Category: Local & Community

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,…

Gov. Newsom Launches New Free Lunch Program; Announces Nearly $14,000 Per Family in Universal TK Bo Tefu | California Black Media Gov. Gavin Newsom marked the start of California’s new school year by highlighting universal free school meals and the statewide expansion of Transitional Kindergarten, which the state says saves families nearly $14,000 per child…

Between Aug. 3 and Aug. 9, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Gangs/Narcotics Division, along with deputies from patrol stations and personnel from partnering agencies, served 16 search warrants and contacted suspects throughout the county. Additionally, the San Bernardino Movement Against Street Hoodlums (SMASH) Street Enforcement Team (SET) conducted proactive patrols in…

By Betty Márquez Rosales, EdSource When Alma Mendoza Tlachi’s work permit expired while she waited for the federal government to process her renewal, she had to stop teaching her high school students and could not return to work over the summer or prepare her classroom for the new school year. As a Deferred Action for…

Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media California Legislative Black Caucus Elects New Leaders On Aug. 14, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) announced that Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) was elected the chairperson for the 2027-2028 legislative session. Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood) will serve as the vice chair of the political…

Riverside, CA – The Black Culture Foundation today announced a leadership transition, with Carl M. Dameronstepping down as president and Christen Irving advancing to the role, effective July 15, 2026. Dameron, who has led the Foundation for two years, cited ongoing health challenges as the reason for the transition. Despite stepping away from the day-to-day…

TOGETHER WE RISE – High Desert Economic Development Summit Saturday, August 29, 2026 . 10 AM – 2 PM Victor Valley College, Victorville Millionaire Mind Kids, in partnership with Victor Valley College, invites all High Desert residents to the Together We Rise Economic Development Summit-a community event connecting local businesses, educators, workforce partners, and families…

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media  Assembly Bill (AB) 2323, legislation by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) that would modernize how newspapers publish legally mandated public notices is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration. AB 2323, co-authored by Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach), cleared the Legislature after the Assembly voted 75-0 on Aug. 7…

By Zaidee Stavely, EdSource For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, California has released school-by-school data showing how many English learners became proficient in English, giving parents, educators and policymakers a new way to see how well schools are helping students become proficient in English. The data shows that 13.8% of English learners statewide…