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By Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

On the last night of this year’s legislative session last week, the State Assembly rejected Senate Bill (SB) 918, authored by state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge). The bill — written to strengthen restrictions on concealed firearm permits – was one of several bills the Legislature did not approve during the tension-filled finale to a session marked by pointed debate among members of the Assembly’s Democratic majority.

Before the final vote, supporters of the legislation added an Urgency amendment so it could go into effect immediately — instead of Jan. 1, 2023, when bills passed during the current legislative session take effect.

As an Urgency Measure, SB 918 required 54 votes in the Assembly to pass, rather than the usual 41. The bill received 53 votes which is more than enough votes needed to reach the Governor’s desk had the urgency amendment not been added.

Last June, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen that “may carry” laws giving states discretionary authority to reject concealed carry permits violated the Second Amendment. The decision rendered California’s law requiring applicants to show “good cause,” or a justifiable reason for needing such a permit unconstitutional.

In his opinion on the case, Justice Clarence Thomas, wrote that states could still prohibit guns in “sensitive places.” Chief Justice John Roberts, joined by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, wrote in a concurring opinion that the ruling did not affect “shall issue” laws requiring objective licensing requirements such as “fingerprinting, a background check, a mental health records check, and training in firearms handling, and in laws regarding use of force, among other possible requirements.”

SB 918 complies with the Supreme Court ruling by designating courts, places of worship, zones around schools, hospitals, public parks, libraries, airports, public transportation and bars as sensitive places. The bill requires authorities to review publicly available statements including social media to assess whether applicants present a danger to the public.

Applicants would be required to submit to in-person interviews to ensure they are “qualified,” and licensing officials will be required to interview at least three-character references. The state would also give licensing officials, usually a sheriff’s office, greater ability to revoke a license.

Initially, leaders believed that the measure had enough support to pass with an urgency amendment allowing it to go into effect this month. After the bill passed the Senate with a super majority (2/3) of the votes, it failed to gain a super majority vote in the State Assembly. Seven Democratic Assemblymembers voted against the bill or abstained from voting.

Notably, two Democratic members, Adam Gray (D-Merced) and Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) who are running for Congress in swing Central Valley districts may have felt the possibility of a political backlash by supporting gun control measures. Retiring Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach), voted against the measure, though he was expected to support it.

“I’m very disappointed in the outcome,” the bill’s author, Portantino told California Black Media. “But for one assembly member who switched their vote from aye to no, we would have had the 54 votes. I plan on reintroducing the bill on December 5. I’ve already spoken to the governor and the Attorney General.”

If it had passed, the bill was likely to face legal challenges because many critics believe that it is too restrictive. The requirement of interviews and character references are points of contention for gun rights groups.

For Gov. Gavin Newsom prioritizing gun control measures is still a leading priority in this legislative term, responding to an uptick of gun violence across the country. As of Sept. 2, the Gun Violence Archive reports 450 mass shootings in 2022, compared to 417 in all of 2019.

“California has the toughest gun safety laws in the nation, but none of us can afford to be complacent in tackling the gun violence crisis ravaging our country,” said Newsom. “These new measures will help keep children safe at school, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and responsibly regulate the sale of firearms in our communities.”

Though defeated in this attempt to regulate concealed firearms, Newsom has a number of notable legislative victories, including AB 2571, which restricts the marketing of firearms to children and AB 1594, which strips gun manufacturers of some legal protections when their products are used to commit acts of violence. SB 1327 and AB 1621 target ghost guns by restricting their manufacture, transportation and sale and close the loophole that allowed sale of incomplete and un-serialized “firearm precursors.”

As gun violence plagues the country, the tug-of-war between gun rights and gun regulations on a local and national level will likely continue. Although California has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, the Legislature has yet to find a solution for concealed carry permits.

“Together, all of the gun laws that we passed make California safer,” Portantino said, “though not having a CCW (concealed weapons permit) consistent with the Supreme Court decision hurts California, which is why I’m committed to bringing it back on December 5.”

By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media

California has announced a new policy that will phase out the sale of gas-operated vehicles in 2035, thirteen years from now. But that ambitious effort to protect the environment leaves some unanswered questions.

The order was formalized into policy by the California Air Resources Board, a state organization responsible for policy affecting air quality, after Gov. Gavin Newsom initially issued Executive Order N-79-20 in 2020.

“In so doing we will improve air quality as well as improve the economic climate here in the state of California,” said Newsom, “and so I couldn’t be more proud today to be able to sign this executive order.”

The California automotive market is the largest in the United States, with small SUVs and light trucks being the most popular vehicles, according to a study by the California New Car Dealers Association, an organization that uses car registrations to compile consumer market data.

California sets the standards for car manufacturers who want access to its auto-buyer market, and its emission laws often become the blueprint for other states. Several states are preparing to set their own dates to end the use of gasoline-powered vehicles, including Maryland and New York.

By excluding gas-powered vehicles, the policy may compound an issue very familiar to underserved communities — one of limited choices.

Some community advocates feel there is the very real chance that those who are not financially able to purchase electric cars could be left with few alternatives. The pandemic and problems in manufacturing have led to scarcity in the electronics that many EVs need. It has also led to higher prices. The policy does not exclude used gas-powered vehicles which are likely to see their prices rise as supplies become limited.

A used 2020 Honda Civic (Kelly Blue Book Best Small Car of 2020) in good condition is listed for $20,000; the top selling 2020 EV, the Tesla 3, resales for around $40,000. Many electric vehicles are aimed at upper and middle-class buyers. New, these cars can start at about $50,000 for the basic package and may also require other expensive add-ons like chargers, power adapters and cables.

This was known well before the policy was enacted. Assembly Bill (AB) 2127 Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Assessment (2018) requires the California Energy Commission to biennially assess the electric vehicle charging infrastructure needed to support the state’s target for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs).

The assessment determined that electric power-hungry vehicles could increase demands by 20—25%. It also found the number of charging stations in the state is low. The state would need 1.2 million charging stations, as well as another 157,00 stations for passenger busses and trucks.

Increased power consumption, and an infrastructure falling behind usage trends could be burdened by more power-hungry cars. Last week during an intense heat wave the state put out flex alerts warnings asking to EV owners to not to charge cars during peak hours to prevent rolling blackouts and brownouts which could bring a city of mostly electric cars to a standstill.

Electric vehicles are powered and charged a variety of ways. Autotrader explains different types of vehicles will need different methods of charging, adding to the difficulty of building out the infrastructure. Without a private garage many apartments do not have the needed setup to charge an EV. The strain to the power grid will be increased by millions of people charging vehicles at prime-time hours.

Many poorer communities find themselves in a “charging” desert. Large swathes of area are void of charging stations, many of them predominantly African American.

The bill does leave some wiggle room. It only affects the registration of new cars; used cars are still fair game. It also leaves space for hybrids to coexist under the new structure — 20% of new cars sold.

California’s Clean Cars 4 All program offers up to $9,500 toward a new EV, for those who qualify and Senate Bill (SB) 457, by state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge), offers $1,000 to those who do not have a car, an incentive for public transportation or bikes.

An increase in the demand for electric vehicles and shortages in electronic components have led to higher prices for EV’s. The federal government has made electric cars part of their strategy to reduce pollutants as well, secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, Jennifer Granholm told California Black Media.

Some federal programs could help California reach its goal. The federal government is offering $4,000 in tax credits, $7.5 billion for a charging network and has set aside funds to address the infrastructure of the EV industry.

“We are focused, especially this administration, on ‘Environmental Justice 40’,” said Granholm. “Meaning that 40 percent of the benefits of all these bills that have been passed have got to go to disadvantaged communities which are the places which disproportionately have higher asthma rates and higher health issues related to not just carbon pollution but particulates because they may be living in those shadows of smoke stacks.”

The new gas car ban will address one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases how equitable it will be for everyone, only time will tell.

Aldon Thomas Stiles, California Black Media contributed to this story.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Congratulations are for Michael Finlay, Ph.D., Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) psychology intern program supervisor, who received the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) Award for Innovation in Psychology Training for 2022.

The award recognizes outstanding psychologists who have demonstrated innovation in managing the challenges of COVID-19, particularly adapting APPIC member internship and postdoctoral training programs to address the impact of COVID-19 on trainee experiences, competency acquisition, and facilitation of professional development.

Finlay was new to his position in 2020 when the pandemic started, and colleagues describe Finlay as someone who always goes beyond what is expected of him as an intern supervisor. Finlay was also an intern in the DBH Psychology Internship Program in 2017-2018.

DBH’s Psychology Internship Program that Finlay supervises has a primary mission to provide high-quality training to assist doctoral psychology interns in developing competency in nine profession-wide competencies.

The internship program seeks to prepare interns for employment following graduation and encourages them to consider careers in public mental health.

In particular, the program helps prepares doctoral psychology students to work as staff members of the Department of Behavioral Health. By the end of the internship, interns will have developed the skills necessary to work as a pre-licensed psychologist in a community mental health setting or pursue specialization through postdoctoral training.

The 7th Annual Chillin’ N Grillin’ UNITY in commUNITY barbecue competition will be Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fontana Park Sports Pavilion located at 15556 Summit Avenue.

The event is sponsored by the Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana, Fontana Police Officers Association, and the City of Fontana. This years’ theme is “We will never forget” in recognition of 9/11.

Local official police tow company Armada Tow will provide transportation for the mobile 9-11 Memorial Beam, which was recovered from the Twin Towers and donated to the people of San Bernardino County. Expertly grilled ribs and chicken will be served for a suggested $10 donation. Entertainment will be provided by the Summit High Band, The Tim’s Family Praise Dancers, Route 66 Hip Hop dancers, Route 66 Jazz dancers, Ballet Folklorico, and Heart and Soul group dancers.

There will be information booths, a car show, and displays of police, fire and other emergency response equipment including the Fontana PD helicopter. In the Kid’s Zones, young people will make greeting cards for children who are in hospital with long term illnesses.

The voice of the Agua Caliente Clipper basketball team and local sports talk show host, Coach “B” Brian Arrington, will once again serve as the emcee. Come out an enjoy the fun.

By Lue Dowdy | LUE Productions

Calling all lovers of theater and burlesque. LUE Productions’ all ebony burlesque dinner theater shows is coming back to San Bernardino on Sunday, October 30th, and Sunday, December 11th. There will be two amazing shows with two different storylines. Both shows will be fun, exciting, breath taking, and mind-blowing. Lue Productions Ebony Burlesque shows feature a collective of beautiful African American woman expressing themselves through song, dance, comedy and acting.

Make it a date night with your partner or you friends. There will be plenty to do as the evening will consist of vendors, art-walk, and special performances by aerialist, Lanice Jackson from L.A., the crooner Maurice Howard, and poet Johnny Frost.

Cast and crew members include Comedian Mac Rome, Comedian Here is Larry Joe, Kymedienne Jackson, Lue Dowdy, Deeveatva Bourne, Porsche Dillard, Deandre Jackson, Nycce Blingsly, Joy Martin, Lakyshia Reddick, Sherrelle Johnson, Tiffany Picou, Shaman Newell, Krystal Yvonne, Debra Mcglothurn, Erwin Cheri, Ronecia Miller, Yankeka Laster, Dorian Mack, Donte Mack, Kimberly Woods, Robin Mckinnon, Imani Travis and many more.

Our mission: providing platforms for African American woman in artistry to display their gifts and talents, while incorporating live entertainment within the City of San Bernardino for community members to enjoy.

Our vision: to continually showcasing the importance of black theater and why its presence is needed within the performing arts community and throughout the word.

Both productions are fundraisers to help raise proceeds for our nonprofit (LUE Productions community umbrella services) annual community stocking stuffer event for children during the holiday within the City of San Bernardino. Our goal is to giveaway 500 or more stockings filled with goodies.

LUE Productions is a entertainment company based out of the inland empire with over 20 years’ experience in coordinating events, promotions, along with management throughout Southern California and beyond for aspiring artists. We pride ourselves in supporting the performing arts.

Our goal is to provide platforms for the talented while bringing forth quality shows and events for the entire community and our clients to enjoy.

For more information we can be reached at 909.567.1000 or 909.495.0848 email lue.info@yahoo.com lueproductions.org

Where: ASU Fox Theater, 373 W. Court Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401

Ticket info:

Dinner & show – $60.00 each

Show only – $40.00 each

$80 VIP tickets (includes 1 dinner ticket, additional seating in front of stage, souvenir booklet, and event poster

Vendors wanted:

Food – $75

Merch only – 50.00

Information only – $40

MONTCLAIR, CA—- Christian Gonzalez, a senior at Montclair High School, had never seen anything like it – not just the racks and rows of designer clothes and shoes, but the display of generosity toward students in foster care or whose families were struggling to make ends meet.

“We grew up in Compton, and we didn’t have this. It’s really nice,” Gonzalez said as he and his mother eagerly sorted through the thousands of jackets, shirts, pants, shoes and accessories donated by movie studios and advertising agencies.

Montclair High was the first high school selected by The Wrapped Project, a new Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization started by Nichole Lumpkin, a wardrobe stylist, and Lizz Roberts. Lumpkin, whose sister teaches at Montclair, got the idea to start The Wrapped Project while wrapping up a commercial during the pandemic.

“So many of these items go back to the advertising agencies or the studio after a shoot. They become inventory. We saw this as another way for Hollywood productions to give directly back to the community,” she said.

At Montclair, the school sponsored 100 students and two guests each to participate in the clothing giveaway on a recent Saturday. The students were selected based on need, and each could select four clothing items and two accessories.

Donated items were practically new, or gently used, and included custom-made items on up through high-end designer brands such as Prada.

“It’s such a wonderful community event, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help provide this to students who need it most,” said Joshua Cho, Principal at Montclair High School.

Said Dr. Mathew Holton, Superintendent of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District: “We appreciate the partnership with The Wrapped Project and its founders’ commitment to giving back to the community. This kind of collaboration and generosity can help transform lives and provide hope for those students and families who see nothing but obstacles.”

To learn more about The Wrapped Project, visit thewrappedproject.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Recently, 23 high school graduates from various regions throughout San Bernardino County were honored at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center for completing the Community Health Worker Jumpstart Summer Training Program.

“I applaud these young adults who chose to continue their education in the summer weeks and fuel their passion for helping others in the community,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Through collaboration with our dedicated partners, this program connected aspiring healthcare workers with the professional skills and competencies needed for their future careers.”

The Community Health Worker Training Program is one of three jumpstart programs San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) Alliance for Education and San Bernardino County Regional Occupational Program (ROP) have piloted this summer with recent high school graduates.

“Overall, being in this training program opened up my mindset of a world of possibilities I can do. I have the power not only to help my community but other communities as well,” said student Liyah Belvins. “It sparked more of an initiative to change, and to just help people.”

The four-week intensive training program provides students with industry-specific skills, certifications and employer networking to prepare them for the healthcare industry.

El Sol Neighborhood Center provided training to students with several industry and community partners facilitating and supporting the free classes, which took place from June 20 to July 15.

Healthcare partners had the chance to engage in lunchtime collaboration, provide real-world work experience and interview students. The program connected talented students with access to regional employers who are looking to build their future workforce.

Selected students submitted applications to participate in the program, and after completing the training they received a $500 stipend and certificate of completion.

SBCSS Alliance for Education and San Bernardino County ROP piloted two other jumpstart training programs this summer for drone operation and advanced manufacturing.

From June 20 to July 15, eight students participated in the Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Certification and Training program at the Technical Employment Training, Inc. building in San Bernardino.

All eight students received a Robotics Operator Certification from Yaskawa and a Vision Sensors Certification from Cognex. Three of the students received the Gene HAAS Foundation Scholarship, which provided them full tuition to a 630-hour Introduction to Manufacturing Course.

Throughout the months of June, July and August, 14 students graduated the Drone Pilot Certification and Training program.

This jumpstart program was created in partnership with the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center at San Bernardino International Airport.

Students completed three levels of courses, from obtaining their drone pilot license to flight line training. Ten of the 14 students passed their FAA Part 107 exams and are now certified drone pilots.

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

Students participate in the Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Certification and Training program at the Technical Employment Training, Inc. building in San Bernardino.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— First 5 San Bernardino is looking to add to its 2022-2023 AmeriCorps team! Team members will work with children ages 2 to 5 in San Bernardino County to increase social-emotional, literacy and mathematic skills to prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.

In addition to the opportunity to begin working in early childhood education and development, First 5 AmeriCorps members will positively impact the San Bernardino County community for years to come. They provide 1:1 support to economically disadvantaged children, assisting with developing learning skills to set them up for lifelong success.

Program Benefits:

• Living allowance
• Education award
• Student loan deferment
• Paid childcare
• Health benefits

To apply, visit https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do

For more information, contact Traci Homan at (909) 386-7706.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Better known as the “ATC Disaster Master,” Jai Prasad, CPA is a Supervising Accountant III for San Bernardino County’s Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (ATC) with more than 20 years of experience managing disasters.

When it comes to disaster management, Prasad handles disaster incident cost tracking and disaster recovery budget estimates. The most recent disasters for which Prasad sought cost recovery were the 2019 Trona earthquakes and the countywide COVID-19 emergency response. Prasad created a system called the “Disaster Public Assistance Overview” for County departments to help them understand claiming eligibility, types of assistance, and criteria for more timely reimbursement of disaster costs. In addition, Prasad is the liaison between County departments and California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CALOES) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

During his County career, Prasad and ATC Disaster Team have recovered more than $55 million in disaster response and recovery costs on behalf of San Bernardino County taxpayers.
Prasad attended college at California State University, San Bernardino where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He participated in the Beta Alpha Psi Program where he was encouraged by then-ATC Larry Walker to apply for the Summer Student Internship Program that ATC hosts annually. Prasad was accepted as an ATC intern and through hard work, dedication, and continued education he was promoted to his current position.

Born in the Fiji Islands, Prasad migrated to the United States through the diversity lottery. He lives in San Bernardino County. Jai is married to Kaveeta Prasad, and they have a daughter, Jaya Prasad, who attends Cajon High School. The ATC-Controller Division is very lucky to have Prasad as a mentor and a leader.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Families—complete with fathers, mothers, grandparents, and lots of daughters—attended the first American Girl Doll Tea Party in three years at Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School in San Bernardino. The Girl Scouts was there, and they signed up enough girls to start a new troop.

“Another great success of the American Girl Tea Party included the Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio obtaining enough interest to start a new Girl Scout Troop in the Mt. Vernon area,” says Knea Hawley, Vice President of Development for Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio.

“Girl Scouts is a great way to help girls learn new skills and make friends, but the pandemic has made it difficult for some troops to meet,” says Hawley.  “I am thrilled to see the outpouring of support for girls and scouting.  We’re grateful to have Girl Scout alumna Ivana Wright, who led a troop before the pandemic, and will lead this new one.

“I am really excited to work with a new group of girls and help them gain life skills, develop their interest in community and champion girls who will make the world a better place,” said Ivana Wright, Girl Scout of the Year 2017.

Foundation President Arlington Rodgers, Jr. says, “The mission of the San Bernardino City Library Foundation is to make sure that our public libraries continue to be places where everyone in the community can gather, learn, grow, and interact. The joining of local girls with The Girl Scouts at a Foundation-sponsored event, is a fine example of how the Library Foundation helps our community do just that.”

The doll collection and the multi-generational American Girl Doll Tea Party are both made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.

“The San Bernardino City Library allows children to check out an American Girl Doll kit.  It includes ethnically diverse dolls, a carrying case, accessories, a book about the doll and a journal. Children checking out the dolls are encouraged to write about their playing with the dolls in a journal,” said Angela Encinas, Children’s Librarian.

For more information on how to join the new San Bernardino Troop or to start a new Girl Scout troop contact Concetta Miller cmiller@gssgc.org.

For more information on the San Bernardino City Library Foundation go to SBCLF.com