WSSNews | Volume 39 No. 38

• Volume 39 No. 38
• WSSNEWS
• Sharing the Quest for Excellence

FOR DAILY NEWS AND UPDATES VISIT www.wssnews.com

Medi-Cal for Kids & Teens: Free Health Coverage for a Strong Start

Office

Imaginarium's New "Land of Oz" Winter Wonderland Now Open

Vanessa Carder Named as SB Parks Director

1987-2025.. Serving The Inland Empire For Over 38 Years

577 N. "D" Street, #112H San Bernardino, CA 92401

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Medi-Cal for Kids & Teens: Free Health Coverage for a Strong Start treatment.

Every child deserves a strong, healthy start in life. However, across California, too many children Black families included-miss out on basic preventive care like regular check- ups, dental visits, pharmacy, and mental health screenings. Medi-Cal supports children's health and gives parents, caregivers, and chil- dren and teens clear steps to use these benefits today helping families stay ahead of health issues and build lifelong wellness.

Medi-Cal is more than health insurance. It's a pathway to care that respects your story, your values, and your community. Black families in California deserve access to culturally cen- tered care that understands and uplifts their unique health needs:

• Providers who listen and reflect their lived experiences.

• Mental health support that respects cultural identity.

• Whole-family care, from newborns to elders. • Help in your preferred language, with dignity and respect.

Your health is powerful. Your culture is a strength. Medi-Cal is here to support both. Medi-Cal for Kids & Teens is California's full-scope health coverage for all children (0-19), regardless of immigration status. The program guarantees comprehensive preven- tive and medically necessary care at no cost to families.

"Medi-Cal helps families keep their children healthy. From baby check-ups to teen sport physicals and mental health care, kids can get the care they need for free, so every child has the chance to grow up strong," said Dr. Karen Mark, Medical Director for the California De- partment of Health Care Services.

What Medi-Cal Covers

Medi-Cal provides free preventive, diagnos- tic, and treatment services whenever a doctor determines they are medically necessary, with- out cost limits. Covered care includes:

• Physicals and regular check-ups starting at birth.

• Dental care with fluoride varnish and twice- yearly dental visits beginning at age 1. • Vision care, including exams and eyeglasses. • Mental health care, such as counseling, ther- apy, crisis services, and substance use disorder

•Specialty and hospital care, home health nurs- ing, medical equipment, and prescriptions. • Sexual and reproductive health services for teens, including family planning, birth control, and sexually transmitted disease prevention, testing, and treatment.

Medi-Cal also offers many new services through the California Advancing and Inno- vating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative, such as Community Supports, which help address health-related social needs outside of the doctor's offices and other traditional health care settings. Community Supports includes healthy meals to manage nutrition-sensitive conditions, support for parents and caregivers, and housing transition and navigation services for those who need them. These services are available through your Medi-Cal health plan. Why Regular Check-Ups Matter Regular visits for children and teen visits help catch and prevent health issues early. Health- care providers review family history, track growth and development, and discuss topics like nutrition, sleep, mental health, and more

Parents and caregivers can schedule a visit anytime, without waiting for the next routine appointment, and can request extra appoint- ments if a child or teen shows new symptoms or risk factors.

Mental Health and Whole-Family Care Medi-Cal supports children and teens' men- tal and emotional well-being with counseling, therapy, and medication. Services are available through a primary care doctor, a managed care plan, or a county mental health plan, without delay. Additionally, new parents on Medi-Cal receive care at the same time as their children, which helps strengthen family relationships and address emotional challenges early. Easy Steps to Get and Use Benefits Apply if not enrolled. Families can apply on- line at BenefitsCal.com, by calling Covered California at 1-800-300-1506, or through the county human services office. In San Bernardi- no County call 877-410-8829 and in Riverside County call 877-410-8827. Immigration sta- tus does not affect a child's eligibility.

Schedule a check-up. Call your child's man- aged care plan (the number is on the ID card and at www.dhcs.ca.gov/mmchpd) or the Medi-Cal Member Help Line at 1-800-541-5555 (TDD 1-800-430-7077).

Request Community Supports. Ask for meal assistance, language help, or other services and support when making an appointment.

Keep contact information current. Respond promptly to any Medi-Cal eligibility renewal letters to avoid gaps in coverage.

Get dental care. Use the dental plan number on your ID card or visit www.SmileCalifornia. org to find a dentist or use the navigator tool.

Know your rights. If care is denied, you have the right to appeal or request a State Hearing. Free legal help is available through the Health Consumer Alliance at 1-888-804-3536. A Call to Action for Black Families Black children in California experience higher rates of asthma, obesity, and certain mental health challenges, yet they often receive few- er preventive services. Medi-Cal's child and family strategy focuses on closing these gaps with strong pediatric care, mental health sup- port, and culturally responsive outreach.

By using Medi-Cal for Kids & Teens, par- ents and caregivers can ensure their children receive every benefit they deserve at no cost. Take the Next Step Today

Make your child's health a priority. Apply for Medi-Cal if you haven't already, schedule a check-up, and use your benefits Learn more at www.dhcs.ca.gov/kidsandteens, BenefitsCal. com, or by calling 1-800-541-5555.

Medi-Cal is here to help every child thrive. With a full range of no-cost services, it gives Black families and all parents and caregiv- ers the support their children need to grow up healthy and strong. Don't wait. Take action to- day to protect your child's health.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025

Imaginarium's New "Land of Oz" Winter

Wonderland Now Open at Fairplex in Pomona

POMONA, CA----- Imaginarium's newest golden floral fields, larger-than-life landscapes is open: holiday light exhibit, "Land of Oz," is now il- luminating more than two acres of Fairplex's campus in Pomona, California. The all-ages, outdoor walk-through experience will run through Sunday, January 4, 2026.

and encounters with beloved characters. In • Now through Tuesday, Dec. 16: Wednes- celebration of the holidays, the exhibit also in- day through Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m. cludes festive displays for photos; the Winter Carnival and Funfair, complete with ball pits, oversized drums and festival rides; and more.

Spanning more than two acres, "Land of Oz" brings the beloved and iconic story of Dorothy and her friends to life with more than five mil- lion lights and imaginative storytelling. Visi- tors can explore illuminated realms, including the Emerald Mirror Maze, where guests can wander among glowing hues and stretching reflections; the Wizard of Oz Gardens, with Guests can also enjoy nightly live entertain- ment from Cirque Legacy, featuring acro- batics, mesmerizing magic and awe-worthy stunts. The performances are free with admis- sion, adding an extra layer of fun beyond the magic of the lights.

Located at 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Po- mona, California, Imaginarium's "Land of Oz"

Wednesday, Dec. 17 to Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026: daily, 5 to 10 p.m.

General admission tickets are priced starting at $22 per person, with discounts available for children ages three to 12, seniors 62 and older and military with valid ID. Children ages two and younger are free. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase.

For tickets or more information, visit Imagi- narium360.com or call 725-272-2700.

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

City of San Bernardino Names Vanessa Carder as Parks Director that I care so deeply about," said Carder. "This is more than a professional opportunity — it's a chance to deepen the relationships that make our city strong and vibrant."

In the role of Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, Carder will over- see youth, adult and senior programs, activi- ties, and sports at San Bernardino's thirty-five parks, four community centers, and two senior centers that span approximately five hundred acres of developed land and open space.

The Department also oversees senior services, aquatics, and a community garden, as well as community events such as Movies and Sum- mer Concerts in the Park, Miracle on Court Street, Easter Egg-stravaganza, and commem- orations of Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

An experienced professional with nearly twenty-five years working in parks and comhave her take the Parks Department to the next munity programs, Carder spent fourteen years

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The City of San Bernardino has announced that Vanessa Card- er has joined its leadership team as the new Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services.

"Vanessa Carder has a long history of deliv- ering impactful recreation programs and ser- vices to the residents of San Bernardino, said City Manager Eric Levitt. "We are thrilled to level."

Carder has served as San Bernardino's Act- ing Parks Director since May. She has worked for the City of San Bernardino's Parks Depart- ment since 2021, serving as Deputy Director, as well as Community Recreation Manager. "I am truly honored to step into the role of Director and continue serving the community with the City of Baldwin Park prior to coming to San Bernardino. She is a member of the Cal- ifornia Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS), the National Recreation and Park Association, Women in Leisure Services, and the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation. She is the recipient of CPRS professional service awards in 2010, 2013, and 2017.

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Civil Rights Attorney Areva Martin

Areva Martin is an award-winning civ- il rights attorney, talk show host, com- mentator, author, and keynote speaker who offers commentary on politics, women's rights, children's rights, dis- ability rights and civil rights.

She is President and CEO of the Spe- cial Needs Network, which she founded to advance disability rights and support individuals across the autism spectrum, inspired in part by her experience as the parent of a child with autism

The Harvard Law School graduate also has her own firm in Beverly Hills, Martin & Martin LLP. In 2024, the firm secured a $27 million reparations settle- ment for Black and Brown residents in Palm Springs. That case now serves as a model and precedent for reparations efforts for descendants of slavery across California and around the United States. Martin spoke with California Black Media about her successes and frustra- tions in 2025 along with her hopes for 2026.

Looking back at 2025, what stands out to you as your most important achieve-

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media ment and why?

In my nonprofit work, just recently, we led the charge in working with state agencies to create a new Medicaid ben- efit that will have implications for mil- lions of individuals across the state of California.

Prior to this new benefit being cre- ated, if you were a foster care child in the state of California and you had be- havioral health care needs, it was close to impossible for you to get behavioral health treatment because the agencies that provide that treatment were not able to register with Medicaid and be- come certified Medicaid providers.

So, my nonprofit, Special Needs Net- work, worked closely with several state agencies on raising awareness about this massive gap, this void. Then, we worked with them to become certified Medicaid providers so that those chil- dren who needed behavioral health treatment now have access to it.

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025

New Generation of Black Church Leadership

Rising to Continue Battle for Freedom

Installation of Pastor Kevin Lamár Peterman at Historic DC Church Indicates Next Power Move for Social Justice in America

It was on Nov. 24, 2014, when then How- ard University student Kevin Lamár Peterman first felt a sermon rise from his belly.

That was the same day that a grand jury decided not to indict a white Ferguson, Mis- souri police officer, Darren Wilson, in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Mike Brown, an un- armed Black teenager walking down the street in his neighborhood. It was a police killing that sparked historic protests across America; including fiery demonstrations in Ferguson that were met with military force.

Having returned from the uprisings in Fergu- son, Peterman was leading a community and student protest on the steps of Howard's Dou- glass Hall when the announcement came that Wilson would not be indicted.

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I felt turn into a sermon. And it was really so- cial justice that led me to ministry,” Peterman said in a recent interview. "I felt that the best way to advance the cause of Black people in America was through the church and through education. And so that's kind of how my min- istry began."

A little more than 10 years later, the stirring that Peterman felt that night has now come full circle. On Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at the age of 32, he was installed pastor of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, the oldest and most historic Black Baptist congregation in Wash- ington, DC, dating back through enslavement more than 180 years.

Today, as issues of racial justice continue to simmer and grow - across the nation, the NINETEENTH STREET BAPTIST CHURCH young men and women in his age group is be- ing viewed as a resurgence of sorts, part of a spiritual uprising of a new generation of civil rights leadership in the Black church.

"What you're seeing is that there are a num- ber of young Black preachers who are taking over historic Black churches in historic cities, who are doing this work of social justice and also doing the work of social impact while also preaching salvation," Peterman said. "Ev- ery generation of ministers is called to move the thermometer one notch, one pace forward. It's like a race. The baton has been passed to the next generation to run our leg of the race."

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

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"I remember giving a speech that night that pastoral installation of Peterman and other

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

CLASSIFIED / LEGAL SECTION letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the Califor- nia Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mail- ing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Pro- bate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is avail- able from the court clerk.

ATTORNEY FOR PE- TITIONER: BYRON D. GROVES, ESQ, 625 KERN must appear at the hearing to show cause why the peti- tion should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 01/08/2026 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept: S22 The address of the court is the same as noted above. A copy of this ORDER to Show Cause must be pub- lished at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspa- per): WESTSIDE STORY

NEWSPAPER

Date: OCTOBER 1, 2025 Sign: GILBERT G. OCHOA, Judge of the Su- perior Court

Run Dates 11-27, 12-4, 12- 11, 12-18-2025.

ST, MAILING: PO BOX 5051, SUGARLOAF CA 92386 91786. TEL: (949) 371-1504.

• Run Dates: 11-27, 12-4, 12-
• 11, 12-18-2025 Wss 25-145
• SAME
• FICTITIOUS BUSINESS. NAME STATEMENT:

FBN202500100017. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: DC PALLETS, 519 W STATE STREET, ONTARIO, CA 91762. Business Mailing Address: 519 W STATE STREET, ONTARIO, CA 91762. Number of Em- ployees: N/A. This busi- ness is conducted by: An INDIVIDUAL. Name of Individual: DANIEL TO- LEDO CALVILLO. Regis- trant commenced to transact business: N/A. By signing, I declare all information in this statement is true and correct. Signature: /s/ DAN- IEL TOLEDO CALVILLO. Printed Title of Person Signing: OWNER. Date: 10/20/2025. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on 10/20/2025. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original state- ment on file in my office. COUNTY CLERK DEP- UTY

SAN/K7325 NOTICE IN ACCOR DANCE WITH SUBDIVI SION (A) OF SECTION 17920. THIS FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK EX- CEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (B) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESI- DENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSI NESS NAME STATEMENT

MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATE- MENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF FICTI TIOUS BUSINESS IN VIO- LATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFES- SIONS CODE). Run Dates; 12-04, 12-11, 12-18, 12-25-2025 25-147

IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESI- DENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSI NESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATE- MENT DOES NOT ITSELF

AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF FICTI- TIOUS BUSINESS IN VIO- LATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFES- SIONS CODE).

ROBERT J. RAVER aka R. RAVER aka J. RAV- ER aka R.J. RAVER aka R. JAMES RAVER aka JAMES RAVER, A Peti- tion for Probate has been filed by SHIRLEY JANE MACOVITZ in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. The Petition for Probate re- quests that SHIRLEY JANE MACOVITZ be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests au- thority to administer the estate under the indepndent Administration of Estates Act. (This Authority will allow the personal represen-

BRANCH NAME: CIVIL PETITION OF: DANIEL MARCEL KIDDOO

TO ALL INTERESTED

PERSONS: Petitioner DANIEL MAR- CEL KIDDOO has filed a petition with the clerk of this Court for a decree changing names as fol- lows: Present name: DAN- IEL MARCEL KIDDOO to Proposed name: DANIEL CAJIGAS KIDDOO. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indi- cated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person ob- jecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE CHANGE OF NAME CASE #: CIVSB 2528917 PETITIONER OR ATTOR- NEY: DANIEL MARCEL KIDDOO, IN PRO PER DANIEL MARCEL KID- DOO, 6800 PIEDMONT ST., CHINO CA 91710 Telephone: (909) 800-1519 E-Mail Address (OPTION- AL):

ATTORNEY FOR (name): DANIEL MARCEL KIDwss

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT:

FBN20250010783. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BLEU BOOKS, 4866 TERRY LANE, YUCCA BALLEY CA 92284. Business Mail- ing Address: 4866 TERRY LANE, YUCCA BALLEY CA 92284. Number of Employees: 1. This busi- ness is conducted by: An INDIVIDUAL. Name of Individual: BRANDEN D. FUGATE. Registrant com- menced to transact business: 03/16/2025. By signing, I declare all information in this statement is true and correct. Signature: /s/ BRANDEN D FUGATE. Printed Title of Person Signing: OWNER. Date: 11/17/2025. This statement. was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on 11/17/2025. I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original state- ment on file in my office. COUNTY CLERK DEP- UTY

DOO

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO STREET ADDRESS: 247 WEST THIRD ST., SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415-

Run Dates; 11-20, 11-27, tative to take many actions 12-4, 12-11-2025 without obtaining court. approval. Before taking cer- tain very important actions, however, the personal rep- resentative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person CASE NUMBER: PRO- files an objection to the peti- VA2500301 tion and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

NOTICE OF PETITION

TO ADMINISTER ESTATE

OF: ROBERT JAMES RAVER, JR aka ROB- ERT JAMES RAVER aka ROBERT J. RAVER aka R. RAVER aka J. RAV- ER aka R.J. RAVER aka R. JAMES RAVER aka

• MAILING ADDRESS:
• wss 25-146
• JAMES RAVER

KCAA

ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY: BYRON D. GROVES 47939, 625 KERN ST. MAILING ADDRESS: PO BOX 5057, SUGARLOAF CA, 92386. TEL: (949) 371-1504.

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO STREET ADDRESS: 14455 CIVIC DRIVE. MAILING ADDRESS: 14455 CIVIC

A HEARING ON THE PE- TITION WILL BE HELD IN THIS COURT AS FOL- LOWS:

Date: JANUARY 28, 2026 Time: 9:00 A.M. Dept: V12 Room The address of the court is the same as noted above. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of 102.3 FM 1050 AM | 106.5 FM

RADIO

SAN/K8168

NOTICE IN ACCOR- DANCE WITH SUBDIVI- SION (A) OF SECTION 17920. THIS FICTITIOUS

NAME STATEMENT DRIVE, VICTORVILLE CA GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE

92392. BRANCH NAME: VICTORVILLE DISTRICT. To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent credi- tors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of (specify all names by which the decedent was known): ROBERT JAMES RAVER, JR aka ROB- ERT JAMES RAVER aka

ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK EX- CEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (B) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH

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• THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
• San Bernardino County Holiday Events
• SAP

December is here, filling San Bernardino County with bright lights, cozy gatherings, and a full spread of creative celebrations. Hol- iday concerts, makers markets, art walks, and community traditions are popping up in every corner of the region, offering countless ways to support local artists and enjoy the season together. Here is what is happening across the county this December!

Valley Happenings

Christmas Craft Fair Wednesday, Dec 3rd | 11:00 AM

Flores Senior Center | 111 W. Lugonia Ave., Redlands, CA 92374 The Christmas Craft Fair invites visitors to browse a wide selec- tion of handcrafted pieces made by lo- cal artisans, offering an easy way to find thoughtful gifts just in time for the holidays. Shoppers can explore jewelry, home décor, soaps, Afghans, and plenty of one-of-a- kind creations while enjoying the warm, community focused atmosphere. The fair runs alongside the Family Service Asso- ciation's daily lunch at the center, where guests sixty and older are invited to enjoy a meal with a suggested three-dollar donation, and all others can dine for nine seventy-five.

The Nutcracker

Friday, Dec 5th & 6th | 11:00 AM Yucaipa Performing Arts Center | 12062 Cali- fornia St., Yucaipa, CA 92399

The Nutcracker returns to the Yucaipa Per- forming Arts Center, bringing audiences back into a magical world filled with dancing snow- flakes, sugar plum fairies, and all the wonder that makes this classic a holiday favorite. Pre- sented by YPAC and Inland Empire Contem- porary Ballet, the production showcases stun- ning choreography, beautiful costumes, and a timeless story that continues to charm families year after year. The show regularly sells out, so early ticket purchases are highly recom- mended.

Colton Christmas Parade + Winter Wonder- land

Saturday, Dec 13th | 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM Fleming Park | 525 N. La Cadena Dr., Colton, CA 92324

The City of Colton and the Colton Chamber of Commerce are teaming up for a full day of holiday spirit, starting with the Colton Christ- mas Parade at 10 AM as local schools, organi- zations, and performers fill Valley Boulevard with seasonal cheer. After the parade, the cel- ebration continues at Fleming Park for Winter Wonderland, a family friendly festival packed with live entertainment, photo ops, kids' activ- ities, arts and crafts, walk through story time, class showcases, and plenty of food and ven- dor booths. Light refreshments will be avail- able at the Colton Downtown Paseo while supplies last. From crafting and music to treats and community moments, Winter Wonderland offers a festive kickoff to the season.

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

How White Nationalism is Entering

Mainstream U.S. Politics

Installation of Pastor Kevin Lamár Peterman at Historic DC Church Indicates Next Power Move for Social Justice in America

White nationalist ideas once at the margins of U.S. society are increasingly shaping main- stream political debates and legislation. How are these ideologies rooted in Christian nationalism becoming normalized in public discourse, and what does their spread mean for American democracy?

"The immediate cause was the election of the first nonwhite president in U.S. history, Barack Obama, but white nationalism had been gain- ing prominence in mainstream politics before that," with roots in Christian nationalism, ex- plained Sanford F. Schram, lecturer in politi- cal science at Stony Brook University. "A lot of people in this group embrace the idea that white identity is threatened."

Schram explained that decades before Barack Obama's election catalyzed white nationalist backlash, however, Reagan-era figures like Pat Buchanan were already introducing "a sanitized version" of Ku Klux Klan leader Da- vid Duke's rhetoric into GOP politics: "Even- tually, you get the Tea Party rising up in reac- tion to Obama, and Trump taking it all the way to the White House in a rising tide of white resentment politics, especially regarding im- migration."

Christian nationalism has been driving this acceleration, particularly over the last decade since President Trump's first winning cam- paign.

"If you're a Christian nationalist, it means you want a theocracy in America in some way, shape or form," explained Heath Druzin, journalist and host of the podcast "Extremely American," covering the mainstreaming of extremist movements. “You don't simply want to be free to practice your religion ... You want the government to be based explicitly on Christianity."

"The rise of social media has made things happen in months rather than years," he added. "People get echo chambers and say things that you might not say if you're talking to some- body face to face ... you can be anonymous, and you don't have to deal with face-to-face backlash."

Until the early 1990s, about 90% of U.S. adults identified as Christian. Today, about two-thirds of U.S. adults identify as Christian.

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Civil Rights Attorney Areva Martin

Rhonda Smith is an experienced leader with a diverse background spanning nonprofit leader- ship, cancer advocacy, health equity, corporate consulting and international business.

Smith is currently the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network(CBHN), a trusted resource conducting outreach, educa- tion and advocacy to achieve health equity for African Americans and Black immigrants.

CBHN's mission is to ensure that all Black Californians, regardless of their education, so- cio-economic class, sexual orientation, gender identity, housing, or immigration status have access to high quality and equitable primary and behavioral healthcare and are not forced to suffer or die from preventable diseases.

Smith spoke with California Black Media about her successes and frustrations in 2025, along with her hopes for 2026.

Looking back at 2025, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? This year, one of the most important achieve- ments has been our Health Equity Advocacy Training (HEAT) Program and Black Health Equity Advocacy Week (BHEAW). We com- pleted training for our third cohort and have

BROWN BROADWAY:

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media trained over 60 people from across the state including physicians, medical school students, doulas/midwives and community leaders, com- munity health workers, and health advocates. We are aiming to build a statewide network of health equity advocates who can amplify their voices, engage in community organizing, and participate in driving policy change locally and statewide.

We are gaining greater visibility and engage- ment with BHEAW, which I think is more important than ever before to mobilize com- munity voices to influence local health equity policies and have create greater visibility for the need for Black-led health initiatives. That kind of power-building is what leads to sus- tainable systems change.

I'm also happy that we have surpassed 800 Black Health Network (BHN) members across the state. Having started from ground zero about three years ago. This is something to be proud of.

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

The Musical; Written & Directed by Billie King

The World Premiere of Brown Broadway: The Musical is Written & Directed by Billie King. Inspired by artists of color, especially Black musicians and performers who migrated west to Los Angeles in the 1920's through 40's chasing dreams amid racial barriers.

On Central Avenue in Los Angeles they created a thriving cultural hub of their own, with jazz clubs, theaters, and venues that welcomed their talent unapologetically. Central Avenue became known as the "Brown Broadway" a street where every note carried resistance, every club beat with life, and every step forward was fought for in song, sweat, and sacrifice. A rhythm-rich new musical that blends the raw pulse of jazz, gospel, the elegance of swing, and the unshakable truths of American history.

The incredible cast includes Gilbert Glenn Brown (General Hospital, Young & the Restless), Grammy-Award Winning Singer-Songwriter R and Def Jam recording artist, Susan Carol, Angie Fisher (Love Jones: The Musical, The Voice), Aubrey Fisher, Martin Harris (Superman, Stranger Things), Boise Holmes* (Jesus Christ Superstar, Big River), Tamara Jade (NBC's The Voice, HBO's A Black Lady Sketch Show), Keomah King (Sweetzer), Reina Shaunté Massard* (Dreamgirls, Dessa Rose), Reign Morton (General Hospital, Whitney) Jerrel O'Neil (Jitney, A Raisin in the Sun), Chaz Shepherd* (Chicago, The Color Purple), Rodney J. Richards (The Rub, Grace for a Gangster) and Guy D. Wil- liams (Jesus On The Way, Suburgatory).

Written & directed by acclaimed playwright, former platinum-selling music artist and bestselling author, Billie King, Produced by C Evans Jr. & Billie King. Lyrics and Book by Billie King, Choreography by Danielle Johnson, Music Director/Songwriter: Dani B JAIA and Co- Music Director/Score: Anthony Graham and the Stage Manager is Sir Anthony Kinniebrew. Brown Broadway: The Musical is presented by R.A.W Theater Group In conjunction with Program Rewrite, Inc.

• Written & Directed by Billie King
• BROWN BROADWAY
• NBARE
• THE MUSICAL
• HOTEL
• Chaz Shepherd
• Tamra Jade
• Reina Massard
• Susan Carol
• Angie Fisher
• Boise Holmes
• Reign Morton
• Aubrey Fisher
• Rodney J. Richards
• Keomah King
• Guy Williams
• Martin Harris