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C.A.S.A. of San Bernardino County to Host Casino Night Fundraiser for Foster Youth

UPLAND, CA—C.A.S.A. of San Bernardino County will host their first ever Casino Night event, this year at the Upland Hills Country Club Pavilion on November 2nd, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. All proceeds from this event will support the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (C.A.S.A.) program which recruits, screens, trains, and supervises community volunteers to mentor and advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children living in foster care. Adult volunteer advocates provide a stable and consistent presence in the often-turbulent lives of foster youth by assisting them in navigating through life’s challenges, providing encouragement, and advocating for each child’s individual needs.

Diane Smyers, Donor Relations Manager for C.A.S.A. of San Bernardino County says, “The community’s support is of vital importance to the success of our program. This event is one where community members can join us to learn how our program supports children in foster care, and how they can positively impact a child by becoming involved in various ways, all while enjoying a great evening.”

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. when guests arrive and are greeted by C.A.S.A. Staff members. The evening will be filled with Casino games, music, entertainment, food, exhibits and various raffle prizes. Our honorary speaker will be, Jason Anderson, District Attorney for San Bernardino County. Many elected officials from San Bernardino County will be in attendance, too.

Be sure to come hungry and have your taste buds ready for an exquisite array of, wine and beer, as well as a vast array of fine foods provided by Felipe’s Catering and 1906 bartenders.


Individuals wishing to purchase tickets to CASA’s Casino night may do so by https://tinyurl.com/casacasinonight or by calling 909-881-6760 ext. 105.CASA of San Bernardino County is seeking Sponsors for this event. Proceeds raised will go to the recruiting and training of community volunteers to mentor and advocate for youth in foster care.

 

San Bernardino Anti-Racism Event Exposes City Council’s Lack of Solidarity and Sparks Community Skepticism

By Dymond Walker, Inland Valley News

San Bernardino City Hall witnessed a wave of outrage at an anti-racism event on Oct. 23 as community members and leaders expressed their dismay regarding last week’s City Council meeting where an African American woman was subjected to hate speech.

More than 100 San Bernardino residents gathered on the steps of City Hall, seeking explanations for the events of Oct. 18. With just three out of seven council members present, residents questioned the city’s commitment to addressing racial tension. During a public City Council meeting, local resident Amy Malone voiced her discontent with the city’s new manager, Charles Montoya. The meeting took a troubling twist when a remote participant targeted Amy with racial slurs and hateful comments.

“The city apologizes to the person speaking at the time, to everyone in attendance at the meeting, and to anyone who heard what was said,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran as she made her opening remarks at the Stand Against Racism event. “It was offensive and unacceptable, and the City of San Bernardino condemns what happened in no uncertain terms.” However, the city’s public apology was overshadowed by the absence of four out of seven council members. This has left community members, leaders, and even the three attending Black council members—Ben Reynoso, Kimberly Calvin, and Damon L. Alexander—skeptical about the sincerity of their solidarity and eagerness for action.

“I’ve been debating this all day. I wasn’t even going to show up,” said Reynoso. “This was for them [absent council members], and it was clear as day. This whole thing was because it was on the news. We’re only here because people are trying to save face, and the people who should be doing that aren’t even here.”

Mayor Tran conveyed her sincere apologies for the absence of council members Theodore Sanchez and Juan Figueroa due to work commitments. She also read statements from San Bernardino City Council Members Sandra Ibarra and Fred Shorett, who were unavailable as well.

Residents like Jacqueline Banks, a retired San Bernardino County employee, perceived that the statements offered by the absent council members were disingenuous and misleading.

“The letters that the mayor read were lies and deception—smokescreens,” said Banks. “Because you know what? If it were that important to them, they would’ve been here. This is the city that you represent, so you should’ve been here.”

Banks proceeded to share her account of the events on the evening of Oct. 18, expressing both her and the chamber’s astonishment. She was shocked that the mayor and city council carried on with the meeting as if nothing had happened.

“If it’s so devastating now, why wasn’t it devastating Wednesday?” said Banks.

NAACP San Bernardino Branch President Chache Wright shared his experience with the crowd that evening. Wright, seated in the chamber with his two sons, had hoped the meeting would allow residents to voice concerns for the community. However, he left startled that his sons had encountered such ignorance.

“The moment you allow negative things to happen to just Black people and you let everything else slide? It’s a problem for everybody, whether you realize it or not,” said Wright.

However, despite his disgust over the incident, Wright remained steadfast in making demands.

On behalf of the NAACP San Bernardino Branch, Wright unveiled a set of requests, which included obtaining an unedited version of both the live council meeting and the Zoom call, disclosing the name of the third-party entity that provided technical support during the meeting, and Wright asked for a comprehensive internal investigation into the Oct. 18 incident.

The San Bernardino Faith Council, represented by Pastor Joshua Beckley of Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, presented several requests without disclosing specific details. Beckley publicly stated that the council has been given a 30-day deadline for these demands to be met, aiming for this to not be a “stumbling block but a steppingstone” in a long journey to restore the community’s reputation.

Regrettably, it could be too late, given that the harm has already been inflicted. The absent council members have deeply disappointed the community, leading to widespread skepticism.

Banks likens the situation to cotton candy, underscoring its fleeting and insubstantial nature.

“It’s a whole bunch of fluff,” said Banks. “What happens to cotton candy when you hold it for too long? It shrinks and starts to disappear, and that’s what I feel like is going to happen. It’s going to go to nothing.”

City Council Member Reynoso has committed to addressing the people’s demands earnestly, promising to convene meetings with fellow council members to show solidarity.

“The council is going to meet with them,” said Reynoso. “We’re going to take it to the city manager so there is no confusion and we are going to be honest. That is the only way we can start to fix this.”

Mayor Tran concluded the event by delivering her closing remarks, aiming to encapsulate the community’s pain and suffering while also presenting a path toward healing and progress.

“What happened last week was unacceptable on any level,” said Tran. “While this will require the time to heal, this is an opportunity for us to come together. What happened last Wednesday does not define us as a city, but what happened tonight defines our resolve.

NAACP Demands Investigation Into San Bernardino City Council Meeting Hate Incident

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

The San Bernardino Branch of the NAACP is calling on the City of San Bernardino to investigate a racial incident that occurred last week.

During the public comments section of a council meeting on Oct. 18, Amy Malone, a Black resident of San Bernardino was interrupted by racial slurs from a commenter who was viewing the meeting remotely.

The anonymous commenter told Malone to “go back to Africa” and called her the N-word. She was also called a “bitch.”

Malone was shocked by the comments and insisted that they be addressed immediately.

“You should apologize for what just happened,” said Malone to the city council members present.

The local branch of the NAACP also reacted to the incident, calling it “disgusting.”

“It is with a heavy heart that we must deal with racial insults being tossed at the Black community on 10/18/23 as they cautioned the mayor and council not to hire Mr. Charles Montoya as City Manager because of his public legal issues cause from being fired by the Mayor and Council from Avondale, Arizona,” wrote Chache Wright, NAACP San Bernardino Branch President.

“A letter signed by Mayor Kenneth N. Weise (Avondale, AZ) lists these five alleged reasons for Montoya termination. 1. Montoya did not live in Avondale as required by his employment contract. 2. Demanding funds from the city he was not entitled to according to his contract. 3. Failing  to make timely payment on a loan he had borrowed against his retirement account. 4. Receiving tuition reimbursement payments beyond what his contract allowed. 5. Refusing to repay vehicle reimbursement funds that he was paid in error,” the NAACP statement continued.

Before she was interrupted, Malone was expressing her objections to the hiring of Montoya because of past misconduct and his questionable professional past. She was one of several residents who opposed his hiring because of his checkered employment history. According to some of the protestors, Montoya also has a history of filing lawsuits against previous employers.

According to news reports, Montoya clashed with Avondale board members and raised concerns about nepotism prior to his dismissal. He was terminated for not living within the city limits. However, his attorney argues that the city unlawfully terminated him without giving him adequate time to address the problem.

Montoya said he was fired out of spite. During an appearance at the meeting, he said he had no regrets about his decision. The case is currently proceeding to federal court.

Despite these concerns, the city council approved Montoya’s hiring. Montoya has previously worked as a city manager in California and Arizona.

A statement posted on the city’s website says that the official recording of the meeting has been edited to remove the offensive language.

“The racist comments made during the October 18, 2023, City Council meeting by individuals connected remotely through Zoom were offensive and unacceptable, and the City of San Bernardino condemns what happened in no uncertain terms,” according to the statement.

“The city apologizes to anyone who heard what was said. Our community will not tolerate this type of hateful language in our public meetings, or anywhere. The city is working to identify the individuals who made the comments. The City Clerk and her staff, along with our IT department, are working with the San Bernardino Police Department on this. We have identified all the IP addresses that were in the queue at the time and are working to identify those that were involved. SBPD is investigating this as a violation of California Penal Code 403.”

The offensive comments are part of a phenomenon known as Zoom bombing, which gained prominence during the coronavirus pandemic when many groups and businesses were forced to conduct most meetings via the videoconferencing platform. When these meetings were not properly secured, unauthorized individuals could join the chat and make inappropriate comments.

The San Bernardino NAACP says it plans to file a formal request for an investigation into the hate incident and the hiring of the city manager with the city. It will also share that request with State Attorney General Rob Bonta and the U.S. Department of Justice.

“The NAACP Legal Redress Committee is currently in the process of compiling relevant information and plans to transmit this information to the appropriate authorities next week, accompanied by their official request,” Wright concluded.

18th Annual Taste of Soul Festival Celebrates Black Culture, Music, Food and Community

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. last Saturday, the 18th annual Taste of Soul family festival took place on Crenshaw Boulevard, known as the Mecca of Black culture and business in Los Angeles. This event is recognized as the largest one day ‘free’ street festival on the West Coast.

Founded in 2005 by civil rights activist and CEO/Executive Publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel, Danny Bakewell Sr., the Taste of Soul festival has grown from attracting 15,000 attendees to drawing crowds of nearly 350,000 visitors annually, including families, politicians, and celebrities.

U.S. Senate candidate, Congressmember Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) was among the local and state politicians at the Taste of Soul either campaigning or attending to constituents.

Reflecting on the festival’s evolution, Bakewell said, “This has far outreached my wildest dreams. I wanted a place in our community where Black people could come out and share all the things our culture represents.”

Bakewell emphasizes that while the event is rooted in the Black community, everyone is welcome.

The Taste of Soul festival has grown to be a significant economic catalyst for the local community, contributing to the revitalization of South Los Angeles by showcasing the very best the community has to offer.

This year’s Taste of Soul celebrity chair was the stand-up comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish. Joining her as event chairs were Mayor Karen Bass, LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, LA City Councilmembers Marqueece Harris Dawson (8th District), and Heather Hutt (10th  District). Festival Co-Chairs were Councilmember Curren Price (9th District), Assemblymembers Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), and Mike Gipson (D-Carson), LAUSD Board Member George McKenna, CBS/KCAL 9 Anchor Pat Harvey, and the Law firm of Ivie, McNeil, Wyatt, Purcell, and Diggs.

At the festival, Bass said, “This is the best block party in town. It was a wonderful gathering and celebration of the community. It is peaceful. Everybody has a good time. We’re supporting local businesses, especially restaurants. So, it’s a boon to the economy.”

Food is a major attraction of the festival. Out of the 300 local, ethnic, and international vendors that took part in the festival, over 100 were food vendors. These included some of the finest chefs in the world, with soul food being the main attraction among the dishes being offered.

The event offered live performances on four stages dedicated to Gospel, R&B, Jazz, Dance, and local artists. Among featured musical acts were the Whispers, the Delfonics Experience, and Switch. A new addition to the festival was Tiffany Haddish’s ‘She Ready’ Comedy Lounge & Beer Garden. The proceeds from ticket sales go to Haddish’s ‘She Ready’ foundation for youth impacted by foster care and to sponsor Mother’s in Action to support their initiatives.

Additionally, the festival provided a platform for social & healthcare resources, fun pavilions promoting social awareness, exhibits showcasing local and international visual artists, and curated events for children.

The Taste of Soul festival stands as a vibrant celebration of Black culture in Los Angeles that brings people together from all walks of life.

Romantic Comedy, Jubilee Amor, is Offering Brand Placement

ATLANTA, GA— Lights, camera, action! Awakened Lounge and All Things Authentic is excited to share a sneak peek of their latest production, Jubilee Amor, coming to a screen near you in 2024. This past weekend, the cast and crew had a blast shooting behind the scenes footage and we can’t wait to see the final product!

The talented cast and crew, led by the amazing Naomi K. Bonman, Writer and Director; Lillie Mae, Producer and Casting Director; and Quintin LaFrench Cammack, Assistant Director, worked tirelessly to create a romantic drama that will have you on the edge of your seat. The story follows a former playboy and a strong woman as they navigate jealousy, tragedy, and self-discovery to find true love.

They are also thrilled to announce their incredible cast, including Nieashia Eyvette, Maurice Leggett, Tiffany Walter, Ray A Kendrick, King Judah, Lillie Mae Jones, and Akilah Khari Duncan. With such a talented team, we know Jubilee Amor The Movie will be a hit!

And to all the brands out there, they are currently accepting brand placement opportunities for the film. Send an email to namaste@theawakenedlounge.com to inquiry more about brand placement.

‘We Are Not Terrorists’ – Muslims and Sikh Americans Fear Fresh Wave of Hate Crimes Amid Middle East Conflict

The killing of a 6-year-old Muslim boy in Chicago and an attack on a Sikh teen in New York are the latest signs of growing threats confronting communities in the US in the wake of Israeli-Palestinian violence.

By Sunita Sohrabji

Muslims and Sikh Americans are fearing a wave of retaliatory hate crime attacks amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, which has collectively killed almost 5,000 people since Oct. 7.

Moina Shaiq, president of the Muslim Democrats and Friends Club of Alameda County, told Ethnic Media Services: “This is 9/11 all over again.”

After the horrific Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks — which killed more than 3,000 Americans — Muslims and Sikh Americans became the targets of retaliatory hate attacks. The first victim of a post 9/11 hate crime was Balbir Singh Sodhi, a gas station owner in Mesa, Arizona, who was murdered Sept. 15, 2001 by Frank Silva Roque. The killer told friends after 9/11 that he was “going out to kill some towel heads.”

Because of their religiously mandated turbans and beards, Sikhs are often mistaken for Muslims.

‘What Have We Done Wrong?’

Shortly after the Israel-Palestine conflict broke out, Shaiq said she called Fremont, California Police Chief Sean Washington to ask for extra patrol during Jumma — Friday prayers — at her mosque. Washington immediately obliged, but Shaiq said she was uncertain as to whether Muslim Americans in other jurisdictions are getting the same level of protection.

Shaiq characterizes herself as a “hijabi,” wearing the head scarf mandated by her faith. When she took her three young grandchildren to the Oakland Zoo Oct. 15, Shaiq said “people were giving me looks. I felt very uncomfortable.”

“It makes us feel so guilty, as though we have done something wrong. There is a feeling of shame and guilt we carry always. But what have we done?” she queried.

Palestinian American Boy Killed

Muslim American fears intensified this week as news emerged from Plainsfield, Illinois that a six-year-old Palestinian American boy, Wadea Al Fayoume, was fatally stabbed 26 times by suspect Joseph Czuba. According to police reports, Czuba — the Al Fayoume family’s landlord — forced his way into the apartment and first confronted Wadea’s mother, Hanaan Shahin. He proceeded to attack her with a 12-inch military-style knife, yelling, ‘you Muslims must die.’”

Shahin was able to escape to a bathroom, but without Wadea. Czuba sat on top of the little boy and repeatedly stabbed him, then sat in the apartment until police arrived.

Czuba is in custody and is being held without bail. He has been charged with three counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated battery and two counts of committing a hate crime.

Justice Department Investigation

US Attorney General Merrick Garland Oct. 16 announced that the incident would be investigated as a hate crime. “This incident cannot help but further raise the fears of Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities in our country with regard to hate-fueled violence.”

Ahmed Rehab, executive director for the Council on American Islamic Relations’ Chicago, Illinois chapter, told Ethnic Media Services that Wadea was buried on Oct. 16, and a vigil was held for him and his mother Oct. 17.

“I have three children. One of them looks just like this little boy. I haven’t seen them in two days because of the work I’ve been doing with Wadea’s family. Because they will never see their little boy again,” said Rehab.

‘Worst Nightmare’

He quoted Wadea’s father, Oday El-Fayoume, who said at a news conference: “I came to this city for my children. And now, I have had to bury one of them.”

Rehab said the Muslim American community is living under the specter of fear. Mosques have canceled events after hours and are increasing security measures. Parents are pulling their children out of school because of fears of bullying. “There are definitely reverberations for our community. It is our worst nightmare come true.”

He blamed Wadea’s death on the media. “You see all over the news that Muslims are now being portrayed as inhumane animals. That is why this little boy lost his life.”

School Bullying

Zaheer Abbasi, a Pakistani American shopkeeper, told EMS with a laugh: “My little boy is always making up excuses not to go to school. His belly has ached on hundreds of mornings, despite my wife’s good cooking.”

Abbasi’s tone sobered. “On Monday, when I dropped him off, I watched Rafa walk away. And then I ran to get him. He is my only child, my heart. We will keep him home for now.”

FBI Hate Crime Data

The FBI released its Uniform Crime Reports data Oct. 16, the department’s annual tracking of bias-related crimes for the prior year. In 2022, 158 anti-Muslim attacks, and 92 anti-Arab attacks were reported by local law enforcement agencies to the FBI. Anti-Jewish attacks spiked by 36%, with concerns the current Middle East conflict could drive the number up even higher.

Critics of the program note that reporting by law enforcement is voluntary, likely leading to under-counts in actual numbers of such crimes. Moreover, the characteristics of a hate crime are strictly defined, so that law enforcement often does not record a bias-motivated attack as a hate crime.

Antisemitic Attacks

Rehab told EMS the Muslim American community is reluctant to report such incidents. “If we are reported, you would see at least triple those numbers,” he said.

According to FBI data, most of the bias attacks against Muslims and Arabs were perpetrated by white males.

As with previous years, the largest number of hate crimes involved Black people — 3,424.

Sikh Teen Attacked

The Sikh American community is also on high alert, with an attack on a Sikh teen on a New York City bus Oct. 15, fraying nerves even further. The attacker, who is still at large, punched the victim and tried to remove his religiously mandated turban. “We don’t wear that here,” said the attacker, according to police reports.

“Unfortunately, our community knows all too well how major geopolitical events, as well as accompanying inflammatory political rhetoric, can bring further harm to already marginalized communities,” said Harman Singh, Policy and Education Director at the Sikh Coalition.

The organization has sent out a flyer to its members with tips on how to keep safe and how to report bias-motivated attacks. Sikh Americans were the targets of 191 hate crimes in 2022.

 

Saturday, October 28: Community Block Party

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In an effort to increase the peace and decrease the violence and to restore hope in the City of San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Pastors United, will be having another Community Block Party. The purpose of the gathering is to let the community know that the church community is here for them, and to let the community know that hate will not define us, and love conquers all, “Better Together: Growing Stronger.”

On October 28, 2023, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. all roads lead to Due Season Fellowship located at 1024 N G Street, in San Bernardino, Calif. Bishop Daniel Frazier, of DSF will be the host church and will bring a short inspirational word. Local area churches: Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, His Neighborhood Church, Life Changing Ministries, Victory Outreach Church, Kingdom Culture Worship Centre, The Way World Outreach, Cruz Chacon Foundation, Young Visionaries, The Pal Center, United Way, and many others will come together to be a blessing to the community.

SBPU is expecting hundreds to be attendance, to receive Free food, free groceries, resources, job referrals.  We are asking the community to join us as we bring:  “Healing, Change, and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino, for more info call 909-534-1383 or 909-238-6891 or email sbpastorsunited@gmail.com. Thank you for showing that San Bernardino is still Strong.

The Lookout: What You Should Know About California’s New Gun Laws

By Tanu Henry and Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? |? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed new legislation enhancing gun safety measures, further solidifying California’s position as a national leader in implementing controls on the use and distribution of firearms.

Joined by Attorney General Rob Bonta, lawmakers, gun safety advocates and gun wound survivors, Newsom introduced at a press conference several of the gun laws he signed. They included Senate Bill (SB) 2, authored by Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank), which reinforces the state’s public carry regulations; and SB 452, authored by Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), which mandates the use of microstamping on handgun cartridges to help trace guns used in crimes.

SB2 imposes new restrictions for obtaining a concealed-carry weapons (CCW) permit. According to Portantino’s office, the law ensures licensees are law-abiding citizens over 21 years of age; establishes an appeal process for denied CCW licenses; introduces gun handling, loading, unloading and storage training requirements; and restricts locations where people can legally carry firearms.

When the Legislature passed SB 2, Newsom stated that people are less likely to die from gunshots in California. In 2022 alone, California’s gun death rate was 43% lower than the national average, according to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC). The Giffords Law Center also ranked the state number one in the U.S. for gun safety.

“While radical judges continue to strip away our ability to keep people safe, California will keep fighting — because gun safety laws work,” Newsom said in a Sept. 26 statement.

Newsom also signed bills introduced by California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) members Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) and Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles).

AB 1406 (McCarthy) gives the California Department of Justice the authority to postpone firearm delivery if additional time is required to do background checks. AB 1089 (Gipson) adds new regulations and guidelines for the ownership and operation of computer numeric control (CNC) milling machines, commonly used to manufacture “ghost guns.” AB 574 (Jones-Sawyer), which goes into effect in March 2025, requires gun dealers making any sale of a gun – or overseeing the transfer of ownership — to confirm that both the buyer and seller “confirm possession of every firearm they own or possess.”

AB 28, which is authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) was also on the list of gun legislation Newsom approved. The law enacts a first-in-the-nation effort to raise $160 million annually on the sale of bullets by imposing an 11% excise tax on gun vendors and gun manufacturers across the state. The revenue collected will be used to improve school safety, behavioral health and gun violence intervention.

“How about a little damn accountability,” said Newsom at a press conference. “You’re selling a product, a leading product, a purveyor of death for our kids.”

Gabriel shares the Governor’s perspective. “It’s shameful that gun manufacturers are reaping record profits at the same time that gun violence has become the leading cause of death for kids in the United States,” he said.

AB 455, authored by Assemblymembers Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) and Diane Papan (D-San Mateo), keeps guns out of the hands of potentially dangerous individuals.

Two more public safety laws, Newsom signed deal with limiting ghost guns and the “relinquishment of firearms.” AB 725, authored by Quirk-Silva and Papan, updates the definition of a firearm to include ghost gun parts.

AB 732, authored by Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra), simplifies the process for removing firearms from people who are prohibited from owning them.

The same day Newsom signed the package of gun laws, the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), a non-profit focused on advancing gun rights, announced that it filed a complaint challenging some parts of SB 2.

“SB2 restricts where persons with licenses to carry a concealed weapon may legally exercise their constitutional right to wear, carry, or transport firearms. And it does so in ways that are fundamentally inconsistent with the Second Amendment and the Supreme Court’s decision in Bruen,” the complaint states.

Three groups, Orange County Gun Owners, San Diego County Gun Owners, and California Gun Rights Foundation have joined FPC in the lawsuit.

“With Gov. Newsom’s signing of SB2 today, California continues to exhibit its disdain for the rights of Californians, the U.S. Constitution, and the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision,” said Cody J. Wisniewski, FPC Action Foundation’s General Counsel and Vice President of Legal, and FPC’s counsel. “Unfortunately for California, and contrary to Governor Newsom’s misguided statements, the state does not have the power to unilaterally overrule individual rights and constitutional protections.”

Bonta disagrees. He says gun safety laws protect people.

“Addressing gun violence is critical to protecting public safety; we cannot pretend that they are distinct problems,” said Bonta. “In California, we won’t settle for inaction when it comes to saving lives.”

On Oct. 10, Newsom scored another win on gun control. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the California state law that bans guns with high-capacity, detachable magazines can remain in effect while California appeals a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals September ruling that declared that law

Barstow Native Serves with Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group

By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach

WILLIAMSBURG, VA – Chief Petty Officer Alex Tamez, a native of Barstow, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group operating out of Williamsburg, Virginia.

Tamez graduated in 2006 from Barstow High School.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Barstow.

“Growing up in Barstow, I learned to never settle,” said Tamez. “I wanted different opportunities than what my hometown had to offer. I took to heart to never settle and to go beyond the mountains and the desert to see what else is out there.”

Tamez joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Tamez serves as a yeoman.

“I joined the Navy so I could show my family and myself that I could actually accomplish something,” said Tamez. “Growing up, there was a cap and gown ceremony for finishing kindergarten, eighth grade and high school. I didn’t participate in any of them because I didn’t get good grades. I had to go to summer school and get my diploma that way. My parents have never seen me in a cap and gown. I joined the Navy so my parents could see me accomplish something. They’re coming to see me get pinned. My husband is going to pin the right side and my father is going to pin the left.”

Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia, is made up of more than 3,300 personnel assigned to three regiments and seven battalions across the United States. Its mission is to deliver worldwide expeditionary logistics with active and reserve personnel to provide a wide range of supply and transportation support critical for peacetime efforts, crisis response, humanitarian and combat service missions.

Serving in the Navy means Tamez is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“I feel that in the last couple of years, this nation has kind of been attacked and has been picked on and it’s super important for the Navy and military to let other countries know they can’t mess with us,” said Tamez. “If they’re going to do anything of that nature, they should expect some push back. I’m proud of my country and I’m proud to stand on that line to protect it. That’s why I joined.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Tamez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest point is being selected for chief petty officer,” said Tamez. “In my rate or job field, it’s kind of hard to make chief. It’s a blessing to make chief and it’s a blessing to make chief in my rate. There were around 600 yeoman first class who were eligible for chief and they only advanced 162. For anybody enlisted, their goal is to make chief. To be able to be a chief, you can’t get any higher than that in my opinion.”

As Tamez and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

“Serving in the Navy really didn’t mean anything to me in the beginning other than being a chance at more opportunities outside of my hometown,” said Tamez. “I didn’t really have any pride in my service, but as I carried on I started to see what it meant and started to feel it. I’m representing the entire Navy when I wear this uniform. There’s a level of responsibility, pride and professionalism that comes when I wear this uniform. I’m a sailor even when I’m not wearing this uniform because you’re always representing the military. You have to do the right thing all the time.”

Tamez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank Stacey Oitzman, who is currently my boss,” added Tamez. “She’s a retired chief yeoman and she literally got me to where I needed to be today. She walked me through how to be a better man and a better sailor. Without her, I wouldn’t have been selected for chief. I also want to thank my husband, Kory Fransen, for his patience and constant love. He’s been a shoulder to lean on and even though he may not have understood, that he was engaged and a great listener was all I needed.”

“I want to thank my parents for not giving up on me and always knowing that I had potential,” said Tamez. “I also want to thank my Navy brothers and sisters for always being there when I needed help and assistance.”

Chaffey District, Convention Center Helping Students Explore Careers in Hospitality

ONTARIO, CA—“How many of you want to come back and make pizzas?”

Executive Chef Daly Cruz knew the answer, but he wanted to hear it for himself as an enthusiastic cohort of local high school culinary arts students wrapped up a recent backstage tour of Cruz’ kitchen – while showcasing some of their own cooking skills – at the Ontario Convention Center.

Nearly 50 students from Ontario High School and Montclair High School spent the morning getting an intimate look at one of the region’s major event centers and hearing from the executive chef and others on career opportunities in the booming hospitality industry.

The tour was organized by leaders of the Convention Center, Greater Ontario California (GOCAL) and the Chaffey Joint Union High School District as part of the District’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for 21st century career opportunities.

“Partnering with businesses is a critical component of our career pathway initiatives, and we are so grateful to the Convention Center and Chef Cruz for providing invaluable insight into the opportunities that exist in the hospitality industry,” said Dr. Mathew Holton, Chaffey District Superintendent.

Michael Krouse, CEO of GOCAL and the Convention Center, said building a pipeline of future workers will further establish Greater Ontario and the Inland Empire as Southern California newest destination. According to the California Employment Development Department, the hospitality industry employs more than 180,000 people in the Inland Empire, ranking it among the Top 5 employment categories in the two-county region. Demand for chefs, cooks and food servers is expected to surge over the next decade, with a projected net increase of 47,000 jobs.

“These are good jobs that will support families, allow restaurants and other hospitality-related businesses to flourish, and enhance the quality of life of our region. Working closely with our school partners is an important step in ensuring that we can continue to grow this vital industry,” Krouse said.

The students from Ontario and Montclair seemed eager to jump at the opportunity as Cruz, one of the most distinguished chefs in the region, shared his own career journey, from working as a dishwasher to cooking at restaurants to now leading a culinary team that serves hundreds of thousands of customers across multiple locations each year. Along the way, he has earned a reputation as one of the most distinguished chefs in the region.

“I started young and, now, after 30 years in the business, I still feel like it’s my first day because I’m having so much fun,” Cruz said. “Cooking is like art. It is an expression, and I love it when I get to see how pleased our clients are with what we have prepared them.”

To drive that point home, the Executive Chef had the students try their hand at making pizzas, guiding them through the process of kneading and tossing the dough, adding just the right amount of sauce and cheese, and using a professional oven. It was a chance for the students to express their creativity – a pizza in the shape of a pumpkin, anyone? – while also getting a taste of a high-volume kitchen environment.

The experience was a success, said Eduardo Zaldivar, the Chaffey District’s Director of Career Readiness.

“Several of these students were already excited about potential careers as chefs. What they and the others experienced today made a lasting impression as they explore the opportunities ahead of them,” Zaldivar said.

As for Cruz, he sees a pipeline of eager, young chefs heading his way, sooner than later: “We’ve got jobs now that many of these kids could do on the weekends and after school.”