What it do with Lue

By Lou K. Coleman| WSS News Contributor

For it now appears they are ready to play the “end game” card against humanity and go for a total civilization takedown. This means disrupting the food supply chain, the power grid, telecommunications, monetary systems, and the rule of law. The goal is absolute chaos resulting in massive death on a global scale. Gird your loins because the stage is set! The prophecies of the Bible and Satan’s plans for ruling the world are ready to reach their conclusion! The awakening is accelerating, and they are hellbent on causing death, destruction, and chaos.

Certainly, you are not ignorant that evil, the workings of Satan, are all around us. For the Bible speaks of “principalities and powers” [Ephesians 6:12], forces of influence and control that operate behind the scenes, and according to the Scriptures, these entities, aligned with Satan, manipulate the world’s affairs. These entities exert significant influence over the systems of our world, shaping narratives and dictating the limits of permissible action for those beneath them in the hierarchy of power. Wake up!  I ask you, “Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?” [Mark 8:18].

If you do not awake from your slumber and grid your loins, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you, and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” [Luke 19:41-46].

So, wake up and gird your loins for the awakening is accelerating and this time of trouble [Revelation chapters 6 and 8] is here.

By Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

Last month, Groundswell for Water Justice, a grassroots advocacy group, joined civil rights leaders at the State Capitol in Sacramento. They demanded immediate action to address the state’s worsening water and housing crises.

A 2021 California auditor Report found that more than one million Californians lacked access to safe, clean drinking water. Two in three of those people, they found, were people of color. According to data from the US Census Bureau Annual Survey of State and Local Government Finances found that expenditures on drinking water infrastructure in California declined overall since 2010, but much of the infrastructure is old. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) estimates that a third of their 6,780 miles of water pipes installed over 80 years ago will reach the end of their useful life in the next 20 years.

“I think the very first piece is making sure that the plight of the million Californians that don’t have access to water are being heard,” Groundswell for Water Justice spokesman Ed Sanders told California Black Media (CBM).

“Policy leaders can have an honest conversation about this but understand that there are human lives that are impacted. And that has to sort of be put at the front. That need is urgent, it’s sort of born of a legacy of discrimination, and needs to be addressed.”

California had one of its wettest years ever in 2023, following a harsh decades-long drought that left many of the state’s lakes and reservoirs dry, forcing Gov. Newsom to create water restrictions across the state.

“There’s not a silver bullet that solves all of this. I think, you know, obviously, we need to sort of look holistically at the whole water supply. Where the demand is, where the water is captured, how we convey it,” Sanders continued.

A coalition of community, civil rights, labor, and infrastructure leaders around the state combined efforts and resources to create Groundswell for Water Justice. The organization advocates for policies that improve the delivery of water by supporting small water system operators throughout the state which often serve low-income communities of color.

Groundswell advocates say extreme weather swings from intense heatwaves to powerful atmospheric rivers have required California to upgrade the water capture, purification, and distribution infrastructure, much of which is decades old and not built to support the nation’s most populous state. They contend that water infrastructure must expand if California is going to meet its housing mandates. Without proper water infrastructure, developers cannot get new housing approved.

Groundswell co-founder Robert Sausedo calls the water crisis the “civil rights issue of our time. He insists that conservation and construction are the two approaches that will solve it.

“Several 100 people who are directly impacted by this issue of clean safe drinking water joined us to raise their voices towards a clarion call for justice for the have-nots to share in the same privileges of the haves when it comes to water,” Sausedo told LA Focus at the rally.

“The goal now is to continue moving forward in our efforts to organize the state and bring on more organizations to participate with the 52 organizations across the state that are currently involved and advocate for those who are too often overlooked and to ensure that both state and federal legislatures continue to do the right thing for those who are disenfranchised when it comes down to one of the most critical needs — clean water,” he added.

California’s earthquake-prone environment presents an additional risk.  According to former U.S. Geological Survey seismologist Lucy Jones, water infrastructure represents “the single biggest vulnerability we’re facing in Southern California.”

These risks can be mitigated, says Jones, by relying less on transporting water long distances and developing more local sources of water. However, there’s a built-in challenge with that solution.  According to the California Department of Water Resources, the state received 75% of its rain and snow in the watersheds north of Sacramento, but 80% of the state’s water demand comes from the southern ? of the state.

Among guest speakers at the rally were Richard Polanco, former State Senator; Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles; Marc Morial, CEO and President of the National Urban League; Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction; and more.

The California Aqueduct is infrastructure that is critical for water distribution in the state. Built in the 1960’s, it transports water 444 miles from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the agricultural breadbasket San Joaquin Valley, through the largest water lift, the Edmonston Pumping Plant, then stored in Pyramid Lake, Castaic Lake, and Lake Perris for distribution throughout Los Angeles, and inland empire cities.

Los Angeles imports water from the Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges via the 242-mile-long Los Angeles Aqueduct. Southern California imports water from the Colorado River via the 233-mile-long Colorado River Aqueduct.

California also gets water from groundwater, though water from these 515 subterranean basins is being extracted faster than it can be recharged. As a result, the available water from most groundwater basins is decreasing, according to the CDWR.

Advocates point out that water is and has always been a critical factor in shaping California’s population and economy. The balance of urban development, agricultural sustainability, and ecological preservation of watersheds (fish need water too) will be strained as Californians endure the effects of climate change.

The leadership at Groundswell for Water Justice says the organization is working to make sure that all people are represented in decisions affecting the livability of their communities.

YUCAIPA, CA — Crafton Hills College (CHC) was ranked as the region’s top community college for the University of California (UC) transfer admission rates during the 2023 application cycle, according to the UC Information Center. This achievement reflects CHC’s commitment to providing accurate, efficient, and proactive counseling services, as well as robust transfer support services.

CHC recognizes that the transfer admission process is a critical milestone for students aiming to continue their higher education at prestigious institutions like those in the UC system. The success in achieving high transfer admission rates is attributed to the dedication of CHC’s Counseling Department and University Transfer Center, both of which play a pivotal role in guiding students through the complex transfer process.

Mariana Macamay, CHC’s University Transfer Center faculty coordinator and counselor, explained, “Our counselors are committed to staying up-to-date and current in transfer admission criteria, participating in regular training sessions to enhance their knowledge and skills. This commitment ensures that CHC students receive the most accurate and relevant information, enabling them to make informed decisions about transfer to four-year institutions.”

An integral component of CHC’s success is the noteworthy performance of its Latinx and African American/Black students. These students not only met but exceeded the achievements of other ethnic groups in successfully applying and being admitted to UC campuses. Fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers students from all backgrounds to achieve their academic goals is an essential part of the college’s mission.

CHC Dean of Student Services and Counseling, Dr. Ivan Peña, expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of the student services team. “This recognition underscores our commitment to student success and the effectiveness of our counseling and transfer support services. We are particularly proud of the achievements of our Latinx and African American/Black students, highlighting the commitment to equity at Crafton Hills College.”

SAN BERNARDINO — The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) and the San Bernardino California School Boards Association (SBCSBA) proudly recognized the outstanding achievements of six school districts within San Bernardino County during the SBCSBA Annual Meeting held on January 29, 2024.

“We are thrilled to recognize these exceptional programs,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Each winning school district has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and student success.”

The ceremony, held at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center in San Bernardino, showcased the exemplary programs of each award-winning district. The 2023 Golden Bell Award recipients from San Bernardino County, listed in the order presented by CSBA, are as follows:

• Redlands Unified School District: Computing, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (C-STEM) – Closing the Opportunity Gap
• Morongo Unified School District: Outdoor Classroom Project – Family/Student/Community Engagement
• Rialto Unified School District: RITZ (Rialto’s Incredible Talent Zone) – Family/Student/Community Engagement
• Victor Elementary School District: Child Welfare and Attendance Liaison – Family/Student/Community Engagement
• San Bernardino City Unified School District: SBCUSD Bullying Intervention System – School Culture and Safety
• Chino Valley Unified School District: High School Road Show – Student Support Services

The Computing, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (C-STEM) program in the Redlands Unified School District aims to transform mathematics education by integrating hands-on coding and robotics into California’s Common Core State Standards. The program focuses on closing the achievement gap for students traditionally underrepresented in STEM-related courses and developing 21st-century problem-solving skills.

The Outdoor Classroom Project at Yucca Valley Elementary School, part of the Morongo Unified School District, provides physical spaces for outdoor learning, fostering authentic, project-based learning and environmental education. The program emphasizes collaboration between students, families and the community.

For over 16 years, the RITZ (Rialto’s Incredible Talent Zone) in the Rialto Unified School District has been a showcase for student talent, celebrating music as the universal language and supporting students through the Sharing Our Love Foundation.

The Child Welfare and Attendance Liaison (CWAL) program in the Victor Elementary School District is designed to improve student attendance and build stronger relationships within schools by re-engaging students and families through a data-driven, collaborative approach.

In the San Bernardino City Unified School District, the SBCUSD Bullying Intervention System addresses bullying without resorting to suspensions. The innovative and highly effective restorative practice known as the Undercover Anti-Bullying Team (UABT) helps support bullied students in a structured, safe and restorative manner.

Chino Valley Unified School District’s High School Road Show, created in 2018, focuses on academic data to positively impact student achievement. The Road Show meetings highlight areas of strength and challenges to create yearly goals for the district.

CSBA’s Golden Bell Awards, in its 44th year, recognize outstanding programs and governance practices in school districts and county offices of education throughout California. San Bernardino County is proud to have six school districts recognized at the 2023 CSBA Golden Bell Awards.

To view videos spotlighting each award-winning program, please visit our YouTube Channel.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. #transforminglives

Veteran Jurist Experienced in Overseeing Both Tribal and State Courts

HIGHLAND, CA — The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has appointed the Honorable Judge Yvette Ayala Henderson as Chief Judge for the San Manuel Tribal Court. She was sworn in on January 29, 2024. She will serve as the chief administrator of both the trial and appellate courts of the San Manuel Tribal Court system, along with sitting as a trial court judge and carrying out other duties set out in the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Constitution and San Manuel Judicial Code. The San Manuel Tribal Court system exercises civil jurisdiction over San Manuel Tribal Citizens and others who have consented to the Court’s jurisdiction, whether by contract, presence on the Tribe’s Reservation, or otherwise.

Judge Henderson brings close to 20 years of jurisprudence to this role. Before joining San Manuel, she served as Chief Judge of the Fort Mojave Tribal Court for the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe of Arizona, California, and Nevada, where she presided over civil and criminal proceedings for both adults and juveniles. She also served as Magistrate (16th Judicial District) and Chief Magistrate (13th, 14th, and 16th Judicial Districts) in the Office of the Executive Secretary for the Supreme Court of Virginia.

“Chief Judge Henderson’s experience in tribal court systems gives her a deep understanding of how a sovereign tribe’s unique traditions, principles, and values shape jurisprudence within Native nations,” said San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. “This coupled with her service in state courts is a welcome addition to San Manuel Tribal Court, which works across jurisdictions with other courts and legal systems.”

Apart from her legal experience, Judge Henderson earned the rank of Captain in the United States Army, receiving the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal and U.S. Army Achievement Medal. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law, a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Troy University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Hampton University.

By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media

The California African American Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual “State of the California African American Economy Summit,” with the aim of bolstering Black economic influence through education and fellowship.

Held from Jan. 24 to Jan. 25 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel, the convention brought together some of the most influential Black business leaders, policy makers and economic thinkers in the state. The discussions focused on a wide range of economic topics pertinent to California’s African American business community, including policy, government contracts, and equity, and more.

Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CALSTA) was a guest at the event. He told attendees about his department’s efforts to increase access for Black business owners.

“One thing I’m taking away from this for sure is we’re going to have to do a better job of connecting through your chambers of all these opportunities of billions of dollars that are coming down the pike. I’m honestly disappointed that people don’t know, so we’ll do better,” said Omishakin.

Lueathel Seawood, the president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of San Joaquin County, expressed frustration with obtaining federal contracts for small businesses, and completing the process. She observed that once a small business was certified as DBE, a Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, there was little help getting to the next step.

Omishakin admitted there is more work to be done to help them complete the process and include them in upcoming projects. However, the high-speed rail system expansion by the California High-Speed Rail Authority has set a goal of 30% participation from small businesses — only 10 percent is set aside for DBE.

In 1996, California was the first state to eliminate affirmative action programs through Proposition 209. Since then, African Americans have struggled to achieve equity in education, according to a study at UC Berkely, California, and continue to face inequity in business according to a study commissioned by the Equal Justice Society, which showed a loss in contracts of $1 billion for minority and women business enterprises (MWBEs).

Funds issued by the federal government require that the equity be measured in a disparity study. The data is used to evaluate DBEs and decide how to address any shortfalls. The 2022 Caltrans FTA Disparity Study placed African Americans at the bottom.

“Caltrans and subrecipient local agencies awarded 0.4 percent of their relevant contract dollars to POC- and woman-owned businesses,” the report reads.

The importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in economics was reinforced during the “State of the California Economy” talk led by author and economist Julianne Malveaux, and Anthony Asadullah Samad, Executive Director of the Mervyn Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute (MDAAPEI) at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Malveaux emphasized the significance of economics as a form of political influence. She focused on the power and size of the California economy and the position of African Americans within this power structure. Assaults on DEI disproportionately affect women of color and Black women, according to Malveaux. When asked what role the loss of DEI might serve in economics, she suggested a more sinister purpose.

“The genesis of all this is anti-blackness. So, your question about how this fits into the economy is economic exclusion, that essentially has been promoted as public policy,” said Malveaux.

Samad co-authored the “2022-2023 State of Black Los Angeles County Report” which examines factors affecting African American’s well-being, both sociologically and economically. In response to the George Floyd protests in 2020, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors commissioned the study after establishing the Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative. It includes data on physical and mental health, housing, education, safety, justice and community recommendations.

The report will be produced annually and presented to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

The most anticipated speaker at the event was Janice Bryant Howroyd known affectionately to her peers as “JBH.” She is one of the first Black women to run and own a multi-billion-dollar company. Her company ActOne Group, is one of the largest, and most recognized, hiring, staffing and human resources firms in the world. She is the author of “Acting Up” and has a profile on Forbes.

Chairman of the board of directors of the California African American Chamber of Commerce, Timothy Alan Simon, a lawyer and the first Black Appointments Secretary in the Office of the Governor of California, moderated. They discussed the state of Black entrepreneurship in the country and Howroyd gave advice to other business owners.

Howroyd was dynamic and engaging, offering guidance and fielding inquires. She discussed her modest start with just $900, primarily borrowed from her mother. She also gave advice about how to get to the next level, advising the audience to see their business on a global scale, use new technologies and to be “thoughtful” of what they put on the internet. Howroyd’s style of sharing her personal life with those looking for the keys to success has evolved into the “Ask JBH Podcast.”

“We look to inspire and educate,” said Howroyd. “Inspiration is great but when I’ve got people’s attention, I want to teach them something.”

The Chamber also arranged several workshops to connect businesses directly with the resources they need. An adjoining ballroom connected employees with companies. There were workshops for gaining contracts in industries like health care and energy, and a “matchmaking session” introducing business owners to companies with similar goals.

For chairman Simon the summit is over, but the work has just started.

“The opposition to DEI is well funded. They’re working at all levels of government and in corporations,” said Simon. “But there are still ways that we can continue to elevate our economic profile in anti-DEI environment and that’s what this chamber is committed to doing.”

By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media  

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a warning on Jan. 26, instructing consumers with milk allergies or “severe sensitivity to milk” in the state to not eat at Dave’s Bakery Corn Bread due to “risk of illness.”

The CDPH warns that consumption of the corn bread manufactured by a Gardena-based company — with expiration dates up to June 18, 2024 — may lead to “life threatening” reactions.

“This warning applies only to the Corn Bread produced by Bake R Us, DBA Dave’s Baking Company and distributed to schools, retail facilities and in vending machines primarily in southern California,” the DCPH statement reads.

“This product should not be confused with other similarly named companies with national distribution,” it continues.

According to the CDPH, although the corn bread product contains Whey, which is milk allergen, there is no allergy warning label on the packaging, which is required by state law.

So far, authorities say, no illnesses have been reported in the state, but if anyone finds the products on sale anywhere in the state should call the CDPH complaint hotline at (800) 495-3232 or file a report online at CDPH.ca.gov

The CDPH is also recommending that people who have eaten the product and are experiencing any reaction or ill effects should consult their health care provider.

By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media  

Speaking in Las Vegas on Jan. 27, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a forthcoming federal rule that will extend access to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to Americans who have been convicted of felonies but have served their time.

Small business owners typically apply for the SBA loans to start or sustain their businesses.

Harris thanked U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, for the work he has done in Washington to support small businesses and to invest in people.

“He and I spent some time this afternoon with business leaders and small business leaders here in Nevada. The work you have been doing to invest in community and to invest in the ambition and natural capacity of communities has been exceptional,” Harris said, speaking to a crowd of a few hundred people at the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Hall in East Las Vegas.

On her daylong trip, Harris was joined by Horford, SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman, Interim Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Eric Morrissette, and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev).

“Formerly incarcerated individuals face significant barriers to economic opportunity once they leave prison and return to the community, with an unemployment rate among the population of more than 27%,” the White House press release continued.  “Today’s announcement builds on the Vice President’s work to increase access to capital. Research finds that entrepreneurship can reduce recidivism for unemployed formerly incarcerated individuals by as much as 30%.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The City of San Bernardino has announced that it has received a $1 million grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to fund improvements to the 17.9-acre Lytle Creek Park and Community Center.

“Parks have traditionally been wonderful places for creating a sense of community,” said San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. “As gathering places for the community, they are also crucial for providing essential services and programs to vulnerable groups such as seniors. The Tribe and the City share a commitment to ensuring that Elders, who are highly respected in Indigenous culture, have access to supportive and accessible spaces.”

Lytle Creek Park has seen a 40% increase in attendance due to minor improvements recently completed at its community center. With the funding from the Tribe, additional upgrades are envisioned to further improve the facility and expand programs.

Planned improvements to the Community Center include upgraded seating, new flooring and furniture, and the installation of a wall partition to allow for multiple activities to occur at once.”

“The renovations to the community center and park amenities will continue to increase park attendance year-round,” said Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, Lydie Gutfeld. “The upgraded center will have the potential to be an afterschool hub and provide additional intergenerational programs.”

Improvements to the park will focus on enhancing the Gazebo and picnic shelter area to create a more conducive space for events. Lytle Creek Park has over 30 picnic tables, and demand for family gatherings, parties, and community groups is high, especially in the shade.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians,” said San Bernardino City Manager Charles Montoya. “Their unwavering support helps our parks and community centers become better places for kids, seniors, and families to come together and enjoy.”

Lytle Creek Park is a 17.9-acre park located at 380 South K Street in the City of San Bernardino. It features a community center, basketball, tennis, handball and volleyball courts, a splash pad and over 30 picnic tables. It also features two playgrounds and a walking track with exercise equipment. The Lytle Creek Community Center hosts Senior Nutrition Program Meals Monday through Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 pm.

By Lou K. Coleman

I want to live and just worry about my everyday life. Well, you go right ahead Boo, Boo. Just know that you will have no one to blame but yourself. For the Bible makes it clear that men are responsible for how they respond to warnings. If you choose not to take interest in the way of escape, then you, and you alone, are responsible for your judgment. The choice is yours. But as a watchman, my job is to warn, that’s it and that’s all.

I have been given a very specific call. And it carries with it great consequences. Those consequences can be God honoring or can bring about death and eternal punishment. For I am reminded in [Ezekiel 33: 1-7] that, if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will be require at the watchman’s hand.” Well not on my watch! As God said to Joel, “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm….” You are hearing the sound of the trumpet blowing! Flee for safety without delay! [Jeremiah 4:5-6]. For we are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick succession. No time to waste. Heed the warnings from God! Because past history will be repeated; old controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will beset God’s people on every side…Study Revelation in connection with Daniel, for history will be repeated…. Satan will employ the same policy, manifest the same spirit and work for the same end, as in all receding ages. Except that the coming struggle will be marked with a terrible intensity such as the world has never witnessed. As the Belarusian President said recently: the world is sounding the warning that time is running out for humanity. Do not be a despiser of warning. “Who can I speak to? Who will listen to my warning?” [Jeremiah 6:10].

They failed to listen to the warnings, and tragedies that might have been averted were not.