SB American News Week Ending 2/8

Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what people will submit

will be imposed upon them and these will continue till they have resisted either with words or blows or

While Black Newspapers Reveal Serial Rapists, Mainstream Turns to Comedy

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The Black Press has been the primary voice of the Black community for 196

media. The Black Press of America has always spoken truth to power. Despite the horrors of slavery, the disgust and

Black Lives Matter Movement, the Black Press has marched on. And the community has continued to depend on the Black Press without being

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National

In a news story that likely will leave some head-scratching along with palpable outrage, Kansas City police dismissed a Black News report of missing women.

Then one showed up.

“The story shows why it’s absolutely essential to have radical Black media outlets that are unapologetic and unafraid to report on issues that white news outlets don’t want to talk about or that they will water down or whitewash,” Ryan Sorrell, the 27-year-old founder of the Kansas City Defender, told the independent Capital B News.

The Black Press has been the primary voice of the Black community for 196 years. It informs those who are frequently forgotten or ignored by the mainstream media.

The Black Press of America has always spoken truth to power.

Despite the horrors of slavery, the disgust and inhumanity of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Era, and the global Black Lives Matter Movement, the Black Press has marched on.

And the community has continued to depend on the Black Press without being let down.

Reports that mainstream outlets have quickly dropped only further underscores the importance of the Black Press of America.

The latest news is that CNN, which once held itself as the leader in cable news, is looking for a comedian to fill its crucial 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. time slot.

Media folks are talking about Bill Maher, Arsenio Hall,

and Trevor Noah as possible replacements for the spot that Anderson Cooper and Don Lemon once occupied.

“The ‘news entertainment’ personality could fill the prime time hours of 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a nontraditional version of the news,” Semafor, the global news platform, reported.

The outlet cited five people familiar with the planning.

Reportedly, CNN executives have looked at other comedic news-focused talk shows for inspiration.

Executives have also discussed

turning the 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. hours into a series of shows modeled like a variety program, with “shows within shows” for different journalists, one network official told Semafor.

The discussions are aimed at turning away from the competition with MSNBC for liberal news junkies and toward pulling viewers from HGTV, ESPN, and Netflix, Semafor reported further.

The potential move at CNN comes even as critical news about people of color is only found in the Black Press, like the

story the Kansas City Defender broke.

Excelsior Springs authorities arrested Timothy Haslett Jr., 39, after a Black woman claimed she escaped from a basement and sought help from his neighbors, alleging Haslett raped, whipped, and detained her against her will for weeks.

The woman reportedly escaped while Haslett was dropping his son off at school. The Defender reported that police searched his home and discovered a “dungeonlike cell” in his basement, painted

black and equipped with several “devices” to restrain the woman.

Authorities charged Haslett with first-degree rape, firstdegree kidnapping, and seconddegree assault.

The Defender reported that Haslett was known to post racist content on Facebook. He also had problems with Black soldiers when he was in the military.

More than 230 African American-owned newspapers and media companies are represented by the National Newspaper Publishers

Association.

and

These newspapers and media companies, which comprise the Black Press of America, provide news and information to people all over the world.

Meanwhile, the Semafor report noted that CNN “is also reckoning with its need to have talent on hand to cover major breaking news events, such as the House Speaker’s race, which ran late into the evening and boosted CNN’s ratings.”

Further, the report noted that other outlets have already started looking at comedy to replace news.

“Fox has found success with Gutfeld!, a conservative alternative to late-night TV shows dominated by liberal hosts that tries very hard to be funny and regularly beats its traditional late-night competitors,” Semafor reported.

“NBCU executives have considered moving Seth Meyers’ show to MSNBC.”

Semafor also offered that such an experiment could also deliver a programming disaster for the mainstream news outlet.

Quoting the Washington Post’s Erik Wemple, Semafor observed, “Consider a scenario in which said entertainer was on air at the moment that an overseas war broke out, or an earthquake struck, or some states person died. Watching the network scramble to switch back into hard-news mode — well, that would surely be entertaining.”

Teachers and parents concerned over safety after the United States Department of Education instructs Victor Valley Union High School District to amend its disciplinary policies to ensure equal treatment of students

“The bottom line is, these kids just don't know how to behave themselves,” Adelanto High School Janice Bedian voiced relating, “So I don't feel safe in my classroom all the time.”

Gail Fry

Contributor

As previously reported in the San Bernardino American News, after hearing allegations of discriminatory discipline of Black students from school district employees and students, on August 12, 2014, the United States (US) Department of Education (ED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) began investigating the Victor Valley Union High School District (VVUHSD) searching for evidence of unequal

treatment in its disciplinary practices.

terms of the agreement.

As part of their agreement, VVUHSD is required to change its disciplinary policies to ensure when students are disciplined, they are treated equally.

students after being found to have been discriminating against Black students, disciplining them more often and more harshly.

strained.

imbalance between middle and high school teachers.

The complaints made by school district employees and students were substantiated by OCR and after settlement discussions, the district voluntarily agreed to a resolution with OCR and on August 16, 2022, confirming their consensus with specific principles to create a safe, nondiscriminatory school environment, and adhere to the continued on page 3

At its September 1, 2022, meeting, the VVUHSD Board of Trustees heard public comments from both parents and teachers concerned about school safety while asking how the district will proceed with disciplining

Concerns and a plea for help was heard from Lakeview Leadership Academy Teacher Kellee Kugies regarding large class sizes, its adverse effect upon classroom structure, discipline, and school culture as well as being a violation of their contract, and creating an

Following the COVID lockdown, Kugies shared rules were lax at Lakeview at a time when clear guidelines were severely needed, this diminished the school environment, and now students are not listening to teachers trying to enforce the rules, substantial increases in class sizes exacerbate the disorder, and teachers are

Victor Valley Teacher’s Association 1st Vice President Jennifer Lovelace reported student enrollment is at its highest at 2,230 students, and with 23 teachers, excessive class sizes are obstructing the teacher’s ability to effectively teach, characterizing the situation as not manageable and a grievance

Beautillion Year in Review - “I Am… Changing The Narrative”

By Marlene Davis

Swearing-In Ceremony For New SBCUSD Trustee Is February 7

With our theme being “I Am …Changing the Narrative” the Social-Lites Inc., are excited to have 5 outstanding young men participating in the 20222023 Beautillion Program. The Knights are Jermaine Moreno and Jordan Evans from Grand Terrace High School Senior, K’Miles Davis of Rialto High School, Shannon Williams of Mojave High School & Davion Boyd-Phenix of Arlington High School.

These Knights are in full swing with many dynamic speakers. To date we have had several special guests:

Starting with

• Edward Brantley, Student Outreach Coordinator for the PAL Center & Lead Instructor for the San Bern. County’s Probation Depts. Independent Living Program opened our season with a wellreceived spirited talk about SelfConfidence and How to Bring You’re A-Game into your Life.

Michael Davis, newly retired 25-year School Administrator who worked across Southern and Bay Area

California covered the proper attire for Dressing for Success for any occasion from head to toes.

• Tina Darling, BN MSN Educator and Asst. Director of American Career College discussed all avenues of health and the awareness of STD’s.

• Pastor Reginald L Woods, PhD, Pastor of Life Changing Ministries and former Sir Knight 1976, spoke to the entire units (Squires, Fair Maidens and Pages) about all aspects of life and how to attract positive relationships & how to recognize them at an early age.

• Chief Joseph Paulino, for the S.B.U.S.D. talked to our youth about life and how to think outside the box and now is the time to start your focus.

Zuriah McKnight –Police Officer of Valverde S.D. and Owner of District Charter Patrol talked to the men about entrepreneurship and how to seize the moment reminding the Knights “if you want something don’t waste time and get it.”

• Fire Chief David Reddix for the City of L.A. City Fire

Department shared his journey as an African American male and the challenges of growing to the top rank of Chief as well as the career paths available.

• Dr. Charles Brown, former Sir Knight 1989 and member Dar’rell Jones both of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Xi Lambda Chapter along with Social Lites, Inc. member Twillea Evans-Carthen of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter presented information on the upcoming 35th Annual Oratorical Contest and encouraged each of them to participate for scholarships.

• Anthony Roberson, Associate Director of Operations at California State University, San Bernardino and former Knight of 1995 – talked about his past participation of being a “Knight” in the program and how it helped him with his future life experiences. He also shared with the young men the importance of being an African American man today.

Just this past weekend we accompanied the Knights to the L.A. Black College Expo where

they were able to meet Admission

Counselors from the majority of our historically Black Colleges from around the United States. We were thrilled that several of our Knights walked away with partial scholarships that day!

The Beautillion Program, now it its 56th year, it’s designed to help young men who are seniors in high school prepare for college through the solicitation of ads, leadership development, accountability, responsibility, etiquette, attire for all occasions, spiritual growth, public speaking, and community service. At the conclusion of the program one young man will be recognized “Sir Knight.”

The Beautillion program will conclude on April 1, 2023 at California State University, San Bernardino. To date, we have given out approximately 2.5 million dollars in scholarships to our college bound young men. For more information, please contact Sheri Lewis (909) 3200799, Elsie Paulino (951)2058823 or Marlene Davis (909) 709-5502.

The San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education will hold a swearingin ceremony for newly appointed trustee Felicia Alexander at its next meeting on Tuesday, February 7 at the Dr. Margaret Hill Community Room, 777 North F Street in San Bernardino.

As a provisional appointee, Alexander will serve on the Board until the general election in November 2024. The public is invited to attend the Oath of Office ceremony and may also view the proceedings live online on the District's YouTube channel.

Alexander’s provisional appointment becomes effective in 30 days unless voters submit a petition to the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools calling for a special election, pursuant to Education Code 5091.

Alexander said she is interested in getting back to the pre-COVID graduation rates,

making sure middle schools have the resources needed for afterschool programs, and growing the career pathways programs. She also said she has three grandchildren in San Bernardino City Schools, so she has a vested interest in the District. She brings to the Board her experience as Sector Director, Global Supply Chain, where she leads global logistics efforts for an aeronautics and defense company. Alexander is also an adjunct professor at California State University, Long Beach, teaching courses in operations management, supply chain management, and reversed logistics modules. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in organizational development and leadership. The six-member Board interviewed nine candidates publically during a special meeting held on January 24, 2023, before selecting Alexander.

K'Miles Davis

Jordan Evans Davion Boyd-Phenix Jermaine Moreno Shannon Williams

Commentary: Why the Debate Between Advocates and Gov. Newsom Over Black Student Funding Is Heating Up

Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

When Gov. Gavin Newsom presented his 2023-24 budget, educators around the state were happy to hear his funding plans for California’s public schools.

The deficit had little impact on education funding. K-12 per-pupil funding is $17,519 from the Prop 98 General Fund and is $23,723 per pupil when accounting for all funding sources. Last year, it was $22,893.

Newsom announced, “We’re keeping our promises.”

The budget reaffirms his commitment to invest in Transitional Kindergarten (TK)12 education. Funding levels are being maintained for universal TK, community schools, behavioral health programs, special education, programs to mitigate learning loss during COVID-19, teacher and staff recruitment and retention and the universal meals program.

The biggest new program presented in the budget is called the LCFF (Local Control Funding Formula) Equity Multiplier.

“We made a commitment with leaders in the Assembly and the Senate, led by the great work that former Assemblymember Weber and now current member Weber is doing in terms of equity,” Newsom described the program.

“We're committing an additional $300 million in this year's budget.”

Newsom was referring to the efforts Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber made with Assembly Bill (AB) 2635 and her daughter, Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego), with AB 2774. The bills were written to fix the LCFF by creating a supplemental grant for California’s lowest-performing subgroup of students not currently receiving funding, which are African American students.

Black students have consistently been the lowest performing students in the

state. Currently, 70% are not meeting the English Language Arts standards and 84% are not meeting math standards.

About 80,000 African American students -- or just over 25% -- are not receiving additional supplemental funding or accountability through the LCFF.

It’s only by targeting additional funds to the lowest performing subgroup that most school districts will be willing to adopt specific and concrete solutions to bridge the achievement gap for Black students.

Although Shirley Weber had shelved the bill in 2018, Gov. Jerry Brown agreed to fund AB 2635 with $300 million in onetime money. The funding went to “low performing students” not the “lowest-performing student subgroup”. It is estimated that Black students received about 8% of that amount.

Last year, AB 2774 passed through the Senate and Assembly without opposition, but Akilah Weber opted to pull the bill

before it was sent to Newsom due to potential constitutional issues and lack of an appropriation to fund it. However, she secured Newsom’s commitment to include it in the 2023 budget – targeted funding that would address the needs of Black students.

However, the LCFF Equity Multiplier Program Newsom is proposing falls short of the expectations of the educators and education advocates that supported AB 2774.

They formed the Black in School Coalition and they are asking Newsom to develop a program more like AB 2774.

Coalition member Debra Watkins, Founder and Executive Director of the California Alliance of African American Educators, told California Black Media (CBM) the program was, “Almost the opposite of what we were asking for… it’s misguided.”

Dr. Margaret Fortune, the president and CEO of Fortune School of Education,

Biden-Harris Administration Invests $2.7 Billion to Improve and Expand Rural Electric Infrastructure

a charter school network based Sacramento told CBM, “You have a proposal that is put out there as the solution for Black kids, but the funding is not going to get to the Black kids.”

The Equity Multiplier Program is a $300 million ongoing add-on to the LCFF to accelerate gains in closing opportunity and outcome gaps. The funds will be allocated to LEAs (Local Educational Agency) which are a school district, county office of education, or charter school with schools serving high concentrations of students eligible for free meals (90% or more free meal eligibility for elementary and middle schools and 85% or more free meal eligibility for high schools).

Brooks Allen, Education Policy Advisor to the Governor and Executive Director of the California State Board of Education, revealed to CBM that budget trailer bill language is being written to strengthen the ties between the three elements of California’s accountability system: the LCAP, the California School Dashboard, and the Statewide System of Support.

According to Allen, the trailer bill will require LEAs, where student group performance is low on a Dashboard indicator at the school level, to include specific goals, actions, and funding to address these demonstrated student group and school-level needs in the LCAP and LEA budget.

Assemblymember Weber told CBM, “I am a huge supporter of this proposal in its entirety…. It's about making sure that the money that we're getting is being used properly. That it's going to the students that are supposed to be getting it and making sure that whatever indicators that we have found to indicate poor academic performance are being

Teachers and parents concerned over safety after the United States Department of Education instructs Victor Valley Union High School District to amend its disciplinary policies to ensure equal treatment of students...continued from page 1 had been filed.

At its October 6, 2022, student services director Michael Williford provided the VVUHSD Board of Trustees meeting, with a presentation spelling out what the US Department of Education, Office of the Civil Rights determined and what the district is required to accomplish to comply with the resolution the district reached with the US ED.

Williford showed graphics illustrating the number of students enrolled in the district, and the number of students suspended by race, White, Hispanic, and Black, during school year 201819, looking at percentages by race of enrollment compared to suspensions, which the US Department of Education found were not proportional.

Williford acknowledged that during school year 2018-19, Black students had a coin flip chance of being suspended, explaining that is what the Office of Civil Rights found disproportional.

After questions by VVUHSD board members, Williford responded that the OCR also found VVUHSD disciplined Black students more severely.

Williford explained after OCR instructed VVUHSD to stop suspensions for truant students, the district stopped the practice, reasoning that disciplining a student with an unauthorized absence by excluding them from classes, was not an effective way to correct student behavior.

Williford pointed to education code changes, and OCR’s findings resulting in the revision of its

disciplinary policies, brought new disciplinary policies using restorative justice measures, trauma informed practices, social emotional learning, and schoolwide positive behavior, interventions and support to help pupils gain critical social emotional skills, transformed trauma-related responses, and helping the student comprehend how their actions impact others, and developing meaningful ways the student could repair the damage to the school community.

In prior years, the district failed to track students referred for discipline resulting in inaccurate data, Williford shared, in response, VVUHSD has developed a uniform referral procedure to assure future data would be accurate, which the district can use to make educated decisions.

Williford claimed current data showed a decrease in discipline referrals, interpreting the data as demonstrating VVUHSD’s improved interventions were working, while confirming six assaults of staff members raised alarm during VVUHSD’s 2021/2022 school year.

Of the 15 years she has been a teacher at Hook Junior High, Teacher Cynthia Meade told the VVUHSD Board of Trustees at its November 7, 2022, meeting, “This is probably the most challenging in terms of safety at our school.”

“We've had numerous fights almost daily,” Meade declared. We don’t have enough security on campus, Meade warned, expressing her concern for the

safety of teachers and students while navigating this new world.

The students don’t have any social norms yet, don’t settle down, yell at her, and refuse to put things away, Adelanto High School Teacher Janice Bedian voiced explaining her daily apprehension of her tenth-grade classes, fourth and sixth period, and sharing that she is frightened not knowing what to do, because she can’t respond to the behavior as she could in the past.

Inspired by a TikTok challenge, the students were throwing pencils and pens at me today, Bedian related finding that the kids don’t know how to behave. “So, I don't feel safe in my classroom all the time,” Bedian declared.

Bedian told the board that she was asking for help and guidance, asking where was her safety and confidence, and that she would love to install a camera in her classroom, but it was prohibited due to student confidentiality.

Dr. Saniyyah Mayo, a therapist, and sister of a parent with three children attending schools at VVUHSD who have experienced violence on campus told the VVUHSD Board of Trustees at its January 12, 2023, meeting, that she was there to address the violence at the schools explaining that two of her nieces were removed last year from Lakeview Leadership Academy due to violence and this year her other niece has been jumped three times.

The Lakeview Leadership Academy Principal explained

Funding Includes $613 Million to Improve Grid Security and Reliability

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2023

– U.S. Department of Agriculture

(USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Department is investing $2.7 billion to help 64 electric cooperatives and utilities (PDF, 175 KB) expand and modernize the nation’s rural electric grid and increase grid security.

“These critical investments will benefit rural people and businesses in many ways for decades to come,” Vilsack said.

“This funding will help rural cooperatives and utilities invest in changes that make our energy more efficient, more reliable, and more affordable. Investing in infrastructure – roads, bridges, broadband and energy – supports good-paying jobs and keeps the United States poised to lead the global economy.”

Background:

USDA is investing in 64 projects through the Electric Loan Program. This funding will benefit nearly 2 million rural people and businesses in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and

Wisconsin.

The loans include $613 million to help rural utilities and cooperatives install and upgrade smart grid technologies. Smart grid can be a catalyst for broadband and other telecommunications services in unserved and underserved rural areas in addition to improving grid security and reliability.

Nearly half of the awards will help finance infrastructure improvements in underserved communities.

USDA’s Electric Loan Program can help finance wind, solar and natural gas plants, as well as improvements to produce cleaner energy from coal-fired plants. Local utilities also use the loans to invest in infrastructure to deliver affordable power to millions of residential, commercial and agricultural consumers.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda. gov.

“Angry” and “Heartbroken,” California Leaders Want to See Action After String of Mass Shootings

Tanu Henry | California Black Media

he could not ensure her nieces’ safety and suggested her sister remove them from on campus classes, instructing her to instead home school her children, which is not beneficial, Dr. Mayo objected.

This is happening on your grounds, on your watch, and we can blame it on the parents, say it’s their responsibility, and it is but, Dr. Mayo voiced, it's also the community’s responsibility to make sure the students are receiving an education in a safe environment, the violence has to be addressed. Dr. Mayo pressed the district share how it is addressing violence on campus, while recognizing we can’t demonize these kids.

Dr. Mayo expressed her hope VVUHSD will hire the proper professionals and put programs in place, hiring mental health professionals knowledgeable with the culture of the students they are counseling, that the students lack emotional judgment, and effective communication skills, that they need to learn those skills, otherwise there is aggression, and fighting.

“My daughter, since school began, was jumped three times,” parent Shawntae Smith Bridges informed the board, explaining she did not want her daughter in independent studies, that she wishes her daughter to experience all the benefits of high school, in a safe environment.

Smith Bridges questioned VVUHSD’s administration asking what is the district doing as far as consequences for these kids?

“Faith and prayer without action is meaningless,” said Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA13), the longest serving -- and the highest ranking -- African American member of California’s delegation to United States House of Representatives.

“House Democrats have met the moment and passed critical gun reform in the 117th Congress,” she added in a statement her office released last week. Lee was reacting to backto-back mass shootings in three California cities: Monterey Park, Half Moon Bay and Oakland.

The mass shootings left 19 people dead and at least 15 more people injured.

About a week before the Monterey Park shooting, six members of a family, including an infant, were shot and killed at their home in Goshen, a small town in Central California with a population of about 5,000 people.

“It is now on Republicans in both the House and Senate to stand up to the gun lobby and prevent the next tragedy,” Lee emphasized.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Californians should

“stand united against all attempts to divide us.”

"The reports coming out of Monterey Park are absolutely devastating. Families deserve to celebrate the holidays in peace — mass shootings and gun violence are a plague on our communities,” she said.

The frustration expressed in Lee’s and Bass’ remarks about the unending occurrences of gun violence in the United States (there have been 44 deaths by guns across the country in January alone) is not isolated. That sentiment was echoed in statements made by civic and political leaders across California.

Last Monday, Gov. Newsom was consoling victims of the Monterey Park killing when his visit was interrupted with news about another incident of gun violence.

“Tragedy upon tragedy,” the Governor took to Twitter, expressing his disappointment.

“At the hospital meeting with victims of a mass shooting when I get pulled away to be briefed

An Unflinching Advocate for Black Children: Honoring the Life and Work of Educator Dr. Rex Fortune

Max Elramsisy | California Black Media

California Reparations Task Force Agrees to Extend Its Work to 2024...continued

Bill (AB) 2296 authored by Assemblymember Reggie JonesSawyer (D-Los Angeles). AB 2296 proposed extending the Task Force’s mission until July 1, 2024. Newsom vetoed the bill at the request of California Secretary of State Shirley Weber who authored AB 3121 – the legislation establishing the task force in 2020 – while serving in the Assembly.

“Angry” and “Heartbroken,” California Leaders Want to See Action After String of Mass Shootings...continued from page 3

me that was missing is the argument that we are going to extend so we can ‘socialize’ all of these recommendations to build support from different communities and ethnicities to put marketing money on the table (to bring about awareness of California reparations).”

Dr. Rex Fortune, who was a husband and father, an educator, author and advocate passed away on January 29, 2023 at the age of 81. He devoted his life to lifting up the most vulnerable students and closing the academic achievement gap and in doing so made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and faculty members during his extensive career.

Born in 1942, Fortune earned his B.S. degree in biology and US Army Commission from North Carolina A&T State University and then completed a MA in educational administration from the University of California, Berkeley and a PhD in educational administration from Stanford University.

He worked as a teacher and administrator for many years, including as superintendent of the Inglewood Unified School District and the Center Unified School District and associate superintendent of Public Instruction for the California Department of Education under his mentor, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Wilson Riles. Fortune also co-founded the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA).

Fortune founded the Fortune School of Education where he served as chairman of the board. He had several public

schools named for him in the Sacramento region including Rex and Margaret Fortune Early College High School and most recently, Rex Fortune Elementary School in the Center Unified School District, opening in 2023. Fortune was known for his unwavering commitment to his students and staff, and his passion for education inspired many.

He was a mentor to many young educators and a friend to all. He was dedicated to making sure every student had access to quality education and the support they needed to succeed. He also created the Parenting Practices Academy, a resource empowering parents to become more involved in creating an environment that results in children being prepared for college.

Fortune published several books on education including “Bridging the Achievement Gap: What Successful Educators and Parents Do,” and “Leadership on Purpose: Promising Practices for African American and Hispanic Students.”

He is survived by his wife, three children and two grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.

California Reparations Task Force Agrees to Extend Its Work to 2024

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Task Force vice chair Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown said at the SDSU meeting that Jones had not been transparent about his intentions for proposing the bill. Brown thought the bill was designed to remove members from the panel. He said Jones-Sawyer has since “apologized” to him about not providing pertinent details about AB 2296.

Jones-Sawyer was the only task force member who abstained from voting at SDSU. As stated in the language, AB 2296 would’ve removed “the specified term of office for appointees and, instead, subject the appointees to removal at the pleasure of their appointing authority.”

The action alone would authorize the Task Force, by majority vote, to elect officers and create advisory bodies and subcommittees to accomplish its duties.

Friday Jones, co-chair of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Assembly of American Slavery Descendants and co-host of Politics in Black Podcast, opposed Jones-Sawyer’s Legislation. She now agrees with the current proposed extension.

“First of all, I think the way it was brought up now in front of the commission is the way that is supposed to happen. That did not happen the first time Reggie Jones-Sawyer asserted legislation without forming this body,” Jones told CBM. “That part they did get right today.”

Jones continued, “But the part of the conversation to

Overall, the meeting covered many issues, topics, and recommendations for the final report. Potential remedies, remedial programs, laws and apologies attached to harms pertaining to the wealth gap, and a comprehensive presentation of tax law considerations presented by Ray Odom and Sarah Moore Johnson were featured on the first day of the meeting.

California’s AB 3121, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, into law in 2020, created the ninemember task force to investigate the history and costs of slavery in California and around the United States.

Weber spoke briefly at the meeting. She started her academic career as one of SDSU’s youngest professors and established the Africana Studies department in 1972.

San Diego’s 37th Mayor Todd Gloria also spoke at the meeting. Gloria served in the state Assembly from 2016 to 2020.

Chris Ward, Assembly Speaker pro Tempore of the California State Assembly, who serves the 78th Assembly District in central San Diego, made remarks to the panel on opening day of the meeting.

“Your work is going to be pivotal to help so many Californians that have been affected by the injustices and inequalities we have seen in our education system, in our housing system, and economic opportunities,” Ward said. “This is going to be groundbreaking, and I am grateful for the work that you are doing.

about another shooting. This time in Half Moon Bay,” he wrote.

Responding to Newsom, some Twitter users pointed out what seems like an irony to them: the series of horrific killings that happened despite California’s forceful firearm laws, the strongest regulations of their kind in the nation.

“Funny how your strict gun laws in CA aren’t working,” Twitter user S.D. Dank replied to Newsom.

But proponents of gun restrictions point out that California has a lower gun mortality rate per capita than states with more permissive gun policies like Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. All three states are among areas with the highest recorded rates of gun deaths in the country.

“Only Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut have lower firearm mortality rates,” a statement released by the California Department of Justice reports.

While visiting Half Moon Bay the next day, the Governor’s irritation was clear.

“I’m damn sick and tired of this stuff. I’m sick and tired of this. I don’t ever want to see this again,” he told reporters.

The Saturday night before, authorities say, a 72-yearold Asian American gunman, Huu Can Tran, walked into a Monterey Park dance studio where the local Asian community was celebrating the Lunar New Year. Tran shot 42 rounds from a semiautomatic gun into the crowd of partygoers assembled there. Eleven people died.

Then on Monday, San Mateo police accused another elderly Asian American man, Chunli Zhao, 66, of shooting and killing four people at a mushroom farm in Half Moon Bay and three others at a location nearby.

A few hours later the same day in Oakland, authorities say multiple shooters fired rounds into a crowd of about 50 people shooting a music video. One person died and about seven more were injured. At press time, the shooters involved in that Bay Area shooting were still at-large.

Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and one of the most outspoken supporters of strong gun laws serving in the State Legislature.

Last year, Newsom signed into law a bill Gipson authored, AB 1621, that tightened existing restrictions on “ghost guns,” firearms that are privately

manufactured or assembled.

“Another senseless mass shooting in our community in this state, the family and friends need more than prayers, they need/ we need more federal sensible gun legislation signed into law in hopes that these things will not happen again in any community in this country,” he tweeted.

Across the aisle, Gipson’s Republican colleagues in the Assembly acknowledged the seriousness of the mass shootings but insisted that more gun laws are not the solution.

"Another gun safety law won’t stop these mass shootings … we have to go deeper…policies that deter and prevent the individual behavior," Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) tweeted.

State officials from both parties, gun safety advocates and other concerned citizens assembled for a vigil on the Capitol steps in Sacramento last Monday During the event, attendees began to receive news about the Half Moon Bay shooting.

“There's still a lot that we are learning about these particular cases. We won't jump to conclusions," said Sen. Alex Padilla. “But we do take it as a reminder of the urgency with which we need to strengthen our gun safety laws across the country.”

CLBC Vice Chair, Sen. Steven Bradford, said the mass shootings left him “heartbroken and angry.”

“This shooting, again, points out that we must do more to protect everyone from gun violence,” he added.

Justin Zhu is the co-founder of Stand with Asian Americans, a coalition seeking justice and equity for Asian Americans that was started by businesspeople and activists in response to an increasing number of hate crimes perpetrated against people of Asian descent.

Zhou said the shootings left him feeling hopeless amid a social climate that feels chaotic to him.

“After these horrific crimes, the vast number of lives lost, and the years of heightened racism, hate and fear, Asian Americans are experiencing immense and complex pain. For thousands of years, Lunar New Year has been a celebration of not only happiness and luck, but also for coming together, and the Year of the Rabbit can symbolize healing,” he said. “To feel our communities wrenched apart at this moment, repeatedly, we are angry, blindsided and shattered.”

The California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans decided at the two-day meeting on the campus of San Diego State University that it would support legislation that extends the panel until July 1, 2024.

After an 8-0 vote with one abstention, the task force agreed that it would support legislation that extends the panel, so that it has ample time to satisfactorily implement an action plan based on the findings of its final report, which is due in five months.

The decision, enacted in SDSU’s Grand Ballroom of the Parma Goodall Alumni Center on Jan. 28, was made four months after Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation asking for a 12-month extension.

The first day of the meeting was held on Jan. 27 at the Alumni Center.

“The task force supports, in spirit, the extension of the life of the task force, by another year, July 1, 2024, for implementation purpose only,” task force

chairperson Kamilah V. Moore told California Black Media (CBM). “We do not authorize or write legislation, but all agreed as a task force the idea of continuing this work to ensure that reparations become a reality in California.”

After a passionate debate -carried over from the first day of the meeting -- clarified the need for the extension, the task force members supported the notion that more time was necessary.

The nine-member panel has until June 30 to submit a final form of recommendations to the California Legislature. The group agreed that the necessity of the action is based on having to manage the implementation of the task force recommendations and not a continuation of the study. The task force is on schedule to release its final report and recommendations by July 1, Moore said.

On Sept. 29, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly

Commentary: Why the Debate Between Advocates and Gov. Newsom Over Black Student Funding Is Heating Up...continued from page 3 improved.”

Watkins is not convinced. “LCFF is almost 10 years old, and accountability was baked into it. That accountability legislated through LCFF has failed Black children. The money that was supposed to be directed to Black children, hasn't gone to them.”

The Governor’s program is trying to address the needs of Black students given constitutional constraints. But his office has not let the press know what the constraints are.

The advocates for improving Black student performance are urging Newsom not to shy away from the possibility of being sued.

The members of the coalition and Newsom’s office have a meeting planned to, according to Allen, provide an opportunity for a “meeting of minds.”

Watkins is open to continuing talks, but “they need to make adjustments.” Fortune says, “We're going

to engage the governor's office. And we're going to get engaged in the Legislature, and we're going to engage the court. We'll be everywhere.”

The discussions about the LCFF Equity Multiplier have been conducted without the benefit of the budget trailer bill language. Details are expected to be available in early February.

Negotiations on how best to fund Black students are expected to be ongoing with the Governor’s office, the Black in School Coalition and the Legislature until May 15 when Newsom releases his May budget revision. And further negotiations will likely continue until the June 15 deadline for the Legislature to pass the budget bill.

Coalition member, Christina Laster, education advisor for Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, Western Region told CBM our motto is “No Justice, No Peace. We will do what is necessary to gain justice.”

Dr. Rex Fortune

The fourth in-person, California Reparations Task Force meeting was held on the campus of San Diego State University on Jan. 27 and Jan. 28. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey. Jan. 27, 2023.

February Yaamava' Happenings

— George Thorogood and The Destroyers

11. March 31st — Dane Cook

Food & Beverage

1. February Drink of the Month: Nothing goes better together than Love & Tequila. This tempting cocktail is made with Cazadores Blanco Tequila, Bols Triple Sec Orange Liqueur, lime wedges and Fever Tree grapefruit juice. Indulge in Love & Tequila at any of our bars all February long for only $13.

“The [Devil’s] Matrix!”

By: Lou K. Coleman-Yeboah Lou K. Coleman-Yeboah

Yeah, The [Devil’s] Matrix!

Concerts at Yaamava’ Theater

1. Tower of Power, Santana and Ja

Rule & Ashanti – Join us as we welcome many performers to Yaamava’ Theater’s stage, including:

1. February 11th— Tower of Power

2. February 9th— Ramon Ayala

3. February 17th — Santana

4. February 23rd

— The Offspring

5.

March 3rd — Jim Gaffigan

6.

March 9th

— Adal Ramones y Adrian

Uribe

7.

March 11th

— Hong Jin-Young

8.

March 16th — Ja Rule & Ashanti

9.

2. Brunch with us: Brunch is a must, all year round. Our brunch program highlights the variety of cuisines available at Yaamava.’ Join us for our buffet brunch at Rock & Brews, which includes a traditional selection of lunch and breakfast items in an all-you-caneat format, featuring an a la carte southern comfort plate. Or fill your plate with all your favorite brunch choices at the Serrano Buffet, for just $44.95.

And finally, if you want to experience our luxurious food options, try brunch at The Pines Modern Steakhouse, which is now serving sophisticated small plates along with our allyou-can-eat stations. Reserve your spot online for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

3. The 909: Our newest food experience, The 909, is Southern California’s new hub for unique food, craft beer and sports fandom, including 78 bar top slot machines, over 150 HD screens to watch all your favorite sports games and 50 ft x 12 ft video screen to catch the game from every angle. Choose from a variety of restaurants and cuisines, including Get It Grill, JBQ, Pizza Mayhem and Thai Chi 2.

Gaming Promotions

“Do you want to know what “it” is? asks Morpheus. Neo nods, Yes! The [Devil’s] Matrix it is a world of lies, deceptions, and illusions. It is all around us. You can see it when you look out your window, or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work and when you go to church. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth." "What truth?" asks Neo. “That you are a slave, Neo. That you were born into bondage, like everyone else. Born into a prison where you cannot see, or taste, or touch. A prison, for your mind.” The [Devil’s] Matrix! You have to see it for yourself."

[Then Morpheus takes out two pills: one blue, one red].

"This is your last chance. After this there’s no turning back. You take the blue pill the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, and you stay in wonderland, and I will show you how deep the rabbit holes goes. Remember all I’m offering is the truth nothing more.” Now, choose Whom this day you will serve!

Neo chooses the red pill, and

the Matrix starts to breakdown. He sees the world for how it really is. He realizes that the truth is a war between good and evil, and the allures of this world are nothing but illusions, lies, and deceptions. The [Devil’s] Matrix!

Grid your loin. Watchbe vigilant and on guard, fully awake, aware, alert and intently focused, because soon and very soon mankind will endure intensifying violence, destruction, chaos, and judgment on a worldwide scale regardless as to what man’s report says.

I admonish you to be like Noah. “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house.” And while he built it, he preached to the people-warning them about what was about to go down. But the rest of the people ignored the warnings and when the flood came, they all drowned. They lost their lives because when warned, for whatever reason, they took no action, until it was too late. [Hebrews 11].

Let him that readeth understand! The [Devil’s] Matrix! Lies, Deception, and Illusion!

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [Ephesians 6].

Democracy Still Needs Us

Sandy Sorensen

March 19th — Banda MS de Sergio Lizarraga

10. March 24th

1. February 2023 Jaguar F-Type Giveaway: Win a 2023 Jaguar F-Type! Every Thursday, join us

‘Little Teeth, Big Responsibility’ Event in

San Bernardino Teaches Pre-K and Kinders

The Importance of Taking Care of Their Teeth

Smile SBC and First 5 San Bernardino bring pop-up dentist, Potter the Otter and more to promote National Children’s Dental Health Month

To help parents of newborns and young children understand the importance of oral health, an event at Roberts Elementary in San Bernardino will kickoff the “Little Teeth, Big Responsibility” campaign in San Bernardino County. The event will feature dozens of transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergartners to learn about taking care of their teeth in a fun way, including a pop-up dentist office and a visit from Potter the Otter!

Tooth decay is preventable, but it remains the most common and chronic childhood disease. Children with poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than their healthier counterparts. Though baby teeth are temporary, they are important as they help children chew and talk correctly and form healthy adult teeth.

A 2018 survey by Smile SBC and the Center for Oral Health indicate that two out of three kindergarten children in San Bernardino County have already had tooth decay.

WHEN: Thursday, February 2, 2022, at 10:15 a.m.

WHERE: Roberts Elementary School 494 9th St., San Bernardino

VISUALS:

· Dozens of T-K and kindergartners getting dental assessments

· Pop-up dentist with hygienist looking into kids’ mouths “in the chair”

· Potter the Otter encouraging the kids!

· Dental report cards and oral health-related giveaways

INTERVIEWS:

· Karen Scott, executive director at First 5 San Bernardino, on the importance of early dental assessments even before baby teeth come out.

· Bonnie Flippin, program coordinator of San Bernardino County Department of Public Health’s Smile SBC local oral health program

· Staff and bilingual parents associated with Roberts Elementary

Many advocates for a strong, robust democratic process were breathing a cautious sigh of relief after the November 2022 midterm elections. With the myth of election denial still alive and well after the 2020 elections, there were threats of increased voter suppression and challenges to election officials and the vote-counting process. Among voting and civil rights advocates, there was a real fear of violence and interruptions at the polls. Thankfully, there was no widespread disruption. In fact, voter turnout was higher than average for a midterm election, which typically see less turnout than a presidential election.

Entering 2023, the work of voting rights and democracy reform may be pushed to the back burner. Public interest in taking steps to strengthen the democratic process often wanes in an off-cycle election year. But this is not the time to fall asleep at the wheel, especially in a time of heighted awareness about the fragility of the democratic process.

On January 6, 2023, I attended two vigils in Washington, DC marking the 2021 attempted insurrection at the Capitol. Last year’s congressional hearings on January 6 revealed with stark evidence just how close we came to losing democracy on January 6, 2021. Civil rights leader Andrea Waters King, the mother of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s granddaughter, Yolanda King, spoke at one of the rallies. She made a piercing observation: she noted that her daughter Yolanda, the granddaughter of Dr. King, had fewer voting rights today than when her grandfather was alive. What a startling and striking indictment of how much ground we have lost in the struggle for voting rights. We must not lose sight of critical efforts to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act.

Last December, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Moore v. Harper case, in which the plaintiffs argue that state legislatures

should have independent power over elections, outside even the jurisdiction of state supreme courts. The decision will be handed down in June 2023. It is only one of several Supreme Court cases that reflect moves by the current Court to curtail an array of civil and constitutional rights.

Lost in the media attention around last week’s Roe v. Wade anniversary was another Supreme Court case anniversary.

January 21 marked the thirteenth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizens United case. That decision opened the floodgates for wealthy donors, special interests, and corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money on political candidates and campaigns. Since that decision, which granted corporations more rights than voters, billions of dollars in dark money spending have flooded election campaigns. It is estimated that 16.7 billion dollars were spent on the 2022 elections.

When we consider the critical realities of climate change and gun violence, we must address the role of unlimited campaign spending in outsizing the voices of everyday voters. Congress has the power to pass legislation addressing runaway campaign spending through measures such as the DISCLOSE Act, which would enforce greater accountability and transparency in dark money campaign spending.

In his eulogy for civil and voting rights giant, Rep. John Lewis, former President Barack Obama observed, “Democracy doesn’t just happen. You have to work at it; you have to tend it.”

The need to tend our democratic process is as great as ever. We face the prospect of a chaotic, volatile 2024 presidential election year if we do not take steps now to tend democracy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sacramento Leaders Express Horror, Outrage Over Murder Of Native Son Tyre Nichols

Civic Leaders Condemn Graphic Beating Of 29-Year-Old At The Hands Of Memphis Police Officers; Urge Caution When Watching Video

By Verbal Adam OBSERVER Correspondent

As protests erupted Friday in cities across America over the brutal killing of former Sacramento resident Tyre Nichols at the hands of five Memphis police officers, local leaders across the racial and political spectrum joined together to condemn the horrific beating.

The Greater Sacramento NAACP held a press conference at City Hall where local political, community, and religious leaders gathered with members of Tyre Nichols’ family.

“On behalf of the people of our city, I am filled with anger, sorrow and revulsion about what happened to Tyre Nichols,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “We all should be furious that public servants trusted to protect life and the community would treat a fellow human being so cruelly.”

Nichols was born in Sacramento, on June 15, 1993.

According to loved ones, it was here that he developed his love of skateboarding and photography. At the start of the pandemic, he moved to Memphis to be closer to his mother. He also worked

alongside his stepfather at the FedEx Hub. Coworkers recalled how he would jokingly call himself the box manager. Those close to him said he found real happiness in Memphis, often watching and photographing the sunset. He had no criminal record, no history of substance abuse, and by all accounts he was respectful and always filled with joy.

Around 8:30 pm on the evening of Jan. 7, Nichols, 29, was stopped by Memphis police officers. The Memphis PD initially maintained that Nichols had been stopped for reckless driving, fled the vehicle on foot, was pursued by officers and taken into custody. Once in custody they maintained that Nichols complained of shortness of breath and was transported to the hospital in critical condition. He died three days later on Jan 10. Within 10 days the U.S. Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation and all five officers involved were fired on the grounds of excessive force, failure to intervene, and failure to render aid. Additionally, the

Police Department says it has no evidence that Nichols committed any traffic violation.

Local activist Stevante Clark called for a national “duty to intervene law” which would hold police accountable for failing to act when witnessing another officer commit a crime.

“Their silence is compliance,” Clark said. “If you have 1,300 good cops, and 12 bad cops and the 1,300 good cops don’t say anything about those 12 bad cops, they’re just as guilty.” Clark’s older brother Stephon was killed in 2018 by Sacramento Police who mistook his cell phone for a handgun. The officers responsible were cleared by the Police Department and returned to duty in 2019.

Mayor Steinberg, who was hesitant to criticize the Sacramento Police Department following the killing of Stephon Clark until he saw the body camera footage first hand, told Nichols’ family Friday: “To Tyre Nichols’ parents and family, our society has failed you. I am so sorry for your loss.”

Sacramento NAACP President

Betty Williams expressed the feelings of many in the Black community after seeing the inhumanity displayed in the video: “One. If just one officer would have said ‘Let's stop’ if just one would have said ‘We’ve done too much’ if just one officer had a heart, that's all [Tyre Nichols] needed to be alive.”

Stevante Clark held a protest at the Capitol at the moment the video was released. He fought back tears as he watched the brutality. Deterring from his original plan to march around the Capitol building, Clark led a crowd through the streets of downtown Sacramento calling for justice. Police moved fast to block traffic in the blocks surrounding the protest but did not intervene even as traffic was blocked. Clark directed the marchers not to be disruptive but to bring awareness. By 3:59 p.m. PST, the California Highway Patrol had stationed dozens of officers in the areas surrounding the State Capitol building. Meanwhile, city leaders across the country understood that the video that would be released in minutes, showing what five Memphis police officers did to Nichols, could incite mass outrage.

All five former officers — Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith — were members of the Memphis Police’s SCORPION unit. SCORPION is an acronym for Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace In Our Neighborhoods. SCORPION is a 40-officer group that deploys in neighborhoods, with a focus on crime hot spots. The officers often operate in unmarked vehicles, make traffic stops, seize weapons and conduct hundreds of arrests.

Photos released by the family showed Nichols in a hospital bed severely wounded, eyes swollen shut and breathing through tubes.

Ben Crump — the attorney who represented the families of George Floyd, Breona Taylor and Stephon Clark — has been retained for the Nichols family.

A preliminary autopsy ordered by Crump has revealed Nichols suffered a heart attack, kidney failure and extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating.

The former officers, all of whom are Black, each face several charges, including second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

The video, which begins with footage from the original stop, shows officers behaving in a hyper aggressive manner threatening to break Nichols’ bones and ordering him to be tased less than 10 seconds into the altercation while a confused Nichols complies with their orders to get out of the vehicle and lie down on the ground. “I didn’t do anything wrong. Momma help me!” Nichols can be heard saying as officers prepare to tase him.

Nichols attempts to flee only to be tackled to the ground, tased again, have a can of mace emptied directly into his eyes, is beaten unconscious, held up by officers while unconscious and beaten with a baton, kicked, stomped, and tased again before being left to bleed out on a cold Tennessee street for 20 minutes until an ambulance arrived. The video is so graphic that Nichols’ mother was unable to watch more than a minute.

Blacks Face ‘Secondary Trauma’

February Yaamava' Happenings...continued from page 6

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2. The Big Game Party: Level up your Super Bowl watch party this year and join us on Sunday, Feb. 12th, starting at 3 p.m. at the Pool Deck and The 909. One winner will be selected at each location for a chance to win $1,000 cash payouts every touchdown. There will be free play and memorabilia drawings at the end of every quarter. memorabilia drawings at the end of every quarter.

“The Big Game” Dining Specials

BBQ Brisket Burger $20

BBQ brisket over burger patties, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, crispy onion

Brisket Waffle Fries $18

Nachos waffle fries, cheddar cheese sauce, brisket, Pico de Gallo, jalapenos, sour cream

*Several Super Bowl inspired beer flights on tap

Galentine’s Day at Yaamava’

1. Grab your girls and dine at Yaamava’ or book an overnight stay from Feb. 13th through 16th. Enjoy special offers

from the Serrano Spa, Pines Steakhouse and many other dining destinations at Yaamava’. A complimentary upgrade will be available for a one-bedroom suite when you book a Standard King using code PVDAY.

2. Pines Steakhouse—Galentine’s Day Special Menu Items: Available on February 13th from 4-10 PM

Cupid’s Shuffle

Caña Brava Rum | Galliano | Strawberry | Orgeat | Lemon |

Black mental health professionals have urged African Americans for several years to use caution when viewing such graphic images of Blacks being brutally abused or murdered.

“This is our story. This is our narrative,” Sacramento psychologist Dr. Lenora Tate told The OBSERVER in 2021 following the killing of George Floyd. “Not only have we been traumatized, but even if we haven’t and we see those that either look like us, or we always see an event in which we have survived, but that other person has been mistreated, it causes what we call secondary trauma.

“It’s secondary trauma because it didn’t happen to you. You weren’t getting beat up or they didn’t have their knee on your neck…but you witnessed it, or you heard about it second hand. It’s secondary, but we still have those feelings of low energy, being tired, nightmares, feeling numb, feeling hopeless, feeling overwhelmed. Some people have difficulty coping. They hit the bar or they hit that weed or do self-harm. They turn those things inward. Some people have flashbacks, some people just get really nauseated. Some people have intrusive thoughts,” she told The OBSERVER.

When speaking about watching the Derek Chauvin trial of the killing of George Floyd, Dr. Kristee Haggins, a psychologist, professor and the creator of Sacramento’s Safe Black Space healing circles, told The OBSERVER in 2021 that while she pays attention to what is happening, she has to use self-care to protect herself. “…I can’t (watch) it for too long or on a regular basis, because it is overwhelming.”

Rose Water

$18

Chocolate Hazelnut Pot de Crème

Red Wine Poached Pear | Vanilla Chantilly Cream | Hazelnut Tuile $14

Valentine’s Day Specials

1. Many special menu options are available at the Yaamava Resort: in-room dining, Pines

Steakhouse, Serrano Vista Café, Hong Bao and Serrano Buffet. Details available if wanted.

The Palms

1. Do you love Las Vegas casinos? All Club Serrano card members can now take their rewards on the road to the new Palms Resort Casino. Use your card at both Resort Casinos to accumulate points and cash them out for discounts or stays at The Palms.

13- Betty Williams, president of the Greater Sacramento NAACP, and other local leaders call for peaceful protests prior to the release of the video of Memphis police beating Tyre Nichols. Nichols was a former resident of Sacramento. Verbal Adam, OBSERVER

Jkai Lord expresses outrage at the murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the Memphis Police Department. Lord and others marched through the streets of downtown Sacramento Friday evening. Verbal Adam, OBSERVER

Sacramento activist Stevante Clark watches the video of the police beating of Tyre Nichols for the first time on the west side of the State Capitol Friday. Verbal Adam, OBSERVER