Local

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

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) verified that Californians who had postponed filing their taxes until the October 16, 2023, deadline — now have until Nov. 16, 2023, to file and pay their 2022 taxes to avoid penalties.

FTB generally conforms to the IRS’s deferred schedules for events declared as disasters by the U.S. President.

In addition, taxpayers in 55 California counties, excluding Lassen, Modoc and Shasta counties — who were impacted by winter natural disasters — are eligible for an extension to file and pay their 2022 federal income taxes until November 16, 2023.

Taxpayers impacted by a presidentially declared disaster may claim a deduction for the disaster loss. More details and guidelines are available in FTB Publication 1034, titled “2022 Disaster Loss: How to Claim a State Tax Deduction.”

Taxpayers can claim a disaster loss either on their 2023 return next spring, or on this year’s return against 2022 income. An amended return may be filed by those who have already filed this year. Claiming the loss on a 2022 return allows for a quicker refund.

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

Last week, Gov. Newsom announced that he has doubled the funding for a state grant program created to help religious institutions, places of worship and faith-based non-profit improve their security.

‘The deadline to apply is October 27.

“Today’s announcement authorizes $10 million in state funding to immediately increase police presence at places of worship and authorizes an additional $20 million investment to the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program to provide physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations — including synagogues and mosques — that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes,” read an email from Newsom’s office.

“The program fully funds upgrades that include reinforced doors and gates, high-intensity lighting and alarms, access control, and more,” the email provided more details.

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

Shortly after Sen. Laphonza Butler announced that she will not run in the race to succeed Sen. Dianne Feinstein next year, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) responded to the news.

“Senator Butler took on the enormous responsibility of filling an open senate seat with grace, integrity, and a deep commitment to delivering for the people of California,” wrote Lee in a statement on social media.

“I look forward to continuing our work together for the remainder of her term,” continued Lee, who is among the three contenders and the only Black American — in the crowded race for the U.S. Senate seat Butler currently occupies.

Gov. Newsom appointed Butler to complete the term of Feinstein, who passed away last month. The other two contenders for Senator with Lee are her Democratic colleagues, Congressmembers Katie Porter (D-CA-47) and Adam Schiff (D-CA-30).

In a statement on Oct. 19, Butler said her decision not to run may not be what people expected, but it is the best one for her.

“I’ve always believed elected leaders should have real clarity about why they’re in office and what they want to do with the responsibility and power they have,” wrote Butler in a statement.

“I’ve spent the past 16 days pursuing my own clarity – what kind of life I want to have, what kind of service I want to offer and what kind of voice I want to bring forward,” she continued. “After considering those questions I’ve decided not to run for a full term in the US Senate. Knowing you can win a campaign doesn’t always mean you should run a campaign. I know this will be a surprise to many because traditionally we don’t see those who have power let it go.”

Quoting Muhammad Ali, Butler added, “Don’t count the days. Make the days count. I intend to do just that.”

Butler, who expressed strong support for the Black press during a 30-minute Zoom call last week, has not yet announced her endorsement for her successor.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has announced that it has received a $6.4 million grant from the California State Library to improve the Norman F. Feldheym Library. The Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Grant will fund energy efficiency projects and building upgrades at Feldheym Library.

“Feldheym Library is a great facility, but it needs some repairs and upgrades to maintain the library experience for the thousands of patrons that visit us every year,” said San Bernardino Library Director Ed Erjavek. “We are excited to receive this grant from the State.”

San Bernardino was one of thirty-four local libraries across the state to receive a total of $172 million in competitive grant funding. The funding was approved in 2022 by the Governor and Legislature to improve libraries in low-income areas. The grant application was submitted by the Library in collaboration with the City Grants Division and Public Works Department.

“It’s great that the State Library can provide this opportunity for California libraries to address critical maintenance and accessibility needs. The return on investment in our local libraries is always big,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas.

Improvements planned for Feldheym Library include a replacement of the HVAC and air filtration system, ADA accessibility upgrades, energy efficient windows, a new security system, electrical upgrades, a backup power generator, and additional repairs to the library interior and foundation. The work is expected to take place in 2024.

Last month, the San Bernardino Public Library also received a grant from the State Library to upgrade its broadband capabilities for staff and patrons to one gigabit at all four City libraries.

The Norman F. Feldheym Central Library opened in 1985. The library was named in honor of the late Rabbi Norman F. Feldheym. The 64,000 square foot library was designed by architects Gregory Villanueva and Oscar Arnoni and includes the 200 seat Bing Wong auditorium, where the San Bernardino Mayor and City Council currently hold their meetings.

UPLAND, CA—C.A.S.A. of San Bernardino County will host their first ever Casino Night event, this year at the Upland Hills Country Club Pavilion on November 2nd, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. All proceeds from this event will support the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (C.A.S.A.) program which recruits, screens, trains, and supervises community volunteers to mentor and advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children living in foster care. Adult volunteer advocates provide a stable and consistent presence in the often-turbulent lives of foster youth by assisting them in navigating through life’s challenges, providing encouragement, and advocating for each child’s individual needs.

Diane Smyers, Donor Relations Manager for C.A.S.A. of San Bernardino County says, “The community’s support is of vital importance to the success of our program. This event is one where community members can join us to learn how our program supports children in foster care, and how they can positively impact a child by becoming involved in various ways, all while enjoying a great evening.”

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. when guests arrive and are greeted by C.A.S.A. Staff members. The evening will be filled with Casino games, music, entertainment, food, exhibits and various raffle prizes. Our honorary speaker will be, Jason Anderson, District Attorney for San Bernardino County. Many elected officials from San Bernardino County will be in attendance, too.

Be sure to come hungry and have your taste buds ready for an exquisite array of, wine and beer, as well as a vast array of fine foods provided by Felipe’s Catering and 1906 bartenders.

Individuals wishing to purchase tickets to CASA’s Casino night may do so by https://tinyurl.com/casacasinonight or by calling 909-881-6760 ext. 105.CASA of San Bernardino County is seeking Sponsors for this event. Proceeds raised will go to the recruiting and training of community volunteers to mentor and advocate for youth in foster care.

By Dymond Walker, Inland Valley News

San Bernardino City Hall witnessed a wave of outrage at an anti-racism event on Oct. 23 as community members and leaders expressed their dismay regarding last week’s City Council meeting where an African American woman was subjected to hate speech.

More than 100 San Bernardino residents gathered on the steps of City Hall, seeking explanations for the events of Oct. 18. With just three out of seven council members present, residents questioned the city’s commitment to addressing racial tension. During a public City Council meeting, local resident Amy Malone voiced her discontent with the city’s new manager, Charles Montoya. The meeting took a troubling twist when a remote participant targeted Amy with racial slurs and hateful comments.

“The city apologizes to the person speaking at the time, to everyone in attendance at the meeting, and to anyone who heard what was said,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran as she made her opening remarks at the Stand Against Racism event. “It was offensive and unacceptable, and the City of San Bernardino condemns what happened in no uncertain terms.” However, the city’s public apology was overshadowed by the absence of four out of seven council members. This has left community members, leaders, and even the three attending Black council members—Ben Reynoso, Kimberly Calvin, and Damon L. Alexander—skeptical about the sincerity of their solidarity and eagerness for action.

“I’ve been debating this all day. I wasn’t even going to show up,” said Reynoso. “This was for them [absent council members], and it was clear as day. This whole thing was because it was on the news. We’re only here because people are trying to save face, and the people who should be doing that aren’t even here.”

Mayor Tran conveyed her sincere apologies for the absence of council members Theodore Sanchez and Juan Figueroa due to work commitments. She also read statements from San Bernardino City Council Members Sandra Ibarra and Fred Shorett, who were unavailable as well.

Residents like Jacqueline Banks, a retired San Bernardino County employee, perceived that the statements offered by the absent council members were disingenuous and misleading.

“The letters that the mayor read were lies and deception—smokescreens,” said Banks. “Because you know what? If it were that important to them, they would’ve been here. This is the city that you represent, so you should’ve been here.”

Banks proceeded to share her account of the events on the evening of Oct. 18, expressing both her and the chamber’s astonishment. She was shocked that the mayor and city council carried on with the meeting as if nothing had happened.

“If it’s so devastating now, why wasn’t it devastating Wednesday?” said Banks.

NAACP San Bernardino Branch President Chache Wright shared his experience with the crowd that evening. Wright, seated in the chamber with his two sons, had hoped the meeting would allow residents to voice concerns for the community. However, he left startled that his sons had encountered such ignorance.

“The moment you allow negative things to happen to just Black people and you let everything else slide? It’s a problem for everybody, whether you realize it or not,” said Wright.

However, despite his disgust over the incident, Wright remained steadfast in making demands.

On behalf of the NAACP San Bernardino Branch, Wright unveiled a set of requests, which included obtaining an unedited version of both the live council meeting and the Zoom call, disclosing the name of the third-party entity that provided technical support during the meeting, and Wright asked for a comprehensive internal investigation into the Oct. 18 incident.

The San Bernardino Faith Council, represented by Pastor Joshua Beckley of Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, presented several requests without disclosing specific details. Beckley publicly stated that the council has been given a 30-day deadline for these demands to be met, aiming for this to not be a “stumbling block but a steppingstone” in a long journey to restore the community’s reputation.

Regrettably, it could be too late, given that the harm has already been inflicted. The absent council members have deeply disappointed the community, leading to widespread skepticism.

Banks likens the situation to cotton candy, underscoring its fleeting and insubstantial nature.

“It’s a whole bunch of fluff,” said Banks. “What happens to cotton candy when you hold it for too long? It shrinks and starts to disappear, and that’s what I feel like is going to happen. It’s going to go to nothing.”

City Council Member Reynoso has committed to addressing the people’s demands earnestly, promising to convene meetings with fellow council members to show solidarity.

“The council is going to meet with them,” said Reynoso. “We’re going to take it to the city manager so there is no confusion and we are going to be honest. That is the only way we can start to fix this.”

Mayor Tran concluded the event by delivering her closing remarks, aiming to encapsulate the community’s pain and suffering while also presenting a path toward healing and progress.

“What happened last week was unacceptable on any level,” said Tran. “While this will require the time to heal, this is an opportunity for us to come together. What happened last Wednesday does not define us as a city, but what happened tonight defines our resolve.

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

The San Bernardino Branch of the NAACP is calling on the City of San Bernardino to investigate a racial incident that occurred last week.

During the public comments section of a council meeting on Oct. 18, Amy Malone, a Black resident of San Bernardino was interrupted by racial slurs from a commenter who was viewing the meeting remotely.

The anonymous commenter told Malone to “go back to Africa” and called her the N-word. She was also called a “bitch.”

Malone was shocked by the comments and insisted that they be addressed immediately.

“You should apologize for what just happened,” said Malone to the city council members present.

The local branch of the NAACP also reacted to the incident, calling it “disgusting.”

“It is with a heavy heart that we must deal with racial insults being tossed at the Black community on 10/18/23 as they cautioned the mayor and council not to hire Mr. Charles Montoya as City Manager because of his public legal issues cause from being fired by the Mayor and Council from Avondale, Arizona,” wrote Chache Wright, NAACP San Bernardino Branch President.

“A letter signed by Mayor Kenneth N. Weise (Avondale, AZ) lists these five alleged reasons for Montoya termination. 1. Montoya did not live in Avondale as required by his employment contract. 2. Demanding funds from the city he was not entitled to according to his contract. 3. Failing  to make timely payment on a loan he had borrowed against his retirement account. 4. Receiving tuition reimbursement payments beyond what his contract allowed. 5. Refusing to repay vehicle reimbursement funds that he was paid in error,” the NAACP statement continued.

Before she was interrupted, Malone was expressing her objections to the hiring of Montoya because of past misconduct and his questionable professional past. She was one of several residents who opposed his hiring because of his checkered employment history. According to some of the protestors, Montoya also has a history of filing lawsuits against previous employers.

According to news reports, Montoya clashed with Avondale board members and raised concerns about nepotism prior to his dismissal. He was terminated for not living within the city limits. However, his attorney argues that the city unlawfully terminated him without giving him adequate time to address the problem.

Montoya said he was fired out of spite. During an appearance at the meeting, he said he had no regrets about his decision. The case is currently proceeding to federal court.

Despite these concerns, the city council approved Montoya’s hiring. Montoya has previously worked as a city manager in California and Arizona.

A statement posted on the city’s website says that the official recording of the meeting has been edited to remove the offensive language.

“The racist comments made during the October 18, 2023, City Council meeting by individuals connected remotely through Zoom were offensive and unacceptable, and the City of San Bernardino condemns what happened in no uncertain terms,” according to the statement.

“The city apologizes to anyone who heard what was said. Our community will not tolerate this type of hateful language in our public meetings, or anywhere. The city is working to identify the individuals who made the comments. The City Clerk and her staff, along with our IT department, are working with the San Bernardino Police Department on this. We have identified all the IP addresses that were in the queue at the time and are working to identify those that were involved. SBPD is investigating this as a violation of California Penal Code 403.”

The offensive comments are part of a phenomenon known as Zoom bombing, which gained prominence during the coronavirus pandemic when many groups and businesses were forced to conduct most meetings via the videoconferencing platform. When these meetings were not properly secured, unauthorized individuals could join the chat and make inappropriate comments.

The San Bernardino NAACP says it plans to file a formal request for an investigation into the hate incident and the hiring of the city manager with the city. It will also share that request with State Attorney General Rob Bonta and the U.S. Department of Justice.

“The NAACP Legal Redress Committee is currently in the process of compiling relevant information and plans to transmit this information to the appropriate authorities next week, accompanied by their official request,” Wright concluded.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In an effort to increase the peace and decrease the violence and to restore hope in the City of San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Pastors United, will be having another Community Block Party. The purpose of the gathering is to let the community know that the church community is here for them, and to let the community know that hate will not define us, and love conquers all, “Better Together: Growing Stronger.”

On October 28, 2023, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. all roads lead to Due Season Fellowship located at 1024 N G Street, in San Bernardino, Calif. Bishop Daniel Frazier, of DSF will be the host church and will bring a short inspirational word. Local area churches: Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, His Neighborhood Church, Life Changing Ministries, Victory Outreach Church, Kingdom Culture Worship Centre, The Way World Outreach, Cruz Chacon Foundation, Young Visionaries, The Pal Center, United Way, and many others will come together to be a blessing to the community.

SBPU is expecting hundreds to be attendance, to receive Free food, free groceries, resources, job referrals.  We are asking the community to join us as we bring:  “Healing, Change, and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino, for more info call 909-534-1383 or 909-238-6891 or email sbpastorsunited@gmail.com. Thank you for showing that San Bernardino is still Strong.

By Tanu Henry and Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? |? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed new legislation enhancing gun safety measures, further solidifying California’s position as a national leader in implementing controls on the use and distribution of firearms.

Joined by Attorney General Rob Bonta, lawmakers, gun safety advocates and gun wound survivors, Newsom introduced at a press conference several of the gun laws he signed. They included Senate Bill (SB) 2, authored by Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank), which reinforces the state’s public carry regulations; and SB 452, authored by Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), which mandates the use of microstamping on handgun cartridges to help trace guns used in crimes.

SB2 imposes new restrictions for obtaining a concealed-carry weapons (CCW) permit. According to Portantino’s office, the law ensures licensees are law-abiding citizens over 21 years of age; establishes an appeal process for denied CCW licenses; introduces gun handling, loading, unloading and storage training requirements; and restricts locations where people can legally carry firearms.

When the Legislature passed SB 2, Newsom stated that people are less likely to die from gunshots in California. In 2022 alone, California’s gun death rate was 43% lower than the national average, according to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC). The Giffords Law Center also ranked the state number one in the U.S. for gun safety.

“While radical judges continue to strip away our ability to keep people safe, California will keep fighting — because gun safety laws work,” Newsom said in a Sept. 26 statement.

Newsom also signed bills introduced by California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) members Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) and Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles).

AB 1406 (McCarthy) gives the California Department of Justice the authority to postpone firearm delivery if additional time is required to do background checks. AB 1089 (Gipson) adds new regulations and guidelines for the ownership and operation of computer numeric control (CNC) milling machines, commonly used to manufacture “ghost guns.” AB 574 (Jones-Sawyer), which goes into effect in March 2025, requires gun dealers making any sale of a gun – or overseeing the transfer of ownership — to confirm that both the buyer and seller “confirm possession of every firearm they own or possess.”

AB 28, which is authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) was also on the list of gun legislation Newsom approved. The law enacts a first-in-the-nation effort to raise $160 million annually on the sale of bullets by imposing an 11% excise tax on gun vendors and gun manufacturers across the state. The revenue collected will be used to improve school safety, behavioral health and gun violence intervention.

“How about a little damn accountability,” said Newsom at a press conference. “You’re selling a product, a leading product, a purveyor of death for our kids.”

Gabriel shares the Governor’s perspective. “It’s shameful that gun manufacturers are reaping record profits at the same time that gun violence has become the leading cause of death for kids in the United States,” he said.

AB 455, authored by Assemblymembers Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton) and Diane Papan (D-San Mateo), keeps guns out of the hands of potentially dangerous individuals.

Two more public safety laws, Newsom signed deal with limiting ghost guns and the “relinquishment of firearms.” AB 725, authored by Quirk-Silva and Papan, updates the definition of a firearm to include ghost gun parts.

AB 732, authored by Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra), simplifies the process for removing firearms from people who are prohibited from owning them.

The same day Newsom signed the package of gun laws, the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), a non-profit focused on advancing gun rights, announced that it filed a complaint challenging some parts of SB 2.

“SB2 restricts where persons with licenses to carry a concealed weapon may legally exercise their constitutional right to wear, carry, or transport firearms. And it does so in ways that are fundamentally inconsistent with the Second Amendment and the Supreme Court’s decision in Bruen,” the complaint states.

Three groups, Orange County Gun Owners, San Diego County Gun Owners, and California Gun Rights Foundation have joined FPC in the lawsuit.

“With Gov. Newsom’s signing of SB2 today, California continues to exhibit its disdain for the rights of Californians, the U.S. Constitution, and the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision,” said Cody J. Wisniewski, FPC Action Foundation’s General Counsel and Vice President of Legal, and FPC’s counsel. “Unfortunately for California, and contrary to Governor Newsom’s misguided statements, the state does not have the power to unilaterally overrule individual rights and constitutional protections.”

Bonta disagrees. He says gun safety laws protect people.

“Addressing gun violence is critical to protecting public safety; we cannot pretend that they are distinct problems,” said Bonta. “In California, we won’t settle for inaction when it comes to saving lives.”

On Oct. 10, Newsom scored another win on gun control. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the California state law that bans guns with high-capacity, detachable magazines can remain in effect while California appeals a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals September ruling that declared that law

By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach

WILLIAMSBURG, VA – Chief Petty Officer Alex Tamez, a native of Barstow, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group operating out of Williamsburg, Virginia.

Tamez graduated in 2006 from Barstow High School.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Barstow.

“Growing up in Barstow, I learned to never settle,” said Tamez. “I wanted different opportunities than what my hometown had to offer. I took to heart to never settle and to go beyond the mountains and the desert to see what else is out there.”

Tamez joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Tamez serves as a yeoman.

“I joined the Navy so I could show my family and myself that I could actually accomplish something,” said Tamez. “Growing up, there was a cap and gown ceremony for finishing kindergarten, eighth grade and high school. I didn’t participate in any of them because I didn’t get good grades. I had to go to summer school and get my diploma that way. My parents have never seen me in a cap and gown. I joined the Navy so my parents could see me accomplish something. They’re coming to see me get pinned. My husband is going to pin the right side and my father is going to pin the left.”

Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia, is made up of more than 3,300 personnel assigned to three regiments and seven battalions across the United States. Its mission is to deliver worldwide expeditionary logistics with active and reserve personnel to provide a wide range of supply and transportation support critical for peacetime efforts, crisis response, humanitarian and combat service missions.

Serving in the Navy means Tamez is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“I feel that in the last couple of years, this nation has kind of been attacked and has been picked on and it’s super important for the Navy and military to let other countries know they can’t mess with us,” said Tamez. “If they’re going to do anything of that nature, they should expect some push back. I’m proud of my country and I’m proud to stand on that line to protect it. That’s why I joined.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Tamez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest point is being selected for chief petty officer,” said Tamez. “In my rate or job field, it’s kind of hard to make chief. It’s a blessing to make chief and it’s a blessing to make chief in my rate. There were around 600 yeoman first class who were eligible for chief and they only advanced 162. For anybody enlisted, their goal is to make chief. To be able to be a chief, you can’t get any higher than that in my opinion.”

As Tamez and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

“Serving in the Navy really didn’t mean anything to me in the beginning other than being a chance at more opportunities outside of my hometown,” said Tamez. “I didn’t really have any pride in my service, but as I carried on I started to see what it meant and started to feel it. I’m representing the entire Navy when I wear this uniform. There’s a level of responsibility, pride and professionalism that comes when I wear this uniform. I’m a sailor even when I’m not wearing this uniform because you’re always representing the military. You have to do the right thing all the time.”

Tamez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank Stacey Oitzman, who is currently my boss,” added Tamez. “She’s a retired chief yeoman and she literally got me to where I needed to be today. She walked me through how to be a better man and a better sailor. Without her, I wouldn’t have been selected for chief. I also want to thank my husband, Kory Fransen, for his patience and constant love. He’s been a shoulder to lean on and even though he may not have understood, that he was engaged and a great listener was all I needed.”

“I want to thank my parents for not giving up on me and always knowing that I had potential,” said Tamez. “I also want to thank my Navy brothers and sisters for always being there when I needed help and assistance.”