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By Sunita Sohrabji

As the U.S. faces predicted surges this fall of Covid-19 infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced its approval of both the Pfizer and Moderna updated boosters.

Designed to combat more infectious and lethal subvariants of the Omicron variant, the updated boosters contain a combination of the original formulation and an additional formulating targeting the BA.5 subvariant, now the dominant version of the virus.

Public health experts predict that the updated boosters will also protect against the emerging BA.4 and BA.2.75 subvariants, which have been detected in other countries and are gaining ground in the US.

Speaking at a Sept. 7 news briefing jointly organized by Ethnic Media Services, California Black Media, and the California Department of Public Health, four doctors who have been on the frontlines of the pandemic hailed the new updated boosters.

Speakers included: Dr. Gil Chávez, Deputy Director in the Center for Infectious Diseases at the California Department of Public Health; Dr. Maggie Park, County Public Health Officer, San Joaquin County Public Health Services; Dr. Oliver Brooks, Chief Medical Officer, Watts Healthcare; and Dr. Eva Smith, Medical Director, K’ima:w Medical Center in rural Hoopa, California.

California has already received 600,000 doses of the new updated booster. Anyone over the age of 12, who has completed the primary two-dose regimen is eligible to receive an updated booster. Those who have received a booster two months prior are also eligible to get the new updated booster. Shots will not be prioritized, as there is adequate supply for all who want them.

“The updated boosters are pulling double duty by increasing immunity against the original coronavirus strains while also protecting against the newer Omicron variants,” said Chavez.

“These vaccines have literally saved millions of lives, helped protect us against the worst outcomes of the virus, and frankly, helped us move on as a community and as a state,” he said.

“I have personally been the beneficiary of the Covid vaccine,” Chavez added, noting that despite being vaccinated and boosted, he nonetheless had an encounter with Covid.

“Thanks to the vaccine, I was able to have a mild illness and recover quickly without any long-lasting effects. My children, my grandchildren, all are vaccinated and boosted. They all have had mild cases of COVID. We are very grateful to this vaccine for really allowing us to continue to be a family and stay healthy,” said Chavez.

The doctor also noted that those who have had Covid should still get an updated booster, as the degree of protection from an infection wanes rapidly over time.

Park countered the myth of the pandemic “being over.”

“This virus is not going away just because we want it to. It is evolving. It is actually becoming more highly transmissible and getting smarter about evading our immunity, whether that’s natural immunity from prior infection or immunity from vaccination. So we have to try to stay a step ahead of it,” she said.

More than 72 percent of California’s population has received the primary series of vaccinations. But less than 59 percent have been boosted. Park noted that in San Joaquin County, less than 49 percent of those who are eligible have received a booster.

Park also countered another myth. “We’re still hearing that shots don’t work. People saying, ‘My friend is fully vaccinated and boosted, but she still got Covid.’”

“And to that I say ‘yes, but is she still alive?’ And yes, of course she is. We never promised that the vaccinations would mean you wouldn’t get Covid. We just said that it would reduce the severity of your disease and your chances for requiring hospitalization,” she said.

Brooks addressed vaccine hesitancy with what he called a “three Cs” approach: vaccine confidence, vaccine complacency, and vaccine convenience. His patients have expressed their hesitancy, saying: “It came out too soon, too fast. Don’t trust the government, don’t trust the pharmaceutical agencies, don’t trust public health care.”

But the doctor noted that the mRNA technology on which the vaccine is based was developed 11 years ago and has been used to treat illnesses prior to Covid.

He addressed convenience, noting that booster shots are available at pharmacies without an appointment, and are free, even for those who lack health insurance. Vaccine complacency, said Brooks, has become the prevailing factor: people see those who are vaccinated and boosted but still getting symptomatic Covid.

The doctor said he was especially concerned about long Covid: people who are unvaccinated are more likely to have symptoms even six months after an initial infection.
“We have a vaccine that is a biotechnological miracle. There’s a miracle in front of you that’s averted 16 million deaths and it’s safe,” said Brooks.

Smith, who runs a clinic on the Hoopa Valley Reservation in Humboldt County, noted that when the vaccine first became available, she was surprised to see elders lining up to get it.
“They wanted it. They didn’t want to die. They were watching on TV what had happened in other native communities with really horrible, horrible death rates,” she said.

Younger and middle-aged people were more resistant to getting vaccinated. So, despite the enthusiasm of elders, the Hoopa community has gone through several Covid spikes.

“We are a small tribal clinic trying to deal with a lot of acute and chronic disease issues. But we’re dealing with complacency. We’re dealing with people being tired, tired of having a shot, tired, honestly, of the inconvenience of ‘I’m going to be sore for a couple of days.’”

“I’m regularly saying I’d rather have mild flu-like symptoms for a day or two then to be sick.

I want to live,” said Smith, noting that she has extended family on both coasts and wants to be able to take care of her children and grandchildren.

“And so I’m going to do whatever it takes, whether it’s getting a flu vaccine or getting a couple of different Covid vaccines,” she said.

By Lue Dowdy | LUE Productions

Join the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce-Inland Cities East along with Youth Build Inland Empire for the 3rd Annual MLK Day Parade and Extravaganza scheduled to take place on Monday, January 16, 2023.

The theme is, “Living the Dream”. It takes a community to build a community! The parade will be held on the Westside of San Bernardino in the 6th Ward overseen by Councilwoman Kimberly Calvin. The parade route will be announced soon. The day will be entertaining, educational, and fun. There will be vendors, entertainment, music, networking, food, a car & bike show, an art walk, and of course a parade.

The committee is actively seeking committee members for specific roles the day of the event.

For questions on how you can participate, please text Lue Dowdy Committee chair at 909-567-1000 or email lue@blackchamberofcommerce.org or Dee Goings Co-chair Dee@blackchamberofcommece.org. To register to participate, visit https://form.jotform.com/212984991808169.

The committee is currently looking for the following: sponsors, food vendors, merchandise vendors, informational vendors, volunteers, classic cars/bikes, floats, entertainment, school bands, step teams, and drill teams! Please visit www.blackchamberofcommerce.org for more details.

Ramos worked to secure $5 million in current state budget

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland) today presented a symbolic check of $5 million to BLU Educational Services/ Foundation to expand the organization’s College Exodus Project aimed at helping at-risk students attend and graduate from college. He presented the check to Chief Executive Officer Dina Walker as well as BLU students.

Ramos worked to help secure the funding in the 2022-23 state budget. The lawmaker said, “BLU has worked steadfastly to help at-risk youth receive the opportunities and assistance they need to earn a college degree and the skills they need for career success. I was proud to work with BLU and my colleagues to get this funding into the state budget. It benefits the students directly, but it is also helping our region build a skilled workforce with close community ties. We need the students’ talent and energy if we want thriving communities in our future.”

BLU has worked with local communities since 1996 to help students with limited resources and opportunities receive the assistance and opportunities to complete high school and further their educations while also helping them find internships and develop leadership and workforce skills. The mission of BLU’s College Exodus Project is to help students get their undergraduate or graduate degrees from accredited colleges and universities. BLU’s goal is that those in the project will contribute to the Inland Empire economy through entrepreneurship, employment, and/or volunteer service. BLU provides comprehensive college information, assistance, and support to help students with admissions, financial aid, retention, and graduation from public and private institutions throughout the country.

Dina Walker, BLU’s president and chief executive officer, said, “BLU’s College Exodus Project is a bold step in the diversion arena, placing a priority on education, collaboration, and the young person as a whole. This work is a commitment to the hopes and dreams of our youth and families, and a healthy productive community. This project will be one of the most impactful projects in this region!”

Kaylie White, a freshman at San Bernardino Valley College, participated in Blu’s College Exodus Project and was a graduate of the Entrepreneur High School class of 2022. “My experience with BLU has always been amazing. The advising staff are very resourceful and caring. They go above and beyond to make sure you’re getting the best of the best,” White stated.

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

The COVID-19 virus was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. To date, over 90 million cases have been recorded and more than 1 million Americans have died from the disease. After more than two years, COVID-19 doesn’t look like it’s going away.

President Joe Biden’s positive test last month for the disease illustrates that COVID-19’s transmissibility is an ongoing and persistent problem.

Biden, who was treated with the antiviral drug Paxlovid, isolated himself for 5 days and returned to work after testing negative. Then, a few days later, he tested positive again and went back into isolation until he tested negative about a week ago.

Because the President is vaccinated, he suffered mild symptoms. However, the rebound positivity he’s experienced shows more needs to be done to eliminate coronavirus.

While vaccines and past infections have enabled the U.S. population to develop what is described as substantial COVID-19 immunity and those who get sick have a number of effective treatments options, cases of people being infected with new mutations of COVID-19 continue to be reported.

Dr. Ben Neuman, professor of Biology and chief virologist of the Global Health Research Complex, Texas A&M University, has studied the coronavirus and found that it’s constantly changing. That is a major reason people continue to be infected with the disease, he says.

During a recent Ethnic Media Services COVID-19 panel discussion with other medical scientists and researchers, Neuman said that people vaccinated against previous variations of the virus are not fully protected against the new variations. According to him, immunity to the current versions of the virus depends on how recently someone had been vaccinated.

“We are still vaccinating against the 2019 virus, and it is now late 2022. We have a problem……This is a virus that will continue changing,” he said.

Infections caused by Omicron sub variants have been reported to be not as dangerous as ones caused by earlier coronavirus strains, but they appear to be more transmissible.

If Neuman’s predictions are correct, by the time a vaccine is developed to fight the BA.5 subvariant, which is currently responsible for 85.5 % of infections in the US, there will already be a new subvariant spreading the disease.

Neuman added that it is still important to protect yourself with masks and by washing your hands. While he has been vaccinated, he recently tested positive for the coronavirus while after being on an airline and failing to adhere to proper masking protocol.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco, who specializes in treating infectious diseases, stressed the importance of continuing to follow preventative measures when he spoke during the panel discussion.

Chin-Hong pointed out that one problem with implementing a mask mandate is political will. He cited the example of Los Angeles County, which recently considered reintroducing a mask mandate because of rising infection numbers, but cancelled implementation when cases declined. Had the mandate been
imposed, the County sheriff said they would not enforce it which would have been problematic.

Unfortunately, the mask issue has become a political problem and few politicians want to take it on and risk the wrath of voters.

Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville discussed how prevalent the disease is and how strict adherence to preventative measures does not assure protection against mutations of the coronavirus.

Schaffner and his wife tested positive despite being fully vaccinated and were treated with Paxlovid and, unlike Biden, they did not experience a rebound occurrence of the virus.

Chin-Hong said the pandemic will eventually end. But that will only happen when we create the conditions where there are no new host bodies to develop variations of the coronavirus.

Currently, about 400 people are dying every day from COVID-19. That averages out to more than 100,000 deaths every year.

“Right now, we have too many deaths,” he said. “We shouldn’t accept that.”

Chin-Hong also predicted that in the future we might see an annual COVID-19 shot to ward off the disease.

Schaffner agreed and said that we should learn to manage the disease with vaccinations, medications and preventive measures.

“COVID will be with us for the foreseeable future,” he said.

By Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

On the last night of this year’s legislative session last week, the State Assembly rejected Senate Bill (SB) 918, authored by state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge). The bill — written to strengthen restrictions on concealed firearm permits – was one of several bills the Legislature did not approve during the tension-filled finale to a session marked by pointed debate among members of the Assembly’s Democratic majority.

Before the final vote, supporters of the legislation added an Urgency amendment so it could go into effect immediately — instead of Jan. 1, 2023, when bills passed during the current legislative session take effect.

As an Urgency Measure, SB 918 required 54 votes in the Assembly to pass, rather than the usual 41. The bill received 53 votes which is more than enough votes needed to reach the Governor’s desk had the urgency amendment not been added.

Last June, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen that “may carry” laws giving states discretionary authority to reject concealed carry permits violated the Second Amendment. The decision rendered California’s law requiring applicants to show “good cause,” or a justifiable reason for needing such a permit unconstitutional.

In his opinion on the case, Justice Clarence Thomas, wrote that states could still prohibit guns in “sensitive places.” Chief Justice John Roberts, joined by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, wrote in a concurring opinion that the ruling did not affect “shall issue” laws requiring objective licensing requirements such as “fingerprinting, a background check, a mental health records check, and training in firearms handling, and in laws regarding use of force, among other possible requirements.”

SB 918 complies with the Supreme Court ruling by designating courts, places of worship, zones around schools, hospitals, public parks, libraries, airports, public transportation and bars as sensitive places. The bill requires authorities to review publicly available statements including social media to assess whether applicants present a danger to the public.

Applicants would be required to submit to in-person interviews to ensure they are “qualified,” and licensing officials will be required to interview at least three-character references. The state would also give licensing officials, usually a sheriff’s office, greater ability to revoke a license.

Initially, leaders believed that the measure had enough support to pass with an urgency amendment allowing it to go into effect this month. After the bill passed the Senate with a super majority (2/3) of the votes, it failed to gain a super majority vote in the State Assembly. Seven Democratic Assemblymembers voted against the bill or abstained from voting.

Notably, two Democratic members, Adam Gray (D-Merced) and Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) who are running for Congress in swing Central Valley districts may have felt the possibility of a political backlash by supporting gun control measures. Retiring Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach), voted against the measure, though he was expected to support it.

“I’m very disappointed in the outcome,” the bill’s author, Portantino told California Black Media. “But for one assembly member who switched their vote from aye to no, we would have had the 54 votes. I plan on reintroducing the bill on December 5. I’ve already spoken to the governor and the Attorney General.”

If it had passed, the bill was likely to face legal challenges because many critics believe that it is too restrictive. The requirement of interviews and character references are points of contention for gun rights groups.

For Gov. Gavin Newsom prioritizing gun control measures is still a leading priority in this legislative term, responding to an uptick of gun violence across the country. As of Sept. 2, the Gun Violence Archive reports 450 mass shootings in 2022, compared to 417 in all of 2019.

“California has the toughest gun safety laws in the nation, but none of us can afford to be complacent in tackling the gun violence crisis ravaging our country,” said Newsom. “These new measures will help keep children safe at school, keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and responsibly regulate the sale of firearms in our communities.”

Though defeated in this attempt to regulate concealed firearms, Newsom has a number of notable legislative victories, including AB 2571, which restricts the marketing of firearms to children and AB 1594, which strips gun manufacturers of some legal protections when their products are used to commit acts of violence. SB 1327 and AB 1621 target ghost guns by restricting their manufacture, transportation and sale and close the loophole that allowed sale of incomplete and un-serialized “firearm precursors.”

As gun violence plagues the country, the tug-of-war between gun rights and gun regulations on a local and national level will likely continue. Although California has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, the Legislature has yet to find a solution for concealed carry permits.

“Together, all of the gun laws that we passed make California safer,” Portantino said, “though not having a CCW (concealed weapons permit) consistent with the Supreme Court decision hurts California, which is why I’m committed to bringing it back on December 5.”

By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media

California has announced a new policy that will phase out the sale of gas-operated vehicles in 2035, thirteen years from now. But that ambitious effort to protect the environment leaves some unanswered questions.

The order was formalized into policy by the California Air Resources Board, a state organization responsible for policy affecting air quality, after Gov. Gavin Newsom initially issued Executive Order N-79-20 in 2020.

“In so doing we will improve air quality as well as improve the economic climate here in the state of California,” said Newsom, “and so I couldn’t be more proud today to be able to sign this executive order.”

The California automotive market is the largest in the United States, with small SUVs and light trucks being the most popular vehicles, according to a study by the California New Car Dealers Association, an organization that uses car registrations to compile consumer market data.

California sets the standards for car manufacturers who want access to its auto-buyer market, and its emission laws often become the blueprint for other states. Several states are preparing to set their own dates to end the use of gasoline-powered vehicles, including Maryland and New York.

By excluding gas-powered vehicles, the policy may compound an issue very familiar to underserved communities — one of limited choices.

Some community advocates feel there is the very real chance that those who are not financially able to purchase electric cars could be left with few alternatives. The pandemic and problems in manufacturing have led to scarcity in the electronics that many EVs need. It has also led to higher prices. The policy does not exclude used gas-powered vehicles which are likely to see their prices rise as supplies become limited.

A used 2020 Honda Civic (Kelly Blue Book Best Small Car of 2020) in good condition is listed for $20,000; the top selling 2020 EV, the Tesla 3, resales for around $40,000. Many electric vehicles are aimed at upper and middle-class buyers. New, these cars can start at about $50,000 for the basic package and may also require other expensive add-ons like chargers, power adapters and cables.

This was known well before the policy was enacted. Assembly Bill (AB) 2127 Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Assessment (2018) requires the California Energy Commission to biennially assess the electric vehicle charging infrastructure needed to support the state’s target for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs).

The assessment determined that electric power-hungry vehicles could increase demands by 20—25%. It also found the number of charging stations in the state is low. The state would need 1.2 million charging stations, as well as another 157,00 stations for passenger busses and trucks.

Increased power consumption, and an infrastructure falling behind usage trends could be burdened by more power-hungry cars. Last week during an intense heat wave the state put out flex alerts warnings asking to EV owners to not to charge cars during peak hours to prevent rolling blackouts and brownouts which could bring a city of mostly electric cars to a standstill.

Electric vehicles are powered and charged a variety of ways. Autotrader explains different types of vehicles will need different methods of charging, adding to the difficulty of building out the infrastructure. Without a private garage many apartments do not have the needed setup to charge an EV. The strain to the power grid will be increased by millions of people charging vehicles at prime-time hours.

Many poorer communities find themselves in a “charging” desert. Large swathes of area are void of charging stations, many of them predominantly African American.

The bill does leave some wiggle room. It only affects the registration of new cars; used cars are still fair game. It also leaves space for hybrids to coexist under the new structure — 20% of new cars sold.

California’s Clean Cars 4 All program offers up to $9,500 toward a new EV, for those who qualify and Senate Bill (SB) 457, by state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge), offers $1,000 to those who do not have a car, an incentive for public transportation or bikes.

An increase in the demand for electric vehicles and shortages in electronic components have led to higher prices for EV’s. The federal government has made electric cars part of their strategy to reduce pollutants as well, secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, Jennifer Granholm told California Black Media.

Some federal programs could help California reach its goal. The federal government is offering $4,000 in tax credits, $7.5 billion for a charging network and has set aside funds to address the infrastructure of the EV industry.

“We are focused, especially this administration, on ‘Environmental Justice 40’,” said Granholm. “Meaning that 40 percent of the benefits of all these bills that have been passed have got to go to disadvantaged communities which are the places which disproportionately have higher asthma rates and higher health issues related to not just carbon pollution but particulates because they may be living in those shadows of smoke stacks.”

The new gas car ban will address one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases how equitable it will be for everyone, only time will tell.

Aldon Thomas Stiles, California Black Media contributed to this story.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Congratulations are for Michael Finlay, Ph.D., Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) psychology intern program supervisor, who received the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) Award for Innovation in Psychology Training for 2022.

The award recognizes outstanding psychologists who have demonstrated innovation in managing the challenges of COVID-19, particularly adapting APPIC member internship and postdoctoral training programs to address the impact of COVID-19 on trainee experiences, competency acquisition, and facilitation of professional development.

Finlay was new to his position in 2020 when the pandemic started, and colleagues describe Finlay as someone who always goes beyond what is expected of him as an intern supervisor. Finlay was also an intern in the DBH Psychology Internship Program in 2017-2018.

DBH’s Psychology Internship Program that Finlay supervises has a primary mission to provide high-quality training to assist doctoral psychology interns in developing competency in nine profession-wide competencies.

The internship program seeks to prepare interns for employment following graduation and encourages them to consider careers in public mental health.

In particular, the program helps prepares doctoral psychology students to work as staff members of the Department of Behavioral Health. By the end of the internship, interns will have developed the skills necessary to work as a pre-licensed psychologist in a community mental health setting or pursue specialization through postdoctoral training.

The 7th Annual Chillin’ N Grillin’ UNITY in commUNITY barbecue competition will be Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fontana Park Sports Pavilion located at 15556 Summit Avenue.

The event is sponsored by the Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana, Fontana Police Officers Association, and the City of Fontana. This years’ theme is “We will never forget” in recognition of 9/11.

Local official police tow company Armada Tow will provide transportation for the mobile 9-11 Memorial Beam, which was recovered from the Twin Towers and donated to the people of San Bernardino County. Expertly grilled ribs and chicken will be served for a suggested $10 donation. Entertainment will be provided by the Summit High Band, The Tim’s Family Praise Dancers, Route 66 Hip Hop dancers, Route 66 Jazz dancers, Ballet Folklorico, and Heart and Soul group dancers.

There will be information booths, a car show, and displays of police, fire and other emergency response equipment including the Fontana PD helicopter. In the Kid’s Zones, young people will make greeting cards for children who are in hospital with long term illnesses.

The voice of the Agua Caliente Clipper basketball team and local sports talk show host, Coach “B” Brian Arrington, will once again serve as the emcee. Come out an enjoy the fun.

By Lue Dowdy | LUE Productions

Calling all lovers of theater and burlesque. LUE Productions’ all ebony burlesque dinner theater shows is coming back to San Bernardino on Sunday, October 30th, and Sunday, December 11th. There will be two amazing shows with two different storylines. Both shows will be fun, exciting, breath taking, and mind-blowing. Lue Productions Ebony Burlesque shows feature a collective of beautiful African American woman expressing themselves through song, dance, comedy and acting.

Make it a date night with your partner or you friends. There will be plenty to do as the evening will consist of vendors, art-walk, and special performances by aerialist, Lanice Jackson from L.A., the crooner Maurice Howard, and poet Johnny Frost.

Cast and crew members include Comedian Mac Rome, Comedian Here is Larry Joe, Kymedienne Jackson, Lue Dowdy, Deeveatva Bourne, Porsche Dillard, Deandre Jackson, Nycce Blingsly, Joy Martin, Lakyshia Reddick, Sherrelle Johnson, Tiffany Picou, Shaman Newell, Krystal Yvonne, Debra Mcglothurn, Erwin Cheri, Ronecia Miller, Yankeka Laster, Dorian Mack, Donte Mack, Kimberly Woods, Robin Mckinnon, Imani Travis and many more.

Our mission: providing platforms for African American woman in artistry to display their gifts and talents, while incorporating live entertainment within the City of San Bernardino for community members to enjoy.

Our vision: to continually showcasing the importance of black theater and why its presence is needed within the performing arts community and throughout the word.

Both productions are fundraisers to help raise proceeds for our nonprofit (LUE Productions community umbrella services) annual community stocking stuffer event for children during the holiday within the City of San Bernardino. Our goal is to giveaway 500 or more stockings filled with goodies.

LUE Productions is a entertainment company based out of the inland empire with over 20 years’ experience in coordinating events, promotions, along with management throughout Southern California and beyond for aspiring artists. We pride ourselves in supporting the performing arts.

Our goal is to provide platforms for the talented while bringing forth quality shows and events for the entire community and our clients to enjoy.

For more information we can be reached at 909.567.1000 or 909.495.0848 email lue.info@yahoo.com lueproductions.org

Where: ASU Fox Theater, 373 W. Court Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401

Ticket info:

Dinner & show – $60.00 each

Show only – $40.00 each

$80 VIP tickets (includes 1 dinner ticket, additional seating in front of stage, souvenir booklet, and event poster

Vendors wanted:

Food – $75

Merch only – 50.00

Information only – $40

MONTCLAIR, CA—- Christian Gonzalez, a senior at Montclair High School, had never seen anything like it – not just the racks and rows of designer clothes and shoes, but the display of generosity toward students in foster care or whose families were struggling to make ends meet.

“We grew up in Compton, and we didn’t have this. It’s really nice,” Gonzalez said as he and his mother eagerly sorted through the thousands of jackets, shirts, pants, shoes and accessories donated by movie studios and advertising agencies.

Montclair High was the first high school selected by The Wrapped Project, a new Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization started by Nichole Lumpkin, a wardrobe stylist, and Lizz Roberts. Lumpkin, whose sister teaches at Montclair, got the idea to start The Wrapped Project while wrapping up a commercial during the pandemic.

“So many of these items go back to the advertising agencies or the studio after a shoot. They become inventory. We saw this as another way for Hollywood productions to give directly back to the community,” she said.

At Montclair, the school sponsored 100 students and two guests each to participate in the clothing giveaway on a recent Saturday. The students were selected based on need, and each could select four clothing items and two accessories.

Donated items were practically new, or gently used, and included custom-made items on up through high-end designer brands such as Prada.

“It’s such a wonderful community event, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help provide this to students who need it most,” said Joshua Cho, Principal at Montclair High School.

Said Dr. Mathew Holton, Superintendent of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District: “We appreciate the partnership with The Wrapped Project and its founders’ commitment to giving back to the community. This kind of collaboration and generosity can help transform lives and provide hope for those students and families who see nothing but obstacles.”

To learn more about The Wrapped Project, visit thewrappedproject.org.