What it do with Lue

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Westside Action Group (WAG) proudly announces the appointment of its President, Alton L. Garrett, Jr., to the California Commission on Judicial Performance. Appointed by Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas, Mr. Garrett will serve as a public member from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2029.

The Commission on Judicial Performance, established in 1960, is an independent state agency responsible for investigating judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity, playing a critical role in maintaining the integrity of California’s judicial system.

Mr. Garrett brings a wealth of public service experience to this role. During his tenure as Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, he served as a critical liaison for both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. His responsibilities included advising the Senator on military and Veterans’ issues, representing African American communities statewide, and developing strategic community engagement initiatives. Mr. Garrett frequently met with constituents and local government representatives, demonstrating his commitment to responsive public service.

His federal emergency management experience is equally impressive. As an Incident Management Cadre with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mr. Garrett played a crucial role in disaster response. He coordinated over 25 Congressional Delegation (CODEL) visits to declared disaster areas, including critical deployments during Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and Hurricane Michael in North Carolina. In this role, he was responsible for developing congressional strategies, building relationships with disaster response constituencies, and managing complex logistical challenges.

Currently serving on the Board of Arrowhead United Way, Mr. Garrett continues to demonstrate his commitment to community service. This is his second term with the organization, having previously served on the board in the 1990s and returning in 2023, showcasing his long-standing dedication to community development and social impact.

Additional highlights of Mr. Garrett’s distinguished career include:

• Retired Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) with 27 years of military service
• Master’s degree in public administration from California State University, San Bernardino
• Managing Partner of Garrett Management Group (GMG), LLC
• Recipient of numerous military decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal

“We are extremely proud of Mr. Garrett’s continued commitment to public service,” said Stan “Amiri” Futch, Immediate Past President of Westside Action Group. “His appointment to this critical commission reflects his long-standing dedication to community integrity and professional excellence.”

Mr. Garrett will join the commission as a public member, contributing to its mission of protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the judicial system’s integrity.

RIVERSIDE, CA – For the 12th straight year, all U.S. Walmart stores, and Sam’s Club locations are launching the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, including right here in the Inland Empire.

The goal of the annual cause marketing campaign is to provide people facing hunger with access to the food and resources they need to thrive. Here’s how it works:

The campaign will run in stores and online from March 1-March 31, with three ways for shoppers to participate:

• By donating at check-out in stores or clubs or round up at Walmart.com and the Walmart app.
• By purchasing participating products* in-store or online at Walmart.com or SamsClub.com. For every purchase of a participating product, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent** of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America partner food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.
• By donating at Feeding America’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign donation site at either feedingamerica.org/walmartor www.feedingamerica.org/samsclub

Since its inception in 2014, the campaign has generated more than $206 million and helped secure 2 billion meals* for the Feeding America® network of local food banks.

“The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign empowers our neighbors to make a real difference while going about their daily shopping,” said Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) CEO, Carolyn Fajardo. “We are incredibly grateful to once again be part of this impactful initiative, bringing hope and nourishment to those who need it most.”

Everyone needs nutritious food to thrive, and in every community in America, people are working hard to provide for themselves and their families. Yet in 2023, 47.4 million people—1 in 7 people—experienced food insecurity in the U.S.

Those are the highest numbers in a decade, underscoring the need for more charitable food assistance in the Inland Empire and beyond.

“For the past 20 years, Feeding America, Walmart and Sam’s Club have worked together to fight hunger and help people live better in the communities we serve,” said Julie Gehrki, president, Walmart Foundation and senior vice president, philanthropy at Walmart. “During the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, we invite our customers and members to join us in providing access to food for our neighbors by supporting Feeding America Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.”

The 24 participating suppliers for Walmart include: B&G Foods, Inc., Bush Brothers & Company, Celsius, The Coca-Cola Company, Conagra Foods, Dole Packaged Foods, LLC, Ferrero USA, General Mills, Hershey Salty Snacks, Kellanova, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Kodiak, Kraft Heinz, Lipton Tea, Ben’s Original, Materne, Mondelez International, Olipop, Pepsi-Cola Advertising & Marketing, Inc., Hidden Valley Original Ranch, The Hain Celestial Group, WK Kellogg Co, Unilever and Utz Quality Foods

The six participating suppliers for Sam’s Club include: Kellanova, Kodiak, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Nestlé and Unilever

For more information, visit: feedingamerica.org/campaigns/fight-hunger-spark-change

*Currently, $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local partner food banks.

** For every purchase of a participating product, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America partner food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On February 21, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass relieved L.A. Fire Department (LAFD) chief Kristin Crowley of her duties in the wake of fallout over how recent deadly firestorms in the city were handled.

Bass announced she appointed former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year LAFD veteran as Interim Fire Chief.

“Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief,” Mayor Bass said in a release. “We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch.

LAFD officer, Captain Robert Hawkins, is alleging that Crowley purposefully mismanaged the department to bring attention to a 17 million deficit and budget as part of a strategy to get more money for the fire department.

“On October 24th, I met with Fire Chief Kristen Crowley about removing recruitment officers and its impact on Black firefighter representation,” Hawkins told California Black Media (CBM). “She told me that she was refusing to maintain staffing and had planned to cut fire engines over a 17-million-dollar deficit, and she asked the stakeholders if we can contact our retirees to fill temporary recruitment roles, stating to us that sometimes you need to ‘let bad things happen’ to get the attention of the city council for our budget.”

After receiving this information, Hawkins requested a meeting with the deputy mayor, Brian Williams, on December 2.

“I met with him to express serious concerns about the leadership of the Los Angeles Fire Department. I told him I do not believe the fire chief has the mayor’s best interests at heart, nor do I believe she is managing the department appropriately,” Hawkins alleged. “I warned him to warn the mayor in the event of a major emergency with casualties or any type of major destruction, I fear that she would fail to protect the city and ultimately shift blame to the mayor and throw her under the bus.”

In addition to understaffing the department, Bass said Crowley refused to complete an after-action report on the fires as instructed by the President of the Fire Commission, a necessary step to the investigation.

“The heroism of our firefighters – during the Palisades fire and every single day – is without question. Bringing new leadership to the fire department is what our city needs,” said Bass.

During her time as LAFD chief, Crowley had been outspoken over her disapproval of funding allocated to the LAFD, citing it affected its ability to adequately respond to the recent fires.

After her dismissal, Crowley released a statement.

 “As the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities. Serving others before self, having the courage and integrity to do what is right, and leading with compassion, love and respect have guided me throughout my career,” Crowley stated. “I am extremely proud of the work, sacrifice and dedication of our LAFD members, both sworn and civilian.”

Crowley, who appealed her dismissal on Feb. 27, still serves on the LAFD.

Hawkins said shortly after he shared his concerns with Williams, the deputy mayor was accused of a making a bomb threat to city hall and relieved of his post.

“My concern is our firefighter’s union — if they have a background agenda and when that background agenda started. I know that the union approached me less than two years ago to start the process with a vote of no confidence to remove Kristin Crowley,” said Hawkins. “Then, recently, before the Palisades fire I found it interesting to see their overwhelming support for the Fire Chief.”

CBM reached out to former Chief Crowley for comment, but she did not respond.

The park will be closed during construction for approximately one year starting March 3.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The City of San Bernardino has announced that work will begin Monday, March 3rd on the $13.8 million renovation of Seccombe Lake Park. Due to the extensive work planned, the 44-acre park will be closed for approximately one year.

The public is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony at the Park’s gazebo to commemorate the project on Thursday, March 13 at 10:00 am. Seccombe Lake Park is located just east of Downtown San Bernardino at 160 East 5th Street. Parking will be available at the Sierra Way lot.

“This will be a complete revitalization of one of the crown jewels of our park system,” said Interim Parks and Recreation Director Ernesto Salinas. The project will bring new amenities to the park as well as restore the existing infrastructure.

Major improvements planned for San Bernardino’s second largest park will include the restoration of the Park’s signature lake; new landscaping and irrigation; renovation of the gazebo and basketball courts; new lighting throughout the park; concrete walking paths; the restoration of the island in the middle of the lake, new playground equipment with large shade sails, upgrades to the dog park, and repaving of the parking lot.

“This transformation will breathe new life into Seccombe Lake Park,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “The Council and I look forward to next year when families and residents can enjoy a renewed and vibrant space in the heart of our city.”

Other improvements will include ADA upgrades, new fishing stations around the lake, EV charging stations, upgraded drinking fountains, restrooms, and trash enclosures, and the installation of palm tree solar lighting.

Funding for the project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as well as $1 million from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

The City Council approved a contract with North Hollywood-based Landscape Support Services in December 2024 to perform the work. CSG Consultants will provide construction management and inspection services for the project. Plans for the renovation were prepared by RHA Landscape Architects of Riverside.

“The renovation of Seccombe Lake Park is just the latest of a series of investments the City is making in our parks,” added Mayor Tran. “Parks are a priority and San Bernardino residents will notice a big difference across the City very soon.”

Other park projects currently underway or about to begin in San Bernardino include Nicholson Park, Guadalupe Field, Gutierrez Park, Speicher Park, the Roosevelt Bowl at Perris Hill Park, the Eastside Skate Park at Speicher, and Lytle Creek Park.

Metropolitan A.M.E. Smart Surfaces Program Director Rev. Jon Robinson and AURN’s Ebony McMorris discuss the impact of Trump’s executive orders on the environment, particularly as it relates to marginalized communities across the country.

More on Metropolitan A.M.E. at metropolitaname.org

More on the Smart Surfaces Coalition at smartsurfacescoalition.org

Bills range from domestic violence to suicide prevention to homelessness, natural resources and reintroduction of state tax exemption for military retirees

SACRAMENTO—Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) today announced his 2025 legislative package.

“This package continues to focus on public safety, homelessness, mental health access and suicide prevention, honoring our veterans, and confronting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis and furthering acceptance and knowledge of state tribes,” Ramos stated.

The bills are:

• AB 31(Tribal Peace Officer Status)authorizes the state Department of Justice to grant tribal police from three California tribes state peace officer status if they meet the same California requirements and standards as other police officers in the state. Enactment of AB 31 would assist all law enforcement by clarifying jurisdiction and permitting tribal police to assist communities close to reservations. The bill would also allow participating tribes to enter into agreements to share liability and collaborate on MMIP cases. Sponsor: Yurok Tribe. Referred to Assembly Committee on Public Safety.
• AB 53 (Military Tax Exemption)would provide a state tax exemption for retired members of the Armed Forces and recipients of the Department of Defense’s Survivor Benefits Program starting in 2025. Sponsors: American Legion, Department of California,

California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, California Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Marine Corp League, Department of California and Military Officers Association of America-California Council of Chapters. Referred to Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation.

• AB 221 (Tribal Nation Grant Fund) would streamline the existing Tribal Nation Grant Fund process to provide annual equal distribution grants, upon application, to all federally recognized tribes that either have no gaming or operate less than 350 Class III gaming devices. Federally recognized Indian tribes pay for the grant funds that exclusively benefit eligible federally recognized nongaming and limited gaming tribes. Sponsors: California Nations Indian Gaming Association and Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Nations. Referred to Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization.
• AB 249 (Continuums of Care Update for Homeless Youth) would require state specified housing and homelessness programs to use a youth-specific coordinated entry system to assist homeless youth receive housing related services. Sponsor: California Coalition for Youth. Referred to Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development and Assembly Committee on Human Services.
• AB 285 (Domestic Violence Restraining Order) would require that a 180-day criminal protective order be issued when a defendant convicted of domestic violence or sex offenses is released from state prison to protect the victim(s) they were convicted of harming. Sponsors: Offices of the San Bernardino and Riverside County District Attorneys. Referred to Committee on Public Safety.
• AB 308 (Mobile Crisis Response Teams) would encourage county behavioral health directors to develop training in conjunction with law enforcement for mobile crisis response teams so teams can properly respond to cases involving individuals with autism, behavioral health issues or other developmental disabilities. This bill would also encourage a county behavioral health director to develop procedures that would educate teams on proper use of force, de-escalation and stabilization techniques, and other tools for the care of an individual being transferred to a treatment facility. Co-sponsors: Autism Society Inland Empire and Autism Heroes. Referred to Assembly Committee on Human Services.
• AB 359 (FPPC Local Jurisdictions’ Contracts) would repeal the sunset date authorizing the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) to contract with local agencies to administer, implement and enforce local campaign finance or government ethics law. Sponsor: FPPC. Referred to Assembly Committee on Elections. 
• AB 362 (Shingle Springs Water) would add tribal water uses as a beneficial use of water in the state. AB 362 would also require the State Water Quality Control Board or a regional water quality control to describe, with both quantitative and qualitative information, how the project or regulatory program will impact tribal water uses. Sponsor: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Not yet referred to a policy committee.
• AB 440 (Caltrans Suicide Prevention) would mandate the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to create policies to evaluate, report and develop suicide preventative measures for bridges in the state highway system.AB 440 also requires the California Highway Patrol and state Office of Suicide Prevention to share relevant information with Caltrans. Referred to Assembly Committee on Transportation.
• AB 977 (California State University Burial Sites) wouldrequire the California State University (CSU) system, in consultation with Native American tribes to develop a policy to identify available CSU-owned land for the burial of Native American human remains and establish three tribal burial sites – one in the Northern, Central and Southern regions of the state. Sponsor: Tachi Yokut Tribe. Not yet referred to committee. 
• AB 989 (Native American Day State Holiday) would make the state Native American Day holiday – the fourth Friday in September – a paid holiday for state employees. Not yet referred to committee.
• AB 1369 (Tribal Regalia at High School Graduations) wouldadd clarification to students’ right to wear traditional tribal regalia as determined by the pupil and the pupil’s family at high school graduations. AB 1369 also reaffirms that a local educational agency cannot require a preapproval process to exercise this right or demand that the student wear a cap if the adornment is incompatible with the adornment. Sponsor: California Indian Legal Services. Bill not yet referred to committee.

Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45^th Assembly district that includes the Cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature. Ramos chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #6 on Public Safety. 

By NBC Affiliate WDSU-TV

Krewe of ALLA Makes History this week with First Black King and Queen for 2025 Parade Oldest New Orleans Carnival Krewe to feature Black royalty in citywide celebration King and Queen honor Civil Rights Icon credited with desegregating old line carnival organizations

(NEW ORLEANS, LA) – In a historic first for New Orleans Mardi Gras, the Krewe of ALLA, the fifth-oldest parading organization in New Orleans, crowns its first Black King and Queen for their upcoming parade this Wednesday night.

ALLA is the oldest predominantly White New Orleans Mardi Gras organization to have a Black King and Queen. Their crowning marks a tribute to former New Orleans City Councilmember and Civil Rights pioneer Dorothy Mae Taylor, whose 1992 law desegregated Mardi Gras krewes, paving the way for a more inclusive celebration of New Orleans culture.

James Carter, a former New Orleans City Councilmember and Port of New Orleans Board Member, will reign as King alongside Gian Durand, founder and Chief Operating Officer of Loving Hearts of Louisiana and Secretary of the Louisiana Democratic Party, as Queen. Together, they represent the Krewe’s commitment to inclusivity and celebrating excellence in the local community. In addition, New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell will serve as this year’s parade Grand Marshal.

Durand and Carter’s selection as royalty represents a new era for a Mardi Gras, a direct reflection of Taylor’s vision for inclusive and representative celebration which dates to 1856 when the Krewe of Comus formed in the Crecent City. Taylor made history as the first Black woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives and later as a New Orleans Councilmember, where she passed a landmark ordinance calling for all krewes who use city services to adopt non-discriminatory policies.

Durand and Carter’s selection as royalty represents a new era for a Mardi Gras, a direct reflection of Taylor’s vision for inclusive and representative celebration which dates to 1856 when the Krewe of Comus formed in the Crecent City. Taylor made history as the first Black woman elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives and later as a New Orleans Councilmember, where she passed a landmark ordinance calling for all krewes who use city services to adopt non-discriminatory policies.

2025 ALLA Queen Gian Durand shared her excitement about her upcoming reign: “As a child, I dreamed of being a Carnival queen, but I never imagined it would become a reality, especially as opportunities for Black women in Mardi Gras krewes were so limited. The Krewe of ALLA represents what Mardi Gras should look like–where everyone can live out their dreams.”

This announcement comes as the Krewe prepares to roll in a new, coveted time slot on Wednesday evening, February 26, 2025, along the historic St. Charles Avenue parade route. The theme for 2025, “Only a Matter of Time,” will feature exquisitely revamped floats, an expanded lineup of marching bands and dance groups, and the Krewe’s signature hand-decorated genie lamp throws.

“The Krewe of ALLA has always been about bringing people together,” said Captain Adam Strickland. “Moving to this new time slot and celebrating our first Black King and Queen is a testament to our commitment to progress, diversity, and honoring the unique spirit of Mardi Gras.”

Founded in 1932 in Algiers, Louisiana, the Krewe of ALLA takes its name as a nod to its origins, combining the initials of “Algiers, Louisiana” in the same way “NOLA” represents New Orleans. Since moving to the Uptown parade route a decade ago, the Krewe has grown into a vibrant, co-ed, and family-friendly organization with a rich history and a dedicated focus on inclusivity.

Membership in the Krewe remains open to individuals of all backgrounds, including children aged 13 and older, making ALLA a true reflection of the diverse fabric of New Orleans.

For more information about the Krewe of ALLA and its 2025 parade, visit www.kreweofalla.net.

About the Krewe of ALLA

Founded in 1932, the Krewe of ALLA is one of the oldest and most cherished Mardi Gras organizations in New Orleans. Known for its rich traditions, vibrant parades, and dedication to community engagement, ALLA celebrates the culture and spirit of the Crescent City year-round. From its annual parade during Carnival season to creative events like the ALLA-ween Scavenger Hunt and the ALLA Bash, the Krewe brings people together through fun, inclusive, and unique New Orleans experiences.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

California’s U.S. Senators, Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with Democratic members of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works (EPW), are demanding answers from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) following the sudden freeze of funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.

This program, authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is designed to accelerate the construction of zero-emission vehicle charging stations across the U.S. It granted California $384 million over five years to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

California’s plan was approved in September 2023 by the Biden administration, but earlier this month the Trump Administration froze $3 billion allocated to the NEVI program, halting planned construction.

In a letter to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, Padilla and Schiff expressed concern that the decision undermines years of planning and effort by state transportation departments. They argued that the freeze disregards Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending and threatens the environmental and economic benefits the program was set to deliver.

“Your abrupt cutoff of NEVI funding disregards these efforts and subjects states and their partners to delay, uncertainty, and bureaucratic red tape. It also threatens the jobs, innovation, and environmental benefits that this program was ready and authorized to deliver through implementation,” the senators wrote in a letter to the president.

The NEVI program aims to make electric vehicles more accessible by installing charging stations every 50 miles along major travel corridors, promoting clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The Senators requested that the funding freeze be immediately reversed and demanded answers on the legal grounds for the decision. They also called for the release of documents related to discussions involving the White House, the Office of Management and Budget, and other key figures.

The freeze could delay critical infrastructure projects and disrupt the transition to zero-emission vehicles, particularly in rural areas, where access to charging stations is limited. The Senators’ letter was signed by several other lawmakers, including Senators Sheldon (D-RI) Whitehouse, Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Bernie Sanders (D-VT).

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed three Black judges to Superior Courts across California. The Commission on Judicial Appointments also confirmed a Black Judge, Charles Smiley, that Newsom appointed in November to the state’s Courts of Appeal.

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the commission, announced the unanimous confirmation of Judge Charles Smiley to the First Appellate District, Division One, in San Francisco. Smiley, an Alameda County Superior Court judge since 2012, fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Sandra L. Margulies.

Newsom’s judicial appointments last week included seven judges in Los Angeles County and others in Modoc, Riverside, San Diego, San Mateo, Tulare, and Ventura counties. Among them are three Black judges appointed to Superior Courts:

• James Montgomery Jr. (Los Angeles County Superior Court), a former court commissioner and attorney.
• Chandra Reid (San Diego County Superior Court), a former Deputy District Attorney with nearly two decades of prosecutorial experience.
• Mark McCannon (San Mateo County Superior Court), previously an Alameda County judge and prosecutor.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) introduced her first bill in Congress last week.

 “The Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act,” aims to reduce fraud in government aid programs for small businesses. The bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by Small Business Committee Chair Roger Williams (R-TX-25), seeks to ensure that only eligible small businesses benefit from federal financial support.

The bill amends the Small Business Act to bar individuals and entities convicted of financial fraud — or making false statements related to grants — from receiving non-disaster- related financial assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA). This includes grants and contracts intended to support small businesses, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Simon addressed growing concern over fraud in the SBA’s pandemic relief programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as she emphasized the bill’s importance.

“While small businesses faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, some exploited vital resources meant for struggling businesses,” said Simon.

“My bill ensures that those who have exploited the system will not be able to take advantage of future opportunities,” she added.

The bill is part of Simon’s broader effort to provide long-term support to small businesses across her district, which includes Oakland and other parts of Alameda County.