SB American News Week Ending 6/12

MLB integrates Negro Leagues stats, elevating long-overlooked stars to Major League status

By Stacy

(NNPA Newswire) — Major League Baseball (MLB) has taken a historic step to rectify a longstanding oversight by officially incorporating Negro Leagues statistics into its historical record. Starting May 29, the achievements of approximately 2,300 Negro Leagues players will be recognized alongside those of MLB legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb. For decades, Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb were celebrated as the greatest figures in baseball, with Ruth hailed as the best player and Cobb as the premier hitter. However, these narratives often excluded African American athletes whose contributions were underreported or dismissed. This exclusion persisted despite the talents that led to Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947 as the first Black player in the modern Major Leagues.

MLB Commissioner Robert

Manfred announced this significant change three years ago, emphasizing the league’s commitment to correcting a historical wrong by elevating the Negro Leagues to “Major League” status. John Thorn, an MLB historian, and the Negro Leagues Statistical Review Committee have been responsible for the meticulous process of officially incorporating Negro Leagues stats into MLB records. The team has been reviewing thousands of box scores and other historical data to integrate the statistics of the seven Negro Leagues into MLB’s database. Josh Gibson, a standout in the Negro Leagues, will now lead multiple batting categories. His career batting average, slugging percentage and OPS surpass those of Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. While some of Gibson’s legendary feats, such as the nearly 800 home runs mentioned on his Hall of Fame

plaque, will not be included, many of his official stats will now be recognized.

Thorn hailed the decision as “not only righting a social, cultural, and historical wrong, it’s defining baseball as a game for Americans without exclusion.” He emphasized that baseball is a sport of tradition, but its capacity for profound change is equally significant.

To honor the Negro Leagues, MLB will host a tribute game on June 20 at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama—the oldest professional baseball park in the U.S. Players will don period uniforms and pay tribute to legendary center fielder Willie Mays, an Alabama native.

With the integration of these statistics, players like Buck Leonard, Buck O’Neil, Cool Papa Bell, Doc Sykes, Monte Irvin, Leroy Satchel Paige and

Gibson will finally receive their due recognition. Fans will now appreciate the true scope of their talents and achievements.

Sean Gibson, the greatgrandson of Josh Gibson and executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation, expressed the family’s excitement over this acknowledgment. “We always considered him a major leaguer; he just didn’t play in the major leagues,” Sean Gibson told NBC Sports, adding he is eager to see how his great-grandfather’s stats compare to those of other MLB legends.

Reflecting on this milestone, he added, “If Josh Gibson was alive right now, he’d be honored. He’ll probably wonder why it took so long. He’ll be happy for all the other baseball players, and more importantly he’ll be excited for his family to carry on his legacy.”

The Next Human Pandemic Could Be Bird Flu

By Sunita Sohrabji

at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, who focuses on highly pathogenic avian influenza disease modeling. The virus spreads via an infected waterfowl’s fecal material, said Pitesky, noting that

many dairy and poultry farms have lagoons and other large bodies of water nearby. Feral cats that roam around dairies are also conduits for spreading the virus, as are infected farm and factory equipment.

Immigrant Workers at High Risk

Workers in poultry and dairy industries are at a unique risk for catching an infection: humans who have close contact with sick birds can catch the virus when it gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. Wearing Tyvek suits, gloves, masks and other personal protective equipment can be extremely challenging in the immense heat, said Pitesky.

Vaccinating chickens is a Herculean task: the US currently

breeds about 8 billion chickens per year. Containing spread to particular regions is also difficult: animals are only tested when they cross state lines.

“Avian flu is a risk to all of us at some level; there’s so much virus floating around. There’s a lot of new research that’s focusing on virus in wastewater from human wastewater treatment facilities,” he said.

Dr. Maurice Pitesky, UC Davis. All videos by Nina Mohan.

Extremely Deadly

Bird flu is extremely deadly in humans, said Dr. Peter ChinHong, professor of Medicine and director of the immuno-

OpEd: Embracing Hope

Celebrating the Achievements of San Bernardino’s Area Graduates

Overview: The National Black Grads (NBG) Inland Empire (IE) Black Grad Recognition Event celebrated academic excellence and empowered future leaders on May 5, 2024. The event recognized students for their dedication, resilience, and determination, and aimed to support Black students by connecting them to opportunities for mentorship, internships, and academic connections. The event underscored the community’s commitment to investing in education and mentorship, fostering a culture of excellence and empowerment to help graduates thrive in their chosen fields. The event was supported by community partner organizations, including the Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement (CEEM), Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE), and the Clay Counseling Foundation.

Jonathan Buffong | National Black Grads (NBG)

The National Black Grads (NBG) Inland Empire (IE) Black Grad Recognition Event held on May 5, 2024, was a resounding success, celebrating academic excellence and empowering future leaders. The event highlighted the transformative power of education in shaping individuals, families, and communities.

Recognizing students for their dedication, resilience, and determination, NBG aims to support Black students by connecting them to opportunities for mentorship, internships, and academic connections that align with their goals. The event underscores the community’s commitment to investing in education and mentorship, fostering a culture of excellence and empowerment to help graduates thrive in their chosen fields.

By uplifting our IE Black graduates, the event not only instills pride and accomplishment but also works towards breaking stereotypes and creating a more inclusive future. NBG extends their gratitude to all our community partner organizations, including the dedicated planning team of

Dr. April Clay, Dr. Alise Clouser, Laurette Allen, Russell Ward, Burundi Allen, Carol Crayton, Carl Clay, and Carolyn Daniels for their invaluable support in bringing the event to life.

NBG congratulates all of our graduates celebrated at the event. Their achievements fill the hearts of our San Bernardino area with a new hope for our future.

NBG IE Black Grad Recognition Ceremony partners include:

Youth Action Project (YAP) Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement CEEM Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE)

Clay Counseling Foundation

California State University of San Bernardino

BLU Educational Foundation

San Bernardino Valley College

– Umoja Tumani Program

Youth Action Mentoring Network (YMAN)

Buffong Consulting Solutions

BCS

Immanuel Praise Fellowship

Church

National Pan-Hellenic Council

Inland Empire

M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

For decades, Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb were celebrated as the greatest figures in baseball, with Ruth hailed as the best player and Cobb as the premier hitter. However, these narratives often excluded African American athletes whose contributions were underreported or dismissed. This exclusion persisted despite the talents that led to Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947 as the first Black player in the modern Major Leagues. (Courtesy photo/ NNPA Newswire)

UC Davis poultry veterinarian Rodrigo Gallardo examines a chicken. (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine photo) The

said Dr. Maurice Pitesky, associate professor

More Segregated Than Deep South: ACLU Releases Report on Calif.

Public Schools

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

The 2024 State of Black Education: Report Card was recently published by the American Civil Liberties Union California Action (ACLU California Action).

It states that California is the third most segregated state for Black students.

Co-author of the report, policy counsel Amir Whittaker from ACLU Southern California explained the criteria the ACLU use to rank California during the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the landmark 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision Brown vs. Board of Education held at the State Capitol the day after the Memorial Day holiday.

“For every state in the Deep South, California (schools) are more segregated,” Whittaker said. “People often think that California is not segregated or unequal as Deep South states and others. The inequalities here (in California) are actually wider.”

New York and Illinois are ahead of California regarding the racial diversity of their student bodies. According to a report May 2022 report by Stanford

Graduate School of Education, the Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and New York City school districts are in the top 10 most racially segregated districts for White-Black, White-Hispanic, and White-Asian segregation based on the average levels from 1991-2020.

In bigger school districts, segregation between low-income (students who are eligible for free lunch) and non-low-income students increased by 47% since 1991, according to the Stanford Graduate School’s report.

“That’s why it’s important to look at this data,” Whitaker said. “When you have millions of people living in places like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, the urban areas are a lot more segregated than the south. That’s a big part of it. A number of factors contribute to the segregation of schools in California such as parents sending their children to private schools, others optioning for homeschooling, and other reasons, Whitaker said.

The Brown v. Board of Education case declared that separating children in public schools based on race was unconstitutional. However,

California submits proposal to increase federal financial aid access for more community college students

Educational News

What you need to know: From California’s Master Plan for Career Education, to the community colleges’ Guided Pathways framework and dual enrollment strategies, the state is increasing higher education and workforce opportunities for more Californians.

SACRAMENTO – In line with the goals of California’s developing Master Plan for Career Education, Governor Gavin Newsom and California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian today announced they submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of Education to enable students without a high school diploma – or the equivalent – to access Title IV financial aid.

“Regardless of background or credentials, every Californian deserves the opportunity to pursue their dream career and a higher education degree. In partnership with Chancellor Christian, the state is seeking to make community college more accessible and affordable for students without a high school diploma.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

What this means If the Ability to Benefit (ATB) proposal is approved, an estimated four million Californians without a high school diploma will have access to federal financial aid to attend college classes – increasing opportunity and access to higher education, training, and jobs across the state. Students participating in the ATB process will also have support for their education goals, and access to counseling and academic support, including math and writing workshops, tutoring

services, accessibility services, and more.

What California Community Colleges Chancellor Christian said: “This initiative has the ability to change lives. It will open college and career opportunities for adult learners seeking to pursue their academic aspirations, regardless of their background or circumstances. By removing barriers to financial support, we’re moving students closer to success. That combined with the tailored supports in this initiative such as, basic needs support, educational and career counseling and tutoring, will allow students realize and unlock their full potential.”

Bigger picture

This proposal is in line with the Governor’s Master Plan for Career Education, which will align and simplify the TK-12, university, and workforce systems in California to support greater access to education and jobs for all Californians. Additionally, California has elevated both the Guided Pathways framework and dual enrollment as strategies to improve student success rates for all students, particularly lowincome working adults. Within the Guided Pathways framework, California community colleges are structuring programs and support services to provide clearer, more defined paths from entry to completion of a credential or degree. Dual enrollment enables adults seeking a high school diploma or equivalent to concurrently pursue a postsecondary degree or certificate and is a cornerstone strategy for serving adult education learners within the guided pathways framework.

discussion at the State Capitol on May 29. California Black Legislative Caucus member Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) and Sen. Steven Bradford were the guest speakers. Parents, students, educators, and Black education advocates from all over the state attended the 90-minute presentation at the State Capitol.

Whitaker pointed to cases after the landmark decision that circumvented that federal law.

According to a 2014 report by the Civil Rights Project, in the 1990s, decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court decision ended federal desegregation orders in San Francisco and San Jose. In addition, court decisions in the state that ordered desegregation in the 1970s were overturned by the 1990s. Legally, California has no school integration policy to adhere to.

“This is why we did this report. There needs to be a report just on this issue (of school segregation),” Whitaker told California Black Media. “Right now, there’s no task force or anything addressing it. I have never seen the California Department of Education talk about it. This is a pandemic (and) a crisis.”

Linnea Nelson, ACLU Northern California Senior Staff Attorney in the Racial and Economic Justice Program are the co-authored of the eight-page report.

The organization hosted an overview of the report and panel

School segregation is the No. 1 issue listed in among the report’s “24 areas of documented inequality,” along with problematic trends of racial harassment, a continuous decline of Black student enrollment, school closures, connection with school staff, chronic absenteeism, low Black teacher representation, and parent participation.

Educator John Hughes alluded to the Black exodus and the decreasing Black student population in California. Hughes, one of the panelists for ACLU’s event at the State Capitol, taught at Warren Lane Elementary School in the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD)for 20 years.

According to IUSD’s 2021 Progress Report, the student population has fallen from approximately 18,000 in 20032004 to about 7,950 in 20202021. The report predicts that the decrease will continue, with the loss of approximately 400 to 500 students each year. The nearby Los Angeles Unified School District student enrollment has declined by 40% in the last 18 years.

“I believe fear comes into play because of the age-old discriminatory and racial practices that our students have been victims of,” Hughes said.

Calif. Leaders Discuss Foster Care Reform Strategies for Black and Brown Youth

Harris, PAJA President and member of the California Mandated Reporting Taskforce (center) with Hafsa Kaka, Senior Advisor on Homelessness to Governor Gavin Newsom and Dr. Janet Kelly, Founder & Director of Sanctuary of Hope LA (far right) (Lila Brown CBM)

Before becoming a nationally recognized social justice leader and a member of California’s Mandated Reporting Taskforce, Shane Harris spent 13 years as a foster care youth after he lost both of his parents. As President of the national civil rights organization, People's Association of Justice Advocates (PAJA), he’s aiming to solve some of the toughest challenges Black and Brown children in the foster care system face.

During National Foster Care Month in May, Harris visited the Sanctuary of Hope in Los Angeles to host a roundtable meeting with current and former foster youth, many of whom, like Harris, have beat the odds and become successful professionals -- government officials, social workers and community activists leading their own organizations. Sanctuary of Hope is a nonprofit organization that works to empower youth through education, stabilization initiatives and the dismantling of social and economic barriers that may impede their progress.

Calif. Leaders Discuss Foster Care Reform Strategies for Black and Brown Youth...continued

65,000 children in foster care across California, 14,000 of them are Black American.

Harris also announced a new effort already underway to push for the removal of the term “case” in L.A. County when referring to foster youth during the roundtable which featured Hafsa Kaka, Senior Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and Janet Kelly, the Founder and Director of Sanctuary of Hope. The session focused on solving problems foster youth face.

Sharing personal stories, insights, and various visions for policy changes, the participants discussed numerous solutions and addressed specific concerns about ongoing challenges with the foster care system.

One top priority was how to close the foster care to homelessness pipeline for the disproportionate number of Black and Brown children in LA County's and the state’s foster care system.

Los Angeles County has the highest number of children in foster care of any county in California, with roughly 25,000 children.

“When you see the direct connection between the disproportionate rates of Black children in foster care and the disproportionate rates of Black people in the general homeless population, there is a very clear connection there in which our foster youth are coming out of care,” stated Harris during opening remarks. “Even though there are more programs, housing programs and transitional housing programs, we are still not nearly doing enough. The State’s budget cuts play a role into services being provided, and how that then could create a homelessness pipeline.”

Kaka said the governor has been intentional about making sure that foster children are homeless prioritized as the state addresses homelessness across different sectors.

“This is a critical moment for foster care,” said Kaka. “The systems that are working together are looking at leveraging federal, state and local funds. Prop 1 funds will create more dollars for youth, as well as the general population experiencing mental health, substance abuse and abuse at the intersection of homelessness.”

Harris said he has already begun efforts in San Diego County to drop the word “case” when referring to homeless youth.

“We are asking for a 90-day public input period, in which the county CEO and leadership can facilitate discussions with the community on replacement terminology. There's plenty of ideas,” Harris elaborated. “It is a criminal justice related term. Foster care to prison pipeline is already large and vast.” Kelly said a majority of the youth who go through the Sanctuary of Hope program are young people who have experienced some form of housing instability or housing crisis.

“The goal of the work that we do is really centered around helping young people leave here with leadership skills and other forms of what we call protective factors in order for them to continue on with their stabilization journey and become loving, caring and active citizens in this world,” Kelly said. It's always great for me, especially during national foster care month, to see many of the young people that I've seen from the time that we founded almost 14 years ago, to see them grow or whether they are getting married or they're graduating, becoming doctors, having children, because it really talks to the promise and the possibilities, because as individuals, we need to invest in their being, their social being, their emotional well-being, all of those things,” she added. Last year, Newsom vetoed a bill that would have allowed foster youth to keep the money they accrue through Social Security benefits when they become adults. The bill would have also required the state to pick up the tab for foster care costs.

A similar bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 2906, has since been introduced by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan to address the issue. AB 2906 would require social service agencies to ensure that a foster child's federal Social Security survivors’ benefits are not used to pay for, or to reimburse, the placing agency for any costs of the child’s care and supervision. Existing law requires every youth who is in foster care and nearing emancipation to be screened by the county for potential eligibility for SSI. The bill would also increase benefits and access to Social Security benefits for foster children. If passed by the Legislature and signed by Newsom, AB 2906 would take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

According to the federal government’s Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, there are nearly 370,000 American children and youth in foster care. Approximately 18,500 youth are emancipated from foster care without a permanent family annually and in 2021, 77% of eligible youth in foster care, ages 14–21 years old, left care without receiving the federally funded services necessary to prepare them for adulthood and independent living. Nationally, Black children are overrepresented in foster care. According to datacenter. kidscount.org, Black children represented 14% of the total child population in the United States. However, they represented 23% of all children in foster care. Harris pointed out that one out of every four foster youth go homeless upon exiting foster care in California. Across the state, there are nearly 65,000 children in foster care, he added. Of the

Lila Brown | California Black Media

Shane

Seated left to right, Carl Pinkston (Sacramento Black Parallel School Board, Jessica Black (Black Organizing Project of Oakland), and Amir Whitaker (Policy Counsel for ACLU Los Angeles) lead the panel discussion about the State of Black Education in California. CBM Antonio Ray Harvey.

Asm. Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) was a guest speaker at the State of Black Education report card briefing at the State Capitol on May 29. CBM Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Lindsey Witherspoon, left, a member of ACLU Southern California's Youth Liberty Squad, and John Hughes, right, special education educator at Warren Lane Elementary School in Inglewood, served on the panel. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

L.A. Pilot Program Addressing Asian American Hate Could Be California

Model

McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

Californians who are Asian American or Pacific Islanders (AAPI) were the targets of an escalated number of hate crimes and hate incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many AAPI people, particularly the elderly, reported being too scared to leave their homes. Others experienced firsthand hateful incidents stemming from deep-rooted prejudices and stereotypes -- such as verbal or physical assaults in public. Yet, too many of them were reluctant hesitant to voice their emotions, according to Yu Wang, an associate marriage and family therapist at the Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Center in Los Angeles.

“A space for healing is critically needed,” Wang said, also noting that some Asian cultures don’t put a heavy emphasis on sharing feelings and vulnerabilities. “It makes it difficult to talk about experiences related to racism. Also, many of us lack to the language to express emotions, which exacerbates feelings of isolation and fear.” The Asian/ Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Equity Alliance in collaboration with other Asian American community groups recently launched the Healing Our People through Engagement (HOPE) pilot program in Los Angeles County geared at healing racial trauma experienced by Asian American community members by providing healing spaces and reducing isolation. Based

on the successes of the initiative, supporters and organizers believe the “culturally centered” program could become a model for other cities around the state.

Ethnic Media Services hosted an hourlong Zoom press conference on the last day of May, which was AAPI Heritage Month, to allow HOPE program facilitators and allies the opportunity to provide details of the initiative to the media.

HOPE is a healing space for five distinct Asian American communities -- Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and Korean -- created to make sense of their experiences with racism and recent surges in hate crimes. The psychology of the program is radical healing, a framework that has aided Black people in dealing with years of prejudicecaused trauma. HOPE is funded by a grant from the California Department of Social Services.

More than 11,000 stories of hate have been reported to the California-based online resource, Stop AAPI Hate, since 2020.

AAPI Managing Director of Programs Michelle Sewrathan Wong called HOPE vital and said Asian Americans endured episodes of brutality on a scale not seen in generations in the U.S. during the pandemic.

“They were scapegoated by politicians for transmission of COVID-19, targeted for violent physical attacks, made to feel unsafe and unwelcome in their

own communities and bullied and ridiculed by neighbors and strangers alike,” she stated.

HOPE opened healing spaces in Los Angeles County that offer six two-hour sessions conducted in groups by facilitators, who are staff from partner community organizations. The initiative’s curriculum encourages selfreflection and dialogue, and it facilitates connections among particpants participants.

DePaul University Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Anne Saw said the radical healing framework promotes healing over merely coping with the traumatic impacts of racism. She said radical healing is about becoming whole despite racism.

“We believe the radical healing framework provides a powerful set of tools/approaches to help people of color heal from racism,” Saw explained.

“Healing may be lifelong because racism is ongoing, yet a program like ours reminds people of the cultural, community, family, and individual strengths they have to resist racism. We believe that healing in a group can be more powerful than an individual engaging in healing on their own because of the support they receive.”

Wang, a HOPE facilitator, recalled a gathering of four Chinese and Chinese Americans people she met.

“The participants shared their feelings of helplessness and

fear,” Wang said.

She noted how one of the participants, a woman who grew up in a predominantly White community, was initially reluctant to talk about her feelings because she didn’t grow up in a Chinese majority neighborhood.

“However, after seeing how others shared their stories openly, she felt encouraged and shared her own story,” Wang recalled.

“I think because our community tends to internalize traumatic experiences rather than talking about them, this healing space was so powerful and allowed us to express and validate these feelings. The group let us learn how to support each other.”

HOPE facilitator Xueyou Wang, a social services program assistant at Little Tokyo Services Center in Los Angeles, said the center’s officials were uncertain if members of the community they served would benefit from HOPE.

“The participants talked a lot about microaggressions that would build up during the pandemic,” she said.

Wang said the group included new Japanese Americans and multi-generational Japanese Americans, who discussed and bonded over their concerns of loss of culture and history and how to combat gentrification in Little Tokyo.

“It was very interesting to see participants meet each other where they were and hold space for each other,” she said. “Newer Japanese immigrants fearing the loss of culture and Japanese Americans, who have been here for longer, fearing the loss of the history.”

HOPE is meant to empower people and to fight racism.

Next year, the program will focus on outreach to older adults.

“The concept of radical healing can be empowering,” Saw stated. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

Sen. Steve Glazer’s Vows Redo After Journalism Tax Bill Placed on Hold

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Sen. Steve Glazer’s Vows Redo After Journalism Tax Bill Placed on Hold...continued

why he pulled the bill was the main subject. If SB 1327 should reemerge and be passed as law, fees collected would provide $500 million in employment tax credits to news organizations across California. The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to pass the bill with a 4-2 vote on May 16, but Glazer still needed a pathway for two-thirds of the votes required to make it off the Senate floor.

Glazer cited several reasons for why SB 1327 is facing opposition from digital tech giants like Google, Meta, Amazon, and publishers.

These include concerns about increased advertising, the perceived threat of government influence, discrimination against larger publishers, a fear that the mitigation fee could trickle down to smaller news outlets as they expand, and nonprofit newsrooms that don’t pay taxes getting a share.

“Opponents will always sell the ghost in the closet,” Glazers said of entities that oppose the bill. “The news business is facing an existential threat, and they are fighting with each other over who will be the last passenger on the Death Star.”

Glazer shared that Google, Meta, and Amazon “fiercely” oppose SB 1327 but “don’t have a problem with helping news media. In conversations with the big tech giants, they prefer the state to pick up the tab.

“I tried to point out to them that their conduct and work ethic has contributed to the hollow out of news in California,” Glazer said. “They have an obligation to help mitigate the damage they have caused.”

California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) vice chair Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) said on May 16 at the State Capitol that his biggest concern about SB 1327 was whether it would benefit Ethnic Media, including Black media platforms. “They’re usually left and still need more assistance,” Bradford said.

The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) put SB 1327 on its “job killer” list of bills. CalChamber releases a list of job killer bills to identify legislation that it “claims “decimate economic and job growth” in the state. On CalChamber’s website, it says that SB 1327 “implements a discriminatory” 7.25% tax on the revenue generated from the sale of digital advertising. Companies that make an excess of $2.5 billion would be responsible for the mitigation fee.

“About 65% of journalists have lost their jobs since 2005,” Glazer said. It’s quite ironic that the state Chamber of Commerce labeled the bill a ‘job killer.’ I tell my staff when we debate many issues it is all about definition and job killer isn’t always about people, certainly not in this case. In this case is all about profits.”

Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Contra Costa County) shared his thoughts expressed his views about Senate Bill (SB) 1327 at Capitol Weekly’s “Covering California: The Future of Journalism in the Golden State” conference, which was held in Sacramento on May 30. During his keynote speech message at the one-day event, Glazer said admitted he couldn’t get the votes he needed to pass the bill SB 1327 that proposes imposing a “mitigation fee” on major digital technology

companies to fund journalism jobs.

Despite the challenges, the Senator vows to keep the Legislation alive.

“We have had setbacks, and we have a lot of work to do to fix this, but I certainly am not giving up,” Glazer said at the event near the State Capitol. Glazer is chairperson of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee.

In addition to Glazer's address, Capitol Weekly organized a probing conference that

examined three of the most pressing issues facing California reporters.

Media experts, publishers, communications specialists, and political reporters assembled to discuss the preservation of fair, balanced, and accurate journalism. The need for media outlets to deliver high-quality news coverage that bolsters government, the assessment of new business models; and coverage of the State Capitol dominated the 5-hour event.

“It is nothing short of tragic

I would say to see what is happening to the journalism industry,” said Tim Foster, Capitol Weekly's Executive Director. “I’ve been in and around journalism since 1995 and what we are seeing today with the closing of the journalism industry is unprecedented in my lifetime.”

Glazer spoke for 45 minutes about the future of democracy and the role journalism plays in it. However, the Legislature’s failure to advance SB 1327 and

Merrill Lynch agrees to pay nearly $20 million to settle class action racial discrimination lawsuit

By Wyatte Grantham-Philips AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Merrill Lynch has agreed to pay nearly $20 million to settle a classaction lawsuit that accuses the Wall Street brokerage giant of racially discriminating against its Black financial advisers.

The lawsuit alleges that African-American advisers employed by Bank of Americaowned Merrill received less compensation and promotions than their White counterparts — and were terminated at higher rates than their White colleagues, with fewer advancing to more senior roles. The case alleges that this was a result of discriminatory practices at the company, which included a broader lack of support and inequitable teaming opportunities.

“The violations of AfricanAmerican employees’ rights are systemic and are based upon company-wide policies and practices,” reads the suit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida last week. The complaint was brought by four former Merrill advisers.

According to a May 24 motion for settlement, Merrill has agreed to pay $19.95 million — which, beyond attorney fees and administration costs, is set to compensate class members with individual payments.

The plaintiffs expect there are about 1,375 eligible class members.

As part of the settlement, which still needs a judge’s approval, Merrill has also agreed to additional “programmatic relief” — including a review of the company’s current and past diversity initiatives as well as analysis of diversity metrics and pay equity. Merrill does not admit to any wrongdoing under

the settlement’s terms. In a statement to The Associated Press, Bank of America said that the company “reached an agreement to resolve this matter so we could focus on initiatives to assist Black financial advisers and their clients.”

Charlotte, North Carolinabased Bank of America, which acquired Merrill in 2008, added that it had “implemented numerous policies and programs over the last 10 years” — including increased training aimed at improving diversity and inclusion. In that time, the company noted, the number of Black financial advisers at Merrill has increased by over 40 percent and representation on teams has more than tripled. This legal battle dates back several years. According to the motion for settlement, the class counsel first sent Merrill a letter informing the company of the plaintiffs’ allegations back in September 2020, and negotiations between the parties continued in the months and years following.

In July 2021, a class action complaint was also filed in federal court in Michigan — but the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the action in November 2022, so that settlement negotiations could conclude, last week’s motion notes. Just over a decade ago, in August 2013, Merrill agreed to a sweeping settlement following previous allegations of racial discrimination from Black financial advisers. At the time, the company agreed to pay $160 million and implement a list of measures aimed at improving diversity in the workplace.

The panel for A Crisis in Local News. Shown right to left, are Danielle Bergstrom (Fresnoland), Colleen McCain-Nelson (Sacramento Bee), Christa Scharfenberg (California Local News Fellowship Program-UC Berekely), and former television broadcast journalist Pamela Wu (News and Media Relations-UC Davis). CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Contra Costa) was the keynote speaker at Capitol Weekly's Covering California: The Future of Journalism In the Golden State event held in Sacramento on May 30. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Vaccinations May Not Prevent Infections from New COVID SubVariant

By Sunita Sohrabji May 30, 2024

Vaccines have not kept pace with the rapid evolution of Covid-19 variants and sub-variants.

The new KP.2 subvariant shows an amazing ability to evade immunity, and will likely spur on a summer surge of COVID-19 infections.

“This is one of the more aggressive versions of the virus that we have ever seen,” said virologist Dr. Benjamin Neuman, professor of biology at Texas A&M University. “This is at the top of the scale in terms of immune resistance, which means that it will almost certainly be able to infect people, even if they have been recently vaccinated,” he said. A recent vaccination still remains the best way to not die from COVID-19, said Neuman.

FLiRT Subvariant

Dr. Ben Neuman, Texas A&M University. Videos by Nina Mohan.

As of May 1, hospitals are no longer mandated to report COVID-19 hospitalizations.

KP.2 comes from the FLiRT

family of the Omicron variant, and currently accounts for about one-third of COVID infections, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms are similar to infections from other subvariants: runny nose, sore throat, headache, fevers, cough and body aches. The CDC has dropped its recommendation of isolating for five days, advising instead to stay home until the fever has passed Vaccines have not kept pace with the rapid evolution of COVID-19 variants and subvariants, said Neuman, speaking at an Ethnic Media Services news briefing May 24. The Food and Drug Administration was scheduled to last week to discuss KP.2, but has postponed its meeting until July to determine which subvariants on which to base a new vaccine, which will be rolled out in September.

Out of Date Test Kits

California Launches Campaign To Raise Awareness About Alzheimer’s Disease And Reduce Stigma

by Breanna Reeves

As part of the statewide public awareness campaign, Take on Alzheimer’s, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health hosted a panel featuring experts and community leaders on May 23, 2024 at St. Anne’s Family Services in Los Angeles. (Image courtesy of CDPH)

Overview: California has identified Alzheimer’s disease as the third leading cause of death in the state, with an estimated 720,000 people living with the disease. The California Department of Public Health has launched a state-wide campaign called “Take on Alzheimer’s” to increase education and raise awareness about the disease. The campaign aims to reduce stigma around Alzheimer’s disease and provide accessible information to the public. The state is launching a series of events across different counties that feature experts, community partners, and community-based organizations.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has identified Alzheimer’s disease as the third leading cause of death in the state.

The virologist said his preference is for a twice a year vaccine boost. “This would do a lot to prevent infections. However, that does not appear to be the path that they are taking right now. It appears to be a once annual vaccination, in the back to school and winter season.”

“When we know that this is a virus that occurs sporadically, and peaks at different times throughout the year, every year. It’s essentially unpredictable. We’re treating COVID as if it were flu, even though it’s very much not,” stated Neuman.

Home test kits may not be as effective at diagnosing an infection, because they are developed for older subvariants. However, said Neuman, they will still work. “They are likely out of date. And so that means that they may miss some of the time. But the tests work based on detecting parts of the virus that have not been changing very much in the recent evolution. So in theory, they would still work effectively.”

Dr. Ben Neuman, Texas A&M University.

Summer Surge

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, professor of Medicine and director of the immuno-compromised host infectious diseases program at the University of California, San Francisco, said he expects to see a surge of COVID infections this summer.

“As more people get infected with the new variants, it will

just be easier to get in a more vulnerable state. And because of the low vaccination rate and low uptake of Paxlovid, I’m worried that we’ll get a swell in hospitalizations,” said ChinHong, who joined Neuman at the May 24 EMS news briefing. The US has experienced four consecutive summers of COVID surges: as temperatures get warmer, people tend to gather indoors, largely without masks.

Get Vaccinated

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, University of California San Francisco.

Chin-Hong predicted that the surge would not cripple hospitals, as it has in previous years. He noted that the surge would come in earlier this year, based on wastewater analysis.

“We need to encourage particularly those who are vulnerable and especially if they didn’t get a vaccine last year to please go ahead and get it. And if you don’t want to get a vaccine, make sure you know how to get access to early therapy if you get COVID,” said Chin-Hong.

He encouraged people to continue wearing masks, noting that masks are useful for any illness that’s respiratory spread.

“Emerging threats will continue our lifetimes. And we have to keep our efforts laser focused on protecting all parts of our society, especially the vulnerable,” said Chin-Hong.

The Next Human Pandemic Could Be Bird Flu...continued from page 1

compromised host infectious diseases program at the University of California, San Francisco.

It appears like a very bad flu, but the fatality rate is much higher, he said.

Both researchers were speaking at a May 24 Ethnic Media Services news briefing.

“The reason why it’s so deadly initially in humans is because we’re not used to seeing this kind of infection. It’s almost like the early days of COVID. So we don’t have the necessary immune system to target it,” said Chin-Hong.

“It is possible that we can have a pandemic at some point in the medium term,” he stated.

Spanish Flu

quarters, with little or no protective equipment to ward off exposure to the virus. Immigration status, as well as losing out on pay during a sick day, might discourage workers from reporting, said Chin-Hong.

“Those three cases we know about are just the tip of the iceberg. We don’t even know how many people have asymptomatic infections,” he said.

“There’s a fear of deportation. So if there was some regulation around immigration amnesty, I think it will help all of us.”

Income assurance for those who get sick and for farms who must shut down during an outbreak could also potentially lead to better reporting, he said. The federal government does provide $50,000 per day to temporarily-shuttered farms.

California Launches Campaign To Raise Awareness About Alzheimer’s Disease And Reduce Stigma...continued

some civil rights and fear of being shunned and isolated by others.

“By educating Californians about the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, providing accessible, easily usable information, and inspiring hope and conversations like this one, we could turn around some of that stigma,” said Dr. María P. Aranda, a professor of social work, and Gerontology and Neurology at the University of Southern California (USC).

Dr. Aranda was one of five panelists who spoke about

confusion with time or place, among others. By recognizing the signs of Alzheimer’s symptoms early, families can take action by consulting a doctor and preparing a plan to move forward.

Like thousands of Californians, Reverend Douglas Nelson of TrueLA Church was a family caregiver for his 89-yearold grandmother before she passed away. He explained that talking about such personal topics like Alzheimer’s and the weight of caregiving can be challenging, especially in Black communities that value privacy.

the importance of educating the public about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), brain health and reducing stigma around the disease during an event on May 23. Hosted by the CDPH and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), the panel addressed how to engage communities of color in the conversation about Alzheimer’s and how to practice culturally relevant outreach.

Dr. María P. Aranda, a professor of social work, and Gerontology and Neurology at the University of Southern California (USC) addresses the audience during a Take on Alzheimer’s statewide campaign event on May 23, 2024, at St. Anne’s Family Services in Los Angeles. (Image courtesy of CDPH)

A 2021 Alzheimer’s Association report showed that Hispanic and Black communities will experience a disproportionate increase in the prevalence of Alzheimer’s. Black Americans are twice as likely as older white Americans to have Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

By 2040, the number of Hispanic Californians living with Alzheimer’s will more than triple and Black Californians living with Alzheimer’s will nearly triple.

As a community leader, Nelson explained that it’s important to speak to community members who may be dealing with these challenges in a way that is dignified and supportive.

Reverend Douglas Nelson (center) of TrueLA Church answers questions as part of a panel alongside Miriam Hernández of Visión y Compromiso (left) and Dr. Soo Borson, clinical professor of Family Medicine at Keck Medicine of USC and co-lead of the BOLD Center of Excellence on Early Detection of Dementia during the Take on Alzheimer’s statewide campaign event on May 23, 2024 at St. Anne’s Family Services in Los Angeles. (Image courtesy of CDPH) “We ascribe to C.E.I.: Celebrate, Educate and Identify. We’re celebrating unsung heroes who are caregivers,” Nelson shared. “When you celebrate people, this helps others to want to be celebrated.”

By celebrating and recognizing caregivers and the individuals they care for, Nelson explained that this encourages other people in the community to step forward and be identified. The celebration will be hosted with the Western Baptist State Convention on June 1 and will also educate the community about Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Dr. Soo Borson, a clinical professor of Family Medicine at Keck Medicine of USC, addressed the role racism plays in access to health and how it contributes to disparities in Alzheimer’s disease.

Raw Milk

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, and it affects a person’s memory, thinking and behavior.

To address Alzheimer’s disease as a growing public health crisis in the state, the CDPH launched a state-wide campaign called “Take on Alzheimer’s” to increase education and raise awareness about the disease. As part of the campaign, the state is launching a series of events across different counties that feature experts, community partners and community-based organizations.

“Take on Alzheimer’s” seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease by increasing public awareness. Stigma related to an Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related diagnoses can include fear of being looked at differently by one’s community, fear of losing

An estimated 720,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease in California, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, More people, aged 65 and older, are living with Alzheimer’s disease in California than in any other state. By 2040, the number of people with Alzheimer’s is expected to double in California.

The 1918 “Spanish flu,” which killed more than 50 million people worldwide, was caused by an H1N1 virus with genes of avian origin, noted Hong. He added however, that better detection and therapeutics today could decrease the number of human fatalities.

Only three cases of humans infected in the US have been reported thus far. In each of those cases, the infection presented with conjunctivitis — pink eye — and symptoms were relatively mild.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, UCSF.

But Chin-Hong and Pitesky believe there is a vast underreporting of avian flu infections in humans. Immigrants make up 56% of workers in the meatpacking industry and 28% of workers in the poultry industry, according to data from the Economic Policy Institute.

Federal Interventions

Employees work in tight

Humans could potentially get the virus from drinking unpasteurized milk or eating unpasteurized cheese, said Chin-Hong. He referred to a recent study in which mice were given milk from infected cows with H5N1. “It left the gut and actually went to the lungs and caused them to be very sick.”

Pitesky said he was also concerned about avian flu from a food security perspective.

“Poultry is the number one consumed animal protein on the planet. It’s relatively inexpensive and healthy. What we’re dealing with right now is an existential crisis to the poultry industry globally.”

“If we’re going to feed 2 billion more people in the next few decades, poultry is probably part of that solution. And if we can’t get a good handle on this, I’m afraid that that’s gonna be a real challenge for us. Food security is really important for global stability,” he said.

“People of color in California, and elsewhere, especially those with lower access to high quality health care, are diagnosed with dementia in later stages,” Dr. Borson said. As the co-lead of the BOLD Center of Excellence on Early Detection of Dementia, Dr. Borson’s work focuses on improving systems of care through her intimate knowledge of dementia detection and diagnosis.

Talking to loved ones and older adults about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can be difficult due to fear of the future, stigma and misinformation regarding the disease. Part of the statewide campaign seeks to address all of these challenges while providing the public with information on how to approach the topic.

Experts on the panel urged the public to learn how to recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s beyond what is considered to be normal aging such as memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty completing familiar tasks and

According to the California Department of Aging, nearly five million family caregivers support a loved one who needs assistance with everyday tasks. Of these five million caregivers, almost two million are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia.

“Caregivers are heroes. I can’t describe the way a caregiver gives his or her life for someone that they don’t know,” said event emcee Dunia Elvir, an award winning news anchor with Noticiero Telemundo 52. “Without caregivers, families [couldn’t] continue with our regular life. That caregiver is the backbone of all of our family members suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.” California is home to the largest population of older adults, most of whom will need some form of care and who will be at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Experts from the panel emphasized the importance of learning more about Alzheimer’s in order to recognize the signs and symptoms, talking to loved one’s about the disease in an honest and empathetic way, and reducing the risk and stigma associated with it by having conversations about the disease.

(CDC photo via Unsplash)

LEGAL/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

NOTICE INVITING BIDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Coachella Valley Unified School District (“District”) is seeking sealed bids from qualified general contractors for work on the following public-works construction project, as described in more detail in the other Bid Documents (“Project”): Bid No. 170-2024FB Expanded Learning Program Campus Upgrades.

PLACE FOR SUBMITTING BIDS: Bids must be submitted to the District at the following: Coachella Valley Unified School District Superintendent’s Office 87-225 Church Street, Thermal, CA 92274

BID DEADLINE: Bids must be received at the Place for Submitting Bids not later than 2:00PM on Tuesday, June 18, 2024

BID DOCUMENTS: Available for free download from CVUSD Bid Manager at https://www.astihosted.com/CVUSD/ dbm/Vendor/Ven_Default.asp ALL CONTRACTORS BIDDING THE PROJECT ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED USERS

REQUIRED BID SECURITY: Each bid must be submitted with bid security as described in the Instructions for Bidders.

The Contract Time is 30 days.

CONTRACTOR should consult the General Conditions, Supplementary Conditions, and General Requirements regarding Milestones and Liquidated Damages.

mandatory conference for the purpose of describing labor-law requirements.

RETENTION: Substitution of securities in lieu of retention, pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300, will be permitted as provided in the General Provisions.

DEFINED TERMS: Capitalized terms used, but not defined in this Notice Inviting Bids shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in other of the Bid Documents.

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.

Publication Dates:

Advertised June 6, 2024 June 13, 2024

Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: June 14, 2024

Bid Opening: June 18, 2024

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with the Project.

If required, the Instructions for Bidders describes the prequalification requirement in more detail. Contractors may obtain the prequalification questionnaire and instructions by requesting it from the District.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: The District will conduct a mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit on (date) June 14, 2024, at 7:00am_. The conference initially will commence at Attendance at Expanded Learning Campus 1390 7th Street, Coachella, California 92236 the pre-bid conference and site visit is mandatory, any bidder that does not attend shall be deemed non-responsive.

AWARD OF CONTRACT: The award of the Contract will be based on the following method of determining the lowest bid: Base Bid.

SURETY BONDS: The successful bidder must provide a Performance Bond and a separate Payment Bond, each in an amount equal to 100% of the total Contract Price, and each issued by a California-admitted surety as defined in Code of Civil Procedure Section 995.120.

LABOR LAW: The Project is a “public work” that is subject, among other provisions, to Labor Code Sections 1720 through 1861, inclusive. As described in the Instructions for Bidders, each contractor (including subcontractors) must be registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) in accordance with Labor Code Section 1725.5, and bidders must provide evidence of registration for themselves and their subcontractors. Each worker on the Project must be paid not less than the applicable Prevailing Wages. A copy of the applicable rates of Prevailing Wages is on file and available for review at the Place for Submitting Bids, and a copy will be posted at the Project Site. The Project is subject to compliance monitoring and

by

Top 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home

Homeownership has long been a reliable and valuable investment for many Americans. The Black homeownership rate in the U.S., however, stands at just 44% – the lowest among all racial groups according to the National Association of Realtors.

A lack of access to credit, a lack of understanding about the homebuying process, and coming up with the upfront cash needed for a down payment and closing costs are among the barriers many Black Americans face on their journey to homeownership. That’s why it’s important to consider your options and seek out resources to help navigate the homebuying process.

available—in some cases, as low as 3%. Keep in mind that if you put less than 20% down, you may be required to pay private mortgage insurance. Make sure to speak to a Chase Home Lending Advisor to understand the options that may work for you.

3. Evaluate loan options and shop around. There are many different types of home loans available, and having an experienced Chase Home Lending Advisor on your side can help you make the right decision for you. Here are the most common types of loans

A conventional loan typically calls for a higher credit score to qualify and can be accessed through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies.

available to help you purchase a home. Chase offers a homebuyer grant of up to $7,500 to buyers purchasing homes in eligible areas. These grants are offered in low- to moderate-income communities and neighborhoods that are designated by the U.S. Census as majorityBlack, Hispanic and/or Latino. The grant can be used to lower the interest rate and/or reduce closing costs or down payment. You can check grant eligibility online with the Chase Homebuyer Assistance Finder and also discover other financial assistance that may be available.

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Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper June 6, 13, 2024. The San Bernardino American News Publishes The Following Legals: Fictitious Business Name Petitions/Probates Summons Name Changes

Notice of Lien Sale

Alcoholic Beverage License

Foreclosure Notices

Bids/Proposal and More Call (909)889-7677 or Email: mary@sb-american.com

For National Homeownership Month, home lending advisors with JPMorgan Chase & Co. share five important things to consider before purchasing a home.

1. Come prepared and don’t stress about rates. The best time to buy a home is when you’re financially ready. Worry less about the current economic environment and more about your own preparedness for homeownership, including fully knowing and understanding your financial situation, debt level, credit score, savings and investment positions.

2. Save for a down payment. A down payment is what you pay upfront toward the cost of your new home; it’s the difference between your mortgage amount and your purchase price. The more you can put down, the less you’ll be borrowing from a lender. However, it is a myth that you must put down 20% of the purchase price—low down payment loan options are

An FHA loan is backed by the federal government. These loans can help potential buyers with lower credit scores who wish to keep their down payment costs low. Buyers using an FHA loan are required to pay monthly mortgage insurance premiums, regardless of the down payment amount.

A VA loan is a mortgage the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers to servicemembers, veterans and surviving spouses. VA loans can have favorable terms, including no down payment.

Your financial institution may also offer additional loan options.

An example is Chase’s DreaMaker mortgage, which has flexible credit guidelines and requires as little as 3% down.

Lastly, no matter the loan type you chose, it’s important to shop around for the best offer, both in terms of rate and other fees you may have to pay. All lenders and mortgages are not the same. For instance, did you know that, on average, homebuyers save more in mortgage fees with a bank like Chase, compared to a non-bank?

4. Use tools to help. It’s important to look into the financial resources

5. Get educated. Buying a home can be the achievement of a lifetime, but being able to sustain homeownership over time is equally, if not even more, important. For the best chances of success, homebuyers should not only get educated about the buying process, but also understand the ins and outs of homeownership after the home is purchased. Chase’s Beginner to Buyer podcast and its Homebuyer Education Center offers tips and first-hand experiences on homebuying, selling, and ownership.

Homeownership offers many benefits beyond just a place to live—it’s a time-tested way to start building personal and generational wealth. That’s why it’s never too early to start working toward your dreams of homeownership. After all, it’s an investment in your future.

by Arizona Informant

Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Thursday, June 6, 2024

INLAND EMPIRE/HIGH DESERT/ ENTERTAINMENT/RELIGION NEWS

Wrightwood Chamber Of Commerce Presents FREE KIDS CONTESTS! Unique Vendors! Fun Activities for Adventurers of All Ages!

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Located in the Wrightwood Village: 1275 CA-2, Wrightwood CA 92397

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The Serrano people were the first people to inhabit this area. Then in the 1800s, prospectors were drawn to the mountains in search of precious metals. Sumner Wright arrived in 1886 purchasing as much land as possible. In 1924 Wright subdivided creating our village of Wrightwood making this year our centennial year celebration. One hundred years have gone by since the first subdivision of Wrightwood, and the growth continues!

After Independence Day we continue to celebrate with this 2-day event that showcases the local history of the area along with modern day contributions to Wrightwood.

Wrightwood is nestled high in the San Gabriel Mountains and home to Mountain High

Ski Resort. We are the closest mountain resort community to Los Angeles. The historic Big Pines recreational facilities are located just 2 miles west of the village which offers hiking, picnic areas, fishing, camping, and more!

The Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce attracts adventure seekers and those who just need a break from city life. Our annual events allow thousands of attendees the opportunity to discover the many activities our town has to offer & to support our sponsors. Wrightwood is a beautiful place to spend a day, a week or a lifetime. For more information on Vendor Opportunities & Sponsorships contact Janice Quick, President at (760) 9632063.

Mister Rogers’ Lessons for Young Learners (and Their Families, Too)

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Modern science backs Mister Rogers up. Young people with families and caregivers who are actively engaged in their learning tend to do better in school, and not by a little: Students with engaged families are up to 81 percent more likely to graduate from high school and 95 percent more likely to report physical and mental well-being.

“When You Wonder, You’re Learning Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids” by Gregg Behr & Ryan Rydzewski

By Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski

It has been off the air for more than two decades, but Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood still matters — a fact that might not surprise the program’s creator. “I’ve always said the best time for our program is once it’s over,” Fred Rogers explained, “and the television is turned off.” It sounds counterintuitive. But as we document in When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids, Fred knew a thing or three about how learning happens best.

“Television,” he said, “can be fairly passive.” It is one thing for young children to absorb information from a screen; it is another thing entirely when caring adults help kids use that information in living rooms, classrooms, libraries, and all the other places where kids and their caregivers learn. Modern

Mister Rogers’ Lessons for Young Learners (and Their Families, Too)...continued

the example of an “Ask It Basket” she once saw in a classroom: “When the children would ask a question, [the teacher] would write it down and say, ‘That’s a great one to put into the Ask It Basket.’ That simple action told children that their questions matter.”

What if every family had an Ask It Basket on their kitchen table? What if, occasionally, we took some time to wonder aloud with young children — to ask questions big and small, and to search for answers side by side?

Schedule Unscheduled Time

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was full of moments in which nothing much happened, like when Fred showed viewers the length of a minute by letting one pass in silence. He even had a song about such moments: “Let’s Think of Something to Do.” Fred knew that wasting time is not always a waste of time. “When a child has nothing to do and must fill the time, creativity can emerge,” write Roberta Michnick Golinkoff and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek in Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful Children. “It can be right there in a file drawer or a kitchen cupboard or those shiny new markers lying on the table.” What if, once or twice a week,

families made a point of wasting time together? What might we dream up when we are not rushing from place to place, scrambling to finish a project, or staring at our screens?

Do More of What You Love

The Neighborhood’s viewers remember Officer Clemmons — the Black police officer played by François Clemmons. In addition to famously sharing a swimming pool with Fred, Officer Clemmons also shared his deepest creative passion: opera singing. Fred knew how important it was for children to see adults indulging their creative side. “The best teacher in the world,” he said,” is the one who loves what he or she does, and just loves it in front of you.” What do you love to do? Whether it is singing or painting, reading, or taking a walk, it is essential to love these things in front of our kids. Even if young people decide that our passions are not for them, they still get something worthwhile: They see an adult who loves to learn, and who cares enough about them to take them along for the ride. And that may be the most valuable gift we can give young learners. As Fred himself reminded us, “A love of learning has a lot to do with learning that we are loved.”

Ahead of first major heat wave of the year, here’s how California is keeping people safe

“Extreme heat can be deadly. Together, let’s do everything we can to stay safe. The state is taking action to protect and inform communities and Californians should take steps now to protect themselves from the heat. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay connected.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

(June 4, 2024)What you need to know: With extreme heat expected Tuesday through Thursday as we enter the summer season, California is working to keep people safe with outreach efforts, safety resources, and state action.

SACRAMENTO – With a heatwave impacting much of inland California this week, Governor Gavin Newsom today highlighted the state’s continued preparedness and response efforts and urged Californians to take steps to protect themselves from extreme heat.

Beginning today, excessive heat watches and warnings will be in place. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), temperatures in the Central Valley may reach up to 105 degrees, with Death Valley National Park likely reaching 118-121 degrees.

science backs Mister Rogers up. Young people with families and caregivers who are actively engaged in their learning tend to do better in school, and not by a little: Students with engaged families are up to 81 percent more likely to graduate from high school and 95 percent more likely to report physical and mental well-being. Studies suggest that engaging young learners today ––playing with them, holding them, doing whatever we can to strengthen our bonds with them –– will pay dividends tomorrow, and even for decades to come. That is the good news. The bad news is that it isn’t always easy to give young learners the time and attention they deserve, especially when the rent comes due and affordable child care grows ever more scarce. Fortunately, we can look to Fred Rogers to help us spark wonder — anytime and with any child when the television is on and long after it is off.

Wonder Aloud Fred brought his joyful curiosity to every episode of The Neighborhood, where he permitted himself to ask the questions that were on his mind (and on the minds of his viewers). Today’s adults can follow his lead.

Hedda Sharapan, who worked on The Neighborhood for decades and who writes a wonderful newsletter for the Fred Rogers Institute, shares

continued in next 2 columns

Given this extreme weather, the state is entering phase 2 of its Extreme Temperature Response Plan, which is triggered by NWS predictions of excessive heat activity and moves the state into action to coordinate an all-hands response by the state government.

As the changing climate is making heat waves more intense and frequent, extreme heat kills more Americans each year than any other extreme weather events, including wildfires, droughts, and floods.

Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, Governor Newsom announced the launch of ready. ca.gov – a new one-stop shop for Californians to prepare for emergencies and extreme weather.

The new website is part of Listos California, which is a state effort that connects communities with in-language resources before, during and after emergencies.

The Governor also visited the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to receive updates on the administration’s preparedness for summer and peak wildfire season.

Cal OES is coordinating with local governments and emergency managers on any regional needs.

A current list of local cooling centers open by county can be found here. Through Listos California, Cal OES is deploying in-language preparedness

“Let Me Tell You, Just in Case You Don’t Know!”

By Lou K. Coleman

Lou K. Coleman

When Jesus comes at the Rapture, there will be NO WARNING. It will be INSTANTANEOUS. It will be as [1 Corinthians 15:52] says in the “Twinkling of an Eye”. There will be no time to get ready. There will be no time to repent. It will be too late! What are you waiting for? For as [2 Corinthians 6:2] says –Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of Salvation. Don’t wait until it’s too late! If you do, [Matthew 25:46] says, you will go away into eternal punishment. “You will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might. [2 Thessalonians 1:8-9]. For God is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? [Numbers 23:19]. Listen, there will be NO SECOND CHANCES to Repent and be Saved after Death [Hebrews 9:27; Jude 1:13; Matthew 25:46]. Prepare! Give your life to the Lord. Yes, there is an urgency to this message –Jesus is returning soon! Secure your eternal destiny today. Please! And understand that these words are not meant to scare you; they’re a warning about what the future holds if you reject the Lord’s offer of salvation. God has set before you a choice between eternal life and death. What will you choose? [1 John 5:11-13]. Throughout God’s word we see time and again where God warns people of the coming judgment, telling them to prepare. But for some, it’s out of sight, out of mind. For others, it’s business as usual and because of such [Isaiah 5:14-16; Isaiah 14:9] says, "Hell from beneath is excited about you, to meet you at your coming; it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. Turn to the LORD before it's too late. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [Isaiah 55:67]. Time is running out! [Romans 13:11].

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1206

messaging to California’s most impacted communities and those who may be most at risk during extreme temperatures, including those 65 years of age or older; individuals with chronic illness, disabilities or who are pregnant. In addition, through the state’s Priority Populations Task Force, Cal OES convenes over 20 agencies to coordinate state resources, identify and address unmet needs, and ensure comprehensive preparedness and response in support of Californians at greatest risk.

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is also reminding employers to protect workers from heat illness during high temperatures by providing water, rest, shade and training. Field inspectors are conducting targeted inspections at worksites where workers are most vulnerable to heat illness including in agriculture and construction. Details on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available online at 99calor.org.

Cal/OSHA’s heat illness prevention standard applies to all outdoor worksites.

The Government Operations Agency has coordinated messaging to all state employees on increased temperature preparedness and worked with building managers to reiterate state efficiencies during warmer days.

The California Natural Resources Agency and state climate partners are putting actions in motion to increase climate resilience and address longerterm impacts of climate change and extreme heat events through the Extreme Heat Action Plan to Build Community Resilience. Efforts include resources for vulnerable and underserved communities, investments in shading communities through green schoolyards and urban forestry initiatives, and putting nature-based solutions to work to cool buildings and infrastructure.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has created a Heat & Summer Safety toolkit to provide resources and communication tools that can be shared, including the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. CDPH also develops heat guidance for schools, local health jurisdictions, and other community service providers to protect Californians, particularly heat-vulnerable populations like children, students, older adults, the unhoused, outdoor workers, and those with existing health conditions.

Knowing One Another

Hill Brown

“Even the most ardent revolutionist, seeking to change the world, to overturn the tables of the money changers, is trying to make a world where it is easier for people to love, to stand in relationship to each other. We want with all our hearts to love, to be loved.” Dorothy Day, The Reckless Way of Love: Notes on Following Jesus.

Every week for five years, I distributed sterile injecting equipment and naloxone in Asheville, NC. When I began this work in 2016, it was as a volunteer for a newly formed, community-based harm reduction organization. I knew the supplies were valuable to stop the spread of infectious disease and reverse increasingly common opioid overdoses. However, as the years passed—and I transitioned from volunteer to outreach worker to executive director—the thing that kept me engaged in outreach was the reality that many program participants were most interested not in supplies but a consistent, caring relationship.

People who use drugs experience a devastating amount of stigma in the United States. Many people I worked with encountered so much unfair treatment when seeking emergency medical care, housing, and even treatment for substance use disorder that they had stopped visiting other service providers. Having someone show up week after week who called them by name and responded to their needs without judgment or coercion was a much bigger deal than I had anticipated.

I left my role in direct service harm reduction in 2021.

Unsure how best to grapple with heartbreak, burnout, and a world remade by the confluence of at least four public health emergencies (Covid-19, opioid overdose, homelessness, and police violence), I moved to a tiny rural town an hour away from Asheville. For a couple of years, the distance felt restorative, nice.

But this year I have started to feel very lonely.

Last week I decided to volunteer at a cafe that serves free

meals near one of the locations where I had previously distributed supplies in Asheville. I thought maybe if I had a constructive thing to do with others I would feel less alone. I sat through the volunteer orientation and then I started the work of handing out plates of food. Throughout my two hour volunteer shift, I was stopped multiple times by people who asked “don’t I know you?” I would explain where I used to work and then their faces would light up. “Oh yeah! Hill, right?” When the cafe served its last meal, I helped fold chairs and sweep and then I said my goodbyes. As I walked down the street back to my car, I heard someone yell my name. When I turned, I saw a woman I had met only once before waving at me from the bus stop. I walked over and chatted with her while she waited for a ride. As we parted ways, she smiled and said, “It was good to see you, Hill! See you soon.”

When I finally sat down in the driver’s seat of my car, I closed my eyes and thanked God. For years I had shown up every week to call people by name, because I could tell folks were isolated and this turningtowards was not happening in other areas of their lives. Now I need someone to call me by name. Acutely, I feel the need to be seen and known. I do not think it is some dramatic role reversal that many of the folks who provided me with this kind of support last week are the same people I served at the syringe exchange. These are the folks who know me. And this is a kind of mutual aid. We are not made to tough out this hard moment alone. Each of us wants a world where it is easier to love. We will only arrive in that world by seeking to know the other and allowing ourselves to be seen, known, and called by name. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Hill Brown is the Southern Ambassador for Harm Reduction Overdose Prevention Ministries for the United Church of Christ.

The California Community Colleges Commences

Roundtable Discussion on Brown v. Board of Education with a Distinguished Panel of Experts

ICanGoToCollege. com campaign is closing out the first season of its EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast with three special episodes on Brown v. Board of Education. The first two episodes feature a roundtable discussion by a distinguished expert panel of legislators, educators, and thought leaders on the state of education for Black and African American students.

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Abdimalik Buul, awardwinning professor and visiting executive of educational excellence and the equal employment opportunity program for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

“This critical conversation was prompted by the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled separating children

in public schools based on race unconstitutional,” Dr. Buul said. “The work is not done. We must continue to address system inequities to help students face the challenges of today.”

The expert panel consisted of Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., California Secretary of State; Dr. Luke Wood, President, California State University, Sacramento and a member of California’s Racial Equity Commission; Dr. Edward Bush, President, Consumnes River College and President and Cofounder of the African American Male Education Network and Development (A²MEND); Dr. Adam Clark, President, California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators; and Pamela Haynes, member of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and a Los Rios Community College District Board Trustee. Both

Secretary Weber and Ms. Haynes experienced the segregation of schools before the Brown v. Board of Education decision and the subsequent integration while they were students in California.

“This decision was significant because it addresses the issue of what racism and separation does to people physically, emotionally and economically,” Secretary Weber said. “We’ve learned since then that the decision has been a mixed bag, as we’ve seen the disintegration of many things that were important to the Black community that we must continue to address today.”

The California Community Colleges presented the Brown v. Board of Education roundtable discussion as part of its ongoing commitment to address the racial inequities in higher education and how its policy initiatives, such as its Vision 2030 roadmap, are making a difference in educational outcomes for the

Black and African American students the system educates today.

The California Community Colleges’ ICanGoToCollege. com campaign launched the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast series to inspire current and prospective Black and African American students, particularly Black males, through thoughtprovoking conversations, to enroll or stay enrolled in a California community college. Topics include the benefits of California community colleges, services like Umoja and A2MEND designed to support Black students, and the availability of financial aid. The series also aims to increase student transfer rates to the University of California, California State University, private not for profit colleges and Historically Black Colleges

The California Community Colleges Commences Roundtable Discussion on Brown v. Board of Education with a Distinguished Panel of Experts...continued

and Universities (HBCUs).

Episode 8 and 9 of the threepart EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast series on Brown v. Board of Education are available now. Part three is scheduled to be released in mid-June and will feature a panel of community college students reacting to the expert panel discussion and sharing their thoughts and experiences on where higher education in California is today.

The EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast series on Brown v. Board of Education and previous episodes on other topics can be viewed now through the ICanGoToCollege.com website, YouTube channel and social media pages.

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The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation,

composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; and degree and certificate pathways. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges support Vision 2030, a strategic plan designed to serve our students, our communities and our planet. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X). To learn about the financial aid, career education and guaranteed transfer opportunities for current or prospective students at California community colleges, please visit the I Can Go To College website or follow the campaign on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X).

Marian Robinson, heart of the Obama White House, remembered fondly after death at 86

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire

(NNPA Newswire) — Marian Robinson, mother to former first lady Michelle Obama, died on May 31, at age 86. Her loved ones said she leaves behind a void in the hearts of many. As a steadfast figure in the Obama White House, Robinson’s presence extended far beyond familial ties, touching the lives of all who knew her.

Marian Lois Shields set out on a journey that was characterized by fortitude and compassion after emerging from the vibrant tapestry of Chicago’s South Side. From her early days as a teacher to her later role as a trusted secretary, Robinson’s life was a testament to the values of family and service, showcasing her personal achievements and contributions.

In a heartfelt tribute, Michelle Obama fondly recalled her mother’s enduring influence, describing her as the unwavering pillar of their family. Robinson’s wisdom, honed through life’s diverse experiences, was a beacon of light during times of uncertainty. Her steadfast support and gentle nature were not just sources of strength but unique qualities that endeared her to the entire Obama clan.

Throughout Barack Obama’s historic presidency, Marian Robinson was a symbol of stability, offering sage advice and unconditional love. Despite the grandeur of the White House, she maintained her down-to-earth charm, forging deep connections with staff and finding solace in everyday routines, thereby extending her influence beyond her immediate family.

Reflecting on her mother’s legacy, Michelle Obama shared cherished memories of their time, illustrating their profound bond. Robinson’s unwavering presence and nurturing spirit created a sense of home amidst the whirlwind of public life.

“Her wisdom came off as almost innate, as something she was born with, but in reality, it was hard-earned, fashioned by her deep understanding that the world’s roughest edges could always be sanded down with a little grace,” the family said.

Michelle, Barack, Malia and Sasha Obama; and Craig, Kelly, Avery, Leslie, Austin and Aaron Robinson joined to pen a heartfelt remembrance of the matriarch.

“Our mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother had a way of summing up the truths about life in a word or two, maybe a quick phrase that made everyone around her stop and think,” they wrote. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Know what’s truly precious. As a parent, you’re not raising babies — you’re raising little people. Don’t worry about whether anybody else likes you. Come home. We’ll always like you here.”

The family recalled that, as a young woman, Robinson studied to become a teacher before working as a secretary. She fell quickly and madly in love with Fraser Robinson, another SouthSider with a “boxer’s strength and jazz-lover’s cool.” Together, they raised two children, Craig and Michelle, in a tiny upstairs apartment on Euclid Avenue in

South Shore.

Robinson volunteered for the PTA and taught her children to read at an early age, sitting together as they sounded out words on a page, giving them the strength and confidence to walk to school — and out into the world — all on their own.

She once chewed out a police officer who had accused Craig of stealing a bike, demanding that the adult apologize to her son. On summer nights, she’d pack the family into the car with a steaming plate of chicken for a trip to the drive-in movies. On New Year’s Eve, she’d pass around pigs in a blanket and raise a toast to Auld Lang Syne. And every night, for years on end, she and Fraser would hold court at the dinner table, where they indulged all manner of questioning, teaching their children to believe in the power and worth of their own voices.

“On Election Night in 2008, when the news broke that Barack would soon shoulder the weight of the world, she was there, holding his hand,” the family wrote. “With a healthy nudge, she agreed to move to the White House with Michelle and Barack. We needed her. The girls needed her. And she ended up being our rock through it all.”

Marian Lois Shields, mother-in-law and mother to America’s first Black president and first lady, Barack and Michelle Obama, died May 31, at age 86. (Courtesy photo/ Instagram)