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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Make Santa proud and make a child’s Christmas special by donating to Community Action Partnerships 2023 holiday toy drive. The Drive will be held from Thursday, November 29, 2023, to Friday, December 15, 2023. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Community Action Partnership San Bernardino County (Attn: Family Development Program) located at 696 Tippecanoe Avenue, San Bernardino, California 92408. For those that want to make a monetary donation, it can be made at CAPSBC.org/holidayvirtualtoydrive. Please make checks payable to Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County.

CAPS most pressing gift need is gifts for 14- to 17-year-olds. This could be sports equipment, electronics, board games, art supplies, self-care essentials, etc. For more information, contact Charles Karsch at ckarsch@capsbc.org or (909) 723-1573 or Dennis Collier at dcollier@capsbc.org or (909) 723-1571.

Eyeam Cinema’s new film “Clinic” is both entertaining and thought-provoking on the subject of popular cosmetic procedures that compel women to put their health and lives at risk.

ATLANTA, GA—- A new thriller with a unique storyline and surprising plot twist goes behind the operating curtain of an underground cosmetic surgery clinic where a myriad of terrifying encounters await. Clinic takes viewers on a suspense-filled journey into a clinic that upends one woman’s life forever. The latest movie released by the Atlanta-based female filmmaker duo Aleshia Cowser Jackson and Sharna L. Brown, Clinic follows a young single mother who decides to get a Brazilian Butt Lift against professional opinion. What was meant to be a three-hour procedure turns into a fight for her life and the gut-wrenching ordeal is portrayed on screen by Eyeam Cinema. Clinic is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.

“We’re proud of this film,” says Aleshia Cowser Jackson, the founder and CEO of Eyeam Cinema. “Our goal with this film, as with all of our films, was to find the middle ground between entertainment and intentionality. We know the power of media. Thus, our films are intended to be both thought-provoking and entertaining, and this film raises some pretty complex questions.”

Tough topics are the norm for Jackson and Brown, who write, direct and produce their own films, as well as provide full-service production and distribution services for other filmmakers and creatives seeking to bring their ideas to life.

The movie Clinic is a prime example of Eyeam Cinema’s commitment to its unique form of collaboration. Eyeam Cinema teamed up with director and cinematographer Aarron Tyson, the CEO of Music Mob. Tyson served as a creative producer and music composer on Clinic–lending a variety of talents to aid in the success of the project.

“Our entire approach is collaborative, from start to finish,” shares Sharna Brown, the president and Chief Operating Officer of Eyeam Cinema. “We love teaming up with others who share a similar passion for excellent storytelling and filmmaking. We’re here to help our clients achieve the highest quality content and production.”

Clinic is directed by Aleshia Cowser Jackson, and Aarron Tyson, and written by Aleshia Cowser Jackson, Mel Jackson, and Abdul Majid. The movie stars Candice Marie Singleton, Alex Will Brooks and Shavonia Jones.

Mel Jackson, known for his acting roles in Soulfood, The Temptations and Deliver Us from Eva, took on the role of Executive Producer and screenwriter for Clinic, researching and writing on a topic that he believes is timely and important.

“In exploring a solid motivation for our antagonist, I discovered Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and realized it was a compelling and serendipitous opportunity to integrate this important topic into our story,” states Executive Producer, Mel Jackson. “The whole team agreed and believed that by addressing issues like BDD inside the art, we could enrich the work for the actors, profoundly impact our viewers’ experience and hopefully make a positive difference in society,” Jackson states.

About Eyeam Cinema
Eyeam Cinema is a full-service production company committed to providing audiences with fresh and exciting stories that touch hearts, make audiences laugh, and think deeply about the world around them. Established in 2014 by Aleshia Crowser Jackson and Sharna L. Brown, the Atlanta-based production company offers a comprehensive range of services to help filmmakers and creatives bring their projects to life. From conception to completion, Eyeam Cinema’s team of directors, producers, and actors work to ensure that every film contains the highest quality content and production. Eyeam Cinema’s diverse catalog is featured on a variety of streaming platforms including BET+, Prime Video, Lifetime Movie Network, TubiTV, AspireTV, and Pureflix. To learn more visit www.EyeamCinema.com.

By Tanu Henry, Lila Brown and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Last week, the California Commission on Aging (CCoA) announced that it has re-elected Cheryl Brown as its Chair at its November 9, general meeting in Sacramento.

“Chair Brown will guide the Commission with Vice-Chair David Lindeman, who was also re-elected for the 2024 term,” read the press statement from the CCoA.

Brown, who served two terms in the Assembly representing the 47th district from 2012 to 2016, brings a diverse personal, professional, and public experience, as well as range of skills, to her role on the Commission, including working as a family caregiver. Brown has served as a county urban planner and she is the former co-publisher of the Black Voice News in Riverside, along with her husband Hardy Brown.

After winning re-election, Brown thanked the CCoA.

“I believe in the “California for All” message. To that effort, I want to make multi-generational activities key. We will celebrate 50 Years as a Commission next year and I’m looking forward to leading that effort,” said Brown, who served as a founding member of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the California Master Plan on Aging (MPA), in a statement.

The CCoA praised Brown for her accomplishments during her first term.

“Chair Brown led the advancement of CCoA policy priorities, and legislation, and raised the visibility of the Commission,” the statement read.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—On Tuesday, Oct. 17, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Ramona-Alessandro and Lankershim Elementary Schools, Del Vallejo Leadership & STEAM Academy and Middle College High School (MCHS).

The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Grandparent/Volunteer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the district’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.

Ramona-Alessandro Elementary School, Principal Teresa Hopkins:
Vivionna Hamilton is a fifth grader and Outstanding Student. Hamilton is a driven scholar who excels in whatever she sets her mind to. She does well academically, plays saxophone in the advanced band and plays on the after-school softball team. Hamilton also works well with others and is very helpful, even representing her classmates as a student council member. Hamilton aspires to become a nurse.

Jason Johnson is a sixth grader and Outstanding Student. Johnson has a good attitude, is in school every day and is helpful to others. He doesn’t give up easily and is quick to correct any mistakes. He currently plays on Alessandro’s soccer team and promotes leadership on the field. Johnson wants to play college basketball or football while studying architecture and engineering in college.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Cathlene Botello is dedicated to Ramona-Alessandro’s School Site Council, providing suggestions and feedback to improve the school. She is a member of Alessandro’s Tiger University, which empowers families to build healthy relationships and college and career readiness for scholars. Botello plays a pivotal role in the lives of her children and makes a positive difference in the lives of others.

Secretary Ashley Dorsey is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Dorsey has an unwavering commitment to Ramona-Alessandro and the community. She has a collaborative spirit and the ability to work with others. Her participation with the PBIS team and family nights and other events contributes to Alessandro’s positive culture and success. Dorsey inspires others through her positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Demonstration teacher Shannan Usher is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Usher prioritizes the academic and personal growth of her scholars above all else. She holds the belief that every scholar can succeed and tailors the instruction to meet their diverse learning needs. Usher views each day as an opportunity to ignite scholar’s curiosity, inspire critical thinking, and foster a love of learning.

Lankershim Elementary School, Principal Evette Peters:

Veronnika Palmer is a fourth-grader and Outstanding Student. Palmer is very kind and helpful. She helps her classmates if she sees they are struggling. She is always on task, has a very positive attitude and tries to excel at all she does! Palmer plans to study Environmental Science in college to help protect plants because they are a valued food source, and she wants them to still be around.

Diego Ramirez is a sixth-grader and Outstanding Student. Ramirez’s enthusiasm for learning is not only obvious from his exceptional grades but also in the way he inspires his classmates to reach for new heights. His leadership in group projects and his willingness to help others in need have enriched the classroom environment. Ramirez wants to attend college and join a Major League Baseball team.

Outstanding Parent Award winner Samantha Liotta has been actively involved at Lankershim since her oldest child was in kindergarten, and he is now a high school senior. She has volunteered in numerous classes over the years, and she continues to help teachers long after her own children have moved on to other classes. School staff are proud to call her a Lankershim Lion.

Bilingual Attendance Assistant Susie Vazquez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Vazquez goes beyond just marking attendance. Her commitment, skills, professionalism and genuine passion for her role have not only strengthened Lankershim’s attendance system, but also built invaluable connections with the diverse scholar and parent community.

Kindergarten Teacher Gail Shaw is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Shaw has been a beacon of commitment and excellence in education for more than 30 years. Gail consistently goes the extra mile for her students and their parents, ensuring they receive the utmost support for academic achievement. She works tirelessly to ensure that she is aligned to site and District goals and focuses on results together as she leads her kindergarten team.

Del Vallejo Leadership & STEAM Academy, Principal Jackie Maner:

Eighth-grader Tyree Hollins is an Outstanding Student. Hollins is a kind and extremely respectful young man. He always gives 110% to the task at hand. He is a role model on campus and is always the first scholar to volunteer to help others. Hollins doesn’t know which college he wants to attend, but he knows he wants to make friends and enjoy life.

Kimberly Nguyen is an eighth-grader and Outstanding Student. Nguyen’s drive to learn pushes those around her to reach higher in an effort to keep up. She is also compassionate, going out of her way to help her peers and staff. Nguyen’s favorite class is STEAM, and she credits her teacher Nicholas Destasio for helping her to express her creativity in a meaningful way. Her career goal is to become an animatronics designer.

Marisol Delgado is an Outstanding Parent Award winner. Delgado is a constant presence on the Del Vallejo campus. She is more than an advocate for her son. She is his champion. Whether it’s volunteering to attend field trips, participating on parent advisory councils or serving as a liaison between the District and school, Delgado is all in. She helps to make Del Vallejo a great place to learn and grow.

Outstanding Custodian I Marcelle Baber is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Baber has been essential in the maintenance of a safe and positive environment at Del Vallejo by way of the cleanliness of the campus and the pride and enthusiasm he takes in performing his daily tasks. His productivity and outcomes reflect his dedication to SBCUSD and the community at large. And as an employee and a human being impacting the lives of children, Baber is a testament to the true spirit of Basics of Excellence.

Elizabeth Thomas is an Outstanding Certificated Employee and Middle School Science Teacher. She approaches her work and customer service with positivity and optimism. Her approach to education is deeply rooted in doing what’s best for every person she encounters. And Thomas’s actions and work habits are guided by her sense of purpose, positive passion and emotional commitment to her students.

Middle College High School, Principal James Espinoza:

Senior Anthony A. Lopez is an Outstanding Student. Lopez works hard in all of his classes, both high school and college, and currently has a 4.82 G.P.A. As an exemplary Peer Leader, he goes out of his way to help his classmates and the MCHS staff. During a recent Peer Leader event, Lopez worked behind the scenes supporting others and problem-solving. Lopez plans to continue his college education at UCLA before serving others through a career in medicine.

Nishia McCain is a senior and an Outstanding Student. She started Middle College’s first Mock Trial team and scored perfect 10s as a defense or prosecution lead attorney in every match. As ASB president, she’s demonstrated her passionate, creative, risk-taking and totally collaborative leadership style that has inspired every grade level and club this year. McCain plans to become a civil rights attorney, where she will serve our community and close equity gaps.

Hardy Brown, Jr. is an Outstanding Parent. Brown is an amazing advocate for MCHS, promoting the dual enrollment site as a means for closing equity and college completion gaps. He’s influenced many students and their families in their decision to apply to and attend MCHS, not just his own children, Peyton, a current 10th-grade student, and Jordan, a 2016 alumnus. And Hardy Brown, Jr.’s speech at the school’s 10-year anniversary was truly inspiring.

Custodian I Silvia Hernandez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Hernandez demonstrates love for the MCHS Wolverine family by working tirelessly to make sure the site is clean and ready to provide a welcoming and accommodating place for students and visitors. Hernandez goes above and beyond in all she does, including picking up all trash on the perimeter of the school each morning before the school day starts.

Math Teacher, Dept. Chair, Math/Tech Coach Axel Olson is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Olson is known for his positive passion and has a sense of purpose, seeking to close student equity gaps and meet Middle College goals. During distance learning, he served by helping the entire MCHS staff become experts in Google Classroom.

Congratulations to our former intern Noelle Lilley. She and her news team at Channel 12 News in the Bronx, New York won their first Emmy. They won it for a story that Ms. Lilley covered earlier this year about a funeral of a New York police officer that was killed in the line of duty. Noelle is an inspiration to us here at the Westside Story Newspaper.

YUCAIPIA, CA— Crafton Hills College (Crafton) is a 2023 Equity Champion for Higher Education, a designation from the Campaign for College Opportunity, in recognition of its work in supporting and improving Black student transfer to universities.

The Campaign for College Opportunity recognized Crafton and 26 other community colleges and universities for ensuring strong pathways to earning an associate degree for Transfer (ADT) for students of color and for supporting transfer to universities are supported on a guaranteed pathway to earning a degree.

“Supporting our transfer students to help them reach their academic goals is core to our institution’s mission,” said Crafton President Dr. Kevin Horan. “We are incredibly proud of all of our hard-working students and graduates, and grateful for every single staff and faculty member who is doing their part to ensure our students have what they need to make it to their transfer goals.”

Crafton and other awarded colleges were recognized by the Campaign for College Opportunity on November 14 during an awards celebration. The institutions recognized for the Equity Champion designation led the way in supporting Black students to earn an ADT with at least 65% of their Black associate-degree earners receiving ADT and ensuring that Black students earn ADTs at rates comparable to their peers.

“For nearly a decade, the ADT has given community college students struggling to navigate a complicated transfer maze a clear path to success with a degree to show for their hard work,” said Jessie Ryan, executive vice president of the Campaign for College Opportunity and former community college transfer student. “As colleges grapple with pandemic-induced enrollment declines, we laud the 27-community college and CSU campuses that continue to forge ahead for students by strengthening the transfer pathway and removing unacceptable equity barriers in transfer for Latinx, Black, and first-generation college students across the state.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino County Probation Department received funds for an intensive probation supervision program for high-risk DUI offenders with multiple DUI convictions.

The $645,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), approved by the Board of Supervisors, will go toward additional proactive home contacts with probationers to make sure they are following court-ordered terms of their probation and prevent probationers from re-offending.

“Our monitoring program supports probationers to stay on track with treatment and other court-ordered measures,” Chief Probation Officer Tracy Reece said. “The goal is that with additional supervision and treatment options, it will reduce the number of probationers who are re-arrested for DUI offenses.”

The probation grant will also pay for warrant operations targeting probation violations and/or DUI suspects who do not appear in court, alcohol testing, treatment compliance, DMV restrictions, and special weekend, evening, and holiday operations to enforce terms of probation.

“Monitoring programs are critical to reducing the devastating consequences of DUI offenses,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Prevention is an effective, proactive tool to address the often-tragic consequences of impaired driving.”

The grant program runs through September 2024.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr, RPh, MD, FAPCR a New Orleans and Shreveport, LA distinguished gynecologist was recently elected President of the Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research (APCR). Dr. Weather assumes the role of the first African American to hold this esteemed position in the organization’s history.

Dr. Weather’s extensive academic background includes a Pharmacy degree from Howard University and an MD from Rush Medical College in Chicago, IL. He further honed his expertise through comprehensive training, completing his internship, residency, and fellowship in gynecology and obstetrics at the renowned Johns Hopkins University Hospital.

Beyond his medical accomplishments, Dr. Weather is a multifaceted individual, embodying roles as a health educator, professor, ordained minister, artist, author, and photographer. His literary contributions include three inspirational poetry books, an infertility handbook, and his most recent publication, Endometriosis the Name of the Pain and How to Repress It, released in June 2023.

As an active gynecological clinical trials researcher, Dr. Weather has presented over 210 peer-reviewed presentations and papers, specializing in pelviscopic surgical treatment of infertility, endometriosis, pelvic pain, and uterine fibroids. Notably, he is credited with inventing the revolutionary surgical procedure known as Optical Dissection Pelviscopy, a groundbreaking advancement in laparoscopic surgery that aids in the prevention of organ injury.

Dr. Weather’s impact extends beyond the APCR, as he is the Past President of the National Medical Association, the Louisiana Medical Association, and the New Orleans Medical Association. He currently holds a position as a board member of the State of Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners and serves as the National President of Chi Delta Mu Medical Fraternity.

The APCR is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to advancing the fields of clinical practice, academic research, and pharmaceutical industry engagement in clinical research (clinical trials). Its mission encompasses the prevention and cure of diseases, as well as safeguarding the welfare of patients and study subjects through the acquisition, dissemination, and evaluation of knowledge concerning medicine and device development.

The APCR provides a vital platform for enhanced education, professional development, qualification, and certification for physicians participating in clinical research endeavors. It is the sole organization representing the physician research community within the American Medical Association (AMA), thus influencing national policies on numerous issues related to clinical research.

Dr. Weather brings a wealth of expertise, dedication, and vision to his role as President of the APCR. His historic election is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the medical field and his commitment to advancing clinical research.

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is joining local governments, advocates, and other partners to launch the United Against Hate Week (UAHW) in Berkeley on Nov. 13.

The initiative was started by local government leaders and elected officials in the Bay Area after several hate groups held rallies in San Francisco and Berkeley.

UAHW activities organized to raise awareness about hate and promote cross-racial and ethnic unity will run from Nov. 12 to 18.

“The week is marked by individuals and community organizations coming together to host events and take action to help combat a national and statewide increase in hate,” reads a press release from the CRD.

“In California, reported hate crimes have reached their highest levels since 2001 — jumping more than 20% from 2021 to 2022. As part of the state’s response to hate, the California Civil Rights Department recently launched CA vs Hate, a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal,” the press release continues.

Held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center in Berkeley, the Nov. 13 launch ceremony featured several prominent speakers, including Becky Monroe, Deputy Director, Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs at the California Civil Rights Department; Rick Callender, President of the California and Hawaii State Conference, NAACP; Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco); Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín. Ilan Davidson, President, L.A. County Commission on Human Relations; Patrice O’Neill, Founder and Co-Director, Not In Our Town; Pardeep Singh Kaleka, Senior Strategic Advisor, Not In Our Town.

On November 6, California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber released her department’s latest voter Report of Registration in anticipation of the March 2024 primary elections.

The report, which covers a 154-day period ending Oct. 3, 2024, provides a running count of California voter registrations with data gathered from elections offices in the state’s 58 counties.

About 22.1 million people or 82.91% of eligible voters in the state have registered to vote.

Among registered voters, Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 50% with 46.82% or 10.3 million voters. Republicans account for 23.9% (5.2 million voters) followed by voters with no party preference at 22.2% (4.9 million voters).

Californians who are registered to vote can also check or change their pollical party and vote-by-mail preferences on the Secretary of State’s website.

The Report of Registration includes:

• Voter registration by political party, county, city, congressional district, state senate district, state assembly district, state board of equalization district, county supervisorial district, and political subdivision
• Statewide voter registration by age group and by county
• Historical comparisons to previous reports in odd-numbered year
• Voter registration by political bodies attempting to qualify as political parties (by county)

Californians who are not yet registered to vote can do so or update their voter registration online as well.