By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media

California has announced a new policy that will phase out the sale of gas-operated vehicles in 2035, thirteen years from now. But that ambitious effort to protect the environment leaves some unanswered questions.

The order was formalized into policy by the California Air Resources Board, a state organization responsible for policy affecting air quality, after Gov. Gavin Newsom initially issued Executive Order N-79-20 in 2020.

“In so doing we will improve air quality as well as improve the economic climate here in the state of California,” said Newsom, “and so I couldn’t be more proud today to be able to sign this executive order.”

The California automotive market is the largest in the United States, with small SUVs and light trucks being the most popular vehicles, according to a study by the California New Car Dealers Association, an organization that uses car registrations to compile consumer market data.

California sets the standards for car manufacturers who want access to its auto-buyer market, and its emission laws often become the blueprint for other states. Several states are preparing to set their own dates to end the use of gasoline-powered vehicles, including Maryland and New York.

By excluding gas-powered vehicles, the policy may compound an issue very familiar to underserved communities — one of limited choices.

Some community advocates feel there is the very real chance that those who are not financially able to purchase electric cars could be left with few alternatives. The pandemic and problems in manufacturing have led to scarcity in the electronics that many EVs need. It has also led to higher prices. The policy does not exclude used gas-powered vehicles which are likely to see their prices rise as supplies become limited.

A used 2020 Honda Civic (Kelly Blue Book Best Small Car of 2020) in good condition is listed for $20,000; the top selling 2020 EV, the Tesla 3, resales for around $40,000. Many electric vehicles are aimed at upper and middle-class buyers. New, these cars can start at about $50,000 for the basic package and may also require other expensive add-ons like chargers, power adapters and cables.

This was known well before the policy was enacted. Assembly Bill (AB) 2127 Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Assessment (2018) requires the California Energy Commission to biennially assess the electric vehicle charging infrastructure needed to support the state’s target for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs).

The assessment determined that electric power-hungry vehicles could increase demands by 20—25%. It also found the number of charging stations in the state is low. The state would need 1.2 million charging stations, as well as another 157,00 stations for passenger busses and trucks.

Increased power consumption, and an infrastructure falling behind usage trends could be burdened by more power-hungry cars. Last week during an intense heat wave the state put out flex alerts warnings asking to EV owners to not to charge cars during peak hours to prevent rolling blackouts and brownouts which could bring a city of mostly electric cars to a standstill.

Electric vehicles are powered and charged a variety of ways. Autotrader explains different types of vehicles will need different methods of charging, adding to the difficulty of building out the infrastructure. Without a private garage many apartments do not have the needed setup to charge an EV. The strain to the power grid will be increased by millions of people charging vehicles at prime-time hours.

Many poorer communities find themselves in a “charging” desert. Large swathes of area are void of charging stations, many of them predominantly African American.

The bill does leave some wiggle room. It only affects the registration of new cars; used cars are still fair game. It also leaves space for hybrids to coexist under the new structure — 20% of new cars sold.

California’s Clean Cars 4 All program offers up to $9,500 toward a new EV, for those who qualify and Senate Bill (SB) 457, by state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge), offers $1,000 to those who do not have a car, an incentive for public transportation or bikes.

An increase in the demand for electric vehicles and shortages in electronic components have led to higher prices for EV’s. The federal government has made electric cars part of their strategy to reduce pollutants as well, secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, Jennifer Granholm told California Black Media.

Some federal programs could help California reach its goal. The federal government is offering $4,000 in tax credits, $7.5 billion for a charging network and has set aside funds to address the infrastructure of the EV industry.

“We are focused, especially this administration, on ‘Environmental Justice 40’,” said Granholm. “Meaning that 40 percent of the benefits of all these bills that have been passed have got to go to disadvantaged communities which are the places which disproportionately have higher asthma rates and higher health issues related to not just carbon pollution but particulates because they may be living in those shadows of smoke stacks.”

The new gas car ban will address one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases how equitable it will be for everyone, only time will tell.

Aldon Thomas Stiles, California Black Media contributed to this story.

By Dr. Alveda King

Reverend Martin Luther King Junior was an American patriot. In the years since his death, my family has shared the memory of my martyred uncle with the world. More than any figure from modern American history, my uncle and his call to “let freedom ring” unites people from all walks of life and every corner of the political spectrum.

As we celebrate the 59th anniversary of the March on Washington and the I Have a Dream speech, social media will be flooded with excerpts from the address. People will rightly highlight his ever-consistent call for America to honor its promise to all citizens.

His love for America manifests all these years later in the true example of patriotism. His expression of love was never ever giving up on this great experiment in Democracy. Yes, all these years later, his model of non-violent protest and servant leadership are examples of excellence that would benefit each of us to study and emulate.

My memory will always be of an uncle who loved America too much to not push her towards becoming her best self. He refused to give up on America living out the true meaning of its creed. The self-evident truth that all men are created equal remains a courageous standard today.

In a speech about Vietnam, he dispelled any confusion about his motives and his love for America. He described his disappointment in America but asserted that “there can be no great disappointment where there is no great love.”

Over these past months, I have felt disappointment in America. But like my uncle, my disappointment pales in comparison to my faith in Americans to do what is right. My hope for America’s bright future is fortified because I join Dr. King as he believed America is a nation bent towards justice. For all the areas of sorrow that might bring us despair, there are far more reasons that bring hope.

I was 17 years old when my uncle died, and as a guardian of the King family legacy, I remember him well and still have faith in his American Dream. As one blood, one united race, with eyes wide open and not colorblind, we, the people of America, must press on to realize the “possible dream” together, from the womb to the tomb into eternity.

BPA LiveWire features articles and news releases from organizations with altruistic missions that celebrate diversity of thought in the marketplace. BPA LiveWire content may be shared on your media platforms with attribution BPA LiveWire. 

By Lou Yeboah

Just image the Reality of Hell ? Brutal Heat! Unquenchable Fire! Everlasting Fire! Where the pain is horrific, and the suffering is endless. Where is no pity; no light; no food; no water; no second chance, no God’s mercy, or His compassion. If you think it is hot now, you don’t know hot. But keep on doing you and you will find out what hot really is.

Gods wrath is going to bring more than a heat wave. Every place with evil will go up in flames; there will be earthquakes, floods, winds, storms, volcanic eruptions, snow, and hail. Extreme weather all apart of God’s plan to get our attention. He will use these events to speak to, and judge, the nations. Fierce, Scorching heat! I say, and I say again if you think it’s hot now, you don’t know hot!

God has had enough of our disobedience, hard hearts, and rebellious. How long did you think He was going to just sit back and let us continue to ignore Him and His warnings. Through these extremes happening, God is thinning out the impurities in the world and burning them. “And I heard the altar reply: “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are Your judgments.” Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given power to scorch the people with fire. And the people were scorched by intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues; yet they did not repent and give Him glory.… [Revelation 16:7-9]. Extreme Heat is just the beginning. So I admonish you to repent before it is too late because if you do not the Lord will smite you with consumption and with fever and with inflammation and with fiery heat and with the sword and with blight and with mildew, which will pursue you until you perish. [Deuteronomy 28:22-24]. If you think it’s hot now, you don’t know hot!

The day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up … the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat [2 Peter 3:10,12].

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. [Isaiah 46:10-11].

Traumatic Times for a Rebellious World!

LOS ANGELES, CA— KBLA Talk 1580 is gearing up for its election coverage of heated races making news with a Public Safety Forum, designed to provide a place to discuss politics for Black voters.  First up, incumbent Sheriff Alex Villanueva will face off with his challenger, former Long Beach Chief of Police Robert Luna from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2022, in front of a live KBLA Talk 1580 listening audience of 200 invited guests.

Moderated by media personality Tavis Smiley, he’ll be joined by radio hosts Dominique DiPrima, Angela Reddock-Wright and Nii-Quartelai Quartey, who also serves as KBLA Talk 1580’s chief national political affairs analyst. The trio will pose tough, probing questions to the candidates. The Public Safety Forum will be live streamed on  KBLA1580.com as well as KBLA’s YouTube channel and Facebook page with an encore broadcast to air on KBLA Talk 1580.

A new poll by UC Berkeley, co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times, shows that Luna has a slight edge over Villanueva – 31 to 27 percent among L.A. County voters. During the KBLA Talk 1580 Public Safety Forum, Villanueva and Luna will be expected to share their thoughts on questions, like:

• How will you make all Angelenos safer?
• What are your thoughts on the sheriff becoming an appointed rather than elected official?
• What is your position on the ballot initiative to give the Board of Supervisors the power to fire an elected sheriff?
• And how would you deal with the appearance of anti-Blackness in the LA County Sheriff’s Department, especially since both finalists are LatinX, and the department is now 52 percent Latino? How will this be addressed, if elected?

The KBLA Talk 1580 Public Safety Forum is co-sponsored by the LA Urban League, the Empowerment Congress and Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC/SC).

“We intend for KBLA Talk 1580 to be the election information station for our audience. We will be covering all of the local, state and national elections that matter to our listeners,” said Tavis Smiley. “This particular sheriff’s race is perhaps the most hotly contested in some time, and we are appreciative that the candidates have agreed to speak to our audience directly.”

Smiley, radio host and owner of KBLA Talk 1580, launched the city’s first and only “Unapologetically Progressive” talk radio station for the African American listening audience just one year ago on Juneteenth 2021. KBLA Talk 1580 serves an audience long ignored by talk radio in LA – namely, people of color and progressives. Interestingly, KBLA 1580 AM is a heritage station and the original home of the iconic Hip-Hop station KDAY.

Recently, an independent survey found that KBLA Talk 1580 is the “most trusted, credible and reliable source of information” for African Americans in Los Angeles. In a fiercely competitive radio market, the findings are a big win for Smiley.

EVITARUS shared its findings from a survey of 400 Black/African Americans in the Los Angeles media market (June 4-12, 2022) revealing their habits and attitudes toward the media landscape and trusted sources of news and information. The independent survey found that KBLA Talk 1580 fills a void in providing relevant programming and content to the Black community. Furthermore, in comparison to other talk stations in LA, Smiley’s KBLA consistently emerged as “the station of choice” for the African American listener. EVITARUS is a widely respected public opinion research and public policy consulting firm based in LA. Visit EVITARUS.com.

KBLA Talk 1580 is helmed by Smiley of Smiley Audio Media, Inc. Elston Howard Butler runs the day-to-day operations as president and general manager of the station as well as president and COO of the holding company, Smiley Audio Media, Inc.

The studios of KBLA Talk 1580 are located in historic Leimert Park, directly adjacent to Destination Crenshaw’s “Sankofa Park,” a 1.3 mile open-air museum along the new Crenshaw/LAX Metro rail line, presently under construction.

For more information, visit KBLA1580.com.

ABOUT KBLA TALK 1580
KBLA Talk 1580 AM is a heritage station and the original home of the iconic hip hop station KDAY. At 50,000 watts, day and night, KBLA serves a coverage area of nearly 12 million listeners. KBLA Talk 1580 boasts an all- star lineup of hosts who speak candidly and passionately to the challenges people of color face daily trying to navigate life and realize their hopes and dreams. KBLA Talk 1580 serves an audience long ignored by talk radio in
Los Angeles – people of color and progressives. For more information, visit KBLA1580.com.

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SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Congratulations are for Michael Finlay, Ph.D., Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) psychology intern program supervisor, who received the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) Award for Innovation in Psychology Training for 2022.

The award recognizes outstanding psychologists who have demonstrated innovation in managing the challenges of COVID-19, particularly adapting APPIC member internship and postdoctoral training programs to address the impact of COVID-19 on trainee experiences, competency acquisition, and facilitation of professional development.

Finlay was new to his position in 2020 when the pandemic started, and colleagues describe Finlay as someone who always goes beyond what is expected of him as an intern supervisor. Finlay was also an intern in the DBH Psychology Internship Program in 2017-2018.

DBH’s Psychology Internship Program that Finlay supervises has a primary mission to provide high-quality training to assist doctoral psychology interns in developing competency in nine profession-wide competencies.

The internship program seeks to prepare interns for employment following graduation and encourages them to consider careers in public mental health.

In particular, the program helps prepares doctoral psychology students to work as staff members of the Department of Behavioral Health. By the end of the internship, interns will have developed the skills necessary to work as a pre-licensed psychologist in a community mental health setting or pursue specialization through postdoctoral training.

The 7th Annual Chillin’ N Grillin’ UNITY in commUNITY barbecue competition will be Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fontana Park Sports Pavilion located at 15556 Summit Avenue.

The event is sponsored by the Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana, Fontana Police Officers Association, and the City of Fontana. This years’ theme is “We will never forget” in recognition of 9/11.

Local official police tow company Armada Tow will provide transportation for the mobile 9-11 Memorial Beam, which was recovered from the Twin Towers and donated to the people of San Bernardino County. Expertly grilled ribs and chicken will be served for a suggested $10 donation. Entertainment will be provided by the Summit High Band, The Tim’s Family Praise Dancers, Route 66 Hip Hop dancers, Route 66 Jazz dancers, Ballet Folklorico, and Heart and Soul group dancers.

There will be information booths, a car show, and displays of police, fire and other emergency response equipment including the Fontana PD helicopter. In the Kid’s Zones, young people will make greeting cards for children who are in hospital with long term illnesses.

The voice of the Agua Caliente Clipper basketball team and local sports talk show host, Coach “B” Brian Arrington, will once again serve as the emcee. Come out an enjoy the fun.

By Lue Dowdy | LUE Productions

Calling all lovers of theater and burlesque. LUE Productions’ all ebony burlesque dinner theater shows is coming back to San Bernardino on Sunday, October 30th, and Sunday, December 11th. There will be two amazing shows with two different storylines. Both shows will be fun, exciting, breath taking, and mind-blowing. Lue Productions Ebony Burlesque shows feature a collective of beautiful African American woman expressing themselves through song, dance, comedy and acting.

Make it a date night with your partner or you friends. There will be plenty to do as the evening will consist of vendors, art-walk, and special performances by aerialist, Lanice Jackson from L.A., the crooner Maurice Howard, and poet Johnny Frost.

Cast and crew members include Comedian Mac Rome, Comedian Here is Larry Joe, Kymedienne Jackson, Lue Dowdy, Deeveatva Bourne, Porsche Dillard, Deandre Jackson, Nycce Blingsly, Joy Martin, Lakyshia Reddick, Sherrelle Johnson, Tiffany Picou, Shaman Newell, Krystal Yvonne, Debra Mcglothurn, Erwin Cheri, Ronecia Miller, Yankeka Laster, Dorian Mack, Donte Mack, Kimberly Woods, Robin Mckinnon, Imani Travis and many more.

Our mission: providing platforms for African American woman in artistry to display their gifts and talents, while incorporating live entertainment within the City of San Bernardino for community members to enjoy.

Our vision: to continually showcasing the importance of black theater and why its presence is needed within the performing arts community and throughout the word.

Both productions are fundraisers to help raise proceeds for our nonprofit (LUE Productions community umbrella services) annual community stocking stuffer event for children during the holiday within the City of San Bernardino. Our goal is to giveaway 500 or more stockings filled with goodies.

LUE Productions is a entertainment company based out of the inland empire with over 20 years’ experience in coordinating events, promotions, along with management throughout Southern California and beyond for aspiring artists. We pride ourselves in supporting the performing arts.

Our goal is to provide platforms for the talented while bringing forth quality shows and events for the entire community and our clients to enjoy.

For more information we can be reached at 909.567.1000 or 909.495.0848 email lue.info@yahoo.com lueproductions.org

Where: ASU Fox Theater, 373 W. Court Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401

Ticket info:

Dinner & show – $60.00 each

Show only – $40.00 each

$80 VIP tickets (includes 1 dinner ticket, additional seating in front of stage, souvenir booklet, and event poster

Vendors wanted:

Food – $75

Merch only – 50.00

Information only – $40

MONTCLAIR, CA—- Christian Gonzalez, a senior at Montclair High School, had never seen anything like it – not just the racks and rows of designer clothes and shoes, but the display of generosity toward students in foster care or whose families were struggling to make ends meet.

“We grew up in Compton, and we didn’t have this. It’s really nice,” Gonzalez said as he and his mother eagerly sorted through the thousands of jackets, shirts, pants, shoes and accessories donated by movie studios and advertising agencies.

Montclair High was the first high school selected by The Wrapped Project, a new Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization started by Nichole Lumpkin, a wardrobe stylist, and Lizz Roberts. Lumpkin, whose sister teaches at Montclair, got the idea to start The Wrapped Project while wrapping up a commercial during the pandemic.

“So many of these items go back to the advertising agencies or the studio after a shoot. They become inventory. We saw this as another way for Hollywood productions to give directly back to the community,” she said.

At Montclair, the school sponsored 100 students and two guests each to participate in the clothing giveaway on a recent Saturday. The students were selected based on need, and each could select four clothing items and two accessories.

Donated items were practically new, or gently used, and included custom-made items on up through high-end designer brands such as Prada.

“It’s such a wonderful community event, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help provide this to students who need it most,” said Joshua Cho, Principal at Montclair High School.

Said Dr. Mathew Holton, Superintendent of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District: “We appreciate the partnership with The Wrapped Project and its founders’ commitment to giving back to the community. This kind of collaboration and generosity can help transform lives and provide hope for those students and families who see nothing but obstacles.”

To learn more about The Wrapped Project, visit thewrappedproject.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Recently, 23 high school graduates from various regions throughout San Bernardino County were honored at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center for completing the Community Health Worker Jumpstart Summer Training Program.

“I applaud these young adults who chose to continue their education in the summer weeks and fuel their passion for helping others in the community,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Through collaboration with our dedicated partners, this program connected aspiring healthcare workers with the professional skills and competencies needed for their future careers.”

The Community Health Worker Training Program is one of three jumpstart programs San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) Alliance for Education and San Bernardino County Regional Occupational Program (ROP) have piloted this summer with recent high school graduates.

“Overall, being in this training program opened up my mindset of a world of possibilities I can do. I have the power not only to help my community but other communities as well,” said student Liyah Belvins. “It sparked more of an initiative to change, and to just help people.”

The four-week intensive training program provides students with industry-specific skills, certifications and employer networking to prepare them for the healthcare industry.

El Sol Neighborhood Center provided training to students with several industry and community partners facilitating and supporting the free classes, which took place from June 20 to July 15.

Healthcare partners had the chance to engage in lunchtime collaboration, provide real-world work experience and interview students. The program connected talented students with access to regional employers who are looking to build their future workforce.

Selected students submitted applications to participate in the program, and after completing the training they received a $500 stipend and certificate of completion.

SBCSS Alliance for Education and San Bernardino County ROP piloted two other jumpstart training programs this summer for drone operation and advanced manufacturing.

From June 20 to July 15, eight students participated in the Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Certification and Training program at the Technical Employment Training, Inc. building in San Bernardino.

All eight students received a Robotics Operator Certification from Yaskawa and a Vision Sensors Certification from Cognex. Three of the students received the Gene HAAS Foundation Scholarship, which provided them full tuition to a 630-hour Introduction to Manufacturing Course.

Throughout the months of June, July and August, 14 students graduated the Drone Pilot Certification and Training program.

This jumpstart program was created in partnership with the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center at San Bernardino International Airport.

Students completed three levels of courses, from obtaining their drone pilot license to flight line training. Ten of the 14 students passed their FAA Part 107 exams and are now certified drone pilots.

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

Students participate in the Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Certification and Training program at the Technical Employment Training, Inc. building in San Bernardino.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— First 5 San Bernardino is looking to add to its 2022-2023 AmeriCorps team! Team members will work with children ages 2 to 5 in San Bernardino County to increase social-emotional, literacy and mathematic skills to prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.

In addition to the opportunity to begin working in early childhood education and development, First 5 AmeriCorps members will positively impact the San Bernardino County community for years to come. They provide 1:1 support to economically disadvantaged children, assisting with developing learning skills to set them up for lifelong success.

Program Benefits:

• Living allowance
• Education award
• Student loan deferment
• Paid childcare
• Health benefits

To apply, visit https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do

For more information, contact Traci Homan at (909) 386-7706.