WSSN Stories

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Last week, Gov. Newsom signed AB 5, the “Employee Misclassification Bill,” into law. The legislation changes the classification of more than one million jobs in California from “contractor” to “employee.” 

The week before, the California Senate voted 29-11 to pass the bill. For the last 10 months, various industries across the state have been pressing legislators, begging for an exemption to AB 5. 

On Friday, before AB 5 made its way to Gov. Newsom’s desk for his signature, a bi-partisan group of lawmakers stood up to defend the newspaper industry in California, which includes more than 20 African American-owned publications.

“It has to do with the hundreds in my district – and other Senators’ as well –  weeklies and small papers, the ethnic press,” said Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), explaining why she supported AB 170 in a Senate Labor committee hearing last week. “The various weeklies that many mono-lingual constituents of mine rely on for information. The information we rely on, too, as public servants.”

Senate Republicans pushed 12 amendments to AB 5 last week, including the one that provides temporary exemption for newspaper carriers and distributors. After bitter fights, passionate speeches – and even a few tears – a majority of Democratic and Republican lawmakers in the Senate and Assembly pressured Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), who authored AB 5, to introduce AB 170 as a condition for their votes. 

Finally, the Senate approved AB 170 with a 38-1vote count. The Assembly voted 66-6 in favor of it.

Newspapers across California now have until January 2021, a year after the law takes effect, to hire the drivers who deliver their papers as W-2 employees. Or else, they would have to create a new model for distributing papers that complies with the restrictions in AB 5.

“Thanks to the lawmakers who understand the crushing impact the internet has had on our bottom lines. Those legislators who value the role the press plays, particularly the ethnic media, in strengthening our democracy here in California,” said Regina Wilson, executive director of California Black Media. “AB 170 now buys us time to figure out a solution for delivering our papers that, hopefully, the couriers can embrace, Labor Unions can accept and that the newspapers can implement without going bankrupt.”

At a Senate committee hearing for AB 5 last week, Gonzalez expressed her disappointment.

“This is the first time I’ve carried a bill that I’m vehemently opposed to,” said Gonzalez. “But in the spirit of good faith I will bring it forward.”

 Although Gonzalez introduced AB 170, she voted against it during the Assembly floor vote.

“This is going to give some breathing space to newspapers to find a way, within their means, to provide systems that comport with the values of the author and proponents of AB 5,” said Jim Ewert, general counsel of the California Newspaper Publishers Association.

 Republicans in the Senate and Assembly opposed AB 5 since it was introduced in December last year.

“Over two million Californians choose to work as independent contractors and AB 5 only protects certain industries,” said Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield).

Exempted categories include architects, engineers, veterinarians, private investigators, psychologists, commercial fisherman, dentists, podiatrists, travel agents, editors, marketing professionals photographers, cartoonists and more.

“I am proud to have stood with my Republican colleagues in offering better solutions to protect workers in industries such as healthcare, transportation, and newspapers carriers and distributors,” Grove continued. “If the governor truly believes in supporting a California for all, then he needs to do the right thing and veto AB 5.”

In her closing statement, Gonzales took a shot at newspapers.

“The entire news service in California weaponized their editorial pages against this bill based only on newspaper carriers. Its hypocritical,” she said. 

After the bill passed, Grove issued a statement on behalf of Republicans in the legislature.

“Democrats rejected Senate Republicans’ amendments to AB 5 which would have leveled the playing field for all independent contractors and helped industries that were excluded,” she said. “Democrats, labor unions, and Governor Newsom, picked winners and losers with AB 5.”

AB 170 is still waiting the governor’s signature as of press time.

On Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at the age of 107 years old the Lord called Emma Shaw home. She’s had her bags pack since she was 90, so 17 years later the matriarch of the Shaw family has finally moved to her eternal address.

Emma was the second born to James and Gertrude Armstrong on August 9, 1912 in Tallulah, Louisiana. Emma was raised by her aunt and uncle and attended Madison Parish Training School. Emma was not able to complete school because the family needed her to help in the cotton fields. At the tender age of 15 she met the love of her life, George Bernard Shaw.

Emma and George were married on February 6, 1929 and to this union God blessed them with 13 children; six sons, five daughters and two children who died at birth. Six of their children; Cleveland, Luretha, Johnny B, Joyce, Wiley and Mary were born in Tallulah. Emma and George were married for 62 years until he passed away.

In 1942 George saw potential for advancement by moving his family from Louisiana to Las Vegas, Nevada. While in Las Vegas, Emma was an employee at the El Rancho and Frontier hotels. Emma gave birth to Donell and Ronell before leaving Nevada in 1944.

As times began to change, George had the foresight again to relocate his family to San Bernardino, California in 1944. Emma began working in private homes as a maid. She then found new employment at Norton Air Force Base. After leaving Norton, Emma began doing seasonal work at the National Orange Show. Once the seasonal work was done, Emma found employment in Palm Springs where she worked for 16 years. While in California Barbara, Vernon and Valerie were born.

Though their resources were limited, that did not prevent Emma from sharing with those who were even less fortunate whenever they stopped by. She was an amazing cook and was known for her homemade biscuits, fried chicken and her peach cobbler.

Emma joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend David Campbell. After the passing of Reverend Campbell, Mother Shaw changed her membership to Greater New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, which was then under the leadership of Elder Herbert C. Pugh. Mother Shaw grew spiritually at Greater New Jerusalem where she became the Church Mother. She served as Church Mother for over 40 years and in recognition for this service Mother Shaw was appointed Church Mother Emeritus.

Everyone who knew Mother Shaw has heard her testimony and can repeat it verbatim as she starts to say…”Early one Saturday morning I was in my bathroom when I heard a loud voice saying, ‘Be ready, I’m on My way back’…” and from that time until she went home, Mother Emma told everyone that she would encounter to be ready, the Lord is on His way back.

Emma Shaw was a local legend, living to celebrate her 107^th year of life here on this earth. She was still so full of wisdom, discernment, encouragement and honesty. She had a no nonsense attitude when ‘stuff ain’t right’, and she would speak her mind and let you know. When you heard ‘now looka here’, you know something of importance was about to follow.    

Emma was preceded in passing by her husband, George; Sons, Cleveland, Johnny B, and Ronell and Daughter, Luretha Johnson. The matriarch of six generations Emma leaves to cherish her memory; Joyce, Wiley (Alexis), Mary (Charles), Donell, Barbara and Valerie. Granma Emma also leaves well over 300 grand; great; great great; great great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Mother Shaw’s Wake will be held at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, 1424 W. 21^st Street, San Bernardino, CA on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Her Homegoing Celebration Service will be held at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, 1314 E. Date Street, San Bernardino, CA on Friday, October 4, 2019 with the viewing at 10:00 a.m and the Service at 11:00 a.m. Hallelujah for the time He blessed us with her presence.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOS ANGELES, CA—- The publisher of LA Focus, Lisa Collins, hosted its 22nd First Ladies High Tea on September 14 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The afternoon tea attracted over 1000 patrons where they were served with a traditional Afternoon Tea Menu.

Sponsors of the event included: Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, 2nd District, Prudential, Walmart, BLACC and AHF. The First Ladies High Tea awarded scholarships to at-risk girls.

Legendary Actress Marla Gibbs received the Legacy Award at this year’s event. Other honorees included: LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Erica Campbell, Grammy-winner of Mary Mary, R&B music artist and radio host, Actress Essence Atkins, starring in OWN’s Ambitions, and renowned Dr. Kristi Funk, MD, breast cancer surgeon, First ladies honorees Melinda Campbell from First AME Pasadena, Junita Edwards from Pasadena Community Christian Fellowship and Barbara

 Hendricks from Church of the Living God. Performance by multi Award-winning Anthony Brown & Group therAPy.

This year co-hosts included Actress Wendy Raquel Williams starring in ABC’s Grand Hotel and Apostle Beverly “BAM” Crawford, Pastor, Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church.

Photo Credit: Melissa Diaz Photography

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By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

Several political leaders as well as activists in California shared their reactions to U.S. presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris’ criminal justice reform plan.

It calls for ending mandatory minimum sentences, legalizing marijuana, expunging marijuana convictions and shutting down for-profit prisons, among a number of other proposals, that could have a positive impact on African-American communities across California.

Other policies in the plan to overhaul the country’s criminal justice system include introducing a national standard for police use of force; providing incentives for states to get rid of mandatory minimums; equalizing sentencing for possession and distribution of crack and cocaine; mandating prisons to offer educational courses, vocational training as well as mental health and addiction treatment. Harris also wants to end federal laws that prohibit formerly incarcerated people from accessing housing, loans, food stamps and other public services

 “By ending mass incarceration, holding police accountable, and keeping families intact, Kamala would fundamentally transform public safety and protect our children,” said California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond who oversees the state’s 977 school districts that enroll more than 6 million students. Thurmond says he’s excited by the focus on prevention and rehabilitation in Harris’ plan because one of his own top priorities is keeping kids safe, enrolled in school, and out of prisons.

Harris announced her plan earlier this month. According to her campaign it “replicates and nationalizes” programs she introduced during her law enforcement career in California. 

“This plan uses my experience and unique capability to root out failures within the justice system,” she said. “We can end mass incarceration and combat the bias and racism that fuels it. We can ensure accountability for all parts of the system to build foundations of trust in our communities. We can stop profit from incarceration and stop criminalizing poverty. As president, I’ll fix this broken system to make it fairer and more accountable for communities across the country.”

Lateefah Simon is a civil rights activist who runs the Akonadi Foundation, a social and racial justice organization in Oakland. She believes Harris is best equipped to lead reforms because she understands how the justice system works.

“As a lifelong activist, I don’t say this lightly,” said Simon. “Her career is proof that you can fight to rectify what’s broken from the inside. Her plans for our country prove that she has a lot of fight left. We need a leader like Kamala in the White House to ensure that we end private prisons and give Black and Brown families their lives back.”

Simon is also a California State University Trustee and the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transportation Board Director.

Billie Mizell, former executive Director of Insight Prison Project based in San Quentin, says she’s not surprised by the progressive policies in Harris’ plan. 

“Kamala Harris first earned my respect over 15 years ago when I was working for people sentenced to death,” said Mizell. “To the surprise of many of us in the abolition community back then, DA Harris refused to seek a death verdict, despite enormous political pressure. Before ‘progressive prosecutor’ was a trendy term, Kamala was fighting to be in spaces historically dominated by White men so that she could be a game-changer.”

Most Democrats have reacted favorably to Harris’ criminal justice reform plan. But other critics have been attacking her record as prosecutor and California’s top cop since she announced her candidacy for President of the United States in January.

“Time after time, when progressives urged her to embrace criminal justice reforms as a district attorney and then the state’s attorney general, Ms. Harris opposed them or stayed silent,” wrote

Lara Bazelon, a law professor, in the New York Times. Bazelon is the former director of the Loyola Law School Project for the Innocent in Los Angeles. 

Defending her record, Harris said “I was swimming against the current, and thankfully the currents have changed. She made the statement in an interview with the New York Times just before releasing her plan. “The winds are in our sails. And I’m riding that just like everybody else is – because it’s long overdue.”

“I know the system from the inside out,” Harris continued. . “So trust me when I say we have a problem with mass incarceration in America. Trust me when I say we have a problem with accountability. Trust me when I say we have to take the profit out of criminal justice.”

Harris points to a program she started in 2005 when she was district attorney. Called “Back on Track,” the initiative provided jobs for young people arrested the first time for drug offenses. She also hired more women, people of color and LGBTQ people in an effort to increase diversity on her staff, according to her campaign.

In the presidential race, Harris seems to be losing steam. She is polling at only 5 percent in Iowa, the first State in the Democratic primaries, according to a Focus on Rural America survey.  She has dropped more than 13 points over the last two months.

Among African-American Democrats, most polls place her third after Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders.“As someone who has seen the flaws in our criminal justice firsthand, I have long appreciated Kamala’s commitment to reforming it,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “Her plans to end mandatory minimum sentencing, money bail, and the death penalty exemplify why her platform is so important. She is a trailblazer through and through.” 

 

He was tireless in the fight for access and respect for Black journalists and relentless in championing for Blacks to have a seat at the proverbial table.

Sacramento OBSERVER publisher emeritus Dr. William H. Lee went on to his glory, having passed away on Sunday, September 22. Dr. Lee was 83 years old. 

Dr. Lee was born on May 29, 1936, in Austin, Texas.  His parents (Rev. Charles R. Lee, father, and Carrie Lee, mother), with sons William and James R. Lee, moved to California, first to San Francisco and then to Sacramento, in the early 1940s.

Dr. Lee attended Sacramento State University (1953-1955) and went on to earn a B.A. degree (Accounting) from UC Berkeley in 1957.  He was awarded an Honorary Ph.D. from Southeastern University in 1970. 

After graduating from UC Berkeley, Lee had short, but fruitful, employment stays with both Aerojet and IBM Corporations. His dream to establish his own firm,  however, led him to open his own real estate and land development company in 1960. The success he had in real estate allowed him to invest in the much-needed community newspaper publishing business. He along with local radio connoisseur Geno Gladden and businessman John W. Cole, launched The Sacramento Observer on November 22, 1962. A short time after starting the paper, Gladden passed away. And, in 1965, Lee and his wife, Kathryn, became sole owners of the paper, also starting at the time the Lee Publishing Company. 

The publishing company grew during the 1970s and 80s, to publishing at one point, six distinct publications in California and Nevada — including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Stockton, Solano County, Reno, Nevada and Sacramento.   Dr. Lee took on local, state and national leadership roles. From 1970 to 1989,    he served on the board of directors and as an officer of the National Newspapers Publisher’s Association (NNPA), the Black Press of America.  He was co-founder and a long-time president of the West Coast Black Publisher’s Association (WCBPA). Lee was named “Publisher of the Year” by the WCBPA in 1985.

Active in the field of journalism and the newspaper industry, Lee’s publications, along with his call for quality and excellence in the industry, gave him a national reputation. He was a member of the jury, judging for Pulitzer Prize winners in Journalism in 1987.  Lee’s newspaper, The Sacramento Observer, has been named the nation’s No. 1 Black newspaper six times; being awarded the coveted John B. Russwurm trophy, the nation’s top newspaper publishing honor given by the National Newspaper Publisher’s Association. 

A recognized business leader, Lee served on the board of directors of a number of national and local companies, including Blue Cross of California; Methodist Hospital (Sacramento); the Superior Valley Small Business Development Corporation; the advisory board of Wells Fargo Bank;  and, the advisory board of the former Home Savings financial institution.   Dr. Lee’s commitment to serve others kept him active in civic and educational circles. He  was named Alumnus of the Year (1993), by UC Berkeley’s Black Alumni Association. He was appointed by California Governor George Deukmejain to chair the statewide Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday committee, leading to the state’s observance of the MLK holiday. Years later, in January 2014, Dr. Lee would serve as the Grand Marshal of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday March in Sacramento.  

In Sacramento, the prestigious Sacramento Magazine named Dr. Lee as one of the “50 Most Powerful Leaders” in the City (2006).  He was a co-founder and former President of the Men’s Civic League; co-founder of the Sacramento Urban League; as well as co-founder of the Sacramento Area Black Caucus. 

Dr. Lee has been honored by a large number of groups and organizations for his long and dedicated community service and  leadership. He received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the California Black Chamber of Commerce and the Sacramento Chapter of the Links and the OBSERVER was inducted into the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Hall of Fame in 2012. Dr. Lee has also been saluted by Sacramento 100 Black Men, Inc; the Sacramento Branch of the NAACP (D.D. Mattocks Award); the American Leadership Forum (Exemplary Leader Award) and was a recipient of the Congressman Bob Matsui Award (for Distinguished Community Service); The Greater Sacramento Urban League’s Co-Founder Award; the California State University, Sacramento Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award; and many others. In 2012, Fortune School of Education named an elementary school, William H. Lee College Prep, in honor of Dr. Lee. The school’s computer lab is named after Dr. Lee’s late wife.

In January 2015, Kevin Johnson, Sacramento’s first African American mayor, awarded Dr. Lee with the Mort Friedman Legacy Award, which honors an outstanding individual who has made notable civic and community contributions within the Sacramento city and region.

A memorial service has been tentatively set for Sacramento on Tuesday, October 1. Details to follow.

By Lou Yeboah

Oh, how we so hate it, but, boy do we forever need it! Tough Love! Although difficult to give and difficult to receive, when we acknowledge the serious and eternal implications of our choices, we come to understand why tough love is so important. Case in point: When King David committed adultery and had his lover’s husband killed, the prophet Nathan was the only one who confronted him about his sin [2 Samuuel 12}. Nathan spoke the truth to David in such a way that David became immediately repentant. I tell you, one of the great characteristics of the Ephesian church was the fact that they were, in one very important way, intolerant. Much of the professing Christian church today has forgotten that Jesus wants His church to be pure. It has forgotten that God has commanded His people to be holy. The world today wants the church to turn the Bible’s teaching upside down. It wants us to call what is evil, good, and to call what is good, evil. But as the prophet Isaiah wrote, [Isaiah 5:20] “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” No matter how difficult tough love is to give or receive, people who are going astray need to be told that they are on the path to destruction. They need to be told that they need to change. They need to be dealt with with tough love.

You see, Jesus who taught us to love one another is the same Jesus who made whips and used them to whip the merchants who had set up shops in the temple. He is the same one who openly rebuked the religious leaders of his day, calling them snakes and vipers.  Jesus showed us many examples of tough love. He never backed away from saying exactly what his Father told him to say, even if it caused people to stop following him. He knew he was acting in love because he was offering them exactly what they needed to hear, whether they liked it or not. The message He preached was not negotiable, not on the table for compromise, not up for a vote.

I tell you, there are times in life when we “need”  tough love. There are times in life when we “need” to be warned that we are in a dangerous situation and that we “need” to listen up or face some pretty devastating consequences. Instead of being hateful or take offense, we should be grateful and thankful that God loves us so much that He will send a messenger with a message for our mess instead of wrath. Tough love –  embrace it, love it, welcome it. Why? Because, ‘Tough Love’ is a love that doesn’t let evil get the upper hand. Because, ‘Tough Love is Real Love!”

In concluding, to those who have chosen to allow the Lord to use you as His mouthpiece, as God warned the prophet Ezekiel in regards to his vocation as messenger and mouthpiece of God. Know that there are no variables when it comes to being God’s faithful messenger. Speak the words that God gives. He gives them for a reason and they need to be heard.  “If you don’t tell them what He gives you to say: if you choose to try and play nice they will still suffer the eternal death of Hell only now you will be held accountable for it.

Biblical tough love, based on eternal truth.

“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby; wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees… [Hebrews 12:11-12]

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

After Carl Maryland retired in 2009, he started playing for a team in the Sacramento Golden Seniors Softball Club league.

“Mostly to stay active and fit,” the 78-year-old says, but he enjoyed hanging out and shooting the breeze with his teammates, too.

During his seven-year run, playing in the league, Maryland’s team won 10 championship rings.

“If you love the game, you got to stay with it,” says Maryland.

Then, two years ago, he fell ill. His doctor advised him to take some time off from playing. In April of this year, when it was time to go back, he wasn’t well enough to get back on the field.  

Maryland has now moved into his son Robert’s home in Sacramento. Occasionally, they go out to the batting cage and play catch together.

The younger Maryland is freelance photographer and father of two. He loves hanging out with his dad, he says. And although the senior Maryland is independent most of the time, caring for  him while balancing all of his other obligations at home and work can be challenging.

“He doesn’t drive anymore,” Robert says. “It would be good if he could go out at anytime and hang out with his buddies. He misses that.”

In California, caring for aging parents can be difficult for middle income families like the Marylands. There are few resources they can access for information or money to pay for medical bills, at-home care, or other needs.  The state provides assistance for home aides and transportation for low-income families. And most aging Californians who are wealthy can afford to move into plush nursing homes or senior communities – an unaffordable option for  average families – where there are people on staff to assist them.

Expecting California’s aging population to balloon by about 4 million to 8.6 million people by 2030, Gov. Newsom is taking steps to meet the needs of families like the Marylands.

In June, the governor issued an executive order, asking the Secretary of the Health and Human Services (HHS) to set up a cabinet-level “Workgroup for Aging” to advise the Secretary on “developing” a Master Plan on policy and programs. 

Gov. Newsom expects the committee to complete and deliver the Master Plan by October 2020.

To support the workgroup, Ghaly announced the creation of an advisory committee comprised of Californians from various backgrounds who have some expertise on aging, including former Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino). Brown was chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long Term Care during her tenure in the legislature.

For Brown, working to solve problems aging adults and their caregivers face is fulfilling. Since she was about 14 years old, Brown says she remembers being a caretaker for aging adults in her family. 

“I never thought twice about it,” says Brown. “That’s what we did. Families used to have that intergenerational support. It brought us closer together. It made us stronger.”

That’s why, Brown says, when she was a member of the state legislature – a Democrat representing a district covering parts of the Inland Empire from 2012 to 2016 – she authored legislation that would have required the state to set up a task force on caregivers for aging adults. The bill passed in the full Assembly and state Senate. But when it landed on then-Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk, he vetoed the legislation, letting her know there was not a need at the time for the team she was proposing.

“Of course, I disagreed,”said Brown. “ Californians provide an estimated $47 billion a year in unpaid labor taking care of their families and every day in California, 1,000 people turn 65. Long-term care costs are increasing.”

Instead of re-introducing the bill or authoring a similar one, Brown wrote a resolution that pointed out the need for the task force on caregiving for the aging. It passed in both the Assembly and Senate. 

Now, with her new appointment to the advisory committee, Brown says she’s ready the to join other Californians on the board to influence statewide policy on aging adults 

“Our collective charge is to develop a roadmap that envisions a future where all Californians, regardless of race, economic status or level of support, can grow old safely, with dignity and independence,” wrote Marko Mijic, a Deputy Secretary at the HHS in an email to the new committee members. 

Gov. Newsom, who has first-hand caregiver experience from taking care of his dad before his death in 2018, announced the Master Plan committee in his State of the State speech in January. The governor’s father, William Newsom, was a former Appeals Court Judge who suffered from dementia.

The governor said the plan must be “person-centered” and address issues like isolation, transportation, the nursing shortage and the increasing demand for in-home supportive services.”

By 2030,  the Public Policy Institute of California estimates about 1 million aging adults in the state will need some assistance to take care of themselves. The population of seniors who will need nursing home care is expected to grow as well. California is also one of 14 states that has a poverty rate of more than 10 percent among the 65-and-older population, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Accurately counting California’s aging population in next year’s Census will be a challenge as more and more aging adults fall in to poverty, become isolated from family and social networks, and continue to lack access to the internet. The 2020 Census will be the first to be primarily conducted online.

Brown says it is important for California to get ahead of the challenges coming.

“How do we create a one-stop shop?,” asks Brown. “What can we do to assist middle income families? Then, there is the sandwich generation – those working Californians with both young children and aging parents. How can we help them to help their loved ones?” 

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

On January 6, 1992, the California Assembly elected E. Dotson Wilson as its Chief Clerk and Parliamentarian.

The Berkeley native made history that day, becoming the first African American to be voted into that all important, non-partisan role at any legislative body in the United States. 

Since then, he has been re-elected to that office every two years by all 80 members of the state Assembly for 26 back-to-back terms.

“It has been an honor working for the Assembly,” said Dotson, who is retiring this month. “I am humbled to have had a front row seat as policy is being made in the world’s fifth largest economy. California has always been at the forefront of policy change in the United States.”

When the state Assembly held a special tribute on the chamber floor August 29, to thank him for 27 years of service as Chief Clerk, Wilson had gained another history-making notch on his belt. The 64-year-old, who now lives in the Sacramento area, is currently the longest-serving Chief Clerk in the history of the state of California.

“He has given us the gift of his wisdom, expertise, acumen, temperament and deep commitment to fairness over the decades,” said Assembly Speaker Pro-Tem Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo). “Institution above party. Service above self.”

Later that evening, the California Legislative Black Caucus hosted a reception at the Grand Sheraton in Sacramento to recognize Wilson’s service to the Assembly and the inspiration he has provided to countless African-American elected officials and staff members.

Almost everyone CBM interviewed for this article mentioned the example of professionalism Wilson set for colleagues at the Capitol.   

“Your name will take you places, because of your integrity,” said Assembly Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), chair of the Legislative Black Caucus.  “You can’t buy it, you can’t market it, its who you are. And your name speaks volumes in this house and across the nation.”

Wilson first joined the California Assembly as a fellow in 1979. He worked his way up to deputy chief of staff for former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, Jr., who served in the lower house’s top leadership role for 15 years and later became the first African-American mayor of San Francisco in 1996.

Brown nominated Wilson for Chief Clerk.

“He was one of the greatest politicians in the history of the state, said Wilson, talking about his experience working for Brown. “You’re only as strong as the people’s whose shoulders you stand on and Willie Brown is one of those people for me. At the time California was going through a lot of social and political changes and Brown showed extraordinary leadership.”

Wilson says Brown is one of those Californians who does not get enough credit – “ not only for his broad knowledge of the, law but also his razor-sharp understanding of policy.”

Wilson, who grew up in Albany near Berkeley, says, from childhood, he has always been fascinated with history, law, the legislative process and how they impact ordinary people. 

“I was not old enough to be a part of the civil rights movement,” says Wilson. “But growing up in the Berkeley area, I got to see a lot of that activism and the change that followed up close.”

Wilson retells a story his parents told him about not being able to buy a house in the 1950s because there were laws in California that allowed sellers to discriminate against people based on race and religion. Then the legislature passed the California Fair Housing Act (AB 1240), also known as the Rumford Act, that outlawed that practice.

“That to me, as a young person, was a turning point,” says Wilson. “That’s when it was clear to me that politics and the fight for civil rights and equality were all intertwined.”

During his 27 years as Chief Clerk, Wilson worked with about 500 Democrat and Republican elected lawmakers, overseeing a staff of 30. He made sure members followed parliamentary procedure and that the legislative process ran smoothly, efficiently and fairly. He was also in charge of publishing all official documents of the Assembly and keeping a record of all bills and proceedings.

For Wilson, one of the most important ways a leader can make an impact is to “reach back” and mentor others.

“As African Americans, it is critical to help others grow professionally,” says Wilson. “Be an example. Provide leadership. Share advice. I grew up in a household where education was the focus. And my mom was one of the first Black teachers in Berkeley. She always emphasized that her job was not only to educate young minds, but to also equip them so that they can mentor others down the road.”

The Assembly elected its first Chief Clerk in 1849. Wilson was the 37^th person elected to the office, which is one of three elected non-member positions in the legislative body. The other two are chaplain and sergeant-at-arms.

Over his years of service, Wilson says it has been remarkable to watch landmark legislation pass in the Assembly and to see how much the demographics of the legislature has changed in terms of race, gender, ethnicity and even political ideology.

 “To see more diversity in the make-up of the membership is the most significant change I’ve seen,” he says.

And for young African-Americans in government, Wilson has some mentoring advice.

“Always operate from a place of integrity,” he cautions. “You’ll benefit from it.”

The All-Day Event Features Speakers and Performers Highlighting the theme of Being Connected

Topics include UFO’s, can we opt out of aging?, making the world happier, cyber-security, technology trends, and performances about rhythm and communication with dancing, drumming, and singing.

RESEDA, CA – TEDxResedaBlvd takes place November 17, 2019 at the historic Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys, California. The all-day event features a luncheon, speakers and performers, and plenty of opportunities to make new connections in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. The program will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a mid-day break for lunch and a networking mixer for attendees after the event.

This is a public TEDx event and early bird tickets are on sale now for $79.00. Regular tickets are $99.00 and go on sale October 3, 2019. Only 100 tickets are available for this TEDx event, making it an intimate and memorable experience.

The theme of TEDxResedaBlvd is CONNECTED. TED and TEDx are renowned for this theme, and it was selected because Reseda Boulevard is a connecting artery in the San Fernando Valley. Reseda Boulevard runs approximately 12 miles from the Santa Monica Mountains to Porter Ranch, passing through the communities of Tarzana, Mulholland Park, Reseda and Northridge.

The Airtel is also a connecting hub. Situated on the property of the Van Nuys airport, the hotel was built for the 1984 Olympics which connected the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles with the entire world.Speakers and performers include:

• Manoj Arora, CEO of Difenda, cyber security firm in Canada. Topic: Combating the ultimate cybersecurity breach.
• Pierce Brooks, former college athlete and current national field marketing director. Topic: Pivoting in the face of social pressure.
• Jonathan Brown, drummer, writer and fitness trainer. Performance: Rhythm is more than music—it drives communication and connects us.
• Greg Fahy Ph. D., cryobiologist and biogerontologist with a Ph.D. in pharmacology. Topic: Can we opt out of aging? Reversing immunological and epigenetic aging in middle-aged men.
• Mark Goulston M.D., Founder of What Made You Smile Today and author of Just Listen. Topic: Making the world happier, one smile at a time.
• Phil Hendrie, actor, broadcaster and social satirist known for assuming personas of both host and guests on radio talk show. Topic: A journey from self-hate to media star.
• Dr. Donald Prothero Ph. D., Adjunct Professor of Geology, Cal Poly Pomona. Topic: UFOs and aliens—what science says.
• Damien Rider, multiple world-record athlete, author, documentary producer and creator of One Breath Meditation. Topic: The world’s toughest endurance event.
• Baisakhi Saha, author, speaker, dancer and actor. Performance: Reciting the Story of the River with an accompanying dance.
• Aaron Samson, award-winning storyteller, marketer, currently at Facebook. Topic: How to avoid becoming a zombie scroller and passive cell phone user.
• Justyna Sanders, M.D., CEO and Founder of Prescription Lifestyle. Topic: Dieting has nothing to do with true health.
• Lori Schwartz, principal at StoryTech and host of The Tech Cat Show. Topic: The future is hopeful, not dystopian—leveraging storytelling to explain tech.
• Susan Shofer, certified divorce coach, agency-licensed private investigator and author. Topic: Never give up on your child—navigating parental alienation.
• Theresa Stroll, singer, actress and co-creator of My Big Fat Blonde Musical. Performance: singing song from the musical.

For more information about our speakers, performers and volunteer organizers, or to obtain details about the event and sign up for email updates, visit the TEDxResedaBlvd website.

TEDxResedaBlvd is organized by Desireé Duffy, Founder of Black Château. “On behalf of the entire team of volunteer organizers, we are all honored to present this amazing array of speakers and performers. Many of them have roots in the area or are speaking about a universal theme to drive home the concept of being connected. We’re excited to lift these ideas into the spotlight at TEDxResedaBlvd.”

The event will be emceed by Antonia Gutierrez, a TV creative executive (formerly at Nickelodeon), a writer and a nationally-recognized public speaker through Girl Scouts of the USA. A.G. Billig, author of I Choose Love, serves as the event’s audience energizer.

Sponsors of TEDxResedaBlvd include Books That Make You and The Greater Los Angeles Writers Society.

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About TEDx, x = independently organized eventIn the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized and subject to certain rules and regulations.

About TED

TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, often in the form of short talks delivered by leading thinkers and doers. Many of these talks are given at TED conferences, including our annual gathering in Vancouver, as well as TEDWomen, intimate TED Salons and thousands of independently organized TEDx events around the world. Videos of these talks are made available, free, on TED.com and other platforms. Audio versions of the talks from TED2019 will also be published to TED’s podcast TED Talks Daily, available on Apple Podcasts and all other podcast platforms. TED’s open and free initiatives for spreading ideas include TED.com, where new TED Talk videos are posted daily; TEDx, which licenses thousands of individuals and groups to host local, self-organized TED-style events around the world; theTED Fellows program, which selects innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities; the Audacious Project, which surfaces and funds critical ideas that have the potential to impact millions of lives; TEDSummit, which gathers the most engaged members of the global TED community for brainstorms, discussions, performances, workshops and an eclectic program of mainstage talks; and the educational initiative TED-Ed. TED also has a library of original podcasts, including The TED Interview with Chris Anderson, Sincerely, X, and one of Apple Podcasts’ most downloaded new shows of 2018, WorkLife with Adam Grant.

Follow TED on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/TEDTalks, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TED, on Instagram at https://instagram.com/ted and on Snapchat at tedtalkshq.

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

Diane Shelton was proud of her professional life. For more than 25 years, she held steady government jobs with the state Assembly as a legislative consultant, capitol office director, legislative director and chief of staff for seven different Assembly members, starting in 1984.

When she got her first job with the Assembly, there were only 7 Blacks out of 120 members of the state legislature, and just a handful of African-American staffers.  

During that time, Shelton – who is African-American and lives just south of Sacramento in Elk Grove – said she earned more than $30,000 less than her White counterparts.

Then in 2011, Shelton, who is now 62, became a trainer with the Capitol Institute, the lower house’s professional development unit. That office operates under the supervision of the Assembly Rules committee.

In that new role, Shelton earned a salary of about $67,000. At the same time, the Assembly paid a White male counterpart almost 40 percent more money than she made: around $105,000. He had the same job title, comparable experience and performed similar duties.

“I loved my job as a trainer,” says Shelton. “I enjoyed using my skills to create original training for an increasing number of new staff. However, after seven stressful years of pursuing more equitable pay and watching decision makers devalue my work, I reluctantly retired.”

Shelton says when she asked her supervisor for pay on par with her peers, he responded with only a 7.5 percent increase. After exhausting administrative options to get an annual salary equal to her White male counterpart, in 2017, Shelton decided to sue the State Assembly. She cited racial discrimination, unlawful retaliation and violation of the California Fair Pay Act, among other claims.

She is not alone.

Even though California has the slimmest gender pay gap in the United States, on average, women still earn about 89 percent of the total money men are paid in the state, according to the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG).

That’s about $.89 for every dollar men earn, which adds up to a loss of nearly $78.6 billion every year for women in the state.

For Black women, the pay gap is wider and has a more deep-reaching impact on African-American families across California. Black women – 80 percent of whom are the sole or primary breadwinners in their households – earn only about $.61 for every dollar a White, non-Hispanic man makes.

California has the strongest equal pay laws in the country. Yet, women with masters degrees working full time make only $.72 for every dollar men with masters degrees earn.

“It’s humiliating, its unjust and just plain wrong,” said first partner of California, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, speaking at an event on Black Women Equal Pay Day (August 22) in Sacramento. Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, other lawmakers and guests joined the governor’s life partner to bring attention to the issue.

In April, Siebel Newsom announced that her office was partnering with the CCSWG, California Labor Agency Secretary Julie Su and TIME’S UP, an organization focused on fair, safe and dignified work for women. Together, the coalition launched a statewide initiative called #EqualPayCA.

“We all win when women win,” Siebel Newsom said. “Women are the backbone of our families.”

In 2015, former Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law the California Fair Pay Act. Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) sponsored the bill she wrote to give teeth to the state’s existing labor law, the California Equal Pay Act, which was passed in 1949, first affording equal pay to women in the workplace.

Besides requiring equal pay for men and women in “substantially similar jobs,” the new ammendment included race and ethnicity, too; outlawed retaliation against employees who complain about unfair pay; and allowed for equal pay salary claims for the same kind of job – even when located in different places.

Since then, California’s equal pay law has inspired similar legislation in 41other states and Jackson is putting forth a new bill that will require organizations with 100 employees or more to make annual salary reports to the state broken down by gender, race and ethnicity.  

In California, where there remains a gaping wealth disparity between Blacks and other racial groups, any equal pay effort that takes into account gender and race takes on much greater significance. In 2014, in Los Angeles and Orange counties, the median household net worth of US-born Whites was $355,000 compared to just $4,000 for US-born blacks, according to the California Budget and Policy Center.

Last week, Gov Newsom signed AB 467, also known as the “Equal Pay for Equal Play” bill, into law. The measure, introduced by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath (D-Oceanside) requires sports teams to pay women equal to men in all sporting competitions held on state land in California.

Since launching her equal pay campaign, Seibel Newsom says 27 California companies have taken the equal pay pledge, including Gap, Intel and Cisco.  And even though the state has a strong equal pay law on the books, more work needs to be done.

“Its about education, implementation and enforcement,” she says. “I  applaud these businesses for stepping up and doing their part to ensure pay equity within their companies, and I encourage all other businesses in California to follow suit. Together, we can close the pay gap and create a more equitable California for all.”