Local

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

For Black drone pilots, e-commerce package delivery going aerial could present new earning or business opportunities for them.

Last week, Amazon announced that its customers in Lockeford, a town of about 3500 people in San Joaquin County, will become among the first to receive Prime Air deliveries via drone.

The tech company, the world’s largest e-retailer, chose Lockeford because of its historic links to the aviation industry.

“Lockeford residents will soon have access to one of the world’s leading delivery innovations,” said Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Ripon), whose district includes the town. “It’s exciting that Amazon will be listening to the feedback of the San Joaquin County community to inform the future development of this technology.”

Amazon’s drones fly up to 50 miles per hour and can carry packages of up to 5 pounds as high as 400 feet in the air.

Blacks and the Drone Industry

Technology and aviation industry watchers say drone pilots are in high demand right now and they predict their demand will keep increasing.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) estimates that by the year 2025, at least 100,000 jobs will be created for drone pilots. Multiple companies are set to spend over $16 billion on drones over the next eight years, with advertising agencies, construction, and security firms being among the first.

According to the Economic Research Institute, the average pay for a drone pilot is $71,669 a year and $34 an hour in California. The average salary range for a drone pilot is between $50,891 and $88,659. Entrepreneurship related to drone piloting creates opportunities, experts say, for generating new streams of income and establishing new businesses that support the industry.

Jeffery Howell, a Navy officer currently stationed in San Diego, began his journey with drones when his wife gifted him one for his birthday last year.

“At first I was nervous,” said Howell. “I’ve never really flown a drone before, so I started watching YouTube videos back-to-back, learning about the qualifications to fly drones legally and weight classes. As I delved deeper into it, there is a whole different world and community out there.”

Over time, Howell became more comfortable piloting his drone and was interested in connecting with other pilots who looked like him. Eventually, he stumbled upon the Facebook group, ‘Black Drone Pilots,’ and connected with a community of over 300 pilots nationwide who not only shared his budding passion but were making a living with it.

On the weekend of June 11, Black drone pilots held inaugural meet-and-greets in five different cities nationwide. Howell attended the event in Newport Beach and had the opportunity to network and fellowship with local pilots.

“I was amazed at the brothers and sisters getting together just having a good time flying,” he said. “You could tell that the ones who weren’t as knowledgeable were getting pointers from the more experienced pilots. It was a beautiful thing to see.”

Inspired by his new network of professionals, Howell decided to start his own drone photography and video company ‘Air Speed Aerial Productions.’ To start his business, Howell needed to attain his Park 107 certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All drone pilots must take and pass this test to receive their commercial licenses. The test costs $175 to register and there are several online guides to help study for it.

Licensed drone pilots and entrepreneurs like Howell are a welcomed sight within an industry that still has room to grow in terms of diversity. There are 250,000 drone pilots certified with the FAA. Ten percent are Black and only 3% are Black women.

Ashlee Cooper is a certified drone pilot who founded ‘Droneversity,’ a Delaware-based organization that teaches teenaged youth about the fundamentals, opportunities and innovations within drone piloting and aviation, more broadly.

“Aviation careers have always been a white male dominated field,” said Cooper. “Unless you were in the military or related to a pilot, it was unlikely you were going to tap into those positions within the aviation industry. Most of them do not require a high school or college degree.”

Youth are eligible to take the Park 107 exam at the age of 16. Cooper’s company provides courses to help them take and pass the exam as well.

“Most of these young girls and boys are gamers. They take naturally to flight. The skillset is marketable. Like gaming, it takes hand-eye coordination and knowing how to operate under pressure and solve problems quickly.”

Cooper, who also is a member of Black Drone Pilots, transitioned from her background in Molecular Biology to drone piloting during the pandemic. Her experience with secondary education created inroads for her organization to reach teenagers and help inspire them to pursue drone piloting as well.

“I still feel like I’m late, however I know my timing was divine especially because of who’ve I’ve been able to help. Being a Black woman in this industry has led to some incredible partnerships and networking. There is an opportunity as long as we provide equitable access. By making it more accessible, you have more innovators.”

You can connect with Black Drone Pilots’ Facebook page here to follow their updates, get a listing of future events or learn how you can begin your own journey to drone piloting.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Six recipients of the 2022 San Bernardino County Classified School Employees of the Year (CSEY) were recognized during a June 15 event at Dorothy Inghram Learning Center in San Bernardino.

“I am honored to be recognizing our San Bernardino County Classified School Employees of the Year. Each honoree embodies what it means to be a servant leader,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “We are celebrating these individuals who characterize excellence in transforming lives through education.”

Since 2008, the California Department of Education has offered the Classified School Employees of the Year program to highlight exemplary employees. Award recipients are nominated by their school districts and selected by a countywide judging panel. The San Bernardino County recipients are automatically submitted for consideration at the state level.

The six honorees, by category, selected for 2022 are:

• Paraprofessional—Julie Maloney is a library media technician at Valley Elementary School with the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District. Having served in the position for six years, her colleagues, in their nomination, shared that she is a positive, energetic force who inspires students to challenge themselves in their reading efforts. During the summer of 2021, Maloney created a mobile library that allowed parents drive-through access to check out reading materials and textbooks. When COVID restrictions resulted in a library closure, she completely revamped the library, which allowed teachers to have easy access to multiple levels of small group intervention reading materials. She was instrumental in receiving hundreds of books for the students.

• Clerical and Administrative Services—Stacy Gillespie is the assistant principal secretary at Ruben S. Ayala High School with Chino Valley Unified School District. She has served in the position for eight years. Gillespie is well-known and a vital member of her school and community. She has been a student advocate, a club advisor and the school’s spirit advisor for six years. Gillespie leads the school’s Advanced Placement Testing by organizing and executing a seamless testing season each school year. She also volunteers to assist and support events and organizations that benefit the students and community.

• Food and Nutrition Services—Jeffrey Jungnickel is a child nutrition delivery driver of seven years with Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District. His peers and co-workers shared that he is always there to meet the needs of all 12 kitchens with no request too small. Jungnickel has been quick to adjust his personal time to receive calls to check on equipment, and he does not hesitate to make himself available 24/7 in case of emergency. He is lauded by staff for being cheerful, positive, cooperative and supportive. He has been effective in explaining and providing insight on policy and procedures.

• Custodial and Maintenance Services—Joseph Davis is the lead custodian at Park View Middle School in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, a position he has held for seven years. His fellow team members said Davis takes great pride in keeping the campus clean and ready for students. He works collaboratively with staff to determine the best way to keep students safe and healthy. Davis also provides ongoing training and support to his team to build their capacity and knowledge base. His colleagues describe him as a creative problem solver and a leader, and he is well respected by the members of the custodial staff and the entire school.

• Health and Student Services—Brandy Osborn is a health technician of five years who serves at Competitive Edge Charter Academy with the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District. In her nomination, fellow team members shared that while Osborn may be called a school nurse, a better description would be “school mom.” Her effort is noticed by all staff members and, more importantly, by the students. Osborn is calm, confident and maintains a positive attitude when dealing with difficult situations, even when she may be facing an angry parent or scared student. Her unflappable positivity helps students feel safe and cared for.

• Technical Services—Jon Duncan is an information technology support specialist of eight years at Etiwanda High School with Chaffey Joint Union High School District. Duncan’s co-workers and peers have said that he is an amazingly hard worker and have commented on how much they appreciate him and what he does daily. No matter how big or small the issue is, Duncan is patient and helpful to everyone, regardless of their tech level or ability. He truly cares about the school and that is reflected in his work ethic. His co-workers appreciate that he is the type of person who will not leave until the job is done. During the pandemic, Duncan’s job and importance to the campus increased exponentially. All teachers and students relied heavily on technology, and he graciously supported all, even remotely.

This year’s honorees each received a $250 dollar check from the event’s corporate sponsor, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. The awards ceremony was also livestreamed on the SBCSS YouTube channel.

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

YUCAIPA, CA—- Crafton Hills College (CHC) transfer student José Aaron Rosales is packing his bags and heading to Harvard University in the fall.

The Rialto resident received the news via email on March 31 while having dinner with family at a Texas Roadhouse.

“It was such a hard week after burying my grandmother, and here I am bawling,” the 33-year-old recalled after opening his acceptance letter on his cell phone. “I turned the phone to my wife and showed her what it said. She gave me a big hug. Only a few people knew I applied because it was not a guarantee I’d get in.”

Rosales is a first-generation college student, and he credits the height of the COVID-19 pandemic for changing the trajectory of his life. Rosales said the pandemic was “an eye-opener.”

“I was limited in what I could do to help without a medical background,” he said. “So, my wife and I talked about me going back to school.”

Rosales connected with two nonprofits dedicated to providing military veterans like him with an accelerated, clear path to college. He decided on CHC after hearing about their high transfer rate.

Rosales said both resources worked with him to prepare application requirements for consideration. As a result, 954 applicants were accepted into Harvard, and Rosales was one of only 18 veterans included.

Rosales is preparing to move back east to attend the university with his wife, Christina, and eight-year-old daughter Audreyana. He expects to graduate with the Harvard Class of 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in Physics. After graduation, Rosales plans to attend medical school and eventually give back to the veteran community.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my family, the nonprofits I worked with, and Crafton,” Rosales said. “It was a team effort.”

By Lue Dowdy | LUE Productions

Juneteenth also referred to as “Freedom Day” has now been declared as an official holiday. More than half of the states around the world now acknowledge the date June 19th as a national holiday. The day is a celebration to the end of slavery in the United States.

The Juneteenth celebration at San Bernardino Valley College this past Saturday was EPIC. The weather was perfect, and the vibe was right. There were 1500 plus attendees from all over the Inland Empire and beyond. The theme, “Celebrating Freedom a Fun Family Experience” was just that. It was great to see so many families, friends, and community members coming together in honor of such a historical achievement. Children were laughing, playing, and running freely within the kid’s zone sponsored by First 5 San Bernardino. Food, Resource, and MERCH vendors were placed along one row which was named “Vendor Row”. The row had more than 80 vendors. I was able to get over 30,000 steps in by walking back and forth.

The opening ceremony began at noon and took place in the auditorium hosted by ya’ girl, yes me, Lue Dowdy. Reverend Bronica Martindale, CEO of “Reverend B. Productions”, began with a Libation ceremony, as Pastor Joshua Beckley of “Ecclesia Christian Fellowship Church” led in prayer directly after. The spirit was in the building.

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Daniel Walker, was a breath of fresh air. He definitely got the audience engaged and excited to learn and reflect. Remarks were given by Dr. Scott Thayer, San Bernardino Valley College Interim President; Karen E. Scott, Executive Director for First 5 San Bernardino; Damon Alexander, San Bernardino City Councilmember 7th Ward; Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers, San Bernardino Unified School District; and Kimberly Calvin, San Bernardino City Councilmember 6th Ward. Additional speakers and live performances took place outdoors in the Greek Theater throughout the day.

This celebration had so many moving pieces such as mini educational seminars, a pie eating contest, art walk, bike and car show, domino tournament, mac and cheese contest, sidewalk chalk contest, spades contest, gaming tournament and more. Coach Cooley and his team from DGK gave away 30 professional skateboards along with helmets to youth. Community drawings took place and winners received gas cards, event shirts, paintings, and other items. Tournament winners received either a cash prize, a trophy, or medal.

In honor of Father’s Day, the committee gave away eight community father awards to deserving individuals that work day in and day out to service the community of San Bernardino and its members. Congratulations to Johnathan Buffong – (THE SPIRIT AWARD) Buffong Consulting, Josiah Bruny – (THE COMMUNITY ACTIVIST) Music Changing Lives, Reverend Samuel Casey – (THE NOBLE AWARD) C.O.P.E. Congregations Organized for Phrophetic Engagement, Uncle Daytona – (THE PEOPLE’s CHOICE AWARD) Uncle Daytona’s Barbershop, Rich Wallace – (THE STAND AND DELIVER AWARD) Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, Edwin Johnson – (THE COMMUNITY FATHER AWARD) Chords Youth Enrichment Center, Ian Franklin- (THE MENTOR AWARD) Project Fighting Chance, Terrence Stone – (THE PINNACLE AWARD) Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy.

The City of San Bernardino on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, presented the SBJC with a proclamation at the San Bernardino City Council Meeting, then on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted to declare June 19 each year as Juneteenth. Now it’s a paid holiday. The goal of the San Bernardino Juneteenth Committee was to provide something for everyone to enjoy and in my opinion the goal was accomplished. Be part of the fun next year by becoming a 2023 committee member. For more information, please email the SBJC at Eventjuneteenth@gmail.com.

The San Bernardino Juneteenth Committee is orchestrated of several amazing organizations based out of San Bernardino and neighboring cities. The board consist of Edwin Johnson: President, Ronecia Miller: Vice President, Lue Dowdy: Director of Operations, and Zepporah Johnson: Director of Administration. If you missed it this year, please be on the lookout for next year’s.
Committee Members: Kecia Miller, Kecia Worline, Dawn Gains, Calisha Millage, Krissy Harper, Porscha Dillard, Amanda Smart, Cat Clark, Dee Goins, Robin McKinnon, Kimberly Woods, Kristen Aguas, Shalita Tillman, Mary Valdemar, Shiana Cole.

Title Sponsors & Supporters: San Bernardino Valley College, Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, 47th District Supervisor, Eloise Gomez Reyes, First 5 San Bernardino, IEHP, ICUC, Health Net, City of San Bernardino, Chase Bank, LifeStream Blood Bank, 5th District, Supervisor Joe Baca Jr, Helen Tran, City of San Bernardino Parks N REC Department, Westside Story Newspaper, Domino Tournament Winners:1st Shug Wesley, 2nd Keyon Sams, and 3rd Dillard Anderson

Mission: The Mission of the Juneteenth Committee is to bring together the community in celebration of African American FREEDOM and HOPE.
Vision: To bring forth a community gathering to increase awareness of our past struggles and triumphs by coming together as a collective to reflect, educate, uplift, in celebration of the observed national holiday.

SAN BERNARDINO – Graduating students, family, friends, school staff, county administrators and county board members filled the California Theatre on June 10 to celebrate 156 graduating seniors from the alternative education programs and schools operated by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS).

“I don’t have to tell you what a momentous occasion this is,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre during ceremony remarks. “The sacrifices you have made, the perseverance you have shown, the daily struggles you have overcome – they are all accomplishments that have gotten you to this day.”

Alejandre challenged students to be lifelong learners and to never quit. He reminded them that there are other influences in the world today trying to pull youth in other directions. He commended the graduates for being steadfast and for overcoming personal challenges.

The graduation ceremony marked the seventh graduating class from the County Schools Student Services programs.

Anita Miller, from the SBCSS Independent Learning Academy, was the invited motivational speaker. She was the Alternative Education Teacher of the Year in 2020.

“No one says your journey will be easy, each step forward requires choices, sacrifices, discipline, and consistency,” said Miller. “You are smarter than you know, braver than you imagine and more determined than you realize. Tough times never last, but tough people do. Have courage, be kind, stay humble, remain focused and have faith.”

The student speaker for the Class of 2022 was Christopher Bustamante, from Bob Murphy County Community School. He encouraged his graduating class to pursue paths that will make a positive impact in our region.

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

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Sunday, June 19, 2022, Wallace Allen interviewed a dynamic young entrepreneur. Ms. Kamaya Nicholls is the owner of Mayas Hair and Skin Care. Her products are all natural. Her business also sells Turmeric and Charcoal kits. To view her products follow her on Instagram @mayashairskincare_ or visit mayashairskincare.bigcartel.com.

By Joe W. Bowers, Jr. | California Black Media Partners

Polls closed for in-person voting at 8 p.m. on June 7, the final day of the Statewide Direct Primary Election.

Vote-by-Mail ballots must be postmarked by the US Postal Service on or before June 7 and received no later than seven days after Election Day to be counted. The last day for county elections officials to certify election results is July 7.

The top two vote-getters in the primaries regardless of political affiliation advance to the November Election — whether one candidate receives the majority of the votes cast in the primary election. Only candidates running for State Superintendent of Public Instruction or candidates for voter-nominated offices in special elections can win outright by getting a majority of the vote (over 50 %) in the primary election.

County elections officials will be conducting the semifinal official canvass of votes at least every two hours until completed and providing the results to the Secretary of State.

Preliminary results are available for the 145 statewide elections being held to fill state and federal offices.

California Black Media (CBM) reports that 68 Black candidates are running in 45 of the elections. That is 31% of the races. Blacks make up 5.8% of California’s population.

This is a list of statewide races and Black candidates running.

Governor – Gavin Newsom (D) is projected to advance to the November General election and will face Brian Dahle (R). Black candidates failing to advance were Shawn Collins (R) in 6th place, Major Williams (R) in 8th place, Woodrow “Woody” Sanders III (No Party Preference) in 23rd place and Serge Fiankan (No Party Preference) in 26th place.

Lt. Governor – Angela E. Underwood Jacobs (R) is in second place and should advance to face incumbent Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis in November.

Secretary of State – Incumbent Dr. Shirley Weber (D) the only Black candidate in the contest is leading by a wide margin over six opponents.

State Controller – Malia Cohen (D) the first African American woman to serve on the board of Equalization is running in second place behind Lanhee Chen (R).

Superintendent of Public Instruction – Incumbent Tony Thurmond has an overwhelming lead over his six opponents. He is below the 50% majority to win outright. Ainye E. Long, the other Black candidate is in second place but has a very narrow lead over the 3rd place and 4th place candidates.

California Insurance Commissioner – Incumbent Ricardo Lara (D) leads his eight challengers. His Black opponents are Vinson Eugene Allen (D) in 5th place, Jasper “Jay” Jackson (D) in 7th place and Veronika Fimbres (Green Party) running 8th.

US Senator – Two separate US Senate contests are on the ballot. One is the regular election for the full six-year term beginning January 3, 2023. The other is a special vacancy election, to complete the unexpired Senate term of Vice President Kamala Harris. Sen. Alex Padilla (D) who was chosen by Gov. Newsom to replace Harris leads the vote in both contests.

In the full-term contest, Padilla is ahead of 22 opponents. Black candidates not advancing to the November ballot are John Thompson Parker, (Peace and Freedom Party) running in 9th place, Akinyemi Agbede (D) in 11th place, Myron L. Hall (R) running 12th, Daphne Bradford, (No Party Preference) is 23rd and Deon D. Jenkins (No Party Preference) is 26th.

Candidates Hall is running 7th and Bradford is running 8th in the partial/unexpired term contest.

The Black candidates running for 17 US House seats are:

District 3 (Yuba) -?Kermit Jones? (D) is ahead of three other opponents and will advance to the General Election. This district leans Republican.

District 4 (Napa) -?Jimih L. Jones (R) is running in 5th place. Rep. Mike Thompson (D) is leading in this race.

District 6 (Fair Oaks) -?Tamika Hamilton (R) is in second place. Karla Black (R) is running 6th. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Ami Bera (D) is leading in this race.

District 8 (Vallejo) – Cheryl Sudduth (D) is running a distant 3rd. Rep. John Garamendi (D), a current member of Congress, is leading in this race.

District 9 (Stockton) – Jonathan Madison?(R) is in 5th place. This congressional district leans Democratic. Josh Harder (D), a current member of Congress, is leading in this race.

District 12 (Oakland) – Barbara Lee (D) a current member of Congress representing District 13 (Oakland) is leading. Democrat Eric Wilson (D) is in 4th place.

District 25 (Riverside) – Brian E. Hawkins?(R) is running second to Rep. Raul Ruiz (D). This is a solid Democratic district.

District 27 (Santa Clarita) – Quaye Quartey? (D) is in 3rd place. Rep. Mike Garcia (R) is leading in this race.

District 30 (Burbank) -?Ronda Kennedy?(R) is in second place with a narrow lead over G “Maebe A. Girl” Pudio. Rep. Adam Schiff (D) is leading in this race.

District 32 (Sherman Oaks) – Aarika Samone Rhodes (D) is in 5th place. Rep. Brad Sherman (D) is leading in this race.

District 36 (Torrance) – Joe E. Collins III?(R) is running second to. Rep. Ted W. Lieu (D). This is a solid Democratic district

District 37 (Los Angeles) – Sydney Kamlager? (D) is in the lead. Jan C. Perry? (D) is in second place and ?Daniel W. Lee? (D) is running 3rd. Rep. Karen Bass (D) currently represents this district.

District 39 (Moreno Valley) – Aja Smith?(R) is running second to Rep. Mark Takano (D). This is a solid Democratic district.

District 42 (Long Beach) – William Moses Summerville? (D) is in 7th place. No current member of Congress was on the ballot for this race.

District 43 (Los Angeles) – Incumbent Maxine Waters?(D) is in the lead.?Allison Pratt?(R) is in 3rd place and Jean M. Monestime (D) is running in fourth place.

District 44 (San Pedro) – Morris Falls Griffin? (D) is in third place. Nanette Diaz Barragan (D), a current member of congress, is leading in this race.

District 49 (Carlsbad) – Nadia Bahia Smalley? (D) is in 6th place. Mike Levin (D), a current member of Congress, is leading in this race.

Black candidates running for two State Senate seats are:

Senate District 16 (Bakersfield) – Gregory Tatum (R) is in 4th place. This a new district predicted to be a tossup for the Republicans and Democrats on the ballot.

Senate District 28 (Los Angeles) – Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D) is in the lead. Cheryl C. Turner (D) is in second place. Kamilah Victoria Moore (D) is running 4th and Jamaal A. Gulledge (D) is in 5th place.

Black candidates running for 19 State Assembly seats are:

District 6 (Sacramento) – Incumbent Kevin McCarty (D) is the vote leader and will be advancing to the November General Election.

Assembly District 10 (Elk Grove) – Eric M. Rigard (R) is in third place and Tecoy Porter (D) is running 4th. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent was on the ballot.

Assembly District 11 (Vallejo) – Incumbent Lori D. Wilson (D) is the vote leader advancing to the November General Election. This is a solid Democratic district.

Assembly District 12 (Marin) – Ida Times-Green (D) is in 4th place. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent was on the ballot.

Assembly District 18 (Oakland) – Incumbent Mia Bonta (D) ran unopposed for re-election.

Assembly District 20 (Alameda) – Jennifer Esteen (D) is in 4th place. Her opponents are two Democrats and a Republican. No incumbent was on the ballot.

Assembly District 21 (San Mateo) – Maurice Goodman (D) is running in 6th place. He ran against five Democrats and a Republican. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent was on the ballot.

Assembly District 30 (San Luis Obispo) – Jon Wizard (D) is in 3rd place. He ran against three Democrats and a Republican. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent is on the ballot.

Assembly District 36 (Imperial) – Marlon G. Ware (D) is in a distance 3rd place. He is unlikely to advance to the November ballot.

Assembly District 39 (Palmdale) – Andrea Rosenthal (D) is in 3rd place. She had one Republican and two Democratic rivals. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent was on the ballot.

Assembly District 41 (Pasadena) – Incumbent Chris Holden (D) ran for re-election unopposed.

Assembly District 47 (Palm Springs) – Jamie Swain (D) is in 4th place. She is unlikely to advance to the November ballot.

Assembly District 55 (Los Angeles) – Incumbent Isaac G. Bryan (D) is in the lead. He will advance to the November General Election.

Assembly District 57 (Los Angeles) – Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D) ran unopposed for re-election.

Assembly District 60 (Moreno Valley) – Corey A Jackson (D) is in second place. He has three opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent was on the ballot.

Assembly District 61 (Inglewood) – Robert Pullen-Miles (D) is leading this race. Tina Simone McKinnor (D) is in second place and James Arlandus Spencer (R) is running 3rd. This is a solid Democratic district. No incumbent was on the ballot.

In a special election to fill Assembly District 62 seat opened when Autumn Burke (D) resigned, McKinnor is leading Pullen-Miles.

Assembly District 65 (Compton) – Incumbent Mike Anthony Gipson (D) is leading in his re-election bid.

Assembly District 69 (Long Beach) – Al Austin II (D) is running in 2nd place and Janet Denise Foster(D) is in 3rd place. Four Democratic candidates are running for the seat. No incumbent was on the ballot.

Assembly District 79 (La Mesa) – Incumbent Akilah Weber (D) is leading in her bid for re-election against two Republican opponents. This is a solid Democratic district.

SACRAMENTO –  Recently, Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) released the following statement after Legislative Democrats passed the primary 2022-2023 Budget Bill:

“With an almost $100 billion surplus, rising gas prices, and skyrocketing inflation, the best relief Legislative Democrats came up with is a $200 refund that gets to you months down the road. That’s $16.66 per month, which for the record, won’t even cover your gas taxes paid this year,” said Leader Wilk.

“The White House is seriously weighing a federal gas tax holiday. We all know the quickest way to help Californians is by suspending the gas tax, but instead we are stuck with the supermajority’s months-long squabble and broken promises.”

This budget, contrary to today’s rhetoric, is not the state’s final spending plan but merely a placeholder to meet the constitutional deadline of June 15 for passage of the state’s budget. It lacks details on many critical spending proposals and does not reflect negotiations with Governor Newsom. Senate Republicans voted against the fake, placeholder budget.

According to a recent Cal Tax Foundation report, despite a massive projected surplus of $97.5 billion this year, legislative Democrats have no shame and have introduced $194 billion in new legislation and fees. Read the CalTax report here.

Last month, Senate Republicans delivered a specific list of budget priorities and outlined their full budget priorities to address affordability and homelessness. Click here to read the full budget request letter.

–FULL Gas Tax Holiday – The state should immediately suspend the gas tax to reduce the cost of fuel for families suffering from record-high prices. The revenues should be backfilled by the General Fund so that transportation projects will not be impacted.

–Lower Costs for Renters – To help offset rising rental costs, California should increase the renter’s tax credit to $1,000 for spouses filing joint returns, heads of households, and surviving spouses. It should also include a $500 tax credit for other individuals to provide temporary assistance for one of California’s most significant problems.

–California Student Tax Credit – To assist students with the rising costs of housing, transportation, or other school expenses, California should offer up to several thousand dollars in student tax credits per year for eligible students.

–Address Mental Health and Substance Abuse Needs – The state should invest $10 billion to build the facilities needed to address the related crises of mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness.

–Invest in Water Storage – The state must invest the $2.6 billion necessary to fully fund the already voter-approved Sites Reservoir that will provide water storage for 1.5 million homes per year.

–Prepare for Wildfires – The state needs to remove the red tape and roadblocks stalling wildfire prevention and treatment projects.

YUCAIPA, CA — After 18 weeks of grueling training and coursework, 28 graduates from Crafton Hills College’s (CHC) 106th Fire Academy were recognized during a commencement ceremony inside the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center on May 20.

Academy Chief Mike Alder kept his remarks about the 106th Class brief yet heartfelt. He shared the “Big Four” with the graduates and audience: remember the importance of your immediate and fire families; remain humble and nice; always be optimistic and have a positive attitude and have vision and be demanding.

“Understanding and living these principles as a public servant is how you can leave the place better than you found it,” Alder said. “(This) is the greatest job in the world, and you are all better people than you were four months ago. We wish you all the best.”

Tradition and honor were key highlights of the hour-long ceremony. There was a moment of silence for fallen military personnel and first responders and a plaque presentation celebrating the group’s accomplishments.

Alder recognized the support of the academy staff and its five squad leaders: Branden Christensen, Andrew Shade, Indiana Palmer, Ryan Lopez and Andrew Martinez.

Shade addressed the class and spoke about the hard work that went into becoming a program success story. He talked briefly about the long hours away from home and the importance of supporting one another.

“There was a 22-year age gap from oldest to youngest,” he said. “But the one thing we had in common was every one of us had no idea what we were doing, and if you faked it too well, you might have to end up giving a graduation speech.”

Each cadet was recognized by staff before and during the celebration. Many were given individual scholarships and honors during the ceremony. The most inspirational cadet award went to Jaden Teel, and Shade received the highest academic achievement and instructor award.

Before the cadets were released, academy leaders held one last dismissal ceremony.“All fight. No quit!” shouted the cadets together before throwing their hats into the air.

CHC’s 107th Academy begins in August. To learn more about the CHC Fire Academy, visit craftonhills.edu/fireacademy.