Sen. Weber Pierson Bill Takes Aim at Early Math Gaps in California Classrooms

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media   Senate Bill (SB) 1067, introduced in February by Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-San Diego), seeks to close California’s racial achievement gap in education by requiring universal screening and early identification of math difficulties for students in kindergarten through second grade. “California students are tested multiple times throughout their academic…

Etiwanda High School junior’s Shakespeare performance carries her to the national stage

“Make thick my blood…” When Etiwanda High School junior Vanessa Mejia delivered that line from Macbeth, the room fell silent. The intensity of her performance — drawn from one of Shakespeare’s most famous passages — was so powerful that even her drama teacher, Christian Kiley, was stunned. “Vanessa is one of the most natural actors…

Little Sunshine Foundation to Host Sunshine Royale Bi-Annual Fundraiser Aiding Underserved Youth 

The Little Sunshine Foundation is hosting its Little Sunshine Founda-tion/Sunshine Royale Casino & Music Night, which happens every two years. This year, the fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at the Glendora Country Club, located in the City of Glendora at 2400 Country Club Dr., 91741. The   Little   Sunshine   Foundation, which…

ARMC appoints Carlos Prieto as chief operating and strategy officer

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Carlos Prieto, DrPH, MBA, FACHE, as the hospital’s chief operating and strategy officer. Prieto will oversee day-to-day operations and strategy for ARMC, assuming this new role after serving as acting chief operating officer since November 2025. With more than 20 years of experience…

Verizon Announces $125,000 in New Grant Funding and Digital Resources for California Small Businesses

San Bernardino, CA – Verizon today announced a new round of support for California’s small business community, offering $5,000 grants to 25 eligible entrepreneurs through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform. In partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), this initiative aims to provide vital capital and digital training to help small businesses…

Gateways Music Festival’s 2026 Spring  Season To Feature A Historic Firebird Collaboration With Dance Theatre Of Harlem And A Homecoming Celebration Honoring Founder Armenta Hummings Dumisani

Gateways Festival Orchestra | Armenta Hummings Dumisani, Gateways’ Founder and Pianist      Photo Credit: Todd Rosenberg Black classical artistry takes center stage from New York City to Winston-Salem, with works by classical greats, including Black composers, and national engagements with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Carnegie Hall Citywide and more Rochester, N.Y. (March 5, 2026)…

Treasurer Fiona Ma Announces Statewide Effort Connecting 40K California Community College Students with $20M in Available CalKIDS Scholarships

Sacramento, CA — In a significant step toward strengthening college access and affordability, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, announces that CalKIDS, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), and the California Cradle-to-Career Data System (C2C) have launched a coordinated initiative to help eligible community college students access their CalKIDS Scholarships. Through this partnership, state education…

San Bernardino Emerges as One of the Most Affordable Cities in Southern California

“San Bernardino is building real momentum. We are creating a City where families can find attainable housing, businesses can grow, and neighborhoods are safer and stronger than they’ve been in decades, “ said Mayor Helen Tran. Dameron Communications SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The City of San Bernardino is one of the most affordable cities in…

Community Leaders Eugene Weems, and Abe Roy the founder of Design Equity Homes #LETSGOHOME, Unite to Help Rebuild Neighborhoods Lost in the Eaton Fire 

In the wake of the Eaton Fire that devastated Altadena and Pasadena, while others watched, Eugene Weems and Abe Roy went to work — helping families rebuild, restoring hope, and breaking ground on a stronger Altadena.  Altadena, CA — The flames tried to erase Altadena and Pasadena. The Eaton Fire left families displaced, dreams interrupted,…

The Social Lites, Inc. Beautillion Program Announces 2025–2026 Participants

By The Social Lites, Inc. The Social Lites, Inc. proudly announces the young men who will compete for the distinguished title of Sir Knight of the Beautillion, 2025–2026 Season. The annual Beautillion Program recognizes and develops young men who exemplify leadership, academic achievement, and service to the community. This year’s theme, “I AM… Because We…

Grocery Pharmacists, Patients, and Community Leaders Call for Safe Staffing After New Survey Reveals Long Waits and Safety Risks

Pharmacists and Patients from Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons, and Pavilions Demand Action From the Companies LOS ANGELES — Grocery pharmacists, patients, labor leaders, and community advocates gathered today in front of a Ralphs in Los Angeles to release new survey findings showing rising wait times and medication safety concerns inside neighborhood grocery pharmacies. The survey of…

Newsom changed California prisons. What will the justice system look like after he leaves?

by Adam Ashton California’s criminal justice system looks different in a very tangible way compared to when Gov. Gavin Newsom took office seven years ago. It has fewer prisons thanks to a dramatic decline in the number of people the state is incarcerating. It’s directing more resources to rehabilitation programs. And, at the prison that…

Sacramento Conference Tackles California’s Stubborn Housing Crisis

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), the keynote speaker at “A Conference on Housing” in Sacramento on Feb. 24, says solving California’s housing crisis at all levels — and providing affordable, environmentally responsible homes for low-income families and communities of color — can go hand in hand. Assemblymember Buffy…

Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed 

Gov. Newsom Calls Pres. Trump’s Attack on Iran “Reckless” Bo Tefu | California Black Media    Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump over the recent U.S. military strikes on Iran, calling the action “reckless” and warning it puts American lives at unnecessary risk.   In a social media post on Feb. 28, Newsom said while he agrees…