Local

Inland Empire, CA – Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE) is an organization whose mission is to train and develop the capacity of religious and lay leaders in congregations and across the Inland Empire to protect and revitalize the communities in which they live, work, and worship. Throughout the pandemic, this organization has done exceptional COVID education and vaccine outreach through various initiatives, including virtual town halls, outreach campaigns, and vaccination clinics in San Bernardino County.

COPE has established strong partnerships with San Bernardino County, Loma Linda Hospital, as well as San Bernardino High School to conduct COVID outreach and vaccination clinics. COPE also utilizes relationships with local community faith partners to connect regularly and coordinate clinic dates. One such partnership that COPE formed is with Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC). Together, they have been able to reach a broader faith-based community. Another partnership with San Bernardino Unified School District has allowed COPE to host vaccination clinics at San Bernardino High School, reaching the school age community.

Some of COPE’s outreach has been by way of virtual town halls, which allows the organization to reach a greater number of congregations and members of the community through social media. These town halls, which are conducted before their upcoming vaccination clinics, have allowed a direct platform for community members to have their questions and concerns about COVID addressed. This platform has been important for COPE as it has been a vital part of their Education for the community as well as given them the ability to understand what people’s fears are. Dates for upcoming clinics and registration links are also provided during announcements at these town halls. In conjunction with the town halls, COPE was also able to launch their Essential Faith campaign which included African American Faith leaders and churches in San Bernardino County communities, with the mission to further share COVID information and discuss the concerns and importance of getting vaccinated.

Laniea King, an administrator and lead on COVID support for COPE said; “One of the most important aspects of this work is community. And so, I think that in this climate, we still have more work to do. We still have to be diligent and make sure that we’re continuing to take the necessary precautions in order to overcome this virus.” Speaking about COPE itself, Laniea said; “As an organization, COPE is committed to continuing this work and will continue to do our due diligence in educating and vaccinating our community”.

To learn more about C.O.P.E. and Administrative Lead Laniea King, visit: Copesite.org.

San Bernardino County Fire Station 304, located in the City of Hesperia, has welcomed a new water tender into service. According to the department, the new tender carries 1,800 gallons of water and can pump 500 gallons per minute!

Captain Jeremy Kern said that the unit’s multi-use package will allow the tender to function on a multitude of fires. It has a remote joystick in the cab, allowing crews to stay inside while directing the flow of water, nozzle pattern and direction.

“While many of our areas utilize municipal fire hydrants, this new tender will help bring additional water to the scene when a hydrant isn’t nearby,” said Kern. “The high ground clearance, four-wheel drive and rear locker will allow the vehicle to traverse rough terrain and make access like a Brush Engine or Brush Patrol.”

This new tender will be a wonderful addition to our public safety efforts in Hesperia, and the entire High Desert.

Volunteers are still needed for the Community Health & Wellness Holistic Fair. The is event is Saturday April 16, volunteers would be needed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you available to help, please visit https://forms.gle/JxxZECAy2gVY5TZFA to sign up.  And of course, if you cannot attend or volunteer, please share the flyer with your friends, your family, and on all your social media platforms.

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

Officials in Sacramento and Washington frequently point to the low unemployment rate in the state and around the country as proof that the U.S. economy has recovered from the downturn experienced during the global COVID-19 crisis.

But the total unemployment rate for Black Californians seems stuck at almost three times higher than the national rate – despite steady increases in overall hiring of African Americans in the state.

A sharp drop in the national unemployment rate for all Americans – down to 3.6 % in February — brings the number of people without jobs across the United States to just one tenth of a point above the pre-pandemic level of 3.5% (February 2020), according to data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics at the U.S. Department of Labor.

In February alone, the U.S. economy added a remarkable 431,000 jobs, bringing the number of jobs created since 2021 to 7.9 million.

Cecilia Rouse, Chair of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers, told California Black Media that the nation’s Black unemployment rate has drastically decreased since the pandemic related recession.

“At the height of this pandemic, the unemployment rate for Black people was 16.8% and from what we saw this month, it is down to 6.2%,” she said.

Overall, unemployment in California is also down from a pinnacle in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined 10.5 percentage points from April 2020 to February 2022, from 15.9% to 5.4%.

According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), the state’s economy has added 2,405,900 nonfarm jobs, “in effect, recovering 87.2% of the nonfarm jobs it lost during the COVID-19 recession.”

Although, Black unemployment in California has seen a decrease during the recovery period as well, it has not dropped to pre-pandemic levels, according to state officials.

Black unemployment was hovering at around 10 percent for the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. At that time, California’s overall unemployment rate was 7.5 %, about two points higher than it was for February.

Although the unemployment rate for Black Californians is higher than the state rate, it continues to move downward.

From April 2020 to February 2022, California increased its number of Black workers by 59,000, going from 1,009,000 in April 2020 to 1,068,000 in February 2022.

Before the Covid-19 recession from February 2020 to April 2020, there were 1,133,000 employed Black workers in California, according to the EDD.

Over the course of the COVID-19 recession, the state lost 2,758,900 nonfarm jobs and the unemployment rate rose from 4.1% in February 2020 to 15.9% only two months later. Over this time period, the unemployment rate for California’s Black workers rose 8.2 percentage points.

Across the country, the unemployment rate for African Americans is also decreasing, dropping from 9.5 % in March 2021 to 6.2 % in March 2022, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

“What we’ve seen is tremendous improvement in the labor market status for Black Americans, Black workers,” Rouse says, attributing the improving numbers to the American Rescue Plan, the Biden administration’s pandemic recovery initiative.

“It provided the resources to help us get through this pandemic,” said Rouse. “The management of the pandemic is fundamental and so integral to this strong labor market recovery that we’re seeing.”

Since 2021, growth in employment for Black Californians has been significant in three industries: Transportation and utilities, services, and the leisure and hospitality industries.

According to the EDD, there has been an increase of over 50,000 Black employed workers in the transportation and utilities industry, over 14,100 in other services, and over 13,700 in the leisure and hospitality industry.

Mother-daughter duo Veronica Loving, and Tahj Crockom hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening for their new business Waisted Laser Lipo Spa and Medical Weight Loss Boutique on March 23rd in the City of Pasadena. “Supporting women-owned businesses can help fight economic inequalities and bridge the gender wealth gap,” says Loving and Crockom.

The grand opening brought out City Officials from the City of Pasadena and local celebrities which included: Dominick Correy (District Rep for Senator Anthony J. Portantino), Savannah Moore (Assistant Field Deputy for Supervisor Kathryn Barger), Ann Marie Hickambottom (Field Rep for Assemblymember Chris Holden), Ed Blount (Former NFL SF 49er and CEO of FAST5), Actress Camille Calvin (Lifetime Movie “Deadly Cheers”), and many others.

Crockom (CEO) and Loving (COO) are both natives of the City of Pasadena. They decided to start Waisted Laser Lipo Spa and Medical Weight Loss Boutique because of their own personal struggles with weight loss and concerns with the many risks associated with plastic surgery.

Crockom has been a licensed vocational nurse for 4 years at a weight loss clinic in Pasadena and Loving has been a registered nurse for 33 years with St. Luke Hospital in Pasadena and Huntington Memorial Hospital. With a combined 40 year experience, these women bring their knowledge and expertise to give their customers a positive experience and outcome.

The non-invasive Laser Lipo Spa is designed to help anyone looking to accentuate their beauty safely and without invasive treatments. In addition, the Medical Weight Loss Boutique is designed to help those who desire to lose weight quickly and safely.

The spa and boutique features include:
· Laser Lipo
· Cavitation Sauna
· Comprehensive Medical Weight Loss Program

Waisted Laser Lipo Spa and Medical Weight Loss Boutique is located at 680 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 108, 2nd floor, Pasadena, CA 91101.

To make an individual appointment, call (626) 406-2850.

The Wonder Woman Virtual Conference presented by My Sister’s Keeper Ministries will take place Tuesday – May 10, 2022, through Friday – May 13, 2022, at 6:30 pm PST and on Saturday – May 14, 2022, at 7:30 am PST. The virtual conference will feature four dynamic speakers and six workshop speakers. Confirmed conference speakers include Dr. Medina Pullings, Prophetess Melissa Smith, Co-Pastor Tawanda Usher, Apostle Rahson Jordan, and hosted by My Sister’s Keeper Ministries CEO, Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt “The Global Strategist.” Confirmed workshop speakers include Attorney Michelle J. Miller, Apostle Gigi Palmer, Dee Edwards, Gisele Marcus, Elder Leandra Green, and Pastor Miki King.

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, we decided it would be better for attendees to participate from the safety of their own homes,” said Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt.

Registration is now open. Attendees who purchase their tickets early before Friday, April 22, 2022, will receive a complimentary copy of Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt’s e-book, “Multiple Streams” Don’t Limit Yourself.

Tickets are $47 for the 5-day virtual conference and can be purchased at: https://divinedivaevents.app/.

All conference sessions will be available for replay.

By Manny Otiko | IVN

Fontana Mayor Aquanetta Warren was recently featured on the CBS show “Undercover Boss.” The show features CEOs secretly working as entry-level jobs in their companies.

During the show, Warren donned a disguise and portrayed herself as a new transplant from Los Angeles. She worked alongside Fontana city workers in the sewer, fire, police and parks departments.

Warren was shown helping to unclog drains, picking up trash in city parks, going on a ride-along with a police officer and using a firehose.

During her adventures, Warren learned of some of the challenges the city was facing such as providing services to homeless people and the challenges facing parks workers who sometimes work in a dangerous environment.

She also learned about the personal stories of the workers such as the Black police officer, who joined the police department to make a difference, and the parks department employee who was challenged with dealing with trash left in the park including underwear and condoms.
Warren said she was moved by her experience.

“I have been touched by the stories,” she said. She also said the experience gave her a different perspective on the challenges that workers face.

At the end of the show, Warren rewarded some of the city workers she encountered with gifts such as a $10,000 donation to the Black police officer’s honeymoon and scholarships for his children.

“Undercover Boss” likes to feature heart-warming stories. But according to some comments on the city of Fontana’s Facebook page, some residents were more cynical about the experience.

“Did she go undercover at one of the many warehouses in Fontana, that offers no benefits and only hires through staff agencies?” said a Facebook poster named Karen Elizabeth.

By Lue Dowdy, LUE Productions

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. First 5 San Bernardino helps to celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month at the ballpark by giving away 500 free tickets!

Grab the kiddos and join Children’s Fund for their 8th Annual, “Children are our future” Night at the ballpark! The evening will consist of free resources from several local community organizations, games, and other cool activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Visit the First 5 San Bernardino Facebook page to access the registration link or email Luecrita Dowdy, Community Engagement Specialist at LDOWDY@CFC.SBCOUNTY.GOV or call (909) 386-7706.

All tickets come with the following: entry to game, 1 hot dog or popcorn, and 1 soda or water.

Tickets are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Please register by Friday, April 15. There must be at least one family member who is age five (5) or under. Tickets are limited to five (5) per household. Tickets must be picked up on Monday, April 18 between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and/or 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets must be picked up on scheduled day and time.

Please report any abuse to the San Bernardino County Child and Family Services – Child Protective Services by calling (909) 384-9233 (In or Out of County/24 hours) or call 211. The address is 150 S. Lena Rd., #D San Bernardino, CA 92415.

By Wallace J. Allen IV and C. Dixon

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- About 150 enthusiastic residents attended a Mayoral Candidate forum on April 11, 2022 at the Woodward Leadership Academy Campus, located on Baseline Ave. in the middle of San Bernardino’s 6th Ward. Of the (7) seven candidates running for office there were (5) five in attendance. Incumbent John Valdivia, Henry Nickel, James Penmen, Dr. Treasure Ortiz and Helen Tran. (Missing were Mohammad Khan and Gabriel Jarimilo)

The forum, moderated by Channing Hawkins, Esq. maxed out seating capacity leaving standing room only for a group of concerned citizens eager to hear and meet the candidates. The candidates were presented with a list of questions prior to the forum as well as questions generated at the event by the very vocal, but polite attendees… However, there were two notable short examples of emotional outbursts… One from past 6th Ward councilman Rikki Van Johnson and the other from the sitting 6th Ward councilwoman Kimberly Calvin. Both incidents were quickly and politely handled by the moderator, Channing Hawkins.

The Northwest Project Area Committee hosted the very smooth moving event, that lasted about two hours as planned. “We are happy with what we think was a successful event for our concerned voters”, said Charlene Dixon, the Chair of the organization.

The NWPAC team provided the community guests with water and chips as they left with a better understanding of who each candidate is and what they need to make an informed choice at the ballot box on June 7, 2022.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Four distinguished young men were presented to society on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the beautiful campus of California State University. The 55th Annual Beautillion Ball was no disappointment to a packed house of spectators as each young man was introduced along with their courts. Elegance, excitement, and suspense were thick in the air as the Knights and their courts performed dances with precession for their guests.

The Keynote speaker was Dr. Anthony Blacksher, faculty chair of sociology at San Bernardino Valley College with concentration in Africana Studies. He is the son of late Anthony and Lisa Blacksher, where he spoke truth, life and history into the young men as well as shared his spoken word through his poetry.

The evening concluded with the swearing in of our newest Sir Knight Kuzari Jelani Akinlana Osonduagwuike was dubbed Sir Knight, receiving over $10,000.00 in scholarships and awards for the prestigious title. Additionally, Kuzari received $6,000.00 for the Social Lites, Inc., Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leadership Memorial Award, and $1,500.00 for the Lisa Blacksher-Owens Memorial Award. Cumulatively, Sir Knight Kuzari was awarded over $18,000.00 and received countless gifts for college expenses to allow him to pursue his dream to become a Documentary Producer for the big screen.

Syrano Ware and Talmadges Hughes lll were both awarded 1st Runner – ups with receiving $2,000.00 each, MacBook laptops and accessories. Syrano Ware also won the Social Lites, Inc., Lisa Blacksher-Owens Social-Lites Memorial Awarded of over $1,500.00, in addition to other gifts of his choosing for his college education.

Talmadges Hughes lll was awarded 1st Runner up receiving an additional $1,000.00 for the Social Lites, Inc., Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leadership Award, and $500.00 for the Social Lites, Inc., Lisa Blacksher-Owens Social-Lites Memorial Award, in addition to other gifts of his choosing for college expenses.

Freddie Fletcher received over $1,000.00 for the Alumni Award and the Social Lites, Inc., Lisa Blacksher-Owens Memorial Award. Each young man received a host of Resolutions and Proclamations by local mayors and dignitaries.

As we conclude our ceremonial event, our work is NOT over. With your help, we are seeking our next black and brown young men to set on the path toward higher levels through their education. The Social Lites program is a non-profit (501c3) program that created the Beautillion Program. It was started in the Inland Empire out of concern for the future and survival of the young black and brown men in the community in which they live and serve. This program is designed to help young men who are seniors in high school prepare for college through the solicitation of ads, leadership development, accountability, responsibility, etiquette, attire for all occasions, spiritual growth, public speaking, and community service.

If you know any boys or young men 6 yrs old to 1st year in college who aspire to improve with their educational aspirations. Please reach out to us so that we can bring them into the program. If you would like to donate to our cause, we appreciate all contributions. To date, we have we have given out approximately 2.5 million dollars in scholarships to our college bound young men.

For more information, please call chairperson, Sheri Lewis at (909) 320-0799 or co-chairperson, Elsie Paulino (951) 205-8823 or publicity chairperson, Marlene Davis at (909) 709-5502.