There are just weeks left in school and summer is almost here. If you’re thinking about a vacation, listen up!
Before you book anything, you might want to watch out for some hidden fees that might catch you by surprise. Vrbo, Airbnb, even Travelocity, and Expedia are now listing homes and properties for rent.
But one Mont Belvieu woman wants to warn people about what happened to her when she booked a trip for her family.
“We pitched in. We all kind of had a budget to get a huge house,” said Dayna Hickman.
It’s a summertime tradition for Dayna Hickman and her extended family to all meet up at one location to enjoy a vacation. This year, Hickman used Vrbo to book a home in the Beavers Bend area of Oklahoma.
“So, I booked it, I pressed the book. And then immediately I got an email,” Hickman explains. “The email had a whole list of different fees from what I paid on Vrbo.”
On Vrbo, the charges showed what she expected, the nightly fee plus a Vrbo fee of $581. But then her email and credit card showed an additional unexpected charge from the host of more than $1,200.
“I was absolutely shocked and Vrbo when you check, push the checkout button, it doesn’t say this is a quote, it may change. It doesn’t say you may have added fees immediately,” said Hickman.
Vrbo blames the host and the host blames Vrbo for not updating their fees.
But a consumer attorney tells KPRC 2 that Vrbo could be in violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act for “failing to disclose information at the time of the transaction” to induce the consumer to make a purchase that they wouldn’t have made if they had the info.
What you should know before using a third-party booking site for travel
Travel advisor Heather Keller with Perfect Landing Travel helps people plan travel experiences for other people (She puts together specific vacation packages at no charge to the customer). Keller explains that fees you were not expecting are just one of the snags you can hit booking through any third-party website.
Is it really refundable?
Keller said when it comes to using third-party sites on your own, make sure you know what the word “refundable” means.
“If it is refundable, a lot of times it’s in the form of a credit that can only be used through that website,” said Keller.
What you book may not be what you get.
“There’s no vetting, other than a technical verified address, but it’s not really a verified address, it’s verified that that address does, in fact, exist. They’re not going and looking at the pictures that are submitted and is it what that address actually is,” Keller explained.
Watch out for a sudden cancelation.
“The owner has the ability to cancel the reservation. And when they realized that rates are skyrocketing, and availability is limited, but maybe you made your reservation either a little bit lower rate. They canceled the reservation so that they can then rebook it at a higher rate for a new, new guest,” Keller said.
Back to Hickman, even though she booked a “non-refundable trip,” Vrbo did refund her money because of the confusion. And, she got the $1,200 back from the cabin booking by disputing the charge with her credit card company.
If you think any third-party booking site is in violation of the Texas Deceptive Practices Act, send a letter and let them know you plan to take them to small claims court for the violations. That will usually do the trick to getting your refund.
A good rule of thumb to protect yourself if this happens to you is to take screenshots each step of the way when you book through a third-party site. That way, if you have to contest a charge you can show exactly what you agreed to when you clicked “book.”
Vrbo statement regarding fee confusion
Vrbo did send us this statement saying they are working with the Oklahoma cabin owners, in this case, to make sure the fee pricing is accurate on both ends. They also explained the fees:
“Hosts set their own fees, which are charges beyond their average nightly rate and are used to compensate vacation rental owners and property managers for additional services or amenities.”
When asked about the surprise fees, Vrbo said:
“We know price transparency is important to travelers, so when a guest searches for a stay with specific dates – it includes the total cost, so there are no surprises before they book. To see the total prices, guests can click “View details” before completing a booking to see the total cost breakdown. Under “host fees” guests can see exactly what the host is charging additional fees for. When searching for a place to stay, guests can also use the total price search filter, which displays the total cost and includes all fees but excludes taxes.”
Vrbo also sent this guidance for hosts:
“Hosts are ultimately responsible for setting their own fees, but we advise and educate them on best practices because we know it is a better experience for the guest and could result in more bookings for the host. We encourage hosts to keep separate fees to a minimum or to consolidate those fees into their base rate. Fees aren’t a requirement either, so there are hosts who don’t charge any fees.”
Copyright 2022 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
Some of the stories that come across the desk of civil rights attorney Jarrett Adams can be both heartbreaking and infuriating. However, he understands the task at hand and is fully committed to seeking justice for those who have been wronged.
This focus comes from firsthand experience. An innocent man convicted of a crime he did not commit, Adams had to learn the law to free himself. He subsequently got his juris doctorate from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Adams’ track record since then speaks for itself. He is currently working on three high-profile cases, all of which appear to involve either rogue cops or inadequate police training. Helping his clients obtain compensation and special damages in each case is his top priority.
Case in point: Raheem Bryant was shot in the back and left paralyzed by a Newark, New Jersey police officer after joyriding in a stolen car. Adams spoke to Zenger to explain why Officer Xavier Pimentel’s response didn’t fit the crime. Adams also takes us behind the scenes on two other cases he recently signed on to represent victims of questionable treatment.
Zenger: You recently took on the case of Raheem Bryant who was shot and paralyzed by a Newark police officer. What are the key factors that led to you accepting the case?
Adams: You really gotta evaluate the client and the case. And it goes in that order, because you could have a good case and a bad client, and it can not go well. I take it from that perspective first. When I get a case and I start to read everything, I start to [learn about] the atmosphere of Newark. Stealing cars is like skateboarding down in Louisiana. Stealing cars is like playing off the wall on the south side of Chicago.
That’s just what they do. There is no explanation. It’s the stolen car, joyriding capital of the world. You have a situation with a kid in his early 20s: he sees a lady at a gas station, and he sees the keys in the car; he jumps in the car and takes a joyride in it.
She is mad and upset. She tells an officer, “I just got carjacked.” When you hear carjacked, you’re thinking guns and all that. He wasn’t armed. He was on this joyride, police were…in pursuit and an officer who was technically on but off duty — because in the city of Newark, whenever there is construction work being done, they have to have an officer there to direct traffic.
Little did they know that they were going to have a cowboy that day on that assignment who was listening to his radio. Guess he became bored sitting there. He joins in on the chase unwarranted and unqualified. He gets out of his vehicle, races down the block. He’s the only one [who] deploys and fires his weapon, Percy. He pulls his gun, he fires a shot and he hits the kid in the back. The kid is instantly paralyzed, he loses control of the car and it crashes into an auto-mechanic’s shop.
Raheem Bryant, who was shot and paralyzed by a Newark police officer, is seeking the help of famed civil rights attorney Jarrett Adams. (Jarrett Adams/Zenger)
I tell you all of this in the way of [a] story, but the DOJ [Department of Justice] did an investigation 4 years prior, and they came out with these results and findings, and they entered into a consent decree where officers would no longer fire at fleeing suspects, no matter if the suspects are armed or not. They aren’t in danger. He wasn’t in danger. The kid was driving away from the officer. The officer got mad and fired a shot that paralyzed him.
We looked at his record. The officer didn’t have [the training] that’s necessary, and he had been in an incident before where he pulled his gun out unwarranted. We got a situation where this kid is paralyzed, and I don’t have to tell you that [state-run] physical therapy places that take care of people that don’t have active limbs — I don’t have to tell you what type of care they give. I didn’t want to send you the pictures, but I have some pictures if you want to see them. He’s developing bed sores that are so humungous, I’m just waiting for a call any day now that he’s fighting for his life from an infection.
Zenger: What do you say to someone that asks why reward someone committing a criminal act?
Adams: Stealing a piece of candy is a criminal act. That’s breaking the law. Does that person deserve to be shot in the back and paralyzed for a non-violent criminal act, and they weren’t armed? In law, we can only deal with the facts and the facts surrounding that law.
Zenger: Do you feel like this was a rogue cop situation, a lack of training or combination of the two?
Adams: It’s a combination of both. What I would say specifically with him [is] there were signs that he was a cowboy that needed to be disciplined and trained, and he wasn’t. What happens when you don’t tell your child they are doing something wrong? They are prone to do it again. That’s why this is on the city. The thing that’s frustrating me is they are out here talking a good game about how much they’ve changed and how good they are now. But you got this boy sitting here, in his 20s with a son, and he can’t do anything, and they are up here trying to dismiss the case on a technicality.
Now every process is slow. We survived the motion to dismiss. The court said there is too much evidence to dismiss; move forward. Now I’m trying to get them to do what’s right. In this case, I’m afraid for him. It’s getting dire.
Zenger: In your opinion, what is proper compensation or retribution for Raheem and his family?
Adams: There has to be a creative structured settlement for him. I’m afraid to put a dollar amount on it until we have a serious conversation about what it would take [in exchange] for the life of a young man, who will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He’s in his 20s, so if the life expectancy is 60-65 years old — [and] he’s got a kid — so you’re talking about him being taken care of for at least 40 years. Being taken care of means the proper bed, the proper nurse care facility, the proper disability ramps and things like that. And then you have to factor in his son. Something fair and equitable to that. But the problem is they haven’t [provided] a number or [made an] effort to settle this. They are fighting every step of the way to keep certain evidence away from us.
Zenger: This is not the only case you are working on. Can you tell us about some of the other ones?
Adams: Yes, there is a young lady named Chasity Congious. She was pregnant by someone — they don’t know who because due to her mental illness, she would sometimes walk around the neighborhood undressed. Bruh, we got a lot of sickos out here, man. She ends up pregnant. She’s about six months pregnant. When she’s not on her medication, she [will] spazz out and do things, mostly self-harm. Her parents called and said, “Look, she’s not taking her medication. She’s being difficult to deal with. She’s fighting, kicking and biting while we’re trying to get her to the hospital, so she can get on her medication.” Sure enough, this officer comes, and where he probably would have found sympathy if her name was Amanda, he could find none because her name was Chasity.
Instead of taking her to the hospital and getting her on medication and getting her to a facility knowing that she was pregnant, he decides to arrest her. He arrested her like they do so many black kids, and increasingly, black girls. She goes to the county jail. She is not seen by any proper authorities or a court to evaluate her according to the Sandra Bland Act. Here it is: after the Sandra Bland Act, how could this happen? Sandra Bland with her mental illness in jail, and then here it is — you let this girl sit in jail. She goes on a visit with the doctors. The doctors tell you, “She’s about to give birth. She’s not going to be able to communicate with you guys what a contraction is. You gotta pay attention to her.”
She has been in jail for a couple of months now. What do they do, Percy? They put her in a segregation room, that’s what they do. One day, they walk past and notice blood all over the bed sheets and on the floor. They come in. They find the baby [lying] in her jail uniform with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. [It] hadn’t been breathing for four or five minutes. Chasity [lay] there, busted open as a woman from giving birth — she had never given birth before. You know what their response was? “Well, she didn’t tell anybody. We don’t know why she didn’t get up and knock on the door. We pass and do checks all the time; we didn’t see this.” That’s not what you do when someone warned you [that she] has a mental illness and wouldn’t be able to tell you.
To add to the madness, she asked to go to the funeral. They told her no and [said] they were going to charge her with the death of the baby for not telling them that she was giving birth. Thankfully, after enough media coverage, they dismissed the charges, and she was released from jail on all charges. So [are] you telling me that that baby shouldn’t be alive because she shouldn’t have been in there that long [or] even arrested in the first place? These explanations aren’t good enough anymore. The medical personnel told you that this young girl would not be able to communicate that she was in labor…. I think that that deserves a higher burden to be met than to place somebody [in] segregation.
Civil rights attorney Jarrett Adams is currently working on three cases of injustice involving inadequate police departments. (Jarrett Adams/Zenger)
Zenger: You also have another case down in my area of New Orleans, correct?
Adams: Yes! They beat the hell out of this man. When I tell you this story — this is only some stuff that a white person could get away with. Two off-duty officers were in a bar. They [got] so hammered that the bartender stopped serving them drinks. She’s serving them shots of water so that they [can] get out of there.
My client, Jorge Gomez, he’s a retired vet who moved to the New Orleans community to care for his mom. His mom had gotten old, was battling dementia, and was falling and things like that. English is not his first language. So he’s finishing up a drink [at] the bar. The bartender knows him because he goes in the bar all the time. When his mom winds down for the evening, he will go there and have a drink. I know you will understand this, being from there: it’s not just vets; people in the community wear army fatigues. He just so happens [to] have on an army fatigue jacket, but it was real. Dude was a gunner in Iraq. He was the real deal. That’s an important part [of] the story, the fact that he was in the military.
These two knuckleheads — they ask him, basically, “What you doing false flagging us?” He said, “What? I don’t understand what you’re saying.” And they were like, “You’re not a damn marine.” They started asking him questions about the service to see if he’s been in service or not. He’s just ignoring them. They snatch the beret off of his head and start a fight. They beat the dude up.
You [can] see the pictures online of how bad they beat him up. He gets in the vehicle, and he’s disoriented. He’s driving…away [to] get home; they’re walking down the block he’s driving down. They see him, they get in front of the car, order him to stop, he gets out, they beat the hell out of him and place him under arrest. They [call] in, and when they [call] in the police, they [give] a special code. When they gave the special code, [police] responded saying, “Officer in need.” They didn’t know that the officer wasn’t in need — the officer just beat the hell out of somebody.
What they found out was — everything that I’m telling you is true — so they were criminally charged, and [the police department] fired these guys. They got the nerve to be telling me and my client, “You’re good; we fired them.” What do you mean we’re good? This [dude’s] back is messed up. He can’t even move his mom around like he used to. It’s disgusting. These officers didn’t even get house arrest. They got nothing. They just lost their job. Percy, let me or you…[whoop] on somebody like that. Those are the three cases I’m currently [working] on.
Going back to your initial question — how do I take these cases? I take them [based on] the client and…the case facts. You can have the right case and the wrong client; you can have the right client and the wrong case. All three of these cases are disgusting and heartbreaking.
Superfit Hero placed third out of ten finalists in a nationwide vote
RIVERSIDE, CA — – Barclays US Consumer Bank today announced Superfit Hero as the third-place winner of its “Small Business Big Wins” promotion and the recipient of a $20,000 prize. The Riverside, California, designer of size-inclusive athleticwear was one of nine other finalists in a nationwide vote to determine which United States-based small business would receive a much-needed financial boost.
In addition to this $20,000 prize, Barclays awarded $40,000 to Nordic-Knot of Reston, Virginia, for second place and $60,000 to Ashland Birth Center of Ashland, Wisconsin, for first place.
Superfit Hero creates quality plus-sized clothing for athletes that also offers complete coverage, moisture wicking technology and a range of compression options.
Through essays and photos, more than 4,750 small businesses from across the country shared their compelling stories of resilience in a landscape forever changed by COVID-19 and how they met the unique demands of 2021 through the “Small Business Big Wins” promotion presented by Barclays. The top 10 were selected and showcased online at BarclaysSmallBizBigWins.com for a public voting period that took place April 13-22.
“Throughout this pandemic, the small business community has been forced to pivot and adapt during unprecedented times,” said Nancy Parnella, Director of US Business Cards at Barclays. “At Barclays, we know that small businesses are the economic engine of their local communities, and we are honored to share their stories of perseverance and provide them with financial support to help them continue to thrive.”
The contest was sponsored by Barclays’ Business Card team, which has long supported business owners of all sizes with its broad range of cards that offer business owners rewards for dollars spent on their business needs.
“This was such a great experience for our team to get to connect with our community over the course of this contest,” said Micki Krimmel, owner of Superfit Hero. “This money will go a long way for us as we produce our new athleisure line for this holiday season.”
In addition, Barclays awarded 50 participants of the contest $2,000 each through a random drawing and $5,000 for each of the remaining finalists in the top 10 totaling $255,000 in support of 60 small businesses across the country.
The full list of finalists includes:
• Ashland Birth Center – Ashland, Wisconsin ($60,000): A parental guidance and support service provider that offers a wide range of midwife services throughout the pregnancy, newborn and postpartum stages of childbirth.
• Nordic-Knot – Reston, Virginia ($40,000): A traditional Scandinavian pretzel baker that uses a traditional “Nordic” dough to create pretzels that are all-natural, fresh-baked and handmade and works with breweries to create pretzels that match their signature beers with specialty grains.
• Superfit Hero – Riverside, California ($20,000): A size-inclusive athleticwear company that delivers quality plus-sized clothing for athletes that also offers complete coverage, moisture wicking technology and a range of compression options.
• Advanced & Innovative Multifunctional Materials LLC (AIMM) – Dayton, Ohio ($5,000): A materials science company and lab focused on water purification and self-disinfecting N95 masks that also works on developing unique materials with antimicrobial properties.
• BoCa Flavor – Baltimore, Maryland ($5,000): A manufacturer of Caribbean-infused seasoning that takes a modern approach to traditional Caribbean seasoning, fusing staple ingredients from the islands to bring an everyday blend to liven up the kitchen.
• Flagstaff Doulas – Flagstaff, Arizona ($5,000): A health care and social support provider that specializes in providing guidance and assistance to new parents, helping them through the questions and decisions that many face before, during and after birth with their new child.
• Nudi Wear – Kaneohe, Hawaii ($5,000): An activewear apparel maker developed with the sustainability of our oceans in mind that also shares a percentage of its profits with organizations who preserve our seas.
• Secret Blessings – Robbinsville, North Carolina ($5,000): A custom inspirational accessories shop that develops blankets, backpacks, pouches and more with inspirational words or encouraging phrases sewn into the fabric.
• Sock It to ‘Em Sock Campaign – Highlands Ranch, Colorado ($5,000): A charitable organization that collects socks that they then donate to homeless shelters in need in the Denver metropolitan area.
• Stitchwitch Alterations – Santa Barbara, California ($5,000): A seamstress and designer that handles a wide range of sewing projects from alterations to suits and dress adjustments as well as interior décor items like pillows, duvets, dust covers and more.
For more information about the finalists, visit BarclaysSmallBizBigWins.com. For more information on Barclays’ business card offerings, visit BarclaysUS.com/Business.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino County Committee on School District Organization approved changes to the method in which school board members are elected for Bear Valley Unified, Fontana Unified, Mountain View and Rialto Unified school districts during a series of meetings held on April 13.
“I commend these districts for being proactive and engaging the community for input,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “This level of consistency, dedication and transparency is what makes these districts great.”
Public hearings were held prior to the County Committee’s approval of the district plans for all four districts to transition from an “at-large” to a “by-trustee area” election method. The districts requested County Committee approval in time for the next election in November 2022.
An at-large method allows registered voters of the entire jurisdiction to elect candidates to the governing board.
In a by-trustee area system of election, candidates for the Board must reside within a specific geographic subarea of the district called “trustee area,” and candidates are elected only by the voters of that trustee area.
According to Dennis Mobley, interim acting secretary to the committee, the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 (CVRA) continues to allow an “at-large” method of election, although it can be challenged as unfair depending on community circumstances. By-trustee area electoral systems are not vulnerable to challenge under the CVRA, which prompted the districts to make the change.
The 11-member committee addresses school district organizational issues including possible changes to the number of district trustees, trustee area boundaries, school district boundary changes and unifications.
The San Bernardino County Committee on School District Organization maintains a webpage at https://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/index.php/business-services/business-advisory-services/county-committee
For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.
Non-profit organizations across California will be able to apply for funding from a pool of cash created with an initial investment of $15 million from two foundations.
The money will help local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) gain access to almost $200 billion in federal and state funding coming down the pike for economic development projects.
The Center at the Sierra Health Foundation, a Sacramento-based organization that promotes health and racial equity, and the James Irvine Foundation, a private San Francisco-based philanthropic nonprofit that advocates for Californians who earn low wages, are the first two foundations investing in the fund called the Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI).
“CEMI will strengthen nonprofits working in marginalized communities and help them secure and influence the use of public funds designated to reduce economic and environmental inequities,” said Chet P. Hewitt, President and CEO of Sierra Health Foundation and The Center.
This year, California is expected to receive close to $200 billion in federal and state funding. The money will be sourced from the American Rescue Plan ($43 billion) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ($56 billion), as well as the state’s Community Economic Resilience Fund ($565 million) and its budget surplus ($46 billion).
“This is a much-needed investment for community-driven organizations particularly those that support the most vulnerable Californians. Historically, they have not been invested in the same manner as larger organizations. Many of them were affected throughout the pandemic and need this fiscal and operational support. My hope is that there will be intentionality to be inclusive of the organizations that can have the greatest impact in our communities,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, Convenor of the California Black Women’s Collective, an organization of more than 1500 Black women leaders in various professions from different regions of the state.
CEMI is expected to begin funding the CBOs in the summer of 2022 with $14 million from the James Irvine Foundation and $1 million from the Center at Sierra Health.
“We have a golden opportunity to make sure these investments reach community-based organizations that best know the infrastructure their communities need for economic growth that is inclusive and resilient,” said Don Howard, President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation.
Howard says the funding from CEMI aligns with the James Irvine Foundation’s mission of supporting low-income workers because it helps grassroots organizations and community advocates participate in the planning and decision-making that goes into the distribution of public funds.
“We need an economy built on inclusion, equity, and dignity for all work and workers — and that starts by making room for diverse leaders to have a say in how these once-in-a-generation investments shape their communities’ futures,” Howard continued.
The CEMI funding will provide technical assistance and training to the CBOs that qualify to build their capacity and infrastructure and build models for what community-driven economic development looks like, according to the Center at Sierra Health Foundation.
The funders of CEMI say they believe the organizations they support will grow into a strong network that can drive more “equitable economic development policy, regulation and accountability at state and local levels.”
The California Endowment (TCE), a private foundation with headquarters in Los Angeles, has also committed to investing in CEMI.
TCE is a 56-year-old foundation that supports programs that improve the health care of Californians living in underserved communities.
“The availability of state and federal funding provides California with an important opportunity to address critical health and economic challenges for the most vulnerable Californians,” said Dr. Bob Ross, President and CEO of TCE.
“This potential can only be realized by investing in community-led change,” Ross added.
Gov. Gavin Newsom praised the foundations for taking a leadership role in making a difference in the lives of Californians who need help the most.
“This initiative will help grow the capacity of committed organizations to continue their important work in communities across the state. This will be especially important as we focus on COVID-19 recovery and creating a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all,” the governor said.
Hewitt says the project will result in “transformative change” in California.
“The past few years have laid bare the impact of long-term disinvestment in poor communities. We must do all we can to position community institutions to grow power and create opportunity for the places and populations they serve,” he said.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA — San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) has broadened access to the early learning platform Footsteps2Brilliance for children up to third grade and will be launching the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge.
“Proficiency in reading by the third grade is shown to be one of the best predictors of both the likelihood to graduate from high school, and economic success in adulthood,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “This expansion and partnership will allow more students to have access to a program specifically tailored to help them achieve the critical success indicators on the Cradle to Career Roadmap.”
Previously, the early learning platform was only open to San Bernardino County children up to age five. SBCSS is further supporting the countywide Vision2Read initiative by partnering with Preschool Services Department, First 5 San Bernardino and Children’s Fund to expand this resource. Now, all San Bernardino County children up to third grade are eligible to register and use the app for free to access thousands of interactive eBooks, songs, and games.
In 2017, SBCSS began investing in Footsteps2Brilliance, a comprehensive English and Spanish literacy app that can be used on any mobile device or computer. Once downloaded, it is accessible with or without an internet connection.
In addition, SBCSS is launching the 5th Annual Summer Reading Challenge to encourage families with children from birth to 3rd grade to read and learn on the app for 15 minutes a day. SBCSS is also partnering with Footsteps2Brilliance to offer access to Summer Climb, a program including lesson videos and activities to provide expanded learning throughout summer months.
Footsteps2Brilliance is part of the San Bernardino Countywide Vision2Read Initiative, which aims to improve literacy throughout the region. Reading proficiency by the third grade is one of the greatest predictors of success, and these resources give children an opportunity to increase their literacy skills in more than one language. To date, parents and their children have read over 666,000 books and have spent over 118,000 hours on literacy through the early learning platform.
To register and download the free literacy app, Footsteps2Brilliance, please visit https://www.myf2b.com/parent_wizard/get_started/sanbernardinocounty.
For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.
There are 12 Black Republicans running in statewide races across California this election year.
Come June 7, when the primaries are held, many of them – already longshots without local or statewide political experience – will likely be eliminated from competing in the November general elections.
Either way it goes, some of the Black Republican candidates California Black Media (CBM) has spoken with say they have already made a difference. They entered their races to represent Californians who are frustrated with the policies coming out of the Democratic-run Statehouse and Legislature in Sacramento and their ideas and opposition on problems from homelessness and affordable housing to education and the environment have already begun to influence political conversations at the state, county, and municipal levels across California.
“I really think 2020 woke up a lot of people to get involved in legislation — find out how a lot of things work,” said Pastor Brian Hawkins, a San Diego native and San Jacinto city councilmember who is a Black Republican candidate running to defeat U.S. Congressman Raul Ruiz.
Ruiz is a Democrat representing California’s 36th Congressional District but due to redistricting is running to represent the 25th Congressional District.
“People are starting to question political motives, people are questioning the education system, the model that’s been the same for hundreds of years. So, I think people are hungry for something different and this gives us an opportunity,” he said.
Recently, CBM spoke with another Black Republican candidate Shawn Collins who is running for governor. Critics say Collins’ attempt to become governor is ambitious because he is barely known in the state’s political circles and last week the California Republican Party endorsed another candidate, former California State Senate Minority Leader Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), for Governor.
But Collins, 41, an attorney, dad, and U.S. Navy veteran who lives in Orange County, says his message is connecting with people.
“I tell people that California’s problems are so big right now, they transcend politics,” he said. “And what I mean by that is there are certain issues in this state right now that impact you whether you’re a Democrat or Republican.”
Last week, Collins spoke with CBM about his decision to run for Governor of California.
Here is an excerpt of our conversation. It has been edited for concision and clarity.
Why are you running for Governor?
My primary motivation is my family — my wife, and my four young children. I’m genuinely concerned about my children, being able to start lives and develop careers here in California because the state has become so anti-business.
The governor’s race excites me because I track our K through 12 education. California is ranked 40 out of 50 states. How is that possible?
This is the fifth largest economy in the world. We have a budget of over $300 billion. We have a surplus of over $31 billion and our teachers, are some of the highest paid in all of America. You have to ask: why is our public education system so bad?
How do we fix it?
It is one of the first things I’ll focus on when I become Governor. The Hoover Institute has been tracking this program in Dallas – in the community that I grew up in, actually.
They incentivize high-performing teachers in other school districts to come to lower income communities and try to make an impact. They say, “right now only two out of 10 kids are reading at their grade level. If you can get that up to four out of 10, there’s $50,000 attached to that.”
It’s in its second year right now and test scores have already dramatically improved.
What do you think about the growing school choice movement that a lot of conservatives support?
I’ve always been an advocate of school choice because it puts pressure on the school district to perform. If they don’t perform, their schools will lose funding.
What gives you the confidence that you as a Republican can win in California, one of the most Democratic states in the country?
Well, I’ll start with my background, you know, first of all, I’m not your traditional Republican. They’ve never seen any Republican candidate like me. And what I mean by that is I was not born into the Republican Party. You’re looking at a person that grew up in a very Democrat household. My dad was in electrician, and he was a single father because my parents divorced when I was three years old. My mom gave my dad primary custody because she was very intimidated by having to raise two young boys by herself.
How do you convince Black and other minority voters to support your candidacy?
I grew up in difficult circumstances, so I understand the hurt that average Californians are feeling right now. I can use that personal experience to implement policy that will make substantial changes to individuals’ lives.
How is your plan for tackling homelessness better than what Democrats have done?
Democrats have thrown $13 billion at the problem over the past five years, and it’s gotten worse. We have to stop this “housing first” policy. The assumption is that if you can provide a home for every single homeless person in the state of California — which is in excess of 160,000 at this point — the security of a home will somehow transform them. When you look at the breakdown of our homeless population in the state, roughly a third are homeless because of life circumstances, meaning they lost the job, or some type of catastrophic economic event. That’s one-third. the other two-thirds are drug addicted or mentally ill. So, if you’re talking about a housing option for that one-third, okay, You’re on the right track.
My policy would be to have more drug addiction and mental health services. If the drug addict or the mentally ill person says, “I don’t want your help,” then we have to implement tough love. You have to accept the help or go to jail, but you can’t live on the street because that’s not compassion.
Public safety is a big issue right now. A lot of conservatives are slamming criminal justice reforms and calling for tough-on-crime policies again. What is your take?
We have to have accountability built into our criminal justice system. Criminals talk. I know that because I grew up in a community where criminals talked. And if people know that they are not going to be held accountable, they are emboldened to go out and commit crimes.
How is it effective to implement tough-on-crime laws and lock more people up if rehabilitation programs are not built into the correctional system?
For me, rehabilitation is important. We have to have programs in place whereby incarcerated people can learn a vocation, a trade or skill.
If a person just goes to prison and they hang out there for a certain period of time and they pick up no skills, they have nothing to offer society when they walk out. When you walk out of the doors of that prison with no skills, you’re obviously going to return to a life of crime.
Rehabilitation needs to be intelligent.
Well, I hate to burst your bubble, God never said if you thought she deserved to be honored, he said: “Honor thy father and thy mother.” Honor—No Ifs, Ands, Or Buts! There is no escape clause at the end of these verses. Over and over in Scripture, God commands us to “honor” our parents. It’s a command that thy days may be long upon the land that the LORD your God is giving you. A commandment with a promise [Ephesians 6:2]. In honoring your father and mother, you are rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man. [Ephesians 6:7]. The primary teaching here is that if Israel would keep the Fifth Commandment, the nation would dwell in Canaan without interruption—but if Israel’s homes were ruined by disobedient children—then, neither strong armies nor walled cities could stop the enemy.
For thus saith the Lord; I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” [Colossians 2:1-23].
I tell you, one of the most powerful ways we can honor our parents; mother, and father, besides giving them our respect and obedience, is to choose to forgive forward. God tells us that He will bless us as we honor our parents. So as “Mother’s Day” approaches, think of ways to be kind to your mother in spite of. Do it as if you are doing it unto the Lord, with thanksgiving and praise to whom all glory and honor is do.
Because as Tupac Shakur said in his lyrics [Dear Mama -2Pac], “Ain’t a woman alive that could take my mama’s place – I gotta thank the Lord that you made me. Dear Mama, You are appreciated.”
Celebrating and Honoring ALL Mothers – Happy Mother’s Day to you!
SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Nine districts and 57 schools throughout San Bernardino County have been recognized through California Department of Education’s (CDE) newly implemented 2022 California Pivotal Practice (CAPP) Award Program.
“I commend these schools and districts for their flexibility and high standards of excellence in the face of adversity,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “The awardees have demonstrated their commitment to doing whatever it takes to provide holistic support to students throughout the pandemic.”
Due to the difficulty of collecting data for statewide assessments during the 2020-2021 school year, the CDE California School Recognition Program has suspended the California Distinguished Schools designation for the year. In its place, the CAPP Program recognizes and celebrates innovative practices implemented by schools and districts despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2022 CAPP Award honors unique strategies to support students in at least one of the four key areas: Student Engagement, Distribution of Technology, Nutrition Services and Social Emotional Well-Being of Students.
2022 CAPP District Awardees:
• Apple Valley Unified
• Chaffey Joint Union High
• Lucerne Valley Unified
• Ontario-Montclair
• Redlands Unified
• Rialto Unified
• Silver Valley Unified
• Victor Elementary
• Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified
2022 CAPP School Awardees:
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
• Desert Trails Preparatory Academy
Alta Loma School District
• Deer Canyon Elementary School
• Vineyard Junior High School
Apple Valley Unified School District
• Sycamore Rocks Elementary School
Chaffey Joint Union High School District
• Chaffey High School
Chino Valley Unified School District
• Canyon Hills Junior High School
• Levi H. Dickey Elementary School
• Ruben S. Ayala High School
• Walnut Avenue Elementary School
Colton Joint Unified School District
• Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
• Grand Terrace High School at Ray Abril Jr. Educational Complex
Etiwanda Elementary School District
• Carleton P. Lightfoot Elementary School
• Grapeland Elementary School
• Terra Vista Elementary School
• Windrows Elementary School
Helendale Elementary School District
• Helendale Elementary School
Hesperia Unified School District
• LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy
Lucerne Valley Unified School District
• Lucerne Valley Elementary School
• Sky Mountain Charter School
Morongo Unified School District
• Black Rock High School
Ontario-Montclair School District
• Arroyo Elementary School
• Berlyn Elementary School
• Buena Vista Arts-Integrated Magnet School
• Central Language Academy
• De Anza Middle School
• Edison Elementary School
• Elderberry Elementary School
• Howard Elementary School
• Kingsley Elementary School
• Lehigh Elementary School
• Lincoln Elementary School
• Mariposa Elementary School
• Monte Vista Elementary School
• Moreno Elementary School
• Oaks Middle School
• Richard Haynes Elementary School
• Serrano Middle School
• Vernon Middle School
• Vista Grade Elementary School
Rialto Unified School District
• Dr. Ernest Garcia Elementary School
• Helen L. Dollahan Elementary School
• Henry Elementary Visual and Performing Arts School
• Nancy R. Kordyak Elementary School
• W.J.C. Trapp Elementary School
• Wilmer Amina Carter High School
San Bernardino City Unified School District
• Colonel Joseph C. Rodriguez PREP Academy
• Juanita Blakely Jones Elementary School
• Kimbark Elementary School
• Serrano Middle School
• SOAR Charter Academy
Silver Valley Unified School District
• Silver Valley Academy
Snowline Joint Unified School District
• Wrightwood Elementary School
Victor Elementary School District
• Mountain View Montessori Charter School
Victor Valley Union High School District
• Cobalt Institute of Math and Science Academy
• University Preparatory School
• Victor Valley High School
Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District
• Valley Elementary School
Additional information about the California Pivotal Practices Awards Program can be found by visiting https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/pp/.
For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.
The Executive Committee, Westside Action Group met recently to consider the list of candidates for various elected offices across California.
Following is the slate which was adopted at their last meeting.
US SENATE (Partial Term)
Alex Padilla
US SENATE (Full Term)
Alex Padilla
US REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 33
Pete Aguilar
US REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 35
CALIFORNIA STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Tony Thurmond
STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 45
James Ramos
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Ted Alejandre
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SUPERVISOR – DISTRICT 2
DeJonae Shaw
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SUPERVISOR – DISTRICT 4
Connie Leyva
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ASSESSOR/RECORDER
Bob Dutton
SB COUNTY AUDITOR-CONTROLLER/GTREASURER/TAX COLLECTOR
Ensen Mason
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Jason Anderson
SAN BERNARDINO SHERIFF-CORONER-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR
Clifton Harris
MAYOR CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
Helen Tran
COUNCILMEMBER, CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO – WARD 1
Theodore Sanchez
COUNCILMEMBER, CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO – WARD 2
Sandra Ibarra
COUNCILMEMBER, CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO – WARD 4
Fred Shorett
The Westside Action Group, a community organization that has been serving the Inland Empire community for 50 years regarding political and social justice issues concerning the African American community. WAG meets every Monday at noon in an open forum where citizens bring up issues that are important to them.
Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
