Alleged Criminal Acts
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson further warned of the broader implications of the ruling, suggesting that even a hypothetical president who commits grave crimes, such as ordering assassinations of political rivals or instigating a coup, could potentially claim immunity under the new model
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson accused the conservative majority of creating a dangerous precedent: establishing a new model of presidential accountability that grants undue immunity to the highest office.
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
On Monday, July 1, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump has immunity for some of his conduct during his presidency in his federal election interference case. However, other actions may not be protected. This decision adds another layer of complexity to the potential trial proceedings.
In a closely watched case exploring the boundaries of presidential power, the justices voted 6-3 along ideological lines to reject Trump’s sweeping immunity claim. The ruling means that charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results will not be dismissed outright. However, the court indicated that actions closely tied to his presidential duties are off-limits to prosecutors.
Trump has already been convicted on 34 felony charges related to a hush-money scheme to conceal an extramarital affair with an adult film star while Melania Trump was pregnant.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, emphasized the need for lower courts to examine further which actions Trump can be prosecuted for. Specifically, the court determined that
Trump’s interactions with Justice Department officials and Vice President Mike Pence in the lead-up to the January 6 Capitol attack by his supporters are considered core presidential powers and thus immune from prosecution.
“The president is not above the law,” Roberts wrote. “But
Congress may not criminalize the president’s conduct in carrying out the responsibilities of the executive branch under the Constitution.”
The ruling leaves the future of the case uncertain, requiring further proceedings before U.S.
District Judge Tanya Chutkan.
Judge Chutkan will now review
other alleged conduct by Trump, including his communications with state election officials, private parties, and members of the public, to determine if they qualify as official acts.
The court’s liberal justices dissented, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor arguing that the ruling undermines a
governor
“All
he said.
However, critics argue that the bill would harm franchisees, resulting in job losses. Data released by the BLS contrast statistics published by the California Business and Industrial Alliance (CABIA), which stated that the fast-food industry lost 10,000 jobs. The CABIA stated that the wage increase forced fast food companies to cut labor costs to keep business afloat.
fundamental constitutional principle that no individual is above the law. “Trump will now be insulated from criminal prosecution. In every use of official power, the President is now a king, above the law,” said Sotomayor.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, in a strongly worded
dissent, accused the conservative majority of creating a dangerous precedent by establishing a new model of presidential accountability that grants undue immunity to the highest office.
“With that understanding of how our system of accountability for criminal acts ordinarily functions, it becomes much easier to see that the majority’s ruling in this case breaks new and dangerous ground,” Jackson wrote.
“Departing from the traditional model of individual accountability, the majority has concocted something entirely different: A Presidential accountability model that creates immunity — an exemption from criminal law — applicable only to the most powerful official in our Government,” she added.
Justice Jackson further warned of the broader implications of the ruling, suggesting that even a hypothetical president who commits grave crimes, such as ordering assassinations of political rivals or instigating a coup, could potentially claim immunity under the new model. Trump, who faces about 50 other charges related to the 2020 election, has openly discussed executing his rivals.
Padilla Statement on Supreme Court Decision Granting Trump Partial Immunity From Criminal Prosecution
Government News
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. —
(July 1, 2024) U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Supreme Court granted former President Donald Trump partial immunity from criminal prosecution in the Trump v. United States ruling:
“Today, former President Trump’s handpicked justices have cast aside our nation’s bedrock principle of the rule of law, afforded future presidents
carte blanche to abuse the powers of their office for political and personal gain, and laid the foundation for Donald Trump to have absolute authority in a potential second term.
“Before today, America’s judicial system was rooted in the simple but fundamental principle that no one is above the law. Not Congress, not the courts, and not even the President of the United States. Today’s decision turns that most fundamental principle on its head.
“If brazenly attempting to overturn a democratic election by claiming the powers of the presidency can be a so-called ‘official’ act of the president, then where does it end? If a former president who has fomented an insurrection at our Capitol and who now promises to serve as a dictator on day one back in office can avoid accountability in a court of law, then as Justice Sotomayor stated, I too ‘fear for our democracy.’”
The courtroom of the Supreme Court of the United States. Photo: supremecourt.gov
SBCUSD Graduate
Bound for Harvard in the Fall: San G's Silvana Vazquez is 1 of 3,514 Students in the SBCUSD Class of 2024
SAN BERNARDINO, CA—
San Gorgonio High School (San G) valedictorian Silvana Vazquez celebrated her final day as a high school student along with 346 other graduates during the school’s May 30 commencement ceremony. Come fall, Vazquez will have left the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) behind to walk the campus of Harvard University. Born and raised in San Bernardino, Vazquez will head to the East Coast in a few months, where she will study government and pre-law, with the goal of becoming an immigration lawyer. At San G, Vazquez took advantage of honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which gave her an edge. She credits SBCUSD and its teachers with helping her uncover her brilliance.
“As a student who strives for perfection, hard work and discipline, SBCUSD has provided various resources that helped me go above and beyond in my academics and college preparedness,” said Vazquez, who spent her senior year serving as a student member of the Board of Education. “SBCUSD offers various programs such as dual enrollment to help me get ahead on college credit, but also focus on my high school education. Thanks to SBCUSD, I have had the incredible honor to get accepted into rigorous colleges that I would not have been accepted into if it weren’t for the programs offered by SBCUSD.”
The Dual Enrollment Program is offered at several SBCUSD high schools, providing students
enjoy
with the opportunity to take some college courses that also meet their high school graduation requirements. The District’s Middle College High School (MCHS) is dedicated to dual enrollment, providing qualifying SBCUSD students with an opportunity to meet half or more of their high school graduation requirements through courses at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC). MCHS students have the opportunity to graduate with an associate’s degree and Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification at the same time as a high school diploma.
IGETC is a set of California community college courses students complete to satisfy most University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) freshmanand sophomore-level general education requirements.
MCHS graduated 48 students with a high school diploma on May 23, of which 23 also graduated from SBVC with an associate’s degree and 33 graduated with their IGETC certification. Ten MCHS graduates earned the Grand Honor of Merit from SBVC for earning a 3.5 or higher G.P.A. in their college classes.
MCHS was recently recognized by the California Department of Education with a California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award for its success in making sure its students, many of whom were not meeting their academic potential at their previous school, successfully complete high school and have a jump on their peers when it comes to college.
MCHS graduate Daisy Rojo managed to maintain good grades in both her high school classes
Six Tips to Preserve and Protect the Outdoors This Summer
Summer is here, and many Californians are headed out to enjoy the warmer weather and wonders of the outdoors with friends and family. Before recreating outside, be sure to think about your impact and do your part to keep public lands clean to protect the natural ecosystems.
Caltrans, Clean California, and California State Parks recommend a few simple tips to help keep public spaces and communities safe and free from litter and debris:
Pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trace by bringing a trash bag, especially if visiting a remote area. Put food waste, napkins, single-use food wrappers, and other waste in the bags until it can be properly disposed of. For human waste, the use of waste alleviation gel (WAG) bags or other portable toilet options is recommended. WAG bags can be safely disposed of in regular trash receptacles.
(Photo
and college courses while also serving as a Student Board Member on the SBCUSD Board of Education and a member of the San Bernardino County Fifth District Youth Advisory Council. She credits SBCUSD with her success.
“The San Bernardino School District has prepared me for the future by providing me with the resources as an English learner and a first-generation Hispanic child of two immigrant parents,” Rojo said. “Their constant dedication to making schools advanced and safe is evident through their efforts in recruiting staff and teachers who are dedicated to the success of every student. I am immensely grateful to the San Bernardino School District for the invaluable education and guidance I've received over the past 13 years. Thank you for empowering me to pursue my dreams.”
While MCHS was one of the smallest SBCUSD graduating classes, Arroyo Valley High School (AVHS) had the largest graduating class with 717 students. This included 294 graduates who completed a Linked Learning Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway and 28 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma candidates.
Linked Learning CTE Pathways prepare students for both post-secondary education and immediate entry into the workforce in a specific career field. Of AVHS’s 294 pathway completers, 62 were from the Gold-certified Business & Logistics pathway, 47 from the Gold-certified Digital Media Arts pathway, 70 from the Silver-certified Educators for
Tomorrow pathway, 59 from the Gold-certified CORE pathway, 20 from the Visual & Performing Arts pathway and 36 from the Silver-certified Animation Tech pathway.
AVHS is one of two SBCUSD high schools to offer the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, which offers students an opportunity to graduate high school with an internationally recognized diploma. To earn an IB diploma, students must pass a series of exams and demonstrate their ability to analyze and evaluate information and solve problems creatively in a wide variety of academic subjects.
Cajon High School also offers the IB Diploma Programme and graduated SBCUSD’s secondlargest graduating class of 629 students, which included 80 IB Diploma candidates, 211 students who earned a Golden State Seal Merit Diploma, and 157 graduates who earned a Seal of Biliteracy for mastering English and another language.
Daniel Rivera, Jr. was one of Cajon High’s standout graduates. Earning well over $10,000 in scholarships is a remarkable accomplishment that speaks volumes about Rivera’s dedication to academic excellence and his bright future ahead. Throughout his time at Cajon High School, Rivera demonstrated exemplary leadership both inside and outside the classroom. His involvement in various extracurricular activities, as well as his commitment to community service, has truly set him apart as a role model for his peers.
“My ultimate goal in life is to become an orthodontist, open up my own practice and give back to my community by providing little to no-cost dental work,” Rivera said.
The Cajon commencement was also special because it was the first Cajon High commencement ceremony Principal Dr. Chris Jackson attended since his own graduation from Cajon High.
“As your principal, it is truly my honor to stand before you on this momentous occasion. But,
SBCUSD Graduate Bound for Harvard in the Fall: San G's Silvana Vazquez is 1 of 3,514 Students in the SBCUSD Class of 2024 ...continued
as I said, today is also deeply personal for me,” Jackson said during his commencement address. “Both of my parents graduated from this very school, and over thirty years ago, I walked these same halls, met my wonderful wife right here in the C-Building, and graduated from Cajon 28 years ago. This school is not just a place of learning; like many of you, it's where I grew up, found love and learned much of the knowledge and many of the values that have guided me along the journey to realizing the dream I am living with you all today.”
Jackson was not the only one who thought commencement felt a bit like being with family and belonging. For Indian Springs High School (ISHS) Salutatorian
Genesis Barreda Gaytan, the campus was a second home and teachers and fellow classmates became like family.
“During my high school career, my teachers and my peers experienced the most spirited campus Indian Springs had ever seen,” said Gaytan, whose 4.8 GPA earned her acceptance into UCLA this fall, where she will study engineering.
“The involvement of students, teachers and my community influenced and fueled my hard work into being a leader in our community.”
Gaytan herself was very involved in school as a member
of the softball and volleyball teams, Key Club, National Honor Society and Calculus Club. All that, and she managed to find time to serve her classmates as the Associated Student Body (ASB) president.
School involvement was a theme among top students at every SBCUSD high school. Alexia Leon, Pacific High School’s Citrus Belt Area Athletic Directors Association (CBAADA) Senior Female Athlete of the Year, was a fivestar athlete while maintaining a 4.0 G.P.A. and serving as ASB President.
Leon was the captain of the volleyball team and competed in cross country, soccer, softball and track & field. She was the Mountain Valley League girls’ soccer Offensive MVP, leading her team to a CIF Southern Section Quarterfinal appearance. Leon also completed 12 college courses to earn an Administration of Justice Certificate at SBVC through Pacific’s Dual Enrollment program.
Leon was just one of 91 Pacific graduates who completed at least one college course while at the school. Pacific’s Class of 2024 also boasted 124 graduates who completed a Linked Learning CTE Pathway. This included 52 who completed the Business Management Pathway and
North Etiwanda Preserve Closure Due to Fire Danger...continued
for others puts all of us at unnecessary risk.”
District at 1-909-477-2770 or by emailing RCFire@cityofrc.us.
Pick up small, littered items to make a big impact. Keep an eye out for bottle caps, food wrappers, cigarette butts, and other small items and be sure to properly dispose of them.
Properly dispose of large items, such as pop-up canopies, beach chairs, and coolers. Leaving these items on the beach or in a park or near a trash receptacle may be considered illegal dumping. Please haul back broken items and dispose of them properly at a local garbage site.
Secure your load. Whether you live nearby or are traveling to reach your destination, be sure to properly tarp and tie down items in truck beds, trailers, and boats to ensure items make it to your destination and do not fly out during the trip.
Prevent wildfires and toxic pollution. The hotter and drier climate in the summer makes for
Choose reusable over singleuse items. Reusable containers keep harmful toxins out of our water and community recreation areas and are more cost-efficient in the long run. If you do use cans or plastic bottles, be sure to properly recycle them to help mitigate their impact.
Six Tips to Preserve and Protect the Outdoors This Summer...continued optimal conditions for wildfires. Litter adds to this problem, especially cigarette butts, as they can start and fuel the spread of wildfire. Litter, when burned, can also release toxins into the environment, harming wildlife and nearby communities. Do your part to properly dispose of all items.
More tips are available online at CleanCA.com. Before heading outside, do a little research on your destination to scope out trails, reserve picnic areas and campsites, and pack belongings accordingly. To find a state park close to you, visit Parks.ca.gov.
North Etiwanda Preserve Closure Due to Fire Danger
7/01/24) Rancho Cucamonga, California – Due to increased fire danger, the San Bernardino County Fire Department will be implementing a closure of the North Etiwanda Preserve over the 4th of July holiday.
The closure is being implemented under the authority granted to the fire chief. The closure is supported by San Bernardino County Special Districts, the agency that manages the North Etiwanda Preserve.
The closure is effective from 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2023, through 6:30 a.m. Friday, July 5, 2023.
This prohibition is in addition to the Rules and Regulations of the North Etiwanda Preserve, which are available at https:// specialdistricts.sbcounty.gov/ home/parks-and-recreation/ north-etiwanda-preserve/ or can be obtained from:
San Bernardino County, Special Districts Department 222 W. Hospitality Lane, 2nd Floor San Bernardino, CA 924150450
The closure is necessary to provide for public safety and prevent the ignition of a wildfire that can damage or destroy the natural resources of the region and the historically significant areas within the North Etiwanda Preserve.
The Fire District encourages residents to report the use of fireworks to the Fire Dispatch Center by calling the nonemergency number 1-909-9411488. “If you see something, say something,” encourages the fire marshal. “Help us keep your homes and our environment safe from preventable wildfires caused by those whose disregard continued in next 2 columns
The Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District encourages residents and visitors to enjoy professional fireworks displays at one of several venues throughout San Bernardino County, including the one at LoanMart Field at the Rancho Cucamonga Epicenter. Ticket information for the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular can be found by visiting RCPark. com.
For additional information, please contact the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection
About the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District: Rancho Cucamonga is located approximately 35 miles east of Los Angeles, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, and is home to more than 175,000 residents. The Rancho Cucamonga Fire District provides vital fire and life safety services to residents, visitors and businesses in a 50 square mile area. Stay informed with Rancho Cucamonga Fire District activities by visiting www.RCFire.org, and following on X (@RCFD_PIO) and liking us on Facebook and Instagram.
Harvard-bound San Gorgonio High School Valedictorian Silvana Vazquez (Photo provided by Silvana Vazquez)
Graduates
fireworks at the conclusion of the Indian Springs High School commencement ceremony on May 30, 2024.
provided courtesy of SBCUSD)
Cajon High School's May 30, 2024 commencement (Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)
COUNTY/GOVERNMENT/ BUSINESS NEWS
Opinion: California Must Ensure the Participation of Black Businesses in Upcoming Global Events
Partners
Sarah R. Harris | Special to California Black Media
The upcoming 2026 Men’s FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics and Summer Paralympic Games in 2028 present Los Angeles with remarkable opportunities.
These world sports events are not only a celebration of athletic excellence, but also a unique opportunity to stimulate economic growth, cultivate cultural pride, and advance social equity. To fully capitalize on the economic boom these opportunities could bring to our state and communities, it is imperative that we ensure the inclusion of Black businesses in every facet of the preparations and operations.
Reflecting on history, we must acknowledge the significant legacy of former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. His tireless efforts, in collaboration with Peter Ueberroth, the chairman of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, and businessman, Dr. William (Bill) Burke, were instrumental in bringing the 1984 Summer Olympics to our state. Bradley’s determination and vision transformed Los Angeles, and
its surrounding areas, into an international hub of economic dynamism. The 1984 Olympics demonstrated the power of inclusive leadership and strategic planning.
Bradley's commitment to inclusivity and economic empowerment remains a guiding light for us today. His success in the 1984 Games was not just a personal triumph but a victory for the community. The economic uplift and international recognition that Los Angeles received were a direct result of his unwavering dedication and strategic alliances with key leaders. Bradley, Ueberroth, and their team embodied what was called the “Dream Business Team,” a model of collaboration and innovative thinking that we must aspire to replicate.
As we approach the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, we must build on Bradley’s legacy. The inclusion of Black businesses in these global events is not just a matter of equity; it is an economic imperative. Studies consistently show that diverse and inclusive business practices
CAIR-CA Welcomes Release of Attorney General’s ‘2023 Hate Crime in California’ Report
Government News
(SACRAMENTO, CA –7/1/2024) – The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today welcomed the release of California State Attorney General Rob Bonta’s statewide 2023 Annual Hate Crime report.
SEE: Attorney General Bonta Releases 2023 Hate Crime Report, Highlights Continues Efforts to Combat Hate The annual Hate Crime Report presents and analyzes statistics on hate crimes reported to law enforcement agencies throughout California. It aims to help the public and law enforcement officials better understand hate crimes statewide and what can be done to address them.
According to the new report, overall hate crime events in California decreased from the previous year. However, hate crimes targeting religious minorities have continued to rise. From 2022 to 2023, anti-Muslim bias events increased by 60% as the last quarter of 2023 saw an increase in anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic rhetoric and actions. Hate crimes involving racial bias also reportedly decreased, but anti-Black bias events remained the most prevalent despite seeing a 20.6% decrease from 2022. Events involving antiArab hate remained consistent.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Legal Director Amr Shabaik, Esq. said:
"The findings from this report mirror the alarming increase and persistence in hate and bias against the Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab communities that have
drive innovation and economic growth. By actively including Black businesses, we ensure that the economic benefits of these events are broadly shared, fostering a more robust and resilient local economy.
Currently, we are witnessing a promising continuation of this legacy with Mayor Karen Bass leading the way. Recently, she led an LA delegation to Paris, the host city for the 2024 Summer Olympic games. Bass was accompanied by Council President Paul Krekorian, Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins, LA84 Foundation President and CEO Renata Simril and others, to engage with international stakeholders and learn best practices for major event planning. Upon returning, she convened a Business Roundtable with leaders of local business chambers and associations to discuss small business growth and economic development as top priorities.
“I'm grateful for the opportunity to engage with Business France and UnibailRodamco-Westfield CEO JeanMarie Tritant to witness firsthand the collaborative nature of businesses and consumer engagement during major events,” Bass said at a press conference during the Paris trip. "We are working urgently to ensure that Los Angeles will grow economically during the 2028 games and that our small businesses will grow and thrive past the 2028 games."
The Black Business Association (BBA), the oldest ethnic business support organization in California, has long championed the cause of
economic empowerment for Black businesses. Under the visionary leadership of Earl “Skip” Cooper, II, the BBA has made significant strides in supporting Black entrepreneurs and advocating for their inclusion in major economic opportunities. Now, as the President and CEO, I am committed to continuing this vital work and ensuring that Black businesses are front and center in the preparations for these upcoming events.
Tom Bradley’s legacy teaches us that with determination, strategic vision, and collaborative effort, we can achieve remarkable success. As we prepare for the world to turn its eyes once again to Los Angeles, let us ensure that our Black businesses are not just spectators but active participants and beneficiaries of the economic opportunities these events will bring.
Together, we can create a legacy of inclusion, equity, and economic empowerment that will endure long after the final whistle of the World Cup and the closing ceremony of the Olympics. Let’s honor the spirit of Tom Bradley by working diligently to ensure that the 2026 and 2028 games are a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
I invite you to follow the Black Business Association’s efforts and initiatives at bbala. org or on social media @ blackbusinessassociation.
About the Author
Sarah R. Harris is President and CEO, Black Business Association and the Los Angeles County Small Business Commission, 2nd District Commissioner.
Opinion: We Can Protect Public Employee Pensions and the Environment
Assemblymember Tina McKinnor | Special to California Black Media Partners
OPINION (CBM) – Before being elected to the State Assembly, I spent nearly three decades of my career as a public employee, serving the Los Angeles County Department of Social Services and the Los Angeles County Office of Education. For almost 30 years, I faithfully contributed a portion of my hard-earned salary to the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) knowing that someday my investments would be there for me. Today, I am a CalPERS retiree and rely upon my retirement benefits – just like millions of CalPERS and California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) retirees. CalPERS and CalSTRS know that their fiduciary responsibility is to their members, beneficiaries and survivors.
I trust CalSTRS and CalPERS to make sound investment decisions that prioritize stable, dignified retirement benefits for California teachers and public employees. I also believe that the climate crisis is a real, existential
been reported to our offices statewide over the past year. This rise in hate can be directly attributed to the Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian rhetoric that has been perpetuated by individuals, media outlets, political leaders, and university and college administrators to silence those who advocate for Palestinian human rights and to justify the genocide in Gaza.
"We know that hate crimes and hate incidents targeting our communities are underreported, and these numbers do not fully capture the extent of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian hate our community faces. The report clearly shows that much more work needs to be done to address hate against vulnerable communities in California, starting with the commitment from our elected officials to the safety and well-being of their Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab constituents."
Since Oct. 7, CAIR-CA has received an increase in reports of Islamophobia and antiPalestinian bias. In 2023, its statewide civil rights department received over 700 intakes, with 150 alleging Islamophobic, antiPalestinian, and anti-Arab hate crimes and incidents. Community members have reported facing threats, physical attacks, intimidation, harassment, and doxxing due to their Muslim, Arab, or Palestinian identities, or support for Palestine.
SEE ALSO: New CAIR Civil Rights Report Reveals Highest Number of Complaints in Group’s 30-Year History
Earlier this year, CAIR’s
17 who completed the GoldCertified Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science Academy pathway.
That translates to about one third of Pacific’s 258 graduates ending their high school career with at least one college course under their belt and nearly half successfully completing a CTE Pathway.
While career pathways and extracurricular activities were the motivating force for some SBCUSD seniors, others preferred to focus more on academics and on earning their diploma from the comfort of their home or earlier than their peers. That was the case for the 48 graduates of Virtual Academy.
Standout graduates from Virtual Academy included Lizeth Alcala, who took advantage of Virtual Academy’s unique environment to earn her high school diploma early. She is currently enrolled in two courses through the District’s Early College program.
Virtual Academy allowed Michael T. Ibarra to stay committed to his education while overcoming significant health challenges. Ibarra graduated a semester early, which is a testament to his hard work, resilience and determination and to the importance of providing students with academic options that fit their needs.
But despite their different circumstances and learning environment, Virtual Academy graduates came together on May 28 for commencement. For some, it was the first and last time they would be together, in person, as Virtual Academy students.
While most SBCUSD high schools held commencement ceremonies on May 30, the first
SBCUSD commencements to honor the Class of 2024 were earlier in the month. On Friday, May 17, the Inland Career Education Center (ICEC) kicked off SBCUSD’s commencement season by graduating 117 students who returned to school to earn a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) credential.
ICEC’s Ayisis Clarke returned to school in the fall of 2021 to earn her GED. Just two years later, in November 2023, she passed the GED test and joined 52 other GED credential graduates during the 2023–2024 school year.
According to Clarke, she was nervous when she first enrolled in ICEC. The familiar chalkboards she was used to from her days in school were replaced with computers in every class. But once she decided to take advantage of all the resources ICEC offers, she was able to overcome the challenges in her way.
Clarke has become an advocate for ICEC, and in July, she will be recognized at the GED National Conference in Long Beach.
The ICEC commencement was followed by Sierra High School, a 2024 Model Continuation High School and one of America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Sierra does not have attendance boundaries and instead accepts high school students who were referred to the campus because they are not thriving at their home school. The award-winning continuation high school graduated 334 students on May 20, although some of the graduates had technically graduated earlier in the year, taking advantage of the chance to learn and complete credits at their own pace.
The final SBCUSD
CAIR-CA Welcomes Release of Attorney General’s ‘2023 Hate Crime in California’ Report...continued national office published its 2024 Civil Rights Report, revealing a 56% increase in nationwide anti-Muslim incidents from the previous year—the highest number of complaints in its 30year history.
CAIR-CA wants to remind the community of the importance of reporting all complaints and incidents, even if action or follow-up isn’t requested. If you or someone you know are the victim of a hate crime or incident, immediately contact your local
CAIR-CA office or click here to file a report: https://ca.cair. com/what-we-do/legal-services/ report-an-incident/?eType=Ema ilBlastContent&eId=f9ab8b502ef1-426c-937c-0b4b9bfa4afb
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
SBCUSD Graduate Bound for Harvard in the Fall: San G's Silvana Vazquez is 1 of 3,514 Students in the SBCUSD Class of 2024 ...continued from page 2
commencement ceremonies were held Friday, May 31, after the official last day of school. San Andreas High School graduated 309 students at San Manuel 66ers Stadium in the morning, and San Bernardino High School (SBHS) graduated 325 students at the San Bernardino Valley College football stadium that same evening. San Andreas has the distinction of being the first alternative high school in the nation to have a CTE pathway certified by the Linked Learning Alliance—two Gold-Certified pathways. The two San Andreas pathways, which are national models of excellence, prepare students for opportunities in the business and medical fields. They are among an elite group of 30 pathways nationwide to earn gold certification from the Alliance, which seeks to promote engaging coursework and workforce readiness by establishing clear standards for implementing CTE pathways.
As part of the Business & Technology Pathway, San Andreas students learn to grow produce hydroponically, which is then sold to local restaurants.
The 104 Business & Technology Pathway completers graduated from San Andreas with valuable credentials like a food handlers permit or forklift certification.
Health Sciences Pathway students trained alongside staff from AMR (American Medical Response), giving them handson exposure to careers in health care and earning credentials like American Heart Association Basic Life Support, first aid and OSHA.
SBHS, home of the Cardinals, was the last SBCUSD campus to send their graduates out of the nest and into the wild blue yonder.
The 325 students in the SBHS Class of 2024 have the distinction of graduating from
the first and oldest high school in San Bernardino, joining alumni such as Medal of Honor recipient Col. Joseph C. Rodriguez, NFL players Mark Seay and Alexander Mattison, Taco Bell founder Glen Bell, Golden Globe nominee Philip Michael Thomas, former Stater Bros. CEO Jack Brown and Dorothy Inghram, the first African-American in California to hold the position of school district superintendent. The commencement address was given by another notable alumnus—SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio Arellano, who graduated from San Bernardino High 40 years ago with the Class of 1984. Arellano encouraged the graduates to remember all the people who had helped them get to that moment—parents, teachers and themselves. He reminded them that all of their experiences had led them to this moment. He encouraged them to remember where they came from when they went out into the world.
“When people find out where you’re from, don’t let them talk badly about your home,” Arellano said. “Be proud that you’re from San Bernardino. Be proud of who you are and all you have accomplished.” At the conclusion of the ICEC commencement ceremony, Principal Raul Pedraza shared some words that apply to the entire Class of 2024.
“Your journey has been one of determination, resilience and constant striving towards excellence,” Pedraza said. “As you step into the next chapter of your lives, I encourage you to continue embracing achievement as both a personal goal and a lifelong pursuit. May your future endeavors be marked by the same spirit of dedication and excellence that you have demonstrated here.”
Black Business Association President and CEO Sarah Harris
Asm. Tina McKinnor (D- Los Angeles)
California Commission on Aging Celebrates 50 Years with Visionary Gala
State/Health
Last week, the California Commission on Aging celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala that recognized a half-century of service and offered a glimpse into the organization’s vison for the future.
The event was highlighted by a generous $50,000 donation from Sacramento-based AKT Investments, Inc., aimed at building California's first multigenerational community center for health and independence. This initiative is set to become a new model for healthy aging in a digital world.
The evening's keynote address was delivered by California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who emphasized the importance of valuing seniors.
“It is imperative as we talk about this journey that we're on, that we value seniors in every step of life,” Weber stated. "There's a richness in this room.
There's a richness in California. There's a richness in this nation that if we just stop and look around, see how far we've come, see who's made it happen for us, we'll find the joy in living, the joy in getting older and the joy of what we have to give.” Weber's words reflected the Commission's history of addressing the needs of California's aging population.
“Those of us who are considered older adults have to remind ourselves and our children how old we really are,” Weber continued. “When you're so busy and life is busy and you're doing things that are important, age becomes insignificant.”
The gala also featured remarks from the Hon. Cheryl Brown, Chair of the Commission on Aging (CCA), who highlighted the critical role of the Commission over the past 50 years.
“As the chair of the aging and long-term care commission and a current caregiver, I appreciate the value of providing quality and consistent core programs and services throughout California," Brown said. "So
much has changed in our state over 50 years. During my time as a legislator, there were times when I felt alone in my desire to focus on the anticipated growth of our aging population.”
California is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with its aging population growing rapidly. According to recent statistics, the number of residents aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double by 2030. This growth underscores the urgent need for comprehensive community infrastructure that addresses the specific challenges faced by older adults, such as physical disabilities, healthcare needs, and fixed incomes.
California State University Sacramento (Sac State) President Luke Woods echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the role of education and community engagement.
“Older adults face specific challenges such as physical disabilities, healthcare needs, and fixed incomes, and we need to build the same community infrastructure that comprehensively addresses these challenges,” Woods said. “That is why this year, Sac State created the nation's first Black Honors College to educate students about the experiences of members of the African American diaspora, supported by the AKT scholarship fund.”
Woods said at the heart of the celebration and forward-looking initiative is a spirit of partnership, and AKT's support of the CCA exemplifies good corporate citizenship.
“AKT is really working to design and create a first-ofits-kind community for health and independence that can be a model for other communities around the country and around the world,” Woods noted. “This vision, in collaboration with the Commission on Aging, UC Davis, and other organizations, aims to foster healthy aging in a digital world and ultimately add life to years.”
LACDMH Launches Who Do I Call For Help? Campaign
In partnership with LASD, LAPD, LACoFD, 211, and Didi Hirsch, this awareness campaign aims to clearly define what each County resource number can provide.
LOS ANGELES — To better inform and educate the community on the differences between the County of Los Angeles’ emergency and resource phone numbers, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), in collaboration with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD), Sheriff’s Department (LASD), City of Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), 211 LA, and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, has launched the Who Do I Call for Help? awareness campaign. The campaign graphically and simply defines what each phone number (i.e., 9-1-1, 9-88, 2-1-1, and 1-800-854-7771) and its associated agency can provide when called. Materials for the Who Do I Call for Help? campaign include social media graphics, posters, bookmarks, and wallet-size cards, available in English and Spanish.
“When people are facing a
LACDMH Launches Who Do I Call For Help? Campaign... continued providers.”
“Contacting the appropriate agency helps properly dispatch calls and free up first responder agencies for other emergencies and incidents,” said County of Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone. “As it is, our LACoFD dispatchers answer more than 449,000 calls per year through 9-1-1; more than 12,000 of those calls are mental healthrelated. This campaign aims to provide clarification on which number to call for assistance.”
“For many years dialing 9-1-1 has been the solution for many societal problems and emergencies. Mental healthrelated calls have been steadily on the rise leaving families and friends unsure of who to call when a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “During times of mental health crises, knowing how to get in contact with the proper resources can be lifesaving. This collaborative effort connects people with the appropriate professionals because seconds count when individuals need help.”
“Working to connect our community with the most appropriate service provider is crucial for ensuring that someone experiencing a mental health crisis gets the help that best serves them,” said Acting Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi. “I look forward to seeing the Who Do I Call for Help? campaign succeed. As year-to-date, we have already diverted 661 calls to 9-8-8 and our co-response program with LACDMH has handled 2,283 LAPD cases. I
am confident that the program will ensure that the community receives the support they need promptly and effectively.”
"Understanding the distinctions between emergency numbers is crucial in receiving the appropriate care in your moment of need,” said Maribel Marin, Executive Director of 211 LA. “2-1-1 LA is here to guide L.A. County residents to diverse resources tailored to their individual basic needs, from food resources, utility assistance, and emergency shelter support to community services, offering 24/7 availability. Knowing when to call 9-1-1, 9-8-8, or 2-1-1 ensures you receive the proper assistance promptly, empowering communities to access appropriate help when it matters most."
“We want to remind Los Angeles County residents that they are not alone and that 988 crisis counselors are ready to listen, without judgement, about their mental health struggles or thoughts of suicide,” shared Lyn Morris, Chief Executive Officer at Didi Hirsch. “Thank you to the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health for raising awareness for 988 and these other critical resources.”
For more information and to download materials (i.e., posters, bookmarks, social media posts, etc.) from the Who Do I Call for Help? awareness campaign, please visit LACDMH’s website. A limited supply of Who Do I Call for Help? bookmarks in English and Spanish are available at Los Angeles County Library branches.
Exhaustion & Crohn’s: 5 Reasons You’re Feeling WIPED OUT
In case you didn’t know, research indicates that so-called Crohn’s fatigue affects as many as 70 percent of people during flare-ups and 40-50 percent when in remission. However, it’s often misunderstood and oftentimes doesn’t get the attention it needs, especially in the Black population.
crisis, one size does not fit all,” said Fourth District County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “We want people to know that there is someone they can call who can step in and provide the right help at the right time. We've worked hard to create those pathways, and now is the time to get the word out to communities across L.A. County.”
“Through the Who Do I Call for Help? campaign, we want residents to know the County has a variety of appropriate resources available to assist in emergencies and for critical needs, especially for those who require specialized mental health-related responses,” said LACDMH Director Dr. Lisa H. Wong. “By diverting mental health-related calls from 9-1-1 to 9-8-8 and our 24/7 LACDMH Help Line, we can offer alternative crisis response services that are delivered by civilian, non-law enforcement
Studies show that many doctors have certain biases against Black patients. Sometimes, doctors (and patients too) may attribute their Crohn’s fatigue to other factors like stressing, working hard, or just things in the environment that wear them down.
If this is the case, you’ll be hard-pressed to get the proper treatment and care you need! That’s why understanding the underlying reasons for your fatigue is so important.
Let’s cover five main reasons you’re feeling wiped out, and what you can do alongside your physician to get back on your feet!
1. Inflammation of Your Digestive Tract
Chronic inflammation in ‘the gut’ or digestive tract is a hallmark of Crohn’s disease. But turns out, that this ongoing inflammation not only causes pain and discomfort, but can also make you super tired. When the tract is inflamed, the body triggers the release of inflammatory cytokines, which are important messengers in
Exhaustion & Crohn’s: 5 Reasons You’re Feeling WIPED OUT...continued
such as eating more red meat and poultry, getting more vitamin C, and avoiding too much coffee which can interfere with iron absorption. Oral supplements, and sometimes even intravenous (and intramuscular) infusions can help you get back to feeling right again.
3. Lack of Red Blood Cells
We just spoke briefly of anemia, but it’s worth reiterating, cuz it’s a common complication of Crohn’s disease. In a nutshell, it occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues and organs. As a result, you can experience significant impairments in your daily functioning.
As previously mentioned, treatment options for anemia may include supplements, blood transfusions, and medications that stimulate the production of more red blood cells. As always, check in with your docs about anything else you should be doing to feel strong again!
4. Poor Sleep Quality
We all wanna get good sleep, but it can be hard these days, especially with everything going on in the world and our daily lives. For sufferers of Crohn’s disease, it may be even tougher. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and the need to use the bathroom can all be major
disruptors of our sleep quality. This, in turn, can disrupt our normal patterns and contribute to low sleep quality. Over time, the lack of good sleep and the increase in daily fatigue can actually worsen other symptoms of the disease. Be sure to talk with your doc about ‘sleep hygiene.’ This is a great way to manage symptoms at night, keep your diet right, and ensure your medications aren’t messing with your sleep cycle.
Some common things you can do are avoid TV close to bedtime, limit caffeine, keep your room cool, keep a consistent schedule, and try herbal teas.
5. Side Effects from Medicine
Finally, make sure your Crohn’s medicines aren’t making you fatigued. Many corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologic agents have the side effect of wearing you down. You may feel drowsy, lethargic, or even weak in your muscles. If this is the case, tell your healthcare provider so that you can adjust your dose, try alternative medicines, or change the schedule of treatment. Overall, fatigue is a common and sometimes debilitating symptom of this disease. If you’re struggling with Crohn’s fatigue, talk to your doctor about the five reasons mentioned here, get on a personalized approach to feeling better, and return that healthy spring in your step!
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Take COVID-19 Precautions Now to Prevent Becoming Sick During 4th of July Celebrations.
New More Easily Transmittable COVID-19 Variants on the Rise!
your immune system. When released, these small proteins call for inflammation, which is a response to damage.
Unfortunately, this inflammation can become systemic in your body, thereby causing fatigue. The best way to deal with fatigue due to an inflamed digestive attract, of course, is to reduce this inflammation. You can do that by talking with your doc about things like new medications, anti-inflammatory diets, useful exercises and therapies, and other full-body approaches that heal inflammation.
2. Low Levels of Iron and B12
You probably already know, but Crohn’s disease can also impair your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, things like iron and vitamin B12. The problem is, when you’re low on these nutrients in particular, you can struggle with a condition called anemia, which often leads to fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.
A lack of B12 specifically can also cause problems like mood swings, numbing and tingling in your hands and feet, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and a change in skin color. Blood tests are the best thing for early detection and treatment of these deficiencies. Your doc will probably also recommend you make changes to your diet,
June 26, 2024 - Black Wednesday Report – The Los Angeles County Public Health Department reported 113 new COVID-19 cases among Blacks, up by 34 cases. The County also recorded 0 deaths among Blacks since last week, down by 1 soul since last week. In Los Angeles County the total diagnosed Black cases are 197,776 with 3,333 deaths. Black Women Rally for Action – Los Angeles County mourns with all the family members, friends, and individuals who have experienced losses and illness.
Summer COVID spike in California is fueled by FLiRT variants - Los Angeles Times Summer just started, but California’s not-too-surprising seasonal COVID bump is already going strong, driven by the more transmissible FLiRT variants. Coronavirus levels found in California’s wastewater have risen sharply since early May and stand notably higher than the rest of the U.S. More people in L.A. County hospitals are testing positive for COVID, though deaths are keeping stable at fewer than one per a day, on average. Because the FLiRT subvariants are more easily transmitted, doctors advise those at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infections to take precautions. Those include: *Staying up to date on COVID vaccinations
*Avoiding sick people, some of whom might not know if they have COVID or a cold
*Masking up in crowded settings
*Taking Paxlovid (which for
many should be easier to get now) if infected The strongest risk factor for severe COVID-19 continues to be age, according to the CDC. People with certain underlying medical conditions — including asthma, cancer, diabetes and serious heart conditions — are also at heightened risk. For information about where to get vaccinated, visit publichealth. lacounty.gov/vaccines Residents should also wash their hands often or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating, after sneezing or coughing, or when in public places. People should stay home if they have any symptoms of illness, including coughing, sneezing, a fever or sore throat, and consider talking with friends and family so they know to be cautious about gathering if they show signs of infection.
Black Women Rally for Action – Los Angeles County is a coalition of individuals and groups who provide a mechanism for Los Angeles County Black women to advocate on behalf of their health and well-being. The coalition, which does not accept government grant funding, is dedicated to advancing health, economic, and social equity for all Los Angeles County Black women through direct action and connection to effective resources. In April 2020, the group launched a COVID-19 social media outreach campaign to address COVID-19's impact in the Black community.
https://www.facebook.com/ blackwomenrallyforaction
Health News
OpEd: Democrats Stay the Course with
Biden and Harris
by Hardy Brown Sr.
As I watched the debate between President Biden and the former “lying” president, I thought of the conversation Moses had with God in Exodus 4:10-17. Moses tried to make excuses not to lead the Israelites out of bondage, and I was reminded of this when President Biden had moments of struggling with his speaking.
I’m sharing this story my way, but read it for yourself. Moses said to God, “I don’t talk well; I stutter and stammer when I speak sometimes.” God would not let Moses off the hook with those excuses and said, “Moses, who do you think made the mouth on people? I did. I made some people mute, some deaf, some sighted, and some blind. I want you to go because you have the character and values of decency, integrity, passion, compassion, empathy, wisdom, and most of all, the personal experience of working in Pharaoh’s house and government. Plus, if you need someone to speak on your behalf when you have a stutter episode, take your sidekick brother Aaron with you; he’s good with words.” Now, that would not have helped the President on Thursday. Mr. President, let me suggest you organize an “Aaron for BidenHarris Speakers Club” and keep going.
In your case, Joe, you have a lot of Aarons who can speak on your behalf, beginning with Vice President Kamala Harris. I first met Kamala in my office at the Black Voice News in San Bernardino when she was thinking about running for Attorney General of California. I endorsed her then and I endorse her now, even though some nonBlack Democrats do not believe women should be in leadership positions, I am glad President Biden does not believe or behave in a racially and genderdiscriminatory manner. I thought a lot about how important it is to have the right people speaking for you, when I listened to Black Republican Congressman Byron Donalds of Florida speak as one who represents the MAGA school of thought in the current RNC. Rep. Donalds’ uninformed remarks about life for Blacks under the Jim Crow Era of our nation’s history reflect racist beliefs that life was better for us under policies and laws of unequal segregation and racial terror. I was born under the “Separate but Equal” Jim Crow laws. As a reminder, these laws were put into legal operation
continued on page 8
Opinion: We Can Protect Public Employee Pensions and the Environment...continued from page 3
threat to our state, nation and world. California can and must act to reverse this crisis and preserve our fragile environment for generations to come. That is why California has led our nation by phasing out the sale of new internal combustion vehicles by 2035 and becoming carbon netzero by 2045.
As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement, I am committed to protecting the retirement funds of teachers and other public employees. My record is clear. I also represent a coastal district, home to some of California’s most famous beaches along with majority Black and Brown communities that are working to achieve the environmental justice that they and all communities deserve. My record is clear here too: I have, and will continue, to be a champion for protecting the environment.
Last year, SB 252, by Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), came before my committee, which would require CalPERS and CalSTRS to divest from its fossil fuel investments by 2031. At the time, I expressed concern that teachers and other public employees were largely absent from the conversation – after all, it is their money –and asked that the Author and the bill’s supporters work with public sector labor unions to take a position on this legislation.
A year later, although a few public sector labor unions expressed their support for SB 252, many others did not. In fact, a number of police, fire, and other public employee unions oppose the bill. As a compromise, I offered the Author amendments
California to help provide housing for homeless youth across 52 counties
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced awards to 52 California counties to provide housing and supportive services to vulnerable young Californians transitioning into adulthood.
“These grants are critical for helping to connect some of the most vulnerable Californians with access to housing. Many of these young adults don’t have the support of friends or family that most of us take for granted.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
The three Transitional Age Youth (TAY) programs administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) allocate funding to eligible county child welfare agencies to provide housing and services for young adults under 25, with priority given to those currently or formerly in the foster care or probation systems. Since its inception in 2020, TAY has provided stable housing and critical services to more than 5,700 young adults. The $56 million announced today is expected to bring the total of Californians served by TAY to 8,075.
“We know childhood experiences of homelessness can have a devastating impact on educational attainment, economic opportunity, and health throughout adulthood,” said Business Consumer Services and Housing Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “California’s youth deserve every opportunity to succeed. The Transitional Age Youth programs help make that possible by providing our most vulnerable young adults with the safe, stable spaces and tools to build a strong foundation for their futures. The TAY programs also show how when state and local government come together, we can make a brighter future possible for all our communities.”
that would align CalPERS and CalSTRS divestment from fossil fuels with California’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2045. It was a real path to divestment that still allowed CalPERS and CalSTRS to take early divestment action if they decided to do so. The Author declined to accept the amendments, which was followed by her decision to cancel the bill being heard in my committee. Unfortunately, this was a missed opportunity to protect public employee pensions and show global leadership by divesting from fossil fuel companies once and for all.
To be clear, if CalPERS and CalSTRS wanted to divest from fossil fuel companies they could – today. Together, CalPERS and CalSTRS have committed over $100 billion in investments to sustainable energy and using the power of their investment portfolios to hold fossil fuel companies accountable. More can and must be done to not just green our economy, but green our public pension systems.
I encourage the author and the supporters of SB 252 to reintroduce the measure next legislative session with my proposed amendments and work closely with our public sector labor partners to find greater consensus with the environmental community on this issue. We do not have to choose between protecting public employee pensions and protecting the environment – we can do both. But we cannot risk the solvency of current and future public employee retirement benefits without consensus from our public workers.
It is their money after all.
risk of becoming homeless. This tremendous partnership with our counties helps ensure these young people have the tools and support to allow them not just to survive, but to thrive.”
Based on county reporting data submitted to HCD, the youth served through TAY program funding have identified themselves as experiencing homelessness at program entry, currently in the state’s foster care or probation system, or identifying as LGBTQIA+. Services offered include housing support, wrap-around case management, financial literacy, education and employment assistance, and financial assistance.
Additionally, in an ongoing effort to address homelessness experienced by families with young children, HCD announced the recipients of the second tranche of the Family Homelessness Challenge (FHC) Grant program. The program provides competitive grants and technical assistance to local jurisdictions with the goal of promoting rapid innovation, accelerating nascent programs, and expanding promising practices to create scalable solutions that can be shared across the state to address and ultimately end family homelessness.
More than $15 million has been awarded to the following eight communities:
City of Livermore: $280,768
City of Los Angeles:
$3,850,000
City of Oakland: $1,844,860
City of Salinas: $2,838,211
County of Mendocino:
$1,196,558
County of Santa Clara:
$3,330,724
“Housing stability is the most basic foundation every young person needs to be able to build a better future,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “The young adults assisted by HCD’s TAY programs—especially those aging out of the foster care system—too often have nowhere else to turn and face the very real
Pasadena CoC: $789,473
Sacramento City & County CoC: $869,403
For more information on today’s award, please visit hcd. ca.gov.
Detained Immigrants Relaunch Labor Strike at ICE Detention Centers in California
Strikers are demanding an end to ICE detention centers, release from detention, an end to solitary confinement, restoration of free phone calls and for ICE to stop violating its owns standards
McFarland and Bakersfield, California – Today, 59 workers detained at Golden State Annex (GSA) and Mesa Verde immigrant detention centers in McFarland, CA and Bakersfield, CA, respectively, launched a labor strike to protest worsening conditions, ongoing retaliation, prolonged detention and the revocation of access to free phone calls. GEO Group, the private prison company that operates the facility for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), exploits detained workers’ labor by paying them just one dollar a day to do work that is essential to the maintenance of the detention center and therefore to GEO Group’s profits and ICE’s mission to torture and deport immigrants.
A group of the labor strikers issued the following statement:
Time, experiences and conditions in Golden State Annex have given shape to a collective, peaceful and voluntary work stoppage to raise awareness of ongoing issues. The goal is to reach a complete and entirely fair agreement with the administration and ICE Director Patrick J.
Lechleitner and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations San Francisco Field Office Director Moises Becerra to ensure our safety and health by meeting with us and addressing the following five demands:
End the Mesa Verde and Golden State Annex ICE Detention Contracts by December 2024
Freedom: Review our cases for release fairly
End Solitary Confinement
Stop Violating Your Own
Standards: ensure adequate medical care, mental health care and food, and end retaliation
Phone calls: stop charging us to call our families, lawyers and communities
As the presidential election approaches, the Biden administration’s doubling-down on anti-immigrant policies has directly impacted the lives of people held at GSA and Mesa Verde. A federal inspection report released earlier this year revealed that GSA did not comply with all of ICE’s detention standards and ICE paid an excess of $25.3 million in taxpayer money for
Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino Receives No Kid Hungry Grant to Help Feed Kids
Riverside County News
(Riverside, CA – July 2, 2024)
– As part of No Kid Hungry’s continuing efforts to ensure all children in the Inland Empire remain nourished and healthy, Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) has received $49,240 in total grant funding to help feed more children in the community.
“No child should have to struggle with an empty stomach or stress about what they will eat again. This grant will help reach more kids with the food they need to grow up healthy, educated, and strong,” said Kathy Saile, Director No Kid Hungry California.
These funds will go toward SNAP (CalFresh in California) outreach, enrollment, and other services to ensure that every child and family has access to the resources they need to stay healthy and thrive. FARSB’s
SNAP Resource Center provides services at no cost to the individual and can assist recipients with questions about enrollment, eligibility, and offers additional help in both English and Spanish.
"SNAP funding is absolutely vital for families throughout the Inland Empire. FARSB is deeply grateful for the support of No Kid Hungry, which will enable us to increase SNAP enrollment at schools and ensure children receive ongoing benefits,” said Carolyn Fajardo, CEO at FARSB. “We look forward to collaborating with schools to guarantee that children have access to the food they need when they need it most," said Fajardo.
To learn more about FARSB and their work to alleviate hunger, visit www.FeedingIE.org
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. (Courtesy of joebiden.com)
INLAND
New Disaster Response Investments Help Communities Bounce Back
In line with their purpose to help people live better, Walmart and Sam's Club are bringing together business and philanthropic resources to help communities thrive, even in challenging times.
BENTONVILLE, Ark.,
June 27, 2024 — Building on Walmart’s long history supporting communities when natural disasters hit, today the company is sharing the next steps in its efforts to draw on its strengths as a retailer with roots in thousands of communities to help them better prepare and quickly respond when disasters strike.
communities better prepare for and respond to disasters in the communities where we operate around the world. Since FY2022, Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation have contributed more than $55 million for disaster preparedness and response globally.
About Walmart's Disaster Response Efforts
We aim to help people live better by taking a proactive approach to helping communities prepare for and respond to disasters.
Learn more
About Walmart
“Oh, Disobedient ChildrenOver, and Over Again I Have Warned You!”... continued
12:18-29]. God will not be trifled with. For we are reminded from the initial Genesis to the final Revelation of God’s Word that He does not play! Oh, disobedient children, over and over again you have been warned! Take God Seriously.
Jeremiah alone carries this solemn warning from God Himself ten times! From the time I brought your ancestors up from Egypt until today, I warned them again and again, saying, “Obey me.” But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts. So, I brought on them all the curses of the covenant I had commanded them to follow but that they did not keep. [Jeremiah 11:7-8].
As Walmart and Sam’s Club often serve as an early destination for people to access the products and services they need during these challenging times, these mobile units deploy in store or club parking lots, as well as other community locations convenient to people impacted. The new mobile units include:
Information Technology Disaster Resource Center: Mobile Charging Station and Wi-Fi Hotspot
Operation BBQ Relief: Mobile Kitchen
Matthew 25: Ministries: Walmart.org and P&G Mobile Shower Trailer
Matthew 25: Ministries: Walmart.org and P&G Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry Unit
As natural disasters increase in frequency and a potentially historic hurricane season begins, Walmart is unveiling investments in new disaster response mobile units run by nonprofit organizations with expertise in disaster response. The new mobile units can bring communities access to the resources and services people often need most when natural disasters result in power outages and home damage, such as charging and Wi-Fi access, hot meals, clean laundry and showers.
Detained Immigrants Relaunch Labor Strike at ICE Detention Centers in California...continued from page 6
empty beds at GSA. Since the inspection, ICE has sent far more people to GSA, increasing the population by around 200% and exacerbating pre-existing problems and abuses inside the facility. Already inadequate medical care has become even more unacceptable, with mix-ups in medical records and multiple COVID-19 outbreaks in the past year. In April, after several protests over worsening conditions, prison guards in riot gear stormed one of the dorms at GSA, physically assaulting, pepper spraying and handcuffing people detained there. GEO Group then sentenced four individuals to a month in solitary confinement where they spent at least 22 hours a day alone in a cell. Last month, ICE took away detained immigrants’ access to free phone calls, which many people relied upon to speak with their families, communities and lawyers. Unfair custody reviews by ICE and case adjudications by immigration judges have resulted in prolonged detention, keeping people locked up for years and intensifying the impact of these inhumane conditions.
“I feel like it’s wrong for ICE to overpay GEO $25 million for empty beds and yet they fail to provide us basic hygiene items like toilet paper, soap and cleaning equipment,” said Oscar Ernesto Lopez Santos, currently detained at Golden State Annex. “On top of that, they took away the free phone minute program. Some people haven’t been able to speak to their family for almost a month, which is taking a serious toll on their mental health, and ICE and GEO just point fingers at each other. We’re tired of it, we want answers, we want to shut this place down, and we want to hold ICE and GEO accountable for everything that they’ve done and everything that they continue to do.”
Guillermo M Reyes, a San José resident who was released from Golden State Annex last year, supports the labor strikers. He said, "during my 16 months in detention,
I witnessed severe medical negligence, staff mistreatment, and discriminatory practices by ICE. The wages paid for our labor were akin to slavery, and the cost of food was exorbitantly high, with many items being spoiled or rotten. There were no COVID-19 protocols in place, putting all of us at risk. Despite organizing a labor strike and subsequently a hunger strike, the inhumane conditions never improved. Instead of responding to our pleas for help with improvements, ICE resorted to violence and retaliation. Now, they are taking away free phone calls, further isolating detainees from their loved ones. This tactic causes immense anxiety, stress, hopelessness, and depression, affecting not just the detainees but their entire families. It is imperative that these grave injustices are addressed."
The labor strikers’ stated demands for ICE Director Patrick J. Lechleitner and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations San Francisco Field Office Director Moises Becerra are: TERMINATE THE CONTRACT: End the Mesa Verde and Golden State Annex ICE Detention contracts by December 2024, because there is no humane way to run these places. In the meantime, we demand: FREEDOM: Review our cases for release fairly, including our 6-month ICE custody reviews. END SOLITARY CONFINEMENT: Solitary confinement is torture.
STOP VIOLATING YOUR OWN STANDARDS: including those that require you to provide us with adequate medical and mental health care and nutritious and unexpired food, and those that prohibit you from retaliating against us and our loved ones physically and psychologically for speaking out when you violate these standards.
PHONE CALLS: Stop charging us to call our families, lawyers, and communities.
The new disaster response mobile units are in addition to Walmart’s Mobile Relief Kitchen operated by Walmart drivers. The mobile units have already started deploying in communities across the U.S., helping thousands of people impacted by severe storms, tornadoes and wildfires this year as part of the company’s comprehensive approach to preparing for and responding to natural disasters.
Before, during and after disasters, Walmart’s emergency management team and associates across the company coordinate to support impacted associates, get stores and clubs back open as quickly and safely as possible, deliver much-needed merchandise and collaborate with local governments and response organizations to determine the needs in the community. It's in the company’s DNA to help
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate. walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/ company/walmart.
UPCOMING EVENTS
“Oh, Disobedient ChildrenOver, and Over Again I Have Warned You!”
By Lou K. Coleman
K. Coleman
Don’t trifle with Me. Believing that you can simple do what you want to do and that it’s okay, and that there won’t be any
consequences for your actions. How wrong you are in your thinking. Learn from past history. Those who heeded My warnings were spared the predicted consequences and achieved the deliverance I promised. “A Warning Given,” “A Warning Taken,” “A Deliverance Achieve.” Don’t trifle with Me. If a man must trifle, let him trifle with men, but not with God. [Judges 11:34-40; Hebrews
Oh, disobedient children, don’t trifle with Me. Take My warnings seriously!
And do this, knowing the time, that NOW it is high time to wake up out of sleep; for NOW, your salvation is nearer than when you first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. [Romans 13:11-14].
You know prior to Jeremiah, God had sent Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, and Nahum to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. He had also sent Jonah to the empire of Assyria. All of them warned of tragedy and disaster if the people did not turn to God. Such warnings reach all the way back to Moses, who recorded
the "Blessings and Curses" of [Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28], detailing what God will do to a people who reject Him. For 120 years, God said, Please. For 120 years, God said, “I want to save you.” For 120 years, God said, “Listen to Noah.” For 120 years, God was long-suffering. For 120 years, God was patient. For 120 years, God was merciful. But the day came when God said, “I’ve had enough. I’m fed up. My patience is gone.” Noah’s people were destroyed by the wrath of God in the flood. [Genesis 6:3] Recall the story of Cain. Cain continued to rebel against God and one day, God said to Cain, “Cain, that’s it. I’ve had enough. I’m fed up. I’m going to send you to the land of Nod, and you’re going to wander the rest of your life. You can cry to get saved if you want to, but you can’t get saved.” You can’t trifle with God. So, if there is one shred of a desire to be saved, act on it today. Time is running out! In the wilderness their desires ran wild, testing God’s patience in that dry wasteland. So, he gave them what they asked for, but he sent a plague along with it” [Psalm 106:14-15 NLT]. Disobedience will always be punished. [Leviticus 26:14].
Don’t trifle with God.
WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1210
People Who Use Drugs Are Beloved by God
Erica Poellot
I recently moved into the East Office of Judson Memorial Church, overlooking Washington Square Park, in the heart of New York City. Flanked by New York University and other affluent Greenwich village institutions and residences, the park and the historic church are highly trafficked tourist destinations.
While I was setting up my office, I overheard a New York walking tour outside my open window. The guide bellowed at a group gathered on the steps of the church, “just across the street, you might be able to see some homeless people or drug addicts in the park . . . oh yes, right there, you can see a big group of them.”
Fighting the urge to thrust my head out the window and make my protest known, I lowered the window and looked around my office. Shelves of naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, safer injection, safer sex, and safer smoking supplies, emergency contraception, food, ritual supplies, an altar crafted by organizers who use our space, and a big table for gathering and sharing meals. Every object in this space is a testimony to the worth and dignity of people who use drugs. And still, just outside our window, the wail of stigma signals the inevitability of overdose and mounting overdose fatalities.
We need more than overdose prevention. People who use drugs deserve access to care and justice long before an overdose event.
Earlier this year, we learned that Washington Square Park has the second highest level of overdose fatalities of the 1,700 parks in New York City. In response, we have partnered with the health department to become a New York State registered opioid overdose prevention program, and will soon become the first community based drug checking pilot program.
We made the careful and thoughtful decision to agree to be a drug checking site, despite the
organizational burden, because we heard from people who use drugs that the stigmatization of drug use, and the criminalization of people who use drugs, limits access to care, connection, and safer use environments and practices. We made the careful and thoughtful decision in partnership with people who use drugs, and in conversation with our neighbors in the park. As we put plans in place to launch this new ministry, we are thinking about other ways to welcome in, outreach to, and partner with people at risk of overdose, as well as how to transform the culture of stigma into one of compassion and understanding.
We hope you will join us in the process of learning and exploration and are sharing the following as offerings for our collective work towards liberation for all.
Join us for the Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention in the Pulpit: Building a Meaningful Harm Reduction Justice Sunday Service webinar Thursday, June 27th at 3:30 pm ET. Explore the newest version of the Spirit of Harm Reduction Toolkit to explore opportunities to grow hospitality, compassionate care, advocacy efforts, and community building in partnership with people who use drugs and people who love people who use drugs. Reach out to Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Ministries to inquire about joining our working group, becoming a regional HROP network member, or to ask how we can support your congregation in implementing the Faithful Advocacy for Intersectional and Transformative Healing in Harm Reduction resolution.
Visit UCC Resources to purchase People Who Use Drugs Are Beloved by God buttons, banners, and lawn signs for your congregation and community.
Inland Empire/High Desert News
Lou
Keeping it Real: Supreme Court Shields Trump With Immunity
Overview: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump has absolute immunity for “core” presidential activity, including his discussions with the Justice Department as he worked to overthrow the results of the 2020 Election. The ruling prevents lower courts from considering Trump’s motives and makes it difficult for the Justice Department to prevail in its January 9 case against the former president. The decision also prevents lower courts from considering Trump’s motives regarding January 9, 2020, and gives the former president ammunition to argue he never intended to overthrow the election.
By S.E. Williams
“I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, OK?” former President Donald J.Trump proclaimed during a campaign event in Sioux Center, Iowa in January, 2016. “It’s, like, incredible.” Although it seemed ridiculous and very far-fetched at the time, many were understandably concerned that Trump truly believed what he said. Once elected president, he began to test the limits of his power. Even after being impeached twice by the U.S. House of Representatives during his one term in office, both times he was acquitted on all counts by the U.S. Senate, leaving little doubt that his statement about his
proposed immunity in relation to his Fifth Avenue scenario was proving to be true. It wasn’t until the end of Trump’s first term, after he’d clearly lost his bid for reelection and was desperate to retain power, that Trump took his testing the limits on his power to the extreme. This was clearly evidenced by his role in igniting the deadly January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. His purported goal, to prevent a joint session of Congress from counting the Electoral College votes–an essential part of the process necessary to formalize the victory of then Presidentelect Joe Biden. “From Watergate we learned what generations before us have known; our Constitution works.
And during the Watergate years it was interpreted again so as to reaffirm that no one – absolutely no one – is above the law.”
Leon Jaworski
Although Trump now stands convicted of no less than 34 felonies related to fraud under campaign finance laws, the probability that he will ever serve time in jail remains unlikely.
On Monday, July 1, the U.S. Supreme Court gave Trump the validation needed for him to state with confidence, that what he expressed to supporters in Sioux Center, Iowa in 2016, was true. That the former president is above the law despite today’s protestations from Chief Justice John Roberts in a failed attempt to minimize the impact of the
ruling.
“The president is not above the law,” Roberts wrote on behalf of the high court’s conservative majority. His words, however, did not match the court’s action. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that for “core” presidential activity, Trump basically has the absolute immunity he’s claimed all along. As a result, Trump’s discussions with the Justice Department, as he worked fiendishly to overthrow the results of the 2020 Election, were covered with this absolute immunity.
For other presidential actions and customary powers, the high court confirmed there is at least some immunity. The justices however, primarily deferred considerations in this area to the lower courts to sort things out.
The court’s ruling also made it clear that, “Congress may not criminalize the president’s conduct in carrying out the responsibilities of the executive branch under the Constitution.”
The majority further determined any official acts facilitated by the former president cannot be considered as evidence in a potential trial. This will make it extremely difficult for the Justice Department to prevail in its January 9 case against the former president.
Finally, this ruling prevents lower courts from considering Trump’s motives regarding January 9, 2020. Giving the former president ammunition to argue he never intended to overthrow the election.
OpEd: Democrats Stay the Course with Biden and Harris...continued from page 6
in May 1896, when the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 7-1 decision against Homer Plessy, a mixed-race man in Louisiana, who wanted to ride a whites-only public train.
After I let Congressman Donalds’ words sink in for a few minutes, I thought, Hardy, you had better write about your own personal experience under Jim Crow because this Black Republican MAGA is drinking the Kool-Aid of this 34-time felony-convicted, bleachedorange-hair, lying man named Trump. With Black people like Senator Tim Scott, U.S. Representative Donalds being in Congress, and Clarence Thomas being on the Supreme Court, these guys will lead us back to the days of slavery. Representative Donalds is hoping he will be selected to be a servant in the Big House while his people suffer in the fields and streets because he sees Justice Clarence Thomas hanging around with billionaires and receiving millions in gifts.
Rep. Donalds’ uninformed remarks about life for Blacks under the Jim Crow Era of our nation’s history reflect racist beliefs that life was better for us under policies and laws of unequal segregation and racial terror.
It was 46 years after Jim Crow laws were legalized that I was born in the township of Trenton, in Jones County, North Carolina, in December 1942. Likewise, President Joe Biden, you were born 19 days before me in November 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where there was de facto segregation of the races. My introduction to Mr. Jim Crow South was just 17 days after I was born when they dragged my uncle Isaac Strayhorn from the white-owned Brock Family Mill Pond, weighted down with cinder blocks around his dead, swollen body. This was described in a news article in 2021 by his son Clemmie Strayhorn, who was 8 when it happened. This was the first time I had heard how he died because the sheriff at that time told my Aunt Betty, Isaac’s wife, to take him home and bury him and be glad we found him and called you. This was told to me by my cousin Dr. Sam Barber in 2021.
Uncle Isaac’s Death Certificate listed his cause of death as
drowning without a boat. It was dated 12/24/1942 and signed by Dr. Thomas Vassey. I knew Dr. Vassey as a child because he was the only doctor in town and provided care to everyone in town. Of course, whenever Blacks came to him for service, he would take out his revolver pistol to let us know he had it and instill fear in us. His wife was always nice to Blacks and even gave me the polio vaccination. I went to segregated schools with hand-me-down books after white children had used them. I just found out in 2013 that the wooden elementary school I attended across the dirt street from my house was paid for and built by the Black community, while the white children went to a brick school built with taxpayers’ money and had central heating. When I left home after graduating from high school in 1960, I had to sit in the back of the Greyhound bus until I transferred buses in Washington, D.C., on my way to New York City. While things were a little better in New York, I ran into some blatant discrimination in California and am still fighting the good fight. Now to a disability that makes me feel for you so strongly. I have ALS, and after 22 years (the 5% living over 20 years club with ALS) of not giving up, my speech is gone, but I still write my comments down, and my wife, Cheryl, reads them at local city council, school board, and water board meetings. So stay the course and let it be your decision to bow out. And if you come to that conclusion, let me suggest you give a oneweek lead notice and resign and let the Vice President take your place. Then Harris can appoint Dr. Jill Biden as her VP, and the Harris-Biden campaign can go forward without a break of motion. They know the BidenHarris accomplishments, and they will energize the women, Black, Latino, Asian, Muslim, LGBTQ agenda. VP Harris can handle the former president, and you will still be a part of the cabinet, which will bring comfort to our international friends. I think the voter turnout will go through the roof. Whatever you decide, I am with you and your family and VP Harris all the way.
During a campaign event in Sioux Center, Iowa in January, 2016, former President Donald Trump claimed he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue in New York and not lose any votes. (istockphoto.com)