January 17, 2019
By Cora Jackson-Fossett
Contributing Writer
Gloria D. Gray has added another “first” to her extensive public service career, as she becomes the first African American elected to chair the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California.
Her two-year term, which began Jan. 1, marks only the second time that a woman has led the 90-year-old agency that, together with its member agencies, delivers water to 300 cities and unincorporated areas in Southern California.
Being the “first” is old hat for Gray, who achieved similar status at MWD before ascending to chair. Previously, she served as the board’s first African American woman vice chair, which made her the first Black woman to direct a MWD board meeting. In 2017, she became the first African American woman to chair the board’s Water Planning and Stewardship Committee, a key group that focuses on MWD water projects and programs.
Gray’s litany of “firsts” actually began when she was elected in 2006 to the West Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors - the first in its 66-year history - and in 2010 with her appointment to the Delta Stewardship Council by then-Assembly Speaker Karen Bass. In the former position, she was the first Black woman to serve and in the latter, she was the first African American.
Also, L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas recognized Gray’s expertise and in 2009, named her to the Water Quality Community Task Force to review programs, policies and potential funding sources to address local polluted waterways and watersheds.
While making history is significant, Gray is much more excited by her increasing potential to aid the 19 million people who depend on MWD to provide reliable and high-quality water supplies. The district operates across a 5,200-square-mile service area that encompasses residents and businesses in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties.
Her long tenure in water combined with her passion for community involvement enables Gray to bring a different perspective as head of the 38-member board where she also serves as MWD’s representative to the Association of California Water Agencies and on the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission.
“My background is totally different than the average person in water,” said Gray in an interview with Bloomberg Environment News. “I think I represent more diversity in the community. I represent the average ratepayer. I know the issues of a working-class person.”
Her experiences and commitment help to reassure that the impact on everyday citizens will be considered as MWD deals with water supply and climate change challenges on both of its imported water sources from Northern California and the Colorado River. Gray said she aims to employ an “open and transparent decision-making process” that informs, educates and assists customers and agency partners.
“We must increase public outreach in collaboration with retail water agencies, particularly to low-income communities, to ensure they have access to the programs we provide,” insisted Gray, who added that a new MWD pilot program offers rebates for high-efficiency toilets installed in multi-family housing to boost water savings in disadvantaged communities.
“We hope to learn from the program so that we can identify how to best optimize water conservation throughout our large and diverse service area,” she said.
Gray is no stranger to dealing with “large and diverse” areas. Prior to her election to the West Basin Board, she worked for 36 years as a healthcare administrator at the L.A. County Departments of Health and Human Services. An Inglewood resident, she also served from 1995 to 2003 on the board of Inglewood Unified School District and is a former executive board member of the L.A. County Democratic Party Central Committee 51st Assembly District.
“My career gateway was at the Department of Health Services. I started as a stenographer and steadily worked my way up the ladder to healthcare administrator, earned my Bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Redlands, my Health Services Management Certificate from UCLA and my Master’s in Governance Certificates from both the California School Boards Association and the Special Districts Board Management Institute,” recalled Gray.
“I learned to face and overcome challenges by never giving up. Each job opened my eyes to the world around me. I also began to appreciate the importance of public service and how it takes action and involvement to make our community a better place.”
Her involvement with community organizations is varied as well. She is the co-founder and past-president of the Black Health Services Action Committee and the Black Organizations Alliance. Affiliated with SEIU Local 721for more than 30 years, Gray also served on a range of the boards including Charles Drew University of Sciences and Medicine, Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center, PV (Playa Vista) Jobs, Southwest Community College, South Bay Workforce Investment Board, Inglewood Leadership Council, LAX Area Community Advisory Committee and Inglewood Chamber of Commerce.
In addition, she represents a large multicultural constituency on the West Basin Board. As the Division II Director, Gray’s area covers Inglewood, South Ladera Heights, Lennox, Athens, Howard and Ross-Sexton – communities that are comprised of a range of ethnicities.
Noting the diversity and community theme streaming throughout her career, Gray expects to continue to employ those qualities in her role as MWD board chair and urged the public to get more involved, too.
“The water community is a much more diverse place than it used to be and so there is more opportunity than ever to get engaged. I am proud to say that Metropolitan’s commitment to cultural, ethnic and gender diversity has never been stronger,” said Gray.
“Diversity is an asset. Today’s water supply challenges require diverse and creative solutions. Diversifying Metropolitan helps bring new perspectives to the table to find and deliver those solutions.”
Gray’s multitude of water-related and community service activities have resulted in numerous awards and commendations for her. Her accolades include the Honorable Harriet Wieder award from the Southern California Water Committee for her environmental leadership, the “Women in Action Award” from the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute for being as a role model for young women, the Outstanding Women of 2012 award from the Gardena Chamber of Commerce, and the Black Woman Achievement Award from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. In addition, she has received proclamations and certificates for her work from scores of local, state and federal elected officials.
Nearly 400 members of the political, governmental and community arenas were on hand for Gray’s installation as MWD chair on Jan. 8. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, District Attorney Jackie Lacey, County Assessor Jeffrey Prang, former County Supervisor Yvonne Burke, L.A. Council President Herb Wesson, L.A. Councilmember Curren Price Jr., and Compton Councilmember Janna Zurita were in the audience.
Also attending were Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, California State Athletic Commissioner John Frierson, Providence Health and Service Board Chair Richard Marciniak, California Latino Water Coalition Executive Director Mario Santoya, LACERS Commissioner Cynthia Ruiz, former Pasadena Water Director Phyllis Currie, Heather Hutt representing U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, Karen Waters representing U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Sebastian Ridley-Thomas representing County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.
Others in the huge crowd included Mae Wood of Inglewood Unified School District, Don Dear and Harold Williams of the West Basin Municipal Water District board, Pat and Bill Sanders and Marsha Kinney of the L.A. County Democratic Party County Central Committee, Dallas Fowler, Phyllis Beech, Pat Douglas and Daltek Global.
The festive ceremony included remarks by philanthropist and L.A. Sentinel Executive Publisher, Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., who commented about his long relationship with Gray in working on social justice and economic equity issues.
“Gloria is a shining example of a woman whose commitment and vigilance in helping Black people and people everywhere has been a tremendous benefit to the community,” said Bakewell, who has been a friend with Gray for decades and collaborated with her on several community campaigns.
Gray’s family was among the well wishers and she took time to acknowledge their support during her installation address.
“I’m delighted to have so many of my family and friends to witness this special occasion. I am eternally grateful to all of you,” said Gray, who gave shout-outs to her daughters and sons-in-law, Monica Ector and Michael Ector and Denise and Kevin Mitchell as well as her significant other, Leonard Tibbs; her sister, Winnie Smith of Atlanta, Georgia; nieces, Barbara and Shanay Lavelle and Peg Fobbs; nephew, Larry Fobbs; cousins, Daniel and Tony Willis; and extended family, Arbra and Judy Gray, Tiffany Kennedy, Rotundra Green, Cora Blanton Noble and Quentin Blanton.
Expressing her happiness for being a grandmother and great grandmother, she also acknowledged grandchildren Monet Ector, Michael Ector Jr., Ariss Mitchell, Arrington Mitchell, and Ariell Green and great grands Mikayla Ector, Amaya Ector-Jones, Mikael and Shanell Ector.
As Gray prepares for her new role as MWD chair, she shared her vision for the agency’s future under her command.
“Water projects don’t just happen. They require vision, leadership, and thoughtful, deliberate decisions because they take a long time,” said Gray.
“I know I cannot do this job alone. It will require all of us working together. I look forward to leading you and I am humbled by this opportunity.”
To learn more about Gloria Gray and Metropolitan Water District, visit mwdh2o.com.
January 17, 2019
Brotherhood Crusade – YouthSource Center has immediate employment and paid internship openings for 16-24 year old Los Angeles youth who desire to improve their vocational skills and secure career-based employment.
Individuals interested in taking advantage of this tremendous opportunity are invited to attend an employment orientation being held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and Tuesday, January 29th, 2019 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the Brotherhood Crusade – YouthSource Center located at 4401 Crenshaw Boulevard, Suite 103, Los Angeles, California 90043 at the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and Leimert in the Chase Bank building (entrance in the rear of the building).
During the orientation, candidates will learn about Brotherhood Crusade’s Jr. Executive Career Readiness Training and Job Placement Program and the Brotherhood Crusade Video Production, editing and graphic design classes, which connects young people to employment that leads to middle-wage ($18 per hour or more) careers. Once the orientation concludes, qualified and eligible candidates who desire to move forward will be enrolled in a four-week career readiness training program beginning Monday, February 4, 2019 and the 10 week production classes beginning February 21, 2019. Candidates who successfully graduate from the program will be placed in full-time, part-time employment or a paid internship.
Spots are limited! To RSVP and take advantage of this opportunity or to obtain more information, please contact Michael Lawson, Jr. via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (323) 903-6926.
Who is Eligible to Participate?
• Youth/Young adults ages 16-24
• Out of School or In School youth/young adults
• Not employed
• Must live in the City of Los Angeles
• Must have the legal right to work in the United States
• Current or former foster youth
• Homeless/runaway youth
• History of involvement in the juvenile justice system
January 17, 2019
As the tax season approaches, individuals as well as small businesses need to be cautious of identity theft. Identity thieves use stolen Employer Identification Numbers to create fake W-2 Forms to file with fraudulent individual tax returns. Fraudsters also used these to open new lines of credit or obtain credit cards. Now, they are using company names to file fraudulent returns. Employers are warned to lookout for emails asking for sensitive W-2 information. If you believe you have been targeted by a tax scammer, you can report it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
January 10, 2019
By Manny Otiko
California Black Media
Former Mayor of San Francisco and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom was sworn in as California’s 40th governor on Monday to the backdrop of serene gospel music provided by Compton-based choir Voice of Destiny. Newsom’s first speech as governor touched on his vision for California and his plans to keep the Golden State in the national spotlight.
“This is a place where anything is possible,” said Newsom who was joined on stage by his wife and four children. During the speech, Newsom said that while California had many successes, such as Silicon Valley and Hollywood, there was also startling signs of wealth inequality.
“We … face a homeless epidemic that should keep each and every one of us up at night,” he said.
Newsom thanked his predecessor, outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown, for eliminating the state’s deficit and leaving a surplus.
“Back then, we were $27 billion in debt. Unemployment above 12 percent. The worst credit rating of any state in our nation. Today, our economy is larger than all but four nations in the world. We’ve created nearly 3 million jobs and put away billions for a rainy day,” he said.
According to Newsom, he wanted his policies to bring the state together.
“We will not have one house for the rich and one for the poor, or one for the native-born and one for the rest. We will build one house for one California,” said Newsom.
Newsom also touched on some of the areas that he planned to focus on such as supporting organized labor.
“Working people deserve fair pay, the right to join a union, and the chance at a middle-class life for themselves and their families,” he said.
Newsom also compared the success of California with the political chaos in Washington, D.C.
“At a time when so much of America is divided, we are united. Our people are big-hearted and fair-minded, when those qualities are more vital than ever. I’ve seen that again in just the past few weeks,” said Newsom. (He recently visited Paradise, a community that was devastated by wildfires.)
Mark Ridley-Thomas, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, said he was impressed by Newsom’s inclusive message. Ridley-Thomas also liked some of the topics Newsom touched on such as affordable housing, reducing child poverty and jobs. Newsom also quoted an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”
“He talked about things that were relevant to African Americans statewide,” said Ridley-Thomas. “African Americans want to know what’s going to enhance their lives.”
Ridley-Thomas also gave a pointed message to Democrats who want to win the African American vote. Newsom’s message was more than just being “anti-Trump,” he said.
Another African American political insider also liked the speech.
“Gavin Newsom is going to be a great governor. Today he showed his commitment to inclusion and highlighted the diversity of California through his inaugural ceremony. His speech was all-encompassing and set the tone that we are moving towards being one California,” said Taisha Brown, vice president of the African American Caucus, California Democratic Party.
Like Ridley-Thomas, Rev. Shane Harris, president and founder of the newly-formed national group, the People’s Alliance for Justice, a civil and human rights organization, was optimistic about Newsom’s speech.
He said the issues Newsom discussed, free community college, child welfare and the private prison industry, are all issues that resonate with African Americans.
“Many of the things he discussed affect the African American community and will be big in the African American community,” said Harris.
He also hoped Newsom continued to discuss prison reform and commute more sentences. Harris noted Newsom had already named several African Americans to high-level positions, such as Malia Cohen, who now serves on the State Equalization Board.
During his address, Newsom made a few other jabs at the Trump administration, especially its treatment of migrants on the border.
“We will offer an alternative to the corruption and incompetence of the White House,” said Newsom.
He was also critical of other areas such as drug companies’ price gouging, the gun lobby, polluters and the payday loan industry.
“Here in California we have the power to stand up to them and we will,” said Newsom.
He also said Washington had failed on climate change and praised Brown for his work on the issue.
Newsom has many big projects he plans to implement such as spending almost $2 billion on early childhood education. He also plans to make community college free. Newsom added that he looked forward to working with his Democratic colleagues in the legislature on his agenda. Democrats control both houses.