Yearly Archives: 2013

Aging and Adult Services tell Seniors and Dependent Adults to Report Abuse and ‘Don’t Take the Blame’ as the State and County Take Steps to Empower Seniors

Seniors_Couple_BillsSAN BERNARDINO, CA– The San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), Adult Protective Services (APS) is creating awareness of abuse within the senior and dependent adult populations and encourages them not to be reluctant to report abuse of any type.

The awareness campaign, “It’s Not Your Fault,” aims to empower seniors to not be afraid or embarrassed to report abuse; and to let them know they deserve “Dignity, Fairness, and Respect.” DAAS and APS staff will be speaking to seniors throughout the community during the month of May, “Older Americans Month,” in an effort to help prevent and stop abuse of our elderly and frail.  Such abuse can take the form of physical, mental suffering, neglect, intimidation, isolation, abduction, sexual, and financial exploitation. Neglect and financial abuse are the most common.

Over 5 million elderly or vulnerable adults are abused and/or neglected in the U.S. each year, and many fall victim to scams and abuse often by a family member or caretaker. Some seniors are ashamed, or fear if they complain they will be institutionalized as a form of retaliation by a family member.  Many do not believe police and social agencies can really help them, or they think that no one will believe them.

The “I’s Not Your Fault” campaign lets seniors know ‘It’s Not Your Fault if someone you love, respect, and/or depend on is not acting in your best interest.’ Following the 2012 implementation of San Bernardino County’s “It’s Not Your Fault” campaign in the High Desert area, referrals for abuse increased over three times greater than in July.  The state-wide hotline to report abuse is 877-565-2020.

“Elder abuse tends to take place where the senior lives.  Most often, abuse is in the home where abusers are apt to be adult children or other family members such as grandchildren or spouses/partners of elders. “For every report of abuse of an older adult or an adult with a disability, five reports are not made,” says DAAS Director Ron Buttram.”

However, abuse can also take place in senior living facilities. The California Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse (BMFEA) operates three programs designed to hold both persons and institutions accountable for abuse of elders: 1. The Violent Crimes program investigates and prosecutes physical elder abuse committed by individual employees against patients in elder care facilities (including homicide, rape, false imprisonment, assault and battery). 2. The Facilities Enforcement Team investigates and prosecutes the actual facilities for adopting policies or promoting practices that lead to neglect and/or poor quality of care, such as: a) Failure to provide medical care for physical and mental health needs; b) Failure to attend to hygiene concerns; c) Failure to provide adequate staffing; and, d)Failure to prevent malnutrition and dehydration; and Falsification of patient charts

The Operation Guardians program helps to help protect and improve the quality of care for California’s elder and dependent adult residents in skilled nursing facilities by identifying instances of abuse or neglect via investigations that include “Surprise Inspections” that may lead to criminal or civil prosecution by the BMFEA. Actual reports of the guardians’ “Surprise Inspections” can be found online at  http://oag.ca.gov/bmfea/elder — a good way to know what home NOT to reside in.

DAAS wants seniors and dependent adults who are victims of abuse to call California’s Adult Protective Services hotline first at 1-877-565-2020.  All referrals are handled with discretion, dignity and respect. APS services are also available to persons between 18-64 years of age who are unable to protect their own interest due to a physical or mental disability.

With the “It’s Not Your Fault” campaign, the DAAS is empowering seniors, at-risk individuals, and adults with disabilities ensure they have the resources to improve or maintain choice, independence and quality of life in the least restrictive environment possible.  To report abuse, call 877-565-2020.

Research at CDU Helps to Reduce Health Disparities

Professor Cynthia Davis

Professor Cynthia Davis

David Martins MD

David Martins MD

LOS ANGELES, CA– Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science conducts a great deal of research and engages in significant outreach to help reduce health disparities among communities of color and the socioeconomically disadvantaged. Heart disease/stroke, cancer, diabetes and AIDS prevention remain among the top diseases that affect minority populations, and these communities are disproportionately affected by preventable disease, disability and even death.

Aggressive identification and implementation of new and more effective prevention and intervention strategies is needed, as heart disease and strokes are leading killers across most racial and ethnic communities in the U.S.  “We are currently exploring the role of vitamin D in the prevention of heart disease and diabetes, along with a regimen of diet and exercise. We are also exploring video game exercises as a means of heart disease prevention, especially for patients who live in communities where it may not be safe to go outdoors for exercise. High blood pressure is a large contributor to heart disease,” says Dr. David Martins, Assistant Dean for Clinical and Community Affairs at CDU.  He encourages a minimum of annual blood pressure checks and more often if not normal. “If it is elevated they should get care immediately. A tablet of aspirin a day reduces your risk of stroke and heart disease,” he added.

HIV/AIDS has a devastating impact on minorities in the U.S., with almost 71 percent of the newly diagnosed cases.  Cynthia Davis, Assistant Professor in the Medical Sciences Institute at CDU has been a trail blazer in HIV/AIDS community outreach and mobilization, and has been involved in HIV primary prevention initiatives on a national and local level since 1986, initiating the first pilot demonstration mobile HIV testing program in Los Angeles County in 1991, providing HIV testing, counseling and referral services to over 60,000 community residents.

“HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts African American women, youth, and men who have sex with men. This disease is 100% preventable, but due to denial, fear, stigma, homophobia, and lack of access to health care, it continues to ravage our community. The CDC recommends everyone aged 14 to 64 obtain an annual HIV test,” says Davis.

Professor Davis is also involved in research examining how factors such as HIV knowledge, alcohol abuse and childhood sexual abuse influence the rates of depression among HIV positive and HIV negative Latinos residing in South Los Angeles. CDU was also a health partner in the KJLH Radio’s Women’s Health Forum on Saturday, April 27.

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (www.cdrewu.edu), is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian, medical and health sciences institution in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles, and has graduated over 550 medical doctors, 2,500 postgraduate physicians, 2,000 physician assistants and hundreds of other health professionals.  It is the only dually-designated Historically Black Graduate Institution and Hispanic Serving Health Professions School in the U.S., with a mission to provide care with excellence and compassion, and transform the health of underserved communities.

Thursday – May 23 Small Business 8(A) Certification Training Become Eligible For More Contract Awards

SANTA ANA, CA— Become Eligible for More Contract Awards with 8(a) Certification. The Small Business Administration’s Santa Ana District Office will provide 8(a) Business Development Program Application Workshops. The SBA’s 8(a) business development program, named for a section of the Small Business Act, is a business development program created to help small disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and access the federal procurement market. The May 23 Workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 noon in the SBA Training Room. Applicant firms must be: A small business; Unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are of good character and citizens of the United States; and Demonstrate potential for success. Remaining workshop dates in 2013 for Orange County are June 27th, July 25th, August 22nd, and October 24th. All of these workshops will be located in the Training Room of the SBA office, located at 200 W. Santa Ana Boulevard, Suite 700, Santa Ana, CA. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. with the sessions starting at 8:30 a.m. promptly and lasting until noon. Registration is required. Please email sandra.anguiano@sba.gov with your business name and the name of person attending to RSVP for the application workshop.

Monday – May 20 Free Breast Cancer Support Group Meets Monthly At Armc

COLTON, CA – The Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) provides a FREE Breast Cancer Support Group for patients and their families from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the third Monday of each month. The next meeting is June 17, 2013, in the Oak Conference Room, First Floor, ARMC, 400 North Pepper Ave., Colton, CA 92324 This Support Group provides a comfortable environment where women can talk amongst themselves and support each other through breast cancer treatments under the guidance of Breast Clinic Coordinator, Lori Nuno. Information: 909-580-3546.

New Focus Community Development Outreach Corporation And The San Bernardino American New, And Wells Fargo Bank’s “Mind Your Own Capital” Small Business Forum

New_Focus_Small_Business_ForumThursday – May 16

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – This “Mind Your Own Business” Small Business Forum will include topics: ‘Managing a Small Business,’ ‘Conventional Business Loans,’ and ‘Micro Business Loans,’ with Loan Officers on Site. Sponsored by WELLS FARGO, a bank that understands that in order to successfully do Business within the African American/Black community, it must engage Small Businesses, the Black Media, and Faith-based Organizations. Wells Fargo has been continually working across the state and investing in African American/Black Communities. New Focus Community Development Outreach Corporation and the San Bernardino American News are co-sponsoring this event to help Black Business gain access to capital and “Learn How To Mind Your Own Business!” On Thursday, May 16, 2013, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ingram Community Center, 2050 N. Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92411(next to St. Paul AME).  Attire: Business/Casual. If you cannot, attend please send a representative; Light Dinner Served. Please RSVP by Monday, May 13, 2013. RSVP/Information: John E. Banks 909-804-8012, 504-450-1815, or Email to morganjeb1@gmail.com

Linda Hudson-Smith, the Diva of Black Romance Novels and Inspirational Books, Has Passed

Linda Hudson-Smith

Linda Hudson-Smith

By Lita Pezant, Special to the Westside Story — Linda Hudson-Smith the bestselling author of dozens of romance novels and inspirational books, died last Tuesday April 30, 2013.  Linda had struggled with lupus for many years, even serving as the national spokesperson for the Lupus Foundation of America.

Linda Hudson-Smith was a regular guest on the “Empire Talks Back” radio show prior to leaving her home in Rialto to join her husband Rudy in League City, Texas where he worked as a weatherman. Linda’s son, Gospel and Inspirational rapper Scott Smith (A.k.a. Justified) will join host Wallace Allen on the “Empire Talks Back” this Sunday, May 5, 2013 for a special tribute to this very special lady. Justified will share music from the companion CD soundtrack to his mother’s bestseller “Ladies in Waiting,” that was written and produced by Los Souls, and performed by him and Costie Payne.

A successful marketing and public relations professional, Linda turned to writing as a way of keeping productive and positive, after being diagnosed with the disease in 2000. She not only stayed positive and productive, she thrived, writing over 30 books, starting with her first “Ice Under Fire” (Arabesque/BET Books), which garnered great reviews and honors including Best New Author by the Black Writer’s Alliance, the 2000 Gold Pen Award, two Shades of Romance Magazine awards for New Romance Author of the Year and Multicultural New Fiction Author of the Year 2001.

As she continued to write and widen her genre, her reputation grew, and she traveled to Europe with her Lupus Awareness campaign. In 2003 Linda Hudson-Smith was named Best New Christian Fiction author by Shades of Romance Magazine, and in 2004 she won the African American Literary Show Romance Award. In 2006 the anthology novel “Thicker Than Water” (Kimani Press/New Spirit) was published featuring Linda’s short story, The Devil’s Advocate, and the book ranked #7 on Essence Magazine’s Best Seller’s list.  She continued writing until very recently, with a string of both romance novels and inspirational books, including “Forsaking All Others,” “This Far By Faith,” “Honor Thy Heart”, “Indiscriminate Attraction” and “Romancing the Runway.”

Linda Hudson-Smith was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and raised in Washington, D.C. Linda’s husband brought her ashes back to California, and she requested that there be no funeral service.  Her survivors include her husband Rudy Smith, her sons Gregory Lewis Smith and Scott Smith, and her grandchildren.  She will be missed by all who loved her and benefited from her kindness and uplifting spiritualism, as well as by the many fans of her books (lindahudsonsith.com).

Linda Hudson Smith met the challenges presented to her with a special grace and insight that was highly cherished and appreciated.

SHAD Club #62 Continues to Nurture the Talents of Young Men

Pictured here with Rhea McIver, Principal of Werner Elementary School for the Rialto Unified School District,  are the talented young men who shared their essays and oratorical skills in this year's Sixth Annual Oratorical and Essay Contest sponsored by SHAD Club #62; left to right: DeShawn Redden, Maxwell Row, Scean Mustin, and Joshual Jackson.

Pictured here with Rhea McIver, Principal of Werner Elementary School for the Rialto Unified School District, are the talented young men who shared their essays and oratorical skills in this year’s Sixth Annual Oratorical and Essay Contest sponsored by SHAD Club #62; left to right: DeShawn Redden, Maxwell Row, Scean Mustin, and Joshual Jackson.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– SHAD CLUB # 62 hosted its 6st Annual Oratorical and Essay

Contest on Sunday April 21, 2013 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. The contest featured four young men competing for a top prize of $500. This year’s theme was “Do Not Judge Each Day by the Crops you Reap, But by the Seeds you Sow.”                 The contest is sponsored to give young men in the community an opportunity to showcase their talents in research, composition and public speaking. The contest allows participants to deliver their own words on the chosen theme, and then to recite an original or famous literary piece. In addition to the cash prizes, the winner of the contest received the Samuel Jackson Memorial Plaque. Mr. Jackson was a noted businessman and community activist in the San Bernardino Area.

SHAD Club # 62 is affiliated with the Gamma Omega Chapter of Eta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. SHADS are the husbands of active members of the sorority. The stated mission of the SHADS is to “be positive role models to young men” in our area. During the year, the SHADS sponsor or support other civic organizations outreach to youth in our area. (Photos and story courtesy A. Bell)

SHAD Club President Anthony Bell (back row-fourth from left) presented the 2013 winning plaque and cash award to DeShawn Redden (center front), whose stated career goal  is to be a teacher and to be active in the community. He has already demonstrated community support by helping to mentor young disadvantaged children. DeShawn was joined by Mrs. Faye Jackson, (center) wife of Mr. Samuel Jackson in whose memory the plaque is given.  They are surrounded by other members of SHAD Club #62 including Vice President Bobby Magby 1, who stands beside Mrs. Jackson on the right.

SHAD Club President Anthony Bell (back row-fourth from left) presented the 2013 winning plaque and cash award to DeShawn Redden (center front), whose stated career goal is to be a teacher and to be active in the community. He has already demonstrated community support by helping to mentor young disadvantaged children. DeShawn was joined by Mrs. Faye Jackson, (center) wife of Mr. Samuel Jackson in whose memory the plaque is given. They are surrounded by other members of SHAD Club #62 including Vice President Bobby Magby 1, who stands beside Mrs. Jackson on the right.

URBAN FASHION SHOW AND ART FAIR

Westside Story Newspaper – Calendar and Services

SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday – May 18
URBAN FASHION SHOW AND ART FAIR PRESENTED BY LUE PRODUCTIONS AND THE JAZZ AND ART EXCHANGE – COME SHOW YOUR TALENTS!

Young_Skates

Young_Skates

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Lue Productions and The Jazz and Art Exchange will host the Urban Fashion Show and Art Fair Saturday May 18 starting a

t 2 p.m. that mixes an urban fashion show with hip hop/R&B, art and live performances by local talented youth and adults. All local talent, live performers, art and artists, entertainers of all ages, and fashion designers, are welcome to participate in the show and art exhibit which will be held at The Jazz and Art Exchange, located at 132 South Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino.  The public should come out an show their support for the creative energy in the Inland Empire! Fashion Designers can also compete for a cash prize, and artists will have an Urban Art Factory exhibit.  Vendor products and services and Volunteers are both welcome! With award-winning designers Me’ Shaun D. Holmes (www.meshaundenise.com), male models Young Skatez and Bernard Skatez Borser, and toddler model Nevaeha Alford. Performances by R&B singer Yung Muusik, Hip Hop artist Paul Douglas aka P Hustle the Beast, and special guest judge DJ 5 Cents. Sponsors include CCM Entertainment, Rising Star Music Awards, Island Def Jam Recordings, the Westside Story Newspaper, Chef Music, AM Inc., Swag Models, Believe and Achieve Foundation, Artist Haus Records, Steene’s Southern Kitchen and the Jazz and Art Exchange Academy. Information: 909-567-1000.

 

CSUSB Professor Audrey Mathews Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Professor Audrey Matthews

Professor Audrey Matthews

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Audrey Mathews, professor emerita at California State University, San Bernardino, received the Elmer B. Staats Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Public Service by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) during their annual conference in New Orleans in March.  The organization honored Mathews for dedicating more than 35 years to public service in local and state governments as a professor, budget director, planning commissioner and consultant.

“Professor Mathews is a role model for all of us for her outstanding commitment to public service through higher education and government,” said CSUSB President Tomás Morales. “The university community is proud of her accomplishments and remarkable dedication.”

“I am grateful and humbled that I would even be considered in the same category of those who have been recognized for this award before me,” Mathews said.

“I have dedicated my life to helping those in need in the communities where I live, work and play, never thinking my life’s dedication to the public service as something remarkable,” she said. “I’m just doing what I was born to do: mentor and provide a helping hand to those in need of my services.”

Mathews taught full time in CSUSB’s College of Business and Public Administration from 1996 to 2006, developing curriculum on diversity management, economic development, and budget and finance. She currently teaches courses on diversity in public organizations and organizational roles in multicultural societies as the CEO of Mathews and Associates, her consulting firm based in Los Angeles.

A 2007 National Academy of Public Administration Fellow, Matthews has also written numerous chapters in textbooks, journal articles and technical reports on topics of diversity, mentoring and urban governance. Professor Mathews received her doctor of public administration from the University of Southern California and a master of public administration from California State University, Northridge.

“I am so impressed with the ongoing dedication and commitment of Dr. Mathews to public service,” said Jonathan Anderson, chair of CSUSB’s public administration department.  “From her years of service as CSUSB faculty, including chair of the department of public administration, to her ongoing positions as a member of the San Bernardino County’s Planning Commission and Workforce Investment Board, Audrey is an outstanding public manager who continues to contribute to the San Bernardino community,” he added.

“What it Do with LUE” Artist Review and Entertainment Happenings

Lue Dowdy

Lue Dowdy

<h2>By Lue Dowdy,SAN BERNARDINO, CA— What a busy week – so much is happening in the community.  Please check out this week’s featured artist and entertainment happenings. I hope you’ll enjoy!</h2>

Jayavana Rose Herbert

Jayavana Rose Herbert

Artist Review: I’ve been blessed to work with all walks of life when it comes to artists. I’m happy to featu

re in this week’s artist review, Jayavana Rose Herbert an anointed young lady that’s blessed with the gift of dance. I’ve watched this talented teen grow into an amazing dancer for the LORD. The way she’s able to tell a story and deliver a message through dance, is truly a site to behold.

Jayavana Rose Sarai Herbert was born to the parents of Bishop Wallace and Dr. Janice Herbert on July 18, 1995, at St. Bernardine Hospital. She was born premature, 1 lb. 15 oz. Her parents were told she would not be able to live a normal life. She had club feet and a heart murmur. Her parents were informed that she would not be able to walk or do the things that most normal children do, through the faith of her parents, by leaning and depending on God. God supernaturally healed her “for such a time as this” to dance for His Glory in Jesus Name.

Never looking back or caring what her peers thought, Jayavana has managed to keep her focus on her calling. This young lady has performed at several community churches and community events throughout San Bernardino. Be on the lookout for Praise Dancer, Jayavana Rose Herbert, member of Servant Branch Ministries.

Psalms 107:20-21 says: “He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!”       

The HourGlass Wine Art Gallery

The HourGlass Wine Art Gallery

Entertainment Happenings: This is for all my art and wine lovers. You must check out The HourGlass Art & Wine Gallery located in the beautiful city of Rancho Cucamonga. At this eye catching venue you are able to purchase exquisite art, and sip on your favorite wine, while enjoying a show. The ambiance is warm and friendly.

The mission of The HourGlass Art Gallery is to promote the understanding and appreciation of the Arts through educational and exceptional exhibition which engage and educate the community within a unique network and cultural partnership. The Gallery is committed to inspire, inform and exhibit local, national, and international artists through showcasing their works of art throughout the year. The HourGlass Art Gallery, located at 8200 Haven Ave # 103 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, is also available for benefit events, lectures, readings and exhibits by non-profit organizations whose mission reflects the objectives of the gallery, along with gallery talks, panel discussions, workshops, and art demonstrations. For more information on events at The HourGlass Art & Wine Gallery, visit online at www.hourglassartgallery.com, or call 909-941-9300.