Featured

M. Lisa Bowie-Moon, 56, Skyline Graduate Passes With No Regrets for Her Life

Published

6 years ago

June 3, 2020

Lisa Bowie-Moon was born on August 13, 1964, in Oakland, CA. She is better known as Lisa and Li to her family.

She is the second daughter of six between the union of Wilma Jean and John F. Moon. Both were from Monroe, Georgia and both are deceased, including their first daughter, “Baby Darla,” who passed shortly after birth.

Lisa had an interest in all that life had to offer to name a few, she loved and supported the performing arts. She played and owned her own clarinet, participated in the yearly Christmas Pageants, owned her own bowling ball with shoes, pool stick with case and did all kinds of ballerina performances. As a Skyline graduate, Lisa went on to acquire her AA from the East Bay Community College and then her B.A. at Almeda University with a major in Accounting. Lisa Mastered the art of accounting and financial competencies and statements.

Lisa met her future husband, Michael A. Bowie on July 19, 1983. They kept running into each other over the course of several years, always picking up where they left off, even after forming their union. At one time they worked in the same building on the same floor, but for different companies.

Lisa’s biggest joy and interest were the uprisings of the youth. She had a natural “motherly” gift of both wisdom and compassion toward bringing out the best in children. She helped rear five children, none of them were her biological children. She would up left the relationship between parents and their children. She had countless positive influences with children throughout her lifetime. Lisa had a heartfelt talent of giving a perspective that would maintain the growth and integrity of each individual child regardless of their situation and circumstances.

On June 8, 2000, Michael and Lisa made common law commitment to each other. Michael put her on the real property, Lisa changed her name to M. Lisa Bowie-Moon and each did a ring exchange. They became inseparable throughout the challenging conditions both collectively and individually, as well as their respective families. Coincidentally, his family was from Monroe, Louisiana.

In November 2012, Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer. She decided to go all organic and change her fast-food lifestyle. She acquired a team of holistic and traditional doctors. This was with the full support of her husband. Lisa never let cancer stop her from moving forward. She would never give the cancer power by saying “my cancer,” but rather “the cancer” or “the ‘c’ that should not be mentioned.” Lisa had fought and recovered from several illnesses, including an operation to remove 16 fibrous cells of various sizes. They were blocking her uterus and causing severe bleeding. This caused other related problems which she struggled with and also overcame.

On Nov. 12, 2013, and once the last child reached 18 in July of 2013, Michael and Lisa celebrated a reunion of vows and officially married at the City Hall of Alameda. The Mayor presided over the ceremony, four of the reared children, families, and numerous friends present. The City put the wedding on their website that is currently the most viewed. They continued with a one-horse carriage ride around Alameda and then to the reception at Pasta Pelican. The owner added special appetizers and salads beyond the agreed menu. There were volunteers playing the harp and guitar. There were students from Berkeley giving them a traditional “Mayan” spiritual union in “Aztec” costumes. There was a special cake with cupcake sidings presented to them at cost.

Afterward, there was a limousine ride to Treasure Island with picture-perfect evening weather. There was an extremely bright Northern Star looming over their heads. The scene looked more like a backdrop when they took the pictures together. Days later they set off on a 5-day cruise with a stop at their favorite place the Catalina Islands.

Prior to the wedding, they had an African Mindful-Drumming session with family and friends. The famous Kokomon Clottey from Ghana leading the session. He and his family had known the couple many years prior.

Lisa greatest business interests were in the field of accounting technologies. After many struggles in the employment systems, Lisa became proactive, innovative and highly influential, while surpassing demanding performance goals and deadlines. She then formed her own business called NMRK, Inc. She specialized in Quick Books and was quickly referred to as “QBQ”, Quick Books Queen. She became so popular in her area of expertise, that one company flew her to Long Beach. Then a helicopter ride to Avión Hospital in Catalina to straighten out their several years of neglected accounting. She received outstanding financial rewards, praises, befriended an East Indian woman who assisted her, and saved the hospital account for the company. Michael joined her on the second day of the seven-day assignment.

Lisa was rightfully convinced, upon study and actual proof within her own daily life, that All of these talents and more, were enhanced upon practicing “Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo”. Lisa then joined the SGI-USA, a Buddhist Lay Organization and practiced in Coliseum District alongside her Myoho Brothers and Sisters. Over time she introduced her entire Family. Even her estranged relationship with her father changed for the better. He and her brother attended discussion and study meetings. Lisa gladly dedicated her accounting skills and resources to the SGI and their youth division.

Lisa’s last station of employment was a Senior Staff Accountant for ConnectED. The National Center for College students entering into careers and HS students entering into college.

Lisa passed and transitioned on Feb. 27, 2020, with her husband at her side caressing her arm and chanting “Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo”, two brothers by the foot of her bed, and children coming from various parts of the USA rushing to her side.

Lisa leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, Michael A. Bowie, her siblings, Melissa Moon-Brown, Ursula Moon, Marc Moon, Lance Moon, Jeffrey Moon, Aunt Linda, Uncle Jimmie, Cousin Kris, Aunt-in-law, Romona Bowie-Mitchell, Sisters-in-law, Unikka Moon and Phyllis G. Bowie, Children: Chris Stevenson, Porsche Bowie, Anthony Bowie, Olivia (Livy) Evans-Pittman, Nicki Evans-Pittman, several Nieces and Nephews and numerous friends.

Saskia Hatvany

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Community

Asm. Corey Jackson Announces Launch of 24-Hour Childcare in His District

Assemblymember Corey Jackson has secured $2 million in state funding for a proposed childcare special district in Moreno Valley and Perris. This funding aims to establish a system providing 24-hour, seven-day-a-week childcare, which would be California’s first special district focused solely on childcare. The initiative seeks to address the area’s designation as a “childcare desert” and high costs for working families. The funding will cover startup, planning, and formation costs for the district. Read more about the specifics of this groundbreaking initiative.

Published

2 days ago

September 28, 2026

Post News Group

Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley). File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) has secured $2 million in state funding to launch a proposed childcare special district serving families in Moreno Valley and Perris, paving the way for a system designed to provide childcare 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Moreno Valley-Perris Childcare Special District would be the first special district in California focused specifically on childcare, according to Jackson’s office. The state funding will cover startup, planning, and formation costs and help the district meet requirements set by the Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCO.

The proposed district would coordinate a mixed-delivery childcare system that could include home-based and center-based care. The goal is to provide universal childcare for families who work overnight, early morning, or other nontraditional shifts.

Jackson’s office says Moreno Valley is a certified “childcare desert,” with licensed childcare spaces available for only 15% of children with working parents. Infant care in Moreno Valley averages $2,776 a month, or about 35.7% of median household income. In Perris, licensed infant care can cost more than 60% of an individual worker’s gross median earnings, according to the assemblymember’s office.

“Securing this $2 million in startup funding is a monumental victory for the working-class families of Moreno Valley and Perris who have been trapped in a childcare desert for far too long,” Jackson said.

The proposal follows Jackson’s unsuccessful effort to establish the district through Assembly Bill 2083. The legislation would have created the district as a dependent special district covering Moreno Valley, Perris and their spheres of influence, with Riverside LAFCO responsible for reviewing its formation and boundaries.

The new funding allows the district’s formation to move forward without requiring mandatory contributions from local school districts and other stakeholders, according to Jackson’s office. His spokesperson, Daniel Peeden, said Jackson hopes the district can be operating by 2028.

The proposal has faced questions from some local officials. Moreno Valley City Councilmember Ed Delgado, who is running against Jackson for the 60th Assembly District seat, said he supports affordable childcare but questioned how the proposed district would operate and how much it would ultimately cost.

“Basically, he didn’t have a plan. We didn’t see a plan,” Delgado said, adding that officials had questions about operating costs, insurance and eligibility.

“It’s going to take a lot more than $2 million to create a special district to provide affordable childcare,” Delgado said.

Delgado has suggested working with existing childcare centers to subsidize costs for local families rather than creating a new agency.

Jackson’s office says the program will lower barriers to “workforce participation” and reduce “affordability anxiety” for young families. This landmark District is poised to trigger a virtuous cycle of economic upward mobility and long-term regional prosperity in the 60th Assembly District, his office added.

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Black History

IN MEMORIAM: The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark, Longtime Orange County Pastor and Community Leader, Dies at 72

Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, the longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a prominent faith and community leader in Orange County, passed away on September 9 at the age of 72. Born in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who dedicated his life to service. He served various Southern California churches before leading New Spirit Baptist Church for over 22 years, extending his work into counseling, mentoring, and civic engagement, and supporting the African American community. To learn more about his life and contributions, read more.

Published

2 days ago

September 28, 2026

Post News Group

The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark. File photo.

By 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, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who later built a life of service centered on family, faith, ministry, and community.

Clark began his formal ministry at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena in 1978. After acknowledging his call to ministry in 1980, he preached his first sermon and went on to serve churches throughout Southern California, including Second Baptist Church in Riverside, Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Rubidoux, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pomona, and Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda.

In November 2003, Clark was called to lead New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana, where he served as pastor for more than 22 years. His work extended beyond the pulpit through counseling, mentoring, civic engagement, and efforts to strengthen Orange County’s African American community.

Clark served on the Orange County Heritage Council and supported efforts to preserve and celebrate African American history and culture. He helped organize the Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival, served on the Interfaith Committee and the Orange County Transit Authority, and served as president of the Orange County Ministers Conference.

In 2024, the City of Santa Ana recognized Clark for his contributions to the community. He also received the Orange County Southern Baptist Association Hall of Faith Award and was previously honored as Pastor of the Year by the Orange County Heritage Council.

Clark is survived by his wife, Andrea Joyles Clark; six children, Shawn Williams, Le Ondra Clark Harvey, Kyla Coward, Joshua Clark, Marissa Clark and Ashley Clark; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings; extended family; and the New Spirit Baptist Church congregation.

A wake will be held Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. at New Spirit Baptist Church, 701 S. Sullivan St. in Santa Ana, with a remembrance service from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Oct. 2, at Friendship Baptist Church, 17145 Bastanchury Road in Yorba Linda. Viewing begins at noon, followed by the service at 1 p.m.

Burial will take place Monday, Oct. 5, at 10:15 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery.

Clark often shared a guiding principle that shaped his ministry: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

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Economy

Poll: Becerra Widens His Lead Over Hilton; Californians Split on Wealth Tax

A new Public Policy Institute of California poll shows Democrat Xavier Becerra leads Republican Steve Hilton by 22 points in California’s governor’s race, with 60% of likely voters supporting Becerra compared to 38% for Hilton. The September survey also reveals Californians are closely divided on a proposed one-time tax on billionaires, with 52% of likely voters in favor of Proposition 40. Affordability issues are a major factor for voters. Read more to learn about the poll’s additional findings on voter sentiment.

Published

2 days ago

September 28, 2026

Post News Group

Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Democrat Xavier Becerra holds a 22-point lead over Republican Steve Hilton in California’s governor’s race, while voters remain closely divided over a proposed one-time tax on billionaires, according to a new Public Policy Institute of California poll.

The September PPIC survey found that 60% of likely voters support Becerra, compared with 38% for Hilton. His lead is actually narrower than it was in July, when he led Hilton 61% to 36%.

Becerra leads among independent voters, with 57% supporting him compared with 38% for Hilton. Party loyalty remains strong, with 93% of Democratic likely voters backing Becerra and 92% of Republicans supporting Hilton.

Hilton leads in the Central Valley, where 52% of likely voters support him compared with 46% for Becerra.

Affordability remains a major factor: 65% of likely voters say candidates’ plans to address cost-of-living issues are “very important” to their vote.

“Affordability continues to be top of mind for Californians when considering their choice for governor,” said Mark Baldassare, PPIC Statewide Survey director and Miller Chair in Public Policy.

The poll also found a narrow split over Proposition 40, a proposed one-time tax of up to 5% on taxpayers with assets exceeding $1 billion. Fifty-two percent of likely voters said they would vote yes, while 46% said they would vote no.

Support for the wealth tax varies sharply by party. Seventy-two percent of Democrats favor Proposition 40, compared with 46% of independents and 21% of Republicans.

Two competing measures also drew majority support. Fifty-one percent back Proposition 41, while 54% support Proposition 42, both of which could affect the wealth-tax proposal.

The findings come as Californians express broader frustration with the state’s political direction. Seventy-one percent of likely voters expect bad economic times in California over the next year.

“Californians are clearly grumpy and aren’t enamored with any particular political party or movement,” Baldassare said.

The survey interviewed 1,745 California adults, including 1,103 likely voters, from Sept. 4-10. The margin of error for likely voters is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.