WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2023 SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1973
THIRTY-FIVE FIREFIGHTERS
Beyond Diagnosis: My Breast Cancer Journey By Cynthia Wood
WHO DIED ON DUTY HONORED DURING STATE MEMORIAL
Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media The California Fire Foundation hosted its 2023 Annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony and Procession Ceremony on Oct. 14 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Sacramento.
Courtesy photo
Compton native Cynthia Wood talks about her journey as a breast cancer survivor.
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OV. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond attended the event organized to honor 35 firefighters who died in the line of duty. Among the honorees was Ronald Yale Wiley, an African American Deputy Fire Marshal Wiley from Richmond who died on duty in 2007. The state formally presented a U.S. flag to each of the families of those whose names are being added to the Fighter’s Memorial Wall in Capitol Park on the east side of the State Capitol. “We’re recognizing and celebrat-
CBM Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
The family of Ronald Yale Wiley visits the California Firefighters Memorial Wall to trace his name engraved on monument. Wiley, who died in the line of duty on in 2007, was a Deputy Marshall for Richmond's Fire Department. Oct. 14, 2023. ing the life and times of people who tried to make the world a little bit gentler,” Newsom said of the fallen. “They stood tall because they bent down on one knee to help lift other people up. People that came from
every conceivable walk of life, political background, and different generations. The 35, we memorialize here today -- all with a singular love, and that is a love for public service.” n Fire, see page 8
In 2020, at 29, I faced a li fe-altering moment: a breast cancer diagnosis. This revela tion, amid a p and e m i c ' s isolation, felt like the ground dropped beneath me, and suddenly, I faced the toughest chal-
lenge of my life. The diagnosis sent me into an endless spiral of emotions and questions — “How will I look without my hair?” “Will I lose my breast?” “What if I don't make it?” Sitting in my office alone that day, I dreaded what was to come next. Sharing the news with my family was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Seeing the concern in their eyes reflected my own inner struggles. My father's tears, recalling the loss of his sister to the same disease, were especially heart-wrenching. As I navigated the early days of Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer, I was surrounded by a team of medical professionals, each adding a piece of the puzzle to plan the best course of action. n Cancer, see page 8
L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón launches Latine Advisory Board Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has established the office’s first-ever Latine Advisory Board, one of several advisory boards he formed that opens dialogue toward a more inclusive, collaborative, stronger and trusting, relationship with communities countywide aimed at justice for all. “Nearly half of L.A. County’s di-
verse population is Latine,” Gascón said. “As a Latino growing up in Los Angeles, I know from firsthand experience that Latine people see some of the most disproportionate impacts of the criminal justice system, both in receiving disproportionate sentencing and being victimized by those looking to cause others harm. “During the ongoing celebra-
tion of Hispanic Heritage Month, I take great pride in announcing the establishment of our Latine Advisory Board. This board will serve as a vital link between LADA and our Latine community, working diligently to ensure that Latine voices remain consistently heard, and advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion in the policies and practices
of my office.” The District Attorney introduced founding members of his Latine Advisory Board on Wednesday, further fulfilling his commitment to bringing the community’s voices to the table and ensuring transparency and accountability on the part of the office. n Board, see page 9