What it do with Lue

By Craig J. DeLuz |  Special to California Black Media Partners

When California Democrats recently proclaimed their intention to “Make California Affordable Again,” it echoed a familiar refrain that has been heard time and again in the annals of political promises. However, a deeper examination reveals that this pledge may be more about optics than about sincere economic reform. Even more troubling is the historical context that shows a consistent pattern of policy failures rooted in overregulation and market manipulation — a pattern that risks repeating itself.

The notion of affordability in California has been stifled not by external factors but by the very policies enacted by the state’s leaders. Over the years, we have seen an alarming trend: excessive regulations that stifle job creation and create barriers to entry for housing development, driving up costs at every turn. These regulations have restricted the supply of jobs and housing. The idea that a few tweaks can remedy the situation overlooks the entrenched nature of the problem, which is a product of policies intended to protect certain interests rather than serve the broader population.

Consider the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), enacted in 1970, it aimed to safeguard the environment, yet its implementation has inadvertently morphed into a formidable barrier to affordable housing. Critics argue that it has been subverted by NIMBY factions, who wield the law as a bludgeon to obstruct new developments, particularly in affluent neighborhoods. For instance, a 495-unit housing project in San Francisco, which promised to include affordable options, languished in legal purgatory for years due to CEQA litigation and community pushback. Such protracted delays not only inflate development costs but also constrict the housing supply, exacerbating a crisis that leaves countless individuals and families priced out of the very urban centers they aspire to inhabit. The intended protections against environmental degradation have morphed into a tool of exclusion, revealing the paradox wherein efforts to protect the environment can simultaneously deepen the affordability crisis.

California’s requirement for developers of subsidized or public projects to pay “prevailing wages” serves as a prime example of well-intentioned policies leading to adverse outcomes. These wage mandates, which are frequently higher than market rates, inflate construction costs significantly — up to 40%, according to a 2020 study by the California Center for Jobs and the Economy. As a result, the very goal of creating affordable housing becomes increasingly elusive, with developers confronted by skyrocketing expenses that necessitate additional subsidies and, in many cases, project delays. This paradox highlights a broader truth: sometimes, policies that aim to protect workers can inadvertently hinder the very access to housing that those workers need.

Furthermore, financial giveaways, such as the recent proposal for housing subsidies, are not the panacea they are billed to be. While they may offer temporary relief to some, they do little to address the fundamental issues at play. Such measures have often resulted in inflationary effects that counteract any benefits. Essentially, the state rewards poor policy with more of the same, rather than confronting the underlying causes of the crisis.

Price controls also loom large in this discussion. California has flirted with the idea of implementing rent control measures that, while well-intentioned, have historically led to unintended consequences. Rather than stabilizing the market, price controls tend to deter investment in housing. Landlords, facing limitations on how much they can charge, often opt to sell, convert, or simply neglect their properties, further shrinking the available housing stock. 

The past actions of California Democrats have shown that tinkering around the edges — whether through subsidies, price controls, or draconian regulations — will not yield lasting solutions. The proposed reforms bear a striking resemblance to failed strategies of yore. For example, the $20/hr. fast food minimum wage. It was heralded as a savior for fast food workers, by guaranteeing them a “living wage”. In the end, even SEIU (one of the measures lead proponents) had to admit that the end result was lost jobs, fewer work hours and higher prices.

Until there is a genuine shift towards market-oriented solutions that empower rather than restrict, the promise to “Make California Affordable Again” will remain nothing more than a hollow slogan.

Deceptive slogans hide a reality that is too often ignored: that affordability is intrinsically tied to free market principles. Genuine affordability cannot be achieved through coercive policies; it must arise organically from an environment that encourages growth, competition, and innovation. The road ahead for California is fraught with challenges — but the initial step towards authenticity in addressing the affordability crisis is to acknowledge and rectify the mistakes of the past. Anything less will only serve to perpetuate the cycle of failure.

About the Author

Craig J. DeLuz has almost 30 years of experience in public policy and advocacy. He currently hosts a daily news and commentary show called “The RUNDOWN.” You can follow him on X at @CraigDeLuz.

By Sylvia Ghazarian

Every March, we celebrate Women’s History Month—a time to honor the trailblazers who fought for our rights and recognize how far we have come. But it is also a time to take stock of the battles we’re still fighting, and one of the most urgent is the fight for abortion care.

Abortion access isn’t just about healthcare; it’s about power, equality, and dignity. It’s about recognizing that pregnant people—should have the same autonomy, agency, and opportunities as anyone else. Yet, time and time again, legislation is used as a weapon to strip us of our rights, rendering us invisible in the eyes of those who hold power.

When abortion rights are restricted, the effects ripple far beyond the individual. The economic consequences are devastating. Studies have shown that being denied an abortion drastically increases the likelihood of a person living in poverty. The landmark Turnaway Study found that people who were unable to access an abortion were four times more likely to experience financial insecurity, struggle with housing instability, and be trapped in cycles of domestic violence.

This is not just a coincidence—it’s by design. Anti-abortion legislation is not about “life”; it’s about control. It’s about keeping people, especially women and those who can become pregnant, economically vulnerable and dependent. It’s about ensuring that the structures of power remain unchallenged, forcing people to carry pregnancies they cannot afford while denying them the resources to escape poverty.

The hypocrisy is staggering. Many of the same politicians who push for abortion bans are the ones gutting social safety nets—cutting funding for childcare, slashing paid family leave, refusing to raise the minimum wage, and the list goes on. They claim to care about “life” while making it impossible for parents to provide for their children. This is not pro-life; it is anti-equality.

The United States already has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, and the numbers are even more alarming for Black and Indigenous people, who die at three to four times the rate of their white counterparts during childbirth. When states restrict abortion access, they force more people into dangerous pregnancies, increasing these mortality rates even further.

The recent surge of abortion bans and restrictions has created a healthcare crisis. Patients experiencing pregnancy complications—such as miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies—are being turned away from hospitals or left to suffer until their lives are at imminent risk. Doctors fear prosecution for providing necessary care, and pregnant people are treated as legal liabilities rather than human beings.

In a system where half the population can be denied life-saving medical care, how can we claim to value equality?

Women’s History Month exists because, for centuries, women’s contributions were erased, dismissed, or outright stolen. Today, we see that same erasure in real-time when lawmakers craft policies that disregard the needs and realities of half the population.

Look at how abortion laws are written—by men who will never face the consequences of an unwanted pregnancy, let alone a dangerous one. Look at how reproductive healthcare is treated as an afterthought, even though it is central to economic stability, personal freedom, and public health.

Every time a law is passed that strips away abortion access, it is another message that we do not matter. That our health, our futures, our choices are secondary. That we are expected to sacrifice our bodies and our well-being to maintain a system that was never built for us in the first place.

This isn’t just an attack on reproductive rights; it’s an attack on gender equality itself.

Abortion access is not a fringe issue—it is fundamental to equality. If we want a world where women and pregnant people are not just tolerated but truly valued, we must fight for policies that recognize our full humanity.

That means protecting abortion access at every level—through legislation, through the courts, through elections and through supporting each other. It means funding organizations that help people get the care they need, regardless of where they live – organizations like WRRAP. It means holding politicians accountable and refusing to let them silence us.

Women’s History Month is a reminder that progress is not given—it is won. The right to vote, the right to work, the right to own property, the right to make decisions about our own bodies—none of these rights were freely handed to us. They were fought for, tooth and nail, by those who refused to be invisible.

Now, it is our turn. The battle for abortion justice is the battle for equality itself, and we cannot afford to lose.

Sylvia Ghazarian is Executive Director of the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP), a nonprofit abortion fund that provides urgently needed financial assistance on a national level to those seeking abortion or emergency contraception. She is an active Council member on the California Future of Abortion Council and past Chair of The Commission on the Status of Women.

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media   

A number of California groups, officials and individuals are taking proactive steps to educate immigrants subject to deportation about their legal rights as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids escalate.

One of them is Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), who represents a district encompassing Oakland, Alameda and Emeryville.

“Communities in Assembly District 18 and the entire nation are confronting direct attacks on our fundamental rights as citizens,” said Bonta in a press release. “ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids and presence in our neighborhoods are threatening our safety in the workplace, schools, and places of worship, breaking apart families and disrupting commerce — all while costly federal delays threaten funding for schools, healthcare, and countless other aspects of our lives.”

Bonta listed several immigrant rights resources in her newsletter.

• Know your rights: How to Communicate with ICE Agents. This is a series of videos explaining what to do if ICE officers show up at your door.

• A listing of state, national, and local resources in different languages such as Spanish and Haitian Creole.

• California Rapid Response Networks. This features a listing of hotline numbers that help immigrants.

• A link to the California Department of Justice’s website featuring resources and information for immigrants.

Ethnic Media Services (EMS) also recently hosted a press conference featuring experts who offered advice and tips on how immigrants can grapple with Trump administration immigration policies.

Amanda Alvarado-Ford, deputy directing attorney at the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, was one of the speakers at the news conference.

She said most of her clients are from Latin America, but she has also represented people from Asia and Africa.

Alvarado-Ford said in this climate of anti-immigration raids, it’s important to know that immigrants, whether undocumented or legal, have rights.

She said anybody in this country has the right to be protected from unlawful searches and the right to remain silent. She advised immigrants to exercise both rights.

“One important thing to know is that people in this country for more than two years have a right to a hearing. So, even if they are arrested, they still have to go through a procedure,” said Alvarado-Ford.

She also recommended that immigrants keep documents that prove they’ve been in this country on their cell phones. Also, it’s important to keep information to show that you are going through the immigration procedure such as applying for a visa.

Alvarado-Ford said immigrants must inspect documents if ICE officers show up at their doorstep.

A U.S. district judge must sign an immigration arrest warrant, she said. However, in many cases, they are signed by ICE officers. That doesn’t make it valid.

She recommended never letting ICE officers in the door and asking for them to either shove the documents under the door or show them on the screen door.

“You have the right to inspect the warrant,” said Alvarado-Ford.

She added that if you are arrested, you should demand to speak to an immigration attorney, even if you don’t have one. And mention that you fear being sent back to your country.

Alvardo-Ford advised immigrants to be calm when faced with this kind of situation.

 “Don’t open the door,” she said. “We have to breathe and remember our rights.”

Alvarado-Ford also said immigrants have specific laws they can use if they are faced with an ICE raid at work. ICE is allowed to enter public places at work, but not allowed to enter private areas, such as break rooms.

However, workplaces and homes are not the only place where the government can go after undocumented immigrants.

The Trump administration has also given ICE the green light to target undocumented immigrants in schools. There have been news reports of ICE agents raiding school buses and asking students for documentation.

And that’s where Viridiana Carrizales, comes in. Her organization, Immschools, advocates for undocumented students and parents of undocumented students.

Immigrant parents are aware of ICE’s new directive, said Carrizales, who also spoke at the EMS news conference. And that means many are now wary about sending their children to school.

“It has caused a lot of fear in immigrants,” she said.

According to Carrizales, more than 5 million children have undocumented parents or at least one undocumented parent. And now many of them are contemplating pulling them from school She added that its harmful to the entire community to have that many children removed from the education system.

Carrizales added there are laws that protect both students and parents. One of them is the 1982 Plyler Vs. Doe decision. This law establishes that all children within the United States have the right to an education, no matter their status. It also prevents schools from revealing information about a student’s or their parents’ immigration status.

Another law that protects immigrant students and families is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This law protects students’ educational records.

Because of FERPA, schools can’t release student information unless the family approves it.

During education seminars, Carrizales also tells families ICE agents can’t get this information unless they have a judicial warrant.

“We’re telling families about those laws,” she said.

Carrizales added that even in these tense, anti-immigrant times, it’s essential children of immigrant families get an education. She advises them to stay informed and attentive.

“Be alert, be aware, but bring your kids to school,” she said.

By Ty Jones

Many people take the stand that violence should never be used to combat violence, believing it only breeds more violence, and as some believe, corrupts the moral center of a liberation movement. However, history has endlessly chronicled that the ruling class only wakes up to how they exploit the working class when the threat of violence is on the table. Those who find this idea abhorrent, feel free to sit this one out. For those still with me, as the young folks say—L.F.G!

I would argue that the reaction to the death of the UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson was not joy but the release of years of rage at the policies and ruthless exploitation embedded in our for-profit healthcare system. And rather than just debating whether Luigi Mangione was right or wrong, part of the equation should be: Is his choice the only way?

This is where theatre comes in.

Specifically, I’m speaking to those in the “working class” realm of theatre—those without permanent spaces or endowments but with the ability to engage communities. Imagine if theatre could be a vehicle to challenge the exploitation of the American healthcare system without resorting to violence, yet still have an uncompromising impact on universal healthcare.

How? Young theatermakers, you need an audience. Healthcare in the U.S. affects everyone, across class and political lines. Reach out to your communities—local Facebook groups, neighbors, civic organizations—and ask them to share their healthcare horror stories. Record them. Write them down. Meet with them in person.

Gather 10-12 stories and find a venue to present them. If possible, have actors perform these stories. The people who share them will invite others, ensuring engagement is high. Start small, but be consistent—weekly if possible. Capture videos and photos to spread awareness.

Once momentum builds, invite local politicians. Research their campaign contributions—are they taking money from Big Pharma? If they aren’t, seeing their constituents’ stories may keep them that way. If they are, public accountability will pressure them to reconsider. Storytelling has the power to change minds, policies, and futures. If a politician continues to take Pharma dollars, let them know their constituents (the audience you’ve organically built) will rally to vote them out.

Some theatre practitioners have organized national performance movements, where artists across the country present work on the same day. Imagine a nationwide theatrical event dedicated to a singular conversation about universal healthcare—with thousands of contributors.

Theatre today is often focused on identity and hyper-individualism. However, those individuals all need healthcare too. This is a moment to shift attention outward and serve something bigger—something necessary.

Violence has a place in progress, though it often breeds more violence. History is filled with evidence of what happens when an unarmed minority faces an armed majority. Yet sometimes, when you bring a knife to a knife fight, people may actually lay down their arms in the interest of progress. The pen can be as mighty as the sword, if we dare to wield it for historic change.

Fate vs. free will. The human condition.

For thousands of years, theatre has sparked conversations on community maintenance. It serves as a mirror up to nature, reflecting our hopes, fears, and complexities – including rage. I am persuaded that we can lay down our arms and use language, storytelling, and collective action to spark substantive, lasting legislative change.

Remember, employ patience – it’s the type of marathon where a baton is passed on.  So—L.F.G!

Ty Jones is an OBIE Award and NAACP Award winner and the Producing Artistic Director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH).

New Safety Measure Introduced in Response to recent Student Suicides.

SACRAMENTO, CA— Senator Eloise G?mez Reyes (D-Colton) in partnership with the City of Rancho Cucamonga has introduced legislation to ensure community safety on freeway overpasses in San Bernardino County.

Last year, the Rancho Cucamonga community was shaken by two subsequent suicides that occurred on the Haven Avenue overpass onto the 210 Freeway. Along with urging mental health awareness and prioritizing suicide prevention resources, the city has also been seeking opportunities to work with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to install infrastructure that will ensure similar situations do not occur in the future. SB 800, also known as Highway Emergency Life Protection (H.E.L.P.) The program requires Caltrans to establish a program to install suicide deterrents on 10 freeway overpasses in the County of San Bernardino. These deterrents would include signage, and a physical barrier designed to prevent a person from falling or jumping off the overpass. The program would prioritize deterrents for overpasses with the highest rates of documented suicides.

“Mental health awareness amongst our youth is of incredible importance, and it is just as critical that we have appropriate infrastructure that protects our residents”, said Senator Reyes. “SB 800 creates a program that will bring resources to San Bernardino County for this purpose for areas such as the Haven Avenue overpass. This combined with securing mental health resources will better support our community and its youth.”

“Ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of our community—especially our most vulnerable residents – remains a top priority for the City of Rancho Cucamonga. We are grateful for Senator Reyes’ leadership in advancing SB 800 and for her commitment to addressing this critical issue,” said Rancho Cucamonga Mayor L. Dennis Michael. “We look forward to collaborating with the state to implement meaningful solutions that will protect lives and strengthen mental health resources for our region.”

SB 800 was introduced earlier this year and will be heard by the Senate Transportation Committee.

SELMA, AL — The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium (Southern Black Girls) proudly announces the appointment of Chanceé Lundy as its new Executive Director. A distinguished environmental engineer, entrepreneur, and social justice advocate, Lundy brings decades of leadership experience to an organization dedicated to empowering Black girls and women across the South.

Founded in 2017, Southern Black Girls channels resources to underfunded Black women-led organizations that empower Black girls and women in 13 Southern states. The consortium has awarded over $10.2 million to more than 220 Black girl and women-led organizations and empowered over 800 girls with microgrants totaling nearly $500,000 since its inception. Lundy’s appointment signals a bold step forward in expanding the organization’s influence, sustainability, and commitment to investing in Black girls and women.

“Chanceé embodies everything our organization stands for – vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to uplifting Black girls and women,” said LaTosha Brown, Visionary Founder. “When I first met Chanceé as a bright-eyed 14 year old, I glimpsed a spark that has since blazed into a powerful force for change. As a founder of Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium, I am profoundly confident she will elevate our vision to extraordinary heights. I’m blessed to call her my mentee, and now, with immense pride, my leader.” Lundy’s relationship with Brown began in 1995 when Brown was working with a youth activism and social justice organization in Selma, Alabama.

For Lundy, leading Southern Black Girls represents a full-circle moment in her journey. Growing up in Selma, Alabama, she directly benefited from the type of community organizations that Southern Black Girls now fund. “I am honored to lead an organization that is transforming the landscape for Black girls and women across the South,” said Lundy. “My own life trajectory was forever changed by community organizations that invested in me as a young Black girl in Selma. These programs gave me access to opportunities, mentorship, the confidence to pursue a career in engineering, and the social consciousness to understand systemic injustices and fight against systems of oppression.”

In 2024, Lundy was invited by the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia to engage with Colombian leaders, activists, youth, and women entrepreneurs to discuss shared challenges around climate change, equity, and economic empowerment. “Whether in the US South or South America, communities of color face similar systemic barriers that demand both grassroots action and institutional support,” Lundy reflected. She has consistently demonstrated her commitment to providing transformative experiences for Black girls and women in the South. She founded Destination Liberation to enhance cross-cultural connections and learning for Black girls through travel in the African Diaspora. She also co-designed Harvard University’s Power, Innovation, and Leadership program to boost Southern women leaders’ effectiveness and penned the anthology “It’s Just High School” to aid girls in navigating adolescence. These initiatives underscore her deep commitment to empowering Black girls and women.

Lundy also brings a wealth of business experience to her new role. She co-owned an engineering and planning firm, Nspiregreen, LLC, for over eleven years before selling it in 2020. She has served as the National Chair of the National Society of Black Engineers and as the National Co-Chair of Black Youth Vote. Her accomplishments have been recognized by Ebony Magazine, which named her one of the “30 Leaders of the Future,” and US Black Engineer, which included her among the “Top 100 Most Important Blacks in Technology” and  she has been recognized with a day in her hometown “Chanceé Lundy Day.”

Lundy holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Alabama A&M University and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Florida State University. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

For more information about the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium, visit www.southernblackgirls.org.

About Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium:

Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium (SBGWC) has been committed to channeling greater resources to underfunded Black women-led organizations across the South. Founded in 2017 by LaTosha Brown, Felecia Lucky, and Alice Eason Jenkins, the Consortium operates in  in 13 southern states, and employs a participatory grantmaking approach that centers Black girls’ voices and experiences while supporting racial justice, education, health and wellness, economic mobility, and leadership development.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Because the repetition of “listen” and “hear” underscores the urgency and necessity of heeding divine guidance. Give ear and hear My voice, listen and hear My words you deaf; and look, you blind, that you may see. Heed, instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. If you do your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying; This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. – [Isaiah 28:23; Isaiah 30:21; Isaiah 42:18; Proverbs 8:33]. For when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come [John 16:13]. So, watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” [Luke 21:34-36].

For the water is boiling, and the pot is about to explode. You have got to choose and choose NOW!  It is the last hour! Receive the saving grace of God. Waiting any longer is like playing with fire while soaked in gasoline because you never know when your time in this world is up.  The day is near; It will be a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. [Ezekiel 30:3]. No more procrastination, you have got to choose and choose NOW!  For the trumpets are sounding; the mountain is engulfed and smoking; the earth is quaking; thunders are clapping; lightning is flashing; people are trembling [Exodus 19:19–20].

O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord! [Jeremiah 22:29]. Listen to God’s warnings and instructions [Isaiah 28:23].

Why do you play so loose with your life? Not this physical life but the one coming after – the eternal life. Consider today with some urgency your eternal life. Choose Christ NOW, for NOW is the acceptable time, NOW is the day of salvation [2 Corinthians 6:2].

Understand the value of time. The brevity and uncertainty of life: [James 4:14]. The importance of making the most of every opportunity: [Ephesians 5:16]. The consequences of wasted time and missed opportunities: [Proverbs 10:5]. The danger of procrastination: [Proverbs 27:1]. The eternal implications of temporal decisions: [2 Corinthians 4:18].

Turn to God before it’s too late [Hebrews 9:27] because God is about to turn up the heat. He has sent an eagle to fly above the earth and send out one last warning before a period of unexampled warfare, distress and suffering come upon this troubled world. Give your life to Christ NOW before the Rapture to avoid the horrible tribulation period, which includes the Antichrist, Armageddon, and the Final Judgment. For the tribulation period will be the most horrible, horrible time for those who are not saved.

Understand, Jesus said something really tough for us to hear. He said, “you can be sure that if you don’t turn back to God, every one of you will die.” [Luke 13:5]. Choose Christ NOW! Don’t wait until it’s TOO LATE! The matter is URGENT! NOW is the time for repentance!

When God Repeats Himself Over and Over ?We Better Listen!

Five Cries from Hell –

The Rich Man – “In Hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried… I am in agony in this fire” [Luke 16:23-24].

Cain cries again and again, “My punishment is greater than I can bear” [Genesis 4:13].

The people in Noah’s day crying, “Let us in! Let us in!” But it was too late for them to enter in! [Genesis 7:16].

Judas screaming over and over, “I have betrayed…innocent blood” [Matthew 27:4].

King Agrippa crying, “He cries out, “Almost! Almost! Almost thou persuadest me!” The Apostle Paul witnessed to him, but he rejected Christ. He was almost converted, but he waited too long. [Acts 26:28].

You too have been almost persuaded. You say in your heart, “Someday” but there is great danger in saying, “Someday.” Satan has told you to wait a little longer. The Devil knows that he will get you if you keep waiting and putting off your salvation. But one of these days death will slip up on you. You won’t be ready, and it will be too late forever.

These people had resisted the call of God too long. They fiddled and played and procrastinated. They put off their salvation too long. They forgot that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” [Hebrews 9:27].

Oh, if God grows impatient, the sweet Spirit offended, if no longer He calls you, doom is yours when He’s gone. Then how sad facing judgment you’ll recall with no mercy, that you tarried and lingered till the Spirit was gone; what reproaches and mourning, if when death finds you hopeless, you have tarried and lingered and have waited too long. [If You Linger Too Long” by Dr. John R. Rice ?1895-1980].

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision [Joel 3:14].

“Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps [Amos 5:3].

And just as He called and they would not listen, so they called and I would not listen,” says the Lord of hosts [Zechariah 7:13].

So awful and terrifying was the [phenomenal] sight that Moses said, I am terrified, aghast and trembling with fear [Hebrews 12:21].

They refused to listen. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might [2 Thessalonians 1:9]. Throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [Matthew 13:50]. For they refused to listen to the Lord their God and obey Him [2 Kings 18:12].

I Tell You, When God Repeats Himself Over and Over, We Better Listen!

CHICAGO, CA— When he was 17 years old, Troshawn McCoy was arrested, convicted and sentenced to 55 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. In 2017, after being incarcerated for more than 20 years, McCoy’s conviction (along with those of three other men) was overturned, leading to a lawsuit in which the City of Chicago settled with the four men for a combined $50 million.

McCoy was the first of four teenagers arrested in Chicago in 1995 for a double murder and robbery. Despite the lack of physical or forensic evidence linking the teens to the crime, all were convicted and given lengthy prison sentences.

“My experience serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform and the human capacity to overcome profound adversity,” McCoy said.

Chicago’s legacy of overturned convictions and hundreds of millions of dollars in lawsuit settlements has led the Innocence Project to nickname Illinois the “wrongful conviction capital of the country.” But no amount of money can compensate McCoy and other wrongfully imprisoned people for the years they’ve lost.

“While my settlement has provided financial stability, it underscores a poignant reality: material wealth cannot reclaim lost time,” McCoy commented. “I cannot buy back the 22 years taken from me.”

McCoy’s harrowing story underscores the personal and familial toll of wrongful imprisonment and the systemic failures in the criminal justice system. Demonstrating remarkable resilience and strength, he is working toward rebuilding his life while fighting for others facing similar circumstances.

And McCoy’s case isn’t an isolated one. Chicago has a long and troubling history of corrupt policing, particularly in cases involving young Black men. According to the Innocence Project, 540 wrongfully convicted people in Illinois have been exonerated — more than in any other state.

“I don’t know how it feels to be in your twenties, fall in love, dream of building a family, and create the stepping stones for your future,” McCoy said. “All of that was taken away from me as I sat in a cold jail cell, knowing the truth, but being unable to do anything about it. I was robbed of my young adulthood, almost like a time glitch, where you look up and your life is just starting at 37 years old.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Time for Change Foundation proudly announces Charisse Bremond Weaver and George Weaver as the esteemed recipients of the 2025 Dynamic Duo Award at the 23rd Annual Awards Gala. This year’s theme, “Unwavering: Igniting Change, Inspiring Hope,” celebrates visionary leaders who have dedicated their lives to creating lasting change—and Charisse and George exemplify this mission through their extraordinary leadership at Brotherhood Crusade.

For nearly two decades, Charisse Bremond Weaver, President & CEO, and George Weaver have expanded Brotherhood Crusade’s reach, championing equity and social justice while uplifting thousands of underserved youth and families. Under their leadership, the organization has raised over $75 million, growing its annual operating budget from $1 million to $15 million. With a dedicated team, they serve 3,000 youth daily and impact over 20,000 lives annually through transformative programs that empower the next generation.

Beyond their impact in Los Angeles, Charisse and George’s influence has been recognized nationally, with accolades such as the NFL & Los Angeles Chargers Inspire Change Award, KTLA’s Black Visionary Award, and the James Irvine Leadership Award, often regarded as the Nobel Prize of the nonprofit sector. Their ability to cultivate powerful partnerships across government, corporate, and community sectors has solidified Brotherhood Crusade as a force for economic empowerment and youth development.

“Charisse and George embody what it means to be unwavering in their commitment to justice, equity, and opportunity,” said Vanessa Perez, Executive Director of Time for Change Foundation. “Their leadership continues to ignite hope and transform communities, making them the perfect recipients of this year’s Dynamic Duo Award.”

Other Award Honorees Include:

Philanthropist of the Year: Taraji P. Henson, Academy Award-nominated actress, producer, and mental health advocate Humanitarian Award: Jon Pardi, Country music star and founder of the Starlight Fund

Unsung Hero Award: Ginger Ontiveros, President and CEO of Tomorrow’s Talent Women’s Global Icon Award: Academy Award®-Nominated Producer Chiara Tilesi

Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award: Lifting as We Climb, U.S. Air Force unit at March Air Reserve

Nancy Varner Angel Award: Richard Jeske

Community Champion Award: Michelle Decker, CEO of the Inland Empire Community Foundation

The 23rd Annual Awards Gala celebrates the resilience and achievements of those overcoming homelessness, domestic violence, and systemic barriers. The event honors leaders, advocates, and community partners who champion change and empower marginalized individuals.

The gala will feature client testimonials highlighting TFCF’s transformative impact, an awards ceremony, gourmet dining, and fundraising opportunities to support the foundation’s expanding programs. Social hour begins at 6:00 PM with the formal program at 7:00 PM.

Individual tickets, table sponsorships, and advertising opportunities in the souvenir program are available now at www.timeforchangefoundation.org.

SBCUSD Campus Also Celebrates Grant to Launch Pilot Youth Mental Health Program

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) Sierra High School held the ribbon cutting ceremony for its new student Wellness Center February 21.

“This new center represents a promise to our students that their well-being matters just as much as their academic success,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano, during the ceremony. “We know that when students are healthy, when they feel supported and cared for, they’re better able to focus, learn and thrive. And that’s exactly what we want for each of our more than 45,000 students.”

The building serves as a school-based health center providing a full range of services that will allow for both individual and small group therapy sessions. There are calming spaces and tools for students to use and self-regulate. A larger wellness classroom is available as a meeting space for peer-to-peer counseling, academic counseling and health and wellness workshops.

“In an era where the pressures of daily life can feel overwhelming, this center will provide a safe space for rejuvenation, support, and growth,” said Sierra High School Principal Hector Murrieta. “It embodies our vision of nurturing a healthy, balanced student and community where every individual has the resources to shine.”

The Wellness Center will also house the school nurse; school psychologist; family therapists; four Loma Linda University doctoral child psychology practicum students; Healthy Teeth for Kids, which conducts bi-annual dental screenings and cleanings; technology for students to access Hazel Health telehealth services; and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) health navigators to support students and their families in navigating the healthcare system.

The Wellness Center ribbon cutting is just one of the reasons Sierra was celebrating. The alternative high school was recently awarded a $540,805 grant from The Children’s Partnership (TCP) to launch a new pilot program to support youth mental health. Sierra is one of only eight high schools across California to receive the grant and the only one in San Bernardino County.

According to Sierra Wellness Counselor Yesenia Ceballos, the Sunshine Crew has been leading mental health and wellness advocacy on the campus for more than two years, empowering peers to support one another through open discussions, mental health campaigns and community events. The grant will help them to expand their efforts.

The Sunshine Crew, named in honor of Sierra’s mascot the Suns, is a group of Sierra students who volunteer as health and wellness ambassadors. As part of the program, Sunshine Crew students develop leadership and communication skills while building a positive school climate, improving school and community health and leading wellness initiatives. The Sunshine Crew is also actively involved in promoting the resources offered at the Sierra Counseling and Wellness Center and reducing the stigma sometimes associated with seeking out mental health resources.

The TCP grant is not the first time Sierra High School has been recognized for its efforts to provide above-and-beyond wellness support for students. In 2021, Sierra was recognized by the American School Counselor Association for its school counseling program. In 2024, Sierra was named one of America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, marking the second year in a row the SBCUSD campus has earned the honor. Sierra was specifically recognized both years for strengthening social-emotional health and learning and for implementing a local school wellness policy, among other health and wellness focus areas.

In addition to the grant funding, Sierra will be part of a peer-to-peer learning community consisting of other TCP grantees, national peer-to-peer experts and mental health policy professionals. The peer learning network will share ideas and resources to help develop plans and make recommendations regarding youth mental health.

The grant and pilot program are part of an $8 million investment by TCP in youth-driven approaches to addressing mental health and well-being.

According to Ceballos, the reason the Sierra model works is that it provides integrated health and wellness services based on best practices that address the whole student.

“Our center is a comprehensive student wellness destination,” Ceballos said, “ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically, emotionally and physically.”

About San Bernardino City Unified School District:

The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about SBCUSD, visit www.sbcusd.com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About Sierra High School:

Sierra High School is a continuation high school in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Sierra educates students in grades 10–12 who have not been successful in a more traditional high school setting. The school offers two sessions, morning and afternoon, to accommodate students’ unique family needs. Sierra is also a two-time honoree as one of America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and is a Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP). For more information about Sierra High School, visit https://sierra.sbcusd.com/.

About The Children’s Partnership:

The Children’s Partnership is a California-based children’s policy and advocacy organization committed to advancing child health equity through public policy, research and community engagement. TCP envisions a California where all children—regardless of their race, ethnicity or place of birth—have the resources and opportunity they need to grow up healthy and thrive. Learn more at https://childrenspartnership.org/.