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.

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

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 2024 Wolverine Con and San Bernardino Valley College International Student Film Festival on March 5-8, 2024. This year’s theme is an ode to 1980s science fiction and fantasy, promising engaging workshops, panels, expo/arts walk, the “Animation Show of Shows” and much more.

Briana Navarro, a KVCR production assistant and SBVC alum, vividly recalled her first Wolverine Con experience. “It has become a core memory! I remember Film Professor Lucas Cuny encouraging me to submit my first short film. Seeing the red carpet, my name printed next to my film title in the glossy pamphlet, even without a filmmaker’s bio, sparked my journey as a filmmaker.” This year, Briana returns triumphantly, having written and directed a feature film in Spring 2023 via FTVM 235, a cinema production course. Her film is set to premiere after this year’s broadcast Red Carpet Event.

Lucas Cuny, Chair of the SBVC Film, TV, and Media Department, shared his enthusiasm. “This year, we’re bringing Hollywood to the Inland Empire with a live-streamed red carpet hosted by IECN co-owner and publisher Manny Sandoval! Our 80s theme will be alive with debates on DC vs. Marvel, costume design showcases, and a unique workshop on the fusion of film and science. We’re creating an immersive and interactive experience like never before.”

Leticia Hector, SBVC’s Arts & Humanities Dean, highlighted the festival’s impact. “Wolverine Con is a transformative event, exposing students and the community to the vast possibilities within the media arts. It’s a nurturing ground for confidence and career pathways.”

This international event, with past participants from New York City, Canada, the United Kingdom, and beyond, stands as a beacon for budding and seasoned student filmmakers. It offers primarily free and low-cost opportunities, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

The event invites vendors to participate in the expo/arts walk and encourages community members to become sponsors and attend the film screenings. These opportunities expand brand reach and support student scholarship funds via ticket sales.

Film submissions, vendor requests, and guest speaker applications are now open, with detailed information on the official website. Additionally, RSVPs for panels and workshops are being accepted, providing direct engagement with industry experts.

Navarro’s advice to aspiring filmmakers is resonant. “Being nervous means you’re passionate. Your first submission marks the beginning of an exciting journey. This is your sign to submit your film before the February 2nd deadline and join us in this celebration.”

The SBVC Film Festival is a unique event in the Inland Empire, highlighting exceptional talent and fostering community engagement. It is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to experience 1980s sci-fi and fantasy, network with creatives and witness the emergence of cinematic masterpieces.

Event Details:

Dates: March 5-8, 2024

Location: San Bernardino Valley College

Key Features: workshops, panels, expo/arts walk, animation show, film festival

RSVP: Wolverine Con Website

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Mu Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in collaboration with Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., will host the 36th Annual Oratorical Contest from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Rancho Cucamonga High School, 11801 Lark Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701.

The aim of the event is to highlight talented youth in the Riverside and San Bernardino counties to show case their public speaking skills for distinguished guests, family, friends, and community leaders. Scholars will be able to demonstrate their advocacy and share their voice on current topics impacting their community.

Application submission deadline is March 1, 2024. The contest is open to all students in grades 1st through 12th. Participants compete according to three grade groups: 1st through 5th; 6th through 8th; and 9th through 12th.    APPLICATION LINK: https://forms.gle/LGnVsccbyzDJgVkZ8 [forms.gle]

For more information, contact Richard Martin at  rmartin5978@gmail.com or Twillea Evans-Carthen at tevanscarthen@icloud.com.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. are community service organizations that service the Inland Empire, providing mentoring programs for adolescents, and participate in social activities and causes through the Inland Empire.

For information on Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, visit www.apa1906.net. For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., visit: www.aka1908.com

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) is pleased to announce the winners of the 41st annual San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon Competition. The awards ceremony honoring 53 teams from 19 high schools across San Bernardino County occurred on February 8.

“We applaud the unwavering dedication and perseverance of our students in this rigorous program,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “In celebrating their achievements, we also extend our gratitude to the coaches and administrators who have guided them towards excellence in this competition.”

The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

• First Place: Chaffey High School Team Black
• Second Place: Rancho Cucamonga High School Team Purple
• Third Place: Rialto High School Team Blue

Chaffey High School, of Chaffey Joint Union High School District, will send its top nine scoring decathletes and coach to represent San Bernardino County at the California Academic Decathlon State Competition in Santa Clara from March 22-24.

In addition to coming in first place, Chaffey High School Team Black also won awards for the following team events:

• Art
• Economics
• Essay
• Literature
• Music
• Science
• Social Science
• Super Quiz

The award for the highest-scoring student from the Chaffey High School Team Black went to junior, Arielle Jett. Jett earned 7,959 points out of a possible 10,000.

The theme for this year’s competition was “Technology and Humanity.” Each year, the theme is generated by the United States Academic Decathlon and is provided to SBCSS by the California Academic Decathlon.

The event competition took place in January and February consisting of categories in essay writing, both prepared and impromptu speeches, panel interviews, objective testing and culminated with the highly anticipated Super Quiz. More than 300 students from 19 high schools throughout San Bernardino County participated in the competition.

By Antonio Ray Harvey  | California Black Media

Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) announced plans to introduce a package of bills this year designed to address the recommendations the California reparations task force made last year in its final report.

Certain advocacy groups and individuals say the legislative package the lawmakers announced on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 does not go far enough. They criticize the absence of direct cash payments, an element they campaigned for as a centerpiece to any compensation due to the descendants of people who endured slavery in the Deep South and more than a century of social, economic and pollical injustices after abolition.

Chris Lodgson, a member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), released a statement after CLBC members made the announcement during a press briefing with reporters held on January 31.

“As we’ve communicated to elected officials directly for some time, we believe any Reparations package must be targeted explicitly and exclusively to California’s 2 million Black American descendants of persons enslaved in the U.S. (American Freedmen),” Lodgson said in a letter obtained by California Black Media.

“In addition, a true reparations package must include timely, tangible benefits (i.e direct monetary payments). Our team will continue to review the proposals announced (Jan. 31 and Feb. 1) and any related bill/resolution language as they become available. But the time for strong, bold Reparations is now, not later.”

Members of CLBC first presented 14 reparations bills on Jan. 31 while on a Zoom call with Black media outlets from across the state. CLBC chairperson Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) outlined the goals of the package and stated its intention to right the wrongs of historical injustices that African Americans endured in the state of California.

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), the vice chair of CLBC, presented additional pieces legislation to implement reparations at the State Capitol on the first day of Black History Month, February 1.

Wilson said the Caucus’s package is a “first step” in a multi-year effort to implement the legislative recommendations in the report.

Wilson was joined on the briefing by Assemblymembers Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), and Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) – all members of the CLBC.

“While many only associate direct cash payments with reparations the true meaning of the word, to repair, involves much more. As laid out in the report, we need a comprehensive approach to dismantling the legacy of slavery and systemic racism,” Wilson said in a statement. “This year’s legislative package tackles a wide range of issues; from    criminal justice reforms to property rights to education, civil rights and food justice.”

Bradford first introduced legislation Senate Bill (SB) 490 in August 2023. The bill would create a new state agency called the California American Freedman Affairs Agency (CAFAA).

The CAFAA would be responsible for managing the infrastructure required to manage reparations as determined by the Legislature and Governor.

“Our coalition’s unwavering commitment has been to pursue lineage-based reparations, encompassing direct monetary payments/compensation, state recognition of descendants as a protected class, and the establishment of the CA American Freedman Affairs Agency through SB490 (Bradford)” Lodgson stated.

The report documented numerous cases of social injustices against Black Californians that occurred either by custom or by law across the state. For example, last year the city of Palm Springs issued an apology for destroying the homes of Black people on short notice under imminent domain laws in an area of the city known as Section 14. However, the affected families that lost their homes were never compensated for them.

The descendants of the Section 14 property owners filed a claim against Palm Springs seeking $2 billion for alleged harms due to the removal of their forebears, according to the family members’ attorney, Areva Martin.

Before issuing the apology, Palm Springs officials, investigated the removal process of the houses, and they voted to provide compensation in the form of reparations.

Martin said the city has not taken any action yet.

The CLBC bill packages were released three weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom presented a $291 billion spending plan to the California Legislature on Jan. 10. Newsom expects the state to have a $37.9 billion deficit, a figure much lower than the nearly $68 billion deficit projected by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) in December.

Bradford said the state budget will affect potential reparations policies.

“Without a doubt, the budget will impact what we do but we’ve often said in California the budget is a reflection of our priorities and a reflection of our values,” Bradford said during his news conference. “If we say we value reparations and want to heal the harms of slavery in this country and in this state, we have to make this a priority.”

Last year, on June 28, the nine-member panel, officially called the Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans, submitted a 1075-page, comprehensive reparations plan that includes more than 115 recommendations and a survey.

Khansa Jones-Muhammad, better known as “Friday Jones,” a reparations advocate, educator, and Vice President of the Los Angeles Reparations Advisory Commission (RAC), sent a message to the CLBC to share her thoughts about the reparations package.

The RAC is a seven-member task force comprised of activists, academicians, attorneys, racial justice advocates, and more. It is supported by Los Angeles’ Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department’s Office of Racial Equity.

RAC’s main function it to advise the city on the formation of a reparations pilot program for Californians who are descendants of enslaved Black Americans in the Los Angeles area.

“I just emailed @CABlackCaucus to let them know we deserve better #Reparations bill package with targeted, timely, tangible, monetary resources for Black American descendants of U.S. chattel slavery,” Jones-Muhammad posted Feb. 1.

Wilson and Bradford said that additional legislation concerning legislation would be considered in the future.

“The Caucus is looking to make strides in the second half of this legislative session as we build towards righting the wrongs of California’s past in future sessions,” Wilson stated.

By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass hosted Black mayors visiting from different parts of the country this past weekend.

While in L.A., Bass, who declared homelessness her top priority after she was sworn in as mayor, took her guests on a tour of the Hilda L. Solis Care First Village. The development features an innovative design, using modular units, and offers wraparound mental health care and social services.

For the mayors, the village provided a model of an affordable, effective and nimble solution to addressing the intersecting mental health and homelessness crises gripping cities around the country, and disproportionately impacting Black communities.

“Welcome to our African American mayors from around the country. We are very, very happy to welcome you,” Bass said to her guests.

Staff and business leaders were among the guests that attended the event.

Mayor Bass introduced two key players instrumental in the creation of the facility: Los Angeles County supervisor Hilda Solis, after whom the complex is named, and former California Assemblymember and Senator, and current  president and CEO of the Weingart Center Association, Kevin Murray.

The Hilda L. Solis Care First Village is one of the Weingart Center’s 15 locations in California designed to address homelessness. Located next to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, Los Angeles’ county jail, the village opened in May 2021 with $51 million from pandemic relief funds and $6 million from Los Angeles County discretionary funds, according to Solis. She also pointed to the jail as the reason more facilities like the one named after her.

“The biggest institutions [jails] that have more people who should be in these types of housing units because they’re big on mental health issues, substance abuse, many were homeless,” said Solis.

The three-story facility was conceived, approved and built in a remarkably swift span of six months due to a combination of prefabricated units, custom made trailers and 60 shipping containers. Modular designs lowered costs per unit from $531,373 down to $245,689.

Each room is private and includes a television and shower. These items provide a way to allow residents to have personal space and reduce arguments and conflict. There are 232 units, 10 of which are reserved for use by the Los Angeles District attorney’s office and Project 180, a program which seeks to lower recidivism rates.

Site director Chris Castaneda explained that the purpose of the interim housing is to usher residents into permanent housing. The population covers a wide range including the elderly, who make up about 23% and each person has a different set of needs.

“So far we have placed about 25% of our clients into permanent housing,” said Casteneda. “But we’re very happy to have that in the 25% range, which might sound like a small number. But, when you look at all the barriers that we have to work through, it’s pretty good.”

Murray, who is a former chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, led the mayors’ tour and answered questions. He explained the concepts behind many of the facilities spaces, and discussed philosophies leaders and staff ascribe to at the village.

The amenities of the facility are a part of a talking a humanizing approach to addressing homelessness, according to Murray, who guided visitors through safe outdoor areas, views of the living spaces and a dog park.

The center also includes laundry facilities, on-site kitchen, and parking spaces for residents. There are even veterinary services for pets.

For some staying at the facility, this model has afforded them the opportunity to focus on healing.

Judith A. Brown’s room was one of the highlights of the tour. Brown is a cancer survivor and says the services and security she found at the center gave her space to recuperate. She is in remission and has grown her hair back and has had visits from her daughter.

“I mean, since I’ve been at the shelter, I’ve concentrated on my health and mental health,” said Brown.

Another resident said he has been in the village for two years and has not received enough help.

Leaders say the village is not designed as a catch-all. So those with more severe medical or mental issues are referred to locations better equipped for them, according to Murray. It costs about $70 to $80 per person, per day to operate. This includes security and case management.

“I think one of the things about homelessness is you need different kinds of houses. I think the biggest flaw in homeless policy right now is the cookie cutter approach,” said Murray. “Certainly, do some of that but you got to look at every site, every neighborhood, every community every city a little bit differently and see what works for them.”

For others the facility is a second chance at life.

Tommy Mitchell is 67 years old and disabled. He has been at the facility for over three months but was on the street for over two years. A few months ago, he was sleeping in his truck and was robbed by two men who took his money and cut him several times across his stomach. When he was taken to the hospital he was connected to the village where he received help navigating the city’s housing process. On the day of the tour, he received some good news — he qualified for an apartment. His counselor gave him the good news in person.

“This was a blessing. This place really helped me a whole lot,” said Mitchell. This place is a good place if you want help. You follow the steps, do what they ask you and you’ll win.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- As the importance of mental health becomes more apparent than ever, Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support a wellness center at Indian Springs High School. This wellness center will provide essential resources where over 2,000 students can find support for their well-being.

The wellness center project, backed by a $1.5 million allocation, covers the costs of construction, including architecture, planning fees, and other related expenses. It’s a project that matters deeply to Supervisor Baca, Jr., and he’s thrilled to see it come to life. The contract was officially approved at the San Bernardino County board meeting on January 23, 2024.

This highlights the County’s commitment to its students, emphasizing their well-being as a top priority. What truly highlights the significance of this wellness center is its emphasis on mental

health. Over the past couple of years, our students, like many, have faced unprecedented challenges. The pandemic brought forth concerns, stress, and anxieties, particularly for young adults. Supervisor Baca, Jr. fully understands the importance of mental health and its implications.

In his own words, Supervisor Baca, Jr. says, “Helping our students with their emotional well-being is just as important as teaching them in the classroom. We need to make sure they feel supported, heard, and cared for.”

The Office of Supervisor Baca, Jr. and the County of San Bernardino are committed to shaping a more robust and thriving community. Supervisor Baca, Jr. is a staunch supporter of establishing an environment where the mental health and well-being of students take center stage.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino Superior Court has placed the former American Sports University Dormitory, located at 340 West Fourth Street under receivership. In a ruling dated January 18, 2024, Judge Thomas Garza appointed Richardson Griswold of Griswold Law in Encinitas as Receiver.

“We are pleased that Judge Garza has granted our motion to appoint a Receiver,” said San Bernardino City Manager Charles Montoya. “He agreed that the site conditions have likely worsened since we made our initial request for a receiver a year ago and the property poses a danger to the community.”

Under the powers granted by the Court, Griswold is authorized 1) to rehabilitate the property; 2) demolish the building, or 3) sell the property to an entity who will promptly undertake the rehabilitation and correct the identified deficiencies and violations.

Receiver Richardson “Red” Griswold has extensive experience as a court appointed receiver. He has been appointed by over 180 California courts in 21 different California counties, including appointments related to health & safety, rents, post-judgment, and partition matters. Griswold also acts as an expert witness in cases involving habitability standards. He will report directly to Judge Garza and will enforce the judge’s orders to protect the building from additional break-ins and damage.

In its ruling, the court found “the substandard conditions on the Subject Property are ongoing and will likely persist unless this Court appoints a receiver to take possession of the Subject Property and undertake responsibility for its rehabilitation.”

The court found that the property is a public nuisance and is being maintained in a manner that violates State and local laws. The violations at the property are so extensive and of such a nature that the health and safety of neighboring residents and the general public is substantially endangered.

The court stated that the property owners did not comply with City issued notices and orders to correct the substandard conditions, despite being afforded a reasonable opportunity to correct the conditions.

The court also ordered that Ji Li, Fox Property Holdings, and its representatives are prohibited from entering the building without the Receiver’s permission, making any changes to existing insurance policies, selling, or encumbering the building, or collecting rents or other income from the building.

The property at 340 West 4th Street has been a challenging property for several years. Used as an unpermitted housing facility by Ji Li and Fox Property Holdings, tenants were subjected to unsafe and unlivable conditions including black mold, inoperative fire alarms and sprinklers, blocked fire escapes, and insect and rodent infestations.

San Bernardino had been working through the Civil Court process to take control of the building the past eighteen months. In that time, Ji Li, and Fox Property Holdings of Irwindale, have ignored court orders, including a September 2022 Temporary Restraining Order requiring them to pay to relocate tenants and make all required repairs to the building.

Due to the unsafe conditions, on August 17, 2023, the City of San Bernardino red tagged the building, relocating the tenants that remained. Despite boarding up the property, there have been repeated fires and break-ins.

By Lou K. Coleman| WSS News Contributor

For it now appears they are ready to play the “end game” card against humanity and go for a total civilization takedown. This means disrupting the food supply chain, the power grid, telecommunications, monetary systems, and the rule of law. The goal is absolute chaos resulting in massive death on a global scale. Gird your loins because the stage is set! The prophecies of the Bible and Satan’s plans for ruling the world are ready to reach their conclusion! The awakening is accelerating, and they are hellbent on causing death, destruction, and chaos.

Certainly, you are not ignorant that evil, the workings of Satan, are all around us. For the Bible speaks of “principalities and powers” [Ephesians 6:12], forces of influence and control that operate behind the scenes, and according to the Scriptures, these entities, aligned with Satan, manipulate the world’s affairs. These entities exert significant influence over the systems of our world, shaping narratives and dictating the limits of permissible action for those beneath them in the hierarchy of power. Wake up!  I ask you, “Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?” [Mark 8:18].

If you do not awake from your slumber and grid your loins, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you, and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” [Luke 19:41-46].

So, wake up and gird your loins for the awakening is accelerating and this time of trouble [Revelation chapters 6 and 8] is here.

By Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

Last month, Groundswell for Water Justice, a grassroots advocacy group, joined civil rights leaders at the State Capitol in Sacramento. They demanded immediate action to address the state’s worsening water and housing crises.

A 2021 California auditor Report found that more than one million Californians lacked access to safe, clean drinking water. Two in three of those people, they found, were people of color. According to data from the US Census Bureau Annual Survey of State and Local Government Finances found that expenditures on drinking water infrastructure in California declined overall since 2010, but much of the infrastructure is old. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) estimates that a third of their 6,780 miles of water pipes installed over 80 years ago will reach the end of their useful life in the next 20 years.

“I think the very first piece is making sure that the plight of the million Californians that don’t have access to water are being heard,” Groundswell for Water Justice spokesman Ed Sanders told California Black Media (CBM).

“Policy leaders can have an honest conversation about this but understand that there are human lives that are impacted. And that has to sort of be put at the front. That need is urgent, it’s sort of born of a legacy of discrimination, and needs to be addressed.”

California had one of its wettest years ever in 2023, following a harsh decades-long drought that left many of the state’s lakes and reservoirs dry, forcing Gov. Newsom to create water restrictions across the state.

“There’s not a silver bullet that solves all of this. I think, you know, obviously, we need to sort of look holistically at the whole water supply. Where the demand is, where the water is captured, how we convey it,” Sanders continued.

A coalition of community, civil rights, labor, and infrastructure leaders around the state combined efforts and resources to create Groundswell for Water Justice. The organization advocates for policies that improve the delivery of water by supporting small water system operators throughout the state which often serve low-income communities of color.

Groundswell advocates say extreme weather swings from intense heatwaves to powerful atmospheric rivers have required California to upgrade the water capture, purification, and distribution infrastructure, much of which is decades old and not built to support the nation’s most populous state. They contend that water infrastructure must expand if California is going to meet its housing mandates. Without proper water infrastructure, developers cannot get new housing approved.

Groundswell co-founder Robert Sausedo calls the water crisis the “civil rights issue of our time. He insists that conservation and construction are the two approaches that will solve it.

“Several 100 people who are directly impacted by this issue of clean safe drinking water joined us to raise their voices towards a clarion call for justice for the have-nots to share in the same privileges of the haves when it comes to water,” Sausedo told LA Focus at the rally.

“The goal now is to continue moving forward in our efforts to organize the state and bring on more organizations to participate with the 52 organizations across the state that are currently involved and advocate for those who are too often overlooked and to ensure that both state and federal legislatures continue to do the right thing for those who are disenfranchised when it comes down to one of the most critical needs — clean water,” he added.

California’s earthquake-prone environment presents an additional risk.  According to former U.S. Geological Survey seismologist Lucy Jones, water infrastructure represents “the single biggest vulnerability we’re facing in Southern California.”

These risks can be mitigated, says Jones, by relying less on transporting water long distances and developing more local sources of water. However, there’s a built-in challenge with that solution.  According to the California Department of Water Resources, the state received 75% of its rain and snow in the watersheds north of Sacramento, but 80% of the state’s water demand comes from the southern ? of the state.

Among guest speakers at the rally were Richard Polanco, former State Senator; Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles; Marc Morial, CEO and President of the National Urban League; Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction; and more.

The California Aqueduct is infrastructure that is critical for water distribution in the state. Built in the 1960’s, it transports water 444 miles from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the agricultural breadbasket San Joaquin Valley, through the largest water lift, the Edmonston Pumping Plant, then stored in Pyramid Lake, Castaic Lake, and Lake Perris for distribution throughout Los Angeles, and inland empire cities.

Los Angeles imports water from the Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges via the 242-mile-long Los Angeles Aqueduct. Southern California imports water from the Colorado River via the 233-mile-long Colorado River Aqueduct.

California also gets water from groundwater, though water from these 515 subterranean basins is being extracted faster than it can be recharged. As a result, the available water from most groundwater basins is decreasing, according to the CDWR.

Advocates point out that water is and has always been a critical factor in shaping California’s population and economy. The balance of urban development, agricultural sustainability, and ecological preservation of watersheds (fish need water too) will be strained as Californians endure the effects of climate change.

The leadership at Groundswell for Water Justice says the organization is working to make sure that all people are represented in decisions affecting the livability of their communities.