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As part of the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) ongoing commitment to engaging in innovative work to improve the maternal health care landscape, inclusive of offering a comprehensive suite of services and benefits aimed at promoting health equity and addressing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, Medi-Cal now covers doula services.

This new and important benefit, added by DHCS in January 2023, helps to ensure that birthing individuals have additional options to receive physical, emotional, and nonmedical support, prevent perinatal complications, and improve health outcomes for birthing individuals and their infants.

What Are Doula Services?

Doula services include personal support to birthing individuals and their families throughout pregnancy and one year postpartum. This includes emotional and physical support provided during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period, as well as support during miscarriage and abortion.

Services include guidance; health navigation; evidence-based education for prenatal, postpartum, childbirth, and newborn/infant care; lactation support; development of a birth plan; and, if appropriate, connecting birthing individuals to community-based resources (e.g., breastfeeding classes or maternal support groups) or other providers.

Addressing Health Equity & Maternal Health Disparities

Doula services may be especially important for Black birthing individuals, who face disproportionately higher rates of maternal and infant mortality.

In the United States, Black people are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White people. Additionally, Black infants are more than twice as likely to die in their first year of life compared to White infants.

Ultimately, Medi-Cal covered doula services are an important step in promoting greater health equity and reducing disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Why Medi-Cal Covers Doula Services?

Doulas provide person-centered, culturally sensitive care that supports the racial, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity of Medi-Cal members, which not only help to address the unique and varied needs of Medi-Cal members, but also help to promote equity and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Doula care is associated with positive birth outcomes, including a reduction in cesarean sections, epidural use, length of labor, low-birth weight, and premature deliveries. Additionally, the emotional support provided by doulas has been shown to help lower stress and anxiety during labor.

Accessing Doula Services

Doulas are available through Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCPs) and fee-for-service delivery systems. Doulas can offer personal support throughout pregnancy and one year postpartum, regardless of birth outcomes. To increase access to doula services and reduce barriers, DHCS issued a standing recommendation for doula services. This means that Medi-Cal members do not need to request a separate written referral to receive Medi-Cal-covered doula services, they can just go directly to a doula who accepts Medi-Cal patients and begin their journey with a doula who will support them throughout their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period.

Comprehensive Care Coverage

Medi-Cal’s doula services include one initial 90-minute visit to establish care and support, eight additional visits combining prenatal and postpartum care tailored to individual needs, continuous support during labor and delivery, including in cases of stillbirth, miscarriage, or abortion, and up to two extended three-hour postpartum visits to ensure comprehensive postpartum care.

With an additional recommendation from a physician or other licensed practitioner, doulas can also provide up to nine additional postpartum visits to Medi-Cal members.

Real Stories, Real Impact

For many families, the support of a doula has been life-changing and significantly impacted their birth outcomes.

Mark and Jasmine, a young couple expecting their first child, were determined to have a positive birthing experience.

Mark recalls, “Having a doula was one of the best decisions we made. Our doula, Linda, was an advocate for us in the hospital, helping us understand our options and make informed decisions. When Jasmine went into labor, Linda’s presence transformed a fearful situation into an empowering experience. She offered comfort and emotional support that helped Jasmine stay strong and focused. After our baby was born, Linda’s continued support during the postpartum period was invaluable. She helped educate Jasmine about breastfeeding and provided us with resources that made our transition into parenthood smoother.”

Expanded Support Services

Medi-Cal extends its maternal coverage beyond doula services to include certified nurse midwives and licensed midwife services, delivering clinical care to birthing individuals and their newborns.

Additionally, DHCS is developing a comprehensive Birthing Care Pathway to guide Medi-Cal members from conception to 12 months post-birth. This project aims to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality disparities, particularly among Black, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Pacific Islander birthing individuals.

It also aims to enhance Medi-Cal’s care delivery policies for pregnant and postpartum individuals, standardize care processes across different settings, and encourage the adoption of these guidelines.

Investing in Health, Empowering Families

By integrating doulas into Medi-Cal, DHCS is helping to transform maternal and infant health care, ensuring that every Medi-Cal member has access to many options when it comes to choosing maternal care providers who are sensitive to cultural and language needs as well as individual preferences in terms of time, place, and manner of the birthing experience. DHCS’ commitment and ongoing investment in this space has already improved and will continue to improve health outcomes and foster long-term health and well-being for Medi-Cal members and their families across the state.

For more information and to find a doula near you, visit the Doula Directory at (https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Documents/Doula-Directory.pdf) or the Medi-Cal Doula Services page at (www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/pages/Doula-Services.aspx).

This list represents doulas who have enrolled in Medi-Cal. Beneficiaries who enrolled in a Medi-Cal managed care plan can check with their managed care plan regarding doulas who provide services to their members.

In Riverside County and San Bernardino County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:

*   Inland Empire Health Plan: 800-440-4347

*   Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

*   Molina HealthCare of California Partner Plan, Inc.: 888-665-4621

Empower your birth experience with Medi-Cal’s comprehensive doula services. Because every family deserves support, respect, and care.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond joined San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) during the Patriot Day observance at its Brier administrative site on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. SBCSS held ceremonies at each office location in observance of the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre offered remarks to the staff assembled at the administrative site. He spoke of the devastating loss of life that took place on that fateful day and described the events that transpired while taking a moment to thank the first responders who are currently battling the surrounding wildfires.

“These past few days have been devastating to our communities with the wildfires happening around us. We are grateful for the work of our firefighters and first responders. They’re out there on the front lines, doing the work that is so incredibly important,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Today, we thank and pay our respects to firefighters and first responders for their dedication to save lives and save communities on 9/11 and beyond.”

“I couldn’t be more grateful to the first responders who rushed into action, many of them sacrificing their own lives. It was a moment of Americans helping Americans that we must remember,” said State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. “We always say we will never forget, so it’s important to teach this history to our students and recognize those who lost their lives that day and support our first responders who are supporting us right now as we combat these devastating fires.”

Employees at each site gathered for a moment of silence to pay respect to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which officially began when a hijacked plane flew into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 A.M. EST.

Adalia De Luna, a sixth-grade student from Jehue Middle School, gave a moving rendition of “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” during the remembrance ceremony.

The ceremony highlighted that Patriot Day is not just a day of remembrance, but also a day of service. Citizens are called to volunteer in their communities to pay tribute to the selflessness of the first responders and members of the military who have given their lives to defend others.

As order by President Biden, flags were flown at half-staff at all SBCSS locations on September 11, 2024, in observance of Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) rang in the 2024-2025 academic year by celebrating seven exceptional employees making an impact in San Bernardino County during the SBCSS Stars in Education Celebration held on August 28.

Four teachers who have dedicated decades of their career to education were named Teachers of the Year in their respective categories, one staff member was recognized as the Classified School Employee of the Year, and two honorees were named Teachers for Tomorrow.

“This year’s honorees provide each child with equitable, innovative and inspirational learning environments,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Their dedication to education and their students’ success is truly commendable. It’s an honor to recognize them and their impactful work.”

The recipients of the SBCSS Teachers of the Year award were nominated by their peers and were selected by a panel comprised of staff from three regions throughout the County and the San Bernardino County Teachers Association. The award highlights educational innovation, student learning and the rewards of teaching.

Nominations for the SBCSS Classified School Employee of the Year are submitted by their peers. With five or more years of service in their current role, they have earned the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues. Nominees have shown to be actively engaged in their school community, consistently demonstrating outstanding work performance, leadership, dedication, and ongoing professional growth.

The Teacher for Tomorrow program provides financial assistance to help support County Schools employees who are pursuing their teaching credential. Recipients of the prestigious award receive monetary assistance with tuition, books and other academic support services.

All seven of this year’s honorees received a gift from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR:

 Ronald Osburn

County Schools Teacher of the Year

Liberty II State Preschool

Jamie Fleming

Alternative Education Teacher of the Year

Independent Learning Academy at Bob Murphy County Community School

Matthew Guzman

Desert/Mountain Teacher of the Year

Del Rey Elementary

Melissa McCann

West End Teacher of the Year

Live Oak Early Education Center

CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR:

Yvonne Knox

Paraeducator

Bob Murphy County Community School

TEACHERS FOR TOMORROW:

Olivia Fresquez

Paraeducator

Students Transitioning into Adult Responsibilities (S.T.A.R.) program

Fardowsa Mohamed

Paraeducator

West Creek Elementary and Siegrist Preschool

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.#transforminglives

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, covers one in three Californians, including more than 50 percent of the state’s youth. In California, nearly 300,000 youth are coping with depression, and 66 percent of them do not get the help they need, according to Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health.

Black children and children of color make up nearly 75 percent of children on Medi-Cal, yet they face significant barriers to accessing mental health services. Despite an overall decline in the suicide rate in California, youth — particularly Black, Latino, and female Californians — have seen disproportionate increases in suicide rates. According to data from 2022, about 4.3 percent of low-income teens on Medi-Cal have undergone depression screenings and received follow-up treatment. Among Indigenous youth, the screening rate is a little more than half that (2.3 percent). However, more screenings are probably occurring that are not being reported due to data capture issues.

To improve access to Medi-Cal mental health services, DHCS implemented a “No Wrong Door” approach to seeking care. In other words, any Medi-Cal member can receive timely access to covered mental health services regardless of where they first seek care, whether at a county mental health office or their Medi-Cal health plan.

Medi-Cal Covered Mental Health Services

Medi-Cal covers a wide range of services to support the emotional, psychological, and social needs of members. Medi-Cal can cover such services as:

• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Crisis counseling
• Case management
• Medication for mental health conditions
• Depression and anxiety screenings
• Drug and alcohol treatment services
• Other treatments for significant or complex mental health as necessary

Paula Wilhelm, Deputy Director for Behavioral Health at the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), emphasized the state’s commitment to transforming behavioral health services, which covers both mental health and substance use disorder treatment, under Medi-Cal.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and all of our health outcomes are intertwined,” Wilhelm said. “DHCS is partnering with health plans and care providers to transform the way behavioral health services are delivered to Medi-Cal members.”

Governor Gavin Newsom’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is a monumental investment in strengthening mental health services for young Californians. This initiative focuses on prevention, wellness, screening, assessment, outpatient, and community-based treatment.

Mental Health Virtual Services Apps

In January 2024, DHCS, in collaboration with Kooth and Brightline, launched two mental health virtual services platforms, which you can download as android and apple apps, BrightLife Kids for children aged 0-12 and Soluna for teenagers and young adults aged 13-25.

These platforms connect individuals to free coaching and provide educational content, assessment tools, care navigation services, peer communities, and crisis and safety protocols to all California youth and their families, regardless of insurance coverage.

These services aim to complement existing mental health services by offering additional care options and resources for parents, caregivers, children, youth, and young adults in California. If you experience long wait times to see a mental health counselor, check out these apps to connect to individual or group coaching.

Get Started Today

If you or your child need mental health services, contact your Medi-Cal health plan, which will assess your needs and refer you to get help.

In Riverside County and San Bernardino County, Medi-Cal members can contact:

*   Inland Empire Health Plan: 800-440-4347

*   Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

*   Molina HealthCare of California Partner Plan, Inc.: 888-665-4621

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Some individuals have dedicated their lives to serving others, going above and beyond in their contributions. “We are looking for Black Heroes and Sheroes in the IE,” said Carl M. Dameron, President of the Black Culture Foundation.

On Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., the Black Culture Foundation will honor and celebrate the remarkable work of these individuals at the 33rd Annual Black Rose Awards in the Santos Manuel Student Union at Cal State San Bernardino.

“If you know of a remarkable Black leader or someone deeply committed to improving the community for everyone in the Inland Empire, the Black Culture Foundation is eager to learn about them. We are actively seeking nominations for the 33rd Annual Black Rose awards,” said Dameron.

“We are searching for individuals whose volunteer efforts surpass their job-related activities,” said Black Rose Founder Jim King. “These are the unsung heroes—individuals who volunteer with multiple organizations or dedicate their spare time to one or more. They do not seek recognition but endeavor to improve their community and make it a better place to live.”

To nominate a remarkable person for a Black Rose Award, go online to sbbcfoundation.org. Nominations are due by September 30, 2024, at 5:00 pm.

As Dameron explained, the awards program is dedicated to honoring the Black community in the Inland Empire. However, it’s important to note that recipients of the award are not required to be Black.

Over the years, numerous community leaders in law enforcement, education, and other public arenas have been celebrated and presented with an award for their impactful contributions to the Inland Empire.

“Join us in celebrating and honoring the significant contributions of the Black community in The Inland Empire. By becoming a committee member, you can play a vital role in shaping the Black Rose Awards program and the Black History Parade. To take the lead as a member or committee chair, sign up online at https://sbbcfoundation.org,” said King.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Scores of advocates from across California protested at the State Capitol Saturday after the Legislature failed to bring two critical reparations bills to the floor for a full vote on Aug. 31, the final day of the legislative session.

Chanting “What do we want? Reparations! When do we want it? Now!,” the advocates expressed their outrage and disappointment that Senate Bill (SB) 1403 and Senate Bill (SB) 1331 — both authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) — had stalled.

Despite advancing smoothly through much of the legislative process this year, the session concluded without a vote on both bills, leaving the future of reparations in California hanging in the balance.

“This is becoming a political disaster. It’s our own people holding this up,” said Chris Lodgson, reparations advocate from the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), blaming members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).

Lodgson said the Legislature’s decision to pass another bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 1840, on Aug. 28, only heightened his frustration.

AB 1840, authored by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), would allow eligible undocumented immigrants to purchase homes with state-backed financing through the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan program.

AB 1840 passed the Assembly on Aug. 28, and is now moving on to the governor for his consideration, prompting some in the Black community to feel overlooked.

“This tells me and Black Californians who are ancestors of slavery, who built this country we are not as important,” Lodgson said. “We’re not a priority or important as those other programs. That’s what is most infuriating and that’s what Black legislators are telling their people. That’s not going to be accepted.”

Tiffany Quarles, a reparations activist and supporter of Bradford’s bills, drove from Los Angeles to Sacramento to watch what she thought would be the passage of a historic vote.

“I am not disdained, and I am not discouraged. I came here to fight for Black Americans whose families were enslaved in this country. My family was enslaved in this country. So, I am not giving up. If they think that this is over, they are wrong,” said Quarles. “We still demand lineage-based reparations.”

Quarles said she believes Democratic leaders decided against advancing the bills because they are worried their decision would hurt V.P. Kamala Harris’s chances of winning the presidency.

“They will sacrifice Black America just to get her in, and that’s not right,” stated Quarles.

According to Bradford, the Governor’s Office expressed some concerns over his reparation’s bills.

“They offered up some amendments that weren’t accepted by me. We had no indications of any amendments up until Monday (Aug. 26) of this week,” said Bradford.

“We had legislation that made it out of Assembly Appropriations committee without one single amendment — not a single amendment was offered up. We moved these bills with the understanding that we had the votes to take it up on the Assembly floor,” Bradford explained. “It was just some simple amendment that pretty much would have gutted SB 1403 and made it an additional study.”

Bradford, who served on the Reparations Task force, said California researched reparations for two years and delivered a 1,100-page report to the legislature. Therefore, there is no need to conduct an additional study.

The CLBC issued a statement on the final day of the legislative session confirming that SB 1403 would not be brought to a vote this session and would be reintroduced next session.

“The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing the CLBC 2024 Reparations Priority Legislative Package,” the statement read. “The CLBC has chosen to concentrate our collective energy on the legislative priorities that the entire caucus has voted on and those that positively impact Black Californians.”

The CLBC reaffirmed its commitment to its 2024 reparations priority legislative package, despite SB 1403 and SB 1331 not being part of the original package.

The CLBC statement emphasized the complexity of the legislative process and its ongoing dedication to advancing reparative justice for Black Californians.

SB 1403 aimed to establish the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency to recommend measures for compensating Black Californians who are descendants of enslaved people. SB 1331 proposed the creation of the Fund for Reparations and Reparative Justice in the State Treasury to fund policies approved by the Legislature and Governor that address the harm done to descendants of enslaved African American persons who experienced chattel slavery or free Black people living in the U.S. before the end of the 19th century.

Another bill in the CLBC’s legislative package, SB 1050, authored by Bradford and introduced for the vote by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), calls for the establishment of a process for California to review and investigate public complaints from individuals who claim their property was taken without just compensation as a result of racially motivated eminent domain. The legislation would also establish a process for providing compensation to the rightful owner. That bill passed with a 56-0 vote on Aug. 29, marking a significant victory for those advocating for reparative justice.

“We understand that the legislative process is complex and does not always unfold as initially envisioned. However, we remain committed to our long-term goals and recognize that this is a multi-year effort,” the CLBC statement continued.

According to the CLBC, the work of advancing reparations and achieving justice for Black Californians is “far from complete.”

“We will not be distracted from our mission. We will stay focused on the work at hand, united in our purpose, and dedicated to the cause of reparations and equity for all. The CLBC will continue to lead with integrity and purpose, ensuring that our legislative efforts are impactful and meaningful for the communities we serve,” the statement concluded.

Los Angeles Attorney, Kamilah Moore, who served as chair of the Reparations Task Force, called the turn of events “unconscionable.”

“The bills sailed through various committees and people expected them to be introduced to the floor for a vote,” Moore said. “What happened was unexpected. It’s causing a lot of confusion and different emotions from the community.”

“I think it was unconscionable that no legislator had the courage to get up and introduce the bills, particularly the California Legislative Black Caucus. The CLBC is such an esteemed institution. They had the chance, and still have a chance, to do something historic.”

YUCAIPA, CA— Michelle Riggs, director of institutional advancement at Crafton Hills College (CHC), was appointed in June to the Network of California Community College Foundations (NCCCF) board of directors for a three-year term.

The NCCCF’s mission is to advance and increase philanthropy to California’s community colleges. Community colleges receive less state funding per student than all other types of California public schools and the NCCCF’s efforts hope to bridge the gap.

“I am honored to join the NCCCF board of directors and contribute to the vital work of advancing philanthropy for California’s community colleges,” said Riggs. “I see firsthand the transformative impact that financial support can have on our students’ lives. I look forward to collaborating with my peers across the state to help bridge the funding gap and ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

In her current role at CHC, Riggs oversees the college’s fundraising efforts, alumni relations and community engagement initiatives. With a deep commitment to student success, She has been instrumental in securing financial support to enhance educational opportunities at the college.

NCCCF represents 56 foundations supporting community colleges or districts throughout California. There are 116 California community colleges serving 1.8 million students collectively. To strengthen philanthropy in California’s community colleges, the NCCCF provides members with professional development, peer support, access to resources, and collaborative opportunities.

For more information about NCCCF, visit https://ncccfweb.org/Home.aspx.

Asthma is a significant public health issue, particularly among Medi-Cal members.

Black Californians are five times more likely to visit the emergency department and four times more likely to be hospitalized for asthma than White Californians, and more than 2 million Latinos in the state live with asthma.

Medi-Cal offers new services to help members manage and reduce asthma triggers where they often experience them most, in their own home.

Asthma Remediation as Part of Community Supports

Asthma Remediation is one of the 14 optional Community Supports Medi-Cal managed care plans can offer. Community Supports are new and improved services to help Medi-Cal members get well-rounded, whole person care that goes beyond the doctor’s office or hospital.

This program provides home modifications and interventions to manage asthma symptoms, reduce emergency room visits, and improve the quality of life for eligible members.

Transform Your Home to Manage Asthma

Medi-Cal’s Asthma Remediation service covers essential modifications to ensure your home is a safe haven, including:

• Allergen-impermeable mattress and pillow covers to block dust mites.
• High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuums to effectively remove allergens.
• Integrated Pest Management services to eliminate pests that can trigger asthma.
• De-humidifiers to control moisture levels and prevent mold growth.
• Mechanical air filters to keep indoor air clean.
• Asthma-friendly cleaning products and supplies that contain minimal chemical irritants.
• Minor mold removal and remediation services to ensure mold-free living spaces.
• Other moisture-controlling interventions to maintain a dry and healthy environment.
• Ventilation improvements to enhance air circulation.
• Other medically appropriate and cost-effective interventions identified by your health care provider.

How to Access Asthma Remediation Services

To qualify for these services, members must meet certain criteria:

• Eligibility Criteria: The member must have poorly controlled asthma, indicated by recent emergency department visits, hospitalizations, frequent urgent care visits, or a score of 19 or lower on the Asthma Control Test.
• Home Evaluation: An assessment of the member’s home must be conducted through the Asthma Preventive Services benefit to determine needs and the suitability of any requested remediation(s).
• Health Provider’s Order: A licensed health care provider must request the necessary remediations based on member needs.

Members can reach out to their managed care health plan or speak with their doctor to find out more information about available Asthma Remediation services.

Comprehensive Support and Education

Asthma Remediation goes beyond home modifications. The program also empowers members with knowledge, providing information about how to identify and mitigate environmental triggers commonly found in and around homes, including allergens and irritants. Members will learn how to:

• Use dust-proof mattresses and pillow covers.
• Properly use HEPA vacuums and asthma-friendly cleaning products.
• Implement moisture control measures and improve ventilation.
• Conduct minor home repairs, such as sealing cracks to prevent pest entry.

Financial and Coverage Details

Medi-Cal covers the costs of asthma remediations up to a lifetime maximum of $7,500 per member. This amount can be increased if significant changes in condition require additional modifications to ensure the member’s health, well-being, and safety, or to help the member achieve greater independence at home and avoid institutionalization or hospitalization. All interventions must adhere to state and local building codes and must be performed by licensed contractors to ensure quality and safety.

Enhancing the Member’s Quality of Life

Medi-Cal’s Asthma Remediation services are designed to supplement and enhance the care members already receive, providing comprehensive support to address the root causes of asthma triggers in the home.

With robust support, education, and financial coverage, Medi-Cal helps ensure that members receive the necessary modifications to live healthier lives.

Get Started Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with poorly controlled asthma, don’t wait to act. Contact your health care provider to discuss your eligibility for Medi-Cal Asthma Remediation services and start your journey toward a safer, healthier home.

For more information, call the state’s Medi-Cal Managed Care Office of the Ombudsman at (888) 452-8609 or email MMCDOmbudsmanOffice@dhcs.ca.gov.

In Riverside County and San Bernardino County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:

• Inland Empire Health Plan: 800-440-4347
• Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
• Molina HealthCare of California Partner Plan, Inc.: 888-665-4621

Take the first step today to transform your home into a healthier, safer environment.

By Maxim Elramsisy and Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media

Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic party’s nomination for President of the United States on Aug. 22, the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.

Harris, a former California U.S. Senator and Attorney General, needed the votes of 1,976 Democratic delegates to secure the nomination but exceeded that mark with 4,567 nods.

If elected, Harris, an Oakland native, would become the first Black, first Asian, and first woman President.

“On behalf of the people, on behalf of every American regardless of party, race gender, or the language your grandmother speaks, on behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey, on behalf of Americans like the people I grew with, people who work hard, chase their dreams and look out for one another, on behalf of everyone whose stories can only be written in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nominations to be President of the United States,” Harris told the DNC delegates, officials and guests gathered at the United Center in Chicago.

Among Democratic leaders on hand to witness Harris’s historic nomination were a number of California state officials, the Golden State’s DNC delegates, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and Gov. Gavin Newsom, who officially delivered California’s 482 delegate votes for Harris on the floor of the convention.

“Kamala Harris has always done the right thing — a champion for voting rights, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, the rights for women and girls,” said Newsom, who was flanked by House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11) and Congressmember Maxine Waters (D-CA-43).

Pelosi, whose district includes San Francisco where Harris served as District Attorney, endorsed the Vice President and thanked President Biden for his leadership and “vision for a fairer America.”

During her address on the first night of the convention, Waters mentioned Fannie Lou Hamer, the revered civil rights, voting rights and women’s right’s activist who spoke at the DNC in 1964.

“When the dust settles in November, Americans of all stripes have elected her President of the United States, I know (Harris) will be thinking about Fannie Lou Hamer who I happen to know is one of Kamala’s heroes,” Waters said.

Congressmember Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), who served as official timekeeper of the convention, said she was humbled to have a front row seat to history “as we nominate my friend and a child of the East Bay.”

Other California state leaders at the convention were state constitutional officers Malia Cohen, Controller; Shirley Weber, Secretary of State; and Tony Thurmond, Secretary of Public Instruction.

Thurmond spoke to California Black Media on the floor of the convention after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a former teacher and high school football coach, accepted the Democratic Party’s vice-presidential nomination on Aug. 21.

“If you want to get something done, you want a teacher, you want an educator,” Thurmond told CBM, referring to Walz.

“Teachers have to do everything, they have to pull things together, they have to find resources and he talked about running for congress being the underdog and finding ways to overcome those odds,” he added.

California U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler also spoke to CBM.

“This is the leader built for this moment,” said Butler. “This is a leader who knows how to do hard things. She knows that if we build the kind of coalitions required, we can do hard things when we choose to do them together.”

Attorney General Rob Bonta contrasted Harris’s speech with Trump’s at the Republican National Convention last month in Milwaukee.

“You could really see the authenticity, the decency, goodness, the fairness, and we need a big dose of that, given the alternative,” said the Attorney General.

According to several polls, the economy and good-paying jobs are among the most important issues for voters this election year.

“In this election, one thing is clear: Workers are going to stand with candidates who have stood with us and will continue to stand with us,” said SIEU Local 221 President Crystal Irving, who is a Los Angeles native.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who spoke the first night of the convention, praised Harris for creating the California Bureau of Children’s Justice when she was Attorney General.

Lateefah Simon, who is currently running to succeed Lee in a U.S. Congressional district that includes Oakland, spoke on the third night of the convention.

“I saw Kamala Harris holding the hands of sexual assault survivors,” said Simon, who worked for Harris for four years when she was District Attorney. “I saw scores of mothers who lost their babies to gun violence lining up day after day at the courthouse waiting to talk to Kamala because they knew that she would hear them.”

After Harris’s acceptance speech, Congressmember Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) said, “Tonight, my friend and mentor Kamala Harris made history. She will make history yet again when she wins in November.”

Two days after returning home to California, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) said she was “inspired” by her experience serving as a delegate.

Praising Harris’s record, Mckinnor posted on X, “Her work on transformative justice, particularly ensuring people have the resources they need after being released from prison, is crucial in our fight against recidivism in California.”

By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media??

On August 13, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) elected Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) and Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) to serve as its next Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.

“The CLBC has a long-standing tradition of excellence in its ability to represent and advocate for the needs of Black Californians, a responsibility that I deeply care about,” Weber stated.

“As I begin my tenure as Chair, I am committed to ensuring that the CLBC upholds its exceptional legislative advocacy, strong partnerships, and exemplary programs as we focus on the major issues impacting our communities,” she continued.

In her new role as Chair, Weber replaces Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) and Bryan succeeds Vice Chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) who is termed out at the end of the current legislative session and announced that he is a candidate for Lt. Governor.

“I want to thank our immediate past leadership team for their unwavering commitment to lead during these past two years,” Wilson stated. “Together, we have been a powerful force, championing legislative policies and budget items with the purpose of enriching the lives of Black Californians. I look forward to working with our new leadership as we continue to work to uplift over two million Black residents living in California.”

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) has been elected Treasurer and Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) will serve as Secretary.

The newly elected officers will assume their two-year terms in December.