Category: Local & Community

Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌ ‌|‌ ‌California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media‌ As artificial intelligence rapidly expands into health care and other high-stakes fields, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Sept. 18 accelerating California’s efforts to independently oversee AI companies and strengthen safety guardrails. The order advances the development of an emergency shutdown mechanism, or “kill switch,” for advanced…

Celebrating 65 Years of Sisterhood, Service, and Community Impact The Inland Ivy Foundation and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Eta Nu Omega Chapter invite the community to celebrate 65 years of sisterhood, service, and commitment to all mankind throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Join us for an unforgettable Harlem-inspired Dinner and AKAsino style night…

Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark, Longtime Orange County Pastor and Community Leader, Dies at 72 Bo Tefu | California Black Media  Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a respected faith and community leader in Orange County, died Sept. 9. He was 72. Born Oct. 2, 1953,…

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media About 500 California public safety workers gathered at the State Capitol on Sept. 14 to urge Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign legislation that would allow enhanced retirement benefits for certain first responders. Authored by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), Assembly Bill (AB) 1383 would modify public employee retirement benefits…

The 15-year-old Formula 4 racing driver from Riverside, the first American to reach the FEED Racing finals in France, signs autographs at Moreno Valley Mall at Towngate on Saturday, September 26. MORENO VALLEY, Calif., September 16, 2026 — Daniel’s Jewelers will host Formula 4 racing driver Truly Adams for a public meet and greet on Saturday, September 26 from 2 to 5 PM at…

Deets: We are excited to announce that the Lucas Museum  of Narrative Art will open to the public on September 22, 2026, in Los  Angeles, California. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, our new  cultural institution seeks to explore how stories connect people and capture  the human experience, building on the belief that illustrated…

By Bo Tefu California Black Media Local housing capacity, behavioral health services and criminal justice policies are playing a role in California’s homelessness and drug crises, according to a new report examining how policy decisions have affected outcomes across the state. The report compiled by the Public Policy Institute of California found that counties that…

By John Fensterwald, EdSource As a key element in the state’s package of early literacy reforms, Gov. Gavin Newsom included $200 million in last year’s state budget to pay for instructing elementary school teachers in the new reading strategies. On Wednesday, the State Board of Education approved 31 training programs that school districts can  That…

On Sept. 1, Cindy Faulkner was appointedFirst 5 San Bernardino’s new executive director. Faulkner steps into the role with 22 years of experience at First 5 San Bernardino, most recently serving as interim executive director and, before that, assistant director. Throughout her tenure, she has helped strengthen partnerships and coordinated systems of support that give…

 On Sunday, September 6, 2026, at approximately 4:03 a.m., deputies from the Victorville Station, along with personnel from the Victorville Fire Department and American Medical Response (AMR), responded to the area of Silica Drive and First Avenue in Victorville for a vehicle that had collided with a pedestrian. The preliminary investigation revealed a black Mercedes-Benz…

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Alton Garrett, Founder and Managing Partner of Garrett Management Group LLC, will receive a Black Rose Award at the 34th Annual Black Rose Award Celebration on Saturday, September 12, at Cal State San Bernardino.  When he heard he had been nominated for a Black Rose Award, Garrett said, “It is an honor to be nominated for this prestigious…

Edward Henderson | California Black Media More than five decades ago, a tragedy at a Sacramento ice cream parlor exposed a critical gap in the region’s ability to care for people suffering from severe burns. Today, that tragedy remains part of the origin story of the Firefighters Burn Institute (FFBI), a Sacramento-based organization whose work…

Free performances weekly on the Artsakh Paseo celebrate music, connection and community spirit GLENDALE, CA  –– The Jewel City Concert Series returns this fall with five consecutive Saturdays of free live music on the Artsakh Paseo, located at 127 Artsakh Avenue in Glendale’s Downtown Arts & Entertainment District. From September 26 through October 24, the…

California Puts Black Girl Joy on the Calendar Every Aug. 10 Bo Tefu | California Black Media California has designated Aug. 10 as Black Girl Joy Day, an annual statewide celebration of Black girls’ achievements, talents and potential. Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 226, authored by Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson, D-Suisun City, was chaptered by the…

 Riverside, CA, September, 1st, 2026 – This September, during Hunger Action Month (HAM), Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) is joining the nationwide Feeding America network in calling on the Inland Empire (IE) community to Play Your Part. As the cost of essentials like groceries and energy continue to put pressure on household budgets,…

Sustainable transportation is making its way to the Inland Empire RIVERSIDE, CA — August 31, 2026 — Recently Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) unveiled its new hydrogen fueling station and zero-emission hydrogen-powered buses at its headquarters in Riverside. The introduction of these buses marks the beginning of RTA’s transition from Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses to a fully…

Recognition reflects more than three decades of artistic practice, arts leadership, and community engagement in the Inland Empire   SAN BERNARDINO, CA, August 2026 — Southern California multidisciplinary artist Adeola Davies-Aiyeloja has been selected as a 2026 California Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship Legacy Artist Fellow, recognizing her sustained artistic practice, community engagement, and cultural impact. …

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber is asking voters to help protect the integrity of the November 2026 election by taking one important step: Vote early. Weber said her office is working to combat misinformation, expand voter outreach and maintain ballot security as California prepares for the…

“Our one-on-one tutoring and mentoring program is specifically designed to reduce, or altogether eliminate, the gaps students experience and provide real solutions that set them up for a strong, successful year ahead,” says Aaron Valdez, CEO of Valdez Educational Services.  SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Students who struggled academically last year don’t have to repeat that…

 SACRAMENTO, CA — California has reached a major milestone in expanding educational and economic opportunity for children, with 1 million CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts now claimed by students and families across the state. This achievement reflects California’s bold, long-term commitment to ensuring more children begin with an early financial foundation for college, career training and beyond….

RIVERSIDE, CA– The City of Riverside will officially recognize the birthday of Dell Roberts with an official Dell Roberts Day on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, to celebrate the 90th birthday of community leader and civic champion Dell Roberts. The ceremonial event will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Riverside City Council Chambers at City…

By Helio Brasil, retired superintendent, Keyes Union School District in Stanislaus County After more than three decades in public education, including many years as a superintendent, I believe we have reached a point where something has to change in how we fund and deliver special education and student mental health services. California has built a…

State Leader Joins with The Salvation Army Advisory Board to Launch 2026 Campaign Supporting Lifesaving Services for Vulnerable Populations SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Salvation Army of San Bernardino County announces that California Assemblymember James Ramos will serve as keynote speaker at the Red Kettle Kickoff celebration, marking the official launch of the 2026 holiday…

 Riverside, CA – August 25th, 2026 – Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) has been recognized in the national media outlet, Food Bank News, and its annual Advocacy High Honor Roll that lists food banks that have Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) resources available, an advocacy page, community calls to action for contacting legislators,…