SB American News Week Ending 5/24

Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them and these will continue till they have resisted either with words or blows or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance those of whom they suppress. —Fredrick

Douglass (1849)

Grassroots Organizations Request

$100 million to Invest in

Black California

-- we can take the pandemic for example -- all of a sudden, they need our organizations,” said Marc Philpart, Executive Director of the Black Freedom Fund.

“They want us to outreach to our community, they want us to engage, they want to use us, they want to exploit us,” he continued. “And what we are saying is no more. We are demanding every legislator, the governor and all constitutional officers to get behind our agenda.”

Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Riverside) joined the coalition at a news conference outside the State Capitol. Jackson, who was elected to office in November 2022, has a series of pending legislation that

California Panel Takes Big Step Toward $800 Billion Reparation Payments to Black Residents, and Formal Apology

California’s reparations task panel approved recommendations to compensate and apologize to Black communities for centuries of discrimination. At a meeting in Oakland, the nine-member committee, which first met nearly two years ago, approved a lengthy list of reparations recommendations for state lawmakers to examine.

By Stacy M. Brown

SACRAMENTO,CA-A

coalition of movement-based organizations from various parts of California converged on the grounds of the State Capitol in Sacramento to send a message: Black Californians need financial resources to overcome setbacks caused by centuries of system and institutional racism.

The coalition, which included members of the California Black Freedom Fund, the Black Equity Collective, California Black Power Network, and LIVEFREE California called for $100 million over five years to strengthen the relationship between the public sector and philanthropy groups serving Black communities across the state.

The group delivered their message May 10, two days before Gov. Gavin Newsom presented

the May Revision of his 202324 budget, and five days after the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans finalized its final report, which will be submitted to the Legislature on June 29.

During the rally, Kaci Patterson, who represents the Black Equity Collective (BEC), said grassroots organizations “are our communities’ first responders.”

“When we can go from disposable one day to essential workers the next, we know that this state knows how much they need us,” Patterson said. “And we are here today to say fund us like you know you need us. This budget ask is a down payment toward the state investing in who it says it wants to be.”

The BEC is a network of funders and nonprofit leaders committed to investing in the long-term sustainability of Black-led organizations in Southern California. The members of the coalition arrived in Sacramento from Fresno, San Bernardino, Oakland, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Stockton, Pomona, Riverside, Pasadena, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, Fontana, Long Beach and other cities.

“There is a history of systemic racism that our community and our state refuses to reckon with. Yet, when there is a crisis

addresses inequality affecting Black communities. He supports the coalition’s efforts to secure funding.

“We are in a critical moment right now in our history as Black people here in California where we have an opportunity to reignite and strengthen our organizations and our communities so that we can create better agencies, better power to deal with our own historic inequities,” Jackson said. “We’ve been waiting too long for our government to help. It’s time for us to go about the business as our ancestors did and create for ours

In 2020, Secretary of State Shirley Weber, a former Democratic assemblymember, authored legislation creating the task force to address the state’s historical culpability for African American harms, not as a substitute for federal reparations. The task team initially limited reparations to descendants of 19th-century enslaved or free Black individuals. As reparations for African Americans have had uneven success elsewhere, the group’s work has received national attention

California’s reparations task panel approved recommendations to compensate and apologize to Black communities for centuries of discrimination.

At a meeting in Oakland, the nine-member committee, which first met nearly two years ago, approved a lengthy list of reparations recommendations for state lawmakers to examine.

At the meeting, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), called on states and the federal government to implement reparations legislation.

Lee said reparations are morally justified and could solve historical racial imbalances and inequality.

The panel’s first vote accepted a detailed assessment of Black Californian discrimination in voting, housing, education, disproportionate policing and incarceration, and others.

Other suggestions included creating a new organization to serve descendants of enslaved people and calculating what the state owes them.

“An apology and an admission of wrongdoing alone is not going to be satisfactory,” said Chris Lodgson, an organizer with the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California, a reparations advocacy group.

The task force’s draft recommendation requires parliamentarians to “censure the gravest barbarities” on behalf of the state in their apologies.

The task force noted that California’s first elected governor, Peter Hardeman Burnett, was a white supremacist who supported legislation excluding Black people from the state.

The draft report states that California, a “free” state since 1850, did not pass any laws guaranteeing freedom for all.

Instead, the state Supreme Court enforced the federal Fugitive Slave Act for over a decade until freedom arrived in U.S. states.

“By participating in these horrors, California further perpetuated the harms African Americans faced, imbuing racial prejudice throughout society through segregation, public and private discrimination, and unequal state and federal funding,” the study authors wrote.

The task team adopted a public apology, admitting the state’s past wrongs and committing not to repeat them.

It would be presented to the descendants of enslaved people.

California apologized for interning Japanese Americans and mistreating Native Americans.

The panel adopted the draft report’s “cash or its equivalent” restitution for qualified residents.

Oakland’s Mills College of Northeastern University hosted over 100 citizens and activists. All lamented the country’s “broken promise” to give emancipated slaves 40 acres and a mule.

Many claimed it was time for governments to fix the harms that prevented African Americans from living without fear of being wrongly punished, maintaining property, and earning wealth.

Former Black Panther Party chairwoman Elaine Brown encouraged protests.

The task force meeting was viewed as a pivotal moment in the push for local, state, and federal agencies to apologize for African American discrimination.

“There’s no way in the world that many of these recommendations are going to get through because of the inflationary impact,” said University of San Diego School of Law professor and reparations specialist Roy L. Brooks.

Economists predict the state may owe Black residents $800 billion, or 2.5 times its yearly budget.

The newest task force draft

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Samuel Casey, executive director of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement and Senior Pastor of New Life Christian Church in Fontana, speaks at the news conference at the State Capitol on May 10, 2023, in Sacramento, California. Casey said the funding for the coalition will "continue to fund our liberation." CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Marc Philpart, executive director of California Black Freedom Fund, said the state every legislator and the governor of California should support the coalition's efforts. May 10, 2023, in Sacramento, California.

CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Tim Kornegay, director of LIVEFREE California, speaks at the news conference at the State Capitol on May 10, 2023, in Sacramento, California. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Kaci Patterson, founder of Los Angeles-based Black Equity Collective, represented grassroot organizations from across the state that demanded the state invest in a coalition that aims to build a healthy relationship between philanthropy groups and the public sector. May 10, 2023, Sacramento, California. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Assemblyman Corey Jackson (D-Riverside). May 10, 2023, in Sacramento, California. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

New Children’s Book, ‘I Love My Daddy,’ Further Dispels Myths about Black Fathers

The stereotype of the absent Black dad remains quite ubiquitous in popular culture. It often takes the form of a dysfunctional family unit, but in recent years, studies have proven that the stereotype is nothing more than a myth. That legend is further vaporized in the new children’s book, “I Love My Daddy,” by Maryland social worker and military veteran Juanita Banks Whittington.

By Stacy M. Brown

grandmother and child, or the mother and the child.

“So, I went to friends and family members, and they said they liked the idea, and I went forward and found an illustrator that I liked.”

She noted that it was a must that the illustrator could relate.

“And he was everything I was looking for, especially in the illustration to portray all the things that go on in my household,” Whittington said.

The 27-page book, complete with fascinating illustrations by Ananta Mohanta, celebrates what Whittington calls “the unique and special bond between a father and his little girl.” It follows a father and his baby girl, who play together in parks, and the doting dad reads bedtime stories each night to his beloved daughter. For Whittington, the book opens her home to readers.

For centuries, there’s been a false assumption that Black fathers are absent, apathetic, and uninvolved in their children’s lives.

The stereotype of the absent Black dad remains quite ubiquitous in popular culture.

It often takes the form of a dysfunctional family unit, but in recent years, studies have proven that the stereotype is nothing more than a myth.

That legend is further vaporized in the new children’s book, “I Love My Daddy,” by Maryland social worker and military veteran Juanita Banks Whittington.

The 27-page book, complete with fascinating illustrations by Ananta Mohanta, celebrates what Whittington calls “the unique and special bond between a father and his little girl.”

It follows a father and his baby girl, who play together in parks, and the doting dad reads bedtime stories each night to his beloved daughter.

For Whittington, the book opens her home to readers.

It reveals the camaraderie between her and her husband, Ian, and his routine of doting on their daughter, Zuri.

“My husband reads to my daughter every night,” Whittington told the National Newspaper Publisher’s Association’s Let It Be Known.

She said her husband helped inspire her to write a children’s book about the relationship between a Black father and his child.

“He kept telling me he wasn’t seeing Black fathers in children’s books,” Whittington said.

“There was always the

New Children’s Book, ‘I Love My Daddy,’ Further Dispels Myths about Black Fathers...continued

could relate to. So many people have said they wanted to write a children’s book after seeing and talking with me, so I wanted to portray something positive.”

She continued: “Many times, in our community, there’s this negativity about Black fathers, so I wanted to make sure that, regardless of their race, people could pick this book up and say, ‘It’s awesome. I could relate to this, and I want this for my child.’”

“I Love My Daddy” retails on Amazon.com for $14.99. Click here for more information and to purchase the book.

Southern California Education Leaders to Address Inequities and Remove Barriers for BIPOC Students, Parents, and Staff

The first ‘Learn.Lead.Liberate’ conference will be held on July 27th strategies. Hammond started her career in the classroom, where she began to understand how important literacy was to equity, and how neuroscience and culture should inform our instructional practice.

WHAT: The 21st Century California School Leadership Academy (21CSLA) and the Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP) will host a one-day conference for Southern California education leaders in Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties to discuss ways to create educational environments that work to undo inequity and injustice. The conference will be free, and those interested in attending can register here.

A military veteran and social worker, Whittington is the founder of Nehi Cares, a consulting, foundation, and wellness business that focuses on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and helps individuals understand the foundations of wellness by practicing healthy habits daily to attain better physical, social, emotional, and mental health outcomes.

Whittington holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Baltimore and a master’s in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Her friends and loved ones said Whittington has always displayed a passion for helping, which comes across in “I Love My Daddy.”

“I wanted to make sure that I did [the book] right,” Whittington explained.

“I wanted to make sure that it was something that other families

These leaders will also learn how to remove barriers to foster communities that support and honor BIPOC students, parents, and staff, through evidencebased educational practices that treat the differences and student’s experiences outside of school as assets, so they can be valued, regardless of socio-economic or ethnic background.

Zaretta Hammond, author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, will be the keynote speaker. She is a curriculum developer, consultant, and coach who has spent the past 15 years translating the latest research and teacher experiences on equity, literacy, and culturally responsive teaching into practical tools and

“Our aim is to provide a forum where these leaders can gather to network and share information about what is working in their communities,” said Michele Broadnax, President, and CEO, Los Angeles Education Partnership. “We want to emphasize that these leaders don’t need to do this alone, as 21CSLA and LAEP are here to support them. We see and appreciate the dedication these educators have to this important work.”

WHEN: Thursday, July 27th, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: The Mission Inn, 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92501 MEDIA CONTACT: Berry Brady, berry_brady@yahoo. com, 703-609-6643 LAEP is the Regional Academy providing 21CSLA programming in Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties.

San Bernardino City Unified School District 2023 High School Graduation Information

Arroyo Valley High School

Graduation: Thursday, June 1, 6 p.m., San Manuel Stadium, 280 South E Street, San Bernardino

Graduates: 580*

Valedictorian: Ari Ixcoy

Salutatorian: Consuelo Huidor

Cajon High School

Regalia and Scholarship Ceremony: Wednesday, May 24, 6 p.m., Cajon High School gymnasium

Graduation: Friday, June 2, 10 a.m., Glen Helen Amphitheater, 2575 Glen Helen Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407

Graduates: 615* (includes 77 International Baccalaureate diploma candidates)

Valedictorians: Yusef Anteur, Ramsey Doueiri, Samantha Penaloza Cabrera, and Riley Snyder

Salutatorians: Mackenzie Cervantes, Tyler Dearing, Gina Murphy, Isabelle Romo, Adam Schulte, and Vanessa Zaragoza

Indian Springs High School

Senior Academic Awards: Thursday, May 18, 6 p.m., Indian Springs Performing Arts Center

Graduation: Thursday, June 1, 6 p.m., Indian Springs Athletic Complex

Graduates: 350*

Valedictorian: Dulce Acevedo

Salutatorians: Gabriel Garcia Molina, Amy Castaneda, and Adam Figueroa Arias

Inland Career Education Center (formerly San Bernardino

Adult School)

Graduation: Monday, May 22, 11 a.m., California Theatre of Performing Arts, 562 West 4th Street, San Bernardino

Graduates: 125* (includes high school diploma and GED certificate graduates)

Middle College High School

Senior Crossing: Thursday, May 18, 6 p.m., San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino

Graduation: Thursday, May 25, 6 p.m., San Bernardino Valley College Greek Theater, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino

Graduates: 48* (includes 22 students who will also earn an A.A. degree from San Bernardino Valley College, 40 students who will also earn a Golden State

Seal Merit Diploma, and 22 students who will earn a Seal of Biliteracy)

Valedictorians: Bianca Galvan, Brianna Perez, Tyler Phan, Sheik Sahadat, and Jacob Vargas Lopez

Salutatorians: Venus

Fernandez, Nicole Martinez, Kara Piña, and Daniel Suarez

Pacific High School Senior Award and Scholarship

Assembly: Thursday, May 18, 5 p.m., Pacific High School Gym

Graduation: Thursday, June 1, 6 p.m., San Bernardino Valley College, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino

Graduates: 196* (15 students will receive a Certificate of Completion; 34 students will receive the Dual Enrollment sash for completing at least four college courses)

Valedictorian: Lizbeth

Rodriguez Flores

Salutatorian: Kyliegh Jhae Enriquez

San Andreas High School

Scholarship Ceremony: Friday, May 19, 10 a.m., San Andreas High School

Graduation: Thursday, June 1, 6 p.m., California Theatre of Performing Arts, 562 West 4th Street, San Bernardino

Graduates: 297* (includes Destination Diploma graduates)

San Bernardino High School

Scholarship Ceremony: Thursday, May 25, 5 p.m., San Bernardino High School

Graduation: Thursday, June 1, 2 p.m., San Bernardino Valley College, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino

Graduates: 320* (includes 41 Golden State Seal Merit Diploma recipients, 57 Seal of Biliteracy candidates, and 2 recipients of a Dual Enrollment sash)

Valedictorian: Kaida Akahoshi

Salutatorians: Karina Roldan-

Rosas and Destiny Ruiz San Gorgonio High School

Senior Celebration: Tuesday, May 30, 5 p.m., San Gorgonio High School gym

Graduation: Thursday, June 1, 6 p.m., Phil Haley Stadium, San Gorgonio High School

Graduates: 350*

Valedictorians: Ashely Aguirre, Hector Diaz, Odalys Jacinto, and Sandra Perez Silva

Salutatorian: Karjohlin Karma Sierra High School

Scholarship Ceremony: Thursday, May 18, 5 p.m., E. Neal Roberts Elementary School

Graduation: Monday, May 22, 6 p.m., San Manuel Stadium, 280 South E Street, San Bernardino

Graduates: 260* (includes 3 State Seal of Biliteracy recipients, 27 Sierra Super Nova Academy graduates, and 8 Patient Care Pathway Program completers)

Virtual Academy

Senior Breakfast: Friday, May 26, 11 a.m., location TBD

Graduation: Tuesday, May 30, 7 p.m., Indian Springs High School Performing Arts Center, 650 North Del Rosa Drive, San Bernardino

Graduates: 45*

Valedictorian: Monica MatulCarreon

Salutatorians: Trinity King, Melanie Marin, Hue Nguyen, and Sarae Scott

Approximately 3,186 San Bernardino City Unified School District students will receive their high school diplomas or GED certification this year. This does not include those graduating from vocational programs.

*Note: Graduate counts are approximate at this time. In some instances, exact counts are not available until just prior to graduation.

2022 Arroyo Valley High School commencement ceremony (Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)

CNN Employees and Republicans Panned Trump’s Disastrous Town Hall

For some Republicans, Democrats, and journalists, CNN’s disastrous 70-minute town hall with Donald Trump proved what everyone thought it would be: a desperate network featuring a twice-impeached, criminally indicted wannabe despot. The Trump presidential campaign rally, poorly disguised as a town hall, even received criticism from CNN’s own journalists.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

CNN Employees and Republicans Panned Trump’s Disastrous Town Hall...continued

the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Despite the violence and the vows of some insurrectionists to hang former Vice President, Mike Pence, Trump incredulously said during the town hall that Pence was never in danger.

With Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis poised to level charges against Trump for trying to influence the outcome of the 2020 election in the Peach State, Trump doubled down on his false contentions.

He even offered a defense to pressuring the secretary of state to “find” him more votes.

“Yeah, I called questioning the election,” Trump stated. “I said, ‘You owe me votes because the election was rigged.’”

overturn American democracy, an audience that mocked and ridiculed the woman who a jury of her peers, Donald Trump’s peers, found had been sexually assaulted.

“Those Americans, their last night turned that into a punchline, laughed and dismissed. Cops getting the shit kicked out of them.

“On January 6. Beaten up over and over again, calling a cop a thug who actually was trying to stop people from the House floor from being killed. I could go. I just could go on and on, basically saying he would turn over Ukraine to Vladimir Putin.”

Some Republicans also criticized the town hall.

In addition to reaffirming the Big Lie that the 2020 election was rigged, Trump declared that he would pardon many of the convicted rioters who bombarded the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

For some Republicans, Democrats, and journalists, CNN’s disastrous 70-minute town hall with Donald Trump proved what everyone thought it would be: a desperate network featuring a twice-impeached, criminally indicted wannabe despot.

The Trump presidential campaign rally, poorly disguised as a town hall, even received criticism from CNN’s own journalists.

“It was an interesting night,” longtime CNN anchor Jake Tapper observed.

“Trump’s first lie was told just seconds into the night with his false, familiar claim that the 2020 election was, quote, a rigged election.’”

Tapper wasn’t finished with his criticism.

“And the falsehoods kept coming, fast and furious, about

the January 6 insurrection, about the threat to Vice President Pence, about Pence’s ability to overturn the election, about COVID, about the economy, and more,” he railed.

The cable network’s media reporter, Oliver Darcy, proved equally disturbed.

“It’s hard to see how America was served by the spectacle of lies that aired on CNN Wednesday evening,” Darcy wrote. For his part, Trump was as bombastic and dishonest as ever.

He claimed that his longpromised wall on the southern U.S. border was complete, although evidence and the naked eye proved him wrong long ago.

In addition to reaffirming the Big Lie that the 2020 election was rigged, Trump declared that he would pardon many of the convicted rioters who bombarded

Still, CNN released a statement praising the town hall’s host, Kaitlan Collins, for her “tough, fair, and revealing questions.”

“That is CNN’s role and responsibility: to get answers and hold the powerful to account,” the statement continued.

MSNBC host Joe Scarborough, once a close friend of Trump, called the program “a disgraceful performance.”

“I’m constantly telling people not to catastrophize over Trump that he’s actually going to lose because he keeps drilling down deeper and deeper into his base,” Scarborough railed.

“It was disgraceful on every level,” Scarborough added.

“It showed—I wouldn’t say it’s dangerous for democracy because we passed that a long time ago — but it showed the corrosive effects of Trumpism over eight years.”

He continued:

“The most shocking part was an audience who cheered on a president who tried to

Republican Matt Whitlock, who worked for the late Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), said in a tweet that “Trump’s performance tonight had plenty of fun fodder for his biggest fans,” but it was “toxic nuclear waste for the moderates and independents he (and Republicans everywhere) should be winning as Biden collapses.”

According to Mediaite.com, Republican political consultant Ryan Girdusky predicted that Trump would lose the 2024 election.

“Ten minutes into the CNN town hall, and it’s all January 6 and the stolen election,” Girdusky wrote on Twitter.

“This election is gonna be all about Trump and he’s gonna lose… again.”

“If Kaitlan Collins wanted to actually embarrass Trump in front of his voters she would talk about him never building the wall, shutting down the economy, and rising crime while he was president,” Girdusky said.

Governor Newsom Honors Fallen Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Brett Harris

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement regarding the death of Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Brett Harris: “Jennifer and I join Riverside County in mourning the tragic loss of Deputy Harris. Our deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and fellow law enforcement personnel at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Harris and all those who give their lives in service to our state will forever be remembered.”

Deputy Harris, 27, was involved in a crash within the city of San Jacinto while responding to a call for service on May 12, 2023. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on May 13, 2023.

Deputy Harris served with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office for four years and was assigned to the Hemet Station. As a final act of service, Deputy Harris’ wish was to donate his organs so that others may live.

He is survived by his wife, mother and father, twin sister, and brother. In honor of Deputy Harris, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.

report has a much lower figure.

California Panel Takes Big Step Toward $800 Billion Reparation Payments to Black Residents, and Formal Apology...continued from page 1 reportedly used them.

In 2020, Secretary of State Shirley Weber, a former Democratic assemblymember, authored legislation creating the task force to address the state’s historical culpability for African American harms, not as a substitute for federal reparations.

The task team initially limited reparations to descendants of 19th-century enslaved or free Black individuals.

As reparations for African Americans have had uneven success elsewhere, the group’s work has received national attention.

Black residents in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, recently received housing vouchers as reparations, but few

A bill to acknowledge the inhumanity of slavery in New York and form a panel to investigate reparations proposals has cleared the Assembly but not the Senate.

A decades-old federal proposal to form a reparations panel for African Americans has stalled in Congress.

Oakland City Council member Kevin Jenkins called the California task group “a powerful example” of what can happen when people work together. Jenkins stated, “I am confident that through our collective efforts, we can significantly advance reparations in our great state of California and, ultimately, the country.”

Volunteers needed for recycling classes and events

Are you interested in helping the environment? Do you like to compost or recycle? Become an outreach volunteer with the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources and help the earth by helping others become better recyclers and composters.

Outreach volunteers assist with classes or events by interacting with the public, answering questions on outreach programs and distributing materials. The ideal volunteer enjoys meeting people, likes to learn new things and is passionate about the environment. The total volunteer commitment is attendance at the orientation and training meeting and ten hours of volunteer time donated each year while participating in the program. Opportunities to volunteer at classes and events exist across the entire county. Plus, the volunteers select the events, dates and times that work best for them. Bilingual volunteers are needed.

Outreach volunteers can also choose to attend extra training and volunteer more hours to become certified as a master composter. Once a volunteer reaches master composter status, the volunteer is allowed to teach classes on their own or work with schools and community gardens as a composting mentor. Outreach volunteers are integral to the success of recycling and composting programs and are recognized by the County annually for their dedication and hours worked.

Orientation and training is scheduled for Friday, May 19, from 8 A.M. to 12 P.M. at the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources, 14310 Frederick Street, in Moreno Valley.

For more information or to register, potential outreach volunteers can visit http://www. rcwaste.org/volunteer or call 951-486-3200.

Gov. Newsom Releases May Budget Revision; Addresses Reparations Cash Payments

Antonio Ray Harvey| California Black Media

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom released the “May Revision” of his Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 budget proposal that he submitted in January.

Despite a $32 billion projected shortfall, the $306.5 billion spending plan protects key investments in priorities that matter most to Californians, Newsom said. Education, health care, housing and homelessness, public safety, and climate action are among key focus areas.

“In partnership with the Legislature, we have made deep investments in California and its future – transformative efforts that will benefit generations of Californians, and that this budget will continue to guide as we navigate near-term ups and downs in revenue,” Newsom said during a two-hour news conference held near the State Capitol on May 13.

“As we prepare for more risk and uncertainties ahead, it’s critical that we keep the state on a solid fiscal footing to protect Californians and our progress in remaking the future of our state,” he continued.

Newsom says he does not foresee a recession but recognizes increased risks to the budget

since the first month of 2023.

The plan reflects $37.2 billion in total budgetary reserves, including $22.3 billion in the Budget Stabilization Account.

Highlights include:

· Billions to continue implementing expansion of health care access and reduce costs measures for programs such as CalAIM to transform MediCal, extending health care to lowincome Californians of all ages regardless of immigration status.

· Maintains billions of dollars for aid to local governments, encampment resolution grants, and more to address homelessness.

· Adopted a legally binding goal that local governments must plan to build approximately 2.5 million new homes by 2030, and 1 million of these units must be affordable housing.

· Advancing a $48 billion multi-year commitment to implement its world-leading agenda to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, protect communities from harmful

Gov. Gavin Newsom Friday May 12 during the May Revise.

Three Texas Lawmakers Sound Alarm on Raft of Discriminatory Bills

By Peter Schurmann

The Texas state legislature holds sessions on a biannual basis. The current session ends on May 31. Bills now pending threaten to further roll back abortion and transgender rights, and strip non-US based Chinese, Iranians and Russians of rights to own land, among other issues.

Women Made Up Majority of Home-Based Workers During Pandemic

Women, already the majority of home-based workers in 2019, increased to a slightly larger share of a growing home-based U.S. workforce in 2021, after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

each year in 2019 and 2021 was broadly similar.

Gene Wu, a Democrat who represents portions of Houston in the Texas legislature, does not mince words when it comes to the legislative agenda of conservative lawmakers in his state. “I think there can only be one message, and that is a message of alarm,” says Wu, who serves as Vice Chair of Texas’ Democratic Caucus and has represented the people of District 137 since 2013.

The son of immigrants from China, Wu is an outspoken critic of what he describes as efforts by GOP legislators in Texas to turn the clock back on a wide range of issues, including hard-won rights for ethnic minority, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities while resisting calls for tighter gun laws in the wake of several deadly mass shootings.

“The way they do things here… is to hide what they are actually doing, to hide how bad the legislation is, and how many of your rights will be taken away,” noted Wu in a message recorded for EMS and its ethnic media partners in Texas. “You guys have to start paying attention. If this legislation passes it will set back our communities a lot.”

Wu is among a small cohort of elected officials in Texas representing communities of color largely concentrated in the Houston area. His comments come as the Republican-majority State Legislature meets for its bi-annual session which ends May 31.

According to Wu, up for consideration are “dozens and dozens of bills… to ban books, to whitewash history… bills banning the discussion of Black history and Black achievement.”

Among the pieces of legislation Wu and his colleagues are eyeing are efforts to ban Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs in the state, along with an attempt to eliminate preferences for women and minority contractors, which he says would make a bad situation worse for businesses competing for government contracts.

“We have tons and tons of anti-women legislation… bills taking away contraception… criminalizing doctors for even suggesting that a patient might travel somewhere else to get an abortion,” noted Wu. “Either we start fighting now, or it’s gone.”

Anti-trans, pro-gun bills move ahead

Penny Morales Shaw represents the 148 District, which contains northern parts of Houston. She says there are three bills in particular that she and her Democratic colleagues are working to pass. They include the Texas Family Act, a law that would ensure paid parental leave for all working Texans, something Morales says in a post-Roe era is key to “taking care of the family foundation.”

Morales says that while they are working to push that bill forward it appears likely to die on the floor.

Another, the Language Access Plan, seeks to ensure that the tens of thousands of Texans who speak a language other than English or Spanish have access to quality information on state health services. A third is an environmental measure that Morales says is critical to her constituents.

“We’ve got the petrochemical

California State Assembly Passes Landmark Legislation to Ban Use of Dangerous Chemicals in Food and Beverages

Legislation Would Prohibit the Use of Five Toxic Chemicals Banned in the European Union and Others Nations

SACRAMENTO, CA —

Today, the California State Assembly passed first-of-its-kind legislation that would prohibit the use of certain dangerous and toxic chemicals in processed foods and drinks. Authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), Assembly Bill (AB) 418 would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of any food product in California containing Red Dye No. 3, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Bromate, Brominated Vegetable Oil, or Propyl Paraben. These chemicals are already banned in the European Union (EU) and many other jurisdictions due to scientific research linking them to significant health harms, including cancer, reproductive issues, and behavioral and developmental issues in children.

“Today’s strong vote is a major step forward in our effort to protect children and families in California from dangerous and toxic chemicals in our food supply,” said Assemblymember

industry in our backyard… we have a big problem with contamination from explosions at chemical plants,” including one the same day Morales gave her remarks which she learned about through a headline shared by a resident.

Morales’ bill would create a Special Environmental Remediation Fund (SERF) which would allow any county in the state to draw from monies won through civil litigation involving environmental polluters for use in clean up and remediation efforts.

Like Wu, Morales says SB14 – which would deny gender affirming care to minors – is a major concern that would “alienate parents from their rights” to make decisions regarding medical care for their children and would “confuse the whole medical industry” around what they can and cannot provide to patients.

A press release put out Thursday by the Texas GOP calls passage of SB14 a “top legislative priority.”

Texas being Texas, guns are also at the fore. Morales says the tone this session is one of making guns more accessible, to let them “proliferate” despite a rash of mass shootings, the latest at a Dallas shopping mall that claimed eight lives.

The time for ‘sofa politics’ is over Dr. Suleman Lalani is the first Muslim American elected to the Texas House. Representing District 76, the freshman lawmaker says he had initially planned to submit somewhere in the vicinity of 15 bills this first

session.

“We ended up (submitting) over 100 bills and resolutions,” said Lalani, all of which have made it through committee. A career physician, he noted the focus of many of the bills is healthcare, along with education, safety and security, and technology.

Among the bills Lalani authored is HB4762, which seeks to provide better protection for hospital and medical staff, many of whom Lalani says have come under physical attack from violent and mentally disturbed patients. Another would ban smoking in all colleges and universities.

As a candidate, Lalani says he was told to consider when drafting legislation not just which communities will benefit, but which communities will be harmed. “There are some bills (being considered) that will hurt people,” he said, including SB147, which would prohibit the purchase and sale of real estate by people of certain ethnic or national origins. “That is not a good precedent.”

Another bill, HB3, was marketed as an effort to divert more money into education but in fact was a veiled attempt at increasing the presence of guns on school grounds.

“These are very concerning,” Lalani says.

All three lawmakers urged members of the media and communities to stay engaged.

“The time for sofa politics is gone,” said Lalani. “We can’t just gripe and push the baton to others. The change we want to make will come from us.”

Working from home was among the safety measures adopted during the COVID-19 public health emergency (which has since been lifted) to reduce transmission of the novel coronavirus. As a result, the percentage of home-based workers in the United States tripled from 5.7% of all workers in 2019 to 17.9% in 2021 — an increase of nearly 19 million workers, according to American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year data.

This shift has had social and economic impacts including on caregiving roles, actual or perceived workplace productivity, professional advancement opportunities and commuting burden.

In 2021, the majority (52.8%) of workers were men but women made up the majority (51.4%) of home-based workers.

Despite the increase in homebased workers, the share of women who worked from home

Working from Home More Common in Some Occupations Certain occupations may lend themselves to home-based work more than others. ACS data show a strong relationship between occupation (organized into five groups for this analysis) and the percentage of workers who worked from home.

In 2019, a relatively small percentage worked from home in every occupation group but the highest share was in management, business, science and arts occupations like insurance underwriters, mental health counselors and marketing managers.

The percentage of homebased workers rose for each occupation in 2021 but the biggest share (about 28%) of home-based workers was still in management, business, science and arts occupations.

In both 2019 and 2021, production, transportation and material moving occupations (bakers, machinists and taxi drivers) had the lowest percentage of home-based workers (2.3% and 5.3%, respectively).

Gov. Newsom Releases May Budget Revision; Addresses Reparations Cash Payments...continued from page 3 oil drilling, deliver 90% clean electricity by 2035, and more.

· Investing $1.6 billion for all students, regardless of income, to access two free school meals per day – up to 12 million meals per day statewide.

“With the May Revision, the Governor is again putting money where his mouth is -- and where California needs to be -- investing in bold and transformative proposals to advance equity and address pertinent disparities in Black communities and in the classroom,” said Assembymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).

to Black Californians based on a statement he made last week about broadly advancing equity and inclusion. Newsom clarified his comment.

“My posture is that let me receive the final report, continue to work with legislative leaders and the task force and assess where to go from there,” Newsom told California Black Media. “We put out a statement that was amplified, no small part by Sen. (Steven) Bradford and Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer and others. We look forward to reviewing the details of the task force’s recommendations.”

Jesse Gabriel. “It’s unacceptable that the U.S. is so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to banning these dangerous additives. We don’t love our children any less than they do in Europe and it’s not too much to ask food and beverage manufacturers to switch to the safer alternative ingredients that they already use in Europe and so many other nations around the globe.”

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the connection between the chemical additives named in AB 418 and alarming health outcomes, including increased risk of cancer, behavioral issues in children, harm to the reproductive system, and damage to the immune system. As a result, the EU and many other nations already have prohibited their use in food, and many major brands and manufacturers—including Coke, Pepsi, Gatorade, Dunkin

California State Assembly Passes Landmark Legislation to Ban Use of Dangerous Chemicals in Food and Beverages... continued

Donuts, Papa John’s Pizza, and Panera—have voluntarily stopped using these additives in their products. Unfortunately, chemical companies in the U.S. have been able to exploit a major loophole in federal regulations to avoid meaningful independent review by the FDA of numerous food additives, thereby placing the U.S. far behind many other nations when it comes to food safety. If signed into law, AB 418 would require companies to make modifications to the recipes for products sold in California and likely prompt a nationwide transition to safer alternatives.

“For decades, the FDA has

failed to keep us safe from toxic food chemicals,” said Scott Faber, EWG Senior Vice President for Government Affairs. “The chemical companies keep exploiting a loophole that allows for food additives that have not been adequately reviewed for safety by the FDA. And the FDA consistently fails to reassess chemicals, even in light of new science. The food and confectioners industries know the review process at the FDA is broken.”

AB 418 now moves to the State Senate, where it is expected to be heard in committees in the coming weeks.

Wilson applauded the “accountability measures” in the budget that “leverage the entire $80 billion in Local Control Funding Formula to focus on low-performing student groups and schools, and require districts to publicly identify and address where Black student performance is low, while providing additional services at high-need schools using the complementary $300 million Equity Multiplier are what the Black Caucus has been fighting for – for years.

During the press conference, Newsom also addressed repreparations payments, a potential budget issue that could come to the forefront soon. The California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans will submit its final report to the legislature on June 29 in Sacramento.

Among other proposals, the nine-member panel recommends a formal apology from the state of California that lessens the gravity of circumstances that historically caused hardships for the Black community.

In addition, the panel suggests that descendants of slavery living in California should be entitled to receive up to $1.2 million in compensation.

Last week, reports surfaced that Newsom said he would not “endorse” direct cash payments

After July 1, the panel’s two-year charge will end, and state lawmakers will have the opportunity to consider the proposals for legislation. The final report is expected to be about 1,000 pages.

The final meeting for the Task Force is June 29 in Sacramento.

Responding to the Governor’s budget proposal, California Republicans criticized Newsom’s and California Democrats’ “reckless policies.”

“Today’s massive $32 billion budget deficit should be a wakeup call to all Democrats that after years of increased spending, they should have better results to point to than an outrageous cost of living, surging crime, rampant homelessness, a fentanyl crisis, failing schools and inadequate water storage,” said California Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson. “Now is the time for smarter policies and responsible spending that California Republicans have long advocated for.”

Despite the looming deficit, Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Inglewood), CLBC vicechair, remains confident.

“As a person who was here in the Legislature during the state’s worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, I know we have the skills, the know-how, and the resolve to address this budgetary shortfall and keep California moving forward,” he said.

Above: Gene Wu, representing Texas House District 137, Penny Morales Shaw, representing District 148, and Suleman Lalani of District 76.

Biden-Harris Administration Makes Historic, $11 Billion Investment to Advance Clean Energy Across Rural America Through Investing in America Agenda

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2023 – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced the availability of nearly $11 billion in grants and loan opportunities that will help rural energy and utility providers bring affordable, reliable clean energy to their communities across the country. This represents the single largest investment in rural electrification since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Rural Electrification Act into law in 1936.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to cleaner energy provides rural communities with an affordable and reliable power grid, while supporting thousands of new jobs and helping lower energy costs in the future,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “These investments will also combat climate change and significantly reduce air and water pollution that put children’s health at risk. The U.S. Department of Agriculture stands ready to partner with municipalities, tribal entities, entrepreneurs, rural electric cooperatives and other utilities to see this transformative investment come to life and create new economic growth and healthier communities.”

Funding is available through two programs under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which makes the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be opening a Letter of Interest process for the Empowering Rural America (“New ERA”) program, which makes $9.7 billion available to eligible rural electric cooperatives to deploy renewable energy systems, zeroemission and carbon capture systems. In addition to New ERA, USDA will also be opening a Letter of Interest process for the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program, which makes $1 billion available in partially forgivable loans to renewable-energy developers and electric service providers, including municipals, cooperatives, and investorowned and Tribal utilities to help finance large-scale solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower projects and energy storage in support of renewable energy systems.

“This new funding from the Inflation Reduction Act shows that President Biden, and our entire administration, is serious about investing in rural America,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation. “This announcement embodies what the Investing in America Agenda is all about—building a clean energy economy that works for everyone.”

Together, these two programs represent the single largest investment in rural electrification since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Rural Electrification Act into law in 1936. This announcement is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the American economy from the bottom up and the middle out by rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, driving more than $435 billion in private-sector manufacturing investments, creating goodpaying jobs, and building a clean-energy economy to tackle the climate crisis and make our communities more resilient.

“All across America, rural cooperatives lift up our rural communities. President Biden’s investment agenda positions his Agriculture Department as the ultimate partner in this work – financing not just upgrades to clean and affordable power, but also economic empowerment and uplift,” said Ali Zaidi, Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor. “For so many of our rural communities, this is simply a gamechanger. It’s a big deal.”

More information on the New ERA program is available at www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/electric-programs/ empowering-rural-america-new-era-program. Rural electric cooperatives, including current and previous USDA borrowers, are eligible for funding. To apply, eligible entities must submit a Letter of Interest between July 31 and Aug. 31, 2023.

More information on the PACE program is available at www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/electric-programs/ powering-affordable-clean-energy-pace-program. Loans through this program may be forgiven by 40% of the loan amount, and the maximum loan amount is $100 million. Applicants in Puerto Rico, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and Tribal communities are eligible for up to 60% loan forgiveness. For this program, USDA will begin accepting Letters of Interest starting on June 30, 2023, on a rolling basis until Sept. 29, 2023.

The goal of the PACE program is to make clean energy affordable for vulnerable, disadvantaged, Tribal and energy communities to heat their homes, run their businesses and power their cars, schools, hospitals and more. USDA may be able to leverage nearly $3 billion in projects through this program. This is in line with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments reach disadvantaged communities that are marginalized and overburdened by pollution.

California Awards Millions to Enhance Security for Reproductive Health Facilities

SACRAMENTO – In keeping with the commitment to protect reproductive rights of patients and providers throughout California, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced nearly $8 million in grants being awarded to bolster physical and data security at 21 facilities that provide abortion-related care and reproductive health services.

“All health care providers deserve to feel safe while offering resources and services to patients,” said Governor Newsom. “As attacks on reproductive health care continue, we're providing resources to help ensure patients and providers feel safe and secure while accessing or providing critical reproductive health care.”

GRANT DETAILS: The Physical and Digital Infrastructure Security Grant Program, administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) in coordination with the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), funds security enhancements at health care facilities and practitioner offices that may be the target of violence and vandalism. $7,879,108 will be awarded to 21 facilities that provide abortion-related care and reproductive health services, including Planned Parenthood facilities spanning from Redding to Long Beach and independent practitioners across the state.

“This funding represents a key part of our responsibility to protect Californians from violence,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “By providing security at vulnerable healthcare locations, we can help protect everyone involved, from providers, to patients, and the surrounding community.”

“The program safeguards California healthcare facilities that offer abortion-related services and reproductive healthcare services and serve socially vulnerable populations, including persons who are low income, Limited-English proficient, immigrants, LGBTQ+ community members, and/ or persons with disabilities,” said HCAI Director Elizabeth Landsberg.

California Awards Millions to Enhance Security for Reproductive Health Facilities...continued

These grants are part of a broader effort by Governor Newson to champion reproductive freedom for anyone who seeks care in California.

In April, Governor Newsom created an emergency stockpile of medication abortion as legal challenges moved (and continue to) through the courts to ensure patients can continue to get care without disruption.

In February, Governor Newsom launched the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, which now includes 22 state and territory leaders fighting to protect and advance reproductive freedom in the face of ongoing attacks from extreme politicians.

In December, Proposition 1 went into effect, amending the state constitution to enshrine protections for reproductive freedom, including abortion care and contraception.

In September, Governor Newsom signed the largest reproductive freedom bill package in history in response to the overturning of Roe v Wade to ensure California remains a reproductive freedom state.

In September, Governor Newsom launched Abortion. CA.Gov to ensure people across California, and the country, can access essential information regarding reproductive health care, including resources available to support their efforts to access care.

In June, Governor Newsom signed the Budget Act of 2022-2023 into law, which included a historic $200+ million investment in reproductive health care.

California’s efforts to back reproductive freedom comes as other states continue their attacks to limit or outright ban access to abortion and other sexual and reproductive health care in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade nearly 1 year ago.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF : JAMES M. BALDWIN DECEDENT CASE NO: PROSB 2300409

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: JAMES

M. BALDWIN A Petition For Probate has been filed by: BLAKE BALDWIN in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. The Petition For Probate requests that: BLAKE BALDWIN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

909-889-7677

NOTICE OF AUCTION

GUARD DOG STORAGE OF HESPERIA,17147 Lemon St, Hesperia, CA 92345, (760) 956-7500. Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Section 21700 of the Business & Professions Code, State of California, the undersigned will sell at Public Sale by Competitive Bidding On May 24th, @10 AM at Guard Dog Storage of Hesperia, County of San Bernardino, State of California, the goods, chattels or personal goods and property of the tenants, household goods, tools, toys etc. Canadice Beehler,, Amanda Land, Brittney Boyce x2, Stacy Thomas, Michael Hopkins x2, Christian Nolen, Mark Fultz, Linda Fultz, Elaine Gonzalez, Elva Rivera. Purchased goods are sold as is and must be removed within one day of purchase. Payment is to be with cash only and made at the time of purchase. The sale is subject to cancellation without notice in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party.

Auctioneer: John Cardoza, License# 5860870, (209)667-5797 Published in The San Bernardino American News May 11, 18, 2023.

NOTICE INVITING BIDS

NOTICE INVITING BIDS COACHELLA

moneys withheld by the District to ensure performance under the Contract. At the request and expense of the Contractor, securities equivalent to the amount withheld shall be deposited with the District, or with a state or federally chartered bank as the escrow agent, who shall then pay such moneys to the Contractor. Upon satisfactory completion of the Contract, the securities shall be returned to the Contractor.

Each bidder’s bid must be accompanied by one of the following forms of bidder’s security: (1) cash; (2) a cashier’s check made payable to the District; (3) a certified check made payable to the District; or (4) a bidder’s bond executed by a California admitted surety as defined in Code of Civil Procedure section 995.120, made payable to the District in the form set forth in the Contract Documents. Such bidder’s security must be in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the maximum amount of bid as a guarantee that the bidder will enter into the proposed Contract, if the same is awarded to such bidder, and will provide the required Performance and Payment Bonds, insurance certificates and any other required documents. In the event of failure to enter into said Contract or provide the necessary documents, said security will be forfeited.

The Contractor and all Subcontractors shall comply with the requirements set forth in Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1 of the Labor Code. The District has obtained from the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations the general prevailing rate of per diem wages and the general prevailing rate for holiday and overtime work in the locality in which this work is to be performed for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to execute the Contract. These per diem rates, including holiday and overtime work, as well as employer payments for health and welfare, pension, vacation, and similar purposes, are on file at the District, and are also available from the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations. Pursuant to California Labor Code section 1720 et seq., it shall be mandatory upon the Contractor to whom the Contract is awarded, and upon any subcontractor under such Contractor, to pay not less than the said specified rates to all workers employed by them in the execution of the Contract.

A Contractor or Subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, subject to the requirements of Section 4104 of the Public Contract Code, or engage in the performance of any contract for public work, as defined in the Labor Code, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered contractor to submit a bid that is authorized by Section 7029.1 of the Business and Professions Code or by Section 10164 or 20103.5 of the Public Contract Code, provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to Section 1725.5 at the time the contract is awarded. The Contractor and all subcontractors shall furnish certified payroll records as required pursuant Labor Code section 1776 directly to the Labor Commissioner in accordance with Labor Code section 1771.4 on at least on a monthly basis (or more frequently if required by the District or the Labor Commissioner) and in a format prescribed by the Labor Commissioner. Monitoring and enforcement of the prevailing wage laws and related requirements will be performed by the Labor Commissioner/ Department of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). No bidder may withdraw any bid for a period of ninety (90) calendar days after the date set for the opening of bids. Separate payment and performance bonds, each in an amount equal to 100% of the total Contract amount, are required, and shall be provided to the District prior to execution of the Contract and shall be in the form set forth in the Contract Documents. All bonds (Bid, Performance, and Payment) must be issued by a California admitted surety as defined in California Code of Civil Procedure section 995.120. Where applicable, bidders must meet the requirements set forth in Public Contract Code section 10115 et seq., Military and Veterans Code section 999 et seq. and California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 1896.60 et seq. regarding Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (“DVBE”) Programs. Forms are included in this Bid Package. Any request for substitutions pursuant to Public Contract Code section 3400 must be made at the time of Bid on the Substitution Request Form set forth in the Contract Documents and included with the bid. No telephone or facsimile machine will be available to bidders on the District premises at any time. It is each bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure its bid is timely delivered and received at the location designated as specified above. Any bid received at the designated location after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids shall be returned to the bidder unopened.

COACHELLA VALLEY UNIFIED DISTRICT David Baucom, Director of Facilities, Planning and Development

Publication Dates: May 18, 2023 May 25, 2023

Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: May 31, 2023

Bid Submittal/Opening: June 15, 2023

Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper May 18 & 25, 2023.

others. Information pertaining to the Federal requirements is on file with the County of Riverside Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions.

Pursuant to Section 1773 of the Labor Code, the general prevailing wage rates, including the per diem wages applicable to the work, and for holiday and overtime work, including employer payments for health and welfare, pension, vacation, and similar purposes, in the County of Riverside in which the work is to be done, have been determined by the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations, State of California. These wages are set forth in the General Prevailing Wage Rates for this project, available from the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Internet website at www.dir.ca.gov. Future effective prevailing wage rates which have been predetermined and are on file with the California Department of Industrial Relations, are referenced but not printed in the general prevailing wage rates. The Federal minimum wage rate requirements, as predetermined by the Secretary of Labor, are set forth in the books issued for bidding purposes, referred to herein as Project Bid Documents (Special Federal Provisions), and in copies of this book which may be examined at the office described above where the project plans, special provisions, and proposal forms may be seen. Addenda to modify the minimum wage rates, if necessary, will be issued to holders of the Project Bid Documents.

Discrimination in employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age or religion is prohibited. The contract documents call for final payment based upon the completion of the work within the timetable. Desert Arc will retain a 10 percent payment as security for the balance of incomplete work.

Bids must be prepared on the approved proposal form in conformance with the instructions to Bidders and submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked on the outside “SEALED

BID FOR THE DESERT ARC THE SECURITY PROJECT –DO NOT OPEN WITH REGULAR MAIL.” This is a 45-day contract, from date of notice to proceed.

Desert Arc reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularity, to accept any bid or portion thereof, and to take all bids under advisement for a period of sixty (60) days. At the time of contract award, the prime contract and/or subcontractor shall have their license to perform the work.

On May 30, 2023, at 2 p.m. there will be a mandatory walk through of the project site. The meeting will be with any contractors/subcontractors who wish to bid this project.

BY ORDER OF Desert Arc

Date: May 15, 2023

Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper May 18, 2023.

Task Force Recommends Breast Cancer Screening Should Begin at Age 40

According to a new draft recommendation statement, the US Preventive Services Task Force proposes that women with an average risk for breast cancer begin screening at age 40 to reduce their risk of death.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

that women begin breast cancer screening with mammography at age 40 and continue screening every other year until age 74.”

The USPSTF, a group of independent medical experts whose recommendations help steer doctors’ decisions and influence insurance plans, proposed an update to its breast cancer screening recommendations on Tuesday, May 9.

No Menthol Sunday: A Day of Reflection, Education, and Action Against Tobacco Use

Faith Communities Come Together to Address the Public Health Crisis Caused by Menthol Cigarettes and Other Flavored Tobacco Products

The revisions would not apply to those with an increased risk of breast cancer who may have already been advised to undergo screening at age 40 or earlier.

However, they should adhere to the monitoring procedures recommended by their physicians.

Black women reportedly have the highest incidence of breast cancer-related deaths in America.

World/Health News

The proposed recommendation is for all individuals assigned female at birth, including cisgender women, trans men, and nonbinary individuals, to be at ordinary risk for breast cancer. According to Nicholson, women with dense breasts and a family history of cancer typically fall into this category, but not women whose family history contains breast cancer or genetic mutations, such as

According to a new draft recommendation statement, the US Preventive Services Task Force proposes that women with an average risk for breast cancer begin screening at age 40 to reduce their risk of death. It is a change from the 2016 recommendation, in which the task force recommended that biennial mammograms (breast x-rays) begin at age 50 and that the decision for women to screen in their 40s “should be

an individual one.”

Some organizations, including the American Cancer Society, have recommended that women begin mammograms in their forties.

USPSTF Vice Chair Dr. Wanda Nicholson, senior associate dean, and professor at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, told CNN,

“Our new task force recommendation recommends

According to the Bible…

By Lou K. Coleman

The task force announced it would share a draft evidence review and draft modeling report along with the non-final recommendation on their website for public comments until June 5.

The proposed recommendation is for all individuals assigned female at birth, including cisgender women, trans men, and nonbinary individuals, to be at ordinary risk for breast cancer.

According to Nicholson, women with dense breasts and a family history of cancer typically fall into this category, but not women whose family history contains breast cancer or genetic mutations, such as mutations on the BRCA gene, as they are regarded as being at high risk.

Nicholson stated that the revised recommendation “will save more lives among all women.”

This is especially significant for Black women, who have a 40% higher risk of breast cancerrelated death.

According to the JAMA Network Open, the breast cancer death rate among women in their 40s was 27 per 100,000 person-years for Black women, compared to 15 per 100,000 for white women and 11 per 100,000 for American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic, and Asian or Pacific Islander women.

As a result, researchers recommended that Black women begin screening at an earlier age, 42, as opposed to 50.

The Spirit of Truth...continued

everyday life.

Lou K. Coleman

“The appointed time has grown very short” [1 Corinthians 7:29]. The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news.” Search out and examine your ways and turn back to the Lord.” [Lamentations

3:40] for the Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:17].

Understand, no one, absolutely no one is excluded. All need repentance. And the need is urgent. Jesus said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Jesus, the Son of God, is warning people of the judgment to come, and offering escape if we will repent. If we will not repent, Jesus has one word for us, “Woe, to you” [Matthew 11:21].

Listen to this sampling of the Bible’s descriptions of your lifespan: “a breath” [Job 7:7]; “a few handbreadths” [Psalm 39:5]; “grass” that lasts a day [Psalm 90:5–6]; “smoke” [Psalm 102:3]; “a passing shadow” [Psalm 144:4]; “a [vanishing] mist” [James 4:14]. You do not know whether your soul will be required of you tonight [Luke 12:20] or whether you will live to see it next year [James 4:13–14]. Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour we do not expect. [Matthew 24:44; Matthew 25:13].

Christ is reminding us that He is about to return and render judgment and recompense. [Acts 17:30-31]. “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson,

they will be like wool.” [Isaiah 1:18].

Jesus is here holding out His hand to any and all who will turn from their sin and trust in Him. Remember according to the Bible, the appointed time has drawn very short. We never know how long we have to live. That’s the reason the Bible says, “Prepare to meet your God” [Amos 4:12]. Be ready at all times. “Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” [Matthew 24:44].

Are you ready?

Redeem the time. The days are evil, life is very brief, the time is urgent. Don’t waste it. There is going to be a Judgment in which every word that you’ve ever spoken, every thought you’ve ever had, every moral choice you ever faced, everything you’ve ever done will be accountable at the Judgment. And if you have not repented and given your life to the Lord, Jesus will say to you, “Depart from Me, you cursed; I never knew you” [see Matthew 7:23; 25:41]. Why because you didn’t receive Jesus Christ into your heart as Lord and Savior when you had a chance.

Time is too short for indecision and vacillation. Time calls for immediate action. God is whispering to you, come to Christ. Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of Salvation. Do not delay!

The Lord is giving you a window of opportunity to get right with Him, because soon the “Lawless One” [The AntiChrist] will make himself known and the world will spin into a type of chaos that will not be compared to anything we have ever seen. Prepare, and get under the Almighty Wings. Move through the open window of opportunity that God has given you to REPENT. You’ve Been Warned! Repent for the Kingdom of God is Near! If you do not, Woe unto you!

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE #1151

The Spirit of Truth

Thaddaeus Elliott

There are times where my soul starts churning. A discomfort, a tumultuous sensation that rises from my gut desiring to be released as a cry of righteous indignation. It happens in moments when I am confronted

with profound injustice, this need to speak truth and say, “enough is enough!” But it also happens when I am confronted with injustice in the mundane of

Like the other day when I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and came across a post from one of my trans friends from back home in Florida. It was an announcement that they would be leaving their home, their friends, family, the community they gave so much to not because they got a better opportunity elsewhere or just wanted a change of pace, but to preserve their very life. The hateful and twisted rhetoric of “eradicating transgenderism” and of “demons and imps” painted a target on them and made the threat of violence against them real and palpable. This was not the first post of this vein from a trans friend in Florida and probably will not be the last to come across my feed. Still, it struck me in such a way that I feel compelled to lift it up and affirm the truth it breaks forth.

While not trans, I as a black queer person made the same assessment a year ago that I wouldn’t be able to truly live unless I left. So, I made my move. But unlike my friend who was courageous in naming their vulnerability publicly, I hid my disheartening discernment under the happy guise of moving for a great new opportunity to serve God and the church I love in a new way. The joy was true, and it was important to name and claim. However, it is also important to name and claim the uncomfortable and painful truth that the place I called home for

23 of the 32 years of my life is no longer hospitable to me and many others.

In John 14:16-17, Jesus tells the disciples he will ask the Creator to give us an Advocate— the Spirit of Truth—to be with us forever. An Advocate that abides with us, is in us and acts in the world through us. This onslaught of policy attacks on not just trans bodies, but women and birthing bodies, poor bodies, disabled bodies, black and Indigenous bodies, the body of the earth— is meant not only to blind us to our common humanity, but to smother the flame of the Spirit in us as well. I believe it vital that we keep that flame alive because it is the source from which we draw to do the work of justice in our world. Every time we receive another’s truth, it adds fuel to our flame. And in turn, when we speak out what we know to be true, we can spark the Spirit in those who hear it. What I know to be true is that my trans siblings like all people are wonderfully made in the image of God and are beloved by them. I pray all of us harmed by the pens and tongues of legislators blind to that truth find refuge, care, and love however and wherever they can. And I also pray that those of us who know the Truth and abide by it keep our flames fueled however and wherever we can so that the Advocate within may work through us.

The African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC) encourages all African American congregations and spiritual institutions to come together on Sunday, May 21, for No Menthol Sunday. No Menthol Sunday is the African American expression of the World Health Organization’s, international World No Tobacco Day, an annual opportunity to address the devastating impact of tobacco use on Black communities. This year's campaign theme, "Focus on Victory, Go Against the Grain," emphasizes the need to stand against the predatory tobacco industry and create healthier, more just communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco use can cause a range of illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other diseases, as well as a decrease in overall quality of life. The California Health Interview Survey found that a staggering 47.7% of African American/Black adults who smoke use menthol cigarettes, compared to only 16.5% of white adults. Through No Menthol Sunday, this health disparity is addressed as religious/spiritual congregants and community members across California are informed about the harms of smoking, vaping, and the role of menthol and other flavors. It also provides an opportunity for the community to support individuals who smoke to embark on a new journey toward quitting.

"The pandemic has exposed and amplified health disparities

among African Americans, especially when it comes to smoking-related deaths. This highlights the importance of individuals prioritizing their health and taking action, such as quitting smoking," said Carol McGruder, Co-Chair of the AATCLC. "Join us on No Menthol Sunday and everyday as we come together to fight against this preventable health crisis. We must go against the grain and continue to stand up for our well-being to create a healthier future for ourselves and our communities.”

The AATCLC and the African American Statewide Coordinating Center, AMPLIFY, hosted a virtual kick-off event earlier this month to equip faith leaders across the state with the knowledge and tools needed to educate their congregants on the harmful effects of tobacco use for No Menthol Sunday. Esteemed panelists discussed policy, law enforcement, and cessation strategies surrounding commercial tobacco’s impact on Black communities. Despite the progress made since the Food & Drug Administration initiated the rule-making process to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol, the tobacco industry has continued to introduce new non-menthol products that still pose significant health risks. No Menthol Sunday serves as a reminder to prioritize Black health and well-being. By raising awareness of the dangers of all tobacco products, including the new non-menthol flavors, African Americans can make informed decisions about health and advocate for comprehensive regulations and policies that prioritize public health and prevent the tobacco industry from targeting marginalized groups even further. Find out how to get involved at savingblacklives.org/ nomentholsunday.

For more information and resources that help Californians kick smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco with the help of proven, science-based strategies, visit KickItCA.org or download the app.

"Concert Under the Stars" brings music, art and community to SBVC

enrichment programs that help young people in our community thrive, and we believe that music and art are essential components of a comprehensive education and lifestyle."

RIVERSIDE, CA – Norman Orr, D.O., has been named medical director for Optima Health.

“I’m very pleased to join the skilled Optima team, which has earned a reputation of being compassionate and focused on a patient-first approach,” said Dr. Orr. “I look forward to working alongside our caring professionals in helping fulfill each individual patients’ wishes for a more enjoyable and satisfying lifestyle.”

Dr. Orr is a member of the core faculty in the internal medical

program at the UHS Southern California Medical Education Consortium Residency; is on the faculty at California University of Science and Medicine School of Medicine (San Bernardino); and is associate professor at Western University of Health Sciences (Pomona).

He attended medical school at Western University of Health Sciences and completed his residency at UCSF Fresno.

The mission of Optima Health is to improve the health of patients served with a commitment to excellence and to offer the highest patient-centered care in a caring, convenient and accessible manner. Practices are located in Riverside and Crestline.

For more information, call 951-788-0008 or go to optimahealthgroup.com.

[May 16, 2023 (San Bernardino, Calif.)] - Music

Changing Lives, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing music, art, and tutoring programs in America's public schools and community centers, is excited to announce its upcoming concert on series and night market, "Concert Under the Stars" on May 20 from 6-10 p.m. This free event is held monthly at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC).

"Concert Under the Stars" is a family-friendly event that features live art, performances, poetry readings and DJs. The event is open to all ages and will showcase the diverse and vibrant arts and culture scene of the Inland Empire.

"We are thrilled to be hosting 'Concert Under the Stars' and to bring music and art to our community," said Music Changing Lives CEO and Founder Josiah Bruny. "Our mission is to provide access to

In addition to live performances, "Concert Under the Stars" will feature a night market with vendor opportunities for informational, merchant and food booths. Those interested in participating in the night market must register in advance, and food vendors must have a health permit or food handler's card.

"Concert Under the Stars" is an opportunity to support local businesses and nurture the vibrancy of the community. With its focus on bringing enrichment programs to minority and lowincome youth, Music Changing Lives is committed to positively impacting the lives of young people and their families.

"Good Vibes Only" is the motto for "Concert Under the Stars." The organizers hope attendees will join them in building a better, more inclusive future for the San Bernardino community.

For more information about "Concert Under the Stars" or Music Changing Lives, visit their website at musicchanginglives. org.

Norman Orr, D.O., Named Medical Director For Optima Health

William And George Lopez Join Stand Up To Cancer And Providence In PSA To Increase Awareness Of Colorectal Cancer Screening

of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Black Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. Screening rates for Americans 50-75 years old are 59% for Hispanic people, 66% for Black people and 69% for white people. Yet, screening can help detect colorectal cancer early, making it one of the most preventable types of cancer. When caught early, colon cancer is beatable in 91% of cases and rectal cancer is beatable in 90% of cases.

LOS ANGELES, May

16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

Grammy®-winning musician will.i.am and stand-up comedian and actor George Lopez have joined Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C) and Providence for a new series of public service announcements (PSAs) that raise awareness about colorectal cancer screenings, early detection and prevention, and focus on reaching medically underserved communities.

Also appearing in the PSA campaign is former California State Sen. Isadore Hall III. The campaign launched today and is in both English and Spanish. The PSAs featuring will.i.am and George Lopez will be placed across print, broadcast, radio, digital and out-of-home

outlets. Hall will be featured in the out-of-home campaign. In the broadcast and radio PSAs, will.i.am and Lopez recite poetry written by two Los Angelesbased poets.

“So many of us have a personal connection to cancer, myself included,” said will.i.am. “The statistics don’t lie so I want to inspire others to spread the word, especially those in the Black community who need to increase participation in screening programs. Make good health, including getting screened, your top priority - do it for your husband or wife, your kids, your nieces and nephews, for everyone you love.”

“I’ve been a huge supporter of Stand Up To Cancer for many years, and I’m proud

to be working with them and Providence on this important campaign,” Lopez said. “The more people who get screened, the more lives will be saved. To play even a small role in that is incredibly meaningful to me.”

The national PSA campaign supports a larger collaboration among SU2C, Providence Saint John’s Health Center and Exact Sciences to increase colorectal cancer screening rates to 80% within three Stand Up To Cancer Zones™: Greater Boston, Los Angeles and Great Plains Tribal Communities in South Dakota. These zones are regions of focus for the SU2C Colorectal Cancer Health Equity Dream Team as they include diverse and distinct communities that are medically underserved and

have particularly low screening rates for colorectal cancer.

“In living our mission of outreach, we are driven to advocate in our communities of color to advance potentially life-saving colorectal cancer screenings, and help erase health inequalities,” said Michael Ricks, chief executive, Providence Saint John’s Health Center located in Santa Monica. “We are so thankful to Stand Up To Cancer’s celebrity ambassadors will.i.am and George Lopez, as well as Isadore Hall III, for helping to shed light on the importance of colorectal cancer screening, which can truly save lives.” Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum and is the second most common cause

L.A. County Board of Supervisors Extend $10K Reward to Solve San Dimas Murder

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s motion extending a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the people responsible for a San Dimas murder that took place during Christmas week in 2018.

Michael Moreno, 35, was shot while talking with two friends in a San Dimas neighborhood at approximately 6:30 p.m. on December 23, 2018. Mr. Moreno was not a gang member and had no gang affiliations. Homicide investigators from the Sheriff’s Department do not believe he was the intended target.

“I stand with Moreno’s family members who deserve answers, closure, and justice,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Michael was in the prime of his life. At 35, he had a bright future ahead of him, but it was violently cut short by murderers who haven’t faced consequences for their actions. I remain hopeful that extending this $10,000 reward will entice someone to step forward. Help us solve this tragedy and bring peace to a grieving family.”

Mr. Moreno’s family members remain in contact with detectives and have been actively helping in any way possible to solve the murder.

Anyone who has information related to this shooting may contact Detective Mark Perez with the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5640. Tips can also be reported anonymously to the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222TIPS (8477) or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.

“This collaboration is critical to addressing the disparities and challenges of this disease. We’re incredibly grateful for Providence’s support as we work to increase screening and fund cutting-edge research to help save lives and avoid more cases of colorectal cancer,” said Russell Chew, president and CEO of Stand Up To Cancer. “We’re thrilled to have will.i.am, George Lopez and Isadore Hall III bring attention to the importance of colorectal cancer prevention to further encourage the public to be proactive about their health.”

The broadcast PSA was directed by Monty Marsh and produced by Chris Pizzi. The print campaign was produced by Pentagram Design. The poem recited by George Lopez was written by Jessica Wilson; the poem recited by will.i.am was written by Aiyana Sha’niel.

To learn more about colorectal cancer screening options, visit StandUpToCancer.org/ ColonCancer. To view the PSAs, visit providence.org/coloncancer.

About Stand Up To Cancer

Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C) raises funds to accelerate the pace of research to get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now. SU2C is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and was initially launched as a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. Established in 2008 by media and entertainment leaders, SU2C utilizes these communities’ resources to engage the public in supporting a new, collaborative model of cancer research, to increase awareness about cancer prevention, and to highlight progress being made in the fight against the disease. As of January 2022, more than 2,000 scientists representing more than 210 institutions are involved in SU2C-funded research projects. Under the direction of our Scientific Advisory Committee, led by Nobel laureate Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D., SU2C conducts rigorous competitive review processes to identify the best research proposals to recommend for funding, oversee grants administration, and ensure collaboration across research programs.

Current members of the SU2C Founders and Advisors Committee (FAC) include Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, Kathleen Lobb, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Robertson, Sue Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, and Ellen Ziffren. The late Laura Ziskin and the late Noreen Fraser are also co-founders. Russell Chew serves as SU2C’s president and CEO.

For more information, visit StandUpToCancer.org, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond to Provide School Districts With Supports to Counter Declining Enrollment

SACRAMENTO—State

Superintendent of Public Instruction

Tony Thurmond will convene a webinar to assist school districts in building strategies to counter declining enrollment. Thurmond will host and moderate the webinar on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.

“It has been our priority to ensure that students and families are engaged in public schools and that schools meet the needs of families,” said Thurmond. “This will be the first of many conversations in efforts to help school districts counter declining enrollment.” School districts across the state are experiencing a high level of declining enrollment. In April, the California Department of Education (CDE) released the statewide student enrollment data report. Even before the pandemic, many California communities were observing population drops and corresponding lower student enrollment. The pandemic exacerbated declines as students left public schools, left the state and, in some cases, left the country.

During the webinar, participants will be presented with examples of best practices that school districts may be able to use to offset declining enrollment. These may include strategies such as expanding duallanguage immersion programs and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) academies to attract parents and families back to California schools. State Superintendent Thurmond continues to sponsor legislation that can support duallanguage immersion programs and is working on a strategy to help school districts expand STEAM academies using funds provided by the state, such as the Expanded

Learning Opportunities grant. The webinar will also provide an opportunity for participants to learn ways they can better market new programs to families to increase engagement and boost enrollment. Thurmond has convened a group of researchers, school staff, and other advisors to assist in thinking through strategies for countering declining enrollment.

State Superintendent Thurmond and the CDE are leading a number of initiatives that could play a role in helping to increase interest in families coming back to California schools over the next several years. These include providing free and subsidized preschool for threeand four-year-old students, the Universal Meals Program that feeds all students breakfast and lunch, and efforts to ensure students learn to read by third grade.

In September, State Superintendent Thurmond held an online statewide Parent Town Hall that included 30,000 parents and parent groups. The event surveyed participants to elicit their feedback about ways to improve the public school experience, including ideas on how to counter declining enrollment. Parents shared the importance of continuing to focus on family engagement, with emphasis on creating caring and welcoming environments as an important element in keeping families engaged and enrolled.

The CDE is developing surveys to gather information about best practices to counter declining enrollment. School districts that want to share examples of their work to offset declining enrollment, including effective strategies to stabilize or increase enrollment, can email enrollment@cde.ca.gov.

William And George Lopez Join Stand Up To Cancer And Providence In PSA To Increase Awareness Of Colorectal Cancer Screening... continued