, but once he became Chair of the January 6th committee, I was asked to take over.

In a pivotal moment, a federal appeals court decision now allows civil lawsuits against Donald Trump related to the Capitol riot — a significant step in upholding our freedoms. This decision represents a victory for accountability and a testament to the robustness of our democratic institutions. Simultaneously, the American Women Quarters Program, a result of my legislation, will feature Ida B. Wells on quarters in 2025—a fitting tribute to one of the founders of the NAACP and a pioneering journalist and anti-lynching activist.

As we navigate these challenges, the NAACP continues to be my North Star and, as a woman of faith, I say God always steps in right on time in my life, ordering my steps in his ways. I am grateful for the NAACP and grateful for the impact it’s had on all our lives.

About the Author

Congresswoman Barbara Lee has been representing California’s 12th District (formerly 13th) since 1998. She is the highest ranking African American woman appointed to Democratic Leadership, serving as Co-Chair of the Policy and Steering Committee. She also serves on the Budget Committee and the powerful Appropriations Committee, which oversees all federal government spending.

By Lou K. Coleman

And you are going about business as usual. Wake up and pay attention! For we are not on the ‘Brink’ of WWIII. We’re in It. Russia, China, and Iran are openly at war with the United States. And although this is not an all-out war but a decentralized one, do not be fool, soon, and very soon things are going to be full blown and the impact of the upheaval; devastation, destruction, and death that will be brought about on America cannot be overstated. So be alert! Be watchful! Be on your guard, as Jesus commanded. Because I tell you a full-blown disaster is lurking around the corner!

“Weapons of mass destruction. U.S. and Chinese warships battling at sea, firing everything from cannons to cruise missiles to lasers. Stealthy Russian and American fighter jets dogfight in the air, with robotic drones flying as their wingmen. Hackers in Shanghai and Silicon Valley duel in digital playgrounds. And fights in outer space decide who wins below on Earth. Are these scenes from a novel or what could actually take place in the real world the day after tomorrow? The answer is both.” [Peter Warren Singer]. So be alert! Be watchful! Be on your guard, as Jesus commanded. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [Luke 21:26].

End time prophetic wars in their likely chronological sequence.

The War of Extermination [Psalm 83] – Read it. The First War of Gog & Magog [Ezekiel 38 and 39] – Read it. The Conventional War of the Tribulation [Revelation 6] – Read it. The Nuclear War of the Tribulation [Revelation 8 & 9] – Read it. Wars ??[Revelation ?13, Revelation ?12, ?and Revelation 16– ?[First ?War, ?Second ?War, ?Third ?War] – Read it!

God’s Warning! The Time is Near!

God did not just let them go into sin. He sent messenger after messenger, prophet after prophet, judge after judge, king after king—and they never listened. Maybe for a short time, they would put on a face of righteousness, but that was all it was. Because He loved them, God sent these men and women, but the people never listened. Even though God had compassion on them and wanted to save them from this, they were not willing. [2 Chronicles 36:15].

By Antonio Ray Harvey. | California Black Media

Since Gov. Gavin Newsom presented his 2024-25 budget to the State Legislature on Jan. 10, lawmakers — including members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) — have been sharing their initial reactions to potential cuts.

Those stakeholders have also been examining the Governor’s  $291 billion spending plan to get a clearer sense of how funding adjustments may impact families as the state faces a deficit estimated at tens of billions of dollars.

At the top of the list of concerns for some lawmakers are cuts the governor is proposing to balance the budget, as required by California’s constitution.

A day after Newsom announced his budget, Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), reacted with a post on his Facebook page.

“Yesterday’s budget proposal for human services programs causes me to be alarmed for our most vulnerable populations particularly in our CalWorks, Development Disability, and Foster Care programs,” wrote Jackson, who is a member of the CLBC.

“I will be using the next few months to review its impact from a social work lens. My priority is to ensure that this budget promotes stability and keeps people out of a state of crisis and on a path to thrive as the Governor has done for both the CalFresh and Childcare programs,” promised Jackson.

Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), also a member CLBC hosted a 60-minute Budget Townhall Webinar on Jan. 17 to discuss the budget and the forecasted deficit.

The webinar was presented to give the public an idea of budget cuts, budget proposals, and potential tax increases.

“This is really the beginning of conversations in the legislature and our conversation with the governor,” Weber said. “Once the May revision comes out after taxes have been done, we’ll have a better sense of where we are and what the budget will be.”

Webinar participants submitted a variety of questions concerning the budget such as how education funding will be impacted, strategies to address the budget shortfall, and will the deficit lead to tax increases and undermine progress made in housing the homeless and other social services programs.

During the webinar, Christian Griffith, Chief Consultant of the Assembly Budget Committee – responsible for directing the Assembly’s state budget process – said Newsom’s proposal involves spending reduction, spending delays, usage of reserves borrowing, and usage of the “special fund.”

“Reduction usually gets the most attention,” Griffith said.

The LAO – a nonpartisan government agency that provides fiscal and policy advice to the California Legislature – said the state budget estimates based on tax revenue are imprecise due to the IRS delaying tax filings in California until Nov. 16, 2023, because of natural disasters the state faced last year.

Griffith said the “budget problem” could create a financial burden on the state for a few more years. It was assumed that the state had a surplus of “$100 million two years in a row” but actually had $60 billion,” Griffith said.

“The main thing, a really big problem here, is not only do we have this problem right now, but we also project for the next three or four years that every year we are going to be spending $30 billion more than we take in revenue. We have a structural problem,” he said. “The easy thing is trying to find one-time money to plug a hole. The hard thing is when you have that structural thing where you’re always paying on that credit card every year.”

Funding for state initiatives that are likely to be cut or delayed include some climate change programs, housing programs, school facilities, higher education student housing loans, UCLA Immunology Institute, Middle-Class Scholarship financial aid programs, and more.

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), who is a member of the CLBC, said, despite looming cuts she remains confident because the state has a cushion of nearly $18 billion in cash in its various reserves often called “rainy-day funds.”

“Thank God for California’s rainy-day fund! Kudos to former Governor Brown and current Governor Newsom for their foresight,” McKinnor posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “They’ve been tucking away funds, and in 2024-2025, it’s going to pour! Ready to weather any budget shortfalls with our well-fed piggy bank!”

Last week, the California Budget and Policy Center (CBPC) analysis of Newsom’s budget was positive, stating that the budget “protected or maintained” programs that provide economic security, particularly for lower-income families.

“California has the wealth and state leaders have the tools and resources to further protect essential services and build upon earlier progress,” the CBPC report stated.

One of the questions posed during the webinar hosted by Weber involved Proposition 98, the minimum funding level for Schools, which guarantees funding for kindergarten through the 12 grades and community colleges. Griffin said they should not be any trimming of the total education allocation, which is expected to be $109 billion, according to the budget.

The day before Newsom presented his proposal, the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Ella Baker Center launched a campaign focused on protecting budget spending for their priority programs called #SmartSolutions.

At a news conference held on the grounds of the Capitol, members from those organizations called on state leaders to focus limited resources on solutions that address root causes of crime and to enhance public safety for all Californians. CLBC Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) and Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) spoke about the danger of underfunding of housing, healthcare, criminal justice reform and other programs that are critical in Black and Brown communities.

“I like to remind you that every dollar we spend criminalizing poverty is a dollar we could’ve better spent ending it,” Bryan said.

RIVERSIDE, CA — The Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts (ADCR) Foundation is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 44th Annual Black History Parade and Expo, honoring the theme “A Legacy of Giving.” This extraordinary event will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, in Downtown Riverside, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the African American community with a day filled with entertainment, food, vendors, and family-friendly fun.

The highlight of the parade and expo is the esteemed Grand Marshal, Sam Knight, a Man of God and an inspirational figure in Riverside and the Inland Empire. Knight’s dedication to education, youth counseling, and community service has made a profound impact in the lives of many, making him a true pillar of the Riverside community. It is with great honor that the ADCR Foundation recognizes his remarkable contributions.

The Black History Parade, set to begin at 10 a.m., will bring a burst of energy and excitement to the streets of Riverside. Witness captivating floats, energetic marching bands, and the vibrant presence of community organizations and passionate individuals. The procession will conclude in front of the iconic Riverside Court House located on 4050 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, with a warm welcome to the Black History Expo.

Starting at 12 noon, the Black History Expo will transform the downtown area into a hub of festivities. This immersive experience will be a delight for all ages, offering a variety of entertainment, mouthwatering food options, and a diverse range of vendors. Families can partake in interactive activities, discover the hidden gems of African American history and culture, and immerse themselves in the spirit of unity and togetherness.

At the Expo stage, be captivated by the incredible talent of the renowned Tommy the Clown, who will be showcasing his electrifying dance moves and contagious energy. Tommy the Clown’s electrifying performance promises to be a highlight of the event, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

The 44th Annual Black History Parade and Expo is open to the public and welcomes individuals from all walks of life to come together in unity to celebrate diversity, heritage, and the remarkable legacy of giving in the Riverside community. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to pay homage to the past while embracing the present and future.

Prior to the parade weekend, there will be a Kickoff celebration on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Central Middle School, 4795 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506.  The Kickoff Reception is a wonderful outlet for community engagement and networking.

For more information about the event, please visit https://adcrfoundation.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced $34,944,702 in new federal resources for the City of San Bernardino from the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Homekey Program that will go towards 140 new interim housing units and additional supportive services.

“I’m proud to announce nearly $35 million in federal funding is coming to the City of San Bernardino to help tackle the housing crisis,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “By providing temporary shelter and additional resources like rehabilitation, education and employment services, this grant funding will help ensure that everyone in our community can have a roof over their heads.”

“San Bernardino is helping the state address homelessness by delivering a unique Homekey project. Their Community Wellness Campus is a creative approach that will serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. The work and partnership behind this effort demonstrates what is possible when people think outside of the box and refuse to accept the status quo,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

“These funds are a powerful investment in our community to provide shelter, support, and a brighter future for those experiencing homelessness in San Bernardino. Since declaring a state of emergency on homelessness last year, we have been committed and focused on addressing this issue. The resources from Congressman Aguilar and Congress, augmented by the Governor and State, along with partners such as Lutheran Social Services, will help give hope to those in need,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran.

“This is a big win for San Bernardino. It allows us to continue making strides to address homelessness in the City and provide essential support to our homeless population,” said San Bernardino City Manager Charles Montoya. “We are grateful to our State and Federal partners for the funding opportunity, and Lutheran Social Services as our project partner.”

“I am thrilled that we have been selected and awarded funding through Project HomeKey. Being awarded this funding represents a significant milestone that underscores our commitment to providing shelter and vital services to the unsheltered individuals in San Bernardino,” said Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith, President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California.

According to a Point-in-Time Count and Survey conducted last year, homelessness in San Bernardino County increased by over 25 percent in 2023, and 71 percent of the homeless population were unsheltered.

The additional units will offer interim shelter at an existing campus, and supportive services including case management, peer support activities, rehabilitation services, behavioral and physical health services, assistance obtaining essential documentation, and education and employment services.

This grant was funded by the American Rescue Plan, which Rep. Aguilar helped pass. To make housing more affordable in the Inland Empire, Rep. Aguilar also recently announced additional housing vouchers for local veterans.

Photos and videos from the event are available here.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Redlands High School Team Blue claimed the esteemed San Bernardino County Mock Trial championship title. The triumphant team is set to advance to the state competition scheduled for March 22-24, 2024.

“Redlands High School Team Blue’s triumph is a testament to the extraordinary dedication and teamwork displayed by these exceptional students,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Witnessing their persuasive arguments and critical thinking skills in action was truly inspiring. Congratulations to the champions, and best wishes to them as they advance to the state competition.”

Redlands High School Team White, also from the Redlands Unified School District, secured an impressive second place in this year’s county competition, with a possibility of competing at the state level as a wildcard entry.

Members of the Mock Trial 2023-24 Redlands High School Team Blue:

• Tala Al Ardah
• Markus Nieal Calip
• Kimberly Castro
• Josephine Faulkner
• Alexandra Martinez
• Nahiara Modrow
• Addison Moralez
• Abhisri Narayanan
• Clarice Pham
• Lauren Reiter
• Ryan Shagiakhmetov
• Carol Tadros
• Julia Tolstova
• Mikail Trimzi
• Grace Wang

Members of the Mock Trial 2023-24 Redlands High School Team White:

• Fatimah Ahmed
• Sam Buscaglia
• Nolan Cobb
• Ansh Dwivedi
• Brileigh Guillen
• William Howo
• Aabir Khan
• Aakriti Maske
• Evan Miller
• Mani Momeni
• Sarah Moore
• Elijah Riggins
• Emily Thompson

This year’s county competition witnessed the participation of over 475 students from 24 teams representing 21 high schools. Students were tasked with studying a hypothetical criminal case developed by Teach Democracy, conducting legal research, and preparing strategies and persuasive arguments for trial. Roles included attorneys, witnesses, defendants, bailiffs, and clerks, guided by local legal professionals who volunteered their time.

The event, co-sponsored by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office, saw students presenting their cases before a real judge, utilizing constitutional amendments and legal objections.

Redlands High School Team Blue is now gearing up for the California Mock Trial Finals where they will compete against teams from 35 different counties. Since the 1982-1983 school year, a Redlands High School Mock Trial team has won the county competition a total of 16 times. The last time a Redlands High School team secured a county competition victory was in the 2019 – 2020 school year. Notably, the team emerged victorious in the state competition during the 2014 – 2015 and 1996 – 1997 school years.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. #transforminglives