WSSN Stories

Renea Wickman

Denise Fleming

MORENO VALLEY, CA— The California Democratic Party African American Caucus (CDPAAC) will host a “Family Reunion Project” to bring the Black and African American community together for educational purposes surrounding Get Out The Vote (GOTV), Voter Registration, Community Outreach, Community Resources, establish a Political Database, and Increase Membership of each organization represented by the Coalition.  Organizers are anticipating 100-200 guests for a fun and informative experience.  The event is scheduled for August 31, 2013 at Celebration Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  There will be a stage area available in the park for entertainment and focus purposes.

The entertainment will be informational speakers, including local Politicians, Pastors, Dignitaries, representatives of Social Service agencies and organizations, members of the African American Caucus, Business Owners, the National Congress Negro Women, the National Council Black Women, the local chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Cops and Clergy Representatives, Area Fraternity and Sorority chapters, Young Black Contractors Association, as well as local DJs who can be instrumental in getting out the youth vote.

Free food and drinks will be offered.  However, families are encouraged to bring their own food and park recreational items. No vendors are allowed.  Celebration Park is located at 4965 Morgan Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92555.  For more information or to co-sponsor the event, contact Black Caucus Regional Director 13, Denise Fleming at 951-259-2581 or Director over RDs, Renea Wickman at 909-567-0222.

Dinah Washington

LOS ANGELES, CA— LA’s ‘Queen of Jazz & Blues’ Barbara Morrison relives the stories of the legendary Dinah Washington through her music in an excellently staged performance piece written by Michael Cornier and Ms. Morrison herself, and directed by Keenan Zeno. Backed by the excellent John Stephens and his 18 piece orchestra, Barbara Morrison commands the stage embodying the mood and sensibilities of the great Dinah Washington, who died suddenly at the age of 39 in 1963, while married to her seventh husband, NFL Hall of Famer Dick “Night Train” Lane..

“I Wanna Be Loved: The Stories of Dinah Washington” shows why Barbara Morrison is called a living legend “one of the living links to the era of Ella, Billie, and Ms. Dinah W.”  Dinah (born Ruth Lee Jones in Tuscaloosa, Alabama) was known as “The Queen of Blues” but her range of hits included R&B and Jazz, and in addition to vocals, Dinah could playthe piano and the vibraphone. She led an exciting life, married seven times, with sons by her second and third husbands, became a star with the Lionel Hampton Band, and had some of the greatest hits of her era “Teach Me Tonight,”  “I Wanna Be Loved,” and two very popular duets with Brooks Benton:  “Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes)” and “A Rockin’ Good Way (To Mess Around and Fall in Love),” and recorded with Cannonball Adderly.

World renowned across Europe, Asia and Australia, Barbara Morrison’s reputation is immense in the world of jazz singers. With over 20 recordings to her credit, she has performed with the A-List in jazz and blues, such as Gerald Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, Etta James, Esther Phillips, David T. Walker, Jimmy Smith, Johnny Otis, Kenny Burrell, Terence Blanchard, Joe Sample, Nancy Wilson, Mel Tormé, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, and Keb’ Mo; and has guest-starred with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra and Doc Severinsen’s Big Band.

She continues to wow audiences at jazz festivals worldwide, and she performed in San Bernardino when she and bluesman Taj Majal headlined the Juneteenth Jam presented by the Westside Story Newspaper and the Improve Association at Perris Hill Park in 1998. This Michigan native, who has made Los Angeles her home, is s a fighter and a survivor, coming back strong from illness and complications due to diabetes, she is staying busy and is already booked for cruise line performances in 2014.

Miss Barbara Morris continues to impress audiences and critics alike with this uniquely crafted show paying tribute to Dinah Washington, and proving “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes.”  The show will be performed on stage at the Barbara Morrison Performance Art Center on Sunday June 23, 2013. Cover $40, includes champagne and snacks.  Reservations only at 310-462-1439. Tickets sale fast for each performance so hurry to get tickets to the upcoming performance on June 23.  Performances will continue on June 30, as well as July – 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21.

Don’t Miss a chance to see this great lady, a master of jazz performance. The Barbara Morrison Performance Art Center is located at 4305 Degnan Blvd #101, Los Angeles, CA. 90008. Information: 310-462-1439, www.barbaramorrison.com. (L.E. Pezant, ENN)

More Inland homes are emerging from “under water” status thanks to rising property values.

Rising home values during the first three months of 2013 helped thousands of Inland Southern California get caught up — at least somewhat — in the pursuit of equity on their homes, a report released this week found.

The number of homeowners in Riverside and San Bernardino counties with mortgage balances higher than the home’s value declined by more than 36,500 in the first three months of 2013, according to a report released Wednesday, June 12, by CoreLogic, an Irvine-based residential property research firm. The percentage of upside-down residences dropped from 35.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012 to 31.4 percent.

That change means the Inland area is no longer one of the nation’s centerpieces of negative equity. At the end of last year, the area had the fifth-highest percentage of mortgages that were greater than the home’s market value, but the Inland Empire is no longer on the top-five list.

It does not, however, mean property owners have a significant amount of extra financial wiggle-room. More than 30,000 are barely in the black on their mortgages, meaning they’re not in a position to refinance or otherwise use the equity.

For most homeowners, this will be feel-good news that will mostly offer psychological benefits and some peace of mind, said Linda Itzen, a longtime Riverside-based financial planner with Ameriprise Financial.

“I’m finding more people who are breathing a sigh of relief that maybe they’re breaking even,” Itzen said. “But I don’t see a rush or any big desire to sell and buy up.”

Itzen added that the trend could entice some homeowners who have been renting their properties to sell if they are tired of the expense and responsibilities that come with being a landlord.

CoreLogic reported 294,132 Inland properties with upside-down mortgages in the fourth quarter of 2012. That number was down to 257,595 in the first quarter.

Residential property values have risen steadily for more than a year. Earlier this week, real estate information network DataQuick reported that the median sales price in San Bernardino County in May was up 28 percent from a year ago and up almost 23 percent in Riverside County. That adds up to an estimated $46,000 in equity growth for Inland homeowners in the past 12 months.

Economist John Husing pointed out that during the worst months of the recession in late 2009, almost 55 percent of all Inland homeowners with mortgages were under water, and that number was still close to 50 percent as recently as 2011. The declining numbers mean it’s less likely homeowners will abandon homes and turn Inland communities into eyesores.

Husing said he was concerned that many Inland homes on the sales market are being snapped up by outside investors who do not have a stake in the community. He said the rising home valuations could convince families that the time to get into the market has arrived.

Also, interest rates for mortgages have increased for three straight weeks and are now just below 4 percent for a 30-year loan.

“I think buyers are beginning to understand that prices are moving,” Husing said. “They could be thinking, ‘Oh my god, I’d better get in there.’ ”

Nationally some 9.7 million mortgages, slightly less than 20 percent, had higher balances than the home’s value in the first quarter. The cities with the highest percentages of underwater houses were Tampa-St. Petersburg, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago and Warren, Mich., CoreLogic reported.

Rising home values during the first three months of 2013 helped thousands of Inland Southern California get caught up — at least somewhat — in the pursuit of equity on their homes, a report released this week found.

The number of homeowners in Riverside and San Bernardino counties with mortgage balances higher than the home’s value declined by more than 36,500 in the first three months of 2013, according to a report released Wednesday, June 12, by CoreLogic, an Irvine-based residential property research firm. The percentage of upside-down residences dropped from 35.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012 to 31.4 percent.

That change means the Inland area is no longer one of the nation’s centerpieces of negative equity. At the end of last year, the area had the fifth-highest percentage of mortgages that were greater than the home’s market value, but the Inland Empire is no longer on the top-five list.

It does not, however, mean property owners have a significant amount of extra financial wiggle-room. More than 30,000 are barely in the black on their mortgages, meaning they’re not in a position to refinance or otherwise use the equity.

For most homeowners, this will be feel-good news that will mostly offer psychological benefits and some peace of mind, said Linda Itzen, a longtime Riverside-based financial planner with Ameriprise Financial.

“I’m finding more people who are breathing a sigh of relief that maybe they’re breaking even,” Itzen said. “But I don’t see a rush or any big desire to sell and buy up.”

Itzen added that the trend could entice some homeowners who have been renting their properties to sell if they are tired of the expense and responsibilities that come with being a landlord.

CoreLogic reported 294,132 Inland properties with upside-down mortgages in the fourth quarter of 2012. That number was down to 257,595 in the first quarter.

Residential property values have risen steadily for more than a year. Earlier this week, real estate information network DataQuick reported that the median sales price in San Bernardino County in May was up 28 percent from a year ago and up almost 23 percent in Riverside County. That adds up to an estimated $46,000 in equity growth for Inland homeowners in the past 12 months.

Economist John Husing pointed out that during the worst months of the recession in late 2009, almost 55 percent of all Inland homeowners with mortgages were under water, and that number was still close to 50 percent as recently as 2011. The declining numbers mean it’s less likely homeowners will abandon homes and turn Inland communities into eyesores.

Husing said he was concerned that many Inland homes on the sales market are being snapped up by outside investors who do not have a stake in the community. He said the rising home valuations could convince families that the time to get into the market has arrived.

Also, interest rates for mortgages have increased for three straight weeks and are now just below 4 percent for a 30-year loan.

“I think buyers are beginning to understand that prices are moving,” Husing said. “They could be thinking, ‘Oh my god, I’d better get in there.’ ”

Nationally some 9.7 million mortgages, slightly less than 20 percent, had higher balances than the home’s value in the first quarter. The cities with the highest percentages of underwater houses were Tampa-St. Petersburg, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago and Warren, Mich., CoreLogic reported.

Rising home values during the first three months of 2013 helped thousands of Inland Southern California get caught up — at least somewhat — in the pursuit of equity on their homes, a report released this week found.

The number of homeowners in Riverside and San Bernardino counties with mortgage balances higher than the home’s value declined by more than 36,500 in the first three months of 2013, according to a report released Wednesday, June 12, by CoreLogic, an Irvine-based residential property research firm. The percentage of upside-down residences dropped from 35.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012 to 31.4 percent.

That change means the Inland area is no longer one of the nation’s centerpieces of negative equity. At the end of last year, the area had the fifth-highest percentage of mortgages that were greater than the home’s market value, but the Inland Empire is no longer on the top-five list.

It does not, however, mean property owners have a significant amount of extra financial wiggle-room. More than 30,000 are barely in the black on their mortgages, meaning they’re not in a position to refinance or otherwise use the equity.

For most homeowners, this will be feel-good news that will mostly offer psychological benefits and some peace of mind, said Linda Itzen, a longtime Riverside-based financial planner with Ameriprise Financial.

“I’m finding more people who are breathing a sigh of relief that maybe they’re breaking even,” Itzen said. “But I don’t see a rush or any big desire to sell and buy up.”

Itzen added that the trend could entice some homeowners who have been renting their properties to sell if they are tired of the expense and responsibilities that come with being a landlord.

CoreLogic reported 294,132 Inland properties with upside-down mortgages in the fourth quarter of 2012. That number was down to 257,595 in the first quarter.

Residential property values have risen steadily for more than a year. Earlier this week, real estate information network DataQuick reported that the median sales price in San Bernardino County in May was up 28 percent from a year ago and up almost 23 percent in Riverside County. That adds up to an estimated $46,000 in equity growth for Inland homeowners in the past 12 months.

Economist John Husing pointed out that during the worst months of the recession in late 2009, almost 55 percent of all Inland homeowners with mortgages were under water, and that number was still close to 50 percent as recently as 2011. The declining numbers mean it’s less likely homeowners will abandon homes and turn Inland communities into eyesores.

Husing said he was concerned that many Inland homes on the sales market are being snapped up by outside investors who do not have a stake in the community. He said the rising home valuations could convince families that the time to get into the market has arrived.

Also, interest rates for mortgages have increased for three straight weeks and are now just below 4 percent for a 30-year loan.

“I think buyers are beginning to understand that prices are moving,” Husing said. “They could be thinking, ‘Oh my god, I’d better get in there.’ ”

Nationally some 9.7 million mortgages, slightly less than 20 percent, had higher balances than the home’s value in the first quarter. The cities with the highest percentages of underwater houses were Tampa-St. Petersburg, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago and Warren, Mich., CoreLogic reported.

Terry Pierson/The Press-Enterprise
Gov. Jerry Brown speaks in Susan Cummins’ 4th grade class at Arlanza Elementary School in Riverside in 2011.

SACRAMENTO — A compromise school-funding formula at the heart of this week’s state budget deal includes more money for suburban and wealthier districts, addressing complaints that an earlier Brown administration plan was unfair.

There will still be extra money targeted at English learners, students receiving free meals, and foster children. But it will comprise a smaller piece of the funding pie than what Brown wanted when he warned his plan’s critics in April that they were in for “the battle of their lives.”

“It’s an improvement, definitely, but we’re still waiting to get all of the details,” said Lori Ordway-Peck, assistant superintendent for business support services at Temecula Valley Unified School District, where officials had raised concerns about the Local Control Funding Formula the governor unveiled in January.

Supporters say the compromise plan will increase funding for schools by about $23 billion over eight years, making up for past cuts while simplifying the state’s school-funding system and helping disadvantaged students close the achievement gap.

Under this week’s agreement, more money will go into base grants for all pupils. The Temecula district, for example, would get a per-pupil increase of more than $3,000, to about $9,400, by 2020-21, according to Department of Finance estimates.

Brown’s formula would have phased in a year earlier, which prevents direct comparisons to the compromise plan.

In seven years, though, Temecula Valley’s per-pupil funding would have increased by only $2,100, based on February estimates by the finance department.

Stacy Coleman, assistant superintendent for business services for the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, said he’s also waiting for more specifics on the proposal.

Murrieta Valley, where about a third of the students are disadvantaged, would receive about $3,000 more in per-pupil funding, to $9,500, by 2020-21. The governor’s earlier plan estimated that the district would receive $9,000 by 2019-20.

Additional base funding is good, Coleman said. He cautioned, though, that the additions could come at the expense of cuts elsewhere. The final result may not be much gain over what the district had expected under existing law, he said.

Disadvantaged districts

Inland districts with large percentages of disadvantaged students, such as Fontana Unified, San Bernardino City Unified and Val Verde Unified, would get almost twice as much in per-pupil funding by the time this week’s compromise takes full effect.

Dale Marsden, superintendent of San Bernardino City Unified, said the compromise formula is just as good for his district as the governor’s January proposal.

“There are no losers,” Marsden said. “Everybody’s base has gone up. But we still have a long way to go.”

This week’s agreement includes “supplemental” payments to districts. Those will be equal to 20 percent of the base grant for every disadvantaged student. Brown had wanted 35 percent.

And districts will qualify for extra “concentration” funding when 55 percent of their students are disadvantaged, up from a 50-percent threshold in the governor’s approach.

Some districts also will get an “economic recovery payment” to restore them to 2007-08 revenue levels.

“What we have here is a final agreement that has the same essential architecture as the governor’s proposal, with some changes,” Department of Finance spokesman H.D. Palmer said Wednesday.

Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown, whose district includes the Fontana and San Bernardino districts, was an early backer of the governor’s plan.

“I’m here with members who are from suburbia,” Brown, D-San Bernardino, said. “They were really concerned they were being short-changed. The way this has turned out, no one is short-changed. Those who need more, will get more.”

Governor’s plan

Some Inland school officials, though, said the governor’s plan would have been better for districts with mid-range percentages of disadvantaged students.

Mike Fine, Riverside Unified’s deputy superintendent for business services, said the district will receive about $1,000 less per pupil in supplemental money under the compromise. About two-thirds of the district’s 40,000 pupils are disadvantaged.

Brown’s acceptance of this week’s deal, Fine said, “was a little shocking to me. I think it goes against some of the governor’s principles.”

The approach to distribute the concentration money, Fine added, fails to recognize that some districts — such as Riverside Unified and Corona-Norco Unified — are short of the 55 percent threshold but have schools that meet it. Senate Democrats had voiced similar complaints about the governor’s plan but signed on to the compromise.

Assembly President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, praised the agreement. It gets more money to all districts, he said, while maintaining the essence of the governor’s “progressive proposal.”

BY JIM MILLER AND

MICHELLE KLAMPESTAFF WRITERS

June 12, 2013

Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) named La Pasta Italia as the 47th District’s Small Business of the Year. La Pasta Italia, located in Grand Terrace, is owned and operated by the current Grand Terrace mayor, Walt Stanckiewitz, and his wife, Monique Stanckiewitz. La Pasta Italia has been serving quality Italian food products for over 20 years. A ceremony was held at the Sacramento Convention Center on Monday, June 10.

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) has selected La Pasta Italia as the 47^th District’s Small Business of the Year. La Pasta Italia, located in Grand Terrace, is owned and operated by the current Grand Terrace mayor, Walt Stanckiewitz, and his wife, Monique Stanckiewitz.

“I’m so excited to acknowledge and select La Pasta Italia as my Small Business of the Year. La Pasta Italia has been providing quality food to the restaurant industry and the community for several years now. They have a statewide reach and an excellent reputation in my district. They’ve come so far and I’m so proud of them,” said Assemblymember Brown.

Prior to the establishment of their restaurant, the Stanckiewitzes developed a reputation for providing a variety of fine pasta products to upscale restaurants throughout the Inland Empire including Mario’s Place, New York Grill, Ciao Bella, Café Allegro, Lake Arrowhead Resort, and the iconic Mission Inn.

 After 13 years of providing quality service to area restaurants, the Stanckiewitzes established La Pasta Italia, on Barton Road, in the city of Grand Terrace in June 2003. In keeping with Walt’s Italian roots, the Stanckiewitzes prepare each dish with love.

 In honor of his mother, Walt’s signature sandwich is the Da Riccio. Inspired from her Naples background, the ingredients include: prosciutto, sopressata, parmesan cheese, red onion, pepperoncini, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar on an Italian roll.

 The Stanckiewitzes will be honored at a ceremony in Sacramento on Monday, June 10.

 Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown represents the 47th Assembly District, which includes Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto, the southwest parts of San Bernardino, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy.

Website of Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown: http://www.asmdc.org/members/a47/

Erykah_Lyfe_Bobby-V

By Lue Dowdy, CA– I’m happy to announce this week’s selected artist, Michael Echols, Barber/Promoter/Entrepreneur. Hair is an art! It takes a special set of skills to keep folks looking good. Having a good haircut can make a world of difference in a person’s self-esteem.

Bell_Biv_Devoe

Michael Echols has been a professional barber for 5yrs. He’s currently working out of Cold Cutz Barbershop in downtown Riverside located at, 4029 Market Street Riverside CA, 92501. Receiving his license from Rosston’s Barber College, Michael specializes in all textures of hair. If you need a bald fade, shadow fade, taper, flat top, mo-hawk, fro-hawk, he’s your guy. No time to go to the shop, ask about his mobile service. Micheal will bring the shop to you. You can find this talented Barber at the shop, Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays by appointment only. Check out his work at facebook.com/tipyourbarber and on I.G @ Riverside_Raised.

Michael Echols, also is one of the producers for “The Underground Poetry & Lyricist Lounge.” This is an event put on once a month on the 2nd Sunday night of every month in the city of Riverside. It’s been in existence for almost a year and is growing fast. Their objective is to create an atmosphere that welcomes and brings together art, poetry, culture, creativity and unity. Michael feels by doing this, it will create a hub that allows individuals to network amongst one another. If you’re interested in performing, please look them up on TWITTER at: The_UPL_Lounge or on FaceBook: TheUndergroundPoetry/LyricistLounge. You can Email Theundergroundpllounge@yahoo.com, last but not least follow them on I.G at UPL_spokenword. Please support the ARTS!

Entertainment Happenings: There will be several awesome concerts and events coming our way. I hope you’re ready! This month, Eryka Badu will be in San Bernardino at San Manuel Indian Bingo, and BBD (Bel Biv Devoe) will be in Riverside at the Riverside Auditorium. Don’t wait, get your tickets now! Ya girl will be in da house!

R&B singer, Erykah Badu is best known for her hit album “Babuism” which went triple platinum and my all-time favorite “Tyrome.” This singer, activist, and actress will be in concert Thursday, May 30th along with Lyfe Jennings and Bobby V.  Tickets are available for the 7:30 p.m. show through Ticketmaster for $40, $50 and $60

Live in Concert BBD on Saturday, May 25, 2013, DOORS OPEN AT 7:00PMSHOW STARTS AT 8:00 PM

Location: 3485 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501. Sponsored by Stansell Enterprises Concerts & Events . Information: 800-838-3006, http://www.stansellenterprises.com.

Sixth Ward Councilman Rikke Van Johnson is shown here announcing his candidacy for Mayor of the city of San Bernardino to friends, neighbors, supporters and concerned community members. Petitions were also circulated after the gathering.. (Photo courtesy Sharon Johnson)

He states his goal is to help “create, grow, and maintain economic value in the city, which will aid the community in realizing and accessing all the necessities that define quality of life.”  He laid out a vision for the city as a safe and prosperous community, offering a wide range of housing, recreation, education, cultural, and employment opportunities for all who come to live and work here.

He also said that San Bernardino residents need to continue to provide a strong sense of community for each other in these economically trying times.  He also laid out three primary areas he would focus upon as the Mayor:

     1. Public Safety to reduce crime rates with a two pronged strategy of, a) Decreasing gang violence and gang activity,; and b) Increasing Citizen Engagement in local government, realizing that a government goes bad when it’s citizens are not engaged;

2. Economic Stimulation through Job Creation, and helping to retain and maintain Local Business by helping them grow and strengthen their Consumer Base;

3. Beautification of areas of the city that have experienced neglect, thereby raising the esteem of both residents and businesses, and providing an attractive environment for consumers, potential home-buyers, and potential new businesses.

Johnson said he would also partner with area school systems to ensure an educated workforce, and would simplify the city’s system of government which he says has become “ambiguous and antiquated.”

“I truly believe that this is the frame work for a pathway to strengthening, sustaining and restoring our City to once again be that proud ‘City on the Move.’  This will be achieved by working together with vision, planning and hope,” he added. (WSSN 5/23/13)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Professor Cynthia Davis

David Martins MD

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

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

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

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

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

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