A panel of political, labor, educational and clergy leaders are demanding that elected officials establish and maintain a high level of accountability in providing services to and improving the standard of living in the African American community.

The Black Community, Clergy and Labor Alliance (BCCLA) convened a summit Monday morning at the African American Cultural Center in the Crenshaw District, specifying to liberal-democratic officeholders and candidates that the Black vote will no longer be automatic.

With Mother’s Day included among the world’s most popular and sentimental holidays, nearby flower shops, candy shops, restaurants, women’s apparel stores and popular local attractions are gearing up for the last-minute rush to honor the family matriarch.

The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve will conduct special Mother’s Day events on May 11 and 12, including wildflower exhibits, videos and an orientation describing the sprawling facility at 15101 Lancaster Road in Lancaster.

The GAP program, part of the “My Gangfree Life” anti-gang mission, reported positive gains at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Carson City Council. Since 2002, GAP (Gang Alternative Program) has distributed more than $250,000 in Carson, promoting anti-gang activities and recently allocated $10,000 for the city’s elementary schools as part of its “Step Up” after-school initiative.

Lancaster continues to frame the national debate about the merits of green technology as it welcomes Chinese automaker BYD Co. here to produce electric buses. The city is rapidly becoming known as the “solar capital of the world,” and local officials believe the new manufacturing deal will provide an economic boost on both sides of the Pacific Rim.

BYD Co. (Build Your Dreams) opened shop Wednesday at 46147 BYD Blvd. (formerly 7th Street W., just north of Avenue H) to make the “K9” electric bus destined first for Long Beach Transit.