WSSN Stories

Cannabis and Kids: California Assembly Advances Bill to Address Pediatric Poisonings

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The Cannabis Candy Child Safety Act, Assembly Bill (AB) 1207,  authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), passed the Assembly with a 61-0 vote on May 25.

The bill aims to tackle the recent surge in pediatric poisonings and hospitalizations caused by the consumption of cannabis products.

AB 1207 — focused on the packaging and advertising of cannabis products –was introduced on the Senate floor for the first time on May 26 – a day after it cleared the Assembly.

“When Prop 16 was passed in 2016, there was a distinct promise to California voters that legalization of recreational cannabis would not come at the expense of our children,” said Irwin on the Assembly floor before members voted on the bill last week.

“But in reality, the very opposite has occurred. Poison Control Center calls due to pediatric exposures has skyrocketed since 2016, and they will only continue to increase as time passes,” Irwin continued her statement to her colleagues. “In 2021, California had 793 cannabis exposure calls to Poison Control Centers for children five years of age and under.”

According to Irwin, both illegal and illicit cannabis products are contributing to the rise in poisoning among children.

Since the passage of Proposition (Prop) 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act,  companies have marketed hundreds of legal cannabis products in California that resemble candies and foods. These products are known to appeal to children and youth, proponents of the legislation claim. For example, a fruit-flavored, high-potency cannabis e-joint that mimics the now-banned JUUL nicotine e-cigarettes is known to attract teenagers.

Prop. 64 was a voter-led initiative in 2016 that legalized cannabis in the California. The law made possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis or cannabis products legal for those over 21 years of age.

Supporters of AB 1207 claim the bill upholds the promise and intent of Prop 64 by introducing measures to protect children and youth. The bill more clearly defines and prohibits products, packaging, and marketing that appeal to children or and teenagers, and prohibits flavored cannabis products known to hook kids.

“We must protect our children from the reckless labeling and marketing of cannabis products that are designed to be attractive to them,” Irvin posted to her Twitter account on May 22.

Irwin’s legislation aligns with other California laws that have made it illegal to sell flavored and vapor products to anyone under the age of 21.
California Controller Malia Cohen led the movement to eliminate the sale of vapor products, menthol cigarettes, and flavored cigars in the city of San Francisco when she was member of the Board of Supervisors there.

The products were eliminated because of the danger they presented to children. Now Irwin is focused on systemic regulatory failures and widespread cannabis commercialization that has led to Cannabis products within reach of the youth.

Irwin shared the data below to support her argument for increased restrictions:

* Annual cannabis exposures reported to California Poison Control increased from below 200 in 2010 to over 1600 by 2020; 50% involved children, with half being under the age 12. There were only 16 total reported gummy exposures between 2010 and 2015 vs. 409 in 2020 alone.

* Cannabis-related emergency department visits in California increased by 75% between 2016 and 2020, mainly involving the consumption of plant material, followed by edibles, concentrates and vaping products, demonstrating that the problem extends beyond just edibles.

* At Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, children under age 10 testing positive for THC quadrupled since 2016, mostly from edibles, of which three quarters were from candies or gummies. Half led to hospitalization and one in ten to intensive care, costing over $15 million dollars just at one hospital.

Pediatricians, parents, public health, education, and youth advocacy groups joined California Assemblymember Irwin in a virtual press conference in support of AB 1207.

Dr. Natalie Laub, researcher at Rady Children’s Hospital and UC San Diego, has conducted research on accidental cannabis ingestion by children. Dr. Laub states that San Diego County accidental ingestions have increased from fewer than 10 cases in 2019 to 100 in 2022.

The issue can be prevented, Dr. Laub said.

“I have seen hundreds of young children become ill, many critically ill, after accidentally eating cannabis that looks like candy,” said Dr. Natalie Laub, Pediatrician and researcher at the University of California, San Diego. “With every child I see, I ask the same question…why does a drug that could kill a child have to look like a gummy bear? The answer is it doesn’t. AB 1207 would help keep cannabis products that look like candy out of the hands and bodies of our young children.”

Transitional Kindergarten in California Is Expanding

By Tanu Henry, Edward Henderson and Lila Brown | California Black Media

Last Wednesday, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education announced Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs are expanding in California.

Now, Thurmond says, TK will be free to all four-year-old children, regardless of family income, over the next few years.

Children born between September 2018, and April 2019 are eligible to register now in TK for the coming 2023–24 school year.

The expansion is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $2.7 billion plan to enroll 400,000 4-year-olds in an additional year of public education. It is expected to be the largest universal preschool program in the country. Benefits of the program will include higher achievement in math and reading throughout elementary school, increased likelihood of graduating from high school and increased likelihood of earning a college degree. 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Signed Her First City Budget with $1.3 Billion Investment to Combat Homelessness

By Tanu Henry, Edward Henderson and Lila Brown | California Black Media

Last Friday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed her first budget since taking office in January. During the ceremony, she pledged to make L.A. safer and more equitable for all Angelenos. Bass was joined by City Council President Paul Krekorian, Council President Pro Tempore Curren Price and Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, Chair of the Budget, Finance and Innovation Committee.

According to Bass, the budget will allow the city to expand its existing strategies to fight homelessness while advancing new ones to improve the city’s infrastructure, address climate change, and enhance city services.

“I am so proud that the City Council has affirmed these priorities and is joining me in building a new Los Angeles with the urgency that Angelenos deserve,” Bass said.

The budget includes $1.3 billion investment to confront the homelessness crisis, including $250 million for Inside Safe – the new citywide program to bring Angelenos inside and shut down street encampments.

The budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 takes effect July 1, 2023.

Physically Awake but Spiritually Asleep!

By Lou K Coleman
Wake your behind up and pay attention! All hell is about to break loose! We are hurling towards disaster. A New World Order is emerging, and it will bring about more disorder, more destruction, and more death. Understand, the major battle we face in this life is not what is seen but what is not seen. I tell you, it’s about to get real. As the globalists told us at the outbreak of the virus, “the world will never go back to normal again.”

For the first time in history, every biblical prophecy leading up to the arrival of the New World Order has been fulfilled. What has not been accomplished militarily is being achieved through international trade agreements, illegal immigration, and the influence of a secular media that has become a partner in Satan’s deception.

I tell you, “NOW Is the time to be saved. NOW is a time of mercy.” This is your opportunity NOW! Don’t waste or ignore it. Repent NOW! You’ve been extended a season of grace. No more playing around. No more hypocrisy. It’s put up or shut up time. The terrible day of the Lord is near and swiftly it comes.

As Paul Yelled – Wake Up! Time is running out. It is closer than when we first believed. The night is just about to be over, and it is daytime. [Romans 13:11; Zephaniah 1:14-19]. Be anxious about your soul, because if you are not, remember what Christ said, the lost soul will suffer the most dreadful agonies—and will suffer them forever. The body will suffer with the soul—and be its companion in the most bitter torments to all eternity! Wake Up! For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? [Mark 8:34-38].

Physically Awake but Spiritually Asleep! So according as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear; unto this day.’ [Romans 11:7-8].

Adolescent Health: Five Ways Parents and Adults Can Make a Difference

Promoting Access to Services, Open Communication, and Supportive Environments

By Nomsa Khalfani, Ph.D.

It’s natural to want what’s best for your children and to witness the young people raised by or around you grow into healthy, thriving adults. But we all know from personal experience that adolescence can be a challenging time full of physical and emotional changes, peer pressure, and risky behavior.

As a parent and former social worker, I understand the importance of supporting youth during their challenging teenage years. I’ve seen and heard how difficult it can be to navigate this landscape, and today’s kids face even more obstacles than previous generations. From the rise of cyberbullying to the ongoing attack on sexual and reproductive rights, young people must deal with a range of issues that threaten their health and well-being— that’s where we step in.

May is National Adolescent Health Month, an opportunity for adults to be advocates and allies, and acknowledge youth’s essential role in building our communities and shaping the future. It is critical that we, as parents and caregivers, prioritize their health by taking an active role in supporting them to make informed choices. Here are five ways we can provide the environment and support that young people need to achieve optimal health:

Prioritize mental health
Teens can feel misunderstood and dismissed when they try to express their internal struggles to adults, especially when told that they’re being dramatic or over-the-top as a response. We can break the stigma around mental health and show support by actively listening, reassuring them that their feelings are valid, and connecting them with counseling resources and mental health services.

Create a safe space to talk about sexual and reproductive health
Building relationships and creating comfortable environments can help encourage young people to ask questions and seek accurate information on sexual and reproductive health from adults they trust. According to TeenSource, an adolescent health and equity promotion program, over two-thirds of teens in focus groups reported never receiving “the talk” from parents or caregivers. Conversations about health should be ongoing discussions and go beyond the topic of the birds and the bees. It is also important to address topics such as consent, healthy relationships, body image, and diverse sexual identities and experiences.

Discuss and model consent
Consent is essential in all aspects of life, especially regarding sexual health and relationships. We must teach young people the importance of respecting boundaries, asking for consent, and being aware of power dynamics. As advocates of youth, we should set examples and model consent in our interactions with others to help them understand healthy relationships and what they should look like.

Protect access to services and information
We must fight to ensure that teens have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services and information, including contraception, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and treatment. Moreover, we must equip them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the healthcare system and connect to care when needed. Programs like TeenSource help provide a safe space for young people to amplify their voices and seek answers to questions regarding care, sexual health, relationships, and other topics. To learn more, visit teensource.org.

Promote health and safety if sexually active
Sexual activity is a natural part of adolescent development. In addition to ensuring access to services and information, we can support youth in making informed decisions about sexual health by encouraging the use of condoms and other forms of contraception to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies. We can also promote the importance and safety of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cancer and other health problems that can impede their future.

Supporting adolescent health requires a community effort. We have a vital role in creating a supportive and empowering environment for teens. Let’s work together to ensure that all adolescents have the information, resources, and support they need to be healthy and thrive. For more information on how to communicate openly with youth, visit talkwithyourkids.org.


Nomsa Khalfani, Ph.D., is Co-CEO of Essential Access Health, a non-profit organization that champions health equity and quality sexual and reproductive health care for all through a broad range of programs and services.

What It Do with LUE: When Your MELANIN is Poppin!

By Lue Dowdy

It was a fabulous evening. This past Saturday, The Assistance League of San Bernardino hosted their 61st annual Headdress Ball which took place at the National Orange Show. This year’s theme was, ‘ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IF YOU LET IT’ from the 1964 Mary Poppins Musical Film.

As the only African American model, Mrs. Scott truly represented for the culture and for First 5 San Bernardino. Wearing an extravagant headdress, that lit up showcasing the lovely London sky, the Queen did not miss a beat as she cat walked across the stage in her red heels and satin red gloves with matching sash showcasing the First 5 logo. Her headdress weighed over 20 pounds and was designed by SAM CHIEM. Mrs. Scott even showed off a few dance moves while her backup dancers from Author Murray Dance Studio cut a rug behind her. The choreography of the dancers was conducted by Choreographer, DREW RODRIQUEZ. LUCRETIA DOWDY and TRACI HOMAN of First 5 San Bernardino assisted in coordinating all her rehearsals and getting her ready for the big day.

A live auction was conducted by San Bernardino Councilman, DAMON ALEXANDER from the 7th Ward. Congratulations to FELICIA ALEXANDER as she’ll be stepping into position as the new president for the Assistance league of San Bernardino. Felicia will be the first African American Woman to hold the position. Yep, we’re breaking barriers.

The Assistance League of San Bernardino is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that is committed to providing free service for children with San Bernardino.

Congratulations, Karen Scott on a job well done.


BIO of KAREN SCOTT:

Karen Scott is the Executive Director of the Children and Families Commission – First 5 San Bernardino (F5SB), serving all of San Bernardino County.  F5SB is a funding organization that supports services and systems of care for children prenatal through age 5, by investing revenue received from Prop 10, a tobacco tax initiative in California. Investments are aligned with a locally adopted strategic plan and are made upon approval by a 7-member Commission, which includes a San Bernardino County Board Supervisor, the Associate County Executive Officer, and the Director of the Department of Public Health.

Ms.  Scott’s education and background is in Public Administration and Administration of Justice, and she has worked in the realm of Human Services for San Bernardino County since 1978.  She has served as the Executive Director of First 5 San Bernardino for more than 15 years, leading the organization’s efforts to promote, support and enhance the health and early development of children, prenatal through age five, though coordinated and comprehensive systems of care that strengthen children, families, and communities, ensuring children are safe, healthy, and ready to enter and succeed in school and in life.

Karen has been married to James Scott for more than 40 years and they share 4 adult children and 6 grandchildren.

For more information about First 5 San Bernardino please visit website at www.First5Sanbernardino.org

Remembering Tina Turner

(ABC NEWS) —- Legendary singer Tina Turner, known for her sultry voice and a string of platinum hits, has died at age 83.

The news was confirmed on Turner’s official Facebook page.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner,” the statement said on Facebook. “With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”

Turner became one of her era’s most enduring female artists, with smash hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” and memorable movie appearances.

Rolling Stone once named her “one of the greatest singers of all time.”

Born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Tennessee, Turner began performing at a young age. As a teenager, she immersed herself in the local rhythm and blues scene.

In 1956, she met Ike Turner from the band, Kings of Rhythm, and became part of their act under the stage name, Tina Turner.

Together, they recorded hits in the 1960s including, “A Fool in Love,” “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine,” “I Idolize You” and “River Deep — Mountain High” as part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue.

Turner and Ike Turner married in Mexico in 1962, two years after the birth of their son, Ronnie.

Turner also released two solo albums while she was a member of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue: “Tina Turns the Country On!” in 1974 and “Acid Queen” in 1975.

Turner divorced Ike Turner in 1978, alleging years of physical abuse and infidelity.

In 2018, Turner opened up about the abuse she endured in an interview with The Sunday Times.

“There was violence, because he had this fear that I was going to leave him,” she said. “The other women, because I didn’t love him that way … the other women weren’t so bad, but it was the constant, constant ill treatment.”

In April, she told The Guardian that she wanted to be remembered as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “as a woman who showed other women that it is OK to strive for success on their own terms.”

Turner had four sons. She was preceded in death by her two biological children: Craig Raymond Turner — whom she shared with Raymond Hill — and Ronnie Turner — whom she shared with Ike Turner.

She is survived by her sons Ike Turner Jr. and Michael Turner, who she adopted from her ex-husband Ike Turner.

10 Quotes: Malcolm X Talks Justice, Equity, and Inclusion

By Jaivon Grant | California Black Media

Malcolm X, originally known as Malcolm Little, was born 98 years ago on May 19, 1925. He was a prominent activist and minister during the 1960s civil rights movement. His unapologetic and passionate advocacy for Black rights brought him national attention. However, some have criticized his rhetoric as being extremist and racist.

Others explain that the assertive, Black nationalistic posture he took in his speeches was necessary for Civil-Rights-era America when discrimination and segregation were legal in many parts of the country and racism was routine in many aspects of life.

To that point, Malcolm X, who was assassinated in 1965 at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, spoke about what some considered his extremist viewpoints.

“I don’t believe in any form of unjustified extremism. But I believe that when a man is exercising extremism, a human being is exercising extremism, in defense of liberty for human beings, it’s no vice. And when one is moderate in the pursuit of justice for human beings, I say he’s a sinner,” he said.

In 1964, Malcolm X announced his separation from the Nation of Islam, changed his name again to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz and converted to Sunni Islam, the branch of the religion most Muslims around the world practice. After making a religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia and trips to Africa, Malcolm X began to preach less about America’s racist past and divisions and more about Pan Africanism and about the universality of principles like freedom, justice and human rights, especially as they concern people of African descent.

This week, as we celebrate what would have been Malcolm X’s 98th birthday on May 19, here are ten quotes that capture Malcolm X’s promotion of racial healing, tolerance and racial inclusion.

1. On self-love …

“There can be no Black-White unity until there is first some Black unity. We cannot think of uniting with others, until after we have first united among ourselves. We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves.”

2. On intermarriage …

“It’s just one human being marrying another human being or one human being living around and with another human being.”

3. On Truth and Justice …

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.”

4. On Peace and Freedom …

“You can’t separate peace from freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”

5. On Racial and Religious Unity …

“During the past seven days of this holy pilgrimage, while undergoing the rituals of the hajj [pilgrimage], I have eaten from the same plate, drank from the same glass, slept on the same bed or rug, while praying to the same God—not only with some of this earth’s most powerful kings, cabinet members, potentates and other forms of political and religious rulers —but also with fellow?Muslims whose skin was the whitest of white, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, and whose hair was the blondest of blond—yet it was the first time in my life that I didn’t see them as ‘White’ men. I could look into their faces and see that these didn’t regard themselves as ‘White’”

6. On Love and Unity …

We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience and patience creates unity.

7. On Learning to Hate …

“If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”

8. On Overcoming Hatred and Anger …

“Hatred and anger are powerless when met with kindness.”

9. On Fairness and Justice …

“You’re not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.”

 

10. On Human Rights …

“I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.”

This California Black Media report was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

 

 

 

Conservationist Group Wants More Blacks to Enjoy Great Outdoors

By Tanu Henry and Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

The 40 Acre Conservation League is working to acquire and conserve natural working lands towards greater human connection to nature for underrepresented groups.

Last week, the group held a meeting and reception in Sacramento and presented an award to Ernest Bufford, who owns a ranch located on 900-plus acres of land near Walker’s Basin in Kern County, according to ABC News 23.

Last year, the state awarded the non-profit a $3 million grant to ensure Black and other underrepresented communities have access to the great outdoors without fear.  The group’s founder Jade Stevens said she and other like-minded conservationists want to remove the social and historical barriers that prevent some African Americans from enjoying outdoor activities like, fishing, hiking, bird watching etc.

Groundbreaking Latina Politician Gloria Molina Passes

By Tanu Henry and Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

Gloria Molina, the first Latina to serve become a member of the California Assembly and on the first to serve on the L.A. City Council and the L.A. County Board of Supervisors has died of terminal cancer. She was 74.

“It is with heavy hearts our family announces Gloria’s passing this evening,” said Molina’s daughter Valentina Martinez in a statement. “She passed away at her home in Mt. Washington, surrounded by family.

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass paid tribute to Molina.

“Gloria Molina was a force for unapologetic good and transformational change in Los Angeles,” wrote Bass in a statement. “As an organizer, a City Councilwoman, a County Supervisor and State Assemblywoman, Supervisor Molina advocated for those who did not have a voice in government through her pioneering environmental justice work, her role as a fiscal watchdog, and her advocacy for public health.

Bass said Molina “shaped Los Angeles in a lasting way while paving the way for future generations of leaders.”

“As the first woman mayor of Los Angeles, I know I stand on Supervisor Molina’s shoulders,” Bass acknowledged.