By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Caucus

Dr. Shirley N. Weber, the California Secretary of State, has certified a list of 20 candidates, including former Pres. Donald Trump, for the state’s presidential primary election scheduled for March 5, 2024.

Weber made the decision on December 28 to certify Trump despite calls from a number of prominent Democrats, including California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, to disqualify him. They cite the former president’s actions and inactions during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol as a violation of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which should disqualify him from public office.

Responding to Kounalakis, Weber emphasized that removing a presidential candidate is a matter of public interest and must be handled within legal parameters and in the best interests of all California voters.

“It is incumbent upon my office to ensure that any action undertaken regarding any candidate’s inclusion or omission from our ballots be grounded firmly in the laws and processes in place in California and our Constitution,” Weber stated.

Trump’s quest to run for the presidency has been blocked by two states, Maine and Colorado. Appeals of the decisions in both states are expected to be heard by the Supreme Court of the United States.

In a letter to Weber dated Dec. 20, Kounalakis urged the Secretary of State “to explore every legal option” to remove Trump from California’s 2024 presidential primary ballot following the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling in Anderson v. Griswold.

“I am prompted by the Colorado Supreme Court’s recent ruling that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on the state’s ballot as a Presidential Candidate due to his role in inciting an insurrection in the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021,” Kounalakis wrote.

“This decision is about honoring the rule of law in our country and protecting the fundamental pillars of our democracy.”

Weber wrote back to Kounalakis, saying that she is guided by her “commitment to follow the rule of law.”

“As California’s Chief Elections Officer, I am a steward of free and fair elections and the Democratic process,” wrote Weber. “I must place the sanctity of these elections above partisan politics. As you may not be aware, my office has been engaged in multiple lawsuits regarding the former president’s appearance on the ballot.”

Weber also acknowledged the complicated nature of the issue and her decision regarding it.

“We can agree that the attack of the capitol and the former presidents’ involvement was abhorrent, there are complex legal issues surrounding this matter,” she added.

Lawmaker’s bill would result in changes to 2014 Proposition 47 initiative.

SACRAMENTO, CA— Prosecutors will find it easier to seek sterner penalties against retail theft suspects if a bill, AB 1772, introduced today by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) is approved by the legislature, governor and then wins voter approval. If approved, store thefts would no longer be processed as a misdemeanor with no jail time if a suspect has been convicted of two or more specified theft-related offenses, and punishment could range from imprisonment in the county jail ranging from six months to as long as three years.

Ramos said, “Shoplifting, smash-and-grab thefts, and other acts of retail theft trends are causing retailers to close their businesses and endangering customers and employees. Since the pandemic, these crimes have increased. That is not the direction California needs to go.“ He added, “The Public Policy Institute reported that the 2022 rates for commercial burglary rates had increased by almost 16 percent compared to 2019. The PPIC also reported that shoplifting in 2022 had increased by nearly 29% from the pandemic years.”

In 2014, voters approved Prop 47 by a 60% to 40% vote and categorized some nonviolent offenses as misdemeanors rather than felonies. One provision increased the threshold amount for theft misdemeanors from $450 to $950 and did not allow prior such convictions to count toward the new $950 threshold. If Ramos’s measure becomes law, it would become effective only upon voters’ consent at the next statewide election. AB 1772 does not state a new threshold for triggering the increased penalties for retail theft, only the existence of prior convictions on the suspect’s criminal record.

In February 2023, the legislator requested the state auditor to review the effectiveness of Proposition 47 to determine whether it had escalated crime rates in San Bernardino and Riverside counties and if so, what categories had been affected. The auditor’s report is expected later this year.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Youth Build Inland Empire, is proud to present the 4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award Gala. This distinguished event will honor ten outstanding individuals for their unwavering commitment, hard work, and dedication to fostering growth, success, and prosperity within their local communities.

Congratulations to the 2024 MLK Gala Award Honorees:

1. Amanda Moody – San Bernardino Valley College Community Engagement Coordinator
2. Kimberly Calvin – San Bernardino City Council Board Member, 6th Ward
3. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers – San Bernardino County Board of Education, representing Area D
4. Sandra Rodriguez – San Bernardino City Unified School District Board Member
5. Frank Reyes – San Bernardino City College District Board of Trustees, Trustee, Area 1
6. Green Shack Marketplace
7. Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches
8. James Thoms Tillman – Community Liaison
9. Lata Wilson – Talon Networks
10. Linda Hart – African American Health Coalition

The gala will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024, starting at 5 p.m., at the San Bernardino International Airport, located at 105 N Leland Norton Way in San Bernardino. The evening promises to be a celebration of achievements, featuring a delightful dinner and a special performance by Monibee Henley Medina and the Old School review group, The Bromatics.

The event will be hosted by LUE Dowdy, President of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Cities East Chapter and co-hosted by Ipyani Lockert of Motivational Realizations.

Tickets for this extraordinary gala can be purchased on the chamber’s official website at www.blackchamberofcommerce.org. We invite the community to come together, enjoy a night of celebration, and show support for these well-deserved honorees.

VICTORVILLE, CA—- Join the “Dancing with the leaders of the Inland Empire” project for two FREE dance workshops in the Inland Empire! Makeda Kumasi of WE 3 PRODUCTIONS, Joy Willson of Caribbean Joy Dance Group, and Monique Williams-Randolph of Unity Dance Studio will be hosting the workshops that will feature classes in Jazz, Caribbean, and West African Dance. The first workshop will be in Victorville on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hook Community Center, located at 14973 Joshua Street in Victorville. The second workshop will be in San Bernardino on January 27 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at San Bernardino Valley College, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in Gym 214.

This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, as part of the Creative Corps Inland SoCal Arts Project. The “Dancing with the Leaders of the Inland Empire” multi-media production will be touring this Summer 2024 with three shows in three locations! Victorville 6/8/24, San Bernardino 6/15/24, and Riverside 6/22/24.  More information is coming soon.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Ephesians New Testament Church along with the Community of Fontana will be hosting Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration “Jazz for Scholarships”, an evening of jazz featuring 4-time Emmy nominee Oleta Adams with special guest jazz pianist, J Michael O’Neal. Concert will be held 7:00pm at the Fontana Steel Workers Auditorium, 8437 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, California. Tickets prices are: $50/General Admission, $75/Reserve Seating, and $100/VIP.

Tickets may be purchased at Ephesians New Testament Church, 9161 Sierra Avenue, Suite #201-B, Fontana, CA. For additional information and to reserve tickets, you may call (909) 823-2310.

A Conversation with Grazell Howard, Black Aids Institute (BAI) Board Chair

MIAMI, FL – This is a time to raise awareness and reflect on the impact of the HIV/AIDS virus across the nation. Despite significant gains in case reduction, African Americans continue to account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses. Black PR Wire’s Thrivin’ in Color podcast featured Grazell Howard, Board Chair of the Black Aids Institute (BAI), in an enlightening discussion on HIV/AIDS and the interconnected elements that make managing the disease in the Black community so difficult.

In this episode, Grazell has an eye-opening conversation with podcast host Camry Brown about the work being done at the Black Aids Institute (BAI) and measures that may be implemented among the Black community to reduce the number of African Americans living with HIV/AIDS. She also explores the rise in HIV infections among younger people. “Grazell made some very valid points during this conversation,” said Camry. “When listeners tune into this episode, I hope they feel the need to take action in bettering our community.”

The Black AIDS Institute (BAI) is dedicated to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Black community. BAI is the only uniquely and unapologetically Black HIV think and do tank in America.

Black PR Wire’s Thrivin’ in Color podcast is an exceptional platform for Black and Brown leaders to educate and empower the Black community. Tune in to Thrivin’ in Color on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

About Thrivin’ in Color

Thrivin’ In Color is a podcast produced by Black PR Wire, featuring interviews with remarkable sistas and brothas from across the country who are doing extraordinary things in today’s society. Thrivin’ In Color takes us behind the scenes of their world, where we meet with them and pick up some golden nuggets for success. Thrivin’ In Color podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all of your favorite podcast services.

About Black PR Wire

Black PR Wire is the nation’s first and largest online Black newswire distribution company and is a powerful leader in effective news delivery services. With a comprehensive database and listing of over 1,200 Black (African American, Caribbean and Haitian) organizations and media, Black PR Wire posts and distributes print, audio, video, and creative news and information to Black media, influencers, faith-based groups and prominent community organizations throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. Services can be purchased online anytime, anywhere 24/7; or by simply calling our newsroom at 1-877-BLACKPR. Have some news to share? Or want to know what’s happening in your community? Then connect with Black PR Wire, like, share and visit us @BlackPRWire, and make Black PR Wire your online source for Black News! For more information on Black PR Wire and Thrivin’ in Color, call 1-877-BLACKPR or visit the website at blackprwire.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has announced that it has received a $240,800 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to plan road improvements along Baseline Street. Upon completion of the work funded through this award, the City will be positioned to compete for project funding in future USDOT funding cycles.

“Baseline Street is one of the most important streets in San Bernardino, as it runs from the most eastern to the most western part of the city, said Lynn Merrill, San Bernardino’s Interim Public Works Director. “Using this grant to create a plan that implements safety enhancements along this corridor underscores the City’s commitment to improving our streets and intersections.”

The Department of Transportation awarded 385 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants to regional, local, and Tribal communities for implementation, planning, and demonstration projects at the local level to improve safety and help prevent deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways.

The City of San Bernardino will use this award to conduct a comprehensive assessment of safety issues along Baseline Street between Meridian Avenue to Tippecanoe Avenue, with a specific focus on improving safety conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. Measures proposed to be part of the study include high-visibility crosswalks; Class I, II, and III bike lanes; electronic speed feedback signs; and road adjustment measures such as modifying lane widths and the installation of rumble strips.

Recommendations from this process, which will also include community engagement, would be added to the City’s Local Road Safety Plan, one of the requirements necessary to apply for future funding offered through SS4A to make the improvements.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) was established in 1967 when African American members of the California Legislature, under the leadership of former State Sen. Mervyn Dymally, came together to address issues faced by Black Californians.

The origins of the CLBC date back to 1918 when Frederick M. Roberts was elected to the California State Assembly. Roberts was the first African American to serve in the California State Legislature. In those early years, legislative efforts focused on abolishing laws and policies that restricted African Americans from fully exercising their civil, social and political rights.

Among these initiatives was a bill authored by Roberts in 1921 that prohibited the publication of education materials that portrayed negative images of people of color. Roberts also authored landmark civil rights legislation in 1919 and 1923, guaranteeing African Americans access to public accommodations.

During the 1960s, members believed that a caucus representing concerns of the African American community would provide political influence and visibility far beyond their numbers.

Today, the CLBC consists of 12 members.

Throughout its history, the CLBC and African American members of the legislature have been instrumental in crafting and supporting legislation that fosters racial and gender equality as well as advancing an agenda that assures quality health care for all, focuses on employment and economic security, and advocates for justice for all Californians.

During the 2024 legislative session, the CLBC hopes to secure funding

for critical programs and organizations working to improve the lives of Black Californians.

In addition, the CLBC will continue to support programs that encourage academic excellence. Two examples are the caucus’s Frederick M. Roberts college scholarship program, which provides scholarships to college-bound students, and the African American Leaders For Tomorrow program, a training institute for high school aged students.

California Black Media spoke with Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), chair of the CLBC, about the organization’s priorities, challenges and plans for the next legislative session.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

The 12 members of the California Legislative Black Caucus collaboratively develop and advocate for policies addressing economic justice, education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and other issues impacting Black Californians. In 2024, the Caucus is prioritizing a reparations legislative package in response to the historic two-year Reparations study and report.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

In 2023, the Caucus achieved legislative success by securing significant investments for institutions and programs supporting Black lives and advancing justice totaling more than $320 million dollars. Additionally, we introduced 10 legislative priorities, with three chartered into law.

Our nonprofit arm raised close to $3 million, funding our signature events and programs, like our annual Frederick Roberts college scholarship program, which supported 150 students this year with $3,500 awards, and our annual African American Leaders for Tomorrow program at California State Dominguez Hills.

CBM: In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Housing, education, public safety and equity across the board remain the most significant challenges.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

Despite our best efforts to pool resources and collaborate with strategic partners, the ongoing challenge is the insufficient funding to address the breadth of issues faced by Black communities.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Absolutely. We are actively preparing for the 2024 legislative fight for reparations. Two of our caucus’s seasoned legislators, Sen. Bradford and Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer, served on the reparations task

force. From the two-year study, we have created a framework to achieve legislative and budget wins as well as to work collaboratively with strategic partners up and down the state.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

We encourage all Californians to support Black legislators and join the movement to advocate for a better California for all, ensuring fair, just, and equitable representation. Participation is crucial for creating positive and transformational change in California.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— This holiday season, San Bernardino has announced the launch of “Shop Local SB,” an exciting program that puts the spotlight on the City’s local businesses. As part of the program, residents and visitors are invited to support local commerce and win prizes through two different “Shop Local SB” promotions.

“Discovering the unique businesses in our City is exciting and serves as a reminder as to what makes San Bernardino special,” said Amanda Hernandez, San Bernardino Economic Development Manager. “In addition, shopping locally contributes to the prosperity of the City by supporting local jobs and business owners, creating a positive multiplier effect throughout the entire community.”

Approximately 50 local businesses are already participating in the program, including: The Factorie, Knight Skate, Guadalajara Furniture, Tacos Don Ramon, Revival Arcade, and Invictus Barber Company.

The current “Shop Local SB” promotions include a social media contest and a drawing for participants who shop locally between now and the end of the year. Prizes for both contests are being supplied by the participating businesses.

Shop Local SB Contest Rules:

1. Spend a minimum of $25 at a participating San Bernardino business by December 31, 2023.
2. Eligible submissions receive a free gift bag (while supplies last), notified via email.
3. Submit receipts via the online form dated through December 31, 2023.
4. One submission per household, with a City of San Bernardino address.
5. Prizes generously provided by participating local businesses.

Shop Local SB Social Media Contest Rules:

1. Post a picture on Instagram with a participating local business.
2. Submit a screenshot of the post via the online form by December 31, 2023.
3. Follow and tag the Economic Development Department’s Instagram (@sbcityced).
4. Include the hashtag #ShopLocalSB in your post.
5. One entry allowed per Instagram handle account, with a chance to win an exclusive prize.

Winners will be randomly selected from qualified submissions on Wednesday, January 10, 2024,

To learn more about the program, to see the list of participating businesses, or to submit an entry, please visit the City of San Bernardino’s Shop Local SB website.

For San Bernardino businesses wanting to participate in this or future promotions, contact Joanna Gavilanes at Gavilanes_Jo@sbcity.org or (909) 384-7272 extension 3513. There is no cost to participate.