What it do with Lue

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes launches the #FAB47 Community Recognition Program. On September 20th Assemblymember Reyes will highlight the first #FAB47 inductee in the 47th District. The Fabulous 47 Recognition Program is an opportunity for community members, businesses and community based organizations to be recognized for the great work they are doing in the Inland Region.

“The 47th Assembly District is full of amazing, hardworking and altruistic residents. As such, it is important we recognize their contribution to our community,” said Assemblymember Reyes. The recognition of the fabulous members of our community offers an opportunity to highlight the unsung heroes who give of themselves without seeking recognition.”

Assemblymember Reyes is taking monthly nominations for #FAB47 at https://a47.asmdc.org/47th-assembly-district-community-recognition-program. Nominees must live, volunteer, or work in the 47th Assembly District. The 47th Assembly District includes all or portions of the following communities: Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy. To confirm the nominee lives or works in the district, go to https://a47.asmdc.org/district-map. 

For assistance in nominating or for further information about the #FAB47 Program, please call our office at (909) 381-3238.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- When Jatori Harris took the reins of organizing the 2017/’18 Inland Empire Million March from former organizer, Terry Boykins, he wanted to foster an unresolved passion facing him for many years, and that being not having any of his parents take him to the first day of school, especially his father. 

Growing up without a father and later experiencing his mother being sentenced to prison, Jatori found himself placed in foster care at age eight.

After living with relatives for a short period while bouncing from home to home, he finally thought hope was in sight when he had secured a place of consistency with his aunt.  Only to later have his life shift, once again, when she too was sentenced to prison.

By age seventeen, he exited foster care and began his journey and search for life’s purpose and clarity. Of which, would eventually lead to a mentoring relationship and lifelong mission of giving back to the community.

Now, at age 33 and a father of two, Jatori stated, “Fatherhood is important to me because I know how much I needed and wanted my mother and father, but had to go without.  So, my passion of doing right by my children is the most important thing to me as a person, a big brother and now as a mentor myself.”

On Saturday, September 16, Jatori is reaching back and giving back by recognizing foster and father-absent youth, as well as, former foster youth now fathers during a day of fatherhood importance and awareness at the Fiesta Village Family Fun Center in Colton, CA.  Colton’s Mayor, Richard DeLaRosa, will welcome guests and attendees.

He is inviting the entire community to attend and enjoy a special dedication for those students who do not have active fathers in their lives.  Additionally, Jatori is asking anyone who would like to sponsor a foster or father-absent youth to attend and enjoy a Fiesta Village All Day Ride Pass, $14.95, to visit www.streetpositive.com and pledge support.  Or, call him at (909) 520-0286. The event will start at 10 a.m.

Harris says he is looking forward to his new tenure as the I.E. Million Father March organizer, and is adamant about pushing the importance of #FathersForEducation campaign in the years to come. Also, thanks to Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, there will be very special giveaways for the community to enjoy during the morning kick-off celebration.

 

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

Ain’t gonna be nothing nice you best believe that! You see, you can’t cheat or compromise on God’s commandments and get away with it. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows this he will also reap.”[Galatians 6:7]. This principle is irrevocable; there is no escape. It is a law of life and it applies to everyone, both Christians and non-Christians alike. God will not allow you to go unpunished. Consider Scriptural illustrations: David sinned with Bathsheba and attempted to cover it up by having Uriah murdered. But “When the chickens came home to roost”, he had four dead sons, a kingdom in shambles, disgraced wives, a tarnished reputation, a disgraced daughter, and a trusted counselor dead by suicide, among other things. David sinned abundantly and reaped abundant consequences. Isaac and Rebecca let Korah criticized Moses for his office, but God heard and buried him alive. [Numbers 16:1-35].  Listen, God’s moral laws cannot be neglected or violated with impunity, and Scripture fully justifies the expectation and shows that sin must be punished.

“This is the end of the matter: …. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. In [1 Kings 2:3] David told Solomon that he should live in obedience to the Word of God. To walk in His ways, and keep His decrees and commands, His laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses.” In [Isaiah 48:11] God says, “For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? “I am the Lord; that is my name! [Isaiah 42:8]

The day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. Where do you stand?” Pardon or Punishment.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20
¹⁵ See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;¹⁶ In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.¹⁷ But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;¹⁸ I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.¹⁹ I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: ²⁰ That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

 

Pivotal Paths is the story of a teenage basketball phenomenon growing up in Compton during the gang and drug explosions of the late 1980’s. He comes from a single parent home that thanks to a limited income is confined to poverty.

Despite a commitment to ride his talents to a better life, Quic chasing instant gratification in the form of a fast buck, tries his hand at drug dealing. Though he excels in this area, he holds steadfast that the life style which ushered his father an early generation Crip into a premature grave is not for him.

Quic rationalizes the contradiction that becomes his life by maintaining that the drug dealing thing is a temporary hold over. he doesn’t gang bang but everyone in his peer group from his best friend Lil Jay to his basketball teammates does. His undoubting loyalties to these guys keep him in the line of fire and provide an erroneous perception.

Quic’s proximity to the hood and its seductive allure places him at a crossroads that will determine whether he actively pursues his hoop dreams or set them aside for the trap that is hood life.

RIVERSIDE, CA- – Life in Southern California brings with it a series of hazards, like earthquakes, wildfires and floods. Disasters can happen at any time, especially when you’re away from home.  Alert RivCo is a critical way for emergency managers and first responders to reach you, anytime and anywhere.

During a disaster, first responders and emergency management officials use Alert RivCo to rapidly call, text and email impacted residents and businesses. Alerts include what actions community members must take to protect their safety, such as evacuation or boil water orders. Register with Alert RivCo to receive these messages on cell phones, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) lines, and email addresses.

“The time to prepare for disasters is now,” said Emergency Management Department (EMD) Director Kim Saruwatari. “We want our neighbors and our community to be ready, which means taking steps like registering for Alert RivCo and building an emergency kit.”

Traditional landline information is already registered in Alert RivCo, however, this does not include VOIP lines. Residents and businesses can register for the system at RivCoReady.org/AlertRivCo.

As part of National Preparedness Month, community members are encouraged to prepare for disasters. Learn how to build an emergency kit, make a family communications plan and register for Alert RivCo at one of the EMD public education booths. Each Saturday in Sept. from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., a public education booth will set up at a local shopping mall. Community members will receive valuable tips and items to kick start their emergency kit, including a whistle to call for help.

Visit RivCoReady.org/News for the locations of the EMD public education booths, as well as a complete list of emergency kit items.

Follow us on Twitter @RivCoReady for valuable emergency preparedness tips or @RivCoListos for information in Spanish. 

SACRAMENTO, CA-A coalition of state legislators, developmental disabilities services providers and their clients, and unions gathered at the State Capitol for a rally in support Assembly Bill 279 (Holden) to help people with developmental disabilities. Assembly Bill 279 requires the State to adjust reimbursement rates for developmental disability service providers to comply with mandated minimum wage increases.

With the passage of local minimum wage laws, organizations serving people with developmental disabilities are strained to continue their vital work as the reimbursement rates for those services are set and controlled by the State.  As they continue to adhere to local mandates without receiving necessary funding, they will soon be forced to shut their doors on a population in need of their services.

“The Lanterman Act is known as The Bill of Rights for People with Developmental Disabilities, and it declares that people born with developmental disabilities possess the exact same human rights as all other members of our society.  It declares that our family members, friends, and neighbors have the right to live as valued members of our communities,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “We must pass AB 279 to provide the funding our community organizations need to continue providing the vital services people need.”

Organizations that provide development disabilities services have appealed to the State for adjustments to their reimbursements in order to bring the wages of their employees who are under local mandates up to the legal minimum wage, and these adjustments did not make the final State Budget for the coming fiscal year. 

“We are really trapped between these minimum wage laws that must be obeyed and the State’s refusal to provide the funds to pay them.  We’ve got to fix this now,” said Dr. Ron Cohen, President and CEO United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.  “AB 279 will provide the funds to meet our payroll and stay open.  There is no place else for people to live, no one else is ready to serve them if we close”

Both Republicans and Democrats spoke at the rally including Assemblymember Chris Holden (author), Assemblymember Acosta, Senator Anderson, Assemblymember Tom Lackey, Senator Nancy Skinner and Senator Scott Weiner.

 

General Labor needed – in Norwalk, CA.  Apply M-F 9:00am-5:00pm at 11914 Front Street, Norwalk, Ca 90652

Production Bottle Fillers, Label Placers, and Cap Placers needed – in Riverside, CA.  12 openings.  Call David (951) 379-5454

General Labor/Clerks needed – in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.  Call (909) 912-1336

Company – is seeking General Service Tech/Tire Installer in Temecula, Redhawk, CA.  Call Fred (951) 303-3584

General Laborer(s) needed – in Ontario, CA.  $11.00/hr.  Call (909) 930-5780

Company – is seeking Warehouse/Driver (P/T) in Corona, CA.  Call (888) 379-2555

Apex Personnel, Inc. – is seeking Cycle Counters in Walnut, CA.  $13.00/hr.  Apply at 563 South Azusa Way, La Puente, CA 91744.  (626) 986-4374

Warehouse Workers needed – in Shipping & Receiving in Chino, CA.  $12.30/hr.  Call Jackie (909) 364-1900

Class C Delivery Drivers needed – in Chino, CA. $12.00/hr.  Call Jackie (909) 364-1900

Packagers needed – in San Bernardino, CA. Apply at 420 East Hospitality Lane #A2, San Bernardino, CA 92408

Coronado Stone Products, a Second Chance Employer – is seeking Labor (Packers/Pullers) in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Cedars-Sinai, a Second Chance Employer – is seeking a Lactation Consultant in Los Angeles, CA. indeed.com

Sprouts Farmers Markets, a Second Chance Employer – is seeking an Assistant Deli Manager in Los Angeles, CA. indeed.com

Public Storage, a Second Chance Employer – is seeking a District Manager in San Diego, CA. $78,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com

Homeless Prenatal Program, a Second Chance Employer – is seeking a Program Manager in San Francisco, CA. indeed.com

BHLDN, a Second Chance Employer – is seeking a Bridal Stylist (F/T) in Beverly Hills, CA. indeed.com

Episcopal Community Services, a Second Chance Employer – is seeking a Case Manager III-Alder in San Francisco, CA. inded.com

Conversant Media, a Second Chance Employer – is seeking a Client Development Manager in Costa Mesa, CA. indeed.com

Merced County – is seeking a Hazardous Material Specialist I/II/III in Merced, CA. $20.38-$31.83/hr.  indeed.com

United Site Service, Inc. – is seeking a Fence Supervisor in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com

CSRA – is seeking a Program Manager in Norco, CA. indeed.com

Workforce Enterprise – is seeking General Labor in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Riverside Superior Court – is seeking a Supervisor in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Kaiser Permanente – is seeking a Call Center Analyst Associate in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Nike – is seeking General Labor-Second Shift in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Emerson Construction, Inc. – is seeking General Labor in Anaheim, CA. indeed.com

Mariposa Landscape, Inc. – is seeking a Landscape Maintenance Laborer in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Thompson Pipe Group – is seeking a Plant Manager in Rialto, CA. indeed.com

Nissin International – is seeking a LCD Warehouse Supervisor in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

JLG – is seeking a Customer Service Rep in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Thaxton Barabe – is seeking an Interim Urgent Care Manager in Highland, CA. $200,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com

CBRE – is seeking a Facilities Coordinator in Rialto, CA. indeed.com

Quinn Group, Inc. – is seeking a Coordinator-Service in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

DCH Roasters, Inc. – is seeking an Evening Supervisor in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Cali Staffing – is seeking a General Labor in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

AMC, LLC – is seeking a Housekeeper in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Current Elliot – is seeking a Receiving Supervisor in Chino, CA. indeed.com

Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa – is seeking a Maintenance Worker in Corona, CA. indeed.com

Veterans Canteen Service – is seeking an Assistant Retail Manager in Loma Linda, CA. indeed.com

The Carpenters – https://youtu.be/FDPMmaHWj1I

G & K Services – is seeking a Loader/Unloader 2^nd Shift in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

United States Services, Inc. – is seeking a Fence Supervisor in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com

Epic Contracting, Inc. – is seeking Concrete/Epoxy Flooring Installers in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Best Western Plus – is seeking a Maintenance Worker in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Matrix Service Company – is seeking an Operations Manager II in Norco, CA. indeed.com

Johnson Contract – is seeking a Sprinkler Fitter in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Fabfitfun – is seeking a Production Lead in Industry, CA. indeed.com

SRS – is seeking General Labor in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Three Star Global – is seeking a Warehouse Worker in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Creative Bus Sales – is seeking a Welder in Chino, CA. indeed.com

Esterline Advanced Import Systems – is seeking a Manufacturing Associater-2^nd Shift in Brea, CA. $12.75-$14.50/hr.  indeed.com

CR & R – is seeking a Wheel Loader Operator in Colton, CA. indeed.com

Ryder – is seeking a Generalist-Human Resources in Moreno Valley, CA. indeed.com

Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting – is seeking a Paint Prepper in Covina, CA. indeed.com

MVP – is seeking a Sr. Recruiter in Chino, CA. indeed.com

Mariposa Landscape, Inc. – is seeking a Commercial Driver/Tree Worker in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Sprouts Farmers Market, a Second Chance Employer – is seeking a Vitamin Manager in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Polyair Corporation – is seeking a Plastic Extrusion Line Operator in Corona, CA. indeed.com

Recruiter Exchange – is seeking a Loading and Unloading Worker in Mira Loma, CA. indeed.com

JLG – is seeking a Customer Service Rep in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Chugach Alaska Corporation – is seeking a Wellness Manager in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com

Res Care – is seeking a Community Outreach Coordinator in Perris, CA. indeed.com

Chartwell Staffing Solutions – is seeking a General Labor in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Corona Regional Medical Center – is seeking an EVS/Housekeeping/Varied Worker in Corona, CA. indeed.com

Banana Republic – is seeking an Assistant Manager-Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Pathway Group – is seeking General Labor in Chino, CA. $10.50-$11.50/hr.  indeed.com

Job Source – is seeking Mechanics in Moreno Valley, CA. $13.00-$24.00/hr.  indeed.com

American Residential – is seeking a Plumbing Helper in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Kaiser Permanente – is seeking a Clinical Research & Development Person in Chino Hills, CA. indeed.com

SRS – is seeking General Labor-Construction Environment in Riverside, CA. $10.50/hr.  indeed.com

Proworks Staffing – is seeking General Labor in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Sunstate Equipment Company – is seeking a Wash Rack Attendant/General Labor in Colton, CA. indeed.com

ACE/Heaters, LLC – is seeking a Manufacturing Warehouse Associate in Corona, CA. $12.00/hr.  indeed.com

Kinetic Personnel Group – is seeking a 1^st Shift Production/General Laborer in Rialto, CA. indeed.com

Suburban Propane – is seeking a Tech in Placentia, CA. indeed.com

Rex Staffing – is seeking Lumpers in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Kinetic Personnel – is seeking General Labor in Corona, CA. indeed.com

Parsons Corporation – is seeking a Telecom Tower Tech II in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Scott Engineering, Inc. – is seeking a Sales Application Engineer in Chino, CA. indeed.com

SASCO – is seeking a Senior Electrical Estimator in Fullerton, CA. indeed.com

United Site Services, Inc. – is seeking a Yard Associate in Placentia, CA. indeed.com

Citrus Kitchen Restaurant – is seeking a Head Cook/Kitchen Manager in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Cornerstone Staffing – is seeking a General Labor Construction in Norco, CA. $11.00/hr.  indeed.com

Empire Parking Lot Services – is seeking a Driver in Orange, CA. indeed.com

Dish Network – is seeking a Satellite TV Tech/Installer in Corona, CA. indeed.com

California Steamers Property Services, Inc. – is seeking Simple Labor-Maintenance/Painters in Norwalk, CA. $16.00/hr.  indeed.com

DCH Roasters – is seeking a Barista Assistant Manager in Redlands, CA. indeed.com

Grocery Outlet Bargain Market – is seeking a Produce Manager in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Sprouts Farmers Market – is seeking a Meat Manager in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

ATV Tire/American Tire Depot – is seeking a Lead Carpenter in La Mirada, CA. $17.00-$19.00/hr.  indeed.com

The Sadde Ranch Chop House – is seeking a Sous Chef in Orange, CA. indeed.com

Northwest Pallet Supply – is seeking a Pallet Sorter/Repair Worker in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Jersey Mike’s Subs – is seeking a Shift Leader/Assistant Manager in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Boras Corporation – is seeking a Building Maintenance Worker in Newport Beach, CA. $45,000.00-$50,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com

TeamQuest Staffing Services – is seeking a Warehouse Worker/Forklift Driver in Chino, CA. $12.50/hr.  indeed.com

Recruite Exchange – is seeking a Materials Handler in Eastvale, CA. $12.00/hr.  indeed.com

Pro–Active Staffing – is seeking a Loader and Unloader in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

HDRD – is seeking a Master Graver in Adelanto, CA. indeed.com

Bassett Unified School District – is seeking an HVAC Tech in La Puente, CA. indeed.com

Solid Personnel – is seeking a Telecom Project Manager in Patton, CA. indeed.com

Nexem–Allied – is seeking General Labor in Ontario, CA. $10.50-$12.50/hr.  indeed.com

AMR – is seeking a Manager Human Resources Regional in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

TeamOne Logistics – is seeking a Transportation HR Recruiter/Safety Manager in Industry, CA. indeed.com

Veolia – is seeking a Material Handler I in Azusa, CA. indeed.com

Kamran Staffing, Inc. – is seeking a Warehouse Worker in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

SoCal Penske – is seeking an Assistant Service Manager in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

York Employment Services, Inc. – is seeking an Automotive/General Labor in Corona, CA. $11.00-$13.00/hr.  indeed.com

Outback Steakhouse – is seeking a Culinary Manager in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com

Hamilton’s Steakhouse – is seeking a Restaurant Supervisor/HR Coordinator in Covina, CA. indeed.com

Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes – is seeking a Crew Leader in Brea, CA. indeed.com

Taco Bell – is seeking a Team Trainer in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Siemens AG – is seeking a Street Light Tech in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Main Street Fibers – is seeking a Buyer/Sales Person in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

Ungenium – is seeking an Enrollment Recruiter in Claremont, CA. indeed.com

Wells Fargo – is seeking a Personal Banker I in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com

Tec Equipment – is seeking a Parts Delivery Driver in Fontana, CA. indeed.com

Albertson, LLC – is seeking a Warehouse Superintendent in Brea, CA. indeed.com

Claire’s – is seeking an Assistant Store Manager in Ontario, CA. indeed.com

VF Corporation – is seeking a Van (P/T) Sales Associate in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com

Center Street Lending Corporation – is seeking a Marketing Director in Irvine, CA. indeed.com

Laura’s Travel – is seeking a Travel Advisor in Redlands, CA. indeed.com

Vernon Transportation – is seeking a Diesel Mechanic in Riverside, CA. indeed.com

Wells Fargo – is seeking a Mortgage Consultant in Irvine, CA. indeed.com

Applebee’s – is seeking a Bartender in Moreno Valley, CA. indeed.com

Utility Tree Service, LLC – is seeking a Foreperson with CDL Union in Duarte, CA. indeed.com

Brookdale – is seeking a Cook in Loma Linda, CA. indeed.com

Cal Micro Recycling – is seeking a Client Relationship Manager in Ontario, CA. $16.00/hr.  indeed.com

Inland Industrial Solutions, Inc. – is seeking a Gate Attendant/Yard Management in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $13.00-$14.00/hr.  indeed.com

By Linden Beckford Jr.

I recently had a chance to sit and talk with Pastor Chuck Singleton. It was a pleasure to speak with someone deeply rooted in the African-American experience. In today’s environment, it is difficult to find people who truly revere our black culture in North America.

Pastor Chuck Singleton was born in Tallulah, Louisiana. However, he and his family moved to Illinois when he was 1-years old. Pastor Singleton says that he felt called to Minister when he was 5-years-old. 

He has been in California since the 1970’s. Upon moving to California, Singleton led First Baptist Church in Fontana on a new movement in 1981 when he declared that “God has called us to become Loveland.” This was led by the Holy Spirit after six years. Loveland opened its doors for the first time in the Spring of 1981 where over 500 believers gathered to worship at the beautiful new facility constructed at the corner of Sierra and Baseline Avenue.

Pastor Singleton agrees with me that the Black church has been demonized within the last 30 years. While there is some legitimate criticism, there some motivations that are very sinister! Back in the day, Pastor Singleton worked closely with Mrs. Jessie Turner. Mrs. Turner was a true bulwark in the community. According to Pastor Singleton, Mrs. Turner refused to take no for an answer and would get things done!

Pastor Singleton participated in the selection of the Jessie Turner Center after her passing. This Writer has a great deal of respect for the work that Pastor Singleton has done and continues to do. The fact that he is unapologetically Black and Christian is fantastic! This is a tradition of those who came before us.

The Afro Christian tradition/experience has never been an impediment. In fact, it has been the bridge over troubled waters. When one hears the song, “How I Got Over,” you understand why. Pastor Chuck Singleton has been a good Shepherd. He has been the practitioner of liberation theology. For us as a people, that will lead us to the promised land. We need to thank Pastor Singleton for still standing!

LOS ANGELES, CA- The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) celebrated its 50th Anniversary with “The Legacy Continues” Black Tie Gala at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Globe Theatre. Nearly 500 people gathered at the Gala to honor 50 years of advocacy by former CLBC leaders, including the Founder’s Award recipients, Hon. Willie L. Brown, Jr. and the Hon. Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke; the Chairman’s Award recipient, Hon. Nate Holden; and the Vanguard Award recipient, Hon. Mark Ridley-Thomas. 

“The California Legislative Black Caucus began with the belief that by speaking with a single voice, we could be a force on issues affecting education, justice, and civil rights.” said CLBC Chair, Assemblymember Chris Holden. “The Gala’s honorees are visionaries who successfully passed policies on these issues and are responsible for making California the leader it is today.”

“[The California] Legislative Black Caucus became a reality because [Mervyn Dymally] came to us and said let’s do something together,” said former Assembly Speaker Willie L. Brown during his acceptance speech. “And the votes that we put together from that moment on became part of the public policy consideration for the state of California.”

The Gala, attended by members of the California Legislature, Congress, state government and community leaders, was emceed by Margaret Shug Avery who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in the film The Color Purple. The event concluded with a musical performance by Aloe Blacc.

“With each new generation comes a renewed commitment to the future, and as valuable as it is that we look back and honor these milestones, we always have to keep looking forward, keep moving forward. We will continue to fight for equality, for criminal justice reform, for environmental justice, and for ensuring greater access to education and enterprise for African Americans,” said Holden.

The CLBC Gala Honorees are as follows:

Congresswoman Karen Bass presented the second CLBC Founder’s Award to Willie Lewis Brown, Jr. Willie Lewis Brown, Jr. was born March 20, 1934 in Mineola, Texas. He was the fourth African American to serve in the 80-member Assembly when he was elected in 1964.  He was the first African American and longest serving Speaker of the Assembly, a top legislative leadership post he held for 16-years. In the early 1980s, he led efforts to divest state university holdings in South Africa during that nation’s apartheid era and was a strong advocate for increased funds for AIDS research. Additionally, he authored landmark legislation that legalized sex between consenting adults in California.  He retired from the Assembly in 1995 and was elected Mayor of San Francisco in 1995. He served as Mayor until his retirement in 2004.  In 2013, legislation was passed to rename the western span of the Bay Bridge to the Willie L. Brown, Jr., Bridge.  The signs went up in 2014, and Brown said that he hoped having the bridge named after him would be, “inspirational for kids.”

Assemblymember Autumn Burke presented the CLBC Founder’s Award to her mother, Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke. Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke was born October 5, 1932 in Los Angeles, California.  She was the first African American woman elected to the California State Assembly in 1966. During her legislative tenure, she focused on civil rights and juvenile issues. She was the first African American woman from the Golden State in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1973, and continued to break new ground as the first woman to have a child and secure maternity leave while serving in the U.S. Congress.  She became the first African American member of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, a position she has held on and off since 1978.  Assemblywoman Burke retired from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2008.

Assemblymember Chris Holden presented the CLBC Chairman’s Award to his father, Nate Holden. Nathaniel N. ‘Nate’ Holden was born June 19, 1929 in Macon, Georgia and was elected to the California State Senate in 1974. In 1975, Nate Holden passed legislation to require public schools and educational institutions to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his contributions to the U.S. civil rights movement. He also passed legislation to provide health care for sickle cell anemia patients. In 1987, he was elected to Los Angeles City Council and stayed in office until 2002.

Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas presented the CLBC Vanguard Award to his father, Mark Ridley-Thomas. Mark Ridley-Thomas was born in November 6, 1954 in Los Angeles, California.  He was elected to the Assembly in 2002 and to the Senate in 2006. His legislative agenda focused on job development, public safety, education, economic development, healthcare access and community empowerment. He also served as Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus and is currently Supervisor for the Second District in Los Angeles County.

Nanette M. Rodriquez passed away on August 15, 2017. She was born on August 25, 1953 in New York, NY to George and Belgica Andrick. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She is survived by her husband Mario; daughters Monica, Amanda, Kathy, and Rebecca; son Raymond, and nine grandchildren.

She had a career with the California Department of Corrections, California Institution for Women, beginning in 1981. She promoted to Correctional Sergeant in 1986 and Correctional Counselor in 1988. In 1996, she became a State Parole Agent, retiring in 2007.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 8 at the grove Church located at 19900 Grove Community Drive in Riverside at 11 a.m.