What it do with Lue

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

It is taking so long to acquire licenses for concealed carry guns in California that some Black and Latino state residents are beginning to suspect the delays are rooted in racial bias or political foot-dragging.

The average wait time for a concealed carry gun license in California can be up to six months or more. This is a significantly longer wait compared to other states that may process licenses within timeframes that span a week to a few months.

Julio Amayo, who works for Los Angeles County training canines, recently applied for a license and was told there would be a 16-to-20 month wait just for the initial interview to see if he qualifies for the license.

“It’s a protection thing. I grew up in South Central Los Angeles back in the ‘90s. It was not uncommon to just go to sleep with gunfire, nightly, or have a helicopter circle your house if something was going on in the neighborhood,” Amayo said. “It’s just a safety thing for me. If these people are walking around with guns and are able to use them for whatever reason, I should be legally able to carry it to protect myself and my family.”

Amayo is not alone.

Black Californians who spoke with California Black Media (CBM) pointed out that some of California’s gun laws are rooted in racism and a fear of Black residents owning firearms. It is well documented that the Mulford Act, grew out of reactions to the Black Panthers in Oakland openly carrying firearms during the 1960s. They are hoping that some of those historical racial biases do not still exist in state policymaking.

They also point out that California’s Democratic state leadership strongly supports restrictions on gun ownership. Therefore, they say, there may not be any incentives built into the state’s bureaucracy to speed up the processing of gun permits.

The California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and The California Department of Justice (DOJ) are the two agencies in the state that process gun permits. The BSIS has noted that there are a number of reasons for delays, including incomplete or inaccurate applications, federal processing delays, and incorrect fees, among others.

California Black Media reached out to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to inquire about average wait times but, as of press time, the department had not responded.

In 2022, there was a surge in new gun applications after a Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision  determined that New York State’s requirement to demonstrate ‘proper cause’ before obtaining a permit to carry a concealed weapon in most public places was unconstitutional. That decision overturned similar, long-standing gun control laws in California.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta both expressed their disappointment with the Court’s decision, prompting counter measures by the state that critics say may be prolonging the permit issuing process.

“The fact is, individuals who are not law-abiding, responsible citizens simply shouldn’t possess firearms — and they especially shouldn’t be allowed to carry a concealed weapon in public,” said Bonta in a release following the SCOTUS’s decision. “When a gun is placed in the wrong hands, it is deadly. The Second Amendment is not a regulatory straitjacket. We must protect our communities.”

Newsom said gun control laws in California are working.

“Only in America do we see the kind of carnage and chaos of gun violence that destroys our communities and our sense of safety and belonging,” said Newsom. “America is number 1 in gun ownership, and we far surpass every developed nation on Earth in gun deaths – it’s not complicated. In California, we’ve passed common sense gun safety laws and they work: we have a 37% lower gun death rate than the national average.”

After the SCOTUS decision, Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) replaced California’s ‘good cause’ gun control requirements by expanding where concealed firearms are prohibited. It also increased minimum training from 8 to 16+ hours and requires applicants to have ‘good moral character’, which critics say is a vague prerequisite that is subject to the discretion of authorities.

“When there are critical delays accessing a constitutional right, especially around the right to defend oneself and family, you do have to wonder about the impact it’s having on underserved communities and populations,” said gun owner Micah Grant.

“What we definitely don’t want is a system where only the connected and elite can have added assurances and those without are left only to hope,” continued Grant, who is also chair of the board of trustees of CBM.

Craig DeLuz, owner of 2A News and a gun enthusiast for over 10 years, believes that delays in gun processing are having a critical impact on Black and other minority families, considering police response times in certain disadvantaged areas where Black communities are disproportionately located.

“I need to be my own first line of defense. You’re seeing that more and more. You’re seeing even people who weren’t averse to firearms being more proactive in engaging in buying firearms and getting firearms training because they are recognizing the need for self-defense,” said DeLuz.

By Joe W. Bowers, Jr. ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The California State Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education, chaired by Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), held a hearing on Feb. 27, where State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond provided a State of Education address and discussed key education funding priorities.

Facing tough questions from lawmakers, Thurmond emphasized the state’s commitment to improving student achievement, despite ongoing budget constraints, declining enrollment, and continued racial disparities in education outcomes.

Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) joined Laird at the hearing, while committee member Sasha Renée Pérez (D-San Gabriel Valley) who represents the Altadena area, was in her district assessing wildfire damage.

Investing in Student Success 

Thurmond discussed several initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. He pointed to California’s universal preschool, free meal programs, and his newly launched “Cohort to Move the Needle on Test Scores,” a coalition of 250 school districts working to close achievement gaps in math and reading.

“Education saved my life,” Thurmond said, recalling his childhood struggles with poverty after losing both parents at a young age. “It’s the greatest equalizer we have, and we must protect it.”

Thurmond argued that California, despite its fiscal challenges, continues to lead the nation in investing in education, calling on lawmakers to support long-term funding for literacy coaches, dual-language immersion programs, and teacher housing to address inequalities.

Rebuilding Schools and Expanding Learning Opportunities

Thurmond also spoke about the devastating impact of natural disasters, particularly in Southern California, where wildfires have destroyed schools and displaced students. He called for accelerating school reconstruction funds through Proposition 2 to rebuild and modernize classrooms.

The Superintendent further stressed the importance of expanded learning opportunities, advocating for incentive grants to encourage schools to extend the school day and year. “We’ve seen the impact in places like Compton Unified, where extra tutoring and longer school days have led to improved reading and math scores,” he noted.

He also discussed teacher shortages and the high cost of living, which have made it difficult for educators to remain in the communities where they work.

“Our schools have 75,000 acres of land that’s ready for development right now,” Thurmond said. “If the school districts that have the surplus property built only 15 units on those parcels, it would result in more than two million units that would be available by the year 2030 for teachers, classified staff, and even first responders and healthcare workers.”

Addressing Student Achievement and Education Funding

Ochoa Bogh raised concerns about student performance despite increased education funding.

“The 2024-25 and proposed 2025-26 budgets have Proposition 98 general funds per-pupil spending at nearly $19,000 – a 59% increase from 2019-20,” she stated. “Despite this, the 2024 California dashboard shows students 13.2 points below the English Language Arts standard, 47.6 points below the mathematics standard, and only 45.7% of our English language learners are making progress, a decline of 3% from 2023.”

Thurmond acknowledged these concerns, explaining that many of California’s education investments are recent and will take time to yield results.

“We’re seeing trending in an upward direction, but we never rest on our laurels,” he said. “We always are going to work to make sure that every student is getting the best experience that they can.”

He pointed out that 240,000 students in the state are homeless, with 10,000 unaccompanied minors struggling to survive on their own.

“We’re working with two million students through our cohort initiative to improve literacy and math,” Thurmond responded. “But we have to be realistic — this is a multi-year process. We must continue making strategic investments if we want to see real change.”

Debate Over Education Funding Formula

Ochoa Bogh questioned why the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), providing extra resources since 2013 for foster youth, English learners, and low-income students, hasn’t yielded stronger outcomes. “How do you explain the performance?” she asked Thurmond.

Thurmond acknowledged the challenges but argued that LCFF alone does not fully fund public education. “California has underfunded education for decades,” he said. “LCFF is a step forward, but we need a stable and long-term funding source to meet the actual cost of education.”

A Fight Over California’s Priorities

Ochoa Bogh also questioned whether California’s overall spending — nearly 40% of the state’s total budget — was enough to fully support education needs.

“In your professional opinion, what would be the considerable, true investment that California should be spending on education?” she asked.

Thurmond declined to give a specific percentage but emphasized that long-term investments in teacher training, student support, and infrastructure were essential.

“We have to spend even more on professional development and training to support our staff, to make sure that we have more reading coaches and specialists to support our staff,” he said.

Senator Laird Highlights Local School Challenges

Laird backed Thurmond’s call for continued investment, sharing firsthand accounts of visiting schools where students were forced to do homework in Taco Bell parking lots just to access Wi-Fi.

“I’ve seen it across my district — teacher shortages, families struggling with the cost of living, schools serving as food pantries for kids who have nothing at home,” Laird said. “These aren’t just statistics. This is real life for too many Californians.”

Laird and Thurmond agreed on the need for educator housing, noting that some school districts have already begun constructing affordable housing for teachers to combat high turnover rates.

What’s Next?

Thurmond invited Ochoa Bogh and Laird to visit schools participating in the “Move the Needle” initiative to see the impact of recent investments firsthand.

We think that this budget is thoughtful and with intention provided by the legislature,” Thurmond said. “We think that we can help our schools continue to ensure that our kids get a quality education despite some of the challenging circumstances that they face.”

California’s 2025-26 education budget allocates $118.9 billion for K-12 and community colleges, marking record spending with $7.8 billion in new investments.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

You know there is a God. You know there is Satan. You know there is Heaven, and you know there is Hell, but yet instill you continue as usual. Make sense out of it!

We are living in the end-times! You can see the chaos that is virtually enveloping this world. You can feel the upheaval that is coming upon this world, but yet instill you continue as usual. Make sense out of it!

Because the world, as we know it, is coming to an end; it is even at the door. [Matthew 24:23]. Even Hollywood knows this. They have been sounding the siren, “Nee-naw, Nee-naw” about the end of the world for years. Every movie they make relates to End Times. They’re not just making movies, they’re showing you the future before it happens.

Hollywood isn’t just entertainment, it’s a weapon. Predictive programming is the way they prepare the masses for what’s coming. They hide the truth in plain sight so when it happens, you’re already desensitized. Think about it, 9/11 dozens of TV shows predicted it years before. The X-Files’ Spinoff, Predicted 9/11 Six Months Before Tragedy. The Pandemic? Countless films like Contagious and Outbreak showed the exact scenario long before 2020. Even the Al takeover: 2001: The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951); A Space Odyssey (1968); Blade Runner (1982); Wargames (1983); The Terminator (1984); Robocop (1987); Judgment Day (1991]; The Matrix (1999); Bicentennial Man (1999); A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001); I, Robot (2004); Tron: Legacy (2010); Ex Machina (2014); Morgan (2016).

Not to mention Battleship, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Interstellar, Reign of Fire, War of the Worlds, Jerusalem Countdown, Left Behind, A Thief in The Night, The Beginning of the End, The Moment After, Image of the Beast, New World Order, The Mark, The Black Rider, The Rapture, The Prodigal, The Awakening; The Second Coming of Christ. The Omega Code.

I could go on and on, but the point is that these movies offers an intense look at the far-reaching consequences of biblical prophecy. But yet instead, you continue as usual. Make sense out of it! Wake your behind up!

People scoff at the idea that there will be an end to the world. Reducing everything to the level of their puny feelings, they’ll mock, “So what’s happened to the promise of Jesus Coming? Our ancestors are dead and buried, and everything’s going on just as it has from the first day of creation. Nothing’s changed.” [2 Peter 3:4].

But Peter says: Guess what? There’s a very good reason the end of the world hasn’t happened yet, and it’s not the reason you think. Get a clue, people! Just because the Lord hasn’t come back yet, don’t think for a minute that He won’t! The Lord isn’t being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent. [2 Peter 3:9]. So don’t get it twisted, this world, in all its fleeting glory, will come to an end. And make no mistake, that end is near. The Lord Himself has warned us, “The Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” [Matthew 24:44]. You can ignore it, or even wish it away, but the day is coming. God destroyed the world once, and He will do it again. [Isaiah 24:1].

History repeats itself. The Old Testament tells a sad but true story about people who no longer loved God, and who had made up their minds that they would not obey Him anymore. The story begins in [Genesis 6:5], where the writer, Moses, said: “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”. People were sinning against God more and more. Finally, God had had enough and announced that He was going to destroy the entire world! The Bible says: “And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So, the Lord said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air”. [Genesis 6:7-13]. Don’t get it twisted! Destruction is inevitable.

The Lord is going to lay waste the earth and devastate it; He will ruin its face and scatter its inhabitants. It will be the same for priest as for people, for the master as for his servant, for the mistress as for her servant, for seller as for buyer, for borrower as for lender, for debtor as for creditor. The earth will be completely laid waste and totally plundered. [Isaiah 24:1-3].

The Lord has spoken this word. Disaster! An unheard-of disaster is coming. I am about to pour out my wrath on you and spend my anger against you. I will not look on you with pity or spare you. The day is here! It has come! [Ezekiel 7:3-10].

Look! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth. [Jeremiah 25:31-33; Luke12:54-56; Matthew 24:3-8; Luke 21:10-26].

Even so, they continue as usual.

I set watchmen over you, saying; Listen to the sound of the trumpet! But they said, “We will not listen.” [Jeremiah 6:17].

Therefore, thus says the Lord; Behold, I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This year you are going to die, because you have counseled rebellion against the Lord. [Jeremiah 28:16].

Blow the ram’s horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the Lord is coming; indeed, it is near. [Joel 2:1].

Tekiah! ??Shevarim! ?? Teruah! ??Tekiah Gedolah!

Hell awaits you!

UPLAND, CA –– The LOVE Program is proud to present its annual Awards Brunch, a prestigious event dedicated to honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact on young women, youth, and children throughout California. This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Upland Country Club (1231 E 16th St, Upland, CA 91784).

Hosted by Daphne Hawkins, this highly anticipated gathering is more than just a brunch—it is a celebration of purpose, transformative change, and the pursuit of excellence. The event will feature an inspiring keynote address by Melissa Hibbert, President & Chief Brand Strategist of Beauty Founders Agency, Inc. 

The LOVE Program will proudly recognize a distinguished group of honorees whose dedication and leadership have shaped communities across the state:

• Diann Valentine – CEO & Founder, Glow + Flow
• Jacquelyn Rodriguez – San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office
• Monique Amis – Chief of Community & Family Health
• Dr. Susan Uyemura – CEO & President, Japanese American Living
• Chancellor Diana Rodriguez – San Bernardino Valley College
• Syeda Jafri – Rialto Unified School District
• Jennifer Rosales – Program Director, Young Visionaries
• Jonathan & Keynasia Buffong – CEOs, Inland Empire Black Grad
• San Bernardino County Probation Day Reporting Staff

“This event is a testament to the incredible individuals who have dedicated their lives to empowering young people and fostering community growth,” said Daphne Hawkins. “We invite you to join us for an unforgettable morning of recognition, inspiration, and networking.”

Tickets for the event are available for purchase now. Even if you cannot attend, there are still opportunities to contribute and support the mission of The LOVE Program.

Reserve Your Seat or Donate: https://buytickets.at/theloveprogram/1532403

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact DHawkins@lovenonprofit.com.

About The LOVE Program

The LOVE Program is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering young women, youth, and children through mentorship, education, and community development initiatives. By recognizing and supporting transformational leaders, The LOVE Program continues to drive positive change across California.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Westside Action Group (WAG) proudly announces the appointment of its President, Alton L. Garrett, Jr., to the California Commission on Judicial Performance. Appointed by Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas, Mr. Garrett will serve as a public member from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2029.

The Commission on Judicial Performance, established in 1960, is an independent state agency responsible for investigating judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity, playing a critical role in maintaining the integrity of California’s judicial system.

Mr. Garrett brings a wealth of public service experience to this role. During his tenure as Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, he served as a critical liaison for both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. His responsibilities included advising the Senator on military and Veterans’ issues, representing African American communities statewide, and developing strategic community engagement initiatives. Mr. Garrett frequently met with constituents and local government representatives, demonstrating his commitment to responsive public service.

His federal emergency management experience is equally impressive. As an Incident Management Cadre with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mr. Garrett played a crucial role in disaster response. He coordinated over 25 Congressional Delegation (CODEL) visits to declared disaster areas, including critical deployments during Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and Hurricane Michael in North Carolina. In this role, he was responsible for developing congressional strategies, building relationships with disaster response constituencies, and managing complex logistical challenges.

Currently serving on the Board of Arrowhead United Way, Mr. Garrett continues to demonstrate his commitment to community service. This is his second term with the organization, having previously served on the board in the 1990s and returning in 2023, showcasing his long-standing dedication to community development and social impact.

Additional highlights of Mr. Garrett’s distinguished career include:

• Retired Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) with 27 years of military service
• Master’s degree in public administration from California State University, San Bernardino
• Managing Partner of Garrett Management Group (GMG), LLC
• Recipient of numerous military decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal

“We are extremely proud of Mr. Garrett’s continued commitment to public service,” said Stan “Amiri” Futch, Immediate Past President of Westside Action Group. “His appointment to this critical commission reflects his long-standing dedication to community integrity and professional excellence.”

Mr. Garrett will join the commission as a public member, contributing to its mission of protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the judicial system’s integrity.

RIVERSIDE, CA – For the 12th straight year, all U.S. Walmart stores, and Sam’s Club locations are launching the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, including right here in the Inland Empire.

The goal of the annual cause marketing campaign is to provide people facing hunger with access to the food and resources they need to thrive. Here’s how it works:

The campaign will run in stores and online from March 1-March 31, with three ways for shoppers to participate:

• By donating at check-out in stores or clubs or round up at Walmart.com and the Walmart app.
• By purchasing participating products* in-store or online at Walmart.com or SamsClub.com. For every purchase of a participating product, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent** of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America partner food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.
• By donating at Feeding America’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign donation site at either feedingamerica.org/walmartor www.feedingamerica.org/samsclub

Since its inception in 2014, the campaign has generated more than $206 million and helped secure 2 billion meals* for the Feeding America® network of local food banks.

“The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign empowers our neighbors to make a real difference while going about their daily shopping,” said Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) CEO, Carolyn Fajardo. “We are incredibly grateful to once again be part of this impactful initiative, bringing hope and nourishment to those who need it most.”

Everyone needs nutritious food to thrive, and in every community in America, people are working hard to provide for themselves and their families. Yet in 2023, 47.4 million people—1 in 7 people—experienced food insecurity in the U.S.

Those are the highest numbers in a decade, underscoring the need for more charitable food assistance in the Inland Empire and beyond.

“For the past 20 years, Feeding America, Walmart and Sam’s Club have worked together to fight hunger and help people live better in the communities we serve,” said Julie Gehrki, president, Walmart Foundation and senior vice president, philanthropy at Walmart. “During the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, we invite our customers and members to join us in providing access to food for our neighbors by supporting Feeding America Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.”

The 24 participating suppliers for Walmart include: B&G Foods, Inc., Bush Brothers & Company, Celsius, The Coca-Cola Company, Conagra Foods, Dole Packaged Foods, LLC, Ferrero USA, General Mills, Hershey Salty Snacks, Kellanova, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Kodiak, Kraft Heinz, Lipton Tea, Ben’s Original, Materne, Mondelez International, Olipop, Pepsi-Cola Advertising & Marketing, Inc., Hidden Valley Original Ranch, The Hain Celestial Group, WK Kellogg Co, Unilever and Utz Quality Foods

The six participating suppliers for Sam’s Club include: Kellanova, Kodiak, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Nestlé and Unilever

For more information, visit: feedingamerica.org/campaigns/fight-hunger-spark-change

*Currently, $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local partner food banks.

** For every purchase of a participating product, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America partner food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On February 21, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass relieved L.A. Fire Department (LAFD) chief Kristin Crowley of her duties in the wake of fallout over how recent deadly firestorms in the city were handled.

Bass announced she appointed former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year LAFD veteran as Interim Fire Chief.

“Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief,” Mayor Bass said in a release. “We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch.

LAFD officer, Captain Robert Hawkins, is alleging that Crowley purposefully mismanaged the department to bring attention to a 17 million deficit and budget as part of a strategy to get more money for the fire department.

“On October 24th, I met with Fire Chief Kristen Crowley about removing recruitment officers and its impact on Black firefighter representation,” Hawkins told California Black Media (CBM). “She told me that she was refusing to maintain staffing and had planned to cut fire engines over a 17-million-dollar deficit, and she asked the stakeholders if we can contact our retirees to fill temporary recruitment roles, stating to us that sometimes you need to ‘let bad things happen’ to get the attention of the city council for our budget.”

After receiving this information, Hawkins requested a meeting with the deputy mayor, Brian Williams, on December 2.

“I met with him to express serious concerns about the leadership of the Los Angeles Fire Department. I told him I do not believe the fire chief has the mayor’s best interests at heart, nor do I believe she is managing the department appropriately,” Hawkins alleged. “I warned him to warn the mayor in the event of a major emergency with casualties or any type of major destruction, I fear that she would fail to protect the city and ultimately shift blame to the mayor and throw her under the bus.”

In addition to understaffing the department, Bass said Crowley refused to complete an after-action report on the fires as instructed by the President of the Fire Commission, a necessary step to the investigation.

“The heroism of our firefighters – during the Palisades fire and every single day – is without question. Bringing new leadership to the fire department is what our city needs,” said Bass.

During her time as LAFD chief, Crowley had been outspoken over her disapproval of funding allocated to the LAFD, citing it affected its ability to adequately respond to the recent fires.

After her dismissal, Crowley released a statement.

 “As the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities. Serving others before self, having the courage and integrity to do what is right, and leading with compassion, love and respect have guided me throughout my career,” Crowley stated. “I am extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of our LAFD members, both sworn and civilian.”

Crowley, who appealed her dismissal on Feb. 27, still serves on the LAFD.

Hawkins said shortly after he shared his concerns with Williams, the deputy mayor was accused of a making a bomb threat to city hall and relieved of his post.

“My concern is our firefighter’s union — if they have a background agenda and when that background agenda started. I know that the union approached me less than two years ago to start the process with a vote of no confidence to remove Kristin Crowley,” said Hawkins. “Then, recently, before the Palisades fire I found it interesting to see their overwhelming support for the Fire Chief.”

CBM reached out to former Chief Crowley for comment, but she did not respond.

The park will be closed during construction for approximately one year starting March 3.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The City of San Bernardino has announced that work will begin Monday, March 3rd on the $13.8 million renovation of Seccombe Lake Park. Due to the extensive work planned, the 44-acre park will be closed for approximately one year.

The public is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony at the Park’s gazebo to commemorate the project on Thursday, March 13 at 10:00 am. Seccombe Lake Park is located just east of Downtown San Bernardino at 160 East 5th Street. Parking will be available at the Sierra Way lot.

“This will be a complete revitalization of one of the crown jewels of our park system,” said Interim Parks and Recreation Director Ernesto Salinas. The project will bring new amenities to the park as well as restore the existing infrastructure.

Major improvements planned for San Bernardino’s second largest park will include the restoration of the Park’s signature lake; new landscaping and irrigation; renovation of the gazebo and basketball courts; new lighting throughout the park; concrete walking paths; the restoration of the island in the middle of the lake, new playground equipment with large shade sails, upgrades to the dog park, and repaving of the parking lot.

“This transformation will breathe new life into Seccombe Lake Park,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “The Council and I look forward to next year when families and residents can enjoy a renewed and vibrant space in the heart of our city.”

Other improvements will include ADA upgrades, new fishing stations around the lake, EV charging stations, upgraded drinking fountains, restrooms, and trash enclosures, and the installation of palm tree solar lighting.

Funding for the project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as well as $1 million from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

The City Council approved a contract with North Hollywood-based Landscape Support Services in December 2024 to perform the work. CSG Consultants will provide construction management and inspection services for the project. Plans for the renovation were prepared by RHA Landscape Architects of Riverside.

“The renovation of Seccombe Lake Park is just the latest of a series of investments the City is making in our parks,” added Mayor Tran. “Parks are a priority and San Bernardino residents will notice a big difference across the City very soon.”

Other park projects currently underway or about to begin in San Bernardino include Nicholson Park, Guadalupe Field, Gutierrez Park, Speicher Park, the Roosevelt Bowl at Perris Hill Park, the Eastside Skate Park at Speicher, and Lytle Creek Park.

Metropolitan A.M.E. Smart Surfaces Program Director Rev. Jon Robinson and AURN’s Ebony McMorris discuss the impact of Trump’s executive orders on the environment, particularly as it relates to marginalized communities across the country.

More on Metropolitan A.M.E. at metropolitaname.org

More on the Smart Surfaces Coalition at smartsurfacescoalition.org

Bills range from domestic violence to suicide prevention to homelessness, natural resources and reintroduction of state tax exemption for military retirees

SACRAMENTO—Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) today announced his 2025 legislative package.

“This package continues to focus on public safety, homelessness, mental health access and suicide prevention, honoring our veterans, and confronting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis and furthering acceptance and knowledge of state tribes,” Ramos stated.

The bills are:

• AB 31(Tribal Peace Officer Status)authorizes the state Department of Justice to grant tribal police from three California tribes state peace officer status if they meet the same California requirements and standards as other police officers in the state. Enactment of AB 31 would assist all law enforcement by clarifying jurisdiction and permitting tribal police to assist communities close to reservations. The bill would also allow participating tribes to enter into agreements to share liability and collaborate on MMIP cases. Sponsor: Yurok Tribe. Referred to Assembly Committee on Public Safety.
• AB 53 (Military Tax Exemption)would provide a state tax exemption for retired members of the Armed Forces and recipients of the Department of Defense’s Survivor Benefits Program starting in 2025. Sponsors: American Legion, Department of California,

California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, California Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Marine Corp League, Department of California and Military Officers Association of America-California Council of Chapters. Referred to Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation.

• AB 221 (Tribal Nation Grant Fund) would streamline the existing Tribal Nation Grant Fund process to provide annual equal distribution grants, upon application, to all federally recognized tribes that either have no gaming or operate less than 350 Class III gaming devices. Federally recognized Indian tribes pay for the grant funds that exclusively benefit eligible federally recognized nongaming and limited gaming tribes. Sponsors: California Nations Indian Gaming Association and Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Nations. Referred to Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization.
• AB 249 (Continuums of Care Update for Homeless Youth) would require state specified housing and homelessness programs to use a youth-specific coordinated entry system to assist homeless youth receive housing related services. Sponsor: California Coalition for Youth. Referred to Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development and Assembly Committee on Human Services.
• AB 285 (Domestic Violence Restraining Order) would require that a 180-day criminal protective order be issued when a defendant convicted of domestic violence or sex offenses is released from state prison to protect the victim(s) they were convicted of harming. Sponsors: Offices of the San Bernardino and Riverside County District Attorneys. Referred to Committee on Public Safety.
• AB 308 (Mobile Crisis Response Teams) would encourage county behavioral health directors to develop training in conjunction with law enforcement for mobile crisis response teams so teams can properly respond to cases involving individuals with autism, behavioral health issues or other developmental disabilities. This bill would also encourage a county behavioral health director to develop procedures that would educate teams on proper use of force, de-escalation and stabilization techniques, and other tools for the care of an individual being transferred to a treatment facility. Co-sponsors: Autism Society Inland Empire and Autism Heroes. Referred to Assembly Committee on Human Services.
• AB 359 (FPPC Local Jurisdictions’ Contracts) would repeal the sunset date authorizing the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) to contract with local agencies to administer, implement and enforce local campaign finance or government ethics law. Sponsor: FPPC. Referred to Assembly Committee on Elections. 
• AB 362 (Shingle Springs Water) would add tribal water uses as a beneficial use of water in the state. AB 362 would also require the State Water Quality Control Board or a regional water quality control to describe, with both quantitative and qualitative information, how the project or regulatory program will impact tribal water uses. Sponsor: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Not yet referred to a policy committee.
• AB 440 (Caltrans Suicide Prevention) would mandate the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to create policies to evaluate, report and develop suicide preventative measures for bridges in the state highway system.AB 440 also requires the California Highway Patrol and state Office of Suicide Prevention to share relevant information with Caltrans. Referred to Assembly Committee on Transportation.
• AB 977 (California State University Burial Sites) wouldrequire the California State University (CSU) system, in consultation with Native American tribes to develop a policy to identify available CSU-owned land for the burial of Native American human remains and establish three tribal burial sites – one in the Northern, Central and Southern regions of the state. Sponsor: Tachi Yokut Tribe. Not yet referred to committee. 
• AB 989 (Native American Day State Holiday) would make the state Native American Day holiday – the fourth Friday in September – a paid holiday for state employees. Not yet referred to committee.
• AB 1369 (Tribal Regalia at High School Graduations) wouldadd clarification to students’ right to wear traditional tribal regalia as determined by the pupil and the pupil’s family at high school graduations. AB 1369 also reaffirms that a local educational agency cannot require a preapproval process to exercise this right or demand that the student wear a cap if the adornment is incompatible with the adornment. Sponsor: California Indian Legal Services. Bill not yet referred to committee.

Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45^th Assembly district that includes the Cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature. Ramos chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #6 on Public Safety.