By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media Partners

Two weeks ago, President Joe Biden signed a federal policing accountability executive order based on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 authored by Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA-37). That action supplements other criminal justice reforms affecting Californians that took place this year. Several other criminal justice reforms at the state level went into effect in January.

Here is a rundown highlighting four of those laws, detailing what they do, and recounting what California legislators have said about them.

Senate Bill (SB) 317 allows conduct credits to be earned while an individual who has been deemed mentally incompetent by the court is in a state hospital or other mental health treatment facility awaiting trial.

Authored by State Senator Henry Stern (D-Calabasas), SB 317 was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October of last year and went into effect this past January.

“SB 317 provides pathways to appropriate mental health treatment for defendants charged with misdemeanors,” said Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-California), Chair of the Public Safety Committee.

SB 317 also changes some of the guidelines for trial competency.

“It is important to remember that not all options are available for every defendant, as those are dependent on the situation and mental health status of each defendant,” stated Jones-Sawyer. “This bill is a tailored approach that allows California to use existing tools to help defendants gain competency and avoid a cycle of incarceration.”

Assembly Bill (AB) 124 provides a petition process for an individual to request that an arrest or conviction for nonviolent offenses be vacated — if the booking or crime resulted from the person being a victim of intimate partner violence or sexual violence.

“This bill ensures that survivors of sexual violence are able to receive justice through our legal system, which typically overlooks the context of abuse when determining whether to arrest,” said Jones-Sawyer.

Newsom signed AB 124, which was authored by Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), in October last year. It took effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

“Incarcerated survivors of trafficking & violence need a 2nd chance at holistic justice,” Kamlager tweeted last year before the bill passed. “We cannot continue to criminalize behavior born of desperation and liberation when our systems don’t benefit those who need it most.”

The law also allows a coercion defense to be used in the case of a serious felony or charge of human trafficking if the defendant is a victim of human trafficking and their offense was a direct result of that.

“Many trafficking survivors are incarcerated for crimes committed to protect themselves from further violence. AB 124 allows for more just outcomes moving forward,” stated Jones-Sawyer.

Senate Bill (SB) 73, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), ends mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenses.

The legislation allows a court to suspend a sentence or grant probation for drug offenses such as possession or transportation of opiates or cannabis.

“Mass incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders hasn’t reduced drug use or addiction,” Wiener tweeted after the bill passed last year. “Time for a new approach.”

Assembly Bill (AB) 333, authored by Kamlager, limits the state’s gang enhancement law.

Gang enhancements are additional prison sentences prescribed to individuals who courts determine are associated with a gang.

Under the previous law enacted in 1988, individuals who are found to be affiliated or associated with a “criminal street gang” could receive gang enhancements for any felony even if it is not connected to gang activity.

“When 92% of gang enhancements are used against BIPOC – that’s a massive systemic problem,” said Kamlager.

Just six months into the year, it is not clear how effective these new laws have been but the push for criminal justice reform continues inside and outside of the California legislature even as more conservative opinions harden against them.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

During the early 1990s, Ward Connerly, then-President of the California Civil Rights Initiative Campaign, was the leading African American supporting Proposition (Prop) 209, the ballot initiative that outlawed Affirmative Action in California in 1996.

Well, he’s back.

This time, Connerly, now 82, he is speaking up in opposition to reparations for Black Californians. He is making his objection as the state moves closer than any government in United States history has ever come to providing comprehensive restitution for slavery to Black Americans who are descendants of enslaved people in the American South.

On June 4, Connerly tweeted that Prop 209 could stop any form of reparations for Black Californians from happening.

“It is (Prop) 209 that will prevent our Legislature and Governor from doing something so ridiculous as to compensate some of us based on the color of our skin or being the ancestors of slaves,” Connerly posted.

Last week, the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans submitted its first “interim report” to the State Legislature. The 492-page, 13-chapter report details the committee’s findings thus far covering a range of historical injustices against Black Americans in general with specific citations of systemic discrimination in California.

There are chapters dedicated to examining enslavement, housing segregation, unequal education, racial terror, political disenfranchisement, among other wrongs.

The final report is due July 2023.

Connerly, who has established himself as a national crusader against race-based preference rules, is one of the first high-profile figures in California to speak out against the task force’s efforts to make amends for historical harms committed against Black Americans.

Chris Lodgson, a member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), one of seven “Anchor Organizations” sanctioned by the task force to host “listening sessions,” organized to engage the public, responded to Connerly’s post, stating “a conservative businessman from Northern California made an unjust comment.”

“In my gut, I believe you’re wrong. You underestimate the people of California. Also, just because someone might be resentful of something doesn’t mean you don’t do it (to correct) the harms,” Lodgson tweeted on June 6.

“You make a good point that we should carefully consider, and I will,” Connerly replied to Lodgson.

The task force is currently considering five forms of reparation awards: compensatory damages, restitution, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-repetition.

The five remedies for human rights violations were pioneered by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR). The IACHR is an “autonomous judicial institution” whose focus is the application and interpretation of the American Convention on Human Rights, the organization states on the Organization of American States (OAS) website.

On March 30, the task force decided in a 5-4 decision that lineage will determine who will be eligible for compensation. The panel then quickly moved to approve a framework for calculating how much should be paid — and for which offenses — to individuals who are Black descendants of enslaved people in the United States.

An expert team of economists was appointed to calculate the damages listed in the interim report and determine what constitutes harm and atrocities for the descendants of enslaved and free Black people who were in the U.S. in the 19th century.

The expert team includes Williams Spriggs (former Chair of the Department of Economics at Howard University. He currently serves as chief economist for the AFL-CIO), Dr. Kaycea Campbell (Chief Executive Officer for Ventana Capital Advisors and Associate Professor of Economics, Los Angeles Pierce College) and Thomas Craemer (Public Policy Professor at the University of Connecticut).

William A. “Sandy” Darity Jr., the director of the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University, and Kirsten Mullen, a writer, and lecturer whose work focuses on race, art, history, and politics, are also members of the panel of experts.

The panel recently reported that a “conservative estimate” of two million African Americans in California have ancestors who were enslaved in the United States. According to the US 2020, there are about 2.6 million Black Californians in a state that has a total population of nearly 40 million residents.

During a task force meeting on Feb. 23, Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of the University of
California Berkeley’s law school suggested that the panel establish lineage-based criteria instead of a race-based standard because it could be easily challenged and overturned in court because of Prop. 209.

“If reparations are given on the basis of race that anyone who meets the definition of being Black is entitled to reparations because all have suffered from the legacy…I don’t think it could survive a challenge under Proposition 209,” Chemerinsky told the task force.

Chemerinsky continued, saying, “If it is in education, if it’s in contracting, or if it’s employment, then anything that is deemed as preference on the basis of race is, per se, impermissible.”

Since it first convened on June 1, 2021, the task force was aware of the challenges it would face during its two-year journey and after its charge is completed. Task force member and attorney Don Tamaki brought this to the panel’s attention in December 2021.

“The report is going to get criticized, scrutinized, and really taken apart,” Tamaki said then.

“It just doesn’t make sense that someone should benefit for something that happened to their great, great grandfather or great, great grandmother. I don’t feel responsible for intergenerational debts,” Connerly’s tweeted on June 4. “Now, the CA Legislature wants to rewrite history & have us believe that CA was a northern representation of Mississippi.”

By Lt. Cmdr. Chris Donlon, Navy Office of Community Outreach

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Airman Recruit Jayden Avila, a native of San Bernardino, California, serves the U.S. Navy at the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Pensacola, Florida.
As a student at NATTC Avila is serving among sailors and Marines developing the skills needed to be successful naval aviation warfighters.

Students at NATTC are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their new careers.

Avila joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Avila serves as an aviation ordnanceman.

“I joined the Navy because I always wanted a job where I can help people and the Navy is a great place to not only help people, but work toward becoming a fireman later on,” said Avila.

According to Avila, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.

“My hometown taught me to always set goals and keep working to achieve them, and to treat people the way you want to be treated,” said Avila. “These lessons have served me well in the Navy so far.”

Naval Air Technical Training Center’s mission is to provide world class professional aviation warriors to the Navy fleet supporting combat readiness anywhere on the globe, while taking good care of our people, families and being good neighbors and stewards in the city of Pensacola and the surrounding region.

NATTC’s leaders and experts develop, deliver and leverage technology to optimize performance of our Navy, Marine Corps and foreign national students. We provide the most up-to-date and relevant training available to our sailors and Marines ensuring Naval aviation’s success.

Serving in the Navy means Avila 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.

“The Navy is important to national defense because we represent strength, honor and freedom around the world,” said Avila. “We’ll do anything we can to protect freedom.”

Avila and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“So far, I am most proud of becoming the athletic petty officer at bootcamp and earning my marksman ribbon,” said Avila.

As Avila and other sailors continue to train and perform the mission they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means being able to protect the nation’s freedoms and to protect those who can’t protect themselves,” added Avila.

The Naval Education and Training Command is the U.S. Navy’s Force Development pillar and largest shore command. Through its “Street to Fleet” focus, Naval Education and Training Command recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the current and future needs of the U.S. Navy.

By Blair Hastings

You ever wonder as a child, “What am I going to do with my life?” No? Well, while most seven-year-olds would only be concerned about what stuffed animals they would bring to bed, I was wondering what song I should sing next. In my room, with the Mariah Carey cassette tape in my hand and a radio player close by, I couldn’t wait until I was able to sing on my imaginary stage, dressed in the most extravagant glittery dress and performing in front of a huge audience. As the years progressed, I grew more envious of the stage, ready to turn my pretending into a reality.

Growing up poor with both parents who had limited knowledge of the English language, I became the primary communicator at a very young age. As my responsibilities grew, so did my needs to express myself outside of being “responsible.” I wanted a way to express my inner child. I didn’t always want to be the straight “A” student. I also wanted to be more vocal with my singing and acting. I was shy, so singing was a productive way of expressing my internal feelings.

As time passed, my passion for singing became a passion for theater. I remember the elaborate Irish quilts I wore for Brigadoon and the corsets I had on for Romeo and Juliet. Now as an adult, I’m currently in film and television production for my work at Fayetteville Public Television and an actor for Actors Casting Agency. I’m working on my own televised series, Underground, and other sponsored projects in which I am writing, producing, directing, and editing; such a joy to get paid to do what I’m passionate for. So crazy, right? I am so humbled to even be given the opportunity to do such a thing.

So far, I’ve been featured on different broadcasting outlets including podcasts, radio, film, printed articles and various television series & films. My fondest memory is to sit right behind Anna Camp in a movie she filmed here in Arkansas! I admire her so much!

Seeing as I have been on movie sets, both in front and behind the camera lens, I have seen the “ins and outs” of different aspects. Some of which I feel like could inspire and change the way we look at TV and Film. As a producer for different TV series, I’ve had the opportunity to showcase and diversify. I love valuing talent and sometimes I’ll intentionally cast and hire, not only talented individuals, but people who are diverse. I hope to normalize what the “new normal” should look like. Lets face it, not everyone can look like all the famous tanned celebrities out there. So, why not? Why now cast people who otherwise don’t normally get cast. Those of us with unique qualities.

Call me an idealist, but I love turning on the tv and seeing someone like myself being represented. I didn’t have a toy that looked like me. I didn’t have very many characters who looked like me and now that I have the opportunity to write and create television & movies, you better believe that I’ll be using this to my advantage.

This year has been great! I’ve had articles published about my progress and that was a shock. I was on a few podcasts and that was wild too. I’ve produced multiple projects and stepped on set with a few big names, as you can imagine… I’m pretty much pinching myself about this. A shy little girl? No more. The adult version of me wants to prove to her that she can literally be anyone she wants to be. Just create it. Another question “Should I assist in creating diversifying film & tv?” The answer is, there’s nothing that can hold me back.

Although many blessings have come from being a filmmaker, actor and singer, it wasn’t always easy. As much of success that came from that, there also seems to be the reciprocated level of unfortunate events. I remember walking to work in customer service with my uniform in my backpack with the soles of my shoes torn up, avoiding rain puddles left from the night before. I had to walk because my car was at the shop. I was defeated but I kept walking.

Earlier that month a local radio DJ friend asked me to sing at a showcase he was hosting and at this point I needed to sing my soul out because reality was harsh. I needed that sense of soul searching that only singing could provide for me. Fortunately, while my car was in the shop, I managed to rent a room with a coworker. She had no idea that months before I was homeless and living in my car while having three jobs.

I hid it well. Working at a local gym, I worked out in the morning and showered there. Next I would walk over to the reception job during the week and on the weekend I weeded a rich ladies garden. Life was tough but I knew I would get through this. Singing helped. Singing kept my mind occupied as my reality set in. My hair was falling out in clumps and I was hemorrhaging for months. The nurse practitioner that took care of me said that all tests were good, later I found out that it was the stress from living in my car and having three jobs was the cause.

Needless to say, the love from the performing arts is what really saved me. It gave me purpose.

My work for Fayetteville Public Television as the social media coordinator, producing & directing. Over the last few years, I’ve had to put on many hats. My favorite new endeavor is writing scripts and television series episodes. I have always been conducting interview questions but I never had the courage to create scripts of my own.

I am locally known for my work as an actor and filmmaker but I would like to emphasize on acting and production. I know this is going to be a difficult challenge but I think that will be something to try my hand at.

Currently, I am working on the televised series Interform & NWA Fashion Week, Underground, The Lonely Echos Saga (featured on Plex, Tubi & other streaming services) and The Summer Concert Series.

Working during covid has been hard, Producing content was difficult during covid, guests and talent weren’t able to come to the television station for recordings. So, we did interviews through zoom and then we had to edit accordingly.

The aesthetics were not as visually appealing and marketing for these segments was difficult but now we’re in full swing.

By Lou Yeboah

Throughout Bible history, God has repeatedly provided man with more than “ample warning” of His impending judgments. His purpose for warning man is to motivate him to repent and come back to Him [Luke 15; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 8; Revelation 9]. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Repent while it is still daybreak.

You see, prior to Jeremiah, God had sent Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, and Nahum to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. He had also sent Jonah to the empire of Assyria. All of them warned of tragedy and disaster if the people did not turn to God. Such warnings reach all the way back to Moses, who recorded the “Blessings and Curses” of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, detailing what God will do to a people who reject Him.

Christ, through Noah, preached God’s Word to the people living in Noah’s day warning them of certain judgment through the impending flood [Genesis 6:13; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:18-20]. They did not listen. They did not repent and heed God’s warning and perished in the flood. Only eight souls heeded God’s “ample warning” and were saved [Genesis 7:7; 1 Peter 3:20]. Genesis 3:6 says, God’s claim on mankind is illustrated by His dealing with Adam and Eve and their response. I tell you, the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Note the example given of disobedient Israel by the Hebrew writer in Hebrews 3:5-19. The disobedient did not “enter into his rest” [Numbers 14:29-30; Hebrews 3:18] because they didn’t repent and heed God’s warning through the testimony of Moses [Hebrews 3:5].

You’ve been warned over and over again to repent. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Jesus spoke about a world-wide tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” [Matthew24:21]. The warnings given before the judgment are about to come true. Take heed.

As the Prophet Hosea warned in [Hosea 13:15-16] “An east wind from the LORD will come, blowing in from the desert. The people of Samaria must bear their guilt because they have rebelled against their God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to the ground, their pregnant women ripped open.” The warning signs were there, but Israel refused to heed the warnings of God.

Heed the warnings of God. Be humble, be teachable, and be wise. You’ve been warned over and over again to repent before it is too late! Repent while it is still daybreak!

Now they sin more and more; they make idols for themselves from their silver, cleverly fashioned images, all of them the work of craftsmen. “They offer human sacrifices! They kiss calf-idols!” Therefore, they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears, like chaff swirling from a threshing floor, like smoke escaping through a window.

“Because I have been the Lord your God ever since you came out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me. I cared for you in the wilderness, in the land of burning heat. When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. So, I will be like a lion to them, like a leopard I will lurk by the path. Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and rip them open; like a lion I will devour them— a wild animal will tear them apart. You are destroyed, because you are against me, against your helper. I will have no compassion. An east wind from the Lord will come, blowing in from the desert; The people of Samaria must bear their guilt, because they have rebelled against their God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to the ground, their pregnant women ripped open.” [Hosea 13:1-16 – Excerpts taken].

I Tell You, the Way of a Fool is Right in His Own Eyes, But A Wise Man Listens to Advice!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA —On June 11th, 2022, at 11 a.m. Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. is hosting the Street Naming Recognition ceremony in honor of the Hip Hop group JJ Fad, who are Rialto born and raised. Jesse Duran of the KOLA-FM radio station will be emceeing the event. The invitation to the ceremony is open to the public, but space is limited, so reserve seats as soon as possible.

“Join us on June 11th in the County Government Center to celebrate the street unveiling ceremony for the naming of a county road to recognize the cultural contributions of JJ Fad, a locally based female artist group. I grew up listening to their sound “Supersonic” which was a smash hit across the country in 1988. The members of JJ Fad are supportive community members, and this recognition is in honor of their contributions to our county, especially the Fifth District. I’m looking forward to seeing you all there on June 11th! You do not want to miss this!” -Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

To RSVP: Visit https://forms.gle/iLpc3f3MP1ZiaArH7 or email supervisor.baca@bos.sbcounty.gov.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom released his May Revise of the state budget. Included in the whopping $300.6 billion budget proposal are generous allocations to fund initiatives in health, higher education, public safety, and other areas.

However, California-based domestic and sexual violence prevention organizations say they are “disappointed” that Newsom did not honor their request for $40.5 million in funding for domestic and sexual violence prevention.

Now, as the Governor’s office and Legislature hammer out details of the final budget, The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (The Partnership) sent out a press release critical of Newsom’s budget plan.

“Domestic and sexual violence are not inevitable and can be prevented with long-term initiatives that educate and equip Californians to change unacceptable social norms and systems that perpetuate violence,” The Partnership’s statement read.

The domestic violence advocates say their plan includes $15 million that would go towards ongoing funding for prevention programs and an additional $25.5 million for “under-resourced and over-represented communities to support culturally specific responses, innovations, and holistic approaches to end violence for future generations.”

The advocates are now calling on leadership and members of the Legislature to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing sexual violence and domestic violence is included in the final budget that will be released June 15.

Eric Morrison-Smith, Executive Director of the ‘Alliance for Boys and Men of Color,’ is part of a network of organizations coming together to fight for funding to keep preventative programming initiatives alive.

“Everyone deserves healthy and safe relationships and that builds healthy and safe communities,” said Morison-Smith. “We believe it is necessary to move towards restorative justice, community-based healing and accountability when it comes to cases of sexual and domestic violence. Funding organizations that represent the communities these individuals come from helps end the cycle of abuse that often stems from what they’ve seen hat home into their adult lives.”

A recent study conducted by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that over one million Californians have committed either physical or sexual violence (or both) against an intimate partner within the last year. CDC data also shows that more than 1 in every 20 California adults are victims of these violent acts perpetrated by an intimate partner each year.

According to The Partnership, 55 new prevention initiatives have been created in California this year and existing funding has fueled their progress in aiding communities.

Carolyn Russell, Executive Director of ‘A Safe Place’ in Oakland, heads an organization that would benefit from the funding The Partnership and other advocates are proposing.

Russell says ‘A Safe Place’ works with teenaged youth to “understand, overcome and prevent” intimate partner abuse among their peer group.

“Through our mental health program, we provide therapy for teens,” she said. “We recognize that outreach is great, but until you see intervention with direct services, you’re missing the mark with teens. We’re trying to re-educate youth and provide Cognitive Behavior Therapy to reshape their behaviors. This funding is crucial to educate potential perpetrators to unlearn behaviors that lead to this type of violence.”

The Partnership is also highlighting that the cost of sexual violence to the state of California far outweighs the amount of funding they are asking for to help prevent it.

Sexual violence costs California $140 billion annually, and the running tally of the economic burden of domestic violence is nearly $400 billion, according to The American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

The Legislature has until June 15 to propose amendments to the budget and vote on its approval.

“Prevention programs establish new belief systems and behaviors that promote emotional healing and mental well-being. Without ongoing funding to galvanize communities to offer healthy and safe alternatives, cycles of violence will persist throughout the state,” The Partnership emphasized in its reaction to the state budget.

YUCAIPA, CA. – After being canceled twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person ceremony honoring Crafton Hills College’s (CHC) Paramedic Class #96 was held May 6.

Dozens of family, friends and program supporters attended the ceremony, held at the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center at the Yucaipa college. The ceremony kicked off CHC’s 2022 graduation season.

“We’ve been waiting a long time for this,” said Amanda Ward, director of CHC’s paramedic program, to the graduates. “I just want to say thank you for the amount of patience and trust over the last year that you have spent with us.”

Program graduates faced many obstacles during their time as CHC students, including long days of remote learning after in-person learning shifted online due to the pandemic. They also navigated a new world of care following the rise in COVID-19-related cases, completing between 600 and 720 hours of hands-on field work – with help from program preceptors.

“I sit and listen to people who are worried about our craft, but I’m not scared at all. There’s nothing more challenging than what you just went through. You have this on lock,” Ward said to graduates.

The ceremony featured remarks by CHC staff and alumni, including guest speaker Jeff Kelsheimer, a program alumnus and current fire captain and paramedic for the Palm Springs Fire Department (PSFD).

Class #96 presented a plaque honoring their accomplishments that will join others hanging in program headquarters from previous classes. Awards and individual recognitions were handed out during the ceremony.

James Shin, acting president of the graduating class and the newest member of the PSFD, addressed his peers during the event.

“We are proud of the graduates of this fine program,” he said. “Don’t forget where you came from. This is only the beginning. We are still students of the craft.”

“Embrace opportunities to give back. Think of how many people helped us, shaped us, encouraged us,” Shin continued. “Be a good steward. You’ll be trusted with a lot of responsibilities. Do them well, and let’s make everyone proud.”

Before the ceremony came to a close, family and friends were invited to join in the ceremony. This new addition to the program allowed loved ones to come to the front of the stage to “pin” their graduates.

Ward also announced the recipient of the inaugural Tony Giordano Memorial Scholarship. The newly endowed fund supports paramedic students in memory of Giordano, a program alumnus and former area firefighter who died in July 2021. Shin received the honor this year.

To support the scholarship fund, go to craftonhills.edu/Giordano, or send a check payable to Crafton Hills College Foundation to 11711 Sand Canyon Road, Yucaipa, Calif.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is proud to recognize the 22 salutatorians graduating in the Class of 2022. Earning the rank of salutatorian is a sign that a student has the drive and dedication to succeed in college and beyond.

Erika Alfaro is graduating as salutatorian from Cajon High School with a 3.9 unweighted G.P.A. She is on her way to UC Berkeley to study society and environment after enjoying a busy high school life filled with varsity soccer, Best Buddies, and Speech and Debate Team. Erika said the teacher who had the greatest impact on her education was Mark Stowitts. Erika said, “His abilities as a coach and teacher are amazing. Being a part of his program was nothing short of inspirational.”

Cajon salutatorian Aisha Ashamu managed to maintain a 4.78 weighted G.P.A. while also participating in girls’ tennis, National Honor Society, Best Buddies, Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, NMS 100, International Baccalaureate (IB) League, and California Scholarship Federation. She was accepted to UCLA, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, and University of San Francisco, but she has decided to attend UC Berkeley, where she will be majoring in Psychology.

Indian Springs High School salutatorian Fernando “Ferny” Cruz Rodriguez is off to study pre-law at the University of Redlands after a high school career of tennis, cross country, Best Buddies, Calculus Club, Psychology Club, AVID and study habits that earned him a 3.98 unweighted G.P.A.

Nathaniel Gallardo will be going from a hawk to a bear when he graduates from Arroyo Valley High School (AVHS) as salutatorian with a 3.97 unweighted G.P.A. and enrolls at UC Berkeley. He had his choice of colleges, including UC Davis and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, but this member of the high school cross country, basketball and track teams decided to study political science at UC Berkeley.

Cajon’s Jazmin Garache is another SBCUSD salutatorian headed to UC Berkeley. Her 4.7 weighted G.P.A. and extracurricular activities like marching, concert, and jazz band; SB Percussion; Best Buddies; Nojac; Latino Student Union; and National Honor Society had many schools interested, including Cal Poly Pomona, UC San Diego, and UC Irvine.

San Gorgonio High School (San G) salutatorian Isabel “Izzy” Guadalajara is aiming for a career as a criminal lawyer and eventually a judge. She’s already shown she has the dedication to do whatever she puts her mind to through her participation in varsity basketball, SBCUSD Honor Orchestra, Academic Decathlon, ALA Girls’ State Delegate, and string quintet while maintaining a 4.0 unweighted G.P.A. Izzy said her orchestra teacher, John Brannon, taught her “there is always room for positivity and growth, and that I should never falter but keep pushing forward.”

Middle College High School (MCHS) salutatorian Adrianna Gutierrez is reaching for the stars, both with her 4.65 weighted G.P.A. and her goal of becoming an aerospace engineer. She was accepted to UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, and Illinois Institute of Technology, but she has decided to study at Iowa State University.

Fifth-grade teacher Cheryl Pester-Ayala had the greatest impact on Mireya Gutierrez’s education. “She knew what I was capable of and believed in me,” Mireya said. “She showed me how to be brave and once told me that I was going to be successful.” And Mireya has proven those words true as the Pacific High School salutatorian, who will graduate with a 3.93 unweighted G.P.A. and a spot at UCLA to study for a career in social work.

National Honor Society, varsity volleyball, varsity water polo, Calculus Club, Rotary LIFE, and Key Club were just a few of salutatorian Jordan “Jordy” Kam’s extracurricular activities at San G. That and his 4.72 weighted G.P.A. were more than enough to get him accepted to Cal Poly Pomona, CSUSB, UC Davis, and San Diego State University, but Jordy will be heading to UC Berkeley in the fall to study aerospace engineering.

San Bernardino High School (SBHS) salutatorian Raul Lozano has an impressive 4.0 unweighted G.P.A. and participated in soccer and robotics. He was accepted to UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, Arizona State University, and Redlands University, but Raul has decided to make UC Irvine his home in the fall as he studies biology.

When AVHS salutatorian Leticia “Leti” Morales-Ruiz heads off to UC Irvine in the fall, she will be leaving behind the Young Legislators, Best Buddies, Students for Change, Club de Español, AP Calculus Club, and the 4.8 weighted G.P.A. she worked so hard for, but she’ll be gaining knowledge in the field of computer science in preparation for a successful career.

It was third-grade teacher Lidia Wandrie who taught salutatorian Emma Nikol that there was more to school than simply showing up every day. It seems Emma took that message to heart as she maintained a 4.7 weighted G.P.A. while taking both college and high school classes, as all MCHS students do, and participating in Earth Buddies, Peer Leaders, and Literature Appreciation Club. Emma is on her way to UCR to study environmental science.

When Cajon salutatorian Brianna Rodriguez Rojas joins the campus of UC Berkeley, not only will the university be gaining a National Honor Society student with a 3.98 unweighted G.P.A., but they will also be gaining a musically inclined student, as evidenced by Brianna’s involvement in the Cajon Chamber Choir, the Teen Music Workshop, GSR Marching Band, and SB Indoor Drumline.

San G salutatorian Yvette Salgado was accepted to UC Irvine, UC Riverside, Cal State Long Beach, and UC Davis, but she is going to attend Cal State San Bernardino to earn her B.S. in Nursing. She leaves behind a high school career that included soccer and Key Club and a perfect 4.0 unweighted G.P.A.

English teacher Brenda Sing was a huge influence on ISHS salutatorian Star Santos, so it is no surprise that Star plans to major in English and earn her teaching credential at UC Irvine. In addition to a love of English, Star also enjoyed AVID Club, AP Calculus Club, and Psychology Club. She was an AVID tutor who inspired other students to do their best by modeling good grades with her 4.6 weighted G.P.A.

UC San Diego will soon be welcoming Cajon salutatorian Adrian “Alex” Tellez. Adrian is planning for a career in either nanoengineering or medicine. With a 4.0 unweighted G.P.A. and involvement in National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, cross country, and track and field under his belt, Alex is ready for the next stage of his academic career.

AVHS salutatorian Leonardo “Leo” Torres was inspired to achieve academically by his Riley College Prep Academy teacher Christine Jenkins. She gave Leo the Jordan Jenkins scholarship when he was in fifth grade, and it was the motivation he needed to earn a 4.83 weighted G.P.A.; participate in Academic Decathlon, Club de Español, AP Spanish Club, Young Legislators, and Calculus Club; and pursue a computer science or math degree.

SBHS Cardinal City salutatorian Daniel Tremblay is a scholar-athlete. In addition to earning a 3.94 unweighted G.P.A., he was a member of the water polo, swim, baseball, and basketball teams. Daniel was accepted to Cal Poly Pomona, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego, but he’ll be heading to CSUSB in the fall to study computer engineering.

As a member of Key Club, Associated Student Body (ASB), the Principal’s Focus Group, and the Inland Empire Future Leader Program, MCHS salutatorian Maribel “Marble” Trujillo stayed very busy in high school, and that doesn’t include her high school and college classes. She’s taking the work ethic that helped her juggle that and a 3.9 unweighted G.P.A. to UCR.

Cajon salutatorian and varsity soccer player Reiniery Villalta is planning to study computer science at the University of La Verne. Reiniery credits his fourth-grade teacher, Rebecca Besheer, with supporting him in soccer and encouraging him to be the best person he could. And Reiniery’s best included earning a 3.9 unweighted G.P.A.

Max Zepeda is graduating from Cajon High as salutatorian with a 4.78 weighted G.P.A. and fond memories of his time with the Students for Change Club and his track and field and cross country meets. He plans to study neuroscience at UC Riverside and eventually become a neurologist.

In order to qualify for the honor of valedictorian or salutatorian, a student must be among the top 10 to 20 students with the highest grade value based on the specific courses that every student at an SBCUSD high school campus has access to for seven semesters of high school. Additionally, the student must complete all SBCUSD graduation requirements and complete the eighth and final semester at the school from which they have been selected as valedictorian or salutatorian.

Unweighted G.P.A.s are based on the standard grade-point system of four points for every A grade, three points for every B, and two points for every C grade. Weighted G.P.A.s are determined by adding a point to grades earned for Honors-level, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. For example, an A grade earned in a Chemistry AP class would be worth five points instead of four.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Judge Trina L. Thompson of the Superior Court of Alameda County, who is African American, was confirmed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

The United States Senate voted 51-44 to confirm Thompson, who President Biden nominated.

Appointed under Article III of the U.S. Constitution, federal district court judges serve lifetime appointments upon good behavior.

“All of us in the Northern District are grateful and excited to have Judge Thompson join us,” said Chief Judge Richard Seeborg of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

“She brings a wealth of experience as a highly regarded trial judge, which will be most welcome on our very busy Court,” he said.

Since taking office, the Biden Administration has made it a priority to diversify federal courts.

“Our current federal bench is not representative of the diversity of our democracy,” said U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) in remarks on the floor last week. “We have a lot of work to do to rebuild a judiciary that deserves the faith of the American people.”

More than 70% of President Biden’s 92 district and appellate court picks have been women, and a vast majority have been people of color.

Prior to her appointment, Judge Thompson served as a juvenile court commissioner, a criminal defense attorney in private practice for nearly a decade, and as an assistant public defender as well. Thompson holds the distinction of being the first African American woman elected to the Superior Court of Alameda County.

In addition to her work on the bench, she serves as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where she received her bachelor’s degree in 1983, and her juris doctor from the university’s School of Law in 1986.

Thompson has contributed to educating the public and her peers about equity and equal rights under the law. Her work contrasted the tenets of American law with the history and contemporary realities of discrimination when she participated in the ‘Continuing the Dialogue’ series for the Center for Judicial Education and Research Division (CJER) of the Judicial Council of California. She discussed the history of housing discrimination in California effected through illegal racial covenants, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. She has also presented a CJER lecture on wrongful convictions and the learnings judicial officers can adapt to prevent them.

Thompson is a member of the Association of African American California Judicial Officers, Inc., (AAACJO). The organization was established in 2017 to address the professional interests of Black state and federal judicial officers presiding in the California. The membership includes Superior Court Judges and Commissioners, Appellate Court Justices, Administrative Law Judges and State Bar Court Judges.

“Given her body of work and her dedication to the community, it is clear Judge Thompson will be an invaluable asset in her new role as District Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California,” the AAACJO said in a statement congratulating Thompson.