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

After an emotional hearing on July 2, the Assembly Public Safety Committee voted to advance Senate Bill (SB) 1414 with an 8-0 vote. The legislation is an anti-sex-trafficking measure designed to increase penalties for those who purchase sex from children,

SB 1414, co- authored by Senators Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), Anna Caballero (D-Merced) and Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), will be reviewed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee after the legislature break ends on Aug. 5.

The legislation has received bipartisan support. However, “critical amendments” were removed, Grove said. She is not satisfied with the language currently in the bill and is pressing members of the Assembly Public Safety Committee to allow key provisions to be restored.

“I am disappointed that they didn’t accept the amendments for all minors to be protected under felony convictions,” Grove said after the committee’s vote.

“I am not going to give up fighting for those 16 and 17-year-olds – and all minors,” Grove stated.  “Now, the district attorneys would have to prove two crimes: that they were bought and sold in order to go back to the perpetrator (trafficker) who initiated the whole process.”

SB 1414 made it off the Senate floor with a 36-0 bipartisan vote on May 23. Before the floor vote in the Senate, the Senate Public Safety Committee amended SB 1414, weakening protections for children ages 16 and 17, Grove said.

The committee’s amendments included charging violators who purchase children 15 and under for sex as wobblers (crimes that can be punished as a felony or misdemeanor). According to the current language of the bill, solicitation of a 16 and 17-year-old child is only punishable as a misdemeanor. The second amendment to the bill calls for the felony charge to only carry possible jail time — not time in prison.

Grove and her supporters’ other concern is that a third amendment to SB 1414 states that only perpetrators with a previous conviction of buying sex from a child 15 or under, on the second offense and with over a 10-year age gap of the victim, must register as a tier one sex offender.

Dr. Stephany Powell, a retired Los Angeles Police Department sergeant who has over 30 years of sexual exploitation and trafficking experience gained through law enforcement, testified in front of the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

“First of all, there’s no way in the world that (these amendments) are protecting a 16 or 17-year-old,” said Powell, who now assists victims of human trafficking. “Just by the age alone, they are considered to be a victim of human trafficking. That’s your proof right there.”

Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), chair of the Public Safety Committee and a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), told Grove that he supports SB 1414 and commended her efforts to bring “more accountability to the sex trade.”

McCarty said he is willing to make SB 1414 “stronger,” but he is not willing to allow Grove to buck the rules of the Legislature to push her amendments through.

“That’s not on the table. As the rules, you know, we can’t go change that,” McCarty said of Grove’s amendments request.

On June 2, Anne Irwin, the founder and director of Smart Justice California, emailed California Black Media (CBM) a statement responding to SB 1414. Smart Justice sides with the amendments made by the Democrats in the Senate and the Assembly.

“California Democrats have once again demonstrated their commitment to protecting vulnerable children from abuse and exploitation,” Irwin stated. “With the recently adopted amendments, SB 1414 now represents a smart policy solution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all minors. By allowing felony prosecutions for solicitation of 16 and 17-year-olds when there is evidence of human trafficking, lawmakers have further improved the bill – which was originally overly broad and would have had harmful unintended consequences.”

In its original form, SB 1414 criminalized soliciting or engaging in any act of commercial sex with a child aged 17 and under a felony. Grove also wanted the removal of the 10-year age gap requirement for the sex offender registry.

Grove blames the Democrats in the Senate Public Safety Committee for watering down the bill’s language.

The Assembly Public Safety Committee added amendments requiring proof that 16 and 17-year-olds are victims of human trafficking for a buyer to be held accountable and charged with a stronger penalty.

“It shouldn’t be difficult to get a bill out of this building that protects children from those that want to purchase them and buy them for sex,” Grove said. “It should be simple. It’s completely bipartisan. I have co-authors who are Democrats. I have several Democrats and principal co-authors, but there are a few people in the building who make it sound like we are doing the wrong thing.

Victims of human trafficking, Odessa Perkins and Brianna Moseley were two of many sex trafficking survivors who visited the State Capitol last week to show their support for SB 1414. Some of the survivors were in tears sharing their experiences.

Perkins is the founder of emPOWERment, based in Kern County. The nonprofit services vulnerable youth and human trafficking survivors.

If the Assembly Appropriations Committee votes to advance SB 1414, it will move to the Assembly floor for a vote. In the interim, Grove said she will continue to fight for the amendments she believes will strengthen the bill.

“Don’t be fooled by the Public Safety Chairs’ announcement that they restored a felony for purchasing children in SB 1414,” Grove said. “All children in California, across the nation, girls and boys, deserve to be protected equally.”

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

It was more than a simple walk in the park for exercisers pacing and jogging around Warner Center Park in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles around midday on July 4.

The weather was “sweltering,” according to one of the parkgoers, an African American man in his 40s who asked to remain anonymous.

“Working out around this time is a way hotter experience than a few weeks ago,” the man continued, adding that this summer continues to get progressively hotter.

According to weather experts, Californians should not expect a break in the extreme heat any time soon, which will force people in most areas of the state to find ways to cope and manage it.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorologist David Lawrence said most of the Golden State is experiencing a heat wave, which began at the beginning of the month, and could get worse in mid-July.

“The longevity of this particular event is what I’m most concerned with,” he explained. “We will see daytime high temperatures for many interior areas reaching to 100 to 115 degrees each afternoon. Overnight low temperatures won’t provide much relief — only dipping into the 70s and holding into the lower 80s for some locations.”

Lawrence was speaking during a July 2 news briefing focused on the current weather conditions, their dangers, and what Californians need to know to stay safe in the blistering weather this summer.

The online briefing was organized by Listos California, the state’s disaster readiness program, and hosted by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media. State emergency preparedness officials and a frontline responder spoke during the news conference.

California Black Media Executive Director Regina Wilson said heat waves can create dangerous fire conditions and catapult temperatures in inland areas of the state into the triple digits.

“This level of heat could pose a danger to the entire population if proper heat safety is not followed,” she said. “As we move into the summer season, hotter and drier conditions mean California will likely face higher risk of wildfires — wildfire smoke, heat, power outages and dangerous water conditions.”

The same day as the press conference, the Thompson Fire began blazing in Northern California’s Butte County. At press time, the wildfire had destroyed 25 structures and injured two firefighters. It has been 55% contained.

The French Fire, which sparked up on July 4 in the town of Mariposa in the Sierra Nevada foothills, covered over 1.3 square miles before firefighters tamed the blaze. That same day, yet another fire, the Sharp fire in Los Angeles’s Simi Valley, broke out. It has been 60% contained.

Listos California, the state office in charge of emergency preparedness, has partnered with community groups and offers a resource hub built around an educational campaign to help Californians get ready for disasters related to extreme heat.

Dr. Rita Nguyen, assistant health officer for California and director of population health at the California Department of Public Health, said people underestimate how dangerous heat waves can be.

“Heat waves kills more people directly than any other weather-related hazard,” she said. A 69-year-old homeless man in San Jose died on July 3 due the extreme heat.

Nguyen added that the state doesn’t have precise data on the number of health emergencies or deaths caused by heatwaves.

She said the people at most risk of experiencing heat-caused health issues include children and infants, senior citizens, pregnant people, people working outdoors or indoors without air conditioning, disabled individuals, unhoused persons, and lower-income people.

“Anyone can be a victim of life-threatening heatstroke because a lot of it doesn’t have to do with absolute temperature,” she explained. “Sometimes, it can be if folks are not acclimated to hot temperatures and there is a fast rise. When the temperature doesn’t cool at night and when it is hot for a long period of time, all these things increase the risk of folks having health-related injuries and potentially death from heat.”

The warning signs of heat illness include confusion, vomiting, passing out, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, paleness, tiredness, irritability, and dizziness.

Staying hydrated, cool, and informed about the weather forecasts are ways to prevent heat health problems. Nguyen recommended to not drink sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks, which can dehydrate a person.

California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Program Senior Safety Engineer Charlene Gloriani said, under state law, businesses with employees who work outdoors — such as agricultural workers — are required to give plenty of access to free and clean water and shade to prevent heat-related illnesses.

“Shaded areas must not cause exposure to another health or safety hazard,” she explained. “When temperatures exceed 95 degrees a buddy system should be in place and employees must be monitored for signs of heat illness. They must also be encouraged to drink water. Cool down rest periods are required every two hours.”

Sacramento Fire Department Captain Andrew Ramos noted that people must remember to stay safe while doing activities in waterways such as rivers and lakes when cooling off on hot days.

“We need each and every one of you to be your own safety monitor,” Ramos said while suggesting people wear life jackets. “Look and make sure your family members are wearing their life jackets even if they’re able to swim.”

To get more information on extreme heat and to access resources to help you stay healthy and cool.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted to support changes to the County Code to acknowledge the unique needs of community cats. This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at improving the welfare of community cats through sterilization and vaccination efforts by the County Department of Public Health (DPH).

Residents will have the opportunity to schedule appointments, at no cost, with DPH veterinary contractors or mobile veterinary units. These appointments will facilitate the sterilization and vaccination of community cats, after which the cats will be returned to their outdoor habitats rather than being held in shelters.

“This initiative represents a proactive approach to animal welfare,” said Supervisor Curt Hagman. “This program promotes a humane and sustainable solution that benefits both the cats and our community.”

The amendment to the County Code will not prevent DPH from intervening in situations where community cats pose health or safety risks, or in rare instances of nuisance concerns. This flexibility ensures that the program maintains a balance between animal welfare and community needs.

Residents interested in participating in the program or learning more about the details are encouraged to reach out to San Bernardino County Animal Care.

This initiative aligns with San Bernardino County’s commitment to compassionate animal management practices and reflects a collaborative effort between the County and community stakeholders.

Supervisor Hagman has served as the Fourth District Supervisor since 2014, representing Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, Ontario, and Upland (generally below 14th St.). Hagman holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from UCLA. He, his wife Rossana, and his family currently live in the Chino Valley. He is also proud to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the California State Guard.

MIAMI, FL – Charise A. Morgan was sworn in as the first Black woman president of the Miami-Dade County Bar Association at the organization’s annual gala held at The Mana Wynwood Convention Center on Saturday, June 15.

“Shirley Chisholm once said, ‘Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth,’ and it certainly is a privilege to live and work in the Miami legal community,” said Morgan.

“However, it’s obviously not perfect. We who labor here owe that service and giving back should be our commitment to making this city, this Bar, and this practice better.”

“The Miami-Dade County Bar has a rich history of aiding greater community, but there are more areas and industries where our lawyers are needed. Lawyers should be the conduit of progress; I want to facilitate that via the Bar,” Morgan added.

Morgan, a graduate of Mercer University School of Law, brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her new role. An accomplished trial attorney, she currently serves as Staff Legal Counsel for Zurich North America and previously served as an Administrative Law Judge for the Georgia Department of Labor.

Her roles as liaison on the Florida Bar Board of Governors, Vice Chair of the Florida Bar Rules of Civil Procedure Committee, and Vice Chair of the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Professionalism highlight her commitment to legal ethics and professionalism.

Morgan’s accolades include the Miami-Dade Bar Circle of Excellence for Insurance Litigation, Miami- Dade Bar Top 40 Under 40 Award, Broward County Women Lawyers Community “Trial-Blazers” Award, and the Black Professionals Network Women of Excellence Award. Her leadership was recognized with the 2022 President’s Award from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division.

Beyond her legal practice, Morgan is deeply involved in community initiatives. She serves as an Ambassador for Black Art at the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and is a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel. In 2018, she became the President of the Caribbean Bar Association.

“Charise Morgan embodies the spirit of resilience and integrity. Her presidency marks a new era of innovation, advocacy, and progress for the Miami-Dade Bar and the broader legal community,” said Miami-Dade County Bar Association Executive Director, Bret Berlin.

Founded in the early 1900s, the Miami-Dade Bar is one of the largest lawyer networks in Florida, serving more than 19,000 attorneys in the county, and continues its mission to support and inform the county’s lawyers and the community at large.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Woe unto you! For the Bible makes a difference between our plans and God’s purposes. We are told not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. [Proverbs 27:1]. Besides, what is your life? But a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes [James 4:13-17]. Our days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children. [Psalm 103:15-17]. Besides what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? [Mark 8:36]. Here today, gone tomorrow, but you want to procrastinate and delay repentance. Woe unto you!

You know, someone has called the fifth chapter of Genesis ”A desert of death.” You can almost see the pine boxes and the graves. You can almost hear the weeping widows. You can almost smell the stench of death that arises from this chapter. Over and over, we read these words, ”and he died.” The last words of verse 5 read, ”and he died.” We read in verse 8 ”and he died.” We read in verse 11 ”and he died.” We read in verse 14 ”and he died.” We read in verse17 ”and he died.” We read in verse 20 ”and he died. Tell me what you are waiting for. Tomorrow is not promised. We are still at the mercy of God’s grace, and we must take grace seriously. Don’t be like deluded Lot, we do not deserve mercy. We must never take advantage of God’s grace and patience. We must never presume that we will get another chance or another day to make it right. Our personal day of Judgment could come at any moment. Let’s remember Lot and take God up on His offer to rescue us. And let’s remember Lot’s wife and never look back. Procrastination can cost us our souls in the end [2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2]. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Earlier last week, alongside Chair Rowe and Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., Mayor Warren attended the ribbon cutting for Station 81 over in the City of Fontana. This station has been in the works since she was a Council member. And its opening in the North End of Fontana will assist in cutting down response times and helping people at a faster rate. This station was much needed.

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) condemned the United States Supreme Court Justices 6-3 decision last week granting former President Donald Trump partial immunity from criminal prosecution in his federal election subversion case.

The recent court ruling makes Trump less likely to face trial before this year’s presidential election. The Supreme Court Justices’ decision delays the trial proceedings challenging the legal viability of the case overall. In the court decision, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that a president’s motive is irrelevant to the assessment nor is the fact that an action would have allegedly violated a generally applicable law.

Padilla denounced the court ruling accusing former President Trump of using handpicked justices to abuse the power of the executive and judicial offices for personal and political gain.

“Before today, America’s judicial system was rooted in the simple but fundamental principle that no one is above the law. Not Congress, not the courts, and not even the President of the United States. Today’s decision turns that most fundamental principle on its head,” said Padilla.

Law experts warned that the court ruling alters the possibility of consequences, allowing presidential powers to go unchecked except in the case of a possible impeachment.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a dissenting opinion arguing that the ruling reshapes the presidency and makes the president above the law. The court’s decision is a blow to the foundation of the U.S. Constitution and government system establishing that, no man is above the law.

“The President of the United States is the most powerful person in the country, and possibly the world. When he uses his official powers in any way, under the majority’s reasoning, he now will be insulated from criminal prosecution,” Sotomayor in her statement of dissent.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

California Attorney General Rob Bonta released the 2023 Hate Crime in California Report on June 29, providing data and resources to support ongoing efforts across the state to combat violence motivated by racial or other biases.

Overall, reported hate crime events in California decreased by 7.1% from 2,120 in 2022 to 1,970 in 2023.

Despite that general downward trend, anti-Black bias incidents in the state remained the most prevalent. Year after year, this disturbing statistic holds true despite a 20.6% decrease from 652 in 2022 to 518 in 2023. The next highest reporting of bias events was 199 Anti-Hispanic or Latino instances.

“The California Department of Justice has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to hate, and will continue working with law enforcement, elected leaders, and community organizations across the state to keep our communities safe through education, prevention, and enforcement,” said Attorney General Robert Bonta in a statement after releasing the report.

“We won’t let bigots and bad actors win. We will not let hate prevail,” said Bonta

The report also found that prosecutions inched up by 5% (about 32 percentage points).

According to the Attorney General’s report, from 2022 to 2023, the number of hate crimes referred for prosecution increased from 647 in 2022 to 679 in 2023. Of the 679 hate crimes that were referred for prosecution, 463 cases were filed by district attorneys and elected city attorneys for prosecution. Of the 463 cases that were filed for prosecution, 322 were filed as hate crimes and 141 were filed as non-bias motivated crimes.

Under California law, a hate crime is a criminal act committed in whole or in part because of a victim’s actual or perceived disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with someone with one or more of these characteristics.

Aside from the information related to Anti-Black hate crimes, other key findings in the 2023 Hate Crime in California Report include:

• Hate crimes fell by 7.1% to 1,970 events.
• Hate crime offenses dropped by 8.9% to 2,359.
• Victims of hate crimes decreased by 6.9% to 2,303.
• Hate crimes due to racial bias went down by 21.6% to 1,017.
• Hate crimes due to religious bias rose by 30% to 394.
• Anti-Islamic bias events increased from 25 to 40.
• Hate crimes due to sexual orientation bias went up by 4.1% to 405.
• Anti-transgender bias events rose by 10.2% to 65.
• Anti-LGBTQ+ bias events surged by 86.4%.

The disproportionate number of hate incidents recorded in the Attorney General’s report lines up with data released by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD).

Responding to a surge in hate crimes and hate incidents, in 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration launched the “California vs. Hate” initiative, which includes a hotline and online reporting platform for victims.

“CA vs Hate is about recognizing and protecting the incredible diversity of our state and sending a clear message that hate will never be tolerated,” said Newsom.

“When California was confronted by an alarming increase in hate, we didn’t just sit back and hope it got better,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish, celebrating the one-year anniversary of the initiative in May.

“We came together and launched an array of nation-leading programs to ensure all our communities feel welcome and protected. I’m incredibly proud of our state’s resilience and commitment to a California for all,” added Kish. “This work is only just beginning, but it would not be possible without the advocacy of our community partners and the foresight of our state’s Administration and Legislature.”

To combat hate crime offenses and events, Bonta urges local partners and law enforcement to review the resources highlighted in the report and to recommit themselves to leveraging them.

“Everyone has a part to play as we continue to fight prejudice and create safer communities in California,” said Bonta.

“I urge everyone to review the data and resources available and recommit to standing united against hate,” he continued. “The California Department of Justice has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to hate, and will continue working with law enforcement, elected leaders, and community organizations across the state to keep our communities safe through education, prevention, and enforcement.”

If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of a hate crime, notify local law enforcement and consider taking the following steps:

How To Report A Hate Crime:

CA vs Hate is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT or online at any time.

Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. For individuals who want to report a hate crime to law enforcement immediately or who are in imminent danger, please call 911.

For more information on CA vs Hate, please visit CAvsHate.org.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

Last week, the California State Legislature approved a $10 million bond proposal to modernize and repair K-12 schools and community colleges statewide.

The education bond measure, Assembly (AB) Bill 247, will appear on this year’s November ballot.

AB 247 aims to upgrade school buildings, allocating $8.5 million to public schools and $1.5 million to community colleges across California.

Authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), the measure was authored in collaboration with Assemblymembers Mike Fong (D-Alhambra), and Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), and Senators Steve Glazer (D-Contra Costa) and Josh Newman (D-Fullerton).

Supporters of the proposition point out that schools in California are over 50 years old, raising safety concerns among community and school leaders. The education bond will provide matching dollars to K-12 school districts based on local priorities and it calls for monitoring spending for local taxpayer accountability.

“California urgently needs a statewide school bond to repair dilapidated and unsafe school facilities and to invest in our children to meet 21st century educational and workforce needs,” said Muratsuchi, an author of the education bond proposal.

Since 1998, the state has been providing $54 billion in education bonds for K-12 schools and institutions of higher education. Voters approved the last successful bond, Proposition 51, during the 2016 November election. That proposition has provided K-12 schools with $7 billion and community colleges with $2 billion for repairs and construction to improve safety.

However, some school district officials are concerned that funds from state and local bonds mostly benefited affluent districts, leaving rural districts disadvantaged.

A report by the Public Policy Institute of California stated that it is easier for the state to match funds from the district in wealthier areas. The report stated that voters in affluent areas are more likely to approve bonds making it easier to raise funds since their property values are higher.

Public Advocates, a nonprofit law firm, threatened to sue the State claiming that the bond system is unconstitutional.

“The Legislature is shooting itself in the foot. What they’ve proposed will only undermine support from voters,” said John Affeldt, an attorney who supports the bill. “But technically they still have time to fix this.”

State officials, on the other hand, remain optimistic about the outcome of the education bond during this year’s November election.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

Last week, California became the 26th state to require high school seniors to pass courses focused on finance literacy, adding to a recently added ethnic studies prerequisite and a health class requirement focused on the dangers of fentanyl use.

The senior class of 2031 will be the first group of students to take the mandatory financial literacy course. California school districts are required to implement Assembly Bill 2927, authored by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), at the beginning of the 2027-2028 academic year.

The bill works hand-in-hand with newly approved Assembly Bill 2429, authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego). That law requires students to take health classes that discuss the dangers of fentanyl use and illegal drugs commencing in the 2026-2027 school year.

Both bills require high school seniors to complete the designated coursework during any semester between the ninth and twelfth grades. High school students in charter schools are also required to complete the state-mandated coursework. Under this law, local educational agencies will impose the required courses using state-mandated local programs.

McCarty said that the financial literacy classes will prepare students for the future and empower them to make smart money decisions throughout life.

“It’s such an important life skill,” he said. “The stressors that young people face today — especially student loans, renting, buying a house, credit cards all those things are so critically important, and if you fall behind. The consequences have a serious impact later in life.”

Unlike the bill on financial literacy that imposes classes as a graduation requirement, the bill on health education allows school districts to choose if health classes are a graduation prerequisite.

Alvarez said that health education can help address the state’s fentanyl epidemic, specifically among the youth.

“I think it’s important… that we share facts with young people, especially these days as they rely more and more on social media with misinformation,” said Alvarez.

“There’s still no better-trusted source than our schools for students and for families to receive the information that they need in order to make better decisions and better choices,” he continued.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state needs to help prepare young people in a statement backing the bills.

“Saving for the future, making investments, and spending wisely are lifelong skills that young adults need to learn before they start their careers, not after,” the Governor said in statement backing the education bills.

Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, the state will also require high school seniors to take an additional one-semester course on ethnic studies.