Grassroots Groups Push “Motor Voter” Bill Aimed at 100% Registration of California’s Electorate

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Last week, hundreds of community leaders, advocates, and organizers representing labor, faith-based, Black, AAPI, Latinos, women and youth rally and march were held at the State Capitol. They were supporting Senate Bill (SB) 846, which aims to increase election turnout and remove barriers to voter registration for millions of Californians.

The California Grassroots Democracy Coalition, which is the largest voting rights coalition in California, has launched a campaign to enfranchise 4.7 million unregistered voters through SB 846. This bill, also known as the Motor Voter bill, was authored by state Senators Caroline Menjivar (D-Chino) and Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara).

The coalition, which represents millions of Californians, has embarked on a multi-year campaign to expand the electorate to better reflect the state’s diversity. SB 846 is co-sponsored by three members of the California Black Legislative Caucus (CLBC) — Assemblymembers Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), and Mike Gipson (D-Carson).

“For decades, grassroots organizations like ours have worked year-round, mobilizing voters, organizing immigrant communities, providing legal services, running advocacy campaigns, and building multi-racial, multi-issue coalitions,” said Stanette Dixon, volunteer coordinator from Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement. “We are coming together to advance a new vision for California’s democracy and dismantle racist barriers to civic participation that marginalize BIPOC, naturalized citizens, young, low-income, and low English proficiency voters.”

SB 846 is being reviewed in the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to transmit specified information to Secretary of State Shirley Weber for each person submitting a driver’s license application. To be eligible for voter registration or preregistration, these individuals must be United States citizens and of an eligible age.

Several states, including Alaska, Massachusetts, Oregon, Colorado, Delaware and the District of Columbia, have already passed similar legislation with overwhelmingly positive results. Members of the coalition and other supporters marched from the state capitol and circled the Secretary of State building twice at 10th and O streets in downtown Sacramento to rally support for the legislation.

SB 846 provides a path to 100% voter registration, supporters say.

“California is no stranger to making election improvements, from creating the first version of automatic voter registration, to making it possible for all registered voters to vote by mail. Now, we have the opportunity to take the next step in modernizing California’s elections,” Limón said in a statement. “SB 846 will broaden access to the ballot box for all eligible voters.”

Data shows that due to a lack of voter registration among traditionally hard-to-reach communities, California’s current voter population is unrepresentative of its demographic, Limón and Menjivar explain.

According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), 82% of California’s adults are eligible to vote, but only 64% are registered. As a result, younger, lower income, less educated and state residents who are renters are underrepresented during elections.

Leveraging its voter engagement expertise with communities traditionally ignored by mainstream political campaigns, the California Grassroots Democracy Coalition (CGDC) says it promotes legislation that expands the electorate, builds up civic education, voter registration, and turnout in underrepresented communities, according to the group’s website.

CGDC comprises 140-plus grassroots organizations that are committed to helping California’s most vulnerable communities become empowered through pro-democracy reforms.  Organizations in the network have a range of priorities, including, criminal justice reform, immigrant rights, language access, low-income communities, environmental justice, religious rights, labor unions, etc.

Julius Thibodeaux, Executive Director for Movement 4 Life, spoke about his experience as a person who was formerly incarcerated and how it affected his access to voting.  He also discussed the importance of investing in the development, health and wellbeing of youth in cities.

“In 2020, California voters restored voting rights for more than 50,000 people who are no longer incarcerated. But that’s only the first step,” Thibodeaux told California Black Media at the march and rally. “Now, the work begins to get folks informed, registered, and returning to the ballot box every fall and spring election.”

SB Symphony Concert Under the Stars with Fireworks July 1

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director and Conductor Anthony Parnther, will present their second annual evening of music under the stars Saturday, July 1, on the San Bernardino Valley College football field. Repertoire includes a wide variety of musical genres and will culminate in Tchaikovsky’s bombastic 1812 Overture and Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever performed to a dazzling fireworks display!

Explained Maestro Parnther, “After last summer’s electrifying response to a taste of opera, we decided to expand on that this year and invite the colossal vocal talents of Jennifer Lindsay, Orson Van Gay II, and by popular demand, the return of Ashley Faatoalia. So in addition to our patriotic fare, we’ll explore the best in opera, including that of Gershwin, Bizet, Massenet, Gounod, Verdi, and Puccini. I’m also excited to invite the brilliant duo of Jamie Carganilla and Drew Tablak as they perform some of my personal favorite Broadway hits from iconic productions like Chorus Line, Wicked, Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables, and Moulin Rouge.”

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early with their picnic baskets or visit one of the many food trucks that will be on campus for Valley College’s free SUMMERFEST event which begins at 5:30 p.m. SUMMERFEST will feature campus tours, information booths, and family activities.

The concert begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. Both assigned table seating and general admission lawn/bleacher seating are available for purchase. Children under age 12 are free, as is parking campus wide.

“San Bernardino Valley College is thrilled to host the highly anticipated ‘America, the Beautiful’ event, presented by the renowned San Bernardino Symphony once again,” said Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District. “I extend a heartfelt invitation to our esteemed alumni, beloved families, and passionate music lovers to join us for an enchanting summer evening under the stars. Prepare to be captivated by the beautiful melodies of a live orchestra and make new memories that will last a lifetime.”

Tickets and Location Details

Assigned Table Seating at tables of eight is available at $30-$100 per seat. General Admission grass/bleacher seating is also available at $10 per person (don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets!) Tickets may be purchased online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday. Children under 12 are free and do not need a ticket.

San Bernardino Valley College is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino. The football field is located on the south side of campus.

“You’ve Never Lived It”: San Francisco Mayor Breed Defends Decision to Arrest Drug Users

By Joe Bowers and Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Mayor London Breed has been adamant in defense of her policy to arrest and detain drug users to get them into treatment programs.

Breed has directed the San Francisco Police Department to use public intoxication laws to make these arrests. So far, officers have cited or arrested 38 people under the “Intoxication Detention Program.”

Tensions flared over Breed’s policies during a Board of Supervisors’ meeting on June 13.

“Here we go, another White man talking about Black and Brown people as if you’re the savior of these people,” Breed told Supervisor Dean Preston, a frequent critic of both the mayor and police.

Preston interrogated the mayor on her plans to open wellness hubs for overdose prevention, as well as the recent drug-related arrests. Preston quoted from a Department of Public Health report that discouraged “punitive policies” and noted that Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities have long been targeted by drug crackdowns.

“The fact is, it’s not just services; it’s also force,” Breed responded, using the example of a friend who had entered treatment after an arrest. “You can quote all these statistics all you want, but at the end of the day, you’ve never lived in it.

Micah May Named Omnitrans Director of Information Technology

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Omnitrans is pleased to welcome Micah May as the agency’s new Director of Information Technology (IT).

As leader of the IT Department, May will oversee agency network systems infrastructure, cybersecurity, emerging technology, and business continuity while managing the agency IT team.

“Micah’s public sector experience, along with his performance optimization skill set, will be invaluable as we seek innovative technology to enhance service,” said CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers.

“I am looking forward to working with the IT team to strengthen and develop systems that benefit internal and external Omnitrans customers,” said May.

Prior to Omnitrans, May served as Deputy Court Executive Office – Technology CIO for the Superior Court of California County of San Bernardino and Assistant Deputy Court Executive Officer for the Superior Court of California County of Riverside. May is a graduate of American Intercontinental University, and currently is working toward his Master of Business Administration degree from West Texas A & M University.

“Why?”

By Lou K Coleman

Oh, no you didn’t just ask “Why?” After all the warnings, the roadblocks I sent to stop you, to arrest your attention, to get you to turn around, you got the nerve to ask “Why?” You know “Why!” Over and over again, I have shown such long suffering towards you restraining My anger, giving you much time to repent and change your ways, but no, you want to sink deeper and deeper in sin and continue to do you. Claiming to be descendants of Abraham, enslaved to no one! If you were descendants of Abraham, you would have listened to Me, but you couldn’t even hear Me! You are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he has always hated the truth because there is no truth in him. But you got the nerve to ask, “Why?” No need to ask “Why?” Disobedience always walks hand in hand with consequences. So just imagine spending ETERNITY with that on your mind! Imagine being in Hell for a million years and then thinking, “I didn’t have to come here! I could have received Christ! Oh, what a fool I was! If only I had not been so stubborn! If…if…if…!” That’s the shame of Hell: going there when you don’t have to go! Why? Why? Why?

I tell you, if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell…. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell…. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ [Mark 9:43-48].

People accuse God of being unfair in sending sinners to Hell. It is not God’s decision it is ours. We send ourselves to Hell through the decisions we make in this life. As [Ezekiel 33:4] states, “If the people hear the horn and ignore the warning and the enemy comes and takes them, they will be responsible for their own deaths. The decision is YOUR’S, not God’s. God made His decision over 2000 years ago when He gave His Only Begotten Son to die as a payment for your sins. So, if you go to Hell, you will go AGAINST God’s will. Because you chose to reject God. You harden your heart, you didn’t want to hear about Jesus, and you ignored all the ways God tried to reach you throughout your entire life. So don’t be asking why when you know why. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn from your evil ways; for why will ye die. [Ezekiel 33:11]. You have been given a second chance; Go and sin no more. Lest a worse thing come upon you. [John 5:14].

I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it… [Deuteronomy 30:14-20]. This is your Exodus! Repent and live!

Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation of Riverside named 2023 Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 58

SACRAMENTO, CA— On California Nonprofits Day, Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) honors the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation as the 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 58.

“For many years, the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation has worked tirelessly to create opportunities, foster empowerment, build unity, and promote equity within our Inland Empire communities,” said Assemblymember Cervantes. “The Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation has been a pillar of our region and it is a great honor to name them as California Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 58!”

“The Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation is committed to providing the Riverside community’s diverse population with cultural-based programs, provide unique, stimulating, and thought-provoking cultural presentations to awaken and inform our community of the future, while reflecting on our past. We are extremely grateful, deeply humbled, and appreciative for this great opportunity to be recognized by Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes as a nonprofit of the year,” said Adrian “Dell” and Carmen Roberts.

The Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation (ADCR Foundation) consists of dedicated volunteers focused on empowering Riverside County residents through cultural activities, education, and economic development. ADCR Foundation showcases Riverside County’s rich cultural diversity with colorful, inspiring, and authentic cultural activities throughout the year. Notably, the Foundation has successfully organized and coordinated one of the longest-running Black History Month Parades in California. Other activities include the Black History Month Expo, Backpack Giveaway, and the Empowering Young Women’s Conference. The Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation is committed to “bringing communities and opportunities together,” rewarding academic achievement and excellence with scholarships, and nurturing an awareness of “giving back to the community” within today’s youth.

Learn more at adcrfoundation.org.

What it Do with The LUE: Inland Empire’s Old School 70’s Summer Jam

By Lue Dowdy | LUE Productions

Calling all my old school music lovers. The Bromatics along with a few other amazing acts will be hitting the stage on Saturday, July 1, at 6:30 p.m. at the Haven City Rancho Market, located at 8443 Haven Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga.

Get ready as Stone Gas Entertainment Production presents the Inland Empire’s Old School 70’s Summer Jam featuring the BROMATICS-Performing Motown Hits. There will be Special performances by: The Five Tempting Men; The SoulTones -Harold Melvins Blue Notes; Melodik-singing the hits of the Marvelettes; and Kim Caffey-A Gladys Knight Tribute.

Doors Open at 5:00 p.m., and the red carpet will be provided and hosted by LUE PRODUCTIONS. We are looking forward to seeing you there with your dancing shoes on!

You may purchase your tickets on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inland-empires-old-school-70s-summer-jam-tickets-634369806167?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Redlands Police Welcomes New Chief

REDLANDS, CA— Retiring Redlands Police Chief Chris Catren was honored by the city last week, recognizing his 28-year career with the department. At the event, he was joined by new Chief Rachel Tolber, another department veteran with 25 years of service to the residents of Redlands.

Chief Tolber is the first female police chief in the city’s history. “I am truly humbled and honored to be selected to lead the men and women of the RPD in our service of such an incredible community,” she said in a statement published by the Redlands Daily Facts. You can read more about Redlands’ new police chief here and here.

Two Sets of Twin Doctors Graduate from Loma Linda University

LOMA LINDA, CA— Two sets of twins from the Inland Empire are now doctors after graduating from Loma Linda University (LLU.)

Twin sisters Lauren and Karen Bathan grew up in Loma Linda. Their parents are also LLU alums: their mother, a nurse practitioner, and their father, a physical therapy assistant. “Although our parents first influenced us to have a healthcare career, we decided to become doctors to lead patient care,” Lauren said.

Similarly, twin brothers Christopher and Luis Chan attended LLU School of Pharmacy after graduating from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

Originally from Chino, they are the first in their family to attend college. “We knew in high school we wanted to become doctors,” Luis said. “After volunteering at Pomona Valley Medical Center in college, we knew pharmacy was the right career path for us.”

Thanks to Loma Linda University Health for providing this inspiring story. Read more about the Bathan and Chan twins here.

Bridging The Gap: Safety Symposium & Expo held Saturday, June 24

FONTANA, CA—- No topic is more important than the health, safety, and well-being of a loved one, but especially a loved one with a special need. A variety of health and safety information along with valuable resources will be available at the Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. 1st Annual Bridging the Gap: Safety Symposium & Expo on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Entrepreneur High School located at 7775 Sierra Avenue in Fontana. Sponsors for the event include Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Neurelis, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), American Medical Response (AMR), and A. Upland Fire Protection.

“The goal of our first annual Safety Symposium is to bring together medical and subject matter professionals to share and demonstrate the latest safety advancements and trends to better serve our communities,” said Executive Director Melanee Stovall. “The event will feature a wide variety of speakers and professionals from first responders American Medical Response Team, San Bernardino County Sheriff Department, Neurologist and Behavioral Interventionist; with the aim of disseminating safety practices to protect our family members in an emergency situation,” she added.

“This is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap in a fun, interactive and sensory focused space,” said Volunteer Director Melody Solomon. “This event is FREE and open to the public, as all are welcome. The first 50 people will be entered into a raffle for awesome prizes. There will be face painting, balloon artists, refreshments, giveaways and much more. This is an event you do not want to miss,” she added.

The Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. (LBF) is a California 501(c)3 nonprofit public benefit corporation founded to support individuals and families living with epilepsy and other seizure related disorders. LBF’s mission is to raise awareness of the disease of epilepsy and other seizure related disorders, shine a light for those individuals and families affected, and partner with other organizations to find a cure.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, “epilepsy affects 1 out of every 26 individuals; 3.4 million people nationwide, more than 65 million people globally, and 150,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year.”

For more information or to volunteer, call (951)374-0933 or email us at admin@legacybridgesfoundation.org.

To make a monetary contribution today, visit www.givebutter.com/LegacyBridgesFoundation-Donations. Support the foundation’s mission to raise awareness, shine a light and partner to find a cure. All contributions are fully tax-deductible to the extent of the law.