SB City Library Foundation Participates in Giving Tuesday November 30

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Giving Tuesday is a Global Day of Generosity that will take place on Nov. 30. This is the second year that the San Bernardino City Library Foundation, Inc. (SBCLF) is participating in this online event.

The SBCLF seeks to meet its goal of raising $6,000 by encouraging your families, friends and neighbors to help support the public libraries.

Unleash your power by donating to the SBCLF, which supports local residents of all ages and backgrounds through free programs such as the K-adult education, online tutoring program Brainfuse and the online e-book and audiobook lending service Overdrive.

Online donations may be made by using the link below or send a check to the SBCLF, address below, and include “Giving Tuesday” in the memo line to indicate it is for the fundraiser. 2021 Giving Tuesday Fundraiser | Giving Tuesday (mightycause.com) . Donations can be made through December 31.

The SBCLF is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation created to provide funding for areas of education, programming, materials, capital improvements and special projects that are beyond the usual and customary funding received by the Library from the City of San Bernardino.

Information is available at 909-381-8211.

Vaccinating kids can help win the battle against COVID, experts argue

By Jenny Manrique, Ethnic Media Services

Nearly one million children ages 5 to 11 have been vaccinated in the United States since the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved for this age group on September 20. Efforts to immunize 28 million infants could mark a turning point in the battle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, but many parents are still reluctant to vaccinate their kids.

“We received phone calls, emails and text messages from families that were just eagerly awaiting the vaccine for their children,” said Jennifer Miller, a pediatrician with East Bay Pediatrics during an Ethnic Media Services briefing on Nov 12. “But we also have another group of patients who have been more cautious and more hesitant.”

The first group of families, Miller noted, were looking forward to resuming some semblance of normalcy without having to worry about isolating or quarantining their children: being able to send them back to school or traveling together as the holidays come.

The latter, mostly families of color, are afraid to vaccinate their children because they do not know the long-term consequences of the shot, or because they are afraid of side effects such as infertility (denied by scientists) or myocarditis (inflammation in the heart that has occurred exceptionally in men after the second dose and it is very easy to treat.)

Although many parents have been vaccinated, they prefer a wait-and-see approach when it comes to their children because they feel the burden of making decisions on behalf of people too young to decide for themselves.

Dr. Miller cites the mental health impacts she is seeing among her young patients as another reason for ensuring they get vaccines.

. “Not only are we dealing with a pandemic because of COVID, but we are dealing with a mental health pandemic,” she said. “Children and adolescents have been removed from their school routine, their peers, their sports and their clubs. They are depressed and anxious due to the loss of family members to COVID; they experience frequent sadness.

“These children need to get back into school full time,” the pediatrician added. “We have kindergarteners that didn’t learn how to read and kids with special needs who didn’t get their own occupational therapy.” These educational disparities occur much more commonly in families of color. “If those families do not go out and get vaccinated, these kids will continue to fall behind and won’t be able to compete with their peers.”

There have been more than 6 million positive COVID cases in children in the United States since the pandemic began, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resulting in 64,000 hospitalizations and 650 deaths. That’s why CDC.

Director Rochelle Wollensky endorsed the advisory group’s recommendation on immunization practices to move on mass childhood vaccination.

“There is no doubt that children are less at risk for severe disease from COVID,” said Monica Gandhi, Professor of Medicine at UC San Francisco School of Medicine. “Even though the risk is lower, during the Delta variant surge, COVID was the sixth leading cause of death in children.”

Gandhi cited three reasons why children should be vaccinated: to protect them against the virus; to reduce transmission to others, especially older parents and grandparents; and because thedoseissafe. Thesereasonsareparticularlyrelevantforcommunitiesofcolorwhichhavea higher incidence of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, making them more vulnerable to COVID.

“During the (clinical) trial with 2,268 children, there was a reduction in COVID symptomatic infections of 90.7%.” Gandhi said. Because of the rare cases of myocarditis, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Pfizer to provide a 10 mg dose for children ages 5 to 11, in contrast to the 30 mg that adults receive. In Moderna’s case, the dose is higher: 100 mg.

Gandhi suggests that there will be greater efficacy in children if the doses are given more than three weeks apart, based on data from the National Institute of Public Health in Quebec: Canada chose to administer the doses eight weeks apart which was 92% effective versus 82% effectiveness when the doses were given closer together.

“We are still at about 68% for the vaccination rate across the country among eligibles over 12 years of age,” Gandhi said. “With 28 million vaccinated children, the virus will be able to find fewer and fewer susceptible hosts.”

Misinformation and fears

Maria Meraz, Founder-Director of Parent Engagement Academy, works annually with around 3,000 parents in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, 90% of them immigrants and first-generation Latinos. She said that the misinformation spread about the vaccine on networks such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube is “terrible”.

“These parents are low-income families and many of them don’t have access to (cable) TV… they get their information from sources that are not the best such as friends and family.” Meraz works with several school districts that provide social-emotional support services to guide parents through a dilemma that causes them great anxiety: While many do not agree with vaccination, they know they have no other option.

“They have to send their children to school because they have to go to work,” Meraz said.

Madison Sandoval, a Bay Area school nurse, cited a new fear that children who have not been vaccinated may wind up becoming targets for cyberbullying. “I can definitely see the potential for bullying to happen, and that’s why it’s really important for schools to get ahead of that kind of dialogue and really focus on vaccines’ benefits, not assigning blame or shaming any child because ultimately it is not their decision,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval recalled that masking and ventilation are really effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID within schools and that as long as vaccines are not mandatory to attend classrooms, they should be implemented.

The Luebella’s is What it Do!

By Lue Dowdy

The Ebony Holiday Burlesque Dinner Show is almost here. Our team at LUE PRODUCTIONS is happy, humbled, and honored to announce we have sold out both shows. We only have four tickets left for contest winners.

Get ready to see sexy, talented, and beautiful queens taking to the stage to put on one hell of a show for the people. The show includes all forms of entertainment from singing to dancing, comedy, acting, poetry, live music, and more. Lue Productions is all about the Black performing arts and prides itself on providing platforms for the talented.

This epic event will be taking place Saturday, December 11th and Sunday, December 12th in the City of San Bernardino at the 320 Premier Event Hall from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Below are details on how to win free VIP tickets. This will be one for the books. You should be there, heck we want you there.

To enter our contest, follow LUE PRODUCTIONS on all social media sights at Lue Productions. Visit our website at www.lueproductions.org or contact us by phone at 909.567.1000. Good luck!

And listen to Empire talks back radio with What It Do With Lue! Win a pair of VIP tickets to LUE Productions Ebony Holiday Burlesque Dinner Show for Sunday, December 12th.

How to enter:

  1. Share flyer and tag @lueproductions (your name will be added)
  2. Watch us live on our Lue Productions page and our What It Do with Lue group page Sunday, November 28th. Type (I’m the winner) to have your name added.
  3. Call in to the radio station Sunday, November 14th, and 28th between 10 am and 10:45 am to have your name added

Winners will be announced live on air on Empire Talks Back Radio KCAA Sunday, December 5th between 10am-10:45am

Winners will receive:

  • two event tickets for Sunday, December 12th
  • dinner for two
  • VIP bag
  • meet & greet with cast members

Radio call in number

(909) 793-5222

Remembering Lisa Blacksher Owens: Community Activist/Educator/Businesswoman

Mrs. Lisa Blacksher Owens was called home to be with the Lord on November 18, 2021.  She was fondly known as Lady Lisa, First Lady of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and spouse of Dr. Michael Andrew Owens, Senior Pastor.  Lisa was the former Chief of Staff for the Honorable Wilmer Amina Carter, Assembly Member of the 62nd District and Chief of Staff for the Honorable Cheryl Brown, Assembly Member of the 47th District.  Also, she was an educator and principal for Temple Learning Center, former business owner, and worked in the banking industry as project director.  Community service and being a voice for the voiceless was taught at an early age.   Lisa grew up attending Temple Missionary Baptist Church where she served over the years on the usher board, youth choir, mentor, technology team, and performing missionary work. Over the years, Lisa advocated for causes in the community holding various positions with Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. Eta Nu Omega Chapter, The Inland Ivy Foundation, San Bernardino NAACP, and former president for Social Lites, Inc.  She enjoyed fellowshipping with friends and family, traveling, shopping, reading, and helping those in need.

As an undergraduate, Lisa became a member of the oldest black Greek letter organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Lambda Alpha Chapter on the campus of California State University, Long Beach where she majored in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance followed by graduating with an MBA Degree from Arizona State University.  Also, Lisa graduated from San Bernardino High School where she met and married the late Pastor Anthony Blacksher.

Lady Lisa has been awarded a crown of life.  She will live in our hearts forever.  The family invites the community to a memorial service in her honor.

Viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 2, 2021, at Temple Missionary Baptist Church. 1583 W. Union Street, San Bernardino, California 92411.  Dr. Raymond W. Turner, Sr. Pastor. Tributes, reflections, and remarks of Lisa’s kindness are welcomed at the viewing.

Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on December 3, 2021, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1575 W. 17th Street, San Bernardino, CA  92411.  Dr. Michael Andrew Owens, Sr. Pastor.

Interment will be held at a later date at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA  92518.

Donations can be made to any of the following scholarship funds:

  • Wilmer Amina Carter Foundation
  • The Social Lites, Inc. Scholarship Foundation
  • New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
  • Temple Missionary Baptist Church
  • The Inland Ivy Foundation
  • San Bernardino NAACP

Calif. Officials: Get Booster Shot; Celebrate Thanksgiving Holiday Safely

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

Golden State Public health officials are recommending that Californians take COVID-19 booster shots to prevent a resurgence of the disease and to celebrate the holidays safely with their loved ones.

“It’s not too late to get it,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Department, referring to the COVID-19 booster shot. He was speaking at a vaccine clinic in Los Angeles County last week.

“Get that added protection for the Thanksgiving gatherings you may attend,” he said.

Last week, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine boosters for all adults in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC followed with an endorsement of the booster vaccine, recommending it for people over age 50, and anyone18 and older who is at higher risk.

The CDC loosened the language for all other adults, saying anyone over age 18 “may” take the shot.

California officials say the booster shots are plenty and available throughout the state.

“If you think you will benefit from getting a booster shot, I encourage you,” said Ghaly. “Supplies are available. There are many sites across the state – thousands in fact.”

On Saturday, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup  completed a separate review of the federal government’s approval process for the booster shots and also recommended that “individuals 18 or older who have completed their primary vaccination series,” take the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna boosters.

California, Oregon, Nevada and Washington state came together last year and created the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. The group, made up of scientists, medical professionals and public health experts, is charged with reviewing COVID-19 vaccine safety.

Over the last two weeks, COVID-19 infections across the United States have increased at a rate of nearly 33 %, according to the CDC.

Officials are encouraging people who took both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago to get their boosters now. People who took the one-shot Johnson & Johnson primary dose at least two months ago, should also schedule their booster shot.

“COVID-19 boosters are available to all Californians 18 [and over]! Walk-in clinics are open statewide with no appointment necessary – like this mobile clinic in Avenal. Find a clinic or pharmacy near you and get yours today,” the governor’s office chimed in on Twitter.

Newsom has pushed hard for the vaccine booster since he received his last month.

“Great news for the rest of the country. The holidays are here — make sure to keep your immunity up and protect yourself and your loved ones. Get your booster,” Newsom tweeted on Nov. 18

According to Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel, the booster shots are being administered under an “emergency use authorization.”

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

 

Metrolink Helps SoCal Avoid Holiday Traffic; Offers $10 Holiday Pass on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday

LOS ANGELES – With Thanksgiving week traffic projected to approach pre-pandemic levels, Metrolink, southern California’s regional passenger rail service, will offer relief from the stress of gridlock at an affordable cost. This year, on both Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, Metrolink will offer a $10 Holiday Pass that allows riders unlimited trips anywhere Metrolink travels for the entire day the pass is purchased. Metrolink will offer its usual Saturday schedule on those two days.

Over the busy holiday weekend, Metrolink will offer the $10 Weekend Day Pass for adults – and each paying adult can bring three kids ages 17 and under aboard for free.

“The primary reason our riders choose Metrolink instead of driving their cars is they prefer a relaxing ride over the stress of sitting in gridlock,” CEO Metrolink Darren Kettle said. “SoCal roads are at their most stressful in the days leading up to Thanksgiving and through the weekend. We want to make it easy and affordable for everyone to enjoy their holiday by getting them where they need to go – be it for holiday get-togethers, sight-seeing or shopping – without traffic and parking hassles.”

The Metrolink Experience allows riders to relax and enjoy their trip from the moment they board the double-decker trains, with expansive windows that offer views of southern California’s diverse scenery. Metrolink trains offer various seating options, including face-to-face seating and tables that are perfect for family and friend outings. Metrolink bike cars make it easy for casual and serious bike riders to explore southern California’s many trails, while there is designated space for surfboards and picnic gear onboard, too. Visit EXPLORE for ideas about places to go aboard Metrolink trains.

On Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, Metrolink will operate on the Ventura County, Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, Orange County, 91/Perris Valley, and Inland Empire-Orange County lines. Metrolink trains will not operate on the Riverside Line on Thursday nor Friday.

The Rail 2 Rail program, which normally allows Metrolink Monthly Pass users to take Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains on the Ventura County, Inland Empire-Orange County and Orange County lines, will be suspended between Wednesday, Nov. 24 and Monday, Nov. 29. Regular Rail 2 Rail service will resume on Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Click here for full Metrolink schedules.

Award Winning Stage Production, “The Long Hard Truth”, Returns to Los Angeles Showcasing the Life Cycles and Empowerment of Men

LOS ANGELES, CA—– COVID-19 had put a pause on theater across the Nation, but as things have started to settle down, theater is now back in action! The Award-Winning show, The Penis Monologues: The Long Hard Truth, will be making its way back to the stage on December 4 and December 5 at The Hudson Theatre located at 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., in Los Angeles.

The Penis Monologues: The Long Hard Truth is an unforgettable journey into the minds of ten phenomenal men as they share real, raw, and riveting stories about their innermost thoughts and desires. It is a deeply penetrating performance.

This thought-provoking production is written, directed, and produced by Karen Roberson. Roberson is a prolific writer, actor, producer, TEDx speaker, community activist and an award-winning playwright.

A portion of the proceeds from The Long Hard Truth will benefit Mahogany Stars, a non-profit that seeks to empower at-risk youth in underserved communities of Los Angeles County.

To purchase tickets for the show, please visit www.mgproductionsllc.com or call (310) 291-5315.

“It Is What It Is, and It Will Be What It Will Be!”

By Lou Yeboah

I warned you when you were prosperous, but you replied, “Don’t bother me.” You have been that way since childhood— you simply will not obey me [Jeremiah 22:21]. So, because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; because you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. [Proverbs 1:24-27]

Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” [Proverbs 1:28-33]. I tell you, “It Is What It Is, and It Will Be What It Will Be!”

After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! [Revelations 14:8].

For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her just as she rendered to you and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow. [Revelation 18:3-5]

Therefore, her plagues will come in one day–death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’ [Revelation 18:8-10].

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? May it never be! [Romans 6]. As the Holy Spirit led Paul to write in [1 Corinthians 6:9-11]: “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. Hear what Peter told the onlookers when he healed the beggar at Beautiful gate: “Repent, then, and turn to God. That your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” [Acts 3:19].

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.” “Choose Life” [Deuteronomy chapter 30]

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles… And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting [Romans 1:18-23; 28]. “It Is What It Is, and It Will Be What It Will Be!”

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Fire Chief Michael Smith Committed to Helping Crafton Hills College

YUCAIPA, CA—San Manuel Band of Indians’ Fire Chief Michael Smith continues to be fully committed to the success of Crafton Hills College (CHC).

Smith, a CHC alumnus, graduated from the College’s paramedic program in 1992. He went on to study at the University of Redlands, where he earned his bachelor’s in arts degree in biology before earning a master’s degree in leadership, with an emphasis in disaster preparedness and executive fire leadership, in 2016 from Grand Canyon University.

Smith currently serves as a director on the CHC Foundation Board, where he helps to raise funds for scholarships, emergency assistance and program enhancement support at the College. He credits his success to getting his start at CHC and said he hopes to help the College make dreams come true for countless future students.

“I really got my start in my career field at CHC,” Smith said. “As a graduate of the CHC paramedic program, I acquired not only the knowledge, skills and abilities to enter emergency services, but moreover the passion for doing so! My support now is driven by the desire to pull up the next generation so they can enjoy the same opportunity and rewards that I have.”

As a director for the College’s Foundation, Smith helps reduce financial worries for students. Last year, Smith helped the organization launch the “Because of You” campaign with the goal of raising $1 million for an endowment to provide long-term financial strength for the College.

The endowment fund is an investment that will provide a perpetual resource of unrestricted funds for the College to use as future needs arise. Ultimately, the goal is to create an endowment that would support the needs of all students on campus year after year.

Smith brings an extensive background in fire safety and prevention to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Prior to his position with the Tribal government, he took on numerous roles within the fire service, including serving as the executive officer and a colonel for the California National Guard’s California Cadet Corps. Smith is one of only a few dozen certified by the state as a fire chief and has been designated by the International Commission on Professional Credentialing as a Chief Fire Officer.

His dedication to service and helping those in need has taken him to all corners of the country. As a part of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team, Smith was a part of response efforts to the attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the disasters caused by Hurricane Maria to Puerto Rico in 2017.

For current and future CHC students, particularly those in the public safety programs, Smith has one piece of advice: “Make service a passion and commit to being a lifelong learner in your chosen profession.”

To support Crafton Hills College’s Because of You Campaign, visit www.craftonhills.edu/endowment. Your gift will provide direct support to students and additional funding for public safety programs, both n