Hate Incident: White Supremacist Letter to Legislators, AG Bonta Says Black Maternal Deaths Are God’s Will

By Antonio Ray Harvey, Maxim Elramsisy, Lila Brown and Joe W. Bowers Jr.| California Black Media

A member of a White supremacist group wrote a racist letter addressed to members of the California Legislature and Attorney General Rob Bonta claiming deaths of Black mothers and children during childbirth are God’s will.

Earlier this month, the Assembly Committee on Health voted 12 to 2 to advance Assembly Bill (AB) 2319, the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act, legislation crafted to address the high infant mortality among Black women.

Opposing that decision last week, a person claiming to be a member of two racist, White Supremacist organizations sent a letter to the office of Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City).

Wilson, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), is the author of AB 2319.

“I submit this letter in strong and vehement opposition of AB 2319,” the letter obtained by California Black Media stated. “We believe that every non-White birth in this state is a drain on the taxpayers and that any miscarriage or complication that results in death or defect of the mother, or the child, is God’s way of ensuring population control among Blacks and other minorities.”

Wilson said she and her staff were shocked by the raw hatred expressed in the letter.

“The recent racist opposition to our efforts to secure equitable health care for every Californian is not only offensive but deeply concerning,” stated Wilson.

“As the Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I unequivocally condemn these views, which are steeped in hate and ignorance. The language used in this letter is not only disgraceful but dangerous and has no place in our society or legislative discourse. I want to make it unequivocally clear: there is no place for hate in California.”

Wilson said she and other colleagues opposed to bigotry — including Republican members, who have also condemned the letter — “are committed to moving forward together, ensuring that our legislative efforts embody our unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the safeguarding of human rights for everyone.”

San Bernardino County Signs Historic Agreement to Combat College Student Hunger

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On April 12, a significant collaboration between the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD), California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), and the County of San Bernardino was formalized to combat student hunger. This collaboration is designed to expedite the qualification process for CalFresh, a critical federal aid program that provides monthly assistance for low-income individuals to purchase nutritious food.

The agreement will allow San Bernardino Valley College, Crafton Hills College, and CSUSB to share specific financial information from student’s FAFSA applications with the San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department which manage CalFresh, with the consent of the students.

The urgency of this initiative is highlighted by findings from the California Student Aid Commission, which estimates that nearly 181,000 college students in Riverside and San Bernardino counties are at risk of facing hunger without CalFresh support. San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. reflected on his connection to the cause, stating, “As someone who has studied at both Valley College and CSUSB, I know the impact of food insecurity first-hand. With today’s economic pressures and high costs, addressing student hunger is more crucial than ever. This partnership is about removing barriers to education by ensuring no student goes hungry.”

SBCCD Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez emphasized the broader impact, noting, “Investing in student nutrition is investing in our local economy. Ensuring that students have consistent access to food not only boosts their academic performance but also prepares a stronger, more capable workforce for the future.”

CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales highlighted the critical link between nutrition and learning, saying, “Hungry students cannot effectively pursue their educational goals. CSUSB is proud to participate in the CalFresh Program as it directly supports our students’ well-being and academic success. This data-sharing initiative will help us reach more eligible students and maintain our support throughout their educational journey.”

The MOU is officially effective and will expire on Dec. 18, 2028. CalFresh’s website describes the program as “for people with low income who meet federal income eligibility rules and want to add to their budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table.”

 

 

U.S. Rep. Kamlager-Dove Leads Discussion on Improving Black Student Learning, Test Scores

By Lila Brown | California Black Media

On April 8, U.S. Congressmember Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) moderated a roundtable focused on Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) strategies to improve Black student performance in classrooms.

Kamlager-Dove, who represents a district that covers parts of Los Angeles County, hopes that ideas shared at the event can be incorporated into models that can impact other regions across California, where Black students continue to fall behind their peers of other races and ethnicities.

Discussions at the event centered on LAUSD’s Black Student Achievement Plan (BSAP) and other educational initiatives aimed at enhancing learning and boosting test scores.

“The Black Student Achievement Plan is unique in that it takes a community-centered approach to uplifting Black students,” said Kamlager-Dove during the event held at John Muir Middle School in Los Angeles.

“We must implement culturally responsive education in the classroom to challenge our students academically while giving them a sense of purpose,” she continued.

In 2023, nearly 70% of Black children in California fell below a passing mark on the state standardized English Language Arts exam, and only about 20% of those students were performing at grade level based on their scores on the math assessment test.

A variety of public education experts joined Kamlager on the panel, including Dr. Kortne Edogun-Ticey, Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Education; Dr. Robert Whitman, Educational Transformation Officer at LAUSD; Dr. Pedro Noguera, Professor and Dean at the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education; and Keith Linton, founder of the non-profit Boys to Gentlemen.

Jonathan McGee, a student who sits on the BSAP Student Advisory Council, also spoke during the panel.

Representatives from the office of Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Member Dr. George J. McKenna III, and Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of LAUSD, also attended the event.

The BSAP was approved by the LAUSD Board of Education in February of the 2020-21 school year. Funds have been earmarked to address the longstanding disparities in educational outcomes between Black students and their non-Black peers. Dating back to the landmark case, Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kan., in which the U.S. Supreme Court declared that segregated schools were unconstitutional, positive outcomes for Black students continue to lag behind district and national averages for their non-Black counterparts.

Edogun-Ticey spoke about broader investments the federal government is making in education that directly impact Black students through The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.

‘This administration did not shy away from the idea that we need resources for support which means billions of dollars in investment for HBCUs,” she explained.

“We know that about $2 billion for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), but how many are aware of what those dollars do for student mental health,” Edogun-Ticey added.

In 2023, LAUSD expanded the BSAP Program by $26 million, demonstrating the district’s commitment to improving education for Black students, who are the lowest-performing subgroup of students in the state, only ahead of students with disabilities.

BSAP strategies include partnering with Black families and local community; supporting the implementation of culturally and linguistically responsive and anti-racist practices; offering wrap-around support structures; and highlighting experiences that uplift the contributions of the Black community as motivation and models to develop positive Black student identity. Additionally, the BSAP provides increased staffing to support Black students’ academic and social-emotional needs.

“School districts across the country must push back against attacks on marginalized students by implementing programs like the BSAP, which should serve as a model for future initiatives,” Kamlager said.

 

SBCUSD BOARD OF EDUCATION HONORS OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS

February Outstanding Achievement Awards Recognize District Students, Parents and Staff

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- In Feb., the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Lincoln and North Park Elementary Schools, Rodriguez PREP Academy Middle School and Arroyo Valley High School (AVHS).

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.

Lincoln Elementary School, Principal Dr. Heather Regalado:

Malachi Boyd is a fifth-grader and Outstanding Student. Boyd has shown tremendous growth in reading through his consistent perseverance. He now enjoys learning new words and takes pride in the fact he can read words he couldn’t read before. Boyd wants to become a professional football player.

Abraham Lopez Torres is a dual-immersion third-grader and Outstanding Student. Torres is an English Learner who has worked hard to learn his letter names and sounds in both languages and is now reading in Spanish and speaking English. Torres wants to become a fisherman because he loves the ocean.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Diana Alvarez is dedicated to increasing family engagement opportunities at Lincoln. She has led the work for the fall festival and the Dr. Seuss Literacy event. Alvarez is also an important member of the School Site Council.

Senior Recreation Leader Lucila “Lucy” Garcia makes sure Lincoln is a safe place for students when they are on the playground and in the cafeteria. She is always moving and provides active supervision at all times. She is a great model for the Rec. Aide team.

In one short year, Counselor Ariceli Rodriguez has been able to immerse herself into the culture and bring joy and happiness to students and staff. She uses every opportunity available to help students learn anti-bullying strategies and how to regulate themselves.

North Park Elementary School, Principal Heather Bjornberg:

Samantha Cooley is a third-grader and Outstanding Student. She excels in reading, writing and math. She puts her best effort into completing class assignments and shows attention to detail in her work. She is responsible and displays strong leadership skills. Cooley wants to find a career where she can ride horses professionally.

Elyjah Moore is a sixth-grader and Outstanding Student. Moore is a model scholar. He is usually the first to take the lead in group discussions and contribute and share ideas. He is dependable and is willing to help classmates and teachers. Moore’s dream is to attend USC to pursue an athletic career in baseball, and also pursue a career in law enforcement.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Stevie Young’s tireless efforts in creating a nurturing and conducive learning environment do not go unnoticed. Staff members are deeply thankful for her willingness to lend a helping hand, whether it’s through volunteering in classrooms, assisting with extracurricular activities or supporting other events.

Secretary II Darlene Peters is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Peters is instrumental to North Park. She has demonstrated unwavering dedication and exceptional kindness and professionalism to scholars and families, resulting in significant contributions to the betterment of the school.

Program Facilitator Heidi McQueen demonstrates qualities such as attention to detail, timeliness, effective communication, professionalism and adaptability. She not only ensures the quality of her work, but also fosters an environment of trust, collaboration and continuous growth and innovation.

Rodriguez Prep Academy Middle School, Principal Kathy Atencio:

Eighth-grader Aalana Jackson is an Outstanding Student. Jackson’s contributions to her school and community showcase her as a role model for her peers, embodying the qualities of a true scholar and citizen. Jackson aspires to enroll at Howard University and pursue a career path in veterinary medicine.

Blake Marquez is an eighth-grader and Outstanding Student. Marquez’s efforts have not only resulted in significant academic growth but have also demonstrated responsibility, respect and integrity within the school community. His positive attitude, hard work and perseverance will serve him well in his future as a computer engineer.

Lucia Hernandez Noriega is an Outstanding Parent. She is an invaluable member of our parent leadership team, where her insights, input and commitment greatly enhance the school’s collaborative efforts. Her unwavering support and active participation in community initiatives underscore her genuine commitment to promoting the educational welfare of students.

Custodian I Leticia Villalpando is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Villalpando is emotionally committed to the school’s success, striving to make it the pride of the neighborhood. She possesses a positive passion for fostering strong relationships with students, and her dedication to service is consistently exceptional.

Seventh-grade Teacher Abigail Tejada is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Tejada is deeply committed to the academic growth and well-being of her students. Her approach is holistic, focusing on the whole student, not just their academic performance. Her dedication to her students’ success is evident in her inclusive learning environment.

Arroyo Valley High School (AVHS), Principal Manuel Gonzalez:

Brianna Hernandez is a sophomore and an Outstanding Student. Hernandez actively works toward finding solutions and gaining new knowledge. She is a very principled student who is willing to take on student leadership positions. She would love to pursue a career in physical therapy, dentistry or teaching biology.

Senior Yaretzi Medina-Hernandez is an Outstanding Student. Known for her outstanding citizenship, Medina-Hernandez contributes to a positive and inclusive school environment. In addition to maintaining high academic standards in her rigorous courses, she is a dedicated member of the school orchestra. She has plans to study music and dance at the collegiate level.

Yadira Contreras is an Outstanding AVHS parent who has truly made a significant impact on her child’s education and the entire school community. She not only prioritizes her child’s education but also advocates for the well-being and academic success of all students.

Juanita Loya is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Loya is a dedicated Campus Security Officer II whose commitment to the betterment of students is truly exceptional. Loya not only possesses high standards for security protocols but also goes above and beyond to establish a positive rapport with students.

Linked Learning Program Specialist and CTE Department Chair Dimitri Chronopoulos is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Serving as a visionary leader, Chronopoulos’s commitment is evident in his instrumental role in developing top-notch Career and Technical Education(CTE) pathways, offering students invaluable opportunities for skill development and real-world preparedness.


About San Bernardino City Unified School District:

The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares more than 46,000 students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities.

Assemblymember Holden Recognizes Rachael Worby as Woman of the Year for 41st Assembly District

PASADENA, CA – As part of the California State Assembly’s annual celebration of Women’s achievement and leadership, Assemblymember Chris Holden recognizes Rachael Worby as the 41st Assembly District’s Woman of the Year. Worby is a Pasadena resident and in 2011, created MUSE/IQUE, a performing arts nonprofit formed with the goal of bringing live music experiences to all, regardless of their sex, gender, age, race, ethnicity, or social status. From a tiny, scrappy, startup, MUSE/IQUE has become a multimillion dollar non-profit, with considerable influence on the performing arts throughout Southern California.

“I am thrilled to announce Rachael Worby as Woman of the Year for the 41st Assembly District,” said Assemblymember Holden. “Rachel is responsible for much of the artistic and theatrical preservation maintained across Southern California and has dedicated a great deal of her career to keeping young people engaged in the arts.”

For two years she held the prestigious post of Assistant Conductor of the LA Philharmonic. Then, for twelve years she was the Music Director and Conductor of the Young People’s Concerts at Carnegie Hall.  Rachael was appointed by President Clinton to the National Council on the Arts. She conducted and directed the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra for seventeen years before becoming, for ten years, the Music Director of the Pasadena Pops.

“Rachael does not see barriers, she sees opportunity. She holds music dear to her heart as a force that connects all of us and it has been a privilege to witness her share her gifts and passion while opening doors for other women, marginalized people, and young Californians,” said Holden.

Worby became a pioneering member of the first wave of women on the conductor’s podium to achieve national and international renown. Worby’s success in the professional sphere only deepened her ambition to make the world of live music more inclusive. By partnering with over 19 local nonprofits, MUSE/IQUE gives Worby the platform to create lasting, meaningful relationships with people in the community that have often been overlooked. Inspired by her idol Leonard Bernstein, she joyfully interacts with her audience members throughout her shows to make each performance an inclusive learning experience. Worby is staunch in her belief that music belongs to the community.

Senator Steve Bradford Introduces Reparations Bill

By Bo Tefu, Antonio Ray Harvey, Lila Brown, and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) vice chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) introduced new legislation related to reparations to the Senate Committee on Housing on April 2 in Sacramento.

Senate Bill (SB) 1007, “establishes the Homeowner’s Assistance for Descendants of Enslaved Persons Program to make financial aid or assistance available to descendants for the purposes of purchasing, owning, or maintaining a home,” the legislation states.

The Senate Housing Committee advanced the bill with an 8-1 vote. It will be re-referred to the Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) was the only member who voted against the bill.

“SB 1007 is about starting a long process of paying back a debt that is not only owed, but that was also promised, and is 160 years overdue, to African Americans,” Bradford told the committee chaired by Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley). “It is the first step in closing the wealth and equity gap created by centuries of slavery and racial discrimination policies.”

The bill aligns with one of the 115 recommendations listed in a two-year study conducted by the California reparations task force, of which Bradford was one of nine members.

Bradford said the report reveals that, in the state of California, a typical Black-owned home is 22% less valuable than a White-owned home.

Various advocacy groups from around the state attended the hearing held at the State Capitol Annex Swing Space. The California Housing Partnership, Bay Area Regional Health and Inequities Initiative, Coalition for A Just and Equitable California, Disability Rights of California, the American Civil Liberties Union of California, and California Community Builders all voiced their support of the bill.

Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas reparations Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 113 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 31-1 vote on Feb. 29 and was adopted with a 10-0 vote on April 2. The bill is a companion of Assemblymember Akilah Weber’s Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 135.

SCR 113 would acknowledge the harms and atrocities committed by the State of California that “promoted, facilitated, enforced, and permitted the institution of chattel slavery and the legacy of ongoing badges and incidents of slavery that form the systemic structures of discrimination” the bill’s language states.

“For the first time, California is acknowledging its role in the perpetuation of the harms and ongoing effects of slavery of Black people across the state and in the nation. This resolution simply acknowledges that,” Smallwood-Cuevas said.

Rest in Peace: A.M.E. Pastor and L.A Civil Rights Icon Cecil “Chip” Murray Passes

By Bo Tefu, Antonio Ray Harvey, Lila Brown, and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

The Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, former pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in Los Angeles, died of natural causes April 6 at his Windsor Hills Home. He was 94.

“Today, we lost a giant. Reverend Dr. Cecil Murray dedicated his life to service, community, and putting God first in all things. I had the absolute honor of working with him, worshiping with him, and seeking his counsel,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of the dynamic religious leader whose ministry inspired and attracted millionaires as well as former gang bangers and people dealing with substance use disorder (SUD).

Murray oversaw the growth of FAME’s congregation from 250 members to 18,000.

“My heart is with the First AME congregation and community today as we reflect on a legacy that changed this city forever,” Bass continued.

Murray served as Senior Minister at FAME, the oldest Black congregation in the city, for 27 years. During that time, various dignitaries visited, and he built strong relationships with political and civic leaders in the city and across the state, as well as a number of Hollywood figures. Several national political leaders also visited with Murray and his congregation at FAME, including Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Murray, a Florida native and U.S. Air Force vet, attended Florida A&M University, where he majored in history, worked on the school newspaper, and pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He later attended Claremont School of Theology in Los Angeles County, where he earned his doctorate in Divinity.

Murray is survived by his son Drew. His wife Bernadine, who was a committed member of the A.M.E. church and the daughter of his childhood pastor, died in 2013.

Paris Fletcher: A Visionary Female Entrepreneur Empowering Others to Blossom

ATLANTA, GA–Paris Fletcher, the founder and CEO of Full Bloom, continues to redefine success with her inspirational journey and steadfast commitment to empowering individuals worldwide. Full Bloom, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has rapidly emerged as a leading platform dedicated to helping people realize their true potential.

Fletcher’s entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In its inaugural year, Full Bloom grossed an impressive $40,000 to $50,000. Fast forward to last year, and the company achieved upwards of $145,000 in revenue, primarily from the sale of thousands of journals. Reflecting on the company’s growth trajectory, Fletcher remarks, “We are definitely growing fast and developing a large fan base.”

What sets Full Bloom apart is its unwavering dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its audience. The company is consistently stocking more inventory to keep pace with the growing demand for its empowering products. This commitment to excellence has earned Full Bloom a loyal following and positioned it as a beacon of inspiration in the personal development space.

Female entrepreneurs like Paris Fletcher are driving economic growth and fostering innovation across industries. Despite facing significant hurdles, women-owned businesses are thriving, with statistics showing growth rates five times faster than the national average. Fletcher’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of women in business.

To learn more about Paris Fletcher and Full Bloom, visit www.fullbloominspo.com or on TikTok @Paris. Discover a wide range of empowering products designed to uplift and inspire individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment.

“Because I Have Called and You Refused…!”

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Because I have stretched out my hand and no one heeded, I will laugh at your calamity; I will mock you when panic strikes you like a storm, and your calamity comes like a whirlwind.  [Proverbs 1:20-25].

Understand the significance of the passage; after a certain point of perverse refusal has been past, God will NO LONGER plead and strive with you. [Genesis 6:3]. He will NO LONGER intervene between a man and the consequences of his folly. When God has had enough, it’s a moment of divine reckoning. This is a solemn warning – a call to turn from our own ways and respond to God’s gracious invitation. Don’t wait until it’s too late.  If you love your life, you should listen because God’s judgment on this Earth is a fact, and we must take the means of escape He provides. His words speak of consequences unseen, urging us to take them seriously. We must not dismiss His cautions for His power to fulfill warnings remains unchanged. [Colossians 3:6].

The people, both young and old, were ensnared by sin, their hearts hardened. They ignored the warning. So, God warns them that He would bring on them a major judgment—His wrath, their Day of the Lord, a day of “darkness, and not light” [Amos 5:12-20].

Letter to the Editor: Finding the Right Balance — Addressing Organized Retail Theft While Upholding Civil Liberties

By Assemblymember Tina McKinnor | Special to California Black Media Partners

Organized retail theft is a significant issue that impacts both consumers and businesses. While it is crucial to address theft and protect businesses from losses, we should also be mindful of safeguarding individuals’ constitutional rights, particularly the right to due process.

AB 1990 by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, also known as the STOP Act, raises concerns about the balance between addressing theft effectively and ensuring civil liberties are upheld. This bill allows law enforcement officers to make warrantless arrests for shoplifting offenses not witnessed by the officer, if there is reasonable cause to believe the individual committed the crime. This bill has a dangerous potential for overreach and infringes on civil liberties, particularly the right to due process.

While the stated intention behind the STOP Act is to combat organized retail theft and protect businesses, there are valid concerns that this bill is an overreach and that existing law works, if properly enforced by our partners in law enforcement. A petty theft involving property stolen valued at $950 or less may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor (called a wobbler) if the offender has the following prior convictions:  1) at least on prior petty or theft-related conviction for which a term of imprisonment was served, and 2) a prior conviction for a serious or violent offense, for any registerable sex offense, or for embezzlement from a dependent adult or anyone over the age of 65.  A misdemeanor can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail, whereas a felon can mean incarceration for 16 months, two years or three years.  Let’s look at shoplifting in California.  It occurs when a suspect enters a store, while that establishment is open, intending to steal property worth less than $950.  The crime is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in the county jail.

Granting officers the authority to arrest individuals based on reasonable cause, without witnessing the crime firsthand, can lead to negative consequences and possible violations of individual rights. Probable cause is the legal standard by which police authorities have reason to obtain a warrant for the arrest of a suspected criminal and for the courts to issue a search warrant. A grand jury uses the probable cause standard to determine whether to issue a criminal indictment.  The principle behind the probable cause standard is to limit the power of authorities to conduct unlawful search and seizure of a person or its property, and to promote formal, forensic procedures for gathering lawful evidence for the prosecution of the arrested criminal.  Reasonable cause does not require any of this due process and only requires that an officer reasonably believes that a crime has been committed. It is essential to find a middle ground that effectively addresses organized retail theft without compromising the fundamental rights of individuals.

California’s current laws, including the use of witness statements and surveillance evidence are sufficient for addressing suspected shoplifting and organized retail theft. California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently prosecuted Michelle Mack, a suspected organized smash and grab ringleader who paid twelve women to travel around California and commit over $8 million in retail theft at 21 different stores. AG Bonta used California’s current laws to have the suspect arrested and brought to justice.

The State of California is also making significant investments to address retail theft. Just this past year California invested an additional $267 million to combat organized retail theft. It has been less than a year and our law enforcement partners should have the opportunity to address this recent spike in retail theft crime.

Los Angeles County recently applied for and received a grant for the State of California for $15.6 million dollars to address retail theft enforcement.  LA District Attorney George Gascon also recently formed an organized retail task force that partners with LA County Sheriff’s Department, Glendale, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Torrance and Santa Monica Police Departments to integrate their response to retail theft across the region. These collaborative efforts, such as those seen in initiatives like the organized retail task force in LA County, demonstrate the importance of a united approach to tackling theft while maintaining a balance between enforcement and civil liberties.

As we move forward, it is essential for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, businesses and communities to work together in finding solutions that effectively address organized retail theft without encroaching on individual rights. Ongoing evaluation and a commitment to thoughtful consideration will be crucial in navigating this challenge and fostering a safe and prosperous environment for all. Balancing the scales of justice to protect businesses while upholding civil liberties demands a comprehensive and conscientious approach from all stakeholders involved.

I am confident we can find that balance.


About the Author

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) represents the 61st District in Los Angeles County, which includes parts of the South Bay, Inglewood, Hawthorne and Lawndale.