Approximately 200 students from the High Desert, Needles, Trona and other regions are representing their high schools in the 8th Annual San Bernardino County Student Advisory Panel, which offers youth a chance to share their thoughts on community issues.

Each year, students share their thoughts on our Countywide Vision’s Community Vital Signs Transformation Plan. Topics include the economy, education, safety, and health/wellness. After the four weekly sessions, students offer their feedback and recommendations to elected officials and community leaders.

Four students from each high school in the county are invited to participate in the panel. For more information about the Student Advisory Panel, please call 909-386-2413.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) is calling on Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones to resign for “dereliction of duty” and for “breeding a culture of racism, hatred, and ignorance.”

Bradford was commenting on an investigation of Kate Adams, a former Sacramento County sheriff’s captain, who was placed on administrative leave for misconduct, which included the distribution of racially charged text messages, memes, and photographs.

Adams has since retired from the position.

“Former Sacramento County Sheriff’s Captain Kate Adams, acting as the Chief of Police of the Rancho Cordova Police Department under the supervision of Sheriff Jones. is the poster child for law enforcement bias,” Bradford stated.

Bradford, who is also the chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, added, “for the first time in California, both the Senate and the Assembly Public Safety Committee chairpersons are African Americans. I am concerned, outraged, but not surprised by this behavior.”

“The pervasive, ongoing racism that is rooted in law enforcement and in America is an issue that all people of color should be concerned and outraged by,” he continued.  “This ongoing, blatant racist behavior under Sacramento Sheriff Scott Jones stops now.”

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), who is also a member of the CLBC, is the chair of the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

The Greater Sacramento Branch of the NAACP (GSNAACP) asked Bradford to expand the investigation now that Adams has resigned from the Sheriff’s office. RCPD is under contract with the county office and uses deputies to patrol the community.

“Unfortunately, we’ve seen that racist conduct is ignored until it reaches a level that the public becomes aware of it. Similar cases of racist texts between law enforcement officers in Los Angeles, Torrance and San Francisco should have taught us that transparency on this issue is a must,” wrote Betty Williams, Branch President of GSNAACP.

Adams would have been able to seek employment as a law enforcement officer elsewhere in California without a hitch if it were not for Senate Bill (SB) 2. Bradford authored the bill that became California law on Jan. 1, 2022.

SB 2 authorizes the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to decertify officers if investigations find they have engaged in serious misconduct.The inquiry into Adam’s actions was called off after she retired but Bradford said she should still be held accountable.

“The investigation of Captain Adams must be completed and if the allegations are found to be confirmed, she should lose her POST certification so that she is unable to be hired by any other law enforcement agency to continue racist and hateful misconduct in another community,” Bradford stated. “In addition, the hundreds — or perhaps thousands — of cases she’s handled over the years, under a climate of bias, must all be reviewed in an independent investigation.”

In a statement, GSNAACP said SB 2 “could not have been achieved without the support of many legislators, community organizations, families, and entertainers” who persistently “advocated non-stop for accountability in our policing system.”

“We use this moment to recognize that social

media messaging is used as a pathway to perpetuate racism while also exposing those who use racism in their positions of power. Rancho Cordova’s Chief Adams had a responsibility to stand against racism and bias,” the statement continued. “Instead, what has been communicated to the GSNAACP is a person who finds the historic and traumatizing use of (high-powered water) hoses against Black people a mockery.”

With a Black population of over 6,800 out of a total of 74,000 residents, Rancho Cordova is 15 miles east of downtown Sacramento. The Adams case is not the first time the CLBC has weighed in on misconduct involving officers of the Rancho Cordova Police Department.

In April 2020, a Rancho Cordova officer was caught on video punching a defenseless 14-year-old boy. The deputy was in the area due to complaints from citizens about hand-to-hand sales of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs to minors.

“The deputy saw what he believed to be a hand-to-hand exchange between an adult and juvenile,” according to an April 2020 statement from the Rancho Cordova Police Department.

“After an administrative investigation (related to the incident), the deputy was terminated from employment,” the sheriff’s office said in a September 2020 written statement.

Bradford said peace officers in California are accountable to the people they serve.

“Our communities must have faith that all law enforcement officers in California are held to the highest standards,” Bradford stated.

VICTORVILLE, CA—- The High Desert has a Nothing Bundt Cakes location on Bear Valley Road in Victorville, and Policy Advisor Christopher Porter was there for the ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration. The bakery specializes in a wide variety of bundt cakes, including their signature bitesized Bundtinis. On behalf of the First District, we wish you all the best in your new business!

By Lou Yeboah

You see, Jesus prophesied to the disciples that there will be wars and rumors of wars. He said, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this MUST take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” [Matthew 24:6-7].

Hear me and hear me good. God has a plan for the End Times. The war between Russia and the Ukraine, is part of the plan. As told in the Bible, the world is moving toward the Tribulation and the Battle of Armageddon. God is preparing the nations. This is the most likely reason for the war between Russia and Ukraine, and God is allowing it. Ultimately, it is part of His plan. God has allowed Russia to invade Ukraine. He knew the events of March 3rd, 2022, before they occurred. He knew the Russian army would attack Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant in Ukraine in the city of Zaporizhian. He knew the fires would erupt during the battle over the nuclear reactor as the Russian invasion continued into its second week. He knew that on the morning of March 4th, the world would learn the reactor was safe, the fires would be extinguished, but the invasion would continue. Because as King David declared in [Psalm 139] God knows everything. It is obvious that God knew about the war before it started, and He continues to know all that will happen. So, why did God allow this war to begin and continue? The question to explore is, “What does the Bible reveal about Russia and Ukraine in the end times?”

The first prophecy that helps to answer the question is [Daniel 11:40-45]. The prophecy describes a series of battles that will occur BEFORE and DURING the Battle of Armageddon. The prophecy refers to the major countries that will be engaged in the Battle of Armageddon. It states that the king of the north and the king of the south will attack Israel. So, who is the king of the north? The prophecy in [Ezekiel 38-39] reveals that most likely it is Russia. These two chapters provide more detailed information about the role of Russia’s army in the battle of Armageddon at the end of the tribulation. Read it. Pick up your Bible and read it. So that you will not be caught off guard as to the things that is YET to come.

Here are His words, “This is the plan devised against the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out against all the nations. For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?” [Isaiah 14:26-27]

The message is that God rules over human history. No one can stop His plans. [Isaiah 40:1-23] says, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. It is He who reduces rulers to nothing, who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. [Isaiah 40:21-23].

The best example of why God can allow such overwhelming evil, suffering and any circumstance to exist is the crucifixion of Jesus, Himself. The GREATEST wrong, evil and sin EVER committed by any human or humans was when Jesus was crucified. The creation tortured its Creator and then nailed Him to a tree to suffer the most agonizing of deaths. This is the reason God can allow such awful suffering and circumstances to exist in the world: if God can take the GREATEST evil/sin [the Crucifixion] and turn it into the entire creation’s greatest blessings, our salvation, how much ‘easier’ will it be for God, through Jesus, to eventually bring about blessings and a glorious ending from ALL the ‘lesser’ evils, sins and sufferings that exist today, as well as in times past.

No one can frustrate God’s plans. Russia may plan, march, invade, murder, and destroy, but that nation cannot do anything that God does not permit and cause to happen. No President, head of state or ruler of any country can carry out any decision or policy they have made UNLESS God give them ‘permission’ to do so: As [Proverbs 16: 1] state, “Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.” An illustration of this is in [Job 1:6,12; 2:6] where Satan, himself, is shown to be limited ONLY to what God gives him ‘permission’ to carry out. [Job 1:6, 12; 2:6].

My faith is in God not man. What about you?

Desert/Mountain Children’s Center in Apple Valley is hosting “Parent-to-Parent Group Chats,” a FREE and interactive workshop for parents, caregiver and guardians to help build connections, create community, and learn new parenting tools. Topics include connecting with your child (infant to teen), self-care, establishing routines, and parenting tips. The next workshop will be held on March 16 and May 11. Register at https://sbcss.k12oms.org/52-203980.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

As the cost of gas continues to soar in California, Black leaders, state lawmakers and frustrated citizens are urging Gov. Newsom to take immediate action to decrease high prices at the pump.

Last week, Shane Harris, president of San Diego-based People’s Association of Justice Advocates (PAJA), wrote a letter to Newsom. Harris urged the governor to declare a “state of emergency,” allowing him to cut the gas tax, which Harris believes helps to drive up the cost of gas.

“We are seeing gas at nearly $5.50 a gallon, which is nearly three dollars more than the national average,” Harris said. “I am writing you as someone who works on a daily basis with communities who are already struggling to pay their rent and essentially living check to check.”

PAJA is a national civil rights organization and policy institute founded to direct action with a balanced standard of justice for all no matter their race, religion, criminal record, sexuality, gender status, or citizenship.

Across social media, African Americans are blasting the sharp increases in gas prices. Ellen Nash, a San Diego resident, and chair of the Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC) posted a photo on Facebook of a gas station in Beverly Hills, where reports say fuel is above $6 per gallon.

“We are experiencing a gas prices epidemic,” said Nash. “Time to shelter in place again. And work remotely!! With A few exceptions. This is ridiculous.”

Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 as President Vladimir Putin authorized “special military operations” that began with missile and artillery attacks on major Ukrainian cities.

Western allies, including the United States, announced sanctions, including restrictions on Russia’s central bank and global payments system. Since the attacks that have caused over a million people to flee Ukraine, a former Soviet republic located on the southeastern doorsteps of Russia, gas prices in California and the rest of the country have soared.

Economic experts say that the U.S. only gets 5% to 10% of its crude oil and refined products from Russia, but gas prices have passed the $5 mark up and down the state. In certain places, such as Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, gas is hovering around $6 per gallon.

Before the war in Ukraine started, Newsom suggested that state legislators consider suspending the entire 18.4 cents federal gasoline excise tax.

“Well, now we have a war going on in Ukraine and while I know that we get our gas here in California from a variety of countries it is still clear that the war in Ukraine is adding on to an already growing crisis at our pumps here in California,” Harris wrote. “While I understand the foundation of the gas tax provides more funding to our state toward things like infrastructure, I also see real people hurting and that is concerning.”

The gas tax in California is at 51.1 cents per gallon, and it is scheduled for another increase in July. California Assembly Republicans last week said they are backing a bill, AB 1638, that Assemblymember Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) introduced. It would eliminate the current gas tax for six weeks.

At the release of Harris’s letter, San Diego County recorded its steepest hike in the average-price of gasoline since Sept. 28, 2019. Self-serve regular fuel rose 8 cents to $4.975, in 16 days, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA) and Oil Price Information Service (OPIS).

Hardworking families are having to cut back from other expenses just to fill up their gas tanks,” said Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) on March 2. “Higher gas prices are eating up their budgets for food and groceries, prescription medications, school supplies, and other necessary expenses. With such an enormous surplus, this is just unacceptable.”

A study conducted by UCLA’s Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy revealed hardships Blacks and Latinos are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study estimates that more than 1.9 million adults in California were unable to pay their rent on time in July 2020.

“Californians pay the highest gas tax in the nation, which is adding to the skyrocketing cost of fuel,” said Assemblymember Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach). “Our communities are struggling to make ends meet while Sacramento leadership works to increase the cost of living even higher.”

By Gigi Crowder

As Black History Month 2022 winds down, I find myself doing a mental assessment regarding how much progress we have truly made regarding addressing health disparities, especially as it relates to mental health, which now has everyone carrying more awareness and possibly less stigma. I naturally think about the impact COVID-19 has had on the emotional wellness of the African American community. I ponder about the additional barriers and challenges my community will need to navigate. For example, how damaging is distance learning for black students? Will our Elders thrive and get back to socializing, going to worship services, and visiting family; or will they feel more comfortable continuing to isolate? Has so much death, economic loss, and social unrest during this pandemic created an increased sense of hopelessness and despair? As an optimist and Activist, who relies heavily on my faith, I don’t allow myself to focus on the negatives very long. I prefer to spend more time considering solutions, potential opportunities and focusing on who I need to join forces with to promote improved outcomes.

My staff and I at NAMI Contra Costa take our roles offering non-clinical supports and resources to African American communities across California to heart. We all are fully committed and strategically built strong networks and collaborate effectively with Statewide Cultural Brokers in each County, Black Faith Leaders and Centers/Churches, Athletes, Entertainers, and Social Influencers across the state and beyond. We closely monitor the community’s needs and respond swiftly to fill gaps and offer resources. Our team has facilitated a minimum of 2 targeted trainings or awareness events each month since we began doing this work. I’ve spoken on panels with Assembly members, Congresspeople, and other elected officials at Town Halls to lift the mental health needs of African Americans due to COVID-19. I have spoken on the radio and had the opportunity to speak at concerts etc. My team members have participated at health fair events across the state, as well as showing up virtually or physically wherever there is an opportunity to spread the word about CalHOPE. The CCP staff is diverse across ages; we can offer all services in a culturally responsive manner with a primary objective to reduce the harm and prevent challenges due to the pandemic.

As California moves toward less restrictive protocols, I recognize It is indeed a great blessing to have NAMI CC participate as a CalHOPE Campaign subcontractor. We greatly appreciate the role we play in delivering ethnic-specific messages that reminds African American because of low vaccination rates and the greater risk they must proceed with more caution. We have not been able to change the minds of all-black community members who carry vaccination hesitation due to misinformation and broken trust based on past hurts.  However, we have been very successful with getting those deciding not to be vaccinated to reduce their risk of getting infected. We target the unsheltered and have partnered with our county Supervisors and Public Health Department and given out thousands of face masks, hand sanitizers, and even COVID-19 rapid tests. We have had CCP staff at Vaccination Clinics around the state with information about our ethnic-specific support groups, resources, warm line, and the CalHOPE Live Chat.

I know that as the months move on and we forget about how we honored our African American Heroes in February; our work will continue and we will stand on the shoulders of those heroes. We already see the negative impact and the statistics continue to highlight glaring disparities, such as more hospitalizations and higher death rates even for black children, but we will adapt and develop new community-defined targeted strategies.

My prayer is that others, especially decision-makers, will join me and take time to look at how much our program has done to reduce risk, and consider where we can be used to address other concerns faced by African Americans and others impacted by mental illness. NAMI CC supports the new 988 services to offer a non-police response for those experiencing a mental health emergency. Our Crisis Counselors are fully trained and can easily support that effort recognizing too often African Americans are statistically at the greatest risk when law enforcement is needed. At NAMI CC we are already the trusted go-to agency for African Americans responding to those that call and understand how to triage as needed. There is no need to build a new responsive prevention system when one already exists through the culturally, ethnically, and linguistically sensitive programs CalHOPE has in place across California.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— During this month’s First District Youth Advisory Council meeting, Superintendent Ted Alejandre gave students a brief overview of San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and some of the programs offered through the department.

Following the presentation, Superintendent Alejandre opened the floor for questions. Students shared several different concerns and offered suggestions for improvement.

Thank you to Superintendent Alejandre for the presentation. I’d also like to thank our Field Representative Samuel Shoup for his continuing hard work mentoring our students on the First District Youth Advisory Council.

For more information about the First District Youth Advisory Council, please contact Samuel Shoup at 760-995-8100

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Approximately 80 students from the High Desert region showcased their talent and hard work during the 2022 San Bernardino County High Desert High School Honor Band Concert on Saturday, Feb. 26.

“I am proud of the collaboration that enables us to support the performing arts and music education in the High Desert region,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “The arts are proven to further successful academic outcomes, so promoting events like this one is vital to helping students reach their fullest potentials.”

Since 1986, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools has collaborated with the San Bernardino County Music Educators Association to host the honor band concerts for students involved in music education programs throughout the county.

This is one of several county student arts performances taking place in person for the first time in over two years due to COVID 19 restrictions. 

“It’s really nice to come together and create a meaningful experience in music and camaraderie and connection,” said Alec, a senior at Serrano High School and clarinet player in the county High Desert Honor Band.  “It’s a very great experience because this honor band is something I’ve been a part of since middle school and elementary school, and it just feels really good to be able to represent my school.” 

Brent Levine conducted students from 10 area high schools at the Barstow Community College Performing Arts Center. Levine, the newly appointed Interim Associate Director of Bands at Northern Arizona University, attended Serrano High School in the Snowline Joint Unified School District, the same region where the performing students are from.

The Basin region’s honor band concert is scheduled to be held on April 16 at the University of Redlands, COVID-19 protocols permitting.

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

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— On Sunday, March 6, 2022, Real Estate Agent and author, Mary Welch was a special guest on Empire Talks Back (ETB). Host Wallace J. Allen, IV., chatted with her on how listeners can save their homes from probate. Welch recently released her manual entitled, “Save Your Home from Probate”.