By Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

When Los Angeles hosted its annual car show a little over a month ago at the LA Convention Center, it not only showcased the latest in automotive technology, but the event also transformed into a policy forum on clean energy, previewing what lies ahead for California’s electric vehicle (EV) future.

Battery-powered cars took center stage. They accounted for the majority of the over 1000 vehicles on display, ranging from cars and trucks to motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and semi-trucks.

For Black and other minority advocates in attendance, several concerns emerged. Among them were the impact of the transition to zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) on Black Californians and how the state will equip low-income neighborhoods with the infrastructure needed when California bans the sale of all gas-powered vehicles in 2035.

“It’s not enough to build the infrastructure in low-income neighborhoods, the people in those neighborhoods need to have access to the jobs installing and maintaining that infrastructure,” said Charles Dorsey of The Dorsey Group, a Black-owned-and-operated Long Beach-based consulting firm.

Speaking on the sidelines of the car show in a meeting room tucked away from showgoers, Dorsey engaged in a lively policy discussion about California’s clean energy future.

“My hope is that this is also an opportunity for us to make a decision to do business with small and growing businesses, understanding that you’re going to have to work with them, so they can get to the same place; and that can be a metric for [success],” Dorsey said. “How many small businesses did we rock with until they became medium businesses because of the contracts that we are intentionally delivering there?”

With an average price of around $58,000 per vehicle, affordability is a significant hurdle for potential EV buyers despite a federal tax credit of

$7,500. Concerns about the availability and access to charging stations — often referred to as range anxiety – may also impede adoption, especially in underserved markets where electric infrastructure is less available or apparent.

Advocates for equity say they are hopeful that there will be opportunities for Blacks and others to participate in the clean car value chain.

Plans to build charging stations and related infrastructure to support electric cars are creating new industries and opportunities for labor and manufacturing in the Golden State, they say, and positioning California as a leader in the EV market.

Los Angeles County has the highest number of chargers and EV registrations in the state, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is actively collaborating with businesses and residents to try to bring electrification infrastructure to areas across the region.

In another conference room at the auto show, the LADWP and the California Electric Transportation Coalition discussed their progress and shortcomings.

“We’ve been meeting with faith and community leaders about and listening to their feedback and needs. At the LA Department of Water and Power, we feel that we have resources and experts to do anything,” said LADWP representative Emil Abdelshehid, after acknowledging the need for substantial growth.

“The Leaders that came to us and talked about how there are no electric vehicle charging infrastructure in their neighborhoods,” Abdelshehid said. “[They asked] what can we do to get that infrastructure into those neighborhoods because a lot of these locations in the city of Los Angeles have space.”

Currently, there are federal incentives for domestic manufacturing and purchasing of domestically manufactured EVs.

With EVs now being more than a quarter of all cars sold in California, policymakers, advocates and industry experts agree that the California automotive economy will be a significant driver of economic transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs).

The federal Inflation Reduction Act, which was enacted in 2022, uses tax credits to incentivize EV manufacturers to begin building an end-to- end domestic pipeline so that their vehicles will qualify for the tax credit available to buyers.

Those incentives to spur domestic manufacturing appear to be working.

In just one year since the bill passed, areas not normally associated with the auto industry are getting involved in the production of batteries and the assembly of vehicles as domestic production ramps up. Billions of dollars of investments are creating green industry jobs across the country.

“These incentives complement investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other federal initiatives that are spurring the domestic manufacturing of EVs and batteries and the development of a national EV charging network that provides access to low income and disadvantaged communities,” said a statement from the Whitehouse.

Demand for EVs in California is driving much of the ZEV market. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) estimates that California ZEV sales are 34% of all national clean car sales.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken several steps that signal strong support for the state’s full transition to EVs, which include continuing to develop electrification infrastructure. California currently has 93,855 public and shared private electric vehicle chargers, but equity of access remains a concern.

“It’s important that we look at jobs in targeted low-income communities– everything from the innovation and design to manufacturing, production, assembly, construction, installation of these assets. All of those have job components,” said Larry Rillera of the California Energy Commission, speaking during a panel discussion at the car show.

By Lou K. Coleman

For thus saith the Lord. I am about to do a shocking thing. I am going to carry out all my threats. For 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. [Luke 19:43–44]

I raised up many prophetic voices to call you to repentance and to warn you that continued rebellion will lead to doom, but naw, you refused to listen.  Instead, you stiffened in your rebellion against Me. The result is that America has passed the point of no return, the point of “dread release,” from judgment to destruction.

Brutal defeat of America in War Prophecy – “Unites States of America [USA]. You have rejected the One who made you. The One who made you strong, mighty in battle, a stumbling block to many, the One whom your fathers knew. You have gone after a stranger, a strange woman. Is the wrath of the Lord not revealed upon you? For you will be given out to a war, a battle with one who was once feeble before thee. Your weaponry will fall from your hands. Your nuclear weapons will fail before your enemies. A brutal defeat you will face America, and the whole world will look at who was once mighty in battle, once feared strong, and mock you. The strange woman whom you defile yourself with will look at you as you lie down defeated and laugh at you mockingly. For I have set a war before thee.” America is doomed! [Christian Truth Center].

Noah preaching. Noah warned everyone of the coming judgment. Noah begged people to believe God, to repent, and flee from the wrath to come for there was only one way to escape [Matthew 7:13,14] and only a short opportunity to get onto the Ark – don’t wait until it’s too late, judgment is coming.

God’s warnings always precedes His judgment. America is going to war!

By Edward Henderson | California Black Caucus

The African American Community Empowerment Council of California (AACEC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring government accountability in enhancing the participation of California’s African American communities in the state’s prosperity.

California, the 5th largest economy in the world, boasts a $3.6 trillion GDP that accounts for 14.3% of the total U.S. economy.

A basic tenet of the council is that California’s success is built on the strengths and contributions of all its residents. The state’s economic power can only be maintained by acknowledging what makes California strong: the strength of its diversity and the state’s commitment to inclusion. Therefore, the AACEC believes no resident should be left behind or denied access to the state’s prosperity.

Even though California faces a projected deficit of nearly $68 million in next year’s budget, the state is still on relatively strong footing, considering its cash reserves of nearly $38 billion, the largest of any state in U.S. history.

Nonetheless, policymakers and state budget experts expect deep cuts to spending during the next legislative session. In light of this challenge, the AACEC says it will continue to devise strategies to ensure critical funding reaches African American communities, and that state programs positively influence the lives of the families who need it most.

California Black Media spoke with Michael Carter, Chief Consultant at the AACEC, about the organization’s successes, challenges, and the impact of its work on California’s Black community.

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

We have adopted pillars focused on economic development, educational improvement, judicial reform, homelessness — issues that plague our community.

Black Californians make up the largest segment of the state’s homeless population. You have a lot of efforts to address the problem with churches and community groups working along with government. The question is: how much of that is getting to our community and improving the lives of Black folks?

So, for us, the bottom line is how do we help the African American community? We are not only interested in African Americans, but that is our focus because we believe our communities require a bit more attention and level setting for where we are economically.

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

The Council has made a concerted effort to hold meetings with the Governor and his appointment secretaries to increase judicial appointees throughout the state and within State government to achieve equity in representation. The results of these efforts have been fruitful so far.

We are also extremely proud of Pastor Amos Brown, Co-Chair of the AACEC and Co-Chair of the state reparations task force, and the recently published report on reparations.

The strategy is now shifting our focus to the legislature to ensure it implements the task Force recommendations. This is a great opportunity for all community associations to unify around solutions to this historical effort.

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

Our community could be better informed on developments and opportunities. We need to find out strategies on how to do that. Black-on-Black crime has had a devastating effect on our communities and not only the issue of safety, but there’s the impact on businesses in the communities as well as housing prices. We treat that very seriously. We anticipate meeting with Attorney General Bonta to address these issues. We must have better management of our communities and rely more on our public representatives as we work toward solutions.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

The difficulties are getting results. That’s key. We recognize that the state’s budget is $240 billion annually for the general fund. There is going to naturally be a lot of money appropriated towards various solutions. But how much of this is getting to African Americans? What policy solutions can be in play that directly impact our community?

Working to make sure the African American communities are benefitting from state programs is our constant and biggest challenge.

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

Our focus is to make the task force’s reparations recommendations a reality and create solutions for what essentially is a generational event. There are numerous success stories. We are ready to unify around solutions for reparations and to see where that will take us. It is monumental, it’s generational, and from a historical perspective, what’s done on that issue will have ramifications for years and years.

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

We have monthly meetings that are open, and our registry is approximately 100 members. Unless others start participating, there are no capacity limits. People can see what the issues are, and we speak freely on Zoom calls. It is an open forum. You can see first-hand what occurs with our membership. To get involved, sign up online at AACEC-Cal.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has released an executive summary of a recently completed personnel investigation into a complaint filed by a city employee against City Council member Kimberly Calvin under the City’s personnel rules and policies.

On Wednesday, December 6, the San Bernardino City Council voted 5-0 in closed session, with Council members Ben Reynoso and Kimberly Calvin absent, to release the executive summary.

The investigation was conducted by an outside firm, JL Group, LLC. A copy of the executive summary can be viewed here.

Additional inquiries should be made to the San Bernardino City Attorney‘s Office at (909) 384-5355 or Attorney@SBCity.org

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The California Black Women’s Collective (CABWC) is a sisterhood of influential women from different professional backgrounds who aim to uplift and address the issues impacting Black women and girls in all regions of the state. Relying on research, they approach problem solving with a range of expertise – from politics, business, and community advocacy to the arts, entertainment, social justice activism, and more.

The collective also partners with other women’s organizations to elevate women’s voices, eliminate racist and sexist violence, secure adequate representation and support the quest for reparations.

CABWC offers several initiatives in support of its mission of Black Women’s empowerment.

Earlier this month, the organization released a wage report focused on Black women’s earnings in California titled “Pay Me What I am Worth.”

“Black Women in California have always had to be active participants in the labor market, but this report showcases the need for fair and just wages even for those of us with higher educational attainment, said Kellie Todd-Griffin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Black Women’s Collective.

“It can’t just be about an annual recognition of a perceived pay gap. We wanted to see the data for a five-year period and look at it in different ways, continued Todd-Griffin. “Black Women in California wages are below the state mean wage and make less than most of their female counterparts in every category we reviewed. And with the majority being single and primary breadwinners, California Black Women feel the impact of lower wages every day. We must take action now.”

CABWC’s Black Girl Joy Festival is an event designed to uplift Black Women and Girls in a safe space while learning and having fun. The festival includes free workshops that prepare women for college, dancing, self-defense training, health screenings, yoga, arts & crafts, and food vendors.

The Collective’s Empowerment Institute, launched in collaboration with the Los Angeles-based research firm EVITARUS, produces the annual California Black Women’s Quality of Life Survey. This study collects insights from 1,258 Black women voters across California to understand their most pressing concerns, experiences and issues in California.

They are also planning a tour throughout the state focused on empowering Black Women with information to improve their economic status. ‘The Conversation for Black Women – Building an Economic Action Plan Tour’, sponsored by BMO, will travel to six locations throughout the state.

California Black Media spoke with Todd-Griffin about the organization’s impact, challenges it faces and some of its near-term plans.

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

The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute’s uplifts the issues and voices of Black Women and Girls in California with our vision of improving their lives and serves as beacon inspiring hope for many. We achieve that through our programming, which includes the Black Women’s Worker Initiative that helps Black Women prepare for public section and non-traditional careers. Other initiatives include the CA Black Women’s Leadership Development Certificate program at CSU Dominguez Hills; Black Girl Joy Festival for middle and high school students; Conversations for Black Women, etc. Our targeted research also uncovers and finds solutions to the toughest challenges Black women and girls face.

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

This year, we released the first-ever California Black Women’s Quality of Life Survey. This groundbreaking study collected insights from 1,258 Black women voters across California to understand their economic state, most pressing concerns, their attitudes toward policymakers, and their experiences and issues in California. Black women in California and around the country are struggling socially and economically while serving as primary breadwinners of their households. The results are sobering and paint a picture of the pressures that threaten Black women’s stability and financial security. This data is a call-to-action for meaningful change to policymakers, advocates and community leaders working to address these pressing issues and disparity gaps. Nearly two in five Black women work multiple jobs, yet face significant challenges meeting basic expenses, indicating the strain caused by inflation and the rising cost of living in the Golden State

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

Black Californians, especially Black Women, continue to be left out of the conversation when it comes to building meaningful change to improve the lives of those who struggle the most. When there isn’t intentionality in policy and practice transformation, it is not shocking that Black Californians experience the highest rated of unhoused people, the highest unemployment rates, the largest wealth gap, the lowest life expectancy and the lowest homeownership even though we have one of the smallest populations in the state.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

Our biggest challenge over the last year was transitioning from a volunteer driven entity, the California Black Women’s Collective, to creating a non-profit organization, the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, with staff, a board of directors and appropriate budget. We started as a Coalition of Black Women throughout California who showed up in unofficial capacities and therefore could unapologetically challenge the system and people to do the right thing. As non-profit, we still have that role, but we have a set of boundaries that we are governed by.

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

Absolutely!

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

We are on all the social media channels. They can also go to our website, www.CABlackWomensCollective.org. We also have a podcast, The Power Table – Conversations for Black Women on YouTube and other audio streaming platforms.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Omnitrans introduced mobile fare validators onboard all its fixed route buses this month in order to make boarding more convenient and efficient.

“Omnitrans is committed to innovative mobility solutions,” said Erin Rogers, CEO/General Manager. “The new validators are the next step in enhancing customers’ onboard experience.”

Funded by a Federal Transit Administration grant, the validators allow customers to simply “scan and go,” rather than waiting for visual validation from their driver. Omnitrans mobile fares can be purchased via the Transit or Token Transit apps; wi-fi is not needed to activate a pass.

In addition to convenience, the validators reduce close personal contact time and handling of cash. As technology continues to progress, Omnitrans plans to utilize validators to record fares for its ID based student programs, Free Fares for School and GoSmart.

For more information on validators and an introductory video, please visit https://omnitrans.org/validators/. To learn more about Omnitrans routes and services, please visit www.omnitrans.org

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The City of San Bernardino is pleased to announce that Mayor Helen Tran and her family have welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world on Christmas Day, bringing an extra dose of holiday happiness into their household. The child is the fourth for Tran and her husband Kong.

“On behalf of the City Council, the entire staff, and the residents of San Bernardino, we offer our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Mayor Tran and Kong on the new addition to their family,” said City Manager Charles Montoya. “I can’t think of a better Christmas present than a healthy baby.”

Tran, who was sworn into office one year ago, was still in the office working as late as Thursday, December 21.

While the Mayor and her family are thankful for the outpouring of support from the community over the past few months, they kindly request privacy as they celebrate these precious early moments with their newborn son.

By Sen. Steven Bradford | Special to California Black Media Partners\

There is no greater pain than that of a mother who loses her child — or whose child goes missing.

Bettersten Wade has experienced both. Her 37-year-old son, Dexter Wade, disappeared on March 5 after visiting with her. She reported him to the police as missing the next week and began putting up fliers with his picture and going door to door to speak with neighbors.

For months, the police told her they had no information on his whereabouts, but in August, the police brought her devastating news. Her son, a Black man and father of two had been killed the very night he went missing. Police say he was struck while crossing a highway by an off-duty Jackson Police officer.

The coroner identified Wade using a prescription medicine he was carrying as he had no identification. The coroner’s office claims to have shared his identity with the police, provided them with Wade’s mother’s contact information and asked them to notify her.

The Mayor of Jackson called the almost 6-month delay a “communications failure” between the coroner and the police. The elder Wade and her attorney say the way authorities handled the death of her son is a civil rights violation and they want the federal Department of Justice to investigate.

Without the family’s knowledge or consent, the county buried him in a pauper’s grave with only a small metal sign displaying the number 672.

Although Dexter Wade was a grown man, you can draw a direct line to why California needs and will benefit from the newly signed Ebony Alert notification law which will help locate missing Black children and young women ages 12-25.

Black people make up a disproportionate percentage of all missing

persons in the United States. However, instead of receiving a greater share of the police resources to find them, Black lives get less.

When a Black person goes missing, in a sense, they vanish twice. First, they disappear from their friends and loved ones. Second, they disappear from the police detective’s workload and from the news media’s attention.

This case speaks to the insulting reality of how Black lives are not a priority when they are missing. In the Dexter Wade case, authorities were clearly not looking even as they physically held his body.

Critics of the Ebony Alert say California should not have a special alert system just for African Americans. I would argue California should not need the Ebony Alert just for African Americans.

All people should be given equal value and equal resources should be utilized to find them. But that’s not happening. So, not only does California need the Ebony Alert, but the rest of the nation does as well.

About the Author

Sen. Steven Bradford is Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. He authored SB 673, the Ebony Alert. He represents parts

southern Los Angeles County.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The City of San Bernardino has opened a new, half-mile section of State Street between 16th Street and Baseline Street, improving mobility in the west side of the City. The $7.4 million extension includes four lanes of divided road, as well as new medians, sidewalks, streetlights, and storm drains.

The street was opened to traffic at 12:00 pm on Friday, December 15.

“The completion of the State Street extension marks a significant milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to improve connectivity, accessibility, and the quality of life for our residents,” said City Manager Charles Montoya.

The State Street extension is located just south of the 210 Freeway and parallels the Lytle Creek Basin. The new street improves access to the freeway, decreases cut through traffic in neighborhoods, and provides better access for residents to Arroyo Valley High School and Anne Shirrells Park.

“For over 20 years, this project has been a priority for San Bernardino residents on the West Side,” added Montoya. “We are thrilled to complete this project and see that vision become a reality. It looks beautiful.”

The $7.4 million project was approved by the City Council in August 2022 using Regional Circulation System funds. Work on the project by contractor Riverside Construction Company began in October 2022.

In the coming months, San Bernardino Public Works will add irrigation and landscaping to beautify the roadway. Plans are also underway to build a median between 16th Street and Hanford Street.