By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom held a press conference in San Diego County to announce that the construction of the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative had commenced.

A collaboration between California’s Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Department of Technology, the initiative’s purpose is to construct a 10,000-mile-long broadband network to provide open internet access statewide by the end of 2026.

The Middle-Mile project was authorized by Senate Bill (SB) 156, announced by Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) in July of last year.

“California is now one step closer to making the digital divide a thing of the past,” said Newsom. “This is about ensuring that all Californians, no matter the zip code they call home, can be part of the Golden State’s thriving and diverse economy.”

Once the network has been constructed, the state will provide funding for “last mile” efforts which refers to infrastructure that connects the network to “end-use” entities such as homes and businesses.

The Middle-Mile Initiative boasts a $6.5 billion budget to extend and improve internet access for “unserved and underserved communities” such as Indigenous American reservations, some low-income neighborhoods, and rural areas.

“So, I really want to underscore that our stance on digital equity is that it’s a 21st century civil right,” Sunne Wright McPeak, President and CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), told California Black Media (CBM).

CETF is a non-profit committed to closing the digital divide. It is the only non-state agency serving on the California Broadband Council which identifies and deploys resources for internet access.

“We live in this whole space around the most digitally disadvantaged, which are often the most economically disadvantaged,” said McPeak. “That persistent concentrated poverty is all rooted in systemic racism.”

Communities of color have slightly less broadband access than White communities. While 17% of Black households are without access to internet, 13% of White households lack access, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey (ACS).

“Beginning construction on the Middle-Mile network is a significant step toward broadband equity and providing all Californians the opportunity to access critical information,” Secretary of the California Transportation Agency Toks Omishakin said in a press release.

“High-speed internet is much more than a connection – it’s a lifeline that families need to work, learn, and access critical services,” Omishakin continued.

McPeak asserts that high poverty urban areas are hard to reach and suggests that broadband infrastructure often neglects these neighborhoods.

Another piece of the puzzle is the private sector, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond told CBM.

“And because of the way internet service providers and other companies have tried to capitalize on the internet, that means that the U.S. has communities that have been without access to the internet for a long time, even though there’s so much resourcing available,” Thurmond said.

McPeak echoed the assessment and suggested how state officials can convince private companies to aid in providing open access for Californians by providing incentives to do so.

“One thing the state could do to get much more cooperation is what I call ‘step up or step aside,'” said McPeak. “And that would be powerful if there was that kind of bold leadership that’s on the deployment side.”

Thurmond called these companies to action to bolster state efforts.

“I think that the state is doing everything that it can, and our office is certainly taking the lead as it relates to our students, but we need everyone to help,” Thurmond said. “And that means internet companies have to find ways to help build out pieces of the infrastructure that will reach the homes of Californians.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Supervisor-elect Jesse Armendarez, elected last month to represent San Bernardino County’s Second District on the Board of Supervisors, will take the oath of office during ceremonies on Thursday December 29, in the Board of Supervisors Covington Chambers in the County Government Center in San Bernardino.

Supervisor-elect Armendarez was born and raised in San Bernardino County. A strong believer in hard work, Supervisor-elect Armendarez earned his first job pressure washing trucks for a local logistics company at 16 years old. He eventually completed an apprenticeship program to become a licensed mechanic. After graduating from the first class at A.B. Miller High School in Fontana he started his own small business. Supervisor-elect Armendarez currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Inland Valley Association of Realtors and is Past President.

After starting his family with his wife Delene, Supervisor-elect Armendarez decided to become more involved within the community. He served on the Board of Directors for the Fontana Rotary and Fontana Exchange Clubs. He is also a member of the Fontana Chamber of Commerce and the Water of Life Church.

Supervisor-elect Armendarez also served as a Director for the Chaffey College Foundation, helping to raise money so disadvantaged youth could afford to earn their degree. The Jesse and Delene Armendarez Endowment at Chaffey College is fully funded and has helped local students attend college. Wanting to get involved in local government, Jesse earned an appointment to the Fontana Planning Commission where he helped shape the development of one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the Inland Empire.

As a Fontana School Board Member, Jesse Armendarez stood with local educational and community leaders to ensure vital school programs remained in place and expanded. As a Fontana City Councilmember, Jesse Armendarez served as Chair of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency Policy Committee where he represented Fontana on policy issues about sewer, wastewater and recycling programs and was also the Vice Chair of the Housing Authority and Industrial Development Authority for the city.

Being a successful small business owner, Supervisor Armendarez earned a reputation of helping attract businesses and jobs to the city and working to strengthen public safety throughout the community.

Supervisor-elect Armendarez has four children and lives in Fontana with his wife Delene.

About San Bernardino County: San Bernardino County is a diverse public service organization serving America’s largest county. We are governed by an elected Board of Supervisors and dedicated to creating a community where nearly 2.2 million residents can prosper and achieve well-being as outlined in the Countywide Vision. It is comprised of 42 departments and agencies, which are staffed by more than 22,000 public service professionals who provide a wide range of vital services in the areas of public safety, health care, social services, economic and community development and revitalization, fiscal services, infrastructure, recreation and culture, and internal support. San Bernardino County’s organizational culture is defined by the four pillars of value, innovation, service, and vision. For more information, visit sbcounty.gov.

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on December 16 marked a milestone for the state’s 100% clean energy goals when it approved Southern California Gas Co.’s (SoCalGas) request to track costs for the first phase of the Angeles Link project.

Angeles Link is a green hydrogen pipeline system that offers an energy alternative to the Los Angeles region.

SoCalGas proposed the project last February.

Neil Navin, vice president of Clean Energy Innovations for SoCalGas, summarized how the project could help with the state’s goals.

“We were really excited to hear that the project is significant in that it aligns with the state,” said Navin.  “We believe that the project could be the nation’s largest green hydrogen pipeline system. Once it’s built, delivering significant benefits to decarbonize the hard-to-electrify sectors of the economy.”

Green hydrogen involves converting hydrogen gas into electricity or fuel to provide renewable energy as an alternative to finite fossil fuels.

“Green hydrogen looks promising as a form of long-duration energy storage that could enhance electric system reliability and as a fuel that can help California reach its net zero-carbon goals for industrial end uses that currently have no practical alternatives to the use of natural gas,” said Jan Smutny Jones of Independent Energy Producers. “Establishing the memorandum account is a critical first step toward determining whether green hydrogen can supplement or replace natural gas and reduce carbon emissions from end users that are hard to electrify.”

The Angeles Link project aims to enable up to four natural gas power plants to run on hydrogen, remove over 3 million cars’ worth of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide from the air, bolster the economy and create union jobs, according to the SoCal Gas website.

“Green hydrogen is an important pathway to reach our goal of zero-emissions cargo operations at the Port,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “The Port and our terminal partners have five active hydrogen demonstration projects and, ultimately, Angeles Link can play a key role in providing green hydrogen at the scale needed to achieve our zero-emissions and decarbonization goals by 2030.”

The plan for the project is structured into three phases.

Phase one would look at early engineering scoping and would establish a public engagement process. It will take about 12 to 18 months, according to Navin.

Phase two will “expand on the engineering and look at narrowing down the possible locations for the infrastructure,” Navin said.

Phase three will involve more detailed engineering planning before applying for a Certificate for Public Convenience and Necessity. This certificate will allow for the construction of the infrastructure.

Describing the state’s assistance on this project, Navin said, “Certainly, the governor’s budget has dollars specifically directed towards hydrogen technology. We also see in the California Energy Commission and the California Air Resources Board a real emphasis on the potential for green and clean hydrogen to have a significant impact. So, we see the state moving toward – and really emphasizing – the need to develop hydrogen infrastructure for the hard-to-electrify sectors of our economy.”

Navin claimed that Angeles Link will have a positive effect on the state’s economy.

“And we really believe that Angeles Link could be an economic boom,” said Navin. “That extends California’s position as a leader in clean energy well into the future, that takes advantage of the thousands of skilled workers that we have in our company, and the more than 32,000 workers that already exist in the gas distribution industry, and it allows them to participate meaningfully in the transition.”

SoCalGas Chief Executive Officer Scott Drury echoed the sentiment that California is a leader in renewable energy.

“California has some of the boldest climate and clean air goals in the nation. The proposed Angeles Link aligns SoCalGas’ scale, 150 years of expertise in service, and our highly skilled workforce with the clean energy and environmental policies that will shape this century,” said Drury. “As the CPUC’s decision highlights, Angeles Link has the potential to support decarbonization for hard-to-electrify sectors of our economy, improve our air quality, bring new economic opportunities as well as sustain and grow skilled jobs to our region.”

For more than a century, families and spectators from all over the world line the streets of Pasadena to view the Rose Parade at the start of each new year. It is a family tradition that fills the air with optimism and hope.

Another tradition is also returning this year. For the first time since 2020, Jehovah’s Witnesses will again be seen along the parade route, standing next to mobile carts displaying positive and hopeful messages for families.

The theme of this year’s Rose Parade is “Turning the Corner.” Parade organizers are hopeful that the nearly 800,000 expected attendees will mark this event as a fresh start for the community.

Many attendees are hoping for a better future. At 35 locations along the 5 ½ mile parade route, more than 250 Jehovah’s Witnesses have been preparing to share a positive message with all in attendance.

“People are looking for happiness and answers and want to make changes. They are hoping that the next year might be better than the last,” said Gene Beltran, local spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses in California.

“We’re finding that a lot of people are just excited to get back to some normalcy,” said Mark Plomaritis of Lake Forest. “People are eager, more eager than ever, to hear something positive,” adds Kathryn Plomaritis.

Along the sidewalks, families bundle up against the early morning cold. Some camp out overnight, make s’mores and secure their best spot to view the breathtaking floats. Despite the heightened excitement, there remains a lingering mindfulness of safety, security and the way times have changed.

“People are now very sensitive to what has happened, said James Villanueva, who assists in organizing this volunteer event for Jehovah’s Witnesses. ”I think our presence at the parade will be instrumental in giving people a real hope that these problems are just temporary,” he added.

In September 2022, Jehovah’s Witnesses resumed their public ministry. Out of concern for the health and safety of the community Witnesses had suspended their activity in March 2020.

“The pandemic gave people the opportunity to reorganize their priorities in life. Many feel it’s important to get in touch with their spirituality,” said Zila Rodriguez of Los Angeles.
Returning volunteer, Crystal Jones from Carson said, “The carts are like a cup of coffee on a cold day. They are so warm and inviting.”

Volunteers stand beside mobile display carts welcoming people from all walks of life and cultures. The featured website jw.org is currently available in 1070 languages, including sign language and some nearly extinct indigenous languages.

The message of hope that Jehovah’s Witnesses extend worldwide is what is needed most as we now “turn the corner” toward a new year.

By Lou K Coleman-Yeboah

Understand that God’s warnings are meant for our good. In our lives, warnings are often given to us by God in order to save us from an impending disaster. These warnings are not meant for our destruction, but they are meant as a way to give us an opportunity before destruction comes. Just like in the dashboard of every vehicle, there are indicators that are illuminated when a specific issue with the vehicle is found. Each indicator that illuminates within the dashboard is specifically designed to get the attention of the driver. Such signals serve as a warning to suggest to the driver that the vehicle and or driver may experience an adverse reaction if the highlighted warning is not addressed. Just like any indicator within a vehicle signifies a potential problem before it happens, God’s warnings serve the same purpose.

I tell you, God’s love for you and I is so great that He warns us before disaster strikes. It is important to understand that God’s purpose for giving each of us a warning is so that we can be spared from negative repercussions. How great is it to know that God would take the time to warn us before we suffer the consequences?

Listen, by faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. Noah was “warned about things not yet seen.” The flood was not yet seen because it was still in the future. But just because it was still in the future did not make it any less real.

I tell you; the stage is being set. All is about to come forth, as it is laid out in Scriptures. The events happening in our world today are setting the stage for the man of sin to be revealed. It won’t be long now before this evil and ruthless man will be ruling this world. And this ruthless man, this Antichrist, this Christ-hater, will unite his diabolical forces in opposing the plans and people of God like no person has ever done before. I tell you; you gonna wish you would have listened and taken heed to God’s warnings!

“Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck, that they might not hear and receive instruction” [Jeremiah 17:23].

For “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.”— [2 Corinthians 4].

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Chet Hewitt is the President and CEO of Sierra Health Foundation and its independent operating unit, the Center for Health Program Management.

Since beginning his tenure in 2007, Hewitt has focused foundation investments on health disparities, health equity, and the healthy development and well-being of vulnerable youth and underserved communities.

California Black Media asked Hewitt to reflect on the past year and share his plans for 2023.

With the work you do advocating for African Americans in California, what was your biggest accomplishment in 2022?

The Center has long been dedicated to connecting our social determinants of health orientation to our social justice and equity goals.

I’m exceptionally proud of our efforts to increase access to high quality and culturally appropriate mental and behavioral health services in African American communities locally and statewide.

Examples include the Community Responsive Wellness Program for Black Communities in Sacramento and the statewide Behavioral Health Recovery Services Project.

What did you find most challenging over the past year?

We’re all still healing from the social isolation and financial instability of the pandemic.

This is especially true of our young people. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among youth ages 15 to 24.

There are incredible challenges to restoring our collective well-being. I’m grateful for programs like our Community Responsive Wellness Program that connects Black youth and families with community and mental health services in Sacramento.

Connection is a key component of mental health.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023?

The Center launched the Community Economic Mobilization Initiative this year that will invest $19 million into equipping our communities to drive economic development.

Equitable access to opportunity leads to greater health and well-being.

I’m looking forward to seeing more public funds in the hands of our communities.

What’s the biggest challenge Black Californians will face next year?

It’s a watershed moment for Black Californians and their communities across our state.

The federal and state governments are investing billions into pandemic recovery and growing the Green economy.

For our community’s long-term health and prosperity, we need to work hard to ensure our children, youth and young adults have equitable access to the education, training and employment opportunities these historic investments in infrastructure and climate resilient industry will generate.

What’s your wish for this holiday season?
During this season and beyond, I wish everyone joy, loving relationships and a sustaining community. We all deserve to be well.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Library invites residents to investigate the Library Mystery Events. Enjoy an amazing experience of fun-filled crafts, face painting, balloon artists, and games.

These events are another opportunity to celebrate and support the Countywide Vision’s literacy campaign, Vision2Read.  Visitors should bring their library cards, as every 15 items checked out during the events earns visitors a spy pen and an opportunity drawing ticket for a chance to win awesome prizes.  All activities are free and open to all ages.

The San Bernardino County Library Mystery Events will take place in the following locations:

• 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Library at 14901 Dale Evans Parkway in Apple Valley
• 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Sam J. Racadio Library & Environmental Learning Center at 7863 Central Avenue in Highland
• 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. The James S. Thalman Library at 14020 City Center Drive in Chino Hills
• 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. The Crestline Library at 24105 Lake Gregory Drive in Crestline
• 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. The Lewis Library & Technology Center at 8437 Sierra Avenue in Fontana

The San Bernardino County Library Mystery Themed Paint Night will take place in the following locations:

• 28 from 2 to 3 p.m. The Yucca Valley Library at 57271 29 Palms Highway in Yucca Valley

For more programs, events, and additional information, please visit sbclib.org or contact your local branch library.

The San Bernardino County Library System is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serves a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County library system strives to provide equal access to information, technology, programs, and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— 30th Black Rose Award Winners are Linda Wright – Moreno Valley/Perris – Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, Business. Gloria Macias Harrison – Yucaipa/Redlands – President Crafton Hills College Emeritus, Board of Trustees of San Bernardino Community College Board. Deborah Robertson – Mayor of Rialto, Founder of The Women’ Conference. The Founder’s Award – San Bernadino Community Hospital Administration, June Collison, President of the Hospital, (June won’t be in town to represent the administration) and Roz Nolan, Chief Nurse Executive Officer, and Dr. Ruby Skinner.

The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation’s 30th Black Rose Awards Winners receive their awards at the annual Banquet on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The California State University in San Bernardino’s Santos Manuel Student Union.

“This year’s Award Gala is held in honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday,” said Black Rose Committee Co-Chair Jim King.

The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is Non-profit 501.3C organization, founded in 1986 to honor and share the richness of our Black heritage, recognize world diversity, and inspire our youth toward leadership, scholarship, and career opportunities.

President Arlington Rodgers said, the Black Culture Foundation’s mission is to bridge cultural differences for generations through nurturing, educating, and building lasting respectable and encouraging communities by adoption these goals:

1. Commit to the appreciation and provide an understanding of Black culture while ensuring the Foundation continues to be inclusive.
2. Our ultimate purpose is to foster better understanding of the contributions that African Americans have made throughout history to the citizens of California and our nation.
3. Equip our youth with the knowledge of a quality education, leadership skills and the means to be “Lifelong Learners” to achieve life goals.
4. Recognize our community members, organizations, and businesses that go “above and beyond” the call to do great works in relations to goals 1 and 2.
5. Collaborate and assist with projects (the Arts, cultural diversity programs, organizations) in alignment with mission statement and goals.

“The Foundation has prided itself with the ability to give more than 125 scholarships to our community students over the years.  This is our first event since Covid, and our coffers are bare and in need of replenishment to continue to provide scholarships to our students,“ said Black Rose Committee Co-Chair Kristine Scott.

In remembrance of Dr. Margaret Hill, the Black Culture Foundation has renamed the “Margaret Hill Community Support Award” to the “Dr. Margaret Hill Black Rose Youth Inspiration Award”. This award will present scholarships to two inspirational and outstanding San Bernardino Black American students graduating grade 12 or in their first or second year of college, said Scott.

Individual tickets are $75 each. For more information or to purchase tickets go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30th-black-rose-awards-banquet-tickets-491089169927.

SACRAMENTO, CA – On Thursday, December 22nd California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon selected freshman Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson as Chair of the Committee on Human Services. Assemblymember Dr. Jackson is one of six freshman members selected this session (2023-24) to Chair Assembly Committees. His experience successfully leading a non-profit service organization and as a social worker uniquely qualifies him for this position.

Assemblymember Dr. Jackson has spent decades providing direct services to individuals and families in need. He understands the critical importance of the Human Services Committee and the direct services that are enhanced or expanded through this committee.

“I am honored to have the confidence of Speaker Rendon and my colleagues to lead the Human Services Committee as its Chair,” said Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson. “As a social worker and social justice advocate, we must be clear. It is not ok for Californians to just survive. They have a right to thrive! That is my North Star, and I am committed to moving California in that direction.”

In addition to leading this committee, Assemblymember Dr. Jackson has already committed to introducing a bill package this session that will enhance the quality of life for all Californians and expand opportunities for Californians to thrive.

Human Services Committee Jurisdiction: Includes child welfare services, foster care, childcare, adoption assistance, CalWORKs, CalFresh, developmental disability services, In-home Supportive Services (IHSS), community care licensing, adult protective services, SSI/SSP and COVID-19 response.

“Parents of infants and seniors should see their doctor right away if symptoms are not responding to treatment, to make sure that the illness does not get worse and turn into a case of bronchitis or pneumonia,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates.

Carl Dameron holds his daughter Shaila and prays for the best.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Respiratory syncytial virus, better known as RSV, has been spreading rapidly this fall. Both children and adults can easily contract this common illness and since there is no vaccine or drug that combats this infection, it’s important to treat it properly. Also, like the flu or the common cold, you can catch it more than once.

A virus is syncytial when its cells have more than one nucleus, a result of multiple cells fusing together. RSV, per the Centers for Disease Control, is a common respiratory virus and most often causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two. As the CDC has noted, almost all children will have contracted the illness one or more times by the time they are two years old.

That said, as Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, said, “Sometimes RSV can have serious outcomes, especially in children less than one year old, senior citizens and immuno-compromised people.” Serious consequences may include the onset of bronchitis or even pneumonia.

RSV’s symptoms include runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. In most cases, these symptoms show up in stages, rather than all at once. In very young infants, “the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties,” per the CDC.

RSV’s symptoms include runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. In most cases, these symptoms show up in stages, rather than all at once. In very young infants, “the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties,” per the CDC.

No vaccine currently exists for RSV, although research to develop one is ongoing. Since there’s no readily available cure, there are three steps to take to treat the infection.

One, use over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give aspirin to children, as it could result in the child developing Reye’s syndrome, a disease that may cause seizures, coma and even death.

Two, make sure the patient drinks plenty of fluids and stays properly hydrated.

Three, and this is especially advisable, talk to your doctor before giving your child nonprescription cold remedies. Some over-the-counter medicines that are fine for adults may contain ingredients that should not be given to children.

“Parents of infants and seniors should see their doctor right away if symptoms are not responding to treatment, to make sure that the illness does not get worse and turn into a case of bronchitis or pneumonia,” said Dr. Arteaga.

For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. call (855) 349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

LaSalle operates six clinics employing more than 100 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) coverage.

LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 1,100,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, and Tulare counties.