By Carol McGruder, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council

It’s that time of the year again. During the holiday season, people will start to make their 2022 resolutions, and try to stick to them. While many might wait until New Year’s Day to start this process, there’s absolutely no harm in getting a head start.

As co-founder of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council with decades of experience, I know there are many reasons why people need to stop smoking and vaping. But besides the obvious harmful physical effects, smoking is also bad for your mental health. Many people who smoke think it relieves stress. Unfortunately, nicotine in tobacco products or vapes can lead to increased stress, anxiety, irritability, and impulsivity, and quitting smoking can improve your mental health and well-being. The holidays can be especially chaotic so taking care of your mental and physical health this time of year is more important than ever.

While it might be easy to reach for that cigarette, know there is a better way to manage stress and kick the habit. Kick It California, formerly the California Smokers’ Helpline, has been helping people quit using tobacco products for more than 30 years. With more than half of the people who reach out to Kick It reporting having at least one mental health issue, Kick Its comprehensive program focuses on behavior change methods that help adjust thinking and build confidence to make new, healthier habits stick. Three decades of research and results shows that people succeed when they have access to personalized programs and support like Kick It.

If you are quit-curious, quit-ready or just need a little push to move forward, now is the time, and Kick it California is here to help. They will meet you where you are in your process. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Kick It California’s new mobile friendly website, one-on-one coaching, enhanced tools, and proven methods are available to all Californians, and shown to double a tobacco user’s chance of quitting.

I know it takes a village, a support system, to quit tobacco. I also know that it will take many attempts, but the point is to keep trying. So rather than viewing relapse as a failure, people who smoke and their loved ones need to understand that it is part of the process. Or as Donnie McClurkin told us, “we fall down but we get up!” And participating in Kick it California is one big step to help you eventually get up and stay up!

I encourage everyone who uses tobacco products to make it their resolution to quit tobacco and do it sooner rather than later. With lung health so important these days, if there was ever a time to quit tobacco, it’s now. The resources are free and within your grasp. Our community needs you healthy and strong. You can start your journey to a smoke free life today by visiting kickitca.org, texting “Quit Smoking” to 66819 or calling 1-800-300-8086. Happy New You!

Susie Troxler, a 50-year-old woman from Greensboro, North Carolina, recently gave birth to a baby for the first time. She and her 61-year-old husband Tony are very excited about being parents to their miracle baby.

Since the couple got married in 2008, they have always dreamed of having their own baby. But years have passed, and Susie still didn’t get pregnant. They tried consulting doctors but they were always told that it could not happen.

Aside from their age, Susie had uterine fibroids and Tony had some medical issues that lowered their chances to have a baby in a natural way.

That is when they tried other procedures like IVF and egg donation. Cone Health OBGYN Dr. Carolyn Harraway-Smith referred them to Carolinas Fertility Institute where Susie’s fibroids were removed before performing rounds of egg collections and IVF.

“None of that worked, and we were down to our last embryo,” Susie Troxler told WFMY News about their experience. “They bring me into the ultrasound, and the first thing they said was, ‘Oh, she’s moving!’ I was like, ‘Yes!’”

Last September, Susie gave birth to a healthy baby girl that they named Lily.

“We are thrilled. Sleep-deprived, but totally beyond worth it. She is a miracle baby,” Susie said.

Meanwhile, even though giving birth at the age of 50 is extremely rare, Harraway-Smith said it is not always recommended as it involves several risks such as miscarriage, stillbirth, among others.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — This holiday season, Sista’s Making a Difference of San Bernardino brings back its beloved annual toy drive to ensure that every family in the area has a Merry Christmas. The organization is collecting toys from now until the event on Saturday, December 18, 2021, from 1 p.m. to 4pm, at Norton Recreation Center, 1554 Art Townsend Drive, San Bernardino.

Sista’s Making a Difference (SMD) began the toy drive in San Bernardino in 2018. It has grown each year as a collaborative community effort. Last year, 3,000 toys were distributed at the giveaway event at Carter High School in Rialto, along with turkeys donated by Feeding America IE.

This year, SMD aims to gift at least 5,000 toys. There will also be information to connect families with essential resources.

Repeat partners and sponsors of the toy drive include nonprofit organizations The Dino Can and Survive; businesses Cellphone Repair & Accessories (Rialto), Hilton Grand Vacations, and Major League Barbers; and the San Bernardino County Public Defender. Children’s Network and Toys for Tots have been annual donors.

“This event is about more than just giving a toy to a child in need,” said Ronnie Miller of Sista’s Making a Difference. “Its main purpose is to keep the holiday spirit alive by spreading love throughout our community.”

Families can find out how to register children for the toy drive by following SMD on Facebook @sistasmd2020 and Instagram @sistasmd. Walk-ups are also welcome.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in sponsoring, donating to, or hosting a drop box for the toy drive can contact smdtoydrive@gmail.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- A special exhibit about the creation of the upcoming December 2nd “Curtain of Courage” Memorial opens at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2 at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands.

The exhibit will display models of the “Curtain of Courage” Memorial, currently under construction at the County’s Government Center. In addition, the exhibit will feature the project’s renderings and video, and introduce Walter Hood, a world-renowned landscape architect and artist who worked on its creation with the families of the 14 victims of the Dec. 2, 2015, terrorist attack and members of the December 2nd Memorial Committee. The special exhibit runs through Dec. 19.

Thursday is the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino. Fourteen people were killed and 22 were physically injured during a training meeting for employees of San Bernardino County’s Environmental Health Services division. A private event will be held for the families and survivors.

The December 2nd Memorial Committee formed in 2016 and held several meetings to establish an overall vision for the memorial based on shared values. The committee determined the memorial should recognize the broad diversity and lives of the victims as well as those who stepped up to preserve and protect life. The memorial would also provide enduring recognition of the County employees who witnessed the attack, many of whom were physically injured and all of whom were emotionally impacted. The committee expressed that the memorial would be a place for quiet reflection and would result in a space to appropriately and eternally reflect the many important and unique people, stories, and lessons of December 2nd.

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman shared, “The Curtain of Courage Memorial will be a place of reflection where the community can unite in spirit with the families of those lost and injured in this unimaginable tragedy. We will never forget their stories and are honored to have Mr. Hood work on this project which will serve as an enduring reminder about the courage and impact each individual had in this county.”

Hood, a landscape architect, is the creative director and founder of Hood Design Studio in Oakland. He is also a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and lectures on professional and theoretical projects nationally and internationally. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Landscape Design (2009), the Academy of Arts and Letters Architecture Award (2017), a Knight Public Spaces Fellowship (2019), a MacArthur Fellowship (2019, commonly referred to as the “Genius Grant”), and the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize (2019).

In 2021, Hood was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Architectural League presented to Hood the highest honor given to an individual for their exceptional achievements in architecture, urbanism, art, design, and the environment, where Architectural League President Paul Lewis declared that Hood is “one of the most influential designers of public space of our time…”

Hood’s notable large-scale projects across the country include the grounds for the M. H. de Young Museum, in San Francisco, with Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron (2005), Rendezvous Park, Jackson, Wyoming (2011); Oakland Waterfront Master Plan, in Oakland (2011); Viaduct Rail Park, Philadelphia (2016); “Witness Walls,” Nashville, Tenn. (2017); Rosa Parks Neighborhood Master Plan, Detroit, Mich. (2018); the garden redesign for the Oakland Museum of California (2021); Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park, Jacksonville, Fla. (in progress), and the International African American Museum in Charleston, S.C. (in progress).

Hood’s book “Black Landscapes Matter” will be available in the County Museum store during the exhibit.

The “Curtain of Courage” Memorial is under construction on the east side of the San Bernardino County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave. in San Bernardino and is expected to be unveiled in the spring.

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcounty.gov/museum. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.

By Lou Yeboah

Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha ?ka? laka ? Boom! – – Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha-ka-laka ? Boom! Whoosh!

The stage is set, the key players have taken position, the cameras are rolling, and the lights are beginning to dim. A hush is falling across the audience in Heaven, and all is needed is for the Director to cry out, “Action!” The seven seals crescendo into silence. Then the temple of God in Heaven opens, and within His temple the ark of His covenant is seen. All of a sudden flashing of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm. [Revelation 11:19]. Compelling evidence that at any time now Christ could explode onto the scene, rupturing the sky wherewith He will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem. [Zechariah 14:12]. “Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha-ka-laka ? Boom! Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha-ka-laka ? Boom! Whoosh!

Finally, the Director gives the signal, the war is announced. It is declared. [ I Corinthians 14:8]. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and a third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. Then the second angel sounded, as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. [Revelation 8:7-9]

Can you imagine what that will be like? A day when all of those who have lived in rebellion to God, who will finally be vanquished, a day when—as the prophet Habakkuk said, “When the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” A day when the very prayer that we have been asked to pray will finally come to fruition and that is, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” [Habakkuk 2:14].

I tell you, there is no way to escape the conclusion that we are living on borrowed time. The signs of the times are upon us, and they are shouting for our attention. Are you ready? Is your life in order? How about your family and loved ones? Jesus uses four-word pictures to emphasize the same point: Be ready for His return. “Be dressed in readiness” “let your loins be girded.” Luke 12:35-40].

Warning after warning in scripture, telling us, today, that the time is short, discern the signs of the times, because the days are evil. {Ephesians 5:16]. Remember what Isaiah said to King Hezekiah, all of us, set your house in order, and pray that you are found worthy to escape the tribulation that is coming upon the entire world.

Listen, God is delaying His judgment for one reason – He is giving you an opportunity to be saved before it’s too late. Judgment will eventually come. It will come surely, says Peter. It will come suddenly. So, consider this your wake-up call because I tell you, what’s coming next there is no words for it. Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha ?ka? laka ? Boom! Boom Sha-ka-laka, Boom Sha-ka-laka-Boom!

As Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.” When death comes, it will be too late for repentance. The Rich Man in Luke 16 discovered that too late. His destiny was now fixed and like in Esau’s case “there was no place for repentance.” May each of us learn from him, and from Esau, and not wait until it is too late to consider the cost of our decisions and actions.

By Carrie Stanton

The holidays are here, and families are excited to get together and celebrate for the first time in over a year. Amid the pandemic, we’ve missed far too many Sunday and holiday dinners that have been a tradition for many families for generations. For our community, family dinner is about creating memories. For those families who will be traveling this holiday season, I encourage you to consider adding a REAL ID upgrade to your checklist when making your travel plans.

The California DMV suggests changing your driver’s license or identification card to a REAL ID as federal laws will soon make it necessary to have either a passport, REAL ID, or other federally accepted forms of ID to board local flights and enter federal buildings.

While getting a REAL ID isn’t required, it does make it easier to continue using your driver’s license to board a local flight or visit loved ones on military bases. To help make this change, the California DMV is offering free upgrades to people who renewed their license or ID card between March 2020 and July 2021 from now until Dec. 31, 2021.

Protecting the health, safety and security of our communities is what’s important and the REAL ID provides an extra layer of protection when traveling. Applying is easy and can be started safely online at CaliforniaREALID.org. Complete your application, upload the required forms, and plan your DMV office visit to finish. Don’t forget your documents and confirmation code– they will be needed for your visit.

Whether you are applying for a first-time California driver’s license or identification card or are up for renewal, a REAL ID may be the best option, especially if you plan to travel soon. Get back to creating those memories with your family. With shorter wait periods and an easy application process, now is the perfect time to start your REAL ID application so you’re ready to go when the time is right.

As we continue to recover from the pandemic, many things in our lives are changing. In our community, many have started businesses, changed their lifestyles for the better and found new passions in life. Whatever is helping you get through these rough times is also playing a part in figuring out our new normal. Make the REAL ID part of that new normal.

By Lue Dowdy

It’s a Love Jones type of vibe every last Wednesday of the month in Temecula at Shooter Sports Bar and Grill!

Tap in for “SO YOU SAY”, a night of Poetry and R&B music in your ear. Lue Productions showcases amazing artists from all over. If you would like to perform, please contact Lue Productions immediately for your spot.  Doors open at 8:00 pm, open mic starts at 8:15 pm ending at 9:15 pm, and main acts begin at 9:30 pm. There’s no performance fee and there’s no entry fee. We vibe out till 1:00 am with DJ TAI and your host LUE Dowdy. Grown and sexy only!

Remember Shooters Sport Bar and Grill every last Wednesday of the month. For Booking information, text 909.567.1000 or email Lue.info@yahoo.com.

Howard University is pleased to announce Kimberly Holmes-Iverson will serve as director of public relations in the Office of University Communications. Holmes-Iverson will lead the University’s media relations and communications strategy to increase Howard’s visibility and enhance its reputation as an internationally recognized research institution and preeminent Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

“I’m excited to work for such an esteemed institution,” said Holmes-Iverson. “Howard University is a true gift to our community. I feel my professional and life experiences have prepared me for this opportunity to share the stories that are living at Howard, which in turn, give life to us all. My vision along with a collaborative team effort will expound upon the brand, history and legacy of HU.”

Holmes-Iverson is an accomplished journalist who has a wealth of award-winning experience as a storyteller, bringing nearly two decades of communications and journalism experience to Howard University. She previously served as a morning anchor at the CBS affiliate on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Prior to that position, she covered countless stories while reporting, anchoring and producing investigative reports and specials at stations in Orlando, Florida and Cincinnati, Ohio. Her work has been recognized by the Emmy ® Awards, Associated Press, Religion Newswriters Association, and the National Association of Black Journalists.

“I am excited to bring Ms. Holmes-Iverson to Howard University,” said Frank Tramble, vice president and chief communications officer for Howard University. “Her experience with storytelling and leadership in newsrooms across the country will be crucial to helping us share stories of Howard’s community with the world. Her ability to bring new relationships and forge stronger relationships with the media is critical.”

Holmes-Iverson began her career behind the scenes as an associate producer in Miami, Florida and as an intern at Bloomberg Television’s Washington, D.C. bureau. Her passion for encouraging young people led her to teach journalism, media ethics & communication courses as an adjunct instructor at Salisbury University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She often draws upon her experience working in public relations at an education nonprofit in Washington, D.C. and communicating at a grassroots level while working on a gubernatorial campaign early in her career. Throughout the years, she has served as a mentor, volunteered with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and been the leader of a Girl Scout Troop. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Holmes-Iverson received her bachelor’s degree in public policy from Duke University and her master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. As the director of public relations, Holmes-Iverson will report to the vice president and chief communications officer. She will oversee the University’s public relations and communications strategy to expand Howard’s visibility and will work to strengthen relationships with the media.

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

YUCAIPA, CA— In October, Crafton Hills College (CHC) student leaders attended the annual summit conference of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Attendees met and shared ideas about promising practices in the education of Hispanic and Latinx students and opportunities in furthering their education and finding rewarding employment.

The conference invites HACU member institutions to collaborate, form alliances and partnerships and share strategies for promoting greater educational equity and achievement for Hispanic/Latinx students.

CHC is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), with 50 percent of its students identifying as Hispanic or Latinx. The college was recently recognized as a 2021 Equity Champion for Excellence in Transfer for Latinx students, an award given to California community colleges that confer high rates to associate degrees for transfer to Hispanic/Latinx students.

The college sent a handful of its students to attend the conference, including English major and Executive Assistant to the Student Government Sean Ceballos. He said he was excited to participate in the forum and learn about his options as a Latinx student in higher education. Ceballos started college a decade ago but soon dropped out. He returned recently to complete his education after becoming “flooded with ambition and an urge to make a change somewhere in the world.”

“Attending the conference allowed me to rub elbows with business professionals and learn what opportunities are present for someone in my situation,” he said. “I was able to get a lot of tips and advice, as well as make connections with people who could help me in my journey. I want to break so many generational curses and stigmas that follow someone like me with my background. I’m a disabled, queer minority with a troubled past, but a bright future.”

Students were given the opportunity to network and learn about internships, scholarships and job opportunities. The conference offered many workshops and panels with practical and soft skills, including tips for overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence in others.

Ceballos said the conference “emboldened” him and created new relationships that he hopes to someday develop into mentorships.

“With the knowledge, connections, and experience gained from the HACU conference, I know I can move forward with my professional goals at full steam and know that the opportunities are endless and that the professional world is becoming so much more inclusive,” said Ceballos. “There’s a place for me out there, and the conference has made me understand that.”

Ceballos said that all Hispanic/Latinx students should consider attending the HACU conference, especially if their goal is to create better opportunities for future generations.

Jessica Watkins, a 33-year-old female astronaut from Lafayette, Colorado, will make history in April 2022 when she becomes the first Black woman to live and work on the International Space Station.

Watkins will serve as a mission specialist on the ISS as part of the SpaceX Crew-4, which is the fourth batch of astronauts on a flight of a Crew Dragon spacecraft. She is one of the four members of the crew who will live on the ISS for six months.

Since 2017, Watkins has been an astronaut in NASA where she worked in its research centers, particularly on the Mars rover Curiosity. Her mission next year will be her first mission in space.

As a child, Watkins had always been inspired by iconic astronauts like Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, and Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Now, she hopes to be the one to inspire more children of color to pursue space travel.

“I do hope that all young girls, especially young girls of color that are interested in STEM and interested in exploring space, feel empowered to do so,” Watkins said, according to NPR. “I just hope young girls across the country feel that way now.”

After the ISS, Watkins, who had a background in geology and the surface of Mars, said she is also interested in traveling to Mars soon.