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Men’s Health Special

By Steven Littles

I am an actor, director, producer and resident of Los Angeles. With June being Men’s Health Month, I thought it would be the perfect time to share my story and continue the discussion to better health for Black men. I quit using tobacco because once you pick up a cigarette or vape, it’s hard to put it down. And with tobacco being a major contributor of heart disease, cancer and stroke within my community, I knew it was time for a change.

I started smoking cigarettes when I was fifteen-years-old because it was the cool thing to do. Living in New York City, you could smoke just about anywhere except the subway, and being Black, cigarettes were pushed in our communities at a higher rate. I would walk into a bodega and there would be cigarette advertisements all over, and each shelf behind the register was stocked with cigarettes.

I would probably smoke a pack or two a day. I never realized the extent of my addiction. With some people, the cigarette is the footnote to their action, but with me, my action was the footnote to a cigarette. I needed cigarettes to function. My morning routine would consist of waking up, lighting another cigarette, making a cup of coffee, lighting another cigarette, getting dressed and smoking three to four cigarettes on the walk to the subway. It even got to the point where I would deprive myself nutritionally. I would buy a dollar’s worth of salami, and fifty cents worth of cheese just so I had enough to buy a pack of cigarettes.

I reeked of burning tar, paper, and other chemicals. My hair, my clothes, my apartment; everything smelled like smoke. My teeth weren’t white, and I could barely taste my food. 

The road to quitting was not easy. I tried and failed many times. I always felt as if I needed to announce my plans to quit in front of people to hold myself accountable. And each time I made such a statement, I got closer to quitting. Cigarettes also became more expensive, which is another reason why I wanted to give up the habit.

One of the things I have learned as a former smoker is nearly 70 percent of smokers would like to live smoke free. They have mixed emotions about quitting, and often want to wait for the perfect time. But there is no perfect time. According to one study, the average smoker attempts quitting 30 times before they succeed.^[1] My reasons for quitting were personal, too. I no longer wanted to hide it from my mother and grandmother, who were both ex-smokers. My friend’s mother was a smoker and she died from

kidney problems due to smoking. And my soulmate was taken from me, leaving me and our two children prematurely.

After I stopped smoking, I would eat whenever I craved a cigarette, and as a result gained weight. However, my teeth got whiter, my skin cleared up, I stopped smelling like smoke, my mood improved, and I no longer had anything to hide from my mother and grandmother.

For anyone thinking about quitting, the best thing is to just do it. It’s all mental. Smoking is an addiction, and your body just craves it. You will make any excuse to smoke. However, once you throw out the cigarettes or vapes, it will be tough, and withdrawal is common.

And to those people thinking about starting smoking, I would strongly advise against it.

I’m glad I was able to kick my addiction. If I was still smoking during the pandemic, I would have been at higher risk for catching COVID-19 and more at danger for serious health problems.  Research indicates that smokers experience worse symptoms after getting COVID-19^[1]and those who smoke were two times more likely to get admitted to an intensive care unit, need mechanical ventilation, or die compared to those who did not smoke.^[2]

For those who need assistance, there is a free resource to help Californians quit smoking or vaping. A supportive voice, tips to deal with triggers or creating a plan of action can be found at nobutts.org.

I wish these types of resources were around when I needed them.

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^[1] Vardavas CI, Nikitara K. COVID-19 and smoking: A systematic review of the evidence. Tob Induc Dis. 2020;18:20. doi:10.18332/tid/119324

^[2] Guan WJ, Ni ZY, Hu Y, et al. Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China. N Engl J Med. 2020;382:1708-20. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2002032

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^[1] Chaiton M, Diemert L, Cohen JE, et al. Estimating the number of quit attempts it takes to quit smoking successfully in a longitudinal cohort of smokers. BMJ Open. 2016;6(6):e011045. Published 2016 Jun 9. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011045

By Lou Yeboah

Even though you are no longer with us… we, your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren thank you for your council, and the legacy you left behind, a legacy of glory. For you said unto us, “Know the God of your father and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.” [1 Chronicles 28:9]. I urge you to remain true to your Savior. I have no doubt that you will. Love each other deeply in your marriages. Keep your family ties strong. Lay-up treasure in heaven because the stuff of earth is empty. Beware of sin and confess it as soon as you discover it in your life. And let the Spirits gift of joy color all your life. Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God [1Colossians 10.31; Proverbs 4:19, 5:1, 6:20].

Oh, I tell you, my father, he was a humble man. He was a dependent man. He was a proven man. He was a focused man. He was a faithful man. He was a patient man. He was an obedient man. He did nothing on His own; He acted only as the Father desired and enabled because he knew that Jesus was the prototype, the pattern, and master copy for how we should live. [John 5:19-30]. I tell you; “Fatherhood” is Worth Celebrating!

Consider all God asks Fathers to do: Provide for their families [1 Timothy 5:8]. Love sacrificially [Ephesians 5:25-33]. Teach their children about the Lord [Ephesians 6:4]. Encourage their children [Colossians 3:21]. Talk about God’s Word, often [Deuteronomy 6:6-9]. Appreciate their children [Psalms 127:3-5]. Guide their families in serving the Lord [Joshua 24:15]. Set a good example [Proverbs 20:7]. Love their children enough to discipline them [Proverbs 13:24; 19:18]. Lead their families as Christ leads the church [Ephesians 5:23]. “Fatherhood” – Worth Celebrating!

That’s why on Sunday, June 20^th, America will celebrate “Father’s Day.” Take the opportunity to celebrate your father [Dad, grandfather, stepfather, foster father, uncle, brother] who was there for you. Let him know how much you love and appreciate him, EVEN IF, your relationship was not like you would have wanted it to be. Send him a gift and write him a card that will touch even the toughest man’s heart. He will appreciate your kind words and the fact that you took the time out of your day to write him a personal note. Don’t let the opportunity pass. Just like we celebrate many things. When we grow another year older, we celebrate. When we add another year to the length of our marriage, we celebrate. When our favorite team wins a championship, we celebrate. When we graduate – from kindergarten, from high school, from college – we celebrate. When our child is born, we celebrate. When we get a promotion, we celebrate. When we retire from our career, we celebrate. Clearly, we find and take many opportunities in life to celebrate victories, achievements, milestones, and joyous moments. Take the time to celebrate your dad, because I tell you, “Fatherhood is worth celebrating, and it doesn’t matter if he raised you from day one, barely saw you because he worked long hours to support your family, or you found him later in life – celebrate him. Just like God values you, God values fathers.

On that note, I pray, Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the “Fathers” in our lives. We know fatherhood does not come with a manual, and reality teaches us that some “Fathers” excel while others fail. We ask for Your blessings for them all, and forgiveness where it is needed. Bless them for the many times they reflected the love, strength, generosity, wisdom and mercy that You exemplify in your relationship with us. Granted not all “Fathers” lived up to these ideals. Give them the grace to acknowledge and learn from their mistakes in the same token, give us the grace to extend to them the same forgiveness that you offer us all. Help us to resist the urge to stay stuck in past bitterness, instead, moving forward with humility and peace of heart. Remember all those who have helped fill the void when fathers passed or were/are absent- [grandfathers and uncles, brothers and cousins, teachers, pastors and coaches], bless them who served as “Father” figures in lives when biological fathers weren’t able to do so. Give new and future fathers the guidance they need to raise happy and holy children, grounded in a love for You and other people. We ask Your generous blessings today and every day. In Jesus name. Amen!

Remembering, Honoring, and Celebrating – Fatherhood!

Happy Father’s Day!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- I.E. Live Group hosted a ‘Market Nite’ on Saturday, June 12. Hundreds of Inland Empire residents came out to shop with local vendors, meet city officials and enjoy live performances from local artists. In addition, local organizations gave out information on their missions and services. It was a great day for networking and community building within the city. The event was sponsored by Westside Newspaper, Provisional Educational Services, Inc., Sweet Embrace and JYT Graphics.

The ‘Market Nite’ was nestled in the heart of Muscoy, an unincorporated part of San Bernardino County. I.E. Live Group will be hosting this event every other month, which will include a mix of live concerts featuring I.E.’s up-and-coming artists, bands, choirs, and comedians. It will also be a platform for officials to speak to the community. 

Dwaine Radden Sr. intended for the ‘Market Nite’ to unify the city. Regarding its conception, Radden said, “I was inspired to put on this event after attending a market ‘pop up’ a few weeks earlier. My wife and I always seek to support young adults and their new businesses, especially as a way to help drive the economy forward as the pandemic comes to an end. My daughter and sons are new business owners, and I wanted to host something where young adults similar to them could sell their products, showcase their talents, and network with the community.” 

The local organizations involved in the ‘Market Nite’ included Young Visionaries, Job Corp, 99.1 KGGI, iHeartradio radio, PAL Charter Academy, Project Fighting Chance, San Bernardino City Unified School District, Dalton’s Kitchen, Sweet Embrace Music, Westside Kinship Support Services, J.E.T.M.A.C. Inc., The Fighting Lady, Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, PAL Center Upward Bound Program. 

The event also gave local artists a chance to showcase their talents to the city. These artists included headliner Dre Lamonte, Cornell Wallace, Latrice Kristine, Kam Brantley, and Tony Cody. Leon Hawley was the audio engineer for the event and he operates Sweet Embrace Studios in Downtown San Bernardino. For more information on his services, you can reach him by email: leon@sweetembracestudios.us.

For more information and to reserve your space for the next event, contact I.E. Live Group at ielivemarketnite@gmail.com or by phone at 909-566-3339.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

More than 20 California artists partnered with the state for the “Your Actions Save Lives” campaign. The effort was created to uplift and celebrate the resilience of communities and encourage safe practices that stop the spread of COVID-19 as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plans to reopen the state on June 15.

The 14 original art projects included in the campaign range from murals, interactive exhibits, and live performances from artists based in communities highly impacted by the COVID-19, including Oakland, Sacramento, Stockton and San Diego.

“The arts have an opportunity to be uplifting and healing to your emotions,” said Jessica Wimbley, an African American digital artist who collaborated with the state for an advertisement on an Oak Park billboard in Sacramento and a digital art display at Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento.

“It’s been a breath of fresh air to work on this campaign. There’s been so much negativity and divisiveness that’s happening in the world that is heavy on the spirit,” said Wimbley.

“It’s been transformative to work on this project,” she added.

The campaign shows us that, “we can move forward, and we are moving forward. We all have things to live for,” she said.

The state partnered with the Center at Sierra Health Foundation in Sacramento for the project which relies on the power of art to communicate the importance of health awareness in addition to getting vaccinated.

“These accomplished artists are tapping into their culture and creativity to share empowering messages with communities that have been hard hit by COVID-19,” said Chet P. Hewitt, president and CEO of the Sierra Health Foundation.

“Art has incredible power, and we believe these works will spark important conversations, connections, and inspiration throughout the state,” he said.

Four female artists, including Wimbley, have used the project to tap into their respective cultures to create powerful visual artworks that empower and inform their diverse communities.

Sunroop Kaur, a classical artist, whose Spring mural is located in Stockton was inspired by her Punjabi-Sikh heritage. The interactive installation, ‘Benevolent Animals, Dangerous Animals,’ by Masako Miki located in Oakland’s Chinatown was inspired by Japanese folklore. In San Diego, the mural ‘Stop the Spread’ by Tatiana Ortiz-Rubio honors her Mexican heritage.

In addition to the art campaign, Newsom recently announced a $116.5 million incentive program that will reward people in California for getting vaccinated. The state allotted $100 million in grocery gift cards worth $50 each for the next two million people who get vaccinated. The remaining $16.5 million will be awarded as cash prizes to people who have been vaccinated across the state. More than 17 million people in California are fully vaccinated which is about 44 % of the state’s population. The incentive program aims to encourage everyone in California to get vaccinated with a goal to reopen the state by mid-June this year.

State officials say they are determined to fully reopen California schools and businesses in efforts to help the economy recover.

Black and Brown families continue to experience the brunt of the economic blow caused by COVID-19 despite the state’s efforts for community outreach to minimize hardship in their respective communities.

The artists featured in the state’s “Your Actions Save Lives” campaign hope to communicate messages of unity and solidarity through art influenced by their different cultures.

Four local artists celebrate their heritages and draw inspiration from their multicultural communities.

Jessica Wimbley

Wimbley, a renowned African American artist, uses her digital art to empower Black people to have agency in their own lives.

The Oak Park Billboard, which is part of a state-sponsored advertising campaign, features Wimbley’s husband as the model. The representation of dark-skinned Black men is important when there have been many incidents of people dying in the media.

The billboard reinforces, “This notion of a Black man living,” said Wimbley.

“It’s really important to bring humanization to the representation of Black people in media. And focus on producing an agency, and empowerment,” she said.

Wimbley’s Masking Series was inspired by the tradition of masquerade which is celebrated in many cultures across Africa. The art series features a still photo of a face with a mask modeled by her husband and a multimedia image with a mask reflecting different visuals.

“The storytelling communicates the important occurrences within the community, I was reflecting on wearing a mask within the masquerade culture and the transformative nature of both putting on a mask and wearing one,” said Wimbley.

Wimbley also wanted to humanize Black and Brown people who were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The added stress of police brutality resulting in the death of African Americans nationwide also inspired Wimbley to show that Black people have agency in their own lives.

Through her art, Wimbley said that she wants Black people, “to be in a place of empowerment, versus, a space of trauma.”

“We are a part of an interconnected story and part of each other’s stories. We have agency in how we move forward, and we can write, claim, and develop what that next phase looks like,” said Wimbley.

The symbolism of the images presented on the Oak Park billboard and the digital display at Arden Fair Mall highlight different codes that have inspired social justice movements throughout the nation. On the billboard, the model is wearing a mask with coded patterns promoting vaccinations and several rings, one with Harriet Tubman.

Sunroop Kaur

Kaur, an artist of South Asian descent, aims to decolonize classical art by using people of color as the center of attention in her paintings.

The large population of Punjabi Sikh immigrants in Stockton is a major influence in Kaur’s artwork. Kaur is intentional about using people of color as the focal point in her ‘Spring’ mural located at JMP Restaurant Supply.

“This mural is a visual celebration of my community and its resilience to not only survive in a foreign land but to thrive,” said Kaur.

The mural draws from the idea of, “decentering whiteness within my work by using people of color is my main fitters,” she said.

“The appropriation of Western classical art canons as a way to decolonize my own body and my culture,” she said.

The artwork includes two people socially distancing and wearing masks depicted through the Italian Baroque portraiture, a 17th-century art style associated with grandeur, movement, and drama.

The body language from the figures symbolizes, “the universal longing and yearning we feel for one another, but also acknowledging the fact that to keep our loved ones safe,” said Kaur.

The mural also includes pastel-colored floral patterns in reference to Spring which represents the reemergence of life following the pandemic. The mural includes

royal blue arches as well as pink and malachite with historical pastel pigments that are part of Persian culture.

Tatiana Ortiz-Rubio

In her ‘Stop the Spread’ mural located at Bread & Salt Gallery in Chicano Park,

Mexican-American visual artist Ortiz-Rubio used the image of a Latina woman to raise awareness on COVID-19 safety precautions in her community.

According to national data, Latinos make up about 30 % of San Diego’s population. They were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 because a disproportionate number are essential workers or undocumented people.

“This is truly a message for anyone in the world because a pandemic has affected us all. But it hasn’t affected us equally,” said Ortiz-Rubio.

“In the United States, minorities have been affected because of their race and economic status,” she said.

Muralism was a social movement which helped foster systematic change in Mexico. Ortiz-Rubio said that the Black Lives Movement also inspired her to challenge racism and inequality through her artwork.

“It speaks to everyone, and the fact that it is a Latin American woman speaking to anyone, is also important because usually generalized images are of a White person,” she said.

Being a woman is an integral part of Ortiz-Rubio’s experience creating the mural. She recalled young girls and their mothers witnessing her paint the mural from their backyards which reaffirmed her desire to use a Latina as the centerpiece of her mural.

“It’s very empowering to be celebrated,” said Ortiz-Rubio.

“This will be a message that will take that stigma away,” she said.

The visual artist said that she wants Latin Americans to be represented and celebrated in her art especially when they are the target audience.

Masako Miki

The interactive art installation ‘Benevolent Animals, Dangerous Animals’ by Miki was inspired by the idea of a treasure hunt throughout Chinatown in Oakland. The pandemic forced people to stay indoors, but the public art installation encourages people to explore different shops and restaurants while admiring the art.

The artwork was inspired by shapeshifting animals in Japanese mythology.

“I wanted to make this positive and uplifting because when things are dark and difficult, we need to have more positive images,” said Miki.

The current reality of the pandemic is, “so dark and difficult that we need to have imagery that gives us the ability to envision something positive,” she said.

In Japanese culture the tiger is a majestic animal that is fearless, she says. The cultural message in the artwork echoes notions of toughness.

“Resiliency is our strength,” and the benevolent animals featured in the art are meant to encourage people to, “respect each other and have empathy to get through this difficult time together,” said Miki.

Recent incidents of violence against Asians have fueled racial tension in America, in addition to the violence toward African Americans nationwide. Miki aspires to use her artwork to dispel stigmas related to COVID-19 about the Asian community.

“We have to have this dialogue so that I can introduce my cultures in such a way that it becomes familiar and it’s not something that they’re afraid of because they don’t know about it,” said Miki.

Artistic performances and visual displays created by all the artists in the “Your Actions Save Lives” campaign have been exhibited since April and will continue until June this year.

California Black Media’s coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.

The event featured the sharing of food, Covid-19 supplies, and clothing to over five hundred members of our community

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Saturday, June 12th, Time for Change Foundation, and our community partners held a Community Action Fair.

An opportunity to do our part, and help those in need, we gave away $100 dollar bills to the first two hundred and fifty people in line when a utility bill was provided. Additionally, $50 dollar Food for Less gift cards were handed out to over five hundred people. Together that is over $50,000 in aid to the community, with half being direct cash assistance.

Vendors from a variety of local organizations were on hand with groceries, hot meals, clothing, and Covid-19 supplies for anyone who came out.

Since late August 2020, the Household Pulse Survey has provided data on the overall number of adults struggling to cover usual household expenses such as food, car payments, utilities, medical expenses, or student loans. Some 61 million adults—26 percent of all adults in the country—reported it was somewhat or very difficult for their household to cover usual expenses in the past seven days, according to data collected May 12–24.

For many, this event was the rope needed to pull themselves up from a cliff. One attendee expressed her gratitude for the event. “Especially right now… a lot of people are having hard times, so every little thing helps.”

Another, spoke on his observations and the importance of this event, “for those who are down on and out…with the pandemic, loss of wages, homelessness. There were a lot of kids here early with their parents, so things for some seem to dire.”

We wish to thank our partners in this event, Young Visionaries, Catholic Charities, and St. John’s Episcopal Church. They continue to outdo themselves in their efforts to service those in need.

We are extremely grateful for all whom donated and volunteered. Community becomes powerful when all members pull together for a united cause. The change, or transformation, that occurs when we act together is something we all must continue to strive for.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- For over 30 years, Provisional Educational Services, Inc. (PESI) has been an active leader in serving the disadvantaged community of San Bernardino. In an effort to expand on this work, Chief Executive Officer, Dwaine Radden Sr. recently applied for a grant through YouthBuild. The US Department of Labor describes YouthBuild as “a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 16-24 who have previously dropped out of high school.”

The $1.3M grant would be used to address disparities of unemployment and homelessness within San Bernardino. PESI looked to partner with YouthBuild to mitigate these concerns by serving 74 low-income and/or homeless 17-24-year-olds in the city, through a project that would provide secondary education and construction trade training for youth in a classroom setting. It would also provide hands-on construction work experience, building and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for low income or homeless families in San Bernardino.

On June 10, 2021, it was announced that PESI was awarded the grant for its project. This was a nationwide grant which covered states like New York, Atlanta, Chicago and even to Puerto-Rico to name a few. They were selected with three other California agencies in Los Angeles and Riverside.  Radden said, it took an incredible and dynamic grant team to tell the story of San Bernardino in this grant. He thanked God for his grant team, Bill Clark and Geddes Mohammed.  The YouthBuild grant is likely to be a remarkable step forward for the community of San Bernardino. The city of approximately 215,000 has about one-third of its population living below the poverty line. The city’s employment rate was dampened by the recent pandemic but is expected to climb during the second half of 2021. This partnership between PESI and YouthBuild will help to increase the employment rate that was recently affected by the pandemic.

The city can expect PESI’s new community-based project to include construction trades training and other job sectors throughout the region, re-entry secondary education, counseling case management services, personal and academic support services and more. Additional details on the project and its services will be released soon.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education is fulfilling a promise made to the Class of 2020—an in-person commencement ceremony has been scheduled for all SBCUSD members of the Class of 2020.

A combined SBCUSD Class of 2020 graduation ceremony will be held Friday, June 18, 2021, 6 p.m., at Glen Helen Pavilion. Any members of the Class of 2020 who are interested in participating must complete the online interest form before June 14, 2021, at 5 p.m.

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the SBCUSD Board of Education made the decision to close physical schools and move to a distance learning model for the remainder of the 2019–2020 school year in order to protect the health of students, families and staff.

At the time the decision was made to cancel commencement and hold drive-thru ceremonies instead, the Board of Education committed to holding a make-up graduation ceremony when it became possible.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (June 2, 2021) – Iconic Superheroes Captain America, Black Panther and his guards Okoye and the Dora Milaje, plus many more assembled alongside actors Anthony Mackie and Paul Rudd with Disney CEO Bob Chapek to celebrate the momentous dedication of Avengers Campus Wednesday night in an epic ceremony at Disney California Adventure Park. The new land opens to the public at the Disneyland Resort on June 4, 2021, featuring Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and their allies.

Avengers Campus is an entirely new land dedicated to discovering, recruiting and training the next generation of Superheroes at the Disneyland Resort inside Disney California Adventure Park. This new land brings together Earth’s Mightiest Heroes for the common good and allows guests to team up with the Avengers and their allies, sling webs with Spider-Man, taste-test inventive food and drinks and become part of a bigger universe. Kids and guests of all ages will find their powers as they unite with family and friends to take an active role alongside some of their favorite Superheroes, with a chance to live out their own heroic story.

In Avengers Campus, Spider-Man soars high above the rooftops with incredible acrobatic feats, a first for a Disney Park. Guests may also notice that their friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is  wearing a Disney Parks exclusive WEB Slinger suit. Recruits will discover many more surprises, from day to night.

While guests have connected with the Super Heroes of Wakanda on screen, Avengers Campus gives visitors the chance to not only see the icons come to life, but also learn from them directly through interactive encounters. New recruits can train with Black Panther’s loyal bodyguards, the Dora Milaje, to learn wisdom from Wakanda and what it’s like to be a member of this elite royal guard. Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje, makes her global debut at Avengers Campus as she leads this training encounter. When trouble ensues, out of nowhere Earth’s Mightiest Heroes arrive to save the day. Guests may see Black Panther, along with other Heroes, spring into action as they head off the threat from their foes at Avengers Headquarters – located in the heart of this new land.

“On behalf of our Cast of Super Heroes, I couldn’t be more excited to welcome our guests to this epic new land,” said Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort. “Just as Avengers come together for the common good, the Disneyland Resort is ready to power up with Anaheim and Southern California to drive tourism, rebuild businesses and strengthen our communities.”

Guests discover their own powers in Avengers Campus.

WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure is a new, action-packed escapade that invites guests to put their web-slinging skills to the test, a feat accomplished with innovative technology adapted specifically for this attraction. The mission: team up with Spidey and help capture the out-of-control Spider-Bots before they wreak havoc on the Campus. This family- friendly attraction blends physical sets and virtual environments to take new recruits on an interactive adventure. There is no height requirement for this attraction, allowing aspiring young heroes to join the fun.

Looming high above the land is the towering citadel of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, a fan-favorite that opened in Disney California Adventure in 2017. Guests are the protagonists of this rockin’ adventure as they help rescue a cosmic gang of misfits. Taneleer Tivan, a.k.a. the Collector, has brought his unique collection of fantastical fauna, relics and species from across the cosmos to Earth. To their misfortune, Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Drax and Groot were recently made a part of Tivan’s “collection” and are being held captive within his Fortress. It takes some raucous mayhem, music inspired by the soundtracks from the movies and thrilling free-fall drop sequences for this adventure to break out the Guardians.

When it is time to take a break from the heroics, new dining spots will offer sustenance.

Just as Ant-Man and The Wasp used “Pym Particles” to grow and shrink just about anything, Pym Test Kitchen featuring Impossible™ Foods applies this innovative science to the food creation. This unbound potential allows Pym Test Kitchen to showcase normal foods at unusual scales, including shareable bites, inventive-sized entrees and tiny treats. As guests watch the Pym food scientists at work in the kitchen lab, they will see a regular-sized pretzel transform after going through a quantum tunnel – it comes out big or small. Guests will also enjoy shawarma at the Shawarma Palace near the heart of the land; or indulge in a weird and wonderful menu of intergalactic eats at Terran Treats – a cart near Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Disneyland Resort theme parks reopening

Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure reopened to the public on April 30, 2021, with limited capacity. To visit a theme park, guests (ages 3 and older) must purchase a valid ticket and make a theme park reservation for the same day and same park they want to visit. Other important details are at Disneyland.com/update. Guests are encouraged to check the site for the latest updates as they become available.

The health and well-being of guests and cast members remain a top priority. Enhanced health and safety measures and operational changes will be in place at the theme parks based on guidance from health authorities and learnings from Disney parks around the world. Cast members throughout the resort will assist with questions, and guests may check Disneyland.com/update for current health and safety measures, including required face coverings for guests ages 2 and older.

Guests may learn more about Avengers Campus at Disneyland.com/AvengersCampus.

Special thanks go out to all those who attended and supported “A Night of Southern Rock” headlined by Southern Rock Band Six Gun Sal, Country Singer Kimberly Dawn, and Soul Bluegrass Artist Scott Gronsky at the Long Beach Scottish Rite Cultural Centre in Long Beach, California on May 29, 2021, Memorial Day Weekend. The concert benefited nonprofit organizations that work with homeless and disabled veterans, including the American Soldier Networks, Tickets for Troops, and One World Stage & Screen.

The night honored two military heroes, the US Navy Seals’ most trusted interpreter Johnny Walker and retired US Navy Seals Command Master Chief Jason Tuschen. The 2014 movie American Sniper depicts their story.

Tito Ortiz, American mixed-martial artist, politician, and a big supporter of the veterans, came out to “A Night of Southern Rock” and attended the concert. Ortiz introduced Southern Rock band Six Gun Sal on the big stage and did a moment of silence prayer to honor the fallen soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for our country.  

Multi-platinum guitarist Frank DeVille was a special guest artist that hit the stage and performed with Southern Rock band Six Gun Sal. An autographed Michael Kelly guitar was given away by Six Gun Sal as a part of a raffle prize held during the concert.

Red carpet arrivals included celebrities, musicians, MMA fighters, boxers, wrestlers, actors, producers, military, and veterans who were there to support the event and enjoy a live concert benefiting the homeless and disabled veterans.  Arrivals included Tito Ortiz (American Mixed Martial Artist and Politician), Amber Nichole Miller (Model), Morris Chestnut (Actor on The Resident -TV Series), Pam Chestnut (Actress), Six Gun Sal, Southern Rock Headlining (Band Members Anthony Appello (Vocals), Dusty Lang (Rhythm Guitar –Army National Guard, Staff Sergeant), Joey Durant (Drums), Ed Fierro (Lead Guitar), Marko Jankovic (Lead Guitar), Matt Geinitz (Bass Guitar), Country Artist Kimberly Dawn (Opening Performance), Soul Bluegrass Artist Scott Gronsky (Opening Performance), Johnny Walker (Seals most trusted interpreter), Jason Tuschen (US Navy Seals Command Master Chief retired) Kim Estes (Emmy Award Winner- US Navy Lieutenant Reserves ’78 –‘86), David B. Meadows (Actor, Producer, Navy Seal), Annie Nelson (Founder of the American Soldier Network), Frank Deville (Musician, 2xGrammy Nomination, Gold & Platinum Records), Native Wayne- Wayne Jobson (Kroq, Sirius XM radio host personality), Andrew Byrniarski (Actor), Patrick Kilpatrick (Actor, Music Producer), Jonathan Marc Stein (Fashion Designer), Simon Lunche (Artist), Patricia Summerland (Original Pro Wrestler- Actor) Al Burke (16 X Professional Wrestling Champion, Actor) Alan Santana (Former Professional Boxer, 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee, Actor), Danielle Martin (Athlete /Model), Nick Appello (MMA Fighter), Bring Them Home Documentary (Hector Barajas, Deported Veteran & founder of Deported Veterans Support House, Robert Walker (Film Producer), Rike Boomgaarden (Film Director), Elaine Carmody, (Producer), and many more. 

The VIP Lounge was sponsored by Double Cross Vodka and Positive Beverage who provided a signature cocktail, the ‘Brave Soldier’ with Double Cross Vodka’s premium spirit to treat talent and guests to a tropical berry libation without sugar, calories. Urban Press Winery provided red and white wine, and Hint Water was provided to everyone. Mini Birrieria provided delicious small bites all night long. 

The concert and event was presented by Six Gun Entertainment LLC, Alan Santana Production, and the Long Beach Scottish Rite Cultural Centre.

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About Southern Rock Band Six Gun Sal

Six Gun Sal is an L.A-based Southern Rock Band whose edgy, biker style is heard through epic anthems and ballads. Since forming in 2015, Six Gun Sal has played hundreds of shows throughout the Western U.S. and put out two full-length albums. They’ve also released world-class videos for singles including “Remember My Name,” “Red Blooded American,” and “The Life,” which won two California Music Video Awards.

In 2021, Six Gun Sal will embark on a U.S. tour to promote their latest album produced by Timothy Eaton (Greg Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd).  Band Members Include Anthony Appello, Vocals; Dusty Lang, Rhythm Guitar; Joey Durant, Drums; Ed Fierro, Lead Guitar; Marko Jankovic, Lead Guitar; Matt Geinitz, Bass; Mia Dunn and Gwendolyn Casella, Backing Vocals.

Six Gun Sal recently won two awards at the “California Music Video Awards” for their video “The Life”. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=803660450431216 

Listen to Six Gun Sal Music recently release video “Creek” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOyxbgux_LI

For more information, visit www.sixgunsal.net

About Country Singer Kimberly Dawn

Kimberly Dawn is a Canadian-born singer-songwriter who began taking piano and guitar lessons after the birth of her fourth child. She now focuses on creating inspiring music in the genre that has always spoken to her. She’s currently back in the studio writing and recording new music to release later this year, and will perform in Nashville this summer. Notable singles include Slow Dancin’ in the Dark, Cadillac Lovers, and The Bottle. Kimberly’s newly released music video “The Bottle” https://youtu.be/bnyb0EZRWYU

For more information, visit www.officialkimberlydawn.com 

About Soul Bluegrass Artist Scott Gronsky

Scott Gronsky’s music is an eclectic fusion of sounds grounded in the values of blues, funk, jazz, and bluegrass and influenced by artists including Doc Watson, Derek Trucks, and Bob Marley. Gronsky’s original songwriting and lyrics tell stories and share compelling thoughts on “a life of love, heartbreak, the state of the world, the state of my mind, and other random experiences that connect us all together.” Gronsky is based in Orange County.

About Six Gun Entertainment, LLC

Six Gun Entertainment arranges live music events across all genres. They are the co-producers of the “First Annual Biker Run” and “A Night of Southern Rock Concert” to Benefit Veterans Memorial Day Weekend.

About Long Beach Scottish Rite Cultural Centre

Built as the Scottish Rite Cathedral in 1926 this Romanesque Revival structure designated Historical Landmark #8 by the City of Long Beach. Now known as the Scottish Rite Event Center, this stately building is home of the acclaimed 800-seat Ernest Borgnine Theater. It also features many other rooms suited for various occasions. From cultural events to meetings, live entertainment, and galas, weddings this venue can host almost anything. Located only minutes from beaches, airports, the Queen Mary, and civic centers. https://www.lbscottishrite.org

About Alan Santana Productions

Alan Santana Productions promotes rock concerts, musicals, plays and variety shows. They are the co-producers of the “First Annual Biker Run” and “A Night of Southern Rock Concert” to Benefit Veterans Memorial Day Weekend.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The Social Lites, Inc. celebrated its 54th Beautillion, “Footsteps Toward the Future” virtual program on Saturday, May 22, 2021, under the leadership of Mrs. Lisa Blacksher-Owens, President and Mrs. Tina Darling, Beautillion Chair.  

Congratulations to Sir Knight 2021 Mr. Chahn JhuMaani Chess who was awarded approximately $7,700.00 in scholarships and gifts.  Awards included a $3,000.00 academic scholarship and $3,000.00 for the fifth annual “Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” essay scholarship. 

Various community supporters, friends, and family members witnessed this virtual event moderated by Beautillion Alumni Knight, Mr. Russell Ward.   The late Mr. Jesses James Nichols former King of San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation was presented the Social Lites, Inc. Community Service Award for his contributions to the community and the Social Lites, Inc. Beautillion program. Inspiring messages delivered by various Beautillion Alumni and keynote speaker Sir Knight 2004, Mr. Raafi Bell.

The Social Lites, Inc. is underway in planning for the 55^th Beautillion season.  High school students interested in participating in the Beautillion program may contact knight.beautillion@gmail.com