"If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best-colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody
look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for
― Lyndon B. Johnson
AMERICAN
Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and
will be imposed upon them and these will continue
Gov Newsom: Black Caucus Members “Owed
an Apology” Amid Backlash, Brewing Tensions
(CBM) – A week after advocates rallied at the State Capitol to protest lawmakers for not allowing two reparations bills to be brought up for a vote on the Assembly floor, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) members are “owed an apology.”
For several days now, CLBC chair Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) and other caucus members have been under fire from some activists and advocates who say the lawmakers did not do enough to push the reparations bills authored by their colleague, Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood).
Others have been accusing members of intentionally sabotaging the bills even though last week the CLBC issued a statement informing the public that it intends to reintroduce the reparations bills during the next legislative session.
On Sept. 7, Newsom said it was “disgraceful” for anyone to unleash their frustrations out on the CLBC.
“There were members of that Black Caucus that are owed an apology for being treated the way they were treated – to be doxed, to be personally maligned, and attacked. So, forgive me for expressing that,” Newsom said. “I have great respect and admiration for the leadership of the Black Caucus and members of the Black Caucus,” Newsom told reporters.
Newsom made the statement at a news conference held at the Capitol Annex Swing Space when he announced that he issued proposed emergency regulations to protect youth from the adverse health effects of dangerous hemp products.
The Coalition for A Just and Equitable California (CJEC), a reparations advocacy group that helped to organize the protests,
released a statement on Sept. 5.
CJEC in the Rotunda of the California State Capitol on Aug. 31. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey
“CLBC members are now falsely claiming to the media and others, with no evidence, that we are the source of physical threats to their person and property,” CJEC’s letter stated.
CBM has not been able to verify CJEC’s allegation that the Black Caucus – or any of its members — has accused that organization of making threats.
The CLBC released a statement on Aug. 31, the last day of the Legislative session, stating that it had “concerns” about Bradford’s bills Senate Bill (SB) 1403 and SB 1331, legislation that previously advanced with minimal opposition through Senate and Assembly committees before being withheld from a final floor vote by all members of the lower house of the Legislature.
SB 1403 proposes the creation of a new state agency called the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency (CAFAA). That agency, one of the California Reparations Task
Force’s 115 recommendations, would be responsible for determining eligibility for reparations and administering government processes related to compensation.
SB 1331 would establish an account for reparations in the State Treasury for the purpose of funding reparations policies approved by the Legislature and the Governor. Neither one of those pieces of legislation, authored by Bradford, a CLBC member. were a part of CLBC’s initial reparations priority package of 14 bills announced in January.
However, according to a letter obtained by California Black Media, the CLBC added1403 to the package in May. In the same letter, the Black Caucus requested that the state provide $6 million to help fund efforts related to 1403 and another $6 million to the California Black Freedom Fund, a $100-million non-profit initiative focused on eradicating systemic and institutional racism in the state.
Another bill that was a part of the package, authored by Wilson, Assembly Constitutional
Amendment (ACA 8), was approved by both houses of the Legislature and will appear on the ballot in the November election. If approved by voters, ACA 8 will erase language in the state constitution that legalizes involuntary servitude and end forced labor in prisons as a punishment for crimes. ACA 8 will appear on the ballot as Prop. 6.
Nine of the reparations bills included in the CLBC package passed and have now been advanced to the governor’s desk for his consideration.
Those bills include SB 1050, authored by Bradford, which would allow California to review and investigate complaints from individuals who claim their property was taken without compensation as a result of racially motivated eminent domain. It passed with a 73-0 vote on the Assembly floor.
Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), a CLBC member, inked an opinion article sharing her perspective on why the Legislature did not advance SB 1403 and SB 1331. McKinnor did not mention
Bradford by name, but it is clear from context that she was referring to the author of the two bills in question.
“From the outset, a Black caucus member worked against the CLBC’s efforts. Days after the CLBC introduced its reparations legislative package, a Black caucus member introduced his own reparations bills, not part of the CLBC’s work, and spent months attempting to negotiate away the $12 million that the CLBC had secured in this year’s state budget for his own project,” McKinnor wrote.
Bradford appeared on various media platforms as well with accusations directed at his CLBC colleagues. Bradford told Roland Martin, the popular media host on his podcast, that all the members of CLBC had signed on as co-authors of SB 1403 in May.
“It’s probably the most heartbreaking, disappointing time I’ve experienced in the Legislature,” Bradford told Martin on his “Unfiltered” show on Sept. 4. “You’re taught early ‘don’t fall in love with your bills.’ I didn’t fall in love with this bill,
but I felt what this bill meant not only to Black Californians but Black Americans.”
Assemblymember Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), one of the CLBC members who was feeling the heat from disgruntled activists, faced the music and showed up at a town hall meeting held on Sept. 5 at the Los Angeles’ Center for Black Power in Leimert Park. Bryan said the crowd yelled at him, but he understood the community’s frustrations.
The next day, Bryan appeared on Dominique di Prima’s KBLA 1500 AM radio show, based in L.A., to explain why the CLBC did not push for the bills to get an Assembly floor vote. Bryan said the CLBC had a number of concerns that included “last-minute amendments” to SB 1403 requested by the governor that were not immediately shared with the Black lawmakers, absent legislative oversight, a potential veto, and no solutions for longtime funding of the CAFAA. Bryan said he was still in favor of the CLBC bringing the bills to the Assembly floor for a vote, but the group collectively decided against it. In the end, he respected the members’ action.
“On a personal level, I had no problem sending the bills to the Governor,” Bryan said to di Prima. “But I think when you’re moving in solidarity, not just with your colleagues in Sacramento, but within the community and there are disagreements, strategically, you’ve got to make the best decisions you can.” Bryan continued by saying “In this particular instance, there was a decision collectively by a majority of the caucus to not move on (SB 1403 and SB 1331) this year.”
The Georgia school shooter used an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle. The four killings happened within minutes and left nine other people injured.
Attorney General Rob Bonta, addressing the urgency of the situation, declared, “None of it is acceptable. None of it is normal. We will continue to promote the blueprint of California that has led us to transform from 30 years ago, being a state with one of the highest levels of gun violence, to now one of the lowest because of our commonsense gun laws that make us safer. If others did that, we would be safer.”
Bonta, along with 19 other attorneys general, is fighting back by filing an amicus brief supporting Cook County, Illinois’s ban on assault weapons.
California has proven that such measures save lives, but this
effort must extend nationwide to truly address the crisis.
Gov, Gavin Newsom has also weighed in, reflecting on the immediate tragedy and the broader failure of leadership.
“I’ve got four kids, one just going into high school,” Newsom said.
“The trauma of these shootings is devastating, not just for the families directly affected, but for entire communities. This is the only country in the world where this happens over and over again. And it will continue happening unless we take serious action.” Newsom did not mince words in holding lawmakers accountable: “I mean, you had a nominee for president of the United States who almost lost his life to an assassination attempt from a member of his own party, and still, we’ve had no substantive conversations around
gun safety. No real discussions on background checks, no conversations about an assault weapons ban, or limiting large-capacity magazines. It’s a serious moment in America that requires serious leadership, and you do not have that from the other party. Gun safety saves lives.”
California’s strict gun laws, which are among the toughest in the nation, were born out of tragedy — the 1989 Cleveland Elementary School shooting in Stockton. That horrific event, where five children were gunned down, led to the country’s first assault weapons ban. From mandatory background checks and red flag laws, California has created a comprehensive framework that aims to prevent mass shootings like the one in Georgia.
It’s crucial to point out that protecting Second Amendment rights is not at odds with making communities safe. Responsible gun ownership and public safety can coexist through thoughtful regulations that prioritize human lives without infringing on constitutional rights. As Newsom highlighted, “We’re not talking about confiscating guns; we’re talking about commonsense measures overwhelmingly supported by Republicans and Democrats that are being denied because of the ideology in the Republican Party and the ideologues in the federal judiciary.”
Meanwhile, Donald Trump and his allies have made it easier for mass shooters to arm themselves with the most destructive weapons available.
Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
The California Legislative Black Caucus formally introduced the 2024 Reparations Priority Package on Feb. 21. A total of 14 Reparations bills were apart of the package. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey
CJEC in the Rotunda of the California State Capitol on Aug. 31. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey
CommentaryReading and Moving: Great Ways to Help Children Grow
By BlackPress of America
Council for Professional Recognition
Before a child even steps into a classroom or childcare center, their first life lessons occur within the walls of their home. During their formative years, from birth to age five, children undergo significant cognitive, motor, and behavioral development. As their primary guides and first teachers, parents, and guardians play a pivotal role in fostering these crucial aspects of growth.
The Council for Professional Recognition, a nonprofit, is dedicated to supporting parents and families in navigating questions about childcare and education training. In keeping with its goal of meeting the growing need for qualified early childcare and education staff, the Council administers the Child Development Associate (CDA). The CDA program is designed to assess and credential early childhood education professionals. This work gives the Council great insights into child development.
Cognitive Development: Building the Foundation of Learning Cognitive development lays the groundwork for a child’s ability to learn, think, reason, and solve problems.
*Read Together: One of the most powerful tools for cognitive development is reading. It introduces children to language, expands their vocabulary, and sparks imagination. Make reading a daily ritual by choosing
age-appropriate books that capture their interest.
*Play Together: Play is a child’s entry to the physical, social, and affective worlds. It’s a critical and necessary tool in the positive cognitive development of young children and is directly linked to long-term academic success.
*Dance and Sing Together: These types of activities help young children develop spatial awareness and lead to improved communication skills. As a bonus, it’s also helpful for improving gross motor skills.
*Invite your Child to Help you in the Kitchen: It’s a fun activity to do together and helps establish a basic understanding of math and lifelong healthy eating practices.
*Encourage Questions: As children find their voice, they also find their curiosity for the world around them; persuade them to ask questions and then patiently provide answers.
Motor Development: Mastering Movement Skills
Motor development involves the refinement of both gross and fine motor skills, which are essential for physical coordination and independence. In these formative years, your little one will learn to walk, learn how to grab and hold items, begin building their muscle strength, and more. Here are some ways to facilitate positive motor development at home:
By Charlene Crowell, The Center for Responsible Lending
*Tummy Time: Starting from infancy, incorporate daily tummy time sessions to strengthen neck and upper body muscles, promoting eventual crawling and walking. You can elevate the tummy time experience by:
*Giving children lots of openended toys to explore like nesting bowls, a pail and shovel, building blocks, wooden animals, and people figures.
*Hanging artwork on the wall that appeals to infants, including bold colors, clear designs, and art from various cultures.
*Providing mobiles that children can move safely and observe shapes and colors.
*Outdoor Play: Provide opportunities for outdoor play, whether it’s at a park, playground, or in a backyard. Activities such as running, jumping, climbing, and swinging enhance gross motor skills while allowing children to connect with nature. Also, try gardening together! Not only does gardening promote motor skill development, but it offers many other benefits for young children including stress management, cognitive and emotional development, sensory development, and increased interest in math, sciences, and healthy eating.
*Fine Motor Activities: Fine motor skills relate to movement of the hands and upper body, as well as vision. Activities that encourage hand-eye coordination and fine motor skill development include:
*Drawing and coloring
*Doing puzzles, with size and piece amounts dependent on the age of the child
*Dropping items or threading age-appropriate beads on strings
*Stacking toys
*Shaking maracas
*Using age-appropriate, blunt scissors
*Playing with puppets or playdough
This is the type of knowledge that early childhood educators who’ve earned a Child Development Associate credential exhibit as they foster the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of young children.
Supporting Early Childhood Educators
Recently, a decision in Delaware has helped early childhood professionals further their efforts to apply this type of knowledge. Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College, and Wilmington University have signed agreements to award 12 credits for current and incoming students who hold the Child Development Associate credential.
Delaware Governor John Carney said, “I applaud the Department of Education and our higher education partners for this agreement, which will support our early childhood educators. Research shows how important early childhood education is to a child’s future success. This new agreement will help individuals earn their degrees and more quickly get into classrooms to do the important work of teaching our youngest learners in Delaware.”
Council for Professional Recognition CEO Calvin E. Moore, Jr., said his organization is honored to be a part of this partnership.
“Delaware and the work of these institutions is a model that other states should look to. This initiative strengthens the early childhood education workforce by accelerating the graduation of more credentialed educators, addressing the critical need for qualified educators in early childhood education. We have already seen the impact the work of the Early Childhood Innovation Center has brought to the children of Delaware.”
Student Loan Debt Drops $10 Billion Due to Biden Administration Forgiveness...continued
*Borrowers who are otherwise eligible for loan forgiveness but have not yet applied. If a borrower hasn’t successfully enrolled in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan but would be eligible for immediate forgiveness, they would be eligible for relief. Borrowers who would be eligible for closed school discharge or other types of forgiveness opportunities but haven’t successfully applied would also be eligible for this relief.
*Borrowers who enrolled in low-financial value programs. If a borrower attended an institution that failed to provide sufficient financial value, or that failed one of the Department’s accountability standards for institutions, those borrowers would also be eligible for debt relief.
Most importantly, if the rules become approved as drafted, no related application or actions would be required from eligible borrowers — so long as they did not opt out of the relief by the August 30 deadline.
“The regulations would deliver on unfulfilled promises made by the federal government to student loan borrowers over decades and offer remedies for a dysfunctional system that has often created a financial burden, rather than economic mobility, for student borrowers pursuing a better future,” stated the Center for American Progress in an August 7 web article.
“Meanwhile, the Biden-Harris administration also introduced income limits and caps on relief to ensure the borrowers who can afford to pay the full amount of their debts do so.”
“The Center for American Progress estimates the interest waiver provisions would deliver
relief to roughly 6 million Black borrowers, or 23 percent of the estimated number of borrowers receiving relief, as well as 4 million Hispanic or Latino borrowers (16 percent) and 13.5 million white borrowers (53 percent).”
These pending regulations would further expand the $168.5 billion in financial relief that the Biden Administration has already provided to borrowers:
*$69.2 billion for 946,000 borrowers through fixes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
*$51 billion for more than 1 million borrowers through administrative adjustments to IDR payment counts. These adjustments have brought borrowers closer to forgiveness and addressed longstanding concerns with the misuse of forbearance by loan servicers.
*$28.7 billion for more than 1.6 million borrowers who were cheated by their schools, saw their institutions precipitously close, or are covered by related court settlements.
*$14.1 billion for more than 548,000 borrowers with a total and permanent disability.
*$5.5 billion for 414,000 borrowers through the SAVE Plan.
More information for borrowers about this debt relief is available at StudentAid.gov/ debt-relief.
Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.
Nonprofit Shoes That Fit Honored With SBCUSD Outstanding Community Partner Award
BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is proud to announce that the Claremont-based nonprofit Shoes That Fit has been honored as the Outstanding Community Partner
recipient for May. This recognition celebrates the organization’s remarkable generosity and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of local students and was presented
other group and $10,000 more than men. This same analysis found that Washington, DC residents carried the highest average federal student loan debt balance, with $54,146 outstanding per borrower. Americans holding
high levels of student debt lived in many of the nation’s most populous states – including California, Texas, and Florida.
The Fed’s recent finding may be connected to actions taken by the Biden administration to rein in unsustainable debt held by people who sought higher education as a way to secure a better quality of life. This decline is even more noteworthy in light of a series of legal roadblocks to loan forgiveness. In response to these legal challenges, the Education Department on August 1 began emailing all borrowers of an approaching August 30 deadline to contact their loan servicer to decline future financial relief. Borrowers preferring to be considered for future relief proposed by pending departmental regulations should not respond.
If approved as drafted, the new rules would benefit over 30 million borrowers, including those who have already been approved for debt cancellation over the past three years.
“These latest steps will mark
the next milestone in our efforts to help millions of borrowers who’ve been buried under a mountain of student loan interest, or who took on debt to pay for college programs that left them worse off financially, those who have been paying their loans for twenty or more years, and many others,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
The draft rules would benefit borrowers with either partial or full forgiveness in the following categories:
*Borrowers who owe more now than they did at the start of repayment. This category is expected to largely benefit nearly 23 million borrowers, the majority of whom are Pell Grant recipients.
*Borrowers who have been in repayment for decades. Borrowers of both undergraduate and graduate loans who began repayment on or before July 1, 2000 would qualify for relief in this category.
Council for Professional Recognition CEO Calvin E. Moore, Jr Council for Professional Recognition CEO Calvin E. Moore, Jr
Shoes
Corina Borsuk
3
Opinion: There’s a Sensible Approach to Fix California’s Broken Lemon Law
Earl Skip Cooper | Special to California Black Media Partners
OPINION (CBM) – Access to reliable cars is a fundamental need for consumers, small business owners, and their hardworking employees.
California’s Lemon Law
is a long-standing consumer protection that allows our community members to replace the family car if they take it to the shop for repairs and it can’t be fixed. This law is a vital tool for consumers that must be protected at all costs; however, there are serious flaws in the current system that must be dealt with, especially with the current increase in the cost of living.
In the last few years, lemon law complaints filed in California courts have increased by many thousands, which has resulted in a court system that is severely backlogged and slows justice down even more for the consumers who need it the most.
To show in numbers what this looks like, there were 4,300 cases filed in 2015 – and this year, there will likely be 30,000. This isn’t due to issues with vehicle quality; studies show those ratings are better than ever. Instead, our current law has created a system that allows, even encourages, and rewards bad-acting attorneys to mass-file thousands of lawsuits to force companies to settle and get their big cut. This can’t be allowed to continue any longer.
The backlog in the courts caused by these bad actors results in families waiting years for these cases to resolve, which means they have to spend their hard-earned dollars renting vehicles for months or relying on rideshares and taxis constantly.
Anyone who ever had to call a car with a baby and a car seat in tow knows this option is expensive, inconvenient, and nearly impossible. To give a realworld example of the effect of this problem, it is not uncommon for families to be forced to wait 3-5 years for their car to be replaced while their case is tied up in court. The court backlogs are especially bad in our Southern California courts, which has trickle effects to the health of other parts of the system.
This problem, that is heavily affecting our communities who rely on vehicles to get around the large Los Angeles region in particular, can be significantly helped by a piece of legislation that just made it to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk with the heavy opposition of mass-filing, litigious plaintiff attorneys, some of the foreign automakers, and some of the companies pushing the exclusive use of electric vehicles, like Tesla.
Meanwhile, supporters of this legislation include storied American companies like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, as well as the statewide organization representing the consumer-side lawyers trying to fight for the best interests of their clients while not prioritizing delay tactics and punitive, unfair penalties.
The bill is called Assembly Bill 1755, coauthored by wellrespected and strong leaders
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Commentary: Will U.S. Lawmakers Follow California’s Lead, or Continue to Allow Mass Murderers to Access Military-Style Weapons?... continued from page 1
Despite banning bump stocks after the Las Vegas shooting, his administration rolled back restrictions on gun access for people with mental health issues and resisted efforts to tighten background checks or ban assault weapons. These weapons are not for protection. They are designed to kill as many people as quickly as possible.
Trump’s response to the Apalachee High School shooting, calling the shooter a “sick and deranged monster,” rings hollow. The dismantling of gun restrictions under his administration ensured that these “monsters” are better armed than our police, our security guards, and our first responders.
in our State Legislature – Sen. Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) and Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose). AB 1755 is a vital bill that gives consumers the right to cut out expensive, unnecessary middlemen and email the auto manufacturers directly to own the resolution of the problem and find out directly whether and how quickly an auto manufacturer will offer a vehicle repurchase or replacement for a customer having a car repair issue that can’t be fixed. Under the deadlines in the bill, manufacturers would have to decide within 30 days of simple customer notice whether they will make it right. And if a vehicle repurchase or replacement is offered, that solution must be completed within the next 30 days.
Simply put, this is a strong new policy that will provide real relief for many of our community members while also strongly protecting a consumer’s right to sue if they do not get a new car or money quickly to buy a new one.
AB 1755 is a historic piece of compromise legislation that will give consumers peace of mind, alleviate our court systems of unnecessary lawsuits, and help our small businesses save and avoid litigation costs. By signing AB 1755, Gov. Newsom can address these delays and provide timely solutions to consumers who depend on reliable transportation for work, school, and family obligations.
It is past time for California to afford consumers the same rights that people in other states get in getting their defective cars replaced on quicker timelines.
AB 1755 is supported by our California African American Chamber of Commerce, and speaking for myself as a Community activist for over 50 years, and the Chairman of the Board and President Emeritus for the Black Business Association, headquartered in Los Angeles, I wholeheartedly agree. On behalf of the consumers and businesses I work with, I call on Governor Newsom to sign AB 1755.
The delay in justice for our friends and family members who were unlucky enough to buy a “lemon” is unfair.
Consumers should not be forced to wait months or years for a replacement vehicle so that they can get to work, drive their kids to school, and explore everything our great region has to offer in their time off. I would humbly ask for our community to support the common-sense reforms proposed in Assembly Bill 1755, which is on our Governor’s desk awaiting his signature.
Let California be a leader on this issue and provide an example of what good a consumer protection reform can look like.
About the Author
Earl Skip Cooper is the Chairman of the Board and President Emeritus, Black Business Association.
school shootings have become a “fact of life” and argued that hardening schools is the best solution. This approach aligns with Trump’s Agenda 47, which focuses on expanding gun rights, and Project 2025, which advocates rolling back gun control laws, promoting civilian armament, and increasing school security protocols.
Vice President Kamala Harris, reacting to the shooting, spoke with compassion and urgency. “It doesn’t have to be this way,” she said. “We can end this epidemic of gun violence, but only if we have the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and make real change.”
Prioritizing gun manufacturers’ profits over public safety has led directly to tragedies like Georgia’s. Republicans often shift the blame to mental health issues and promote expanded mental health programs and school security measures instead of tackling the root issue – easy access to firearms.
Republican Vice-Presidential nominee JD Vance lamented that
As we approach the 2024 election, Americans face a critical choice: continue allowing mass murderers access to military-style weapons or follow California’s lead in implementing life-saving gun laws. With gun violence rising, it’s time for the rest of the country to prioritize safety and adopt measures like California’s that protect children, families, and communities.
RETIRED COUPLE
TRUST DEED COMPANY
Buys T.D.s and Buys/Lends on Partial Interests
Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana, City of Fontana and Fontana POA presents the 8th annual “Unity in CommUNITY Day” Chill N Grillin BBQ ComPITition
City of Fontana
It's a Community Family Reunion
Save the Date: Saturday, September 14th
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Center "Sports Pavilion" near the Aquatic Center 15556 Summit Avenue, North Fontana
Celebrate with us at this family-friendly community event! There’s something for everyone:
BBQ Samples: Enjoy delicious samples from competitive grillers with the price of $10 admission.
Live entertainment for your listening pleasure, Summit High School band, and route 66 dance studio.
Prostate Cancer Awareness: September is Prostate Cancer Month, and we’ll have informational stations to help spread awareness.
Mexican Independence Day Recognition: Join us
in celebrating, including performances by Ballet Folklorico dancers.
People's choice Car Show: Check out some amazing cars on display!
Kids Zone: For children 10 and under, there will be fun activities to keep them entertained while parents relax.
Vendors: Explore arts, crafts, jewelry, and more support our local community vendors.
Blood Drive: LifeStream Blood Bank will have a mobile unit on-site.The life you save may be your own!
To schedule an appointment to donate on Saturdays September 14th use this link below www. LStream.org
Resource Vendors: Cancer resource vendors and more will be present to provide valuable information.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support your community, enjoy great BBQ, and have fun with your family and neighbors.
You Can read the E-Edition of The San Bernardino
Nonprofit Shoes That Fit Honored With SBCUSD Outstanding Community Partner Award... continued from page 2
at the Board of Education’s May 21 meeting. Shoes That Fit has made a significant impact in the San Bernardino community by providing thousands of new shoes to students, including a May 23 donation of 1,431 pairs of brand-name sneakers to students at San Bernardino High School (SBHS), the nonprofit’s largest donation to date. This initiative not only ensures that students have proper footwear but also boosts their confidence and school engagement, said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano.
“By addressing a basic need, Shoes That Fit allows our students to focus on their education without the distraction of discomfort or insecurity,” Arellano said. “Their generosity exemplifies the kind of community spirit that helps our students shine.”
Last school year alone, Shoes That Fit donated brand new shoes to students at Bing Wong Elementary, Jones Elementary, Richardson PREP HI Middle School, and SBHS.
“One in three children in America lives in a low income or impoverished family,” said Julie
Stevens, Chief of Staff for Shoes that Fit. “Shoes that Fit’s mission is to tackle one of the most visible signs of poverty in America by giving the children new, highquality, brand-name athletic shoes so that they can have dignity and joy when they attend school, prepared to learn, play and thrive.” For SBHS senior Camila Sanchez, 18, receiving a brand new pair of Nike shoes means she can save even more money for her freshman year at Cal Poly Pomona.
“Getting this pair of shoes may not seem like much, but I have a sister who also goes here and for both of us to get new shoes, that’s really going to help my mom,” Sanchez said as she slipped on her new kicks in the school gym while around her dozens of students selected shoes and socks. “I’m so happy that people care and want to help our school.”
The Outstanding Community Partner Award is given monthly to organizations that have made a substantial difference in the lives of SBCUSD students and families. Shoes That Fit’s dedication to service has set a new standard for community involvement.
Free Workshops in Preparation for Valley-Wide Employment Expo in Indio
Who: Riverside County, in partnership with Desert Best Friend’s Closet, will host free one-hour workshops to prepare job seekers for the 29th ValleyWide Employment Expo in Indio.
What: A series of four free workshops focusing on resume writing, interview techniques, and professional attire. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn clothing vouchers, gift cards, and more. Participants are encouraged to bring copies of their current resumes.
Where: Online and inperson at the Indio Workforce Development Center, 44199 Monroe St, Suite C, Room #402, Indio, CA 92201.
Why: These workshops are designed to help job seekers maximize their experience at the Expo and prepare for success on the day of the event. Additional details can be found at DesertJobExpo.com.
Media Opportunities: Media are invited to attend for photos, B-roll, and interviews. Please RSVP to Angela Maria Naso at 951-660-1925 or DPSSComm@ rivco.org.
Additional Information: Job seekers can register for pre-expo workshops by calling 760-7736716 or emailing Hheavlin@ rivco.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
When: Thursday, Sept. 12 English Sessions: Online on Zoom and in-person at 10 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Spanish Sessions: Online on Zoom and in-person at 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Earl ‘Skip’ Cooper (Courtesy photo)
Larenze Tate’s Anti-Aging Secret: It’s
Not What You Think
There's an old saying that goes, "Black don't crack," but let's be honest, some people age worse than others. But on the other hand, there are a select few of people who seem to look even
better as they age. One of them is actor Larenz Tate.
The Love Jones, Dead Presidents, and Menace II Society star seems to look better as he ages, even as he approaches his 50th birthday. So what's his secret?
"I get the question all the time, 'What's your secret?'," says Tate. "And I just tell them I have vampire in my blood. I'm not getting older. I'm going to stay just this way."
But the real secret to his youthful look is how he lives.
Larenz Tate is a self-proclaimed lover of life and one who enjoys being happy. From his family life to his finances, Larenz lives a simple life.
"I live below my means. If everybody's going on vacation. I might not be able to do the Private Jet...I'll get there! If they want to do the yacht boat thing, I'll put some ON the yacht! I got 4 kids and it doesn't make sense. I've seen highs and lows in my career financially. When people are out there ballin' out of control...I know the real deal."
The same thing applies to his marriage.
"We don't go by other people's standards. What works in our relationship and our household may not work in the next household. It's what we create and what we do. We don't get involved in anybody else's business, we just do our thing."
He Recognized a Key 'Secret' Is Finding a Compatible Mate
Another major factor that keeps Tate looking young is love. Yes, LOVE.
What love will do to the body is miraculous. Did you know that being married--specifically to someone you absolutely love and cherish--tend to live longer. They have fewer strokes and heart attacks, have a lower chance of becoming depressed, are less likely to have advanced cancer at the time of diagnosis and more likely to survive cancer for a longer period of time. They even tend to survive a major operation more often.
Tate has found his love of over 15 years in his wife Tomasina.
"Marriage is great, but marriage isn't for everybody," admits Tate. "It's something you
have to make your own. What works in your relationship and marriage, may not work in your marriage. You have to find someone who is going to be in for the long journey and not the sprint. You give up a lot in marriage, but you don't have to give up who you are. Find someone who is compatible with who you are."
Another 'Secret' Is a Drink that Helps All Ages
Another major portion of Larenz's backwards aging is what he drinks. It's not an elixer of fruits and berries or some highpriced energy drink. It's simply water. That's right: water. Water helps keep skin looking good. Your skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a...... protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss.
"Dehydration makes your skin look more dry and wrinkled, which can be improved with proper hydration," he says. "But once you are adequately hydrated, the kidneys take over and excrete excess fluids."
You can also help "lock" moisture into your skin by using moisturizer, which creates a physical barrier to keep moisture in.
"You know for me, I just want to be the best version of myself," explains Tate in a 2023 interview. "I’ve been in the game for a long time and I have been in this industry for 3 decades and I have seen how it has taken a toll on a lot of people. For me, I want to run the marathon as opposed to a sprint. So I try to avoid all the pitfalls that would cause selfdestruction, that would cause a situation where I am aged before my time. It has an affect on your life all together."
"I decided to go the other route – I don’t want that other route. I’ve seen it: the demise of so many people that I respect. So now for me, I just want the best version of myself and I have to be mindful of my health, my mental space and my body and mind and conscious. It all plays a part in it. It’s all about responsibility and accountability!"
So the real secret to his 'secret': Live, laugh, love...and drink water!
Gaby Natale Joins Forces with Susan G. Komen® as Official Ambassador
In 2024, Natale was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Now cancer-free, she is dedicated to using her experience to advocate for early detection and to support others affected by the disease.
"Together, we can pioneer a
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Gaby Natale Joins Forces with Susan G. Komen® as Official Ambassador...continued
social channels, including crosspromotional posts, a podcast interview, and the Komen blog. She will emphasize the theme of resilience in media interviews while advocating for timely mammograms, especially within the Hispanic community, which faces significant challenges in breast cancer outcomes.
Natale will also lead the "Beauty in Resilience" campaign, which focuses on inclusive beauty and challenges outdated beauty standards. The campaign celebrates the strength and beauty of multicultural breast cancer survivors and provides crucial health education and resources. "This effort is about redefining beauty through the lens of resilience and strength and ensuring that every community has access to the information and care they need," explained Natale.
"There is someone in every state, every city, every community who has been impacted by breast cancer. Hispanic and Latina women, in particular, face laterstage diagnoses and need our support," said Krissa Smith,
Ph.D., vice president, education at Susan. G. Komen. "We're deeply grateful to Gaby Natale for using her platform to educate and support all communities. Together, we emphasize the life-saving importance of early detection, regular screenings, and mental health support. Health equity remains central to our mission, and while progress has been made, our work continues."
As part of her ambassador role, Natale will participate in signature Komen events such as the 2024 Komen Dallas North Texas Race for the Cure and promote these events through bilingual media appearances.
Susan G. Komen is the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. For more information, visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
Years Into Historic Efforts to Close Health Disparities, How is Medi-Cal
Doing?
By Selen Ozturk
Palav Babaria from DHCS discusses health disparities in California, and how successfully the ongoing transformation of Medi-Cal is bridging them.
Over the last few years, MediCal — California’s version of Medicaid — has been on the national front lines of reducing health disparities impacting Californians of color.
Palav Babaria, deputy director of quality and population health management at the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), spoke with EMS about some of the state’s more glaring health disparities, and how the historic transformation of Medi-Cal has helped bridge the gap.
Reducing inequity
“There are two major ways we’re approaching health equity,” said Babaria. “One, we’ve been tracking disparities, especially by race and ethnicity, for over a decade now, and setting bold, measurable goals to reduce them. But reporting on inequity is not enough to change it, so we’ve also been expanding access through CalAIM.”
CalAIM, short for California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal, is a multi-year effort to reduce health disparities through new services like street medicine, home accessibility modifications, medically tailored meals, sobering centers and housing support including rent aid, tenancy navigation, transitional housing and daily living skills training.
world without breast cancer"
Natale said. " I am excited to join forces with Susan G. Komen and committed to using my voice to empower women, especially in diverse communities, to advocate for their health and to break barriers in health equity."
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Hispanic women in the U.S., with one in nine Hispanic/Latina women expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime. Research indicates that Hispanic women often face greater barriers to accessing screening mammograms compared to other ethnicities.
To help educate and address these disparities, Natale will share her insights across Komen's
Palav Babaria, deputy director of quality and population health management at the Department of Health Care Services.
Medi-Cal is also providing waivers for many of these services to Californians who may not otherwise qualify for them.
To reduce maternal death and illness from conception through 12 months postpartum, Medi-Cal has developed a Birthing Care Pathway coordinating services across various areas of members’ lives; for instance, doula care, nutrition aid and mental health screening.
“We’ve been centering members themselves in how we design these programs,” Babaria said. “As of 2024, all our medical plans in each county are required to have an Advisory Committee that includes
Years Into Historic Efforts to Close Health Disparities, How is Medi-Cal Doing?...continued
as low as 3%, or are unreported altogether.
Disparity also persists for substance use disorder engagement and follow-up for an emergency department substance use disorder visit, with a statewide rate of 7% against a 14% goal for treatment and a 16% statewide rate against a 24% goal for follow-up.
However, these metrics were last reported in 2021 and 2022. An update with more recent data measuring the progress of MediCal since then is expected this August.
Listening sessions
“There’s a common saying in the healthcare world that every system is perfectly designed to get the results that it produces, and we know that our current system isn’t working for some of our members,” said Babaria.
To hear directly from members experiencing this inequity, MediCal also launched its three-phase, five-year Health Equity Roadmap Initiative.
For the first phase, begun in November 2023 and now complete, DHCS staff held 11 listening sessions hosted by community-based organizations statewide, to listen to hundreds of Medi-Cal members about the challenges that prevent them from getting the health care they need — particularly for members from communities of color, those with disabilities, those in rural areas and those with behavioral health issues like substance abuse disorder.
community members and MediCal members, and we kicked off a quarterly state-level Member Advisory Committee in 2023 … so the people experiencing health disparities can tell us how the system needs to change to better meet their needs.”
“Our health care system is good when you’re urgently sick and you show up to the emergency room or the hospital; people generally have their needs met. What our general health care system is really bad at is preventing people from getting sicker,” said Babaria.
“Many people, for example, may not have a regular primary care provider screening them for diabetes and counseling them before they develop diabetes or have an amputation,” she continued. “The purpose of our tracking is to identify who’s at risk of getting sick before that happens to keep them well with preventive visits, and the purpose of these new programs is to address the social drivers of health, to improve the overall outcome of interrelated needs like diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.
“Altogether, that’s called population health,” said Babaria. “The concept has been a focus for Medicaid nationally for the last decade or so, but the data to be able to look at how we’re doing at a statewide level has sometimes been lacking,” said Babaria. “Nationally, we’re definitely on the leading edge.”
Medi-Cal is tracking much of its progress through its 50×25 initiative, a CalAIM campaign launched in 2022 to reduce disparities and improve care by 50% in three areas: children’s preventive health, maternity care and behavioral health, which includes mental health and substance use disorder.
Disparities in these areas vary between counties and races, but some goals like Asian and Hispanic or Latino youth preventive care visits and immunizations are already met, while other goals like maternity care for Black and Native American women are nearly met.
The goals where disparities remain high include prenatal depression screening, which has a statewide rate of 10% against a goal of 15%, although some regions like southeastern and far northern California have rates
“We got a lot of requests for more behavioral health services, and that’s a nationwide phenomenon,” said Babaria. “We don’t have as much capacity as the demand, especially after the pandemic, when we saw a lot more people having issues with mental health or substance use needs … and we experienced provider shortages, especially those who could speak members’ native language, and often in rural areas and smaller counties.”
To expand information accessibility, Medi-Cal has set translation and interpretation requirements in 18 threshold languages for health plans in all counties in California.
Threshold languages — including Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese — are the primary language of 3,000 members or 5% of the member population in a county, whichever is lower.
As of March 2024, nonenrolled Californians newly eligible for Medi-Cal spoke mostly English (197,469) and Spanish (125,722), with the next-highest being unreported (10,834) and Russian-speaking members (3,893).
“The most resounding, consistent piece of feedback we got is that it’s really hard to navigate and access all of the different Medi-Cal programs,” she added. “Sometimes it’s because there are weeks- or months-long wait times for appointments, or members haven’t updated their contact information and we don’t know how to reach them, or sometimes it’s because we just have a very complicated health care system and our members don’t know that dental, maternal or behavioral health services are even available.”
“In Phase 2, we’re taking what we’ve heard from members in the listening sessions and figuring out what solutions look like,” said Babaria. “Often, state health care policy is developed with providers and advocates, but members getting these services are not at the table. We want to do a co-design process where members themselves identify our biggest priorities,” said Babaria. “In Phase 3, we’ll turn those priorities into a timeline of goals we can measure.”
“If you want to close health disparities, you can’t do that without the people most affected by it being at the table and having a voice in the process. We’re at the beginning of that journey,” she added. “Having these communities guiding our process at the local level is how we’re going to make sure that we see measurable changes down the road.”
Public Health Confirms Case of Locally Acquired Dengue
Health News
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of locally acquired dengue in a resident in the City of Baldwin Park, who has no history of travel to areas where dengue is endemic. Cases of locally acquired dengue were previously confirmed by Long Beach and Pasadena in fall 2023. No additional suspected locally acquired cases have been identified at this time.
While the potential risk for widespread dengue virus transmission in Los Angeles County remains low, these cases highlight the presence of infected mosquitoes locally and underscore the importance of preventive measures to control the spread of this virus.
Dengue fever, transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, can cause flu-like symptoms including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. In severe cases, it may lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, both of which require immediate medical attention.
Public Health is encouraging healthcare providers to be vigilant for dengue fever in patients with acute febrile illness and test for and report suspect cases of mosquitoborne diseases and to routinely discuss prevention strategies with patients and travelers.
Public Health is working with local vector control agencies, and its field teams are providing doorto-door information on dengue risk and mosquito bite prevention and
control measures in the local area. In addition, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has increased mosquito trapping for identification and testing and abatement operations to reduce the risk of additional spread in the affected neighborhood.
“This case further indicates that dengue fever is present in our community. While the likelihood of widespread transmission is low at this time, we must remain vigilant and prevent further cases through public education and mosquito control efforts,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer.
“Mosquitos thrive in hot weather, increasing the risk of bites and mosquito-borne diseases. People should follow these simple steps to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and risk for mosquito bites: 1) Use insect repellent on you and your family; 2) Remove standing water outside your home where mosquitoes can lay eggs and breed; and 3) Use, install, or repair window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.”
“The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has acted as quickly as possible to enhance surveillance and perform mosquito control in the area,” said District Manager Jason Farned. “The District will continue its surveillance and control efforts, including additional backpack and truckmounted mosquito treatments to reduce adult mosquito populations and mosquito breeding sources.”
Larenz Tate now
Gaby Natale
Leaders of Transnational Terrorist Group Charged with Soliciting Hate Crimes, Soliciting the Murder of Federal Officials, and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists
and terrorist attacks against Black, immigrant, LGBT, and Jewish people. Make no mistake, as hate groups turn to online platforms, the federal government is adapting and responding to protect vulnerable communities.
The Justice Department is committed to protecting the civil rights of all Americans, and we will resolutely strive to bring to justice those who seek to threaten, undermine, or extinguish it.”
The Justice Department announced today that Dallas Humber, 34, of Elk Grove, California, and Matthew Allison, 37, of Boise, Idaho — leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group — were charged with a 15-count indictment for soliciting hate crimes, soliciting the murder of federal officials, and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. Humber and Allison were arrested on Friday by law enforcement officials.
“Today’s indictment charges the defendants with leading a transnational terrorist group dedicated to attacking America’s critical infrastructure, targeting a hit list of our country’s public officials, and carrying out deadly hate crimes — all in the name of violent white supremacist ideology,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Today’s arrests are a warning that committing hate-fueled crimes in the darkest corners of the internet will not hide you, and soliciting terrorist attacks from behind a screen will not protect you. The United States Department of Justice will find you, and we will hold you accountable.”
“We allege that the leaders of Terrorgram charged today are a threat to public safety and the rule of law,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Using the Telegram platform, they advanced their heinous white supremacist ideology, solicited hate crimes, and provided guidance and instructions for terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure and assassinations of government officials. Today’s action reaffirms that the Department of Justice will not tolerate this alleged abhorrent conduct. It has no place in America or anywhere else. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable anyone who engages in such activity, no matter where they are located.”
“These defendants are alleged to be the leaders of Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group that our investigation found is responsible for soliciting hate crimes and the murder of government officials and providing support to terrorists,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Whether motivated by racial bias or antagonism toward government and societal norms, such behavior will not be tolerated. Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and working with our partners we are committed to investigating and holding accountable those who break the laws and assist violent actors in lethal plots.”
“Hate crimes fueled by bigotry and white supremacy, and amplified by the weaponization of digital messaging platforms, are on the rise and have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This indictment charges the leaders of a transnational terrorist group with several civil rights violations, including soliciting others to engage in hate crimes
Leaders of Transnational Terrorist Group Charged with Soliciting Hate Crimes, Soliciting the Murder of Federal Officials, and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Terrorists...continued out those attacks. These attacks include but are not limited to:
Bias-motivated attacks against those deemed by Terrorgram to be enemies of the white race; Terrorist attacks on government infrastructure, such as government buildings and energy facilities, which Terrorgram believes will ignite a race war and help accelerate the collapse of government and society; and
“As alleged, Humber and Allison, the leaders of Terrorgram, conspired to provide material support and solicited attacks on federal officials and critical government infrastructure, including federal buildings and energy facilities,” said Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division.
“Today’s charges demonstrate the Justice Department’s resolve to bring every available tool to bear in countering threats of violent extremists and protecting Americans.”
“The defendants solicited murders and hate crimes based on the race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity of others,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “They also doxed and solicited the murder of federal officials, conspired to provide material support to terrorists, and distributed information about explosives that they intended to be used in committing crimes of violence. My office will continue to work tirelessly with our partners in law enforcement and in the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute those who commit such violations of federal criminal law. I would like to thank the FBI and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and National Security Division for their partnership in support of the common mission to keep our people and public officials safe from hate-fueled crimes of violence.”
According to the indictment, which was unsealed today, Humber and Allison are the leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group that operates on the digital messaging platform Telegram, where it promotes white supremacist accelerationism: an ideology centered on the belief that the white race is superior; that society is irreparably corrupt and cannot be saved by political action; and that violence and terrorism are necessary to ignite a race war and accelerate the collapse of the government and the rise of a white ethnostate.
The indictment alleges that Humber and Allison, as leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, contributed to and disseminated several Terrorgram videos and publications that provide specific advice for carrying out crimes, celebrate white supremacist attacks, and provide a hit list of “high-value targets” for assassination. The hit list included U.S. federal, state, and local officials, as well as leaders of private companies and nongovernmental organizations, many of whom were targeted because of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Humber and Allison are alleged to have operated Terrorgram channels and group chats, where they solicited Terrorgram users to commit attacks in order to achieve Terrorgram’s goals of accelerationism and white supremacy and provided instructions and guidance to equip Terrorgram users to carry
The indictment charges Humber and Allison with a total of 15 counts, including one count of conspiracy, four counts of soliciting hate crimes, three counts of soliciting the murder of federal officials, three counts of doxing federal officials, one count of threatening communications, two counts of distributing bombmaking instructions, and one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.
Attacks on “high-value targets” — like politicians and government officials — whose murders Terrorgram believes would sow chaos and further accelerate the government’s downfall.
They also incited Terrorgram users to commit attacks in furtherance of white supremacist accelerationism, including the following individuals who were allegedly inspired or guided by Humber, Allison, and other members of the Terrorgram Collective to carry out attacks or were planning to do so when they were arrested by law enforcement:
An individual who shot three people (killing two) outside of an LGBT bar in Slovakia;
An individual who planned an attack on energy facilities in New Jersey; and
An individual who stabbed five people near a mosque in Turkey.
If convicted of all charges, Humber and Allison each face a maximum penalty of 220 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Sacramento Field Office and FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency, investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and a variety of foreign and domestic law enforcement agencies.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1220
Toward a Better Understanding of China
Derek Duncan
Prejudice and hostility have been directed against many minority groups and those perceived as “other” throughout US history. During difficult times, politicians often stoke social division for political advantage. People of Asian heritage have been frequent targets of scapegoating, like with the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 or the internment of Japanese during World War II.
There seems to be a particular animus towards China in America’s society and politics. During today’s campaign season, candidates from all parties tend to speak of China with at least subtle suspicion. Some politicians use more virulent anti-Chinese rhetoric, like calling COVID-19 “kung-flu,” which has contributed to sporadic acts of violence against anyone who appears Asian.
We should reject this reflexive discrimination against China and Chinese people. It would help to gain a fuller understanding of the diversity of China’s population and greater appreciation of the dignity of the Chinese, irrespective of geopolitical conflicts between the US and Chinese governments.
Countering this prejudice is an important role for churches and other civil society groups with partnerships in China. Since the early nineteenth century, many U.S. churches have had strong relationships with Christians in China, and have supported Chinese Christians who emigrated to the United States. Today most ecumenical churches have a close partnership with the China Christian Council (CCC) and its related Christian humanitarian and development organization, the Amity Foundation. Recently a delegation of leaders from the China Christian Council visited US church representatives in several US cities. In Chicago, a forum was held to share experiences of the Chinese and American churches since the COVID-19 pandemic in various areas like theology, education, ministry, and social service. US participants came to understand the depth of our shared experiences as well as to respect the China churches’ need to embrace uniquely Chinese expressions of Christian identity—a process which has come to be known as “Sinicization” or “Chinafication” of Christianity.
Toward a Better Understanding of China...continued
word of assurance about the good relations between Chinese Muslims and the government and with Americans from a leader at the Grand Mosque in Xi’an.
Many Americans may be surprised to learn of the vitality of the Christian churches in China. Christian communities have existed for nearly 1500 years in China, ever since the introduction of Christianity by the Nestorians. During a visit to Xi’an in March this year, I was gifted a scroll nearly 10 feet long that is a facsimile of a stone tablet erected during the Tang dynasty in 781 which documents 150 years of early Christianity in the region. Indeed, Christianity in China didn’t start with the nineteenthcentury Western missionary movement, nor does it depend on the conversionary schemes of modern evangelicalism from outside China. During my March visit, I attended a Sunday morning worship at Trinity International Church in Kunming in western Yunnan Province. I was amazed not only that all three floors of the sanctuary were packed, but that when I exited the church there was a line of people down the block waiting to enter for the next of five services held there that morning. There are over 50,000 churches affiliated with the China Christian Council and the CCC’s many seminaries can’t keep up with the pace of new clergy needed for new churches every year.
After the service in Kunming, I visited a small village in the mountains of Yunnan Province. The modest wooden benches in the small church were full of indigenous Miao worshippers, and we took communion and sang hymns in the local language accompanied by three different choirs that morning. During a later visit to a local bible school in Baoshan, I met with the elderly pastor who founded the school some decades ago. I asked him what he thought about the tension between the United States and China and whether he thought bridges of understanding could be built between our two countries. Smiling he replied he never thinks about what goes on in Beijing or Washington and had never been bothered by government authorities in all his years of ministry. He doesn’t feel there is gap between Chinese and Americans nor understood why there should be. I heard a similar
I am not naïve enough to think that there is no social discord or tension between the government and religious or minority groups in China, not do I mean to suggest that the most positive cultural factor in China is due to the active ministry of Chinese Christians. But rather I have come to appreciate that the people of China are diverse and perspectives are nuanced. I understand how Euro-centric Americans tend to hold prejudices about China and the Chinese that are reinforced by unhelpful stereotypes and that have been exploited by politicians seeking to sow fear and division in our communities, both locally and globally. Especially during this election season, we would do well to distinguish more favorably, as we do with other countries, between China’s people and whatever policies of its government we may disagree with. We should do better in seeking to understand China and its rich culture and people.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Derek Duncan is the Global Relations Minister for East Asia and the Pacific for Global of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ.
“The Antichrist is Coming; Be Aware!”
By Lou K. Coleman
Lou K. Coleman
Who is the Antichrist?
The Bible is clear that one man, the Antichrist, will rise up to unite the world under ONE GOVERMENT during the Tribulation. This global dictator will pose as an angel of light, just like his father the devil, but will later act out of his true, evil nature. He will persecute, torture, and kill the people of God as he leads the armies of the world into the Battle of Armageddon. He will be the most powerful dictator the world has ever seen, making Caesar, Hitler, Mao, and Saddam seem tame by comparison. [Revelation 13:1–8] describes the Antichrist as a Beast who is against Christ.
How will you recognize him?
The Antichrist will begin inconspicuously as one of many minor political leaders, but he will gradually grasp more and more power. As Daniel says, the coming world leader will be renowned for his eloquence, which will capture the attention and administration of the world. He will be a man whose appearance was greater than his fellows. He will be strikingly attractive. He will be a clever man of great intellect. The combination of his magnetic personality, speaking ability, and extreme good looks will make him virtually irresistible to the masses [Daniel 7:7-8, 20, 25]. When he comes on the scene, people will flock to him like flies to honey, and they will do anything he asks. Step by step, the Antichrist will promote himself from a European leader to a world leader, to a tyrannical global dictator, and finally to a god. His rise to power will be inconspicuous. It will not be noticed in the beginning and will hardly raise the attention even of those who are closer to the center of action. He will rise out of the general population. A contemptible person to whom royal majesty has not been given. He shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom by flatteries [Daniel 11:21]. Daniel describes him as somebody who understands sinister schemes for through his cunning…shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule. [Daniel 8:23,25]. According to Daniel he will come in peaceably and seize the kingdom by intrigue. [Daniel 11:21]. He will be speaking great things and blasphemies; against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those that dwell in heaven. The Antichrist will and start his own religion [Revelation 13:5-6].
During the last 3½ years of the Tribulation, the Antichrist will personify Satan himself with all power, signs, and lying wonders [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10].
Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. It is crucial to be aware of the prophecies regarding the Antichrist and the end times for the groundwork
is being laid for the Antichrist’s appearance at the present hour. Current events such as increasing divisions and conflicts between nations, tremendous social unrest, a general hostility toward the Jews and Christianity, rank moral degradation, technological advancements that have enabled widespread surveillance and control, global pandemics, and the probability of a major worldwide economic crisis, are all signs of the last days pointing to the coming of the Antichrist, who will appear as a charismatic and persuasive leader who can provide salvation and deliverance. When in reality, he is a Beast – a human monster whose power comes from the dreaded Dragon — the devil himself. Do not be deceived. As [M.R. DeHaan] quoted; “Terrible are the days which lie ahead. The rumblings of the coming judgment can be heard in the distance. The clouds are gathering. Inventions…have made men tremble at what lies ahead. There is only one way out, and that is through him [Christ], who is the door to absolute safety. Those who receive him and enter through the door by faith are safe. They are described as those whose names ‘are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.’ Is your name written there? Are you ready for his coming? If not, will you turn to him [Christ] and be saved now?”
God offers safety and rescue for those who are His. Statement of Personal Trust in God’s Care [Psalms 46:1-3,7; Psalms 91:12]. Declaration of God’s Care for His People [Psalms 91:3-4; 1416]. The Results of God’s Care [Psalms 91:5-8]. The ones who God protects [Psalms 91: 9-10]. The Means of God’s Care [Psalms 91:9-13]. Promises for the people of God – they are not universal; they are reserved for the people of God: those who have given their life to him [John 10:27-29]. This is a relationship that is made possible through repentance and trust in Jesus Christ. So, if you have not given your life to the Lord, repent and get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God NOW. For not only is the Antichrist coming, and all hell is about to break loose, but judgment will soon follow. The Time is Near!
Then I saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and 10 horns, with 10 crowns on its horns. And written on each head were names that blasphemed God. This Beast looked like a Leopard, but it had the feet of a Bear and the mouth of a Lion! And the dragon gave the Beast his own power and throne and great authority. I saw that one of the heads of the Beast seemed wounded beyond recovery — but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the Beast. They worshiped the dragon for giving the Beast such power, and they also worshiped the Beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?” [Revelation 13; Daniel 7]. They did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward [Jeremiah 7:24]. God gave them over [Romans 1:24–28].
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Comedy Central’s Highly Anticipated Adult Animated Series Everybody Still Hates Chris To Premiere Wednesday, September 25th at 10PM ET/PT
Produced By CBS Studios, the New Star-Studded Adult Animation Revival Starring Chris Rock is also Produced by His Banner, Chris Rock Enterprises
(Black PR Wire) New York, NY – Comedy Central today announced the premiere date of its highly anticipated adult animated series, Everybody Still Hates Chris. The reimagined series starring and executive produced by Chris Rock premieres Wednesday, September 25 at 10pm ET/PT. Terry Crews and Tichina Arnold also star alongside Tim Johnson Jr., Ozioma Akagha, Terrence Little Gardenhigh, and Gunnar Sizemore. The series is produced by CBS Studios and Chris Rock Enterprises, in association with 3 Arts Entertainment.
Everybody Still Hates Chris will feature Chris Rock (“Rustin,” “Fargo”) as “Adult Chris,” narrating stories inspired by his experience growing up as a skinny nerd in a large
working-class family in BedStuy, Brooklyn, during the late 1980s. Terry Crews (“America’s Got Talent”, “Brooklyn NineNine”) will voice “Julius,” Chris’ father who is a gentle giant with a relentless work ethic, and tightwad approach to life. He grew up dirt poor, so he knows the cost of everything down to the penny. He works two jobs to support the family, and on his days off, he takes on a third job. Tichina Arnold (“The Neighborhood”) will voice “Rochelle,” Chris’ mother who is smart, strong-willed, and has a nurturing spirit, but she can also be hot-headed, especially when it comes to her kids. She tolerates zero nonsense, so she quits more jobs in a month than most people do in a lifetime.
In addition to the cast of the
Comedy Central’s Highly Anticipated Adult Animated Series Everybody Still Hates Chris To Premiere Wednesday, September 25th at 10PM ET/PT...continued
(“Kung Fu Panda”) will voice “Greg,” Chris’s only friend at school who is girl-obsessed, status conscious and raised by a single dad.
“Everybody Hates Chris,” Chris Rock’s autobiographical, critically-acclaimed family series, ran for four seasons on UPN then the CW from 2005 –2009. The series won a NAACP Image Award for its writing in 2007 and was also nominated for a Golden Globe and several
Emmy Awards. All four seasons of the original series are available to stream on Paramount+.
Everybody Still Hates Chris is produced by CBS’ Eye Animation Productions, CBS Studios’ animation arm. Alongside Chris Rock of Chris Rock Enterprises, showrunner Sanjay Shah (“Central Park”); Ali LeRoi; and Michael Rotenberg and Dave Becky of 3 Arts Entertainment will executive produce. Titmouse (“Big Mouth”) serves as the
animation studio for the series with Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, Antonio Canobbio and Ben Kalina serving as executive producers. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of the Comedy Central footprint.
Follow Everybody Still Hates Chris on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and join the conversation with #EverybodyStillHatesChris.
original series “Everybody Hates Chris,” Tim Johnson Jr. (“Saturdays”) will voice “Young Chris,” a nerd who wants to be cool but he’s outshined by his younger brother, tortured by his little sister, and foiled by his cheapskate dad; Ozioma Akagha (“DELILAH”) will voice “Tonya,” Chris’ feisty baby sister, with the face of an angel and the heart of a demon, who gets along with her middle brother Drew but leaps at any chance to get Chris in trouble; Terrence Little Gardenhigh (“Danger Force”) will voice “Drew,” the golden child of the family who is the epitome of Black Excellence: handsome, athletic, a ladies man, taller and cooler than his older brother Chris; and Gunnar Sizemore
California’s Aging Services Offer Valuable Resources for Older Adults
As we grow older, our needs and priorities change. In California, a wide range of services is available to help you maintain your independence, stay connected, and lead a fulfilling life. Whether you’re looking for support with daily tasks, health care guidance, or planning for the future, California’s aging services are here to help.
Aging in Place
Many of you may prefer to stay in your own home as you get older. California offers programs that can assist with home repairs, transportation, and in-home care. Additionally, health and social care programs, including day centers with activities like arts and exercise, help you stay independent.
Nutrition Services
You can enjoy home-delivered meals or gather for group meals at local centers. For those with limited income, there are options to get fresh produce and other food benefits through the CalFresh Expansion program.
Health Insurance Guidance
Confused about health insurance options? The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides guidance on Medicare and long-term care insurance.
Support for Caregivers
If you are caring for an older adult, there are programs like Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) and the Family Caregiver Support Program offering respite, counseling, and assistance with paperwork. CRCs also provide action plans for families dealing with dementia.
Legal Assistance
Facing issues like consumer fraud, elder abuse, or age discrimination? Legal Services are available to help with Social Security, health insurance, pensions, and more.
Employment Opportunities
Looking for a job? Free training and job placement services are available for older Californians.
Emergency Preparedness
Planning for emergencies is especially important as we age. California offers resources to help you prepare for natural disasters, power outages, and other emergencies. Creating a personal emergency plan, keeping an emergency kit ready, and staying informed about local resources can make all the difference.
All these services and more are coordinated through local Area Agencies on Aging. Find yours by calling the California Aging and Adult Information Line at 800-5102020 or visiting aging.ca.gov.
(By Black PR Wire)