Thirty-Five Firefighters Who Died on Duty Honored During State Memorial

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? |? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The California Fire Foundation hosted its 2023 Annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony and Procession Ceremony on Oct. 14 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Sacramento.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond attended the event organized to honor 35 firefighters who died in the line of duty. Among the honorees was Ronald Yale Wiley, an African American Deputy Fire Marshal Wiley from Richmond who died on duty in 2007.

The state formally presented a U.S. flag to each of the families of those whose names are being added to the Fighter’s Memorial Wall in Capitol Park on the east side of the State Capitol.

“We’re recognizing and celebrating the life and times of people who tried to make the world a little bit gentler,” Newsom said of the fallen. “They stood tall because they bent down on one knee to help lift other people up. People that came from every conceivable walk of life, political background, and different generations. The 35, we memorialize here today — all with a singular love, and that is a love for public service.”

Nearly a thousand people attended the ceremony. The procession showcased firefighting apparatus and was marked by the presence of hundreds of active-duty firefighters from all over California, forming a “sea of blue.” Accompanying them were the Pipes and Drums of California Professional Firefighters, honor guards from dozens of fire departments, the families of fallen firefighters from across the state, and various state officials and guests.

The ceremony commenced with a bagpiper playing at the Memorial

Wall, a monument built in Sacramento in 2002 to honor the memory, sacrifice and bravery of firefighters who paid the ultimate price while keeping Californians safe. Called “Holding the Line,” the sculpture was created by artist Lawrence Noble and pays tribute to the profession’s spirit of teamwork, focus, and dedication, according to the State of California Capitol Museum.

“When they were called to duty…they came through and they gave as much as anybody is expected to give for their community, their profession, their brothers and sisters, and their state,” said Brian K. Rice, President of California Professional Firefighters. “This ceremony is a tribute to that selfless dedication, and more than that, a tribute to the families that stood behind these men.”

In 2007, Wiley, a Black firefighter honored at the ceremony, was returning to his office from a meeting in Vallejo when the city-owned vehicle he was driving crashed and burned after an accident on the Carquinez Bridge on I-80. Wiley, 47, was 16 years into the profession when the incident happened, his son Dante Wiley told California Black Media (CBM).

Dante Wiley, who is a Fire Inspector for Richmond’s Fire Department, attended the ceremony with his wife, children, uncle, and other family members. Ronald Wiley’s name is etched in stone alongside more than 1,500 California firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty since California became a state in 1850.

“This was a powerful event,” the younger Wiley said of the ceremony. “I brought my three children out here with me so that they can have a better understanding of who my father was. It’s my first time here in 16 years. I have my lovely wife to thank for that. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here.”

Dante Wiley is a second-generation firefighter, and one of 20 Blacks among 97 firefighters in Richmond. He said his uncle also spent 30 years as a firefighter in Oakland.

Nationwide, the number of Black professional and volunteer firefighters is relatively low. According to Data USA, in 2021, there were 324,149 firefighters in the United States. Of this figure, 4.38% were woman and 95.6% men. Black firefighters represented 7.4% and Hispanics made up 11.2% as compared to 82.2% of White firefighters.

California has around 35,000 firefighters, Rice said at the ceremony. While the profession is desirable and has many benefits, in many jurisdictions, the workforce does not reflect diversity of the communities they serve. During a 12-year stretch from 1993 to 2005, for example, The San Bernardino City Fire Department (SBCFD) did not hire any Black firefighters.

Now, SBCFD, one of the oldest and largest fire departments in San Bernardino County, has hired a total of 19 Black firefighters, according to Factors Affecting the Hiring of Black Firefighters, a report by James M. Fratus. The late Jimmy Jews broke the color barrier when he became San Bernardino’s first Black firefighter in 1971. He was the city’s first Black cop before transferring to SBCFD.

In the mid-2010s, the city of Los Angeles launched an investigation into allegations of nepotism, discrimination, and gender bias in its fire department. The city of Sacramento has been hit with lawsuits that allege various incidents of discrimination against Black firefighters between 2018 and 2022.

Dante Wiley says the opportunities are there for the taking. He is actively involved in recruiting efforts.

“I do believe representation matters and so does education,” Wiley said. “When I mean education, I mean outreach. I was fortunate because I saw it every day with my father and, before him, my uncle. A lot of people don’t have that exposure. One of my goals is to get out there and talk to people at high schools, junior colleges, or colleges. Is it for everybody? No. But there are different ways you can go out there and help people. For me, I just want to be a service for my community.”

Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus Concludes 2023 with Legislative and Budget Wins

Reyes’ legislative package includes legislation and strong budget bills focused on seniors, veterans, students and improving air quality in the Inland Empire.

SACRAMENTO, CA— Recently, Majority Leader Emeritus Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) announced that Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law eight bills that she introduced this legislative session.

“The bills I authored this year were introduced with the needs of our community front and center,” said Reyes. “From supporting our small businesses, to cleaning our air and supporting local youth, veterans, and seniors, I am proud of the work we accomplished this year.”

Below is a list of all legislation authored by Reyes that has been signed into law over the last month:

  • AB 126 – Invests over $2 billion to deploy zero emission vehicles, over the next decade, with money specifically dedicated to disadvantaged and low income communities;
  • AB 230 – The Girl Scouts Period Equity Act ensures that menstrual products are provided free of charge in public schools serving third through fifth graders;
  • AB 258 – Creates small business portal through the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development;
  • AB 278 – Establishes the Dream Resources Grant Program to provide support to our students with financial aid, social services, academic opportunities and immigration legal services, for which Reyes successfully obtained $10 million in state funding;
  • AB 414 – The Digital Equity Bill of Rights now makes clear that it is the principle of the state to ensure digital equity for all residents of California;
  • AB 1127 – The Bilingual Teacher Education Program, for equitable opportunity for bilingual education programs, is now reestablished, with Reyes having obtained $20 million in state funding for its purposes;
  • AB 1309 – Protects vulnerable seniors by mandating that they be provided with information regarding their transfer or discharge from a facility; and
  • AB 1474 – Prioritizes veteran housing needs in statewide housing plans.

Reyes’ 2023 statewide budget wins also included:

  • The drastic reduction or elimination of family fees for child care, lowering the costs of state-subsidized care by 100s of dollars per household;
  • $2.8 billion to increase child care provider pay, contingent on collective bargaining, giving providers the compensation they deserve, over two years;
  • $50 million to continue providing grants to local public agencies and nonprofits working with first-time homebuyers, as well as homeowners in need of assistance to keep their residence;
  • $10 million to support Promotoras de Salud (community health workers) by training and providing technical assistance to community-based organizations; and
  • $16.8 million to protect children from the damaging effects of lead exposure.

Gov. Newsom Signs Sen. Bradford’s SB 51 Which Promotes Diversity in California’s Cannabis Market

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill (SB) 51, which promotes greater diversity in California’s cannabis industry. The bill is authored by California Legislative Black Caucus vice chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood).

Specifically, SB 51 will allow the California Department of Cannabis Control to issue provisional licenses for local cannabis retail equity applicants.

A provisional license allows applicants to operate their business while completing the requirements for an annual license, and eventually become fully licensed participants in the cannabis retail market.

“For California’s legal cannabis market to succeed, it must look like California,” Bradford stated.

“Right now, it doesn’t. Time and time again, I hear from community members who are being boxed out of the industry. Equity applicants deserve an opportunity to stand up a business, obtain a license, and participate in the market.”

So far, the legal cannabis industry in California has lacked diversity. A 2017 survey conducted Marijuana Business Daily found that 81% of cannabis business owners and founders in America were White. Hispanic/Latino and Blacks made up only 10% of cannabis business founders.

While Black people make up approximately 13% of the U.S. population, they represent 1.2% to 1.7% of business owners in the cannabis industry, according to Leafly’s Jobs Report of 2021.

In 2018, Bradford introduced SB 1294, the California Cannabis Equity Act. This law facilitates the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities in California’s legalized cannabis industry. However, the regulations for an annual license have proven to be a challenge for equity applicants, demonstrating a need for the provisional licensing program authorized by SB 51.

SB 51 will become law on Jan. 1, 2024.

“Equity applicants, who bore the brunt of California’s failed history of cannabis prohibition, are disproportionately impacted by a lack of access to capital and technical support, steep licensing fees, lengthy land-use approvals, environmental requirements, and more,” Newsom said in an Oct. 8 statement.

“While I support the author’s effort to bring temporary relief to equity applicants, this bill does not address the fundamental issues that continue to increase costs and uncertainty for those seeking to participate in the legal market,” Newsom stated.

“War in Israel: Biblical End-Times Prophecy Unfolding Right Before Our Eyes.”

By Lou K Coleman

Now whether you choose to see it as truth or not, it really doesn’t matter. The Bible predicted, thousands of years ago, that the End Time Events would revolve around Jerusalem.

Woke up Saturday morning, “Israel Is at War.”  Biblical End-Times Prophecy unfolding right before our eyes and Jesus said, “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh.” [Luke 21:28].

Imagine that! Jerusalem, the Focal Point of End Times Events. It’s amazing when you think about it, because in [Zechariah 12:3–4] God says, “I will make Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger when they send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves.”

War in Israel – Bible prophecy being fulfilled right before our eyes. America is next. The Fall of Babylon the Great. [Isaiah 47, Jeremiah 50 and 51, and Revelation 14 and 18].

For as the armies of the world converge in the Middle East the battle will soon develop into the most devastating war of all time. Russia attacks first and then China who is already raging war on America and has publicly stated its agenda to pull the U.S. into four wars as they seek to achieve the status of Sovereign of the World.

Wake-up! Grid your loins, and if you have not received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, DO IT NOW! Ends Times Bible Prophecy is Being Fulfilled Right Before our Eyes.

Everywhere was chaos, rioting, people crying, screaming, weeping, government agencies on high alert, ambulances, sirens, alarms, darkness outside, disaster, invasions all over plundering everywhere. So many missiles coming towards America, too many to count them. Wake-up! Wake-up! Wake-up!

Biblical End-Times Prophecy Unfolding Right Before Our Eyes!

Assemblymember Chris Holden Joins Governor Newsom and a Host of Other Legislators for the Signing of Historic Mental Health Legislation

This week, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 326 authored by Senator Susan Eggman, modernizing the Mental Health Services Act, and Assembly Bill 531 authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, a $6.38 Billion bond to build new behavioral health housing and treatment settings across the state. Californians will vote on this package, collectively known as Proposition 1, on the March 2024 ballot.

“This week has been powerful and incredibly effective in moving forward efforts to tackle our state’s mental health crisis. From the signing of my Youth Mental Health Services Bill, AB 289, earlier this week, to the signing of my colleagues’ bills yesterday, we are moving on this issue as one united front and that is how meaningful change happens,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden.

These bills collectively will work to allocate resources to California’s most vulnerable constituents who are fighting to overcome mental and emotional health challenges. The expansion of these resources allows for more citizens to find the necessary care needed in order for them to live productive lives in the state of California while also helping to prevent many people from facing some of the issues that can come from untreated mental disorders, including homelessness and substance abuse.

“I want to thank Senator Eggman and Assemblymember Irwin for authoring these bills and making mental health a priority. I am with you in this fight for a happier and healthier society,” said Holden.

Assemblymember Chris Holden Accepting Applications for 2024 Young Legislators Program

Program aimed at cultivating the next generation of leaders

PASADENA, CA— Assemblymember Chris Holden is now accepting applications for the 2024 Young Legislators Program. Now in its ninth year, the Young Legislators Program offers high school seniors in the 41st Assembly District a front row seat to the public policy and political arena.

“Young Legislators was an amazing program to be a part of. Gaining insight into the world of government functions, all while making new friends along the way easily made it an amazing experience to have. Anyone interested in government or curious about how our cities and state remain operating would enjoy Young Legislators just as much as I did,” said Evan Lyons, 2023 graduate.

During the five-month program, students will meet once a month at a selected venue to learn about the legislative process, public policy and quality of life issues that impact the lives of Californians and further develop their leadership skills.

“I enjoy this time of the year because we get to work with passionate students from across my district,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “I have no doubt this year’s program will again have a lasting impact on the students, and I look forward to meeting the 2024 Young Legislators.”

“I loved learning about the role and importance of both local government and agencies that work to serve their communities,” said Bess Brandow, 2019 graduate.

“The entire program was phenomenal! It strengthened my passion for politics and has made me become more engaged to further follow what I believe in,” said Osvaldo Valdiviezo who participated in the 2018 Young Legislators Program. “Also, the friendships and memories I made are something I treasure and am grateful for.”

Applicants must commit to five monthly, Saturday meetings starting in January 2024 and submit applications by December 5, 2023. Program details and application are available online at https://a41.asmdc.org/2024-young-legislators-program

Jazz in The Spirit Is Back!!

By Lisa D. Kelly

Jazz in the Spirit 2022 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Highland, California was such a great success, they decided to do it again this year!  What’s all the excitement about?  What is Jazz in the Spirit 2023?  It’s a smooth jazz and gospel music outreach concert whose main goal is to unite people from diverse cultural backgrounds for a night of worship, fellowship, and fun!  Doors open at 6:00 pm, Friday, October 27, 2023, and admission is FREE!  What a great way to end the week!  You’ll want to get there early because they are expecting a packed house!

Skip Cain and Jessica Lund will lead everyone into worship with their unique gospel singing styles.  Skip, known to some as a jazz and blues soul singer and crooner, doesn’t mind doing a little preaching occasionally, as he’s singing.  Skip says, “The Church brings me joy!  Even though I started off as a front man in a teenage garage band singing at various events, I was drawn to sing for the Lord at church.  The patience of the Lord has been a blessing to me.  A lot of my inspiration comes from my beautiful 91-year-old mother who still sings at church every Sunday faithfully.  Psalm 100 says: ‘Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…’  That’s where I am.  I love to sing praises to the Lord.”

Jessica Lund brings her soul to every gospel and country music song.  When she sings there isn’t a dry eye in the building.  Jessica says it is “such a blessing to be used by the Lord to bless others and bring them into a place of worship and reflection of who He is.  My heart is never to have my voice showcased or for me to be the center of any song.  My heart is to bring fun and an energetic spirit to the gospel collectively with others.”  There is profound purpose in serving and glorifying the Lord through song.  For Jessica, that purpose is to help others to be seen and to experience the freedom that comes through the gospel, the Good News, of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

I started playing at Immanuel Baptist Church because of my long relationship with Bob Barrett.  He and I played together at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest for eight years before Bob Barrett became the musical Director over at Immanuel.  Soon after, about 11 years ago, Bob called me and asked if I would like to join him at Immanuel, and I have been there ever since,” says renown electric guitar player, Blake Aaron.  Even though Blake has topped the Smooth Jazz charts, has several #1 Billboard singles, and has recorded and/or performed with such musical greats as Philip Bailey, Sheila E., Bobby Womack, Carlos Santana, and many others, Blake still plays his guitar regularly at the Immanuel Baptist Church Sunday morning services.  Blake will be sharing his musical genius with you at the Jazz in the Spirit concert.  If you close your eyes for just a moment while Blake is playing, you might actually think Jimi Hendrix came back to life as a smooth jazz artist.  You are going to love hearing Blake shred his guitar.  And if you’re lucky, he just might come over to you and give you your own private performance.

Last, but not least, is Charles A. Kelly, Jr.  You may know him in the neighbor as Manager/Coach/Assistant Coach for the local Little League teams.  Or, you may have seen him and his children serving in the Worship Arts Ministry at church for many years, where Charles (who was always surrounded by keyboards) and the Praise and Worship Team opened up concerts for Christian artists, CeCe Winans, Israel Houghton, Jeremy Camp, the Katinas, Mary Mary, Salvador, Selah, and Tommy Walker.

When asked how he had learned to play multiple keyboards at a time, Charles credits much of his musical experience to the time he spent in the music studio working with Stevie Wonder and his time on the road as Musical Director touring with Sister Sledge (song: We Are Family).  So, with all that experience, why go into music ministry for the Church?  Charles says,  “I got into Christian music initially because I felt it was a healthy environment to resume my music career while helping out at the church as a volunteer.  However, as time went on, I realized that volunteering to play keyboards in the church services was bringing me into a much-needed personal relationship with Christ.  As I began to be filled with the Holy Spirit, I soon realized that God has a purpose for me playing Christian music.  It had become an integral part of my life, and it still is.

Now, after many years of playing keyboards, Charles, for the first time, has fused his love for Christ with his musical experience in his first album as a solo artist titled, You’re Not Alone.  Each song, though instrumental, tells a story about Charles’ personal relationship with either God, his wife, or even himself.  Come to the Jazz in the Spirit 2023 concert and let the gospel music and smooth jazz flavors rejuvenate your soul!  We’ll see you there!!

Concert begins at 6:30 pm

Immanuel Baptist Church

28355 Base Line Street

Highland, California 92346

(909) 425-1777

2023–2024 Mr. And Miss Cardinal City Royalty Announced

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) San Bernardino High School crowned a new Mr. and Miss Cardinal City and Court.

The Mr. and Miss Cardinal City pageant is the brainchild of Bilingual School Outreach Worker and Pageant Director Jaime Rios, who wanted to bring positive attention to both San Bernardino High School (SBHS) and the entire San Bernardino community, as well as build confidence and inspire positive values in the young men and women of SBHS.

Mr. and Miss Cardinal City and Court

Mr. Cardinal City 2023–2024: Alejandro Davalos

Mr. Cardinal City 2023–2024 First Runner Up: Carlos Robb Godoy

Mr. Cardinal 2023–2024 Second Runner Up: Nicholas Virgen

Miss Cardinal City 2023–2024: Danielle Francesca Villanueva

Miss Cardinal City 2023–2024 First Runner Up: Stephanie Dominguez

Miss Cardinal City 2023–2024 Second Runner Up: Dalia Aracely Mendoza

Special Pageant Awards

Mr. Photogenic: Oswaldo Diego

Miss Photogenic: Kayanna Aaliyah Marie Walker

Mr. Congeniality: Angel Ramon Jauregui

Miss Congeniality: Lisa Mariah Morfin

Mr. Cardinal People’s Choice: Alejandro Davalos

Miss Cardinal People’s Choice: Wendy Madariaga

Mr. Cardinal Contestant with the Highest GPA: Salvador Gaeta (4.65 weighted G.P.A.)

Miss Cardinal Contestant with the Highest GPA: Stephanie Dominguez (4.48 weighted G.P.A.)

Mr. Cardinal Contestant Best in Interview: Alejandro Davalos

Miss Cardinal Contestant Best in Interview: Danielle Francesca VillanuevaPrior to the pageant, all contestants had to volunteer many hours of community service. Winners commit to attending a wide variety of community events and providing many additional hours of community service to benefit the SBCUSD community.

Mr. Cardinal City Alejandro Davalos (center) and his court, Carlos Robb Godoy (left) and Nicholas Virgen (right)

Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 30 Years

Celebrating 30 Years of Empowerment with our Presidential Gala, we, the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, mark a milestone anniversary, awarding local community leaders on November 18, 2023, at the Embassy Suites Ontario, Ontario, California.

The SCBCOC proudly commemorates three decades of unwavering commitment of advocacy for economic growth for over 200,000 businesses and entrepreneurs. Established in 1993, the organization has been a driving force in fostering a vibrant and resilient business community, making significant strides in the pursuit of economic equality and social progress.

Our 30th Anniversary, Presidential Gala will be celebrated on November 18, 2023, from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, at the Embassy Suites Ontario, Ontario, California. From humble beginnings, we have grown into a formidable organization. The SCBCOC stands at the forefront of economic empowerment by fostering opportunities for businesses across the nation.

Throughout the years, with 15 chapters, SCBCOC has provided invaluable resources: mentorship programs, workshops, networking, as well as funding opportunities. Additionally, our organization has actively engaged in policy advocacy, ensuring that the voices of businesses are heard, and acknowledged at local, state, and federal levels.

“We are immensely proud to reach this milestone,” said Richard Wallace President of the SCBCOC. “Over the past three decades, we have witnessed the transformative impact of our efforts in the lives of countless entrepreneurs, fostering an environment of growth and prosperity. As we move forward, we remain committed to breaking barriers, and building a future where opportunities are boundless for every business owner. We invite all stakeholders, partners, and supporters to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion on November 18, 2023, from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, at the Embassy Suites Ontario, Ontario, California.”

To learn more about the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and our Presidential Gala, please visit www.blackchamberofcommerce.org/30-years-of-service.

College Day at San Bernardino County Government Center is a Success

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- For the first time, at the San Bernardino County Government Center, Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. hosted another successful College and Career Day. The event gathered over 200 students from the Colton Joint Unified, Rialto Unified, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, and San Bernardino City Unified, school districts.

Supervisor Baca, Jr. stated, “The significance of this event reaches far beyond today. It’s about planting seeds for our community’s future. Offering pathways for our youth to explore diverse career and educational possibilities enriches not just individual lives but fortifies our community’s backbone.”

This enriching event featured interactive workshops, panel discussions, and opportunities for direct networking, empowering students to connect with San Bernardino County Departments, San Bernardino County Fire, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s, and other professionals in their fields of interest. The initiative has seen consistent growth and serves as a valuable asset for students from Bloomington, Rialto, Colton, and San Bernardino.

“In hosting this event at the Government Center, we’re not only providing educational and career guidance but also issuing an invitation for civic participation. Our youth, in particular, are given a firsthand look at public service as a viable career path, to provide for their families” elaborated Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

The Office of Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. is committed to providing our young people with the resources necessary for them to succeed in their academic and career goals.