By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

On February 14 last week, Valentine’s Day, the Los Angeles City Council honored California’s first Black Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley N. Weber, with a heartfelt gesture of appreciation.

As part of its Black History Month celebration, the 15-member council declared February 14 “Shirley Weber Day” in Los Angeles.

“We celebrate the homecoming of an undeniable force who emerged from the streets of South L.A. to the epitome, showing strength and grit,” said Councilmember Curren Price, who represents the city’s 9th District where Weber grew up.

Price introduced the resolution to honor Weber earlier this month, which acknowledged the Secretary of State for her “lifelong commitment to service within the realm of civil rights, voting rights, public safety, protections for those with disabilities, food insecurity and legislation on education.”

Councilmember Heather Hutt, who represents the 10th District, called Weber “an extraordinary woman who has made history and she really continues to inspire us all.”

Latricia T. Mitchell, NAACP Los Angeles President, congratulated Weber and praised the city council for its decision.

“Her unwavering dedication to the California dream, where hope, opportunity, justice, and fairness thrive, serves as an inspiration to all,” wrote Mitchell in a statement. “With unwavering integrity, she consistently prioritizes the needs of the public over any political agenda, fulfilling her responsibilities with utmost commitment.”

Weber, born in Hope, Ark, in 1948, moved with her family to Los Angeles as a young girl. She grew up in the Pueblo Del Rio housing projects and earned her undergraduate, master’s and PhD from UCLA.

Weber, a former Assemblymember who represented the 79th District in San Diego, thanked the councilmembers, recognized how growing up in L.A. contributed to her success, urged the audience to help build communities where young people can be motivated, feel supported and thrive.

Weber also remembered her parents.

“My only regret in life is that my parents are not here to see what they did, what they made, and see the contributions they made not just to my life, but to the life of California,” she said. “I always pay tribute to them.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—In November, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Barton and Gomez Elementary Schools, Arrowview Middle School and San Gorgonio High School (San G).

The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Grandparent/Volunteer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the District’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.

Barton Elementary School, Principal Dr. Janice Gordon:

Aaron Caballero is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Caballero is a model student for his peers and the definition of a Barton Bulldog by being respectful, responsible and safe. As ASB class president, he leads by example. His quiet but confident demeanor shines when he makes announcements. Caballero wants to become a lawyer. He said, “I want to help people with their cases.”

Alana Chavez is a sixth-grader and Outstanding Student. Chavez is innovative, creative and excels in all academic areas. Her commitment to her academics is commendable, and it is obvious she has a passion for learning that inspires others to be the best version of themselves. Chavez would like to attend Cal State San Bernardino to major in Business and open a Craft Shop.

Outstanding Aunt Award winner Hanna Perez is an asset to Barton, helping in the classroom, on field trips and events like the Fall Festival. She has a nurturing approach when she works with students. Perez is new as a volunteer, but it seems like she’s been a part of the Barton team for years.

Educational Assistant III (EAIII)-Spanish Luz Cruz models a sense of purpose and emotional commitment by how she carries herself every day. She is emotionally invested in the data-driven discussions to ensure that all the supports are in place for all students. She is truly outstanding.

Third-Grade Teacher Anna Ortega is respected by staff, students, parents and administration for her commitment to educating students. She has a great attitude and tackles any task with a big smile. She is always professional and works collaboratively with colleagues and parents to ensure students are learning and growing.

Gomez Elementary School, Principal Maria Martinez:

Korinna Dominguez is a sixth-grader and Outstanding Student. In addition to excelling in academics, Dominguez also follows all behavioral expectations and is a great role model for other scholars. During her time at Gomez, she has joined the honor orchestra and played the violin. Dominguez enjoys baking cakes, so she aspires to one day become a chef or baker.

Melanie Flores is a fifth-grader and Outstanding Student. Flores is a hardworking and involved student. She plays the violin and is also in choir. She participates in the Expanded Learning acting club, even being cast as the protagonist of one of the school’s films. Flores wants to become a teacher because she wants to help kids learn.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Mayra Romero attends all the school council meetings, as well as the District-level parent council meetings. When she meets with the principal, she always brings solutions and ideas on how to improve. Romero always looks out for not only her own children but for all children at Gomez.

Outstanding Bilingual Secretary II Jose Alvarez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Alvarez always comes to work with a positive attitude. When asked to complete an assignment, he never complains, and he follows through with all requests made. He frequently checks in to ensure that staff members are satisfied with how he handled a situation or how he completed a task.

Fourth-Grade Teacher Iliana Munoz is extremely dedicated and passionate about the students she serves. She ensures that all the students in her class get the best education that they can receive. She has an emotional commitment to her scholars by showing pride and empowering them to become leaders on campus.

Arrowview Middle School, Principal Berenice Rios:

Seventh-grader Tafara Sibanda is an Outstanding Student. Sibanda is polite, respectful and is an overall model student. You will not find another student more excited about coming to school and learning. Sibanda’s goal is to attend UCR’s Medical School to become a heart surgeon.

Arely Velazquez is an eighth-grader and Outstanding Student. Velazquez is mature, confident, respectful, polite and a leader for the many extracurricular activities she participates in, such as Folklorico club, National Jr. Honor Society, Dual Club and more. Velazquez is always ready to learn and always has a positive attitude. Her goal is to become a lawyer.

Maria Solano Moreno is Arrowview’s Outstanding Parent. Solano Moreno has served on the School Site Council and ELAC for the past few years, and when it comes to decision making she is always advocating for all students.

School Accounting Tech I Norma Martinez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. She works closely with the school’s Associated Student Body and the principal to ensure students and staff have everything they need in order to be successful. Martinez goes above and beyond, has positive passion and is focused on results for students.

Outstanding Program Facilitator Yesenia Casillas is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. She has been an instructional coach for 12 years, and she has impacted every new teacher that comes to the Arrowview campus. Casillas wears many hats at the school, and one of them is to organize professional development and the Arrowview Academy for new teachers.

San Gorgonio High School, Principal Jorge De La Torre:

Amara Jackson is a senior and an Outstanding Student. Jackson has been a key member of the music program at San G. As a senior, she has stepped up and been a role model for all student musicians. Jackson is always willing to lend a hand and works hard at everything she sets her mind to. Jackson plans to major in museum arts and hopes to one day be a museum curator.

Senior Gustavo Morales is an Outstanding Student. Morales shows tremendous resiliency and confidence in himself. He strives to step into leadership positions, currently serving as Vice President of Civic Awareness and participating in the Del Sol Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico. Morales has plans to join the military and also has an interest in law.

Nereida Rubio is a stellar San Gorgonio Spartan parent, supporting her three children at San G. Her oldest graduated in 2020 and competed in football and track. Her second oldest just graduated in 2023 and competed in cheerleading and swimming. Her youngest child is currently a junior and plays football and track.

Custodian III Anjeanette Tirado is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Tirado is a positive influence at San G. She is always smiling, laughing and making sure our school is ready for students and staff. She works to ensure customers receive the best service, even working 6 days a week because of the frequent Saturday events at San G.

Associated Student Body Director Jeffrey Juhnke is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. No matter what the obstacles and challenges are, Juhnke makes sure we give our students the best. He builds his students to be leaders and work collaboratively to make decisions for the students they represent.

 

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

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CALBCC)  celebrated Black-owned businesses from across the state at its 2024 Legislative Business Brunch, held at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento on February 12.

The event, part of the CLBC’s Black History Month celebrations, honored the business owners for their outstanding achievements, impact on communities, enduring legacy, and high level of professionalism.

Jay King, CALBCC President and CEO, and CLBC Chair, Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), and CLBC Vice Chair, Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), hosted the event.

“I thank each and every one of you for being here for this grand occasion organized to celebrate and honor Black business owners from around the state of California for their hard work, dedication, perseverance, and tenacity,” King said. “These are but a few of the attributes that must be on display at all times for Black business to survive.”

This year’s Black History Month business awardees are: Flawless Cutz and Stylez (Bakersfield); Imperial Electric Service (Fresno); OC Podiatry (Orange); Seashells Realty Group (San Jose); SER Transportation Services (Sacramento);Chez Soul (Fairfield); Beauchamp Distributing Company (Compton); BLK Girl Greenhouse (Oakland); South LA Café (Los Angeles); D.R. Roberts Event Management (Oakland); Sal’s Gumbo Shack (Long Beach); Leading Edge Learning Center (Moreno Valley); Woody’s Bar-B-Que (Los Angeles); Urban Roots Brewery and Smokehouses (Sacramento); Detour Hair Studios and Earle’s Restaurant (Inglewood); and Spacebar Café  (La Mesa).

All of the awards were presented by King and members of the CLBC.

“As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to fostering an environment where Black businesses can thrive and continue to be meaningful to the economic landscape of California,” said Wilson, the chairperson of CLBC. “We continue to look forward to continuing our collaboration with the California Black Chamber of Commerce and stakeholders dedicated to empowering and uplifting Black-owned businesses.”

One of the oldest Black businesses in the state, Woods-Valentine Mortuary of Pasadena, received a special recognition for its longevity and contributions to its community. The mortuary was established by James and Annie Mae Woods in 1928 in the area now known as Old Pasadena.

Fred Valentine and his brothers were employed by the mortuary. Then, in 1958, Valentine and his wife, Arzella J. Valentine, purchased the business and renamed it Woods-Valentine.

Mr. Valentine passed away at the age of 98 in 2017. Their daughters Janyce Valentine and Gail Valentine-Taylor now operate the business with their 97-year-old mother, who was present at the brunch.

“I’ve known this family for about 40 years. I am so proud of this family,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), who represents Assembly District (AD) 41 where the Woods-Valentine business is located.

Holden presented the award to the Valentine family.

While growing up, Holden said he learned about the 96-year-old mortuary business through one of the most effective forms of advertising in the Black community: church hand-held cooling fans.

Holden reflected on how the fans, for decades, were an important medium for information and advertising in Black communities across the United States for businesses like insurance companies, funeral homes, law firms, car dealerships and more.

State Controller Malia M. Cohen was the keynote speaker, and she was presented with the CLBC’s Chair Award. Tara Lynn Gray, the Director of California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), also delivered remarks.

Toks Omishakin, California Secretary of Transportation, was a guest.

King urged the business owners to continue to be exemplars and beacons of hope for other Black entrepreneurs and companies in the state.

“The business owners you see here have survived many obstacles and barriers, have been denied access to capital and other necessary resources to succeed, and have been told ‘no,’” King said. “But we say today, ‘thank you’ and ‘we appreciate you,’ with the hopes that they must carry the message: don’t quit and keep pushing.”

By Joe W. Bowers Jr.  | California Black Media

The ballot for the 2024 California presidential primary election, set for March 5 — commonly called “Super Tuesday in political media speak — features leading presidential candidates President Joe Biden (D) and former President Donald Trump (R). Black candidates for President include President R. Boddie (D), Eban Cambridge (D), Jasmine Sherman (Peace and Freedom), and Cornel West (Peace and Freedom).

Across California, voters will also be choosing candidates for one US Senate seat, 52 congressional seats, 80 State Assembly seats, and 20 State Senate seats. Additionally, there’s a statewide ballot measure, Proposition 1, which if passed, would allow the state to borrow $6.4 billion for mental health treatment beds and revamp the law that funds mental health services through a tax on millionaires.

Voters will discover that Black candidates are overrepresented on their ballots for State and Federal office. Although African Americans comprise 6.5% of California’s population, Black candidates are contesting for 11.5% of California’s US House seats, 23.8% of State Assembly seats and 30% of State Senate seats.

According to California Black Media (CBM), 53 Black candidates are participating in 32 of the 154 statewide elections. That’s about 21% of the races.

In eleven of these races, multiple Black candidates are competing. The party affiliations of these candidates include 42 Democrats, 7 Republicans, one Green Party, three Peace and Freedom Party and one from the American Independent Party. Among these candidates, 27 women are running for office – one for President, one for US Senate, 4 for Congress, 15 for State Assembly and 7 for State Senate. There are 27 men on the ballot – 3 for President, 8 for Congress, 9 for state Assembly and 7 for state Senate.

There is one Black candidate, Congressmember Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), running for the US Senate seat (both full and partial term) to succeed U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler. If elected, Lee would be the third Black female U.S. Senator in state history. Despite lagging in both fundraising and the polls, she has consistently performed well in debates. Lee, has said throughout her political career that “representation matters.” If neither Lee nor Congressmember Katie Porter (D-CA-47), the leading female candidates, finishes in the top two for the general election, California would be without a female contending to be senator the first time in more than 30 years.

 

In the upcoming Congressional elections, 12 Black candidates are vying for 6 seats.

For Congressional District (CD) 6 (Elk Grove), Craig J. DeLuz (R), a member of the Robla School Board, is in the running along with 5 other candidates, including the current Congressmember, Ami Bera (D).

Kevin Lincoln (R), the Mayor of Stockton, is contesting for CD 9 (Stockton) against three other candidates, including the incumbent Congressmember, Josh Harder (D).

In CD 12 (Oakland), nine candidates are competing to succeed Lee. Among them, three are Black: Lateefah Simon (D), a nonprofit Foundation President; Andre Todd (D), a retired Navy officer and businessman; and Eric Wilson (D), an employee of a nonprofit organization.

Julie Lythcott-Haims (D), a Palo Alto councilmember, educator, lawyer, and parent, is among the 11 candidates running for CD 16 (Atherton) to replace the retiring Anna Eshoo (D).

Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D), one of the three incumbent Black Congressmembers from California, is seeking re-election in CD 37 (Los Angeles). John Thompson Parker (Peace and Freedom) is the other Black candidate in this race, which has a total of four contenders.

In CD 47 (Los Angeles), four out of five candidates are Black. The incumbent representative is Maxine Waters (D). The other Black candidates are Gregory Edward Jackson Cheadle (D), a program evaluator; Chris B. Wiggins (D), a state caucus chair; and Steve Williams (R), a small business owner.

 

Out of 40 State Senate seats, 20 are up for election this year. Five of these seats are being sought by 14 Black candidates.

In Senate District (SD) 3 (Napa), five candidates are competing for an open seat as the incumbent, Bill Dodd (D), is term-limited in 2024. The Black candidates in this race are Jackie Elward (D), a councilmember, educator, and mother, and Jimih Jones (R), an automotive parts advisor.

SD 7 (Oakland) has six candidates running to succeed Nancy Skinner (D), who is termed out at the end of 2024. The Black candidates are Jovanka Beckles (D), an AC Transit Director, and Sandre R Swanson (D), a youth foundation president and former Assemblymember.

Jason O’Brien (D), a police detective and businessman, is among four candidates vying for an open seat in SD 29 (San Bernadino).

Eight candidates are on the ballot for SD 35 (Inglewood) to replace the term-limited Sen. Steven Bradford (D). The six Black candidates are Michelle Chambers (D), a community justice advocate; Lamar Lyons (D), a financial consultant; Alex Monteiro (D), a Councilmember and nonprofit director; Laura Richardson (D), a former Congressmember, businesswoman, and housing advocate; and Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams (D), an accountant and small businessowner.

Dr. Akilah Weber (D), an Assemblymember and medical doctor is a candidate for the open SD 39 (San Diego) seat being vacated by Sen. Toni Atkins, former Senate President pro Tempore. She is running against one other candidate.

 

Out of 80 Assembly seats on the ballot, 24 Black candidates are contesting for 19 seats.

In Assembly District (AD) 6 (Sacramento), 10 candidates are on the ballot to succeed Kevin McCarty (D), who is running for Mayor of Sacramento. Among them, Emmanual Amanfor (D), a Sacramento Housing Commissioner, is the sole Black candidate.

Porsche Middleton (D) is contesting for AD 7 (Citrus Heights) against two others, including incumbent Josh Hoover (R).

In AD 11 (Suisun City), incumbent Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D) is seeking re-election. She faces three opponents, one of whom is Black: Wanda Wallis, a real estate agent.

Rhodesia Ransom (D), a businessowner and mother, is running for AD 13 (Stockton) against two other candidates.

Monica E. Wilson (D), an Antioch City Councilmember, is contesting for AD 15 (Concord) against three opponents.

Incumbent Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D) is seeking re-election for AD 18 (Oakland). Among her three opponents, one is Black: Andre Sandford, a housing program manager.

Waymond Fermon (D), a peace officer and Indio councilmember, is running for the open seat in AD 36 (Antelope Valley) against six other candidates.

Phlunté Riddle (D), a public safety commissioner, is on the ballot for AD 41 (Pasadena). The incumbent, Chris Holden (D), who is term-limited, is running for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Three other candidates are also on the ballot.

Carmenita Helligar (D) is one of eight candidates for AD 44 (Burbank), as incumbent Laura Friedman is running for the U.S. House.

Jamie Swain (D), a truck driver, is running for AD 47 (High Desert) against two opponents, including incumbent Greg Wallis (R).

In AD 50 (San Bernardino), DeJonae Marie Shaw, a licensed vocational nurse, is running against two other candidates. The incumbent, Eloise Reyes (D), is running for State Senate.

Shannel Pittman (Green Party), a national diversity chair, is running for AD 52 (San Gabriel Valley) against nine other candidates. The incumbent, Wendy Carrillo (D), is running for Los Angeles City Council.

Isaac G. Bryan (D), the incumbent Assemblymember for AD 55 (Ladera Heights), has one opponent.

In AD 57 (Los Angeles), five candidates are running to replace Reggie Jones-Sawyer, who is term-limited and running for Los Angeles City Council. The three Black candidates are Greg Akili, an educator and nonprofit director; Sade Elhawary, an education and community organizer; and Tara Perry, a reparations advocate.

Corey A Jackson (D), the incumbent Assemblymember for AD 60 (Riverside), is running for re-election against two opponents, one of whom is Black: Ron Edwards (R), a small business owner.

Tina Simone McKinnor (D), the incumbent Assemblymember for AD 61 (Inglewood), is running for re-election against one opponent.

Mike Gipson (D), the incumbent Assemblymember for AD 65 (Compton), is running for re-election.

Dom Jones (D), a businesswoman and TV personality, is running for AD-72 (Huntington Beach) against incumbent Diane Dixon (R).

LaShae Sharp-Collins (D), a county education professional, is running for AD 79 (La Mesa). The incumbent, Akilah Weber, is running for State Senate. Two other candidates are also on the ballot.

All active registered voters in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. Mailing of ballots began Feb. 5 and drop-off locations opened on Feb. 6. The last day to register to vote is Feb. 20. Vote centers for early in-person voting open on Feb. 24. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by March 12.

In California, the order of races on ballots goes from local to federal, and the state’s primaries have a top-two system, meaning the top two vote getters in a given race advance to the general election, regardless of political party.

By Joe W. Bowers, Jr.  | California Black Media

In California, the Lunar New Year presents an opportunity for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities to come together in celebration, marking a time of renewal, tradition, and cultural significance. This year, the festivities span more than two weeks, starting on February 10, with traditions and celebrations being observed throughout the state.

The Lunar New Year is a festive season that holds significant cultural and astrological meaning. It follows the lunisolar calendar and welcomes the beginning of spring, the first new moon of the lunar calendar, and the changing of the zodiac sign.

2024 is the Year of the Dragon

In September 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2596, officially recognizing Lunar New Year as a California state holiday. “I am immensely proud of the richness of diversity and backgrounds represented in our state and understand the importance of wanting to see one’s own experience reflected in state holidays,” Newsom said in a statement at the time.

In proclaiming February 10, 2024, as “Lunar New Year”, Newsom said, “Let us show support and solidarity for our AAPI friends, family and neighbors and recognize their irreplaceable contributions to our California story. As the Year of the Dragon begins, we wish happiness and good fortune to all.”

The origins of Lunar New Year festivals are thousands of years old and are steeped in legends. One legend is that of Nian, a hideous beast believed to feast on human flesh on New Year’s Day. Because Nian feared red, loud noises, and fire, red paper decorations were pasted to doors, lanterns were burned all night, and firecrackers were lit to frighten the beast away.

On the Lunar calendar, each year is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals. The animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. In addition to the animals, the five elements of earth, water, fire, wood, and metal are incorporated into the lunar calendar. Each year is associated with an animal and a corresponding element.

The year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 symbolizes a period of power, wealth, and transformation. It is anticipated to inspire individuals to seize opportunities, pursue their aspirations, and bravely tackle life’s challenges with resilience.

In California, AAPI communities celebrate Lunar New Year with different traditions, though there is some overlap. One of the most widely recognized Lunar New Year traditions is exchanging “red envelopes,” or “lai see” in Cantonese. “Lai see” are distributed by elder family members to younger ones to wish them prosperity. Other traditions include performing lion or dragon dances and lighting fireworks. It is also common to eat special foods; for instance, it is tradition in China to eat longevity noodles to bring oneself a long life.

At Disney California Adventure the world-famous mouse and his friends will celebrate the Year of Dragon with a Mulan Lunar New Year Procession with Disney characters dressed in special costumes, Asian food specials and a Wishing Wall made of ornamental lanterns.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated with various foods and traditions that symbolize prosperity, abundance, and unity. Houses are cleaned thoroughly to rid them of bad luck that might be left over from the past year. Some households hold rituals offering food and paper symbols to their ancestors. Older family members give out envelopes containing money to children. Sticky rice dishes, symbolizing unity, are a common part of the feast.

As Californians of all backgrounds come together to celebrate the Lunar New Year, they honor their heritage, strengthen bonds, and reflect on the diversity of cultures that populate the state. In the Year of the Wood Dragon, the spirit of the Lunar New Year is expected to shine brightly, steering Californians toward a future filled with promise and possibility.

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This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/.

 

 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The annual San Bernardino County Black History Month Parade and Expo, scheduled for Saturday, February 24, in Fontana, is now accepting parade entries and vendor applications. This vibrant event celebrates the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Black community.

Parade and Expo Details:

Date: Saturday, February 24th, 2024, 10 a.m.

Location: Citrus Ave and Summit in Fontana.  The Expo will immediately follow the parade on Sierra lakes parkway and Citrus Avenue in the Home Depot parking lot.

How to Participate:

Parade Entries: If you wish to be part of the dynamic parade, please scan the QR code attached to this release to complete the entry form. We encourage diverse representations and expressions of Black culture.

Vendor Applications: Entrepreneurs and businesses interested in being part of the event as vendors are also welcome. Scan the QR code to access the vendor application and secure your spot.

All interested participants should return the completed forms as soon as possible to ensure inclusion in this momentous celebration.

This year’s Black History Month Parade promises to be a memorable occasion, showcasing unity, diversity, and the significant contributions of the Black community. Join in commemorating this cultural heritage in a spirit of joy and togetherness.

For further information, please contact: (909) 333-9950, Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana.

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

A report released last week by the California Community Builders Association (CBCA) presented a grim picture of home ownership for middle income Black Californians and other minorities.

The report, titled California’s Missing Middle,” revealed that the rate of homeownership for Black Californians ages 25 through 35 dropped by more than half — from 50% to 23% over a four-decade period, beginning in 1980 through 2021.

During that same period, the rate of homeownership for Latinos also fell significantly — by 22 percentage points, from 52% to 30%.

According to CBCA, the study is based on Census data. It focuses on middle-income Californians because there are rapid shifts happening among that demographic and that sub-group gets the least attention in conversations about homelessness and housing affordability.

“Middle-income California is shrinking, and the drop is all in the lower-middle-income group, from 6.7 million in 2000 to 4.3 million in 2019, a staggering 35% drop,” reads a CBCA press release.

Middle-income Californians also receive the least amount of government funded subsidies aimed at making housing more affordable in the state.

“We have no idea whether these people left the state or changed income brackets. In fact, we know little about the demographics and housing challenges of this group, but the “shrinking middle class” looks real. Knowledge gaps create policy gaps, and we have both,” the CBCA press release continued.Among key findings in the study are nearly 60% of middle-income Californians are people of color and California housing prices have increased eight times as much as California incomes.

The report recommends that the state create a housing policy that considers the needs of middle-income Californians. The majority of them, according to CCBA, earn too little money to compete in the housing market, yet their income is too high to qualify for income-based subsidies.

“Today, the needs of low-income families are often the primary source of discussion when it comes to housing policy and housing subsidy,” the report reads. “CCB agrees with this perspective and believes low-income families need far greater support than they receive today, but we also believe that the 17 million middle-income Californians also need care and attention, as our current housing market regularly fails them.”

By Lou K. Coleman| WSS News Contributor

Is the Apocalypse around the Corner? Yes! Is it the Last Days? Yes! But you ask, how can you say with such certainty?

Bible prophecy:

[Isaiah 11:11-12, Ezekiel 11:17, Amos 9:14-15, Isaiah 52:9, Zechariah 8:7-8 and 12:6, Ezekiel 34:12-13, 36:24, and 39:28, Jeremiah 23:7-8, Revelation 11:8-9, Revelation 13, Matthew 24:12, 2 and Peter 3:3-2, Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, Luke 21:11, Matthew 24:14, Mark 13:10, Revelation 13:1-7, Daniel 7:16-24, Revelation 13:1-8 & 17:1-18, Matthew 24:9, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:17, John 15:20, 2nd Timothy 3:12, 1 Timothy 4:1-2, Matthew 24:10-12, Ezekiel 38:2-6 Zechariah 12:3, Ezekiel 37:10].

Read it all and then look around you. What do you see? War and the nations gathering for more war. Economic woes, massive inflation, crime on all sides, wickedness everywhere, natural disasters, famine, all evidence that we are living in the end times, last days, and that the apocalypse is just around the corner. Lend a sense of urgency to this message, please!

Prophecy [Ezekiel 7:1-4] … An end! The end is coming on the four corners of the land.

Three specific prophecies that God gave Ezekiel regarding how the people will be punished—one-third will die by plagues or famine; one-third will fall by the sword; one-third will be scatted to every wind. He tells Ezekiel that he is about to cut off the food supply in Jerusalem and only give the people rationed water. He tells Ezekiel the people will waste away. And plagues and bloodshed were coming. Bones were going to be scattered, towns laid waste, and the high places of idolatry were going to be demolished.

Days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. [Luke 21:20-22].

Please lend a sense of urgency to this message. For indeed, we are living in the Last Days, End-Times, and the Apocalypse is just around the Corner.

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

On February 7, Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) introduced legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 2180, designed to ensure that terminally or chronically ill people living in California can afford their life-saving medications.

If passed, the law would require California health plan providers, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to count the value of financial assistance provided by subsidy programs towards a terminally ill patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket expenses.

“When insurers and PBMs do onto count the value of copay assistance toward cost-sharing requirements, patients often experience “a copay surprise” at the pharmacy counter and may be forced to walk away without their needed medication because they cannot afford it,” wrote Weber in a statement.

Over 80 patient advocacy organizations, medical foundations and other groups applauded Weber for introducing the legislation.

“The All Copays Count in California Coalition commends Dr. Weber for championing legislation that will improve patient access to medications and protect the most vulnerable Californians from harmful and deceptive insurance schemes that raise patient costs,” said Lynne Kinst, Executive Director of Hemophilia Council of California (HCC), which is a cosponsor of the bill.

According to the HCC, an estimated 70% of patients “abandon their prescription medications when their out-of-pocket costs reach $250 or more.

Virtuous Con, the highly-anticipated annual virtual creative convention, is set to return for its 4th Annual Black History Month Event from February 23 to February 25, 2024. Accessible through the official Virtuous Con website, this year’s online event will center around the theme “The Future is Ours,” celebrating and showcasing the remarkable achievements of Black creators in the independent creative space. The online show also features a new free Opening Night event providing attendees with a taste of the larger convention.

An impressive lineup of renowned authors is scheduled to appear, including actor/writer producer Malcolm Barrett, (The Boys, Average Joe), Tananarive Due (The Reformatory), N.K. Jemisin (The Broken Earth Trilogy), Vashti Harrison (BIG), Victor Lavalle (Lone Women) and Daniel José Older (Star Wars the High Republic). Joining them are esteemed screenwriters Brandon Easton (Iyanu), Latoya Morgan (The Walking Dead), as well as Cody Ziglar (Craig of the Creek, Spider-Punk) and Rodney Barnes (Winning Time, Killadelphia), both talented screenwriters and comic book creators.

Other award-winning comic creators featured at the event are Odunze Whyte Oguguo (“Clock Striker”), David Crownson (“Harriet Tubman Demon Slayer”), Alitha Martinez (“Nubia: Queen of the Amazons”), and Roye Okupe, (“The Oloris”) , whose series “Iyanu” has been adapted into an animated series by Lion Forge Entertainment for Max and Cartoon Network.

The cornerstone of the convention are the Virtuous Con Virtual Vendor Rooms. Participants will have access to four virtual “floors,” showcasing independent artists, authors, and illustrators dedicated to science fiction, fantasy, comic books, anime, and more. Hosted on Remo.co, the vendor floor this year features expanded programming within the showroom floor, including tutorials and discussions providing yet another option for attendees.

A few vendors include: Sarah Jefferson Carter, Dream Fury Comics, ARWBooks, Jocelyn Short,KEEF CROSS (Smize and Dream/Tyra Banks), Kingwood Comics.

This years sponsors include Patron Hunt, Lion Forge Entertainment, Wacom, Adobe, Inc, Best Jacket Press and Otaku Noir.

Virtuous Con is scheduled to take place from February 23 through 26, from 11am-6pmET.

Tickets are $30 general admission or $$75 with gift box: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/virtuousconllc/1061490.

Program information, can be found at https://virtuouscon.com.

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About VirtuousCon

Virtuous Con is an online science-fiction and comic culture convention dedicated to celebrating independent Black artists and creators worldwide. Our unique platform provides both fans and creators with a live, authentic, and interactive experience, allowing attendees to engage with, support, and purchase directly from artists in real time. Unlike other virtual platforms, Virtuous Con is a truly immersive science fiction (sci-fi) and comic culture virtual convention (Con) that focuses on bringing together independent artists and passionate fans.

About Founder Cerece Rennie Murphy

Rennie Murphy, a Washington D.C. native and Award-Winning science fiction author, is not only celebrated for her imaginative works like The Order of the Seers and The Wolf Queen series but has also emerged as a proactive advocate for independent creators in the realms of science fiction, fantasy, and comics. In response to the challenges faced by her creative colleagues, particularly those from BIPOC backgrounds, during the COVID-19 shutdowns, Murphy founded Virtuous Con.Murphy’s dedication to supporting her peers in the face of adversity is evident in her commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient creative community, showcased through her roles as the founder of the Narazu website and Virtuous Con.

Follow Virtuous Con on their social channels:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConVirtuous

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirtuousCon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevirtuouscon