By Lou Yeboah

“Talk to me, so you can see, Oh, what’s going on?  Yeah, what’s going on? Tell me, what’s going on?” [Marvin Gaye – What’s Goin On]. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity: your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue hath murmured iniquity. No man calleth for justice: no man contendeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak vain things: they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity…Their feet turn to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are wicked thoughts: desolation and destruction is in their paths. The way of peace they know not, and there is none equity in their goings…” [Isaiah 59:3-5; 7-8]. “Picket lines and picket signs, don’t punish me with brutality, talk to me, so you can see, Oh, what’s going on? Tell me what’s going on?”

“Enough of this,” declares the Lord. Put away violence and destruction and do justice and righteousness; revoke your acts of dispossession from upon my people!” [Ezekiel 45:9]. No uniform should get in the way of common sense and common humanity. You do not have the right to take the life of another person; there is no law that is above this, no matter the land or the people.

I tell you, it’s interesting that history repeats itself.  As you read through the prophecy of Habakkuk you will discover that the exact problem that you and I wrestle with today, Habakkuk wrestled with as well.  The prophet lived in a time very similar to our day. A time when everything was going wrong. He lived when there was great national corruption and distress, when the nation and land was filled with violence, hatred, injustice, unrest, and oppression. He lived in a land where there were outbreaks of all kinds of evil.  Perplexed in his heart, as we are, in bewilderment he cries out, “Lord, how long do I have to keep this up, crying out to you like this? How long must I CONTINUE?” Finally, God answers Habakkuk. “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” [Habakkuk 1:5-6] “I am behind this. These people are a very strange people. They are bitter, hostile, ruthless and cold-blooded. They are going to be as powerful as any nation on earth has ever been and they will sweep through lands conquering everything, and it will LOOK as though nothing can stop them. These people will not have any god at the center of their life. They believe that their own might is their god, and they trust in their own strength.

Astound, Habakkuk did not know what to make of this. This is what bothers many people as they look at what is happening in the world. Why does God allow things to happen the way they do? Why does he permit such terrible events to occur in human history? “How can a just and loving God allow men to suffer? Why would God create us and then allow terrible things to happen?” After pondering, Habakkuk went back to what he knew of God through revelation and experience.  Then immediately he  added these words, “We shall not die.” God promised Abraham that he would rise up a nation that would forever be His people and that He would never allow them to be eliminated from the earth. The prophet reminded himself of that, in the face of this fearsome threat. They would not be eliminated. God’s faithfulness remains. He is unchangeable.

In concluding, God said to the prophet, “Now Habakkuk, don’t you worry about the Chaldeans; I will judge the Chaldeans. The very thing in which they trust will prove to be their downfall. Their very gods will overthrow them.” Then He pronounces woes on these people…. Woe to him who builds a town with blood, and finds a city on iniquity [Habakkuk 2:12]… Woe to those who trust in violence to achieve what they want. [verse 15]… Woe to the man who creates fear in those around him in order to rule over them, and to gain from them [verse 19]. Woe to you, O destroyer, you who have not been destroyed! Woe to you, O traitor, you who have not been betrayed! When you stop destroying, you will be destroyed; when you stop betraying, you will be betrayed. [Isaiah 33:1]. Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches? Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives or fall among the slain.[Isaiah 10:1-4]. Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!” [Revelation 8:13].

““Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” [Galatians 6:7-9]

A new cooking show is gearing up for production.  A program influenced by religion will be coming to YouTube by September.

For decades, church ladies have lovingly prepared their prized potluck recipes to share with members of the congregation, which is the premise for this series. 

In keeping with that custom, a communal meal will be served to parishioners following grace by the Pastor.

Church Ladies’ Potluck is a half-hour, 13-week cooking show based on heritage recipes passed down through the generations. It is our desire to preserve these homemade dishes from the past.

Filmed in local church kitchens Church Ladies Potluck will embrace heirloom recipes to be prepared by the family members that treasure them.

Each episode will include a four-course menu: appetizer, salad, main dish, and dessert.

Only heirloom recipes will be used. Ideally each congregation will also have a cookbook, for it is these old-style often times, quirky, recipes we are seeking.

Programing is nondenominational, nonsectarian, and all inclusive. Every organized religious group is eligible that has a kitchen. 

We are requesting interested church groups to reach out and set up an interview. Everyone will be considered.

Even though church services may still be closed, we can meet the criteria for gatherings under 10 with our small crew while maintaining social distancing.  

If your church wishes to participate, or you know of one, kindly contact me, Elizabeth, at  e.y.westlphal@gmail.com or text or call 442.444.1664.   

What you need to know about accessing essential DMV services during the COVID-19 pandemic

The way we access many of the services we cannot do without will be altered for some time due to COVID-19 pandemic, including how we complete transactions through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). While the DMV continues its business of processing driver license and ID renewals, vehicle registrations, applications for disability placards, and other driver and vehicle related transactions, the way it provides those services continues to change in response to state and local COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the health and safety of its employees, customers, and the general public.

The following guide shares the most convenient ways to access DMV services and complete essential transactions to avoid interruptions to driving privileges or vehicle operations.

Avoid a Trip to the DMV – Complete Your Transaction Online or at a DMV Kiosk

The DMV offers essential services online, such as California driver license and ID renewals and vehicle registration, allowing customers to avoid trips to field offices. Before visiting a DMV office, check the dmv.ca.gov website to find out which transactions can be completed online. Many tasks also can be completed at one of the many kiosks throughout the Inland Empire or through available local business partners. Find a local kiosk at dmv.ca.gov/portal/locations/kiosks.

Stay at Home and Visit the Virtual Field Office

The DMV Virtual Field Office allows the convenience of taking care of transactions that previously required an in-person office visit by interacting with DMV staff online. Transactions such as change of address, replacement stickers or registration card, vehicle title transfers and complex vehicle registration renewals can be completed by visiting virtual.dmv.ca.gov. The DMV is gradually adding more virtual transactions to provide alternatives to an in-person office visit.

What to Expect if an In-person DMV Visit is Necessary

Most local DMV field offices are open for limited transactions for customers with existing appointments and those with transactions that can only be completed in person, such as reinstating a suspended or revoked driver license, among a few other transactions. Employees and customers are required to wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing while at DMV offices. In addition, offices are being deep cleaned regularly and hand sanitizer or soap to wash hands are made available.

With the new safety guidelines in place, longer wait times are to be expected. Also, DMV offices might be forced to temporarily close with little notice to protect public health or as directed by state and local mandates. Therefore, customers are encouraged to take advantage of online services and the Virtual Field Office to complete transactions whenever possible.

What about the Real ID Deadline?

There is no need to rush to apply for a REAL ID today. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that the REAL ID enforcement date is now October 1, 2021, and customers who want a REAL ID will have an opportunity to apply at a later date.

Stay Informed

To stay informed of the latest DMV updates and information, and to get forms and tips on how to best complete your DMV transaction, visit dmv.ca.gov before visiting an office.

RIALTO, CA—- A steady line of cars, at times more than a mile long, descended on Rialto City Hall on Saturday, July 18, as part of a free drive-thru food distribution sponsored by the City and the United Sikh Mission.

Volunteers from the City and its police and fire departments loaded up more than 500 carloads of free food to local families – many of them facing ongoing economic struggles as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Sikh Mission, which operates one of the largest COVID-related foot relief efforts in Southern California, provided the food and had many of their own volunteers on hand during the distribution at the City Hall parking lot.

“It turned out to be a great event. In times like this especially, it’s important for us to come together as a community and help one another,” said Rialto Mayor Pro Tem Ed Scott, whose idea it was to host the drive-thru after conversations with local members of the Sikh community. “People are struggling. Some have lost their jobs and can’t afford to go to the store. Every little bit helps. If we’re able to provide them some of the staples, it allows them to spend their money on other essentials.”

The event would not have been possible, Scott said, without the support of the United Sikh Mission, and plans are being developed to make it a monthly event. “They really care about our city and want to give back,” Scott said.

He praised the police and fire departments for their volunteer efforts and City Clerk Barbara McGee, who coordinated logistics. Motorists stayed in their cars while volunteers, all with facial coverings, managed an assembly line of boxed and fresh foods. For most of the morning, the line of cars extended from City Hall to Foothill Boulevard and beyond.

“Partnerships like this are so important for our city. We’re so appreciative to the United Sikh Mission. They donated all of this, and we’re getting it to those families in our community who need it,” McGee said.

Scott said he hopes the program will help create an even stronger sense of community in Rialto.

“We’re a good city. People like to live here. To see this happen, and to see people who are just happy, it tells you we’re heading in the right direction,” he said.

With the federal COVID-19 rent protections provided in the CARES Act about to expire, any plan to assist tenants who have fallen behind on their payments due the COVID-19 pandemic, would have to be drawn up by state or local governments. 

In California, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, chair of the Judicial Council, said, during a public meeting June 24, that the council would “very soon resume voting to terminate the temporary orders having to do with unlawful detainer evictions and foreclosures.” 

The Judicial Council, which regulates the state’s court system, placed a temporary emergency rule on April 6, which stops judges from processing evictions for non-payment of rent during the COVID-19 state of emergency. If the court votes to terminate the rule, it would be rescinded effective Aug. 14. 

Nisha Vyas, Senior Attorney at the Western Center on Law and Poverty, spoke at a press conference held by Ethnic Media Services. In her presentation she detailed some mechanics of the Judicial Council’s rules, and she explained how its rescission would hurt California renters. 

“We’re extremely concerned about this, as the Legislature and Governor have not yet acted to put something in place that will prevent the massive wave of evictions that will begin when this rule is lifted,” Vyas told California Black Media over email. 

“When the rule is withdrawn and the moratorium lapses, we expect this massive eviction crisis, and if we allow the evictions to simply start again without any long-term assistance, it’s going to have a devastating impact on renters, and in particular communities of color.” 

Lifting the statewide eviction moratorium would disproportionately affect Black Californians. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2015 American Housing Survey, 64.4% of African Americans in California are tenants. Also, 57% of Black renters have lost income since mid-March this year, according to the Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. 

According to another U.S. Census Bureau Housing Pulse Survey conducted in June, only about 46 % of Black renters in California were confident that they could pay July’s rent. The other 54% – which accounts for hundreds of thousands of African American households – have no to moderate confidence that they will be able to keep a roof over their heads. 

During the public meeting, Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye also said that the Aug. 14 deadline would give the state legislature the chance to pass legislation regarding tenant protections. 

AB 1436, authored by Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) protects tenants from eviction due to non-payment of rent during the COVID-19 pandemic; allows landlords and tenants to work out payment arrangements for no more than the amount the renter owes; shields the tenant from negative credit reporting and protects his or her ability to rent in the future; and places the eviction process under the authority of civil courts; among other provisions. It also gives a 15-month grace period for unpaid rent after the COVID-19 state of emergency ends. 

The bill passed the Assembly unanimously in May 2019 and is currently under review in the Senate Judiciary Committee. It is sponsored by multiple housing justice organizations, including the Western Center, PolicyLink and Housing NOW California. 

According to Vyas, solving past due rent disputes in civil court rather than through the evictions process would be better for renters. Eviction proceedings are typically fast-tracked, with nearly 75% of eviction cases resolved within 45 days of filing, and many low-income tenants cannot afford an attorney. 

“The advantage is that tenants would be able to remain in their homes. They could handle the rent payment dispute with the landlord in a proceeding that doesn’t put them at risk of homelessness. It would also prevent unnecessary and harmful interactions with law enforcement, since lockouts are performed by sheriffs,” said Vyas. 

Over email, Vyas also pointed out that Californians would need assistance on the federal level as well, preferably through monetary rental assistance. But on the state level, Vyas said, AB 1436 is a necessary step. 

“AB 1436 is a chance for communities and individuals to tell their state legislators here in California to stop the new wave of evictions to keep us all safe and housed. It is, I want to stress, the first step of many that we need to take to bring more equity into housing in California. But this is a great way for people to become engaged.”

The Social Lites, Inc. celebrated its 53rd Beautillion Awards Presentation under the leadership of Lisa Blacksher Owens, president and Tina Darling, Beautillion Chair virtually due to COVID-19 on Saturday, July 25. Gwen Rodgers (President), Dr. Margaret Hill and Danny Tillman of San Bernardino Unified School District Board Members were among dignitaries in attendance to witness five distinguished young men introduced to society naming Mr. Kameron Brantley as Sir Knight. Sir Knight Brantley will be attending Morehouse College this Fall, 2020. Over $13,000.00 in scholarships and gifts was awarded to all Knights.    

The Master of Ceremony of the evening was Alumni, Sir Knight 2004 Raafi Bell.  Alumni Sir Knight Neuman Sneed II 2019 provided inspirational remarks.  Alumni 1981 Danny Tillman was the keynote speaker who was pleased to share his humble beginnings as he focused on the theme for the Beautillion 2020 Program, “Greatness is never given, it is earned.”

The Master of Ceremony of the evening was Alumni, Sir Knight 2004 Raafi Bell.  Alumni Sir Knight Neuman Sneed II 2019 provided inspirational remarks.  Alumni 1981 Danny Tillman was the keynote speaker who was pleased to share his humble beginnings as he focused on the theme for the Beautillion 2020 Program, “Greatness is never given, it is earned.”