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By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Last week Malia M. Cohen was sworn-in as the first Black woman – and first African American — to serve as California’s State Controller.

On Monday, January 2, the oath of office was administered by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“I am proud and honored to serve as California’s state controller,” said Cohen. “The work to create a more equitable California has already begun. I look forward to ensuring fiscal accountability, with an eye toward transparency and innovation.”

On Friday Jan. 6, Cohen was given the oath of office by San Francisco Mayor London Breed with her husband Warren Pulley by her side.

The community event was held at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Sacramento.

“I am proud and honored to serve as California’s State Controller,” Cohen said. “The work to create a more equitable California has already begun. I look forward to ensuring fiscal accountability, with an eye toward transparency and innovation.”

California now has three Black politicians holding Constitutional offices including Cohen. Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond are the others.

“Congratulations @MaliaCohen. As California’s first Black state controller, Malia has made history and continues to break barriers while helping build long-term equity throughout our communities. I’m confident she will continue fighting for the rights of all Californians,” Breed stated in a January 6 post on her Twitter page

“I am excited to get to work on creating a more equitable California as your next Controller,” Cohen tweeted January 6.

Cohen was elected to the California Board of Equalization (BOE) in November 2018 and was named chairperson in 2019 and 2022. As Controller, Cohen continues to serve the Board as the BOE’s fifth voting member.

Prior to being elected to the BOE, Cohen was President of the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco. As a Member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, she also served as the Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee and President of the San Francisco Employees’ Retirement System (SFERS).

Cohen was born and raised in San Francisco. Her political journey, she says lightheartedly, began when she was elected class president of San Francisco’s Lowell High School, the oldest public high school on the West Coast. She has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Fisk University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.

She and her husband reside in San Francisco along with their daughter.

As the chief fiscal officer of California, Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The controller also has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds.

Cohen’s duties include being a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds.

At the St. Paul Baptist Missionary Baptist Church swearing-in, Kenneth Reece, the Senior Pastor, gave the opening prayer.

Held at the church six miles from the State Capitol, Cohen’s swearing-in ceremony included prayers offered by Imam Yasir Kahn, the Chaplain of the California State Assembly, and Rabbi Mona Alfi, the Senior Rabbi of Congregation B’Nai Israel.

Among guests were Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), Director of Bay Area Rapid Transit Bevan Duffy, California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Lorena Gonzalez, the singer Aloe Blacc and Jaqueline Thompson, Pastor at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland.

Cohen’s swearing-in was held on the second anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol. The day was packed with political activities in Sacramento and shadowed by references to the infamous Capitol insurrection in Washington that shocked people across the country and around the world.

That day, Gov. Newsom was sworn in to a second term. Rob Bonta was also sworn-in for the first time as the state’s Attorney General. He was appointed to the position by Newsom in March 2021.

Before Newsom’s outdoor ceremony, the Governor, his wife, and four children led a march from West Sacramento, across the Tower Bridge, to the Capitol. During the Governor’s address on the steps of the Capitol, he shared his feelings about the attack on the U.S. Capitol two years ago while addressing some of the state’s most pressing issues.

“Our politics doesn’t always reward taking on the hardest problems. The results of our work may not be evident for a long time. But that cannot be our concern,” Newsom said. “We will prepare for uncertain times ahead. We will be prudent stewards of taxpayer dollars, pay down debt, and meet our future obligations. And we will build and safeguard the largest fiscal reserve of any state in American history.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—- The 400 Years of African American History Commission (YAAHC), a federally appointed committee operating independently as established by the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and administered by the National Park Service invites you to join them for Justice Sunday Service Around the Clock on Sunday, January 15, 2023. Programming will begin at 12 p.m., EST, hosted by acclaimed actor/producer Ernie Hudson, featuring remarks from distinguished leaders such as:

• Sec. Lonnie Bunch, Smithsonian Institute
• Courtney Cox, SNCC Legacy Project
• Kemba Smith, Kemba Smith Foundation
• Glenn Anton “Doc” Rivers, 400 YAAHC Mentor of the Year
• Bryan Stevenson, Founder of The Equal Justice Initiative
• Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton, Episcopal Diocese of Maryland
• Dr. Kideste Yusef, Bethune Cookman University
• 70+ additional voices who maintain a commitment to service across industries, as well as music and spoken word

“Cultivating a space for African Americans to engage with the history of the leaders that preceded us is of the utmost importance. Justice Sunday is a space for us to reflect, reaffirm, and remember our charge on this earth,” explained Executive Director, Ms. Addie Richburg.

The 400 YAAHC recently awarded $150,000 in Network to Freedom grants to 26 existing and prospective listings in 10 states plus Washington, D.C., to document, preserve and interpret Underground Railroad history.

On December 02, 2022, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) presented its David P. Richardson, Jr. National Nation Builder Award to the 400 YAAHC at the 46th Annual Legislative Conference Gala Award Dinner in Las Vegas, Nevada as fighters for truth and justice.

The 400 YAAHC National Student Ambassadors Saniya Gay, the inaugural National Miss Juneteenth, and Tybre Faw, a mentee of the late Congressman John Lewis will co-host the one-hour virtual watch party beginning at 4:45 pm, EST, on Sunday, January 15, 2023, for Justice Sunday Service Around the Clock.

Please visit www.400yaahc.gov for more information.

“This is a diverse event that honors Black, Latino, Asian, white and all ethnicities,” said LuCretia Dowdy, president of LUE productions, the event’s organizer. “All races and creeds are welcome to this celebration of unity.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Saturday, January 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gala Awards is hosting a Red-Carpet Event at the San Bernardino International Airport. This year’s honorees are Wallace Allen, Wilmer Amina Carter, Danny Tillman, Hardy and Cheryl Brown, Jimmy Jews, Damon and Felicia Alexander and Darren Goodman.

“We are so happy to be honoring this year’s awardees,” said LuCretia Dowdy, president of LUE productions, the event’s organizer. “These people all have demonstrated diligent service to the communities they serve, helping to fulfill Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of equality for all.”

The black-tie event will open at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour and live entertainment that will regale attendees during the dinner, followed by the awards presentation. The airport is located at 275 North Leland Way in San Bernardino.

Damon Alexander serves on the San Bernardino City Council, representing the 7th Ward since November 2020. He has also been the Chairman of the City of San Bernardino’s Public Safety and Human Relations Commission, the Citizens Advisory Committee on Marijuana, as well as the President of the North End Neighborhood Association (NENA). His wife, Felicia, serves as Member at Large on the San Bernardino County Human Resources Equal Opportunity Commission.

Wallace Allen hosts a radio talk interview show, Empire Talks Back, on NBC affiliate KCAA and is the publisher of the West Side Story online newspaper that covers news and events happening in the west end of San Bernardino County.

Cheryl Brown is also a former California Assemblymember and current San Bernardino City Library Foundation Board member and Founder of the Black Voice News and the Black Voice Foundation. Hardy Brown College Prep, a tuition-free public charter K-12 school in San Bernardino, is named after her husband Hardy.

Wilmer Amina Carter served as California Assemblymember for the 62nd District and today is Director of Rialto-based Creative Business Services, Inc., She was the first Black elected to the Rialto Unified School District and served as district Director for the late Congressman George Brown for 21 years. Carter is the only living African American woman to have had a high school named after her, in her hometown of Rialto, Wilmer Amina Carter High School.

Danny Tillman is an information systems administrator for the County of San Bernardino Human Services Dept. and sits on the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education, where he serves as the longest serving member and Board Vice President. He advocates for the success of district students.

The last two honorees both broke color barriers by becoming the first Blacks to be hired by their respective agencies. On June 16, 2022, Darren Goodman became the first Black chief of police in San Bernardino. He also served as the City of Upland’s first Black chief of police. His 31 years of law enforcement experience included 27 with the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Dept.

Jimmy Jews broke the color barrier as San Bernardino’s first Black firefighter in 1971 and retired 25 years later, having risen through the ranks to hold the positions of fire investigator and then as spokesperson, achieving the rank of Captain in 1989. Jimmy passed away on November 17, 2022, at the age of 79. He will be honored posthumously.

Event sponsors include the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce and Youthbuild Inland Empire Charter School.

“This is a diverse event that celebrates Black, Latino, Asian, white and all ethnicities,” said Ms. Dowdy, “All races and creeds are welcome to this celebration of unity.”

For tickets and to RSVP for the event, call 888-466-7408 or go to the Black Chamber of Commerce website, info@blackchamberofcommerce.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino MLK DAY Parade Committee is excited to announce the Iconic Rap Group J.J. Fad as the official headliner for the Extravaganza. Don’t miss it! The event will be on Monday, January 16, 2023, from noon to 5 p.m. The parade route will be from Graciano Elementary to Arroyo Valley High School.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The “Poseidon Adventure” was No. 1 at the box office, “Killing Me Softly with His Song” topped the Billboard charts, “All In The Family” was far and away the most

popular show on TV and San Bernardino’s legendary Swing Auditorium was, well, in full swing, with a spring concert lineup that included Fleetwood Mac, Deep Purple and Swing favorite Rory Gallagher.

Pop culture was thriving back in March 1973, and so was San Bernardino County, with a population that had swelled more than 700,000, a growing Cal State University campus that was about to launch its first master’s degree program, and a Norton Air Force Base that employed more than 20,000 military and civilian workers. Growth brought its challenges, too – notably, an outdated mid-century transportation grid that needed significant care and upgrading.

Determined to confront future needs, leaders from across the county formed the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) in a formal ceremony in 1973, creating the platform and mechanism to attract billions of dollars in transportation funding over the next 50 years.

Today, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) – as SANBAG is now known – has emerged as a regional and national leader in bringing innovative transportation solutions to one of the fastest-growing population and economic centers anywhere.

“As current board members, we’re grateful for the vision and determination that our predecessors showed a half-century ago. Today, we confront similar challenges, along with some new ones, but are better equipped than ever to deal with them and improve the quality of life across our county,” said Art Bishop, President of the SBCTA Board and Mayor Pro Tem for the Town of Apple Valley.

Formed as a joint powers authority, SANBAG was governed by a 19-member general assembly, including five supervisors and one delegate from each of the county’s 14 cities. Today’s SBCTA Board consists of 29 members – five supervisors and one delegate from each of the 24 incorporated cities.

Along with more cities, the county’s population has continued to grow, tripling to nearly 2.2 million today.

“We are fortunate to live in such a dynamic region, but as our own history has taught us, we need to continue innovating and finding ways to meet the needs of a population that is growing much faster than anyone could have anticipated,” said SBCTA Board Vice President Dawn Rowe, San Bernardino County’s 3rd District Supervisor.

SANBAG had little time to waste after its formal dedication. Almost immediately after its formation, the Southern California Rapid Transit District would shut down its east-west bus line across San Bernardino County. This incentivized local leaders to connect local bus service from one city to the next.

The agency’s early work was bolstered by the original state Senate Bill 325 and the one-quarter cent sales tax it authorized for transportation improvements. By early 1976, San Bernardino County had received $11.6 million in SB 325 funding.

Through the 1970s and beyond, SANBAG/SBCTA has taken a leadership role in addressing air quality issues, including endorsing annual smog inspections, promoting public transit and enhancing our highway system to reduce congestion and the accompanying greenhouse gas emissions. It played a leading role in bringing Metrolink service to San Bernardino County in 1993, extending the 210 freeway from the Los Angeles County line to Redlands, and developing the nine-mile Arrow rail line from Redlands to San Bernardino. The latter, which opened earlier this year, represents the next generation of rail transit through an innovative multiple-unit approach that allows for the current low-emission diesel power pack to be replaced by a hydrogen powered zero-emission unit currently under development.

Today, SBCTA also is on the front line of bringing a high-speed rail system from Las Vegas through the High Desert and into the recently rebranded Cucamonga Station. The agency also is seeking bids for a proposed transit tunnel between Cucamonga Station and Ontario International Airport.

“From the earliest days of SANBAG, our county transportation agency has looked for – and found – creative ways to connect people and places across the largest geographic county in the U.S. This has also helped to fortify our economy by opening up new business opportunities, attracting more jobs and helping to establish us as the place to live and work in Southern California,” said Alan D. Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority and Council Member for the City of Ontario.

Funding, of course, is key. SBCTA has been highly successful in securing grant funding for transit and transportation improvements, including more than $110 million for the future West Valley Connector bus rapid transit system linking ONT, two Metrolink lines and multiple activity centers from Pomona to Rancho Cucamonga.

Significant funding also comes from Measure I, a half-cent sales tax approved by county voters – first in 1989 and again in 2004. Over those years, Measure I has funded billions of dollars and leveraged billions more in State and Federal funding in much-needed improvements across the county. The foresight and trust shown by the voters of San Bernardino County played a critical role in the positive growth of the region.

“San Bernardino County was ahead of the game when SANBAG was formed 50 years ago, and we remain ahead of the game today. As we address regional challenges, the collaboration and cooperation of our cities and stakeholders is as important as ever, and SBCTA is the vehicle to make that happen,” said SBCTA Board Member and former Board President Larry McCallon, Councilmember for the City of Highland.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) recently announced he has named Vanessa Brierty as his new district director. In November, Ramos was elected to represent the newly drawn 45th Assembly District which includes Fontana and Rialto, as well as San Bernardino. He will also represent constituents in Highland and Redlands which he previously served as the assemblymember from the 40th assembly district.

Brierty has served as a senior consultant to the California Native American Legislative Caucus which Ramos chairs, for the past year. She is an enrolled tribal member from the Pueblo of Laguna and is one of the few Native American staffers serving in the Legislature. She is currently a graduate student studying Indigenous Education and recently delivered a TedX talk sharing the importance of incorporating traditional cultural practices in one’s overall health and wellness.

“Parents of infants and seniors should see their doctor right away if symptoms are not responding to treatment, to make sure that the illness does not get worse and turn into a case of bronchitis or pneumonia,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates.

Carl Dameron holds his daughter Shaila and prays for the best.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Respiratory syncytial virus, better known as RSV, has been spreading rapidly this fall. Both children and adults can easily contract this common illness and since there is no vaccine or drug that combats this infection, it’s important to treat it properly. Also, like the flu or the common cold, you can catch it more than once.

A virus is syncytial when its cells have more than one nucleus, a result of multiple cells fusing together. RSV, per the Centers for Disease Control, is a common respiratory virus and most often causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two. As the CDC has noted, almost all children will have contracted the illness one or more times by the time they are two years old.

That said, as Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, said, “Sometimes RSV can have serious outcomes, especially in children less than one year old, senior citizens and immuno-compromised people.” Serious consequences may include the onset of bronchitis or even pneumonia.

RSV’s symptoms include runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. In most cases, these symptoms show up in stages, rather than all at once. In very young infants, “the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties,” per the CDC.

RSV’s symptoms include runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. In most cases, these symptoms show up in stages, rather than all at once. In very young infants, “the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties,” per the CDC.

No vaccine currently exists for RSV, although research to develop one is ongoing. Since there’s no readily available cure, there are three steps to take to treat the infection.

One, use over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give aspirin to children, as it could result in the child developing Reye’s syndrome, a disease that may cause seizures, coma and even death.

Two, make sure the patient drinks plenty of fluids and stays properly hydrated.

Three, and this is especially advisable, talk to your doctor before giving your child nonprescription cold remedies. Some over-the-counter medicines that are fine for adults may contain ingredients that should not be given to children.

“Parents of infants and seniors should see their doctor right away if symptoms are not responding to treatment, to make sure that the illness does not get worse and turn into a case of bronchitis or pneumonia,” said Dr. Arteaga.

For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. call (855) 349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

LaSalle operates six clinics employing more than 100 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) coverage.

LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 1,100,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, and Tulare counties.

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen, IV

Racial equity was the cornerstone of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s mission and messaging. A mission and messaging that is being as blatantly challenged today by bigots as it was during the height of the Civil Rights Movement!

This resurgence of hate and bigotry must be met by a renewed commitment to not only refuse to be bigots, but also become anti-bigots as individuals, and as institutions! To exemplify the local urgency, please note the recent settlement by the Department of Justice (DOJ), City of Hesperia and the San Bernardino County Sheriff for enforcing rental policies that discriminate against Black folks.

The Westside Story Newspaper, founded in 1987, has earned the reputation as a trusted advocate for and is a messenger to the Black and Brown Communities of the Inland Empire, particularly in the cities of Rialto, San Bernardino, and Fontana, where the concentration of Black people is the greatest. Colton and Highland are also experiencing growth in the population of Blacks.

I am asking that you place your message in one of, or both of the special January issues of WssNews that acknowledge the celebration of Dr. King’s life and mission. Your advertising participation will help to clarify and reinforce the perception that you and your institution support the concepts of racial and social equity as represented by Dr. King. It will also indicate that you not only reject bigotry but are fighting it as well!

WssNews will publish two “Salute to Martin” editions. January12 will focus on planned events and January 19 will cover results of some of those events.

Call WssNews at (909) 384-8131 and leave your contact information or email walleniv@yahoo.com. Use ‘Anti-Bigot’ as the Subject.

By Lou K Coleman-Yeboah

Inland Empire resident, entrepreneur, community activist Eugene Weems, aka V.I.P. is also a champion mixed martial artist. [MMA]. He is currently, the King of the Streets Underground Fight Club Heavyweight, World Champion [K.O.T.S.] where the most notorious fights are bare knuckle, with no rules, no rounds, and no decisions, thus the winner only gets the prize money by knocking out the opponent!  Weems is also a former Five-time Tough Man Champion. He earned his K.O.T.S. title in Panama on November 26, 2022, by knocking out his opponent in 32 seconds!

Eugene Weems served 17 years 8 months in the California Department of Corrections for robbery. Upon his release in 2018, he made history by running for the California 31st Congressional District seat currently held by Representative Pete Aguilar in 2020.

Weems is also the founder (2013) and CEO of Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace [VG4VP.ORG]. A nonprofit organization.

Eugene Weems is a pillar in the IE community, who, via Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace consistently provides resources to the homeless and underserved populations in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County and Clark County, Las Vegas. He is a consultant, and community intervention specialist. A man, who has built a reputation as a progressive leader focusing on making a difference that benefits society.

When questioned about his motivation, Weems responds, “My motivation is my Grandmother Aldine Weems who raised me to be the man that I am today, a leader who leads by example with strict morals and values. I am a firm believer that Drive, Determination and Persistence does not recognize Failure. I was brought up to put God first and to believe in myself. I don’t allow others’ belief systems to dictate my abilities to achieve my desired goals or impede on my success. I’m a realist. I believe in facts not cliches. When I mentor people, I pass on the same beliefs that my grandmother instilled in me.”

Weems is committed to using his non-profit organization, Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace to reduce gang violence within the urban communities by fostering ways to reduce crime. His passion is to assure that every child has an opportunity to pursue his or her dreams regardless of nationality or ethnicity.

He is currently competing for a “Six Figure” contract in pro boxing’s Team Combat League [TCL]. “I am being trained by the legendary world champion, hall of fame kickboxer, Dewey, “Black Kobra” Cooper! My   strength and conditioning coaches are both world class… Mr. David Hayes and Grandmaster Terry Blackburn, of BKMMA and Two Dragons Taekwondo Gym in Las Vegas Nevada… And I expect to win, both in the ring as well as out of the ring in my quest to help others find their way!” he stated.

Weems will be a guest on the Empire Talks Back (ETB) radio broadcast on Sunday morning, January 8th… ETB is broadcast at 10:05 on KCAA 1050 AM Radio, streaming live video via KCAA Radio

VICTORVILLE, CA— Justified Smith, founder of Fathers in Hip Hop, and Victorville Mayor, Debra Jones, came together over the Christmas holiday to deliver a blessing to the High Desert Community by passing out $3,000 worth of Walmart Gift Cards to random fathers and their families shopping on December 23 at The Victorville Super Wal-Mart on Palmdale Rd. and Hwy 395 border lining the City of Adelanto.

Fathers In Hip Hop & Group Economics created the “BLESSED IN THE MESS CHRISTMAS” campaign to raise $3,000 to Bless the Mess at Wal-Mart. In 12 days, the team was able to reach their Goal by receiving small donations from several people in their network and support system, proving their theory that Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.

Justified Smith and Mayor Debra Jones accompanied by a crew of volunteers walked the isles of Walmart handing out $25, $50, and $100 gift cards to unsuspecting shoppers. You could feel the joy in the air as multiple families were surprised with a Christmas Blessing from Fathers in Hip Hop & Mayor Jones.

“In a time of recession and financial hardships, what an awesome way for these families to experience a CHRISTMAS BLESSING!” said Victorville Mayor Debra Jones.

Follow The Fathers in Hip Hop on Instagram @fathersinhiphop