Tag Archives: slider

Grounded Studio Officially Opens in Downtown San Bernardino with the Mission to Heal Souls

Grounded Self-Care studio offers meditation, yoga and other self care practices for inner healing.

(Photo Credit: tianajanine_photography/Instagram)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Sunday, November 8, Grounded held its grand opening in the heart of Downtown San Bernardino. The Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Cities assisted with the promotion and support of the ribbon cutting, along with Assemblymember Eloise Reyes. Below are a few words that the founder, Destinee Frye, stated about her purpose and mission with Grounded:

It was all a dream. Chasing purpose is an interesting experience. My husband thought I was crazy, I thought I was crazy, but God said it was time, so I moved.

Yesterday, I saw people moved to tears, to laughter, breathing a little bit easier because they experienced a breakthrough, they didn’t know they needed.

(Photo Credit: tianajanine_photography/Instagram)

All a reminder that all of the sacrifice was worth it. I chose my purpose over emotions, over expectations, over opinions, over logic, over common sense, over comfort, and I’ll keep choosing it over and over again. 

Thank you to everyone who has believed in the process, new believers, and the ones that have been rocking with me since the beginning. WE did it! And we’re just getting started! 

Grounded Self-Care Studio is located at 381 N E Street in San Bernardino. 

(Photo Credit: tianajanine_photography/Instagram)

Barack and Michelle Obama and Others, Congratulate President-Elect Joe Biden, and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris

By Derek Major

Former Vice President Joe Biden has now become President-Elect after being named the projected winner of the 2020 presidential election. Supporters were quick to show their support.

“Finally, I want to thank everyone who worked, organized and volunteered for the Biden campaign, every American who got involved in their own way and everybody who voted for the first time,” Obama wrote. “I know it can be exhausting, but for this democracy to endure, it requires our active citizenship and sustained focus on the issues—not just in an election season, but all the days in between.”

Biden was declared the winner Saturday morning, after days of ballot counting, protests, and Donald Trump’s wildly false claims about election fraud. Biden won states on both coasts, including Washington, California, Oregon, and Nevada as well as New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey. But it was the states in the middle of the country that made the difference. Biden and Harris also took Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, the last two of which flipped from Republican.

The former first lady also congratulated Biden and his wife, Jill, as well as Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff.

“I’m beyond thrilled that my friend @JoeBiden and our first Black and Indian-American woman Vice President, @KamalaHarris, are headed to restore some dignity, competence, and heart at the White House. Our country sorely needs it,” the former first lady wrote on Twitter.

Hillary and Bill Clinton also expressed their congratulations to Biden’s and Harris for winning the White House.

“America has spoken and democracy has won,” tweeted former President Bill Clinton, less than an hour after the Associated Press officially called the election for Biden after receiving the 270 electoral college votes necessary. Hillary Clinton wrote “It’s a history-making ticket, a repudiation of Trump, and a new page for America.”

CNN reported Sunday Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) both called and congratulated Joe Biden on his election victory. They were the only two Republicans to express their support to Biden and Harris.

Community Action Partnership Hosts Annual Turkey Giveaway

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, November 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County in collaboration with Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy and San Bernardino Valley College will be hosting their annual turkey giveaway at San Bernardino Valley College located at 701 South Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. 

Due to COVID, there are some restrictions. The restrictions include: Must pre-register online to attend; must be a resident of San Bernardino County; and one vehicle per household may participate. Please register at: https://annualturkey.eventbrite.com. Entrance begins at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Avenue at Esperanza Street. 

County Working Behind the Scenes to Encourage State Flexibility

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— A number of residents have asked what County leaders are doing to persuade Gov. Gavin Newsom and other State officials to offer more flexibility on COVID-related restrictions and allow more businesses to reopen. Make no mistake, the County has been hard at work on a daily basis throughout the pandemic trying to influence leaders in Sacramento.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman says he and other County officials and staff are in contact with federal, State and local officials on a daily basis. Much of this effort focuses on requesting alterations in State guidelines and securing additional pandemic-related resources for the county.

These efforts have delivered some notable results. Specifically, we have worked with the State to resume business activities serving communities in Purple Tier counties such as ours. Some of these specific businesses and activities we have fought to open include:

  • Personal care services
  • Campgrounds and outdoor recreation (with modifications)
  • Hotels and lodging (with modifications)
  • Libraries, retailers and shopping malls (25% capacity)
  • Youth sports
  • Allowing for in-person worship in churches and places of worship with restrictions. 

We have also secured commitments from the State for additional testing and critical financial resources, as well as:

  • Waivers that have allowed 100 schools in the county to open for in-person instruction
  • More than $13 million to help provide temporary and permanent housing for the county’s homeless residents
  • More than $50 million in federal CARES Act funding for a variety of services associated with combating COVID-19
  • Almost $40 million to help backfill revenue losses associated with the pandemic

Our efforts to relax state mandates

While the County’s efforts have resulted in the State’s providing of additional resources, Chairman Hagman says convincing the governor to relax many of the State’s pandemic-related mandates has been a much harder sell.

Specifically, San Bernardino County has pushed hard for the state to recognize our county’s unique characteristics (primarily our immense geography), that would allow less populated rural areas to be treated differently than densely populated urban areas.

“We not only are the largest county in the lower 48 states, but we also have remote communities that have experienced literally zero infections,” Chairman Hagman said. “So we’ve been asking the State to allow us to adjust requirements based on things like population and infection rates. We’ve also emphasized a variety of practical challenges — such as requiring churches in desert communities to hold worship services outdoors when temperatures approach and exceed 100 degrees.”

He believes Governor Newsom is concerned about setting precedents for counties that don’t share San Bernardino’s unique conditions, but will nevertheless demand similar accommodations. Still, Chairman Hagman emphasizes that the County has no intention of easing up on its efforts.

“We have been very vocal in advocating a relaxation of many of the rules associated with reopening businesses, and have been particularly aggressive in seeking accommodations for churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship,” he said. “We’ve seen some success in that area, but are continuing to press our efforts.”

Ignoring the State not a viable option

Though some residents have argued that the county should either simply ignore the State’s directives or take a much more aggressive approach in demanding accommodations, Chairman Hagman said the county’s more cooperative tone has yielded better results — and that defying the State presents a number of unacceptable risks.

“In most of our communications, we have emphasized our willingness to work with the state for the benefit of county residents and others throughout California,” he said. “I am convinced that our cooperative attitude and tone has brought more benefits to San Bernardino County, and that a belligerent attitude would likely backfire.”

Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson, Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes Among Those to Be Re-Elected

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY—- As we await to see will win the Presidential election, we can celebrate on the local side of things. Mayor of Rialto, Deborah Robertson and Assemblymember Eloise Reyes Gomez were among those who were re-elected. So, congratulations to those ladies. They have both been instrumental in bringing about major change to the community. Other good news is that Proposition 17 was passed as well as Proposition 22, and Proposition 20 was rejected. 

Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes

Proposition 17 / Free the Vote Act is an amendment to the California constitution restoring the right to vote for people on parole. Now, over 50,000 people on parole in California will be able to vote in the next election. SOI is proud to be a part of the coalition of organizers that worked on the campaign to free the vote. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers that phone banked, did voter registration and helped to get out the vote. 

Proposition 20 was a prison spending scam that would have put more people in prison with longer sentences by turning misdemeanors to felonies and reducing parole options. California rejected Prop 20 and returning back to tough on crime policies.

California voters listened to the hundreds of thousands of drivers like you who want to remain independent. Your story, your voice and your support made this possible, and victory for Prop 22 wouldn’t have happened without you. With the passage of Prop 22, you get to keep your flexibility and will gain new historic benefits.

To see the results for San Bernardino County, please click below

Rialto’s Krystal Yvonne and WSSN Affiliate Participates in Lady MV Model Competition, Mixer

On Sunday, November 8, please join women’s fashion and accessories retailer, Lady MV, for an exclusive fashion show competition and model mixer. The mixer will take place at 6 p.m./PST across Lady MV’s social platforms (Facebook, Instagram) @ladymv. Krystal Yvonne’s social handle is @krystal_yvonne. The winner will receive a cash prize of $500, as well as other prizes. 

First 5 San Bernardino Hosts Drive Thru Trunk-Or-Treat

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Don’t let COVID put a damper on your kids celebrating Halloween! On Friday, October 30 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., First 5 San Bernardino will be hosting a Drive Thru Trunk-or-Treat. The event will be held at Arrowhead United Way located at 646 North D. Street in San Bernardino. 

First 5 San Bernardino will be recognizing Pastor Derek Smith and the congregation of Loveland Church for their generous donation of diapers and wipes to serve hundreds of children and families in San Bernardino County. 

Kinder kits will be available at the event and will include: 1 glue stick, 1 pair of scissors, 1 pencil box, a coloring page, 3 books, 1 pencil, 1 large eraser, 1 pack of crayons, and 1 kid’s clothing item. Lunch/dinner will be provided between 2:20 and 3:30 p.m.

This is a FREE event, but space is limited. 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Honors Community Leaders Dr. Judy D. White, Damon Alexander

RIVERSIDE, CA—- As part of its longstanding history, the San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will honor two outstanding community leaders with the Dorothy Inghram Social Action Advocate Award on Sunday, November 8, 2020.

The Chapter proudly announces the selection of Dr. Judy D. White as a 2020 honoree in recognition of her inspirational leadership and invaluable contribution to the growth and educational development of Inland Empire students. Dr. White recently announced her retirement after 42 years of service in public education, effective November 1.

Mr. Damon Alexander, an active community leader, public servant, and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated is also selected as a 2020 honoree, recognizing his tireless contributions to the increased political awareness and involvement throughout our Inland Empire communities. Mr. Alexander is currently running for the San Bernardino City Council, representing the 7th Ward.

“Due to COVID-19 we cancelled our annual Culmination program in May where we would have publicly recognized Dr. White and Mr. Alexander,” said President, Erica Shorts. “But we are planning a wonderful virtual event on November 8 and we hope their family, friends, supporters and the community will join us as we celebrate two individuals who have done so much to improve the lives of individuals and families living throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties.”

The Dorothy Inghram Social Action Advocate Award honors the legacy of Ms. Dorothy Ella Inghram, a long time resident of the City of San Bernardino who blazed the trail for black educators when in 1942, she became the first black teacher in San Bernardino County and later the first black principal. In 1953, she became the first black school district superintendent in California. Before her death in 2012 at the age of 106, she authored five books. Ms. Inghram was also a charter member of the San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter, which started in 1959.

The Dorothy Inghram Social Action Advocate Award program will take place via Zoom on Sunday, November 8, 2020, at 2:00PM. To register visit for the event visit www.sbraac-dst.org.

Invitation to Join Senator Kamala Harris, Maya Harris, Andrew Yang with Special Guests

The Biden for President Victory Fund invites the public to join Senator Kamala Harris, Maya Harris, Andrew Young, and special guests for “A Celebration” on Saturday, October 24, 2020. The time will be announced upon registration. 

Special guests include Margaret Cho, Connie Chung, David Henry Hwang, Padma Lakshmi, Lucy Liu, Aasif Mandvi, Kumail Nanjiani, Ravi Patel, Lou Diamond Philips, Maggie Q, Lea Salonga, and George Takei. 

Video calls will also be provided to all confirmed guests 24 hours prior to the event. To register, please visit https://secure.joebiden.com/a/aapi-celebration?attr=103876375.

For more information, please contact Sreyashe Dhar at sdhar@joebiden.com.  RSVP is REQIRED. 

SoCal Women’s Cancer Conference Returns

RIVERSIDE, CA— – The 4th annual SoCal Women’s Cancer Conference led by The Pink Ribbon Place, a program of Riverside Community Health Foundation, and co-hosted by Anthem Blue Cross returns this year on October 21-24 for the English conference, and October 28-31 for the Spanish conference. This four-day virtual conference is a one-of-a-kind event that focuses on what it means to be a woman and a cancer survivor. This event promises to offer a memorable and incredible experience for all participants!

Breakout sessions during the conference include intimacy during cancer, navigating cannabis and the connection between genetics and cancer.

To kick-off the 4-day event, live speakers on October 21 will include: Dr. Shannon La Cava, Chief Clinical Officer at Cancer Support Community Los Angeles and Monique Tiffany, MSN, RN, Regional Medical Specialist II for Myriad Genetics, Inc. Dr. La Cava will explore finding meaning, purpose, and joy while living with a cancer diagnosis and COVID-19 isolation and Monique will identify the common body changes that occur during and after cancer treatment that may affect sexual health.

The cancer conference will feature over 40 speakers and eight categories of information related to cancers of the breast, gynecological, colorectal, skin, and more.

The English conference begins October 21 through October 24. Registration is now open at www.socalwcc.org. The Spanish conference begins October 28 through October 31. One can also register for the conference in Spanish at espanol.socalwcc.org.