By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

The COVID pandemic intensified California’s housing affordability problem and forced the state to take urgent steps to secure emergency shelter for its unhoused population. Even in the wake of the global health crisis, the state is still reeling, facing increasing housing instability and a homelessness crisis that is enduring and more-and-more complex.

Approximately 160,000 Californians are unsheltered as affordable housing for so many continues to be difficult to come by.

This year, lawmakers introduced a number of bills to give unhoused Californians a safe and stable place to live.

SB 1335

Senate Bill (SB) 1335, authored by State Sen. Susan Eggman (D-Stockton), would disallow “housing-related discrimination” against individuals based on their credit history if they receive government housing subsidies.

SB 1335 includes people applying for a rental accommodation where there is a federal, state or local subsidy.

“Individuals using housing subsidies go into the housing market with a credit history and its stereotype attached to their applications,” Jacqueline Ramirez, Policy Associate with Housing California stated in a letter of support for the bill.

“However, credit scores are an unnecessary tool due to the reliability of payment for the voucher program. As a result, despite having most of the rent covered by the government, those applying for housing subsidies face rejections based on credit histories,” Ramirez continued.

On June 2, SB 1335 was referred to the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development. It is still being reviewed.

SB 1338

Senate Bill (SB) 1338, authored by State Sen. Tom Umberg (D-Orange County) and Eggman, establishes Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Courts, a program that provides individuals suffering from severe mental illness and going through the criminal trial process with court-ordered treatment in lieu of incarceration.

“The status quo on homelessness is not working. It’s time for a paradigm shift,” Umberg tweeted.

Disability Rights California (DRC), an advocacy organization, opposes the bill. DRC feels the bill does not go far enough to secure housing for mentally ill individuals who go through CARE Court.

“It does not guarantee housing as a solution to address homelessness; Evidence shows that adequately resourced intensive voluntary outpatient treatment is more effective than court-ordered treatment; It will perpetuate institutional racism and worsen health disparities,” their opposition letter reads.

According to DRC, there are alternative solutions to this aspect of the housing crisis.

“CARE Court is not the appropriate tool for providing a path to wellness for Californians living with mental health disabilities who face homelessness, incarceration, hospitalization, conservatorship, and premature death,” the letter states. “Instead, California should invest in evidence-based practices that are proven to work and that will actually empower people living with mental health disabilities on their paths to recovery and allow them to retain full autonomy over their lives without the intrusion of a court.”

SB 1338 is being reviewed by the Assembly Committees on Judiciary and Health.

SB 903

Senate Bill (SB) 903 would require the California Prison Oversight Board to examine the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) efforts to address the housing needs of persons recently released from custody, including those identified with serious mental health needs.

“If we are serious about getting more Californians off the street, we can no longer ignore the ‘prison-to-street’ pipeline,” State Senate Majority Leader Emeritus Robert Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), SB 903’s author, said.

“In California, leaving incarceration is a ticket to homelessness and recidivism. With prison populations continuing to shrink due to the pandemic and recent reforms, we must do all we can as a state to help those leaving become productive, law-abiding members of society. Our justice system depends on it,” he continued.

According to a study from California Health Policy Strategies, L.L.C. (CHPS), in 2019, 27% of Californians in jail reported being unsheltered before they were arrested, and 70% percent of unsheltered individuals reported having been previously incarcerated.

About 28% reported being recently released from a correctional institution.

SB 903 is being reviewed by the Assembly Committee on Public Safety.

AB 411

Assembly Bill (AB) 411, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), involves the Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Bond Act of 2022, which provides affordable rental and transitional housing for low-income and homeless veterans.

The bill would authorize the issuance of up to $600 million in bonds for additional funding for the program.

“First authorized in 2014, this successful program has developed nearly 6,000 units thus far,” Irwin tweeted. “With an estimated 11,000 unhoused veterans living in California, we must continue this work.”

The Senate Committee on Government and Finance is reviewing AB 411.

SB 1336

Legislation introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) Senate Bill (SB) 1336 would allow religious institutions and nonprofit colleges to build affordable housing on their properties with less difficulty.

According to housing advocates, the current process is needlessly complicated and expensive.

“SB 1336 will open up an enormous amount of land for affordable housing and help address our housing crisis,” Wiener tweeted.

SB 1336 is being reviewed by the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development.

Both in California and across the United States, African Americans account for about 40% of the population, respectively.

By Lou Yeboah

That moment when you realize that you should have listen. Uh, Oh- That moment when you realize that you should have heeded God’s warnings. Uh, Oh – That moment when you realize that you are in Hell. Uh, Oh, [Luke 16:28].

Feasting on sin, giving yourself over to the present gratification, careless of the warnings of God’s Word, indifferent to the rebuke of conscience, saying to yourself: ‘There is no danger; I know the strength of my will, and before I near the rapids I shall fly away to safer habits and purer ways.’ But when the time comes, and the roar of impending judgment rings in your ear, you will find out that your will is paralyzed, that your affections and desires are so entangled in sin that you cannot escape. Uh, Oh – that moment when you realize that you should have heeded God’s warnings.

Change your ways today. Get off the broad way that leads to destruction and get on the narrow way that leads to life. Jesus is not playing games with us. You see, no one loves us more than Jesus does, and no one have warned us more of judgment and Hell than He did. He gave warning after warning and told parable after parable, practically shouting about judgment and the reality of Hell.

Don’t be bewitched by the fairy tale ending that everyone “lived happily ever after.” Just ask the rich man in hell… Meanwhile God is pleading, Come to me. Come to me before it is finally time to rise and close the door. You can’t go on living resistant and opposed to the Kingdom of God and its values, yet magically at death suddenly want to enter His Kingdom, which you have resisted your whole life.

Don’t choose the fleeting pleasures of sin and miss the Kingdom of God. Jesus says in [Mark 9:43-48], “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Why go to hell when you don’t have to?

Jesus scolded, begged, and pleaded with the Jews, to open their blind eyes and soften their hard hearts, to turn away from the broad way that leads to destruction, but to no avail. Jesus cried out in sorrowful desperation; “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” [Matthew 23:37].

 

One of the saddest passages in Scripture is Jeremiah 6:16, “… they said, We will not walk in it.” Uh Oh!

 

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.

 

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On June 6, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti signed a proclamation making Juneteenth an official holiday for city employees.

Although President Joe Biden signed a bill declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday last year, cities and states still have the power to decide which holidays they will officially observe.

Mayor Garcetti’s signing is one among many commemorations of Juneteenth nationwide as a growing number of states and municipalities officially honor the historic holiday long celebrated in African American communities across the United States.

“We need every Angeleno to learn the full story of our past, no matter the ugliness of some of its chapters, and that means recognizing the lasting legacy of slavery in our country,” Garcetti said at the signing ceremony.

History of Juneteenth

The holiday is recognition of June 19^th, 1865, the day Union soldiers notified enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay, Texas that they were free under the Emancipation Proclamation.

Two and a half years earlier, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes across the country to mark what was known as “Freedom’s Eve” on Jan. 1, 1863. They were awaiting news confirming that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation that ended slavery in Confederate States.

Anticipation heightened and celebrations began as the news spread of the 13^th Amendment, the constitutional modification that established the abolishment of slavery. Union soldiers began their march to spread the news throughout plantations and cities in the South.

 

However, not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed into law in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later.

 

In Galveston Bay, freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. That momentous day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.

 

The post-emancipation period known as Reconstruction (1865-1877) marked an era of great hope, uncertainty, and struggle for the nation. Formerly enslaved people immediately sought to reunify families, establish schools, run for political office, push radical legislation, and even sue slaveholders for compensation.

 

A California 2022 Juneteenth State Proposal 

On May 19, California State Senators Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) and Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 109, which would recognize Juneteenth an official holiday statewide this year. Nine other members of the California Legislative Black Caucus are co-sponsors of the resolution.

 

For the past three years, Gov. Newsom has issued Juneteenth proclamations commemorating the holiday and declaring it “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance” in the State.

 

SCR 109 urges “the people of California to join in celebrating Juneteenth as a day to honor and reflect on the significant role that African Americans have played in the history of the United States and how they have enriched society through their steadfast commitment to promoting unity and equality.”

California joins Texas (1980), Massachusetts (2007), New Jersey (2020), New York (2020), Pennsylvania (2020), Virginia (2020), Washington (2021), Oregon (2021) and Delaware (2021) recognizing Juneteenth as an official state holiday giving state employees the day off from work.

“By making Juneteenth an official state holiday, California would demonstrate its commitment to celebrating the emancipation of all slaves,” Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) said in a statement.

 

“Juneteenth is an important and special annual celebration for Black culture, resilience, and achievement,” Weber continued. “Designating this date as a paid state holiday mirrors the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.”

 

A Snapshot of Juneteenth Events in California

Here are a few highlighted Juneteenth 2022 events in California.

 

Sacramento

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS PRESENTS

JUNETEENTH: A DAY OF REMEMBERANCE

State Capitol – West Steps

From 12: 30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, June 20, the California Legislative Black Caucus will hold will host a lunch celebrating Black freedom with family, friends, food trucks, and more festivities. The CLBC is calling on all Californians to support AB 1655, which will permanently make Juneteenth a state holiday in California.

SACRAMENTO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL 2022

William Land Park

Sacramento Juneteenth Incorporated will produce this year’s festival June 17-19, 2022, in William Land Park. This year’s theme will focus on systematic economic injustices. They will partner with several local organizations to highlight and expose the systems and laws that perpetuate the continued economic injustices inflicted on communities of color. Events include a gospel concert, live entertainment, vendors, and more.

You can find more Sacramento Juneteenth events here

Los Angeles

LEIMERT PARK RISING (JUNE 19-20)

4395 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles 90008

Leimert Park Rising is a collaborative effort to build a more cooperative Leimert Park Village through arts, culture and commerce. Taking place from noon to 8 p.m. on June 19-20, the annual Juneteenth Celebration is a family friendly event for all ages with craft vendors, food trucks, and multiple stages featuring live music and DJs. Free admission.

You can find a more comprehensive list of Juneteenth events in the Los Angeles area here.

East Bay

 

PAN AFRICAN WELLNESS FEST IN OAKLAND

Lake Merritt Ampitheater

Afrocentric Oakland is hosting a two-day event, The Fam Bam & Pan African Wellness Fest, at Lake Merritt Amphitheater on Lake Merritt Boulevard on June 18 and 19 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The festival will focus on holistic wellness and feature local wellness providers offering meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, spoken word, self-defense lessons, connections to mental health services, and more.

The organization will also present “Black Excellence Awards” and provide fun activities for children.

 

JUNETEENTH-IN-BERKELEY

Alcatraz-Adeline Corridor

Juneteenth-in-Berkeley, held annually in June on Father’s Day, in south Berkeley’s five-block Alcatraz-Adeline corridor has been produced by Berkeley Juneteenth Association, Inc., a non-profit, serving the community since 1986. They rebranded as Berkeley Juneteenth Cultural Celebrations to pursue and sponsor more cultural events throughout the year.

You can find more Juneteenth events here.

 

San Diego

JUNETEENTH A Summer Celebration of Culture

The Jacobs Center (404 Euclid Ave) Saturday June 18, 2022, 10am-5pm

Community Actor’s Theatre and Common Ground Theatre two of San Diego’s most prestigious African American Theatres are hosting this majestic outdoor event at the Jacob’s Center in Market Creek Plaza. Come out and treat yourself to a time filled with history music dancing story telling reflection vendors and physical art on display! All Are Welcome!

You can find more San Diego Juneteenth events here.

 

Inland Empire

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM

June 18^th San Bernardino Valley College 12pm-6pm

“Come out and Celebrate Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom, we will have vendors, live performances, speakers, kids’ zone, spade and domino tournaments, food vendors, cook offs, resources and much more. This will be a one-of-a-kind Juneteenth event to hit our city, we are going educate the community on the history of Juneteenth and its origins, make sure you come out you do not want to miss this event. This is a free event. A day of fun and entertainment.”

 

Oxnard

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL CELEBRATING ARTISTIC AND FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Oxnard College and 5^th Street Downtown

Art enthusiasts and community-based organizations in Oxnard are marking Juneteenth this year with a two-day event celebrating art and artists while promoting financial freedom.

 

Artist Milton “510” Bowen, an Oakland native, is headlining the festival that will be held at various locations in Ventura County’s largest city, about 60 miles north of Los Angeles.

 

June 17 • 6PM – 8PM

Private Artist Reception and Pre-Sale

99Three FM Radio Station, Oxnard College

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June 18 • Noon – 4PM

Milton 510 Collection Exhibition and Public Sale

Open Door Studio – 329 W 5th St, Downtown Oxnard (Next door to Carnegie Art Museum)

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June 18 • 10 – 5PM

Juneteenth Celebration

Oxnard Plaza Park (Downtown Oxnard) – 500 S C Street, Oxnard 93030

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Contra Costa

 

2022 LET FREEDOM RING East Contra Costa County JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Sunday, June 19th, 2022 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm Waldie Plaza

“As we strive to celebrate and honor the diversity of all Contra Costa County cities and their history, Juneteenth is a celebration to be held with as much respect as 4th of July celebrations go forth. Last year, we hosted an amazing event in the historic Waldie Plaza in Antioch that consisted of a full program with entertainment and speakers from throughout our community, and an array of vendors including a full COVID Vaccine clinic by Kaiser Permanente. The event was a success, and we are now looking to continue to grow the event.”

 

Beverly Jean Earl was born October 15, 1953, in San Diego, CA, the fourth child of Willard and Luteal Earl, and was later joined by 4 more siblings. Beverly began her Christian journey in kindergarten at Laurel Bible Chapel. She received her education at Central Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Jr. High, John Muir High School, graduating from Cajon High School, San Bernardino, CA after moving to San Bernardino, CA in 1969.

1969 was also the year Beverly met john Wesley Welsh and the beginning of a blessed union welcoming 4 beautiful children, Laura, Fred, Raquel & Darrin. August would have been the 53rd anniversary of their beginning.

1982, Beverly began her community service with Catholic Charities in Colton, CA, she quickly discovered that the existing food program did not meet the needs of the community and her limited resources were the root cause to expand the community services program that was much needed. So to build her program she needed to grow her resources, and did so by taking grant-writing classes on the weekends at Cal-State San Bernardino to get the resources she needed. Now with the knowledge of grant writing she began searching for grants and found grants for food programs, rental assistance, mortgage assistance, utility assist ace, gasoline vouchers, burial assistance and much more in grants exuding 60 million.

The growth of the Catholic Charities community service program helped so many families and touched so many lives. She also started a meal-feeding program at the St. Bernadine Church on Fifth Street in San Bernardino, and later to feeding needy families and the homeless Thanksgiving dinners at the Branding Iron on S. E St. San Bernardino.

Beverly could still see more need in the community and the Catholic Charities 92411 Homework Center was opened along with a community garden. Both were successful increasing her volunteer and community support.

Those in need of help knew coming to Catholic Charities that there would be someone there who would welcome them, and their needs would be met. Beverly welcomed everyone showing them kindness and compassion for the situation they were going through, and she made sure they were completely satisfied with the services they had received.

May 26, 2022, after 40 years of dedicated service to the communities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties Beverly Jean Earl ended her service after a job well done as a good and faithful servant when her body could go no more; this is just a fraction of what she accomplished.
Beverly will be remembered by those she served for her overwhelming kindness, her beautiful smile and was respected by all who knew her.

Beverly was preceded in death by her father Willard, mother Luteal, Brother Willard Jr., Sister in law Helen, Sister Vera Louise, granddaughter Mariyah, nephews Tyrone & Gregory.

Leaving he legacy of love and precious memories with John Welsh, San Bernardino, CA, 2 daughters; Laura (William) Fox, Victorville, CA, Raquel ( David) Walker, San Bernardino, CA 2 sons; Fred ( Heather) Welsh, Tolleson, AZ, Darin ( Daisha Stewart) Welsh, San Bernardino, CA, 3 chosen daughters; Kim Carter, San Bernardino , CA Alejandra Diaz, Hesperia, CA, Juan Arangue, San Bernardino, CA 1 aunt Maxine Gray, San Diego, CA, 5 sisters; Patricia Pointdexter, Las Vegas, Nevada, Helen (Charlie) Huston, Adelanto, CA, Phillis Earl, Phoenix, AZ, Earlene (Mike) Mena, Las Vegas, Nevada, Diane (William) Kirkland, San Bernardino, CA, 2 brothers; George Earl, Bloomington, CA, Brian Earl, San Diego, CA. 15 grandchildren; Brittney, Shelby (Steviesha Nichols), Shaylee (Kwesi Akuffo), Matthew, Maurice, Maddie, Freddie, Arterean (Beulah) Brittney (Gerald), Davian, Darrin Jr., Donavon, Dominique, Dallas, Douglas, 5 great-grandchildren; Reggie, Shaleah, Mekhi, Micah, James David.

Chosen daughters; Alejandra Diaz, Catholic Charities, Kim Carter, Time for Change Foundation, Juana Arangure, Catholic Charities.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- African American and Latinx boys from Southern California, Northern California and Phoenix convened at California State University Los Angeles this past weekend for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.’s Inaugural Western Province Kappa League Conference.

The youth were housed in the South Village dorms from Friday to Sunday and participated in a series of team-building activities and workshops led by industry experts. New York Jets safety Jovante Moffat, sports agent Harrison Gaines, referees and former NFL players discussed careers in sports. Credit Union of Southern California hosted an interactive financial literacy workshop. Acclaimed actor and National Kappa League Spokesperson John Marshall Jones talked to the attendees about media training. Greg “Olksool Ice-Gre” Lewis, the first A&R Director for Kanye West’s GOOD Music, spoke about hip hop lyrics, messages and images. San Bernardino Unified School District Chief of Police Joseph Paulino and California State University Los Angeles professor Dr. Nana Lawson Bush V were also among the esteemed speakers. Additionally, college students shared insight about campus life.

The Kappa Leaguers bonded immediately upon meeting members from other chapters, engaging in various athletic activities and as well as the Cup Stack Challenge and Shark Tank competitions.

Shannon Faulk, Western Province Guide Right Chair, said the conference achieved its mission. “The Kappa League Leadership Program and this conference was to demonstrate that no generation exists in isolation or on its own island,” he said. “There is an obligation to leave a little behind to those who need our wisdom as men. The African American and Brown communities depend on the strength of its men and we are here to do our part in developing strong young leaders.”

Conference Chair Anthony Lee described the conference as an example of Black men uniting to train young men for leadership. “We were able to share valuable information and conduct team-building activities to bridge the gap across generations,” he said. “Events like this help our community to remain relevant and thrive as the world around us changes.”

Kappa League is a part of the fraternity’s Guide Right program that celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Guide Right is the oldest, most successful mentoring program led by African American men in the United States. The program has impacted more than 500,000 young lives.

The Western Province Kappa League Conference was sponsored by GRAD Foundation, Western Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., San Fernando – Santa Clarita Alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, National Kappa League, California State University Los Angeles, Airwave Communications, Snapchat, Faithful Central Bible Church and PennyMac.

ATLANTA, GA— During the weekend of June 10 to June 12, former community and entertainment journalist, Naomi K. Bonman, wrapped production on her first feature film, “Manifested Bliss”, in Atlanta, Georgia. Cast members flew in from Boston, Massachusetts and Houston, Texas to partake in the film. Other cast members that came into Atlanta drove in from Durham, North Carolina.

“I’m still in a state of awe,” Bonman states. “I couldn’t have been blessed with a more better cast crew. They are amazing. My cast. Not only came on set to and naturally transformed into their roles, but they all assisted in all areas of production from sound to staging to make-up and hair. I was truly blessed with the best.”

Naomi K. Bonman wrote, produced, and directed Manifested Bliss. Her cast members include Raisa D’Oyley (Ashlyn), Jeff Saint Dic (Nathen), Karen Elessie (Jade), JoJo Brooks (Brian), Aaliyah Reid (Briana), Kevin “Kaze” Thomas (Tyson), Marie France Louis (Stacey), Kori Poe (Rodney), Darryl Chambers (Jerome); and Cedric McKenzie (driver). In addition to a phenomenal and talented cast, the crew members that facilitated to make production a success were Kelsey Wilson (Director of Photography, Editor, Lighting Assembler) and Eric Clardy (Production Assistant).

“Manifested Bliss” is a romantic comedy about a Jezebel, who is now a soon to be wife, who has mastered the art of manifestation and attempts to get her friends husbands. The mission behind the film is to bring a light-hearted, narrative that people can relate to.

“With so much negativity within the Black community, it can real drag a person down,” Bonman explains. “After watching this film, I hope that the audience walks away with not just the desire to continue to find their soulmate, but to want to be the best version of themselves. “Manifested Bliss” is not just about love, but is also about self-awareness, growth, and finding yourself.”

The special thing about this film is that not only was this Bonman’s first feature film, but it was also most of the cast members first feature films and first film debuts.

“Just like that, my first film debut is a wrap!” Raisa stated. “I’m filled with such gratitude for the opportunity to do what I love with some amazing and talented people. I’ve been inspired in more ways than I can count.”

The team is currently in post-production and gearing up for their slated November premiere which will be held in Atlanta, GA. They are in a heavy marketing period, and all and any support is greatly appreciated.

To support the film and to learn more about it, please visit manifestedbliss.com.

 

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Efforts continue in California to raise awareness and encourage youth to become fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

As of June 9, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported 1.4 million cases of COVID-19 among youth aged 5-17, which accounted for 15.5% of all cases in the state. There have been 46 deaths among children in this age group. For children below five years old, 293,607 confirmed cases have been reported and 25 deaths.

Now that the federal government has lifted age restrictions on who can receive vaccinations, community organizations have partnered with healthcare providers and public health advocates serving California to host events across the state encouraging young people to take the shot. They are reminding the young people about the importance of protecting themselves and family members from spreading the deadly disease.

On May 21, the Akoma Unity Center in San Bernardino hosted an event titled ‘Spring into Wellness.’ Participants enjoyed activities like complimentary yoga in the park, Zumba and Capoeira lessons, a petting zoo and crafting activities. The event also featured a live DJ, complementary food and fun activities for youth to participate in. The vaccination clinic at the event, sponsored by the CDPH and delivered by SnapNurse, a health care staffing agency, delivered over 20 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to children, teens and adults.

On June 3, the Summer Movies in the Park Pre-Show Family Fun event took place at Alec Fergusson Park in Rialto where vaccination rates are amongst the lowest in the state. Currently, only 58% of Rialto residents have been fully vaccinated. The event was attended by over 250 people and featured a complimentary dinner and gourmet kettle corn. It featured a variety of activities held to engage children, including face painting, balloon twisting, bouncy houses, bubble blowing and a photo booth. Informational resource booths were available for attendees and another vaccination clinic, also sponsored by the CDPH delivered over 20 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

On Saturday, June 4, about 70 miles away in Inglewood, CDPH and Vaccinate All 58, a governor’s office initiative created to respond to COVID, hosted ‘The Family Reunion: A Day of Fun for the Whole Family’ in Inglewood. Families came out and participated in an array of fun activities offered along with various health services. Children received Marvel Comics-inspired coloring books featuring the adventures of superhero duo “Vaccine” and her big brother “Booster.” Stepyourgameup.org, a virtual realty mobile gaming service, provided a 50-foot video game arcade hosted by a hip-hop -inspired character, “Homeboy the Clown,” who led children in a spirited dance and exercise session. Throughout the day, the street DJs of KJLH 102.3 radio free station and Guy Black provided music.

Some of the health services offered included eye examinations and eyesight evaluation. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Health Center also provided free, safe and effective vaccine and booster shots to families along with preventive care health screenings like blood pressure and temperature readings. Fifty-dollar Amazon gift cards were awarded to lucky participants who visited three of the health vendors.

Across California last week, COVID-19 deaths leveled at one the lowest points since the pandemic began with a weekly average of one death on June 7. That same day, the CDPH reported a weekly average of 13,742 cases.

Get more information on where you or a loved one can get a COVID shot or booster.

 

 

 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) held two events to recognize educators throughout San Bernardino County.

“Throughout the pandemic, educators played a critical role to steadfastly serve the most vulnerable students within our learning community,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “While we did our best over the past two years to virtually share our gratitude for their efforts, we felt a celebration was in order to honor all of our teachers and paraeducators for their extraordinary service amidst the most trying of circumstances.”

In partnership with the San Bernardino County Teachers Association and the California School Employees Association, SBCSS held the first Educators of the Year celebration on May 24 in Apple Valley to celebrate educators in the desert and mountain communities of San Bernardino County.

The second event took place May 31 in Rancho Cucamonga to recognize educators in the area.

1100 San Bernardino County teachers and paraprofessionals, including nurses, braille specialists and speech language pathologists, were recognized during the two celebrations. Educators were honored for the roles they played in innovating new ways to deliver instruction and overcoming challenges COVID created.

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

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media Partners

 

Two weeks ago, President Joe Biden signed a federal policing accountability executive order based on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 authored by Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA-37). That action supplements other criminal justice reforms affecting Californians that took place this year. Several other criminal justice reforms at the state level went into effect in January.

 

Here is a rundown highlighting four of those laws, detailing what they do, and recounting what California legislators have said about them.

 

Senate Bill (SB) 317 allows conduct credits to be earned while an individual who has been deemed mentally incompetent by the court is in a state hospital or other mental health treatment facility awaiting trial.

 

Authored by State Senator Henry Stern (D-Calabasas), SB 317 was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October of last year and went into effect this past January.

 

“SB 317 provides pathways to appropriate mental health treatment for defendants charged with misdemeanors,” said Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-California), Chair of the Public Safety Committee.

 

SB 317 also changes some of the guidelines for trial competency.

“It is important to remember that not all options are available for every defendant, as those are dependent on the situation and mental health status of each defendant,” stated Jones-Sawyer. “This bill is a tailored approach that allows California to use existing tools to help defendants gain competency and avoid a cycle of incarceration.”

 

Assembly Bill (AB) 124 provides a petition process for an individual to request that an arrest or conviction for nonviolent offenses be vacated — if the booking or crime resulted from the person being a victim of intimate partner violence or sexual violence.

 

“This bill ensures that survivors of sexual violence are able to receive justice through our legal system, which typically overlooks the context of abuse when determining whether to arrest,” said Jones-Sawyer.

 

Newsom signed AB 124, which was authored by Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), in October last year. It took effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

 

“Incarcerated survivors of trafficking & violence need a 2nd chance at holistic justice,” Kamlager tweeted last year before the bill passed. “We cannot continue to criminalize behavior born of desperation and liberation when our systems don’t benefit those who need it most.”

 

The law also allows a coercion defense to be used in the case of a serious felony or charge of human trafficking if the defendant is a victim of human trafficking and their offense was a direct result of that.

 

“Many trafficking survivors are incarcerated for crimes committed to protect themselves from further violence. AB 124 allows for more just outcomes moving forward,” stated Jones-Sawyer.

 

Senate Bill (SB) 73, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), ends mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenses.

 

The legislation allows a court to suspend a sentence or grant probation for drug offenses such as possession or transportation of opiates or cannabis.

 

“Mass incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders hasn’t reduced drug use or addiction,” Wiener tweeted after the bill passed last year. “Time for a new approach.”

 

Assembly Bill (AB) 333, authored by Kamlager, limits the state’s gang enhancement law.

 

Gang enhancements are additional prison sentences prescribed to individuals who courts determine are associated with a gang.

 

Under the previous law enacted in 1988, individuals who are found to be affiliated or associated with a “criminal street gang” could receive gang enhancements for any felony even if it is not connected to gang activity.

 

“When 92% of gang enhancements are used against BIPOC – that’s a massive systemic problem,” said Kamlager.

 

Just six months into the year, it is not clear how effective these new laws have been but the push for criminal justice reform continues inside and outside of the California legislature even as more conservative opinions harden against them.