By Darrell Frye

Good afternoon, Fam! Darrell Frye here, President of the Black Young Dems (IE)! Get ready for the dopest event of the summer!!! Join us on Saturday, August 17th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the City Center SB for an incredible Artivism experience.

Come and explore music, art, and vendors all dedicated to making a difference! Artivism is about using art to create social change – and we plan to create a space that does just that!!! This event will be free with RSVP!

The City Center is located at 455 W. 4th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401. To RSVP as a guest, vendor, or artist, please click here.

The Board of Supervisors passed a proclamation on June 25, declaring July as Park and Recreation Month, which aligns with the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) resolution celebrating parks around the country.

Since 1985, the United States has celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.

NRPA is dedicated to the services that park and recreation professionals provide in communities — from protecting open spaces and natural resources to helping fight obesity and providing activities and resources for all people. Park and Recreation Month encourages everyone to reflect on the exponential value park and recreation professionals bring to communities.

Director of Regional Parks Beahta Davis says, “San Bernardino County Regional Parks is committed to protecting the county’s natural, cultural and historical land resources and we envision an eco-friendly, well maintained, park system that improves the well-being of our communities through recreational and educational activities and events.”

This year, the NRPA’s Park and Recreation Month theme is “Where you Belong,” which celebrates the many ways park and recreation professional across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.

Davis says this is why this proclamation is so vital to supporting our parks and recreation in our communities. Our programs and events align with the Countywide Vision, encouraging residents to increase their physical activity and connecting them to many opportunities to be active.

Davis also added that as part of the celebration this month, Regional Parks is offering visitors half-off park admission and fishing permit fees on Friday, July 19 at the following parks:

• Cucamonga-Guasti: 800 N. Archibald Ave, Ontario
• Glen Helen: 2555 Glen Helen Pkwy., San Bernardino
• Mojave Narrows: 18000 Yates Road, Victorville
• Prado: 16700 S. Euclid Ave., Chino
• Yucaipa: 33900 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa

Park admission on Friday, July 19, will be $4 per vehicle and fishing permits will be $6 per person. The discounted admission does not include camping rates or swimming fees at Glen Helen and Yucaipa swim facilities.

All parks will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the lakes will be stocked with catfish on Thursday, July 18.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

Last week, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) approved nearly $1.9 billion to upgrade and sustain public transportation systems statewide.

The state plans to invest a total of $5.1 billion among regional transportation planning agencies over several years, as mandated in Senate Bill (SB) 125, which Gov. Newsom signed into law in 2023.

The funding will pay for transit operations and capital improvements, allocating varying amounts of money to 22 agencies based on population.

“This vital funding serves as a lifeline for transit agencies all over the state and helps to advance California’s ambitious, world-leading climate goals,” said Newsom.

At the same time, we’re adding accountability measures that help put our state’s transit agencies on a path toward long-term stability,” the Governor added.

Planning agencies will also receive funds from the transportation package. CalSTA plans to approve $500 million for projects implemented this summer. More funds will be approved for future projects until the 2027-2028 fiscal year.

California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said the investment aligns with the state’s environmental and equity goals and responds to the needs of the public.

“California’s commitment to public transit is unwavering, and with billions more in funding in the pipeline — including for zero-emission equipment and operations — we are just getting started in delivering a more sustainable and equitable transit system for the people of California,” said Omishakin.

Deal includes weekly newspapers in several Inland Empire communities

REDLANDS, CA – Times Media Group (TMG) announced today that it has acquired Century Group Media, a publishing company that has operated weekly community newspapers in California’s Inland Empire for the past 37 years.

The deal includes the Redlands Community News, Yucaipa News Mirror, Calimesa News Mirror, Fontana Herald News, The Record Gazette serving Banning and Beaumont, and the outlets’ websites. Each of these longstanding publications have served the San Bernardino/Riverside area of the Inland Empire as the region has experienced significant growth.

What is now Century Group Media was founded in 1987 by Jerry Bean, a longtime newspaper media executive who formed his own company after serving as publisher of Gannett’s San Bernardino Sun. Bean, 81, plans to retire after 66 years in the newspaper business.

As a high school sophomore, Bean was hired by his hometown weekly in Lacon, Illinois, as a part-time “printer’s devil” tasked with cleaning the shop and re-melting the lead type used to print the newspaper at that time. In addition to writing high school sports articles, he learned to operate the newspaper’s typesetting and printing machines, an interest that served him well as he moved through the newspaper ranks.

After volunteering for the Daily Illini while earning a journalism degree from the University of Illinois in 1966, Bean joined the Rockford (Illinois) Morning Star as a reporter. Twelve years later he was named publisher of the then 80,000-circulation Gannett daily.

Bean served Gannett as the launch general manager of USA Today and later as a regional vice president while also serving as publisher of the San Bernardino paper.
Living in nearby Redlands, he has been in leadership roles in many community non-profit organizations. He also was elected president of the California News Publishers Association in 2006.

Times Media Group, headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, owns more than 35 weekly publications throughout Arizona and California. The company is committed to keeping quality local journalism alive in the many communities it serves.

“Every week more than a million readers in communities large and small turn to our pages and websites for the news and happenings in their communities,” said Steve Strickbine, the founder and president of TMG. “Ten years ago, I would never have imagined our growth would encompass such a large footprint and so many loyal readers. We are honored to be the stewards of that trust as a true source for news in a rapidly changing media environment.”

Strickbine founded TMG in 1997, quitting his job as a CPA to pursue his dream of becoming a newspaper publishing entrepreneur. Over the past 27 years, TMG has grown into one of the largest community publishers in the country. Strickbine says the company remains committed to continuing to grow by acquiring more community news groups.

“There are real opportunities to acquire and preserve many of the news publications residents have come to know and trust,” said Strickbine. “I continue to meet many newspaper publishers who want their life’s work to carry on serving the communities they love. I would invite anyone motivated to protect their legacy in newspapers to give me a call, because we would certainly be interested in that discussion.”

Bean said he was impressed with what TMG brings to the table. “In looking for a buyer who would maintain the traditional roles and responsibilities of newspaper journalism, I was impressed with the quality of Steve’s newspapers,” he said. “Just as importantly, he does a great job of incorporating the internet and social media into his operations. That is often hard for an old guy like me to do effectively.”

Bean took care to thank his staff for their hard work. “We have employees who have just joined us and employees who have been with us for the entire 37 years,” he said. “Every one of them is truly appreciated.”

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.