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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.”

ONTARIO, CA—“How many of you want to come back and make pizzas?”

Executive Chef Daly Cruz knew the answer, but he wanted to hear it for himself as an enthusiastic cohort of local high school culinary arts students wrapped up a recent backstage tour of Cruz’ kitchen – while showcasing some of their own cooking skills – at the Ontario Convention Center.

Nearly 50 students from Ontario High School and Montclair High School spent the morning getting an intimate look at one of the region’s major event centers and hearing from the executive chef and others on career opportunities in the booming hospitality industry.

The tour was organized by leaders of the Convention Center, Greater Ontario California (GOCAL) and the Chaffey Joint Union High School District as part of the District’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for 21st century career opportunities.

“Partnering with businesses is a critical component of our career pathway initiatives, and we are so grateful to the Convention Center and Chef Cruz for providing invaluable insight into the opportunities that exist in the hospitality industry,” said Dr. Mathew Holton, Chaffey District Superintendent.

Michael Krouse, CEO of GOCAL and the Convention Center, said building a pipeline of future workers will further establish Greater Ontario and the Inland Empire as Southern California newest destination. According to the California Employment Development Department, the hospitality industry employs more than 180,000 people in the Inland Empire, ranking it among the Top 5 employment categories in the two-county region. Demand for chefs, cooks and food servers is expected to surge over the next decade, with a projected net increase of 47,000 jobs.

“These are good jobs that will support families, allow restaurants and other hospitality-related businesses to flourish, and enhance the quality of life of our region. Working closely with our school partners is an important step in ensuring that we can continue to grow this vital industry,” Krouse said.

The students from Ontario and Montclair seemed eager to jump at the opportunity as Cruz, one of the most distinguished chefs in the region, shared his own career journey, from working as a dishwasher to cooking at restaurants to now leading a culinary team that serves hundreds of thousands of customers across multiple locations each year. Along the way, he has earned a reputation as one of the most distinguished chefs in the region.

“I started young and, now, after 30 years in the business, I still feel like it’s my first day because I’m having so much fun,” Cruz said. “Cooking is like art. It is an expression, and I love it when I get to see how pleased our clients are with what we have prepared them.”

To drive that point home, the Executive Chef had the students try their hand at making pizzas, guiding them through the process of kneading and tossing the dough, adding just the right amount of sauce and cheese, and using a professional oven. It was a chance for the students to express their creativity – a pizza in the shape of a pumpkin, anyone? – while also getting a taste of a high-volume kitchen environment.

The experience was a success, said Eduardo Zaldivar, the Chaffey District’s Director of Career Readiness.

“Several of these students were already excited about potential careers as chefs. What they and the others experienced today made a lasting impression as they explore the opportunities ahead of them,” Zaldivar said.

As for Cruz, he sees a pipeline of eager, young chefs heading his way, sooner than later: “We’ve got jobs now that many of these kids could do on the weekends and after school.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ceremony commenced with a bagpiper playing at the Memorial

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reyes’ 2023 statewide budget wins also included:

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