By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week, Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson (D-Riverside) introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 742, legislation that would prohibit the use of police canines for arrests, apprehensions, and crowd control.

The use of police canines, supporters of the legislation say, is a throwback to the darkest days of legal slavery, Jim Crow segregation – and a reminder of America’s history of racial bias, aggression and violence against Blacks and people of color. Jackson says he wants to end the “deeply racialized, traumatic and harmful practice.”

“Since their inception, police canines have been used to inflict brutal violence and lifelong trauma on Black Americans and communities of color,” said Jackson at a press conference held to announce the bill. “It’s time to end this cruel and inhumane practice and instead work towards building trust between the police and the communities they serve.”

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) California Action, a co-sponsor of AB 742, echoed Jackson’s concerns. “The use of police canines has severe and potentially deadly consequences for bite victims, especially communities of color,” said Carlos Marquez III, Executive Director of ACLU California Action. “It’s time for California to take a stand and end this inhumane practice.”

Jackson says his stance on the use of canines in law enforcement is backed up by data. For him, it’s a “moral issue” as well.

“I let the data take me to where I need to go. And the data is clear that in some of the most consequential issues of our time right now – especially when it comes to the relationship between law enforcement and the African American community,” Jackson told California Black Media (CBM). “This was a no brainer for me. This is not a gotcha bill. Our own data in California shows that we have it wrong, and we have to fix it.”

“The fact that canines are harming people more than batons and tasers is astonishing to me. I would never have guessed that” added Jackson who says he has already read three reports on the topic.

The California/Hawaii (CA/HI) Conference of the NAACP, another co-sponsor, acknowledges the bill’s historical importance. “Police canines have historical roots in slavery and have continued to be used as tools of oppression for Black, Brown, and other communities of color,” said Rick L. Callender, President of the CA/HI NAACP. “With this bill, we can begin to shift and sever ties with the terrorizing past.”

AB 742 does not call for banning the use of police canines for search and rescue, explosives detection, and narcotics detection – all activities that do not involve biting.

“The use of a canine is sending a dog out that will inflict injury on a person before that person has been accused of a crime or formally convicted of one,” said Kat Carell, a member of the Sacramento Chapter of the ACLU. “So, you end up with lifelong disfigurement, or mental problems, or you could be killed before you have ever been in a court of law and proven guilty of anything.”

Reaction to the introduction of the bill by police dog handlers and some law enforcement organizations — including the Western States Canine Association — was swift, charactering the bill as misguided and going too far.

Ron Cloward, President for the Western States Police Canine Association and a veteran of the Modesto Police Department, said Jackson’s bill does not “make sense.” He argued that if AB 742 passes, it would take away one more non-lethal weapon law enforcement relies on to fight crime.
Cloward, who owns a canine training business, told ABC news affiliate in Bakersfield that while dog bites can be harmful and “disfiguring,” they do not cause death.
“Once you’ve deployed pepper spray, it’s been deployed. It’s gonna land. Once you use your gun, it’s gone,” he said. “Once you use a taser, it’s on its way. You’re not stopping it. The only thing you can stop is a K-9.”
Jackson was elected in November of 2022 to represent the 60th Assembly District. Before that, he served on the Riverside County Board of Education in 2020 and represented portions of the cities of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris, and the unincorporated community of Mead Valley.
Supporters say Jackson’s background in social work gives him a keen awareness and understanding of the microaggressions Black and Brown communities face.
AB 742 is one of many pieces of legislation Jackson has introduced (or plans to) that holds individuals and institutions accountable, creating room for even larger victories towards dismantling systematic racism. He calls the effort the ‘Antiracism Bill Package.’
Another bill in the package is AB 11. That bill would authorize the creation of a commission to identify sustainable solutions to reduce the cost of living in California. The commission would consist of 11 members, including nine members appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the President pro Tempore of the Senate. Also, one member each from the Assembly and the Senate would serve as ex officio non-voting members. The bill would require the commission to complete reports describing the commission’s findings and recommendations.

By Lou K Coleman-Yeboah

As the celebration of “Black History Month” narrows to an end, let us remember as a chosen people of God, the things of God. Let us remember what He has done, how He has rescued us, how He has provided for us, and the way He has saved us. For the stones shall be a memorial forever. [Exodus 13:3–6; 24:4; Deuteronomy 27:1–8; Joshua 22:9–12; 24:24–28; 1 Samuel 7:12]. So let us keep telling the stories so that we will never lose our own sense of awe and wonder of what God has done for us. Because “Black Lives” have always mattered to God. For it is not by power nor by might but by the spirit of God—the wisdom, authority, power, and presence of the Lord—that freedom, equality, and justice will come.

So, remember, no matter how dark our dark places have been, or how fierce the battle is today, know that all things work together for the good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. [Romans 8:28]. “I brought you out,” is His reminder to us. He doesn’t want us to forget where we came from. He wants us to be able to look back and testify to His faithfulness, His goodness, and His loving kindness toward us. So as the celebration of “Black History Month” narrows to an end, let us praise Him for being a God of restoration, transformation, recovery, and hope! Because we are, as a chosen people of God, a living testimony to the true statement that “God is able.” [Ephesians 3:20]. For when we look at our life from where we came from to where we are today, we should be proclaiming aloud “look where God has brought us from.” For it is His grace and mercy that has carried us through.

So, when your sons and daughters ask you in the future, ‘What is the meaning of the decrees, statutes, and ordinances, which the Lord our God has commanded you?’ Tell them, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand. Before our eyes the Lord inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh and all his household, but He brought us from there in order to lead us in and give us the land that He swore to our fathers. Stones of Remembrance!

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be Glory throughout all generations, Forever and ever! Amen.” [Ephesians 3:20-21].

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The 2023 Wolverine Con and San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) International Student Film Festival is a five-day filmmaker premiere, workshop and networking extravaganza that brings together creators from across the globe.

This year’s Wolverine Con integrates music into the programming. Some of the top Inland Empire bands will perform live at the kick-off on February 28 in the SBVC Greek Theater at 7 p.m. The first 100 guests will get free tacos from the SBVC Culinary Department Food Truck.

“We’re excited to bring a music element into this year’s Wolverine Con because music is so important to film. What better way to do that than celebrating with local bands?” said SBVC Film, Television and Media (FTVM) student Briana Navarro. “Music truly allows the audience to feel every aspect of film – the performance, the quality and the score are elements that help tell a story.”

February 28: Professional film industry panelists in the Library Viewing Room from 1-6 p.m.
March 1: Expo and Zine Fest from 10 a.m. to noon outside the SBVC Art Gallery.
March 2: Opening Night Red Carpet and Film Premiere on March 2 from 5-9 p.m. at the SBVC Art Complex.
March 3-4: The International Student Film Festival in the SBVC Auditorium from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
March 3: Awards Dinner from 7-9 p.m.

This event allows dozens of Inland Empire students to gain the confidence to keep working on their craft and elevate their filmmaking skills, said SBVC FTVM student Zach Gutierrez.

“Last year at Wolverine Con, I won the Grand Jury Award, which encouraged me to keep working on my craft. I really appreciate the support that SBVC’s Film, TV and Media Department gives to young filmmakers like me,” Gutierrez said. “Since then, I have been making short films and building a portfolio.”

At last year’s Wolverine Con Gutierrez took home a Canon Rebel T8i, giving him the tools he needed to start a freelance videography company and earn money from his passion.

“This camera has helped me out on a ton of shoots. I mainly record concerts and will usually rig it on stage to record the drummer playing. It shoots in 4K, and the color science is close to the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, so it makes a great pair,” concluded Gutierrez.

The 2023 Wolverine Con and SBVC International Student Film Festival is open to the public.

Purchase tickets here: filmfreeway.com/SBVC_FilmFest.

BERLIN— Yale Entertainment has landed the rights to hot horror comedy package BREITENBUSH from Regina Hall and director Jim Strouse. Hall (GIRLS TRIP, SCARY MOVIE Franchise, “Black Monday”) will star and produce, with her producing partner Tom Heller, through their Rh Negative Entertainment, alongside Jordan Yale Levine and Jordan Beckerman of Yale Entertainment. Strouse (THE INCREDIBLE JESSICA JAMES, PEOPLE PLACES THINGS) is directing from his original screenplay.

After her husband vanishes on a camping trip in which everyone ingests a powerful hallucinogen and summons an angry prehistoric creature, aspiring district attorney Kate (Hall) and her friends must return to the site of the ill-fated trip to face the forces that lead to his disappearance.

Great Escape, Yale’s sales division led by Nick Donnermeyer, is introducing the project to buyers at this week’s EFM.

“We’re thrilled to be announcing our latest Yale Entertainment project. Jim and Regina are at the top of the list of people who we’ve wanted to collaborators with, and this script is so unique and fun – we’re so excited to get this into production.” Said Jordan Yale Levine and Jordan Beckerman.

Hall had a very busy 2022. She produced and starred in HONK FOR JESUS, SAVE YOUR SOUL, which sold for $8.5M to Focus Features and Jordan Peele’s MonkeyPaw out of Sundance. She was also at last year’s Sundance as star and executive producer of Amazon Studio’s horror pic MASTER, starred alongside Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg in Netflix’s ME TIME, and returned to the highly successful BEST MAN franchise for Peacock’s limited series THE BEST MAN: THE FINAL CHAPTERS. Hall’s previous credits include GIRLS TRIP, THINK LIKE A MAN, and the SCARY MOVIE series, which generated more than $800 Million at the worldwide box office. Hall is repped by APA and The Lede Company.

Strouse is one of very few filmmakers to have each of his first six features premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Those films include Lionsgate’s THE WINNING SEASON starring Sam Rockwell and Emma Roberts, Netflix’s THE INCREDIBLE JESSICA JAMES starring Jessica Williams, LaKeith Stanfield and Chris O’Dowd, and PEOPLE PLACES THINGS, in which he directed Hall opposite Jemaine Clement. Strouse is currently in post-production on Sony/ScreenGems’ LOVE AGAIN starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sam Heughan, featuring new music from Celine Dion who is playing herself, which is set for a wide theatrical release this May. Strouse is repped by APA.

Yale Entertainment is repped by APA and Lon Haber & Co.

FONTANA, CA— The 55th San Bernardino County Black Awareness Month Parade and Expo will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 10 a.m., on Citrus Avenue, North of the 210 freeway. Immediately following the parade will be the Expo on the Home Depot parking lot on Sierra Lakes Parkway in Fontana. This is a photo opportunity for young and old to have a picture taken with First Black Fire Captain in San Bernardino County, Kenneth White.

Kenneth White and his wife Sharon have been married for 15 years and have two daughters, Rhay (14) and Taelyn (12). In 2005, White began his fantastic journey of becoming a firefighter. In 2010, he was hired as a full-time firefighter paramedic for San Bernardino County Fire Department.

In 2015, Mr. White was promoted to Engineer and transferred to the City of San Bernardino during the transition to County. For many years, he has invested his career in servicing his community. Captain White brought dedication and success to the Spark of Love toy drive which is an honor each year to be a part of such an incredible organization. You can also find him drumming for the Local 935 Professional Pipes and Drums.

“My passion is to give great service both internally to my peers and externally to the community we serve,” White stated. “After 18 years of dedication to this department, I am the first Black Fire Captain to promote through the ranks for San Bernardino County Department. I am honored to have this opportunity to help inspire the next generation of firefighters. My new role as captain will be at station in 161 in the city of Upland.”

RIALTO, CA—- Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District, and Rialto small business owner Willetta McDowell will be honored as 2023 Jewel Award winners at the City of Rialto’s 17th Annual State of Women conference March 4 at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB).

The theme for this year’s event is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,”And will feature as its keynote speaker KNBC 4 News Correspondent Darsha Philips. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren will serve as Mistresses of Ceremony. The celebration begins at 9 a.m. at CSUSB’s Santos Manuel Student Union Building.

“We are so proud of this event and the opportunity it presents to honor women leaders and entrepreneurs from across our region. This year’s honorees embody the strength and perseverance that distinguish Rialto and our surrounding communities from any other region,” said Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson.

Rodriguez became Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District in 2021 acfter serving as President of San Bernardino Valley College since 2016. McDowell, owner of Hair Biz Salon, has been a salon owner or stylist for 40 years.

Past winners of the coveted award include former State Assemblymember Amina Carter, Time for Change Foundation founder Kim Carter and Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

The Rialto State of Women conference takes place during National Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is aligned with the National Women’s History Association’s ongoing recognition throughout 2023 of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts and more.

To reserve a spot at the free event, please click here.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter hosted the 35th Annual Oratorical Contest at the Riverside County Office of Education, Riverside, California on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Young scholars demonstrated their public speaking skills in three different categories: Grade School, Middle School, and High School. Over 30 participants took part in the speech competition.

L/R: Dr. Charles Brown (A Phi A, Mu Xi Lambda Vice President), Twillea Evans-Carthen (AKA Eta Nu Omega Chair), James Kennedy, David Eoff V, Xavier Buffong, Wanda Khan, Sophia Barrett, Lauren Stewart, Isaiah Buffong, BrookeMonae Westbrook, Natalie Castro, Ruth Rembert (AKA Eta Nu Omega President), and Dar’rell Jones (A Phi A Chair).

This year’s theme was “Overcoming Stereotypes.” Young scholars shared some stereotypes and prejudices they have faced and what they have done to overcome them. Participants also shared what they can do to change other people’s prejudices, stereotypes, and discriminatory practices.

Audience included parents, family members, friends, and Riverside County Office of Education executives. All scholars were provided with a certificate of recognition from the organizers and from Assembly Member Corey Jackson, 60th District.

Winners in each category received a monetary award.

Elementary

Xavier Buffong – 1st place – $200.00

David Eoff V- 2nd Place- $100.00

James Kennedy – 3rd Place- $75.00

Middle School

Lauren Stewart – 1st Place- $300.00

Sophia Barrett – 2nd Place- $200.00

Warda Khan – 3rd Place- $100.00

High School

Natalia Castro – 1st Place- $500.00

BrookeMonae Westbrook – $300.00

Isaiah Buffong- 3rd Place- $150.00

Congratulations to these young scholars. The community looks forward to their participation next year as we celebrate the 36^th year of the Oratorical Contest offered to students in the Inland Empire. Students who will be attending college in the fall of 2023, we wish them much success in their educational and career goals.

Oratorical Contest Committee Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Nu Omega Chapter

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Committee on School District Organization is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy for appointment for an unexpired term in the Second Supervisorial District.

Applicants, who must be registered voters in their respective supervisorial district, should apply to the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools to be considered for appointment. County Committee members cannot be employed by a school district in any county, community college district or county superintendent office. School board members are eligible to apply.

The deadline to apply is by 4:00 p.m. on March 10, 2023.

The 11-member committee deals with school district organization issues, including number of trustees, trustee and school district boundary areas, and unification.

The Second Supervisorial District includes the following cities Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Alta Loma, Etiwanda, Mt. Baldy, and northern Upland. Interested applicants can view the current district maps for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and look up their address to determine if they reside in the Second Supervisorial District athttps://sbcounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=97eabb32b34c485188edd2009a7d980f

The County Committee or County Superintendent will make the appointment, not the

County Board of Supervisors.

The interest forms for applying for the committee positions can be downloaded from the County Committee website:https://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/index.php/en/business-services/business-advisory-services/county-committee

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

By Tonja Myles

Use Black History Month to educate Black people about the challenges facing their community, where fentanyl overdoses and suicides have increased faster than any other time in U.S. history, says a former White House representative and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline spokeswoman.

“The history of African Americans and mental health is complicated,” says Tonja Myles, executive director of Set Free Indeed. “Many have faced systemic oppression, prejudice and discrimination, which has created a spike in mental health challenges such as higher risks of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder,” she says.

The increase in suicide rates and fentanyl deaths among the community compounds the problem and emphasizes the need for culturally appropriate mental health services and resources, adds Myles, a suicide attempt, substance abuse and sexual abuse survivor who worked with President George W. Bush’s administration on substance abuse.
Historically when communities of color are in crisis, they won’t ask for help due to sigma and fear. Myles is working on a different outcome with new resources such as the 988 hotline. She has also released a video that describes her own battle with these issues plus stories from survivors who have real-life experience with mental health or substance abuse issues and want to give others hope.

“When I was in the throes of thinking about killing myself, I thought that the pain would die with me,” she says. “I needed help to know that it doesn’t — it only transfers to every family member and friend I have. I’m glad I am alive to share my story, and I hope these new resources will be a life saver,” she says.

Link to 988:

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988

About Tonja Myles

988 spokeswoman Tonja Myles (www.TonjaMyles.com) is the co-founder and executive director of the faith-based outpatient center Set Free Indeed and the community support program Set Free Indeed Ministry. She was recognized by President George W. Bush for her work during his 2003 State of the Union, and she served for six years as the public face of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and its work on substance abuse treatment. Her Congressional testimonies have been used to assist those suffering from mental health and additional crises. She is a survivor of suicide, substance abuse, childhood and adult sexual abuse and PTSD. She has moved thousands of people to sobriety and a healthy, self-sustainable lifestyle with her work. She has won more than a dozen awards for her service including the Johns Hopkins Substance Abuse Innovators Award 2005 and the Daily Point of Light award 2004. She serves on multiple boards and health advisory councils including the Louisiana Behavioral Health Advisory Council and the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Behavioral Health Crisis System Implementation Plan Council. She is an ordained minister, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, author, community activist and Army National Guard veteran.

Less than 24 hours after winning Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs came to the Disneyland Resort in Southern California to celebrate his team’s Super Bowl triumph. Park guests cheered as he cruised down Main Street, U.S.A., in a victory parade with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates Super Bowl LVII victory with a jubilant cavalcade complete with Mickey Mouse and his pals down Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 13, 2023. Mahomes visited the Disneyland Resort during the Disney100 Celebration less than 24 hours after the Kansas City Chiefs victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. (Sean Teegarden/Disneyland Resort)

Mahomes, his wife Brittany, daughter Sterling Skye and son Patrick “Bronze” Lavon Mahomes III, came to the Happiest Place on Earth for their first family visit. They posed for a photo in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park and took a spin on the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs poses with his wife, Brittney Mahomes, their children, Sterling, 1, and Bronze, 11 weeks old, in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 13, 2023. Mahomes visited the Disneyland Resort during the Disney100 Celebration less than 24 hours after the Kansas City Chiefs victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)

Mahomes joins an all-star lineup of heroes from sports and beyond that have come to Disney Parks to celebrate their personal achievements. The list of superstars includes Peyton and Eli Manning, as well as Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, and Magic Johnson.