What it do with Lue

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

Two organizations have made commitments to invest in local Black-owned media in California.

Last year, The California Endowment, a foundation dedicated to promoting environments that support healthy living in the state, committed $300,000 to California Black Media (CBM) for the next two years. The money will be used to expand a program that provides direct grants to support the local news reporting capacity of Black media news outlets across the states.

“Information is as important as the air that we breathe and the water we drink,” says Regina Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media. “Supporting our Black Media Sustainability Initiative (BMSI) helps our partners across the state continue the work we do to empower the public with information and news that are vital to the decisions Black Californians make and it determines how – and how well — we live,” said Regina Wilson, Executive Director of CBM.

Last week, Experian, one of the country’s top credit and information services companies, also donated 75,000 to CBM to support the program. The gift is part of a broader global initiative the company is undertaking to “empower vulnerable people to improve their financial health through education and action.”

Experian supported three other nonprofit organizations that serve Black communities across the United States: The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the National Newspaper Publisher Association (NNPA), and the LaGrant Foundation (TLF).

Experian donated a total of $375,000 to the organizations.

“Nonprofits have been a critical resource for underserved communities and continue to be resilient in the face of the health and financial crises caused by the pandemic,” said Abigail Lovell, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility at Experian. Globally, the company employs 20,000 people in 44 countries.

“In addition to our work together and reaching out with the message of financial inclusion for all, this is an opportunity to provide real support with their general operating expenses. We hope the funds will enable them to strengthen their impact in the communities that need help the most and lessen the wealth gap in society,” Lovell said.

Experian says the company’s donation to the four nonprofit organizations will directly support African American communities at a time when so many people are recovering from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will be used to cover operating expenses and to contribute to the development of innovative programs that improve the lives of people in those communities.

CBM’s BMSI program currently supports local news reporting at four Black-owned-and-operated news publishers across the state, including the Sacramento Observer, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint, Inglewood Today and the Inland Valley News. Over the last six months, local news reporting at media outlets participating in the program has increased by more than 90 %. More than 130 original news stories have been published.

Wilson says this year she expects to regrant money to more news publishers to support their local news reporting.

“When we began raising money to support the Black Press about 10 years ago, pitching the idea of how important it is to help sustain strong and accountable local media — and Black local media in particular — was a much harder sell than it is today,” says Wilson.“

There is so much more interest and understanding of how critical those things are to the strength of our communities and democracy now,” Wilson added. “We look forward to working with more organizations to continue to do this work to strengthen journalism that serves the public interest.”

Omnitrans will be holding a job fair! The job fair will be held Saturday January 29, 9 AM to 2 PM at its main offices, located at 1700 W. Fifth Street, San Bernardino. Interviews will be conducted on-sight with contingent offers made to qualified candidates! Open positions include Coach Operators, Stops and Stations Workers and Vehicle Service Workers. A signing bonus of up to $1,000 will be offered!

The McDonald’s All-American Games is where hype becomes legacy and is the next step in the journey from being a local standout, to five-star recruit, and ultimately to becoming a household name. This year, a new generation is set to leave it all on the court as more than 760 girls and boys high school basketball players from across the country have been nominated for the chance to play in the 45th anniversary McDonald’s All-American Games – including 2 players from Riverside – representing 1 girl player and 1 boy player1. The annual event will return this March to showcase the nation’s rising stars who will go head-to-head at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena.

Players were nominated by a high school coach, athletic director, principal or member of the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee, which is comprised of the nation’s most knowledgeable analysts, prep scouts, media and prestigious basketball coaches. The local players nominated for the chance to play in the 2022 McDonald’s All-American Games are:

Londynn Jones, Centennial High School, Corona

Chance Stephens, Riverside Poly High School, Riverside

The new class of nominees joins a legendary group of athletes who, over four decades, have been nominated for a chance to play in the nation’s premiere showcase – including Michael Jordan, Candace Parker, LeBron James, Maya Moore, Trae Young, Breanna Stewart, and many more of your favorite hoopers.

A complete list of 2022 McDonald’s All American Games Nominees is available at mcdaag.com.

The top 24 girls and 24 boys selected to play in the 2022 McDonald’s All American Games will be revealed Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022 on ESPN’s “NBA Today” between 3-4 p.m. ET.

Fans can then tune in to the McDonald’s All American Girls Game on Tuesday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and the Boys Game immediately following on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET. @McDAAG 

Be sure to follow @McDAAG on Twitter and Instagram to receive exclusive access to 2022 McDonald’s All American Games announcements and a behind-the-scenes look at current and past McDonald’s All Americans.

About McDonald’s USA 

McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent business owners. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.

28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk-a-thon: Join us on January 17th as we pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! This year our theme is ‘A Legacy of Strength, A Future of Action’. Our 5K walk will start at Stratton Center and end at the Riverside Main Library with a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on Main Street. Free shuttle services back to Stratton Center will be available every half hour beginning at 11 am. Registration will begin at 7:30 AM at Stratton Center. The Walk will begin promptly at 10 AM at the entrance of the Center. Free shuttle service back to Stratton Center will be available every half hour beginning at 11 AM. After the walk join us for a short program (honoring local honorees), booths, entertainment, performances and a contest for the organization with the greatest number of walkers. This year’s Honorees include: Councilmember Erin Edward, Dr. Judy White, Andy Melendrez, Leila Bensaid, and Chani Beeman. Proceeds from the Walk-A-Thon will benefit the Riverside African American Historical Society to support: The Civil Rights Institute, Clarke & Grier College Scholarships and for the maintenance and upkeep of the Martin Luther King Jr. statue.

2022 MLK Day of Service-Exchange club of Fontana: Residents of all ages and backgrounds are invited to advance the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 2022 MLK Day of Service on January 21. Join hundreds of volunteers in making it a “day on, not a day off” by completing service projects throughout the community. To volunteer, please register by contacting Brock Champion at bchampion@ofy.org or call (909) 315-9154. Participants will complete a variety of projects such as painting, beautifying schools, serving meals, and more. To make the event a success, local Fontana-area service projects are needed.  Non-profit organizations are invited to submit their (3) hour project requests to Brock Champion at bchampion@ofy.org or call (909) 315-9154.

21st Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast: The MLK Breakfast Tribute will be Monday, January 17, 2022, from 8:30am to 11:00am. Workshops following from 11:30am to 1:00pm. at the Ontario Airport Doubletree Hotel. Sponsors welcome, advertise in our program book. Looking forward to seeing you there. Please RSVP to Trudy Coleman at (909) 418-8530. or Alice Anderson at (909) 717-9448.

City of Inglewood 39th Annual King Fest Celebration: The 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is almost here! The event will be held on Monday, January 17, 2022, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and include a commemorative parade and family festival at the Fabulous Forum. You don’t want to miss the 39th annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King. Masks and proof of vaccination for persons 12 years and older are required by organizer for entry into the festival. For more information on sponsorship, vendor opportunities, and parade participation, contact the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department: (310) 412-8750.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon: Monday, January 17, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Hilton Garden Inn Victorville located at 12603 Mariposa Road in Victorville. For tickets, go here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-luncheon-tickets-222073657287

Black Lives Matter Pasadena Martin Luther King Protest: Black Lives Matter Pasadena will be leading a protest beginning at the corner of Raymond Avenue and Holly Street. The protest will be on Monday, January 17, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Corner of Raymond Avenue and Holly Street at 85 E Holly Street in Pasadena.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service (Virtual): The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), invites you to the 9th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This event will be held virtually via Zoom. This year’s celebration, “Living, Dreaming, believing in a Clean Air Future” focuses on partnering with communities to address air pollution and the inequalities of environmental justice. South Coast AQMD’s partnership with the communities are vital to improving air quality for all residents of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-of-service-tickets-214304379167

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace Allen

Testing The Test!

The test for COVID-19 is being suggested by some and required by some others. Various activities and events may require evidence of a negative test in order to participate or attend. Having a negative test days before the planned activity or event is often the recommended policy that represents the safe way to gather with others.

Does a negative result from a COVID-19 test truly indicate the COVID-19 status of the person who took the test?

Should we consider the recent exposure that occurred too recently for the test to detect or exposure any time after the test?

Thinking it through seems to suggest that the only thing that the test can really determine is if someone were negative at the time of the test, which is not an indication of their immediate, and certainly not their long-term status, such as one day later.

Taking the vaccine has become a social argument that is now documenting strong results for the vaccinated; however, the unvaccinated have among them some that take the efficiency gaps in bureaucratic policy, logic and procedures as reason to fight the shot.

If we were all tested daily, we would find people that test positive today who tested negative yesterday.

Insisting that taking the test is a truly relevant procedure feeds that skepticism. The energy and resources used on testing are probably better used elsewhere.

REDLANDS, CA—- — In partnership with the Garner Holt Foundation, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) hosted the Animatronics Academy Career Camp, an immersive education and career exploration event. Students from schools across San Bernardino County Schools participated from Jan. 5-7.

“The skills you will learn over the next several days will help you succeed no matter what career path you choose,” County Superintendent Ted Alejandre said in his welcome address to the students. “The ability to think both critically and creatively will be one of your most important assets throughout your life.”

Eligible students in grades six through 12, who are enrolled in San Bernardino County Schools or programs, attended the camp each day at the Garner Holt Education through Imagination headquarters in Redlands.

Through hands-on exploration of robotics, engineering, advanced manufacturing, automation and the visual and performing arts, students gained insight into the creative industries through theme park animatronics.

“I thought it was really cool to see how small items like pieces of plastic and whatnot can become something big like an animatronic,” said Olivia, a student from Wilson Elementary. “I believe that most people think that children don’t really have what it takes to do something big in this world, but that’s not true. They can actually do really good things.”

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre listens to a student as she explains her plans to create an animatronic bird.

Garner Holt, the world’s leading producer of animatronics for theme parks, inspired and guided students during the camp.

“It’s all about the success of the kids and giving them hope for the future,” said Holt. “County Schools has been so supportive of what we’re doing… I think it’s great that schools are seeing the value.”

Over the course of Animatronics Academy Career Camp, students were encouraged to share ideas, give and receive feedback, practice the art of collaboration, and, ultimately, invest in themselves through the relationships they build.

Throughout the experience, students developed life and leadership skills as they worked in teams to create animatronic birds for a show at the end of the week. The students learned a number of skills including coding, programming, set design and script writing throughout the construction and production phases. The camp culminated with a showcase that allowed students to spotlight their work, share their process and reflect on what the experience meant to them.

Students participating in the Animatronics Academy Career Camp worked in teams to create animatronic birds for a show at the end of the multi-day camp.

SBCSS provided transportation to ensure equitable access to the camp for all San Bernardino County Schools students who were eligible to attend.

The Garner Holt Foundation provides the Animatronics Academy Career Camp, a multi-day experiential STEAM learning event, which capitalizes on the industry experience and expertise of Garner Holt Productions, Inc. and their worldwide portfolio of theme park animatronic design, production, animation and installation.

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre and Garner Holt interact with students participating in the Animatronics Academy Career Camp.

San Bernardino County has jobs that will be opening on Saturday. We encourage you to apply and share these job openings with those who may be interested in them. Recruitments listed are subject to final department approval. Check sbcounty.gov/jobs for the most up- to -date recruitments.

The New Year brings strong support for underserved communities during the pandemic.

COSTA MESA, Calif. (January XX, 2022) – Leading information services company Experian announced today a $375,000 contribution to four nonprofit organizations that directly support African American communities, as they emerge from challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. These donations will help organizations with operating expenses, and allow for the development of new programs and initiatives.

“Nonprofits have been a critical resource for underserved communities and continue to be resilient in the face of the health and financial crises caused by the pandemic,” said Abigail Lovell, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility for Experian. “In addition to our work together and reaching out with the message of financial inclusion for all, this is an opportunity to provide real support with their general operating expenses. We hope the funds will enable them to strengthen their impact in the communities that need help the most and lessen the wealth gap in society.”

Experian has contributed to the following four nonprofit organizations:

• United Negro College Fund (UNCF) – UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that UNCF’s network of member institutions is a respected model of best practices in moving students to and through college.
• National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Fund – The NNPA Fund promotes scholastic and professional initiatives designed to honor the historic mission of the Black Press: to explore and celebrate black culture, fill the void in news coverage of the Black experience, and provide compelling content that educates, engages, inspires and empowers consumers.
• California Black Media (CBM) – CBM exists to facilitate communication between the Black community, media, grassroots organizations, and policy makers by providing fact-based reporting to a network of over 21 Black media outlets on leading public policy issues.
• The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) – TLF’s mission is to increase the number of ethnic minorities in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations by providing scholarships, career and professional development workshops, mentorships, and internships/entry-level positions to African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students.

Experian’s contribution will support the development of a new financial literacy program by The LAGRANT Foundation. The TLF-created program will provide ethnic minority college and university students, as well as young professionals, seeking careers in the fields of advertising, marketing and public relations with the knowledge, guidance and resources needed to become financially literate while gaining an understanding of proper credit card use and financial planning.

Investing in underserved communities is a key pillar of Experian’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, which is committed to investing time, resources and partnerships to create a better tomorrow by helping millions gain access to essential everyday services, facilitating inclusion and diversity, and managing Experian’s environmental footprint responsibly.

# # #

About Experian

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have 20,000 people operating across 44 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people, and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.

The annual Point-In-Time Count (PITC) of unsheltered homeless individuals will be conducted on Jan. 27. Volunteers throughout the county, who are members of the public, community groups, County employees, homeless service providers and private-sector stakeholders will canvass the county’s cities, towns and unincorporated communities to count, survey and assist the county’s homeless population.

The PITC is critical to secure government and private grant funding, as well as other resources for local communities to assist individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The PITC will be conducted using a web-based application designed specifically for the San Bernardino County PITC.  Volunteers will need to have an Apple or Android smartphone to conduct the survey.

The annual PITC, is coordinated by the Community Revitalization Office of Homeless Services (OHS) in conjunction with the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership and is designed to provide invaluable data on homeless individuals and families within the county on a given day and time.

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to volunteer and help count in their own communities. Considerations for COVID-19 have been taken. Teams will adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 safety guidelines. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided to all volunteers.

To register please visit https://link.sbcounty.gov/PITC. If you have questions regarding the count or registration, please call (909) 501-0617 or email Claudia Doyle at claudia.doyle@hss.sbcounty.gov.

A case of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, was confirmed at the end of November in California thanks to the state’s large-scale testing and early detection systems. This variant is a cause for concern, not a reason to panic, and public health officials are monitoring the situation.

Until we know more about the new variant, it is important to remember the four things we can do to protect ourselves and our families against COVID-19:

• Get fully vaccinated and get boosted
• Wear a mask in indoor public settings
• Get tested if you have symptoms or may have been exposed, and
• Stay home when feeling sick

California and federal health officials are working around the clock to study the new variant, including how it spreads, the vaccine’s efficacy against it and impact on COVID-19 symptoms. The reality is that the longer COVID-19 remains a threat, the most variants we will have to overcome. That’s why it is critical Californians get vaccinated to slow the spread of the dominant strains. Kids 5-11 are eligible for vaccines and adults who have already completed their vaccine series are able to receive booters in time for the holidays.

Based on what we do know about this emerging variant, I’m answering your questions below:

How can I protect my family from this new variant?

COVID-19 safety basics continue to be important tools to help slow the spread of COVID-19. First and foremost, everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated and complete their vaccination series. Get a booster when you are eligible. If you are sick, stay home and get tested for COVID-19. And wear a mask when it can protect you and others, especially in indoor public settings. N95 and KN95 masks offer the best protection.

Additionally, Californians are strongly encouraged to enroll in CA Notify to be informed when they have been exposed to COVID-19, or to anonymously report that they’ve tested positive. CANotify.ca.gov makes it easy for California to quickly alert others of possible exposure, allowing them to take the necessary precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 across the state.

Will the vaccines still work against the Omicron variant?

We are still learning about the new variant, including how it spreads and infects individuals as well as how it responds to vaccines. But we do know that variants will continue to emerge as long as there are large proportions of unvaccinated people. We have to remember that COVID-19 is a virus, it wants to live as long as possible by mutating into other variants, which is why vaccination is key to stopping it and its future variants in their tracks.

Right now, we know that all three COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death associated with the main variant circulating in California: the Delta variant.

Will the tests we have in California be able to detect the Omicron variant?

The Omicron variant can be detected with PCR and antigen testing that is currently available in California. Testing is being expanded by the state at international airports, prioritizing arrivals from affected countries. The state is monitoring for the variant’s presence through COVIDNet, the unprecedented Whole Genome Sequencing Surveillance that utilizes sequencing data to help control the spread of COVID-19.

I have family overseas and I am worried about us and them traveling during the holiday season.

Travelers should follow guidance from the CDC. All air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before travel to the U.S. starting December 6. Additionally, the CDC recommends testing within 3-5 days after arrival, and unvaccinated travelers should quarantine for 7 days regardless of a negative test. If COVID-19 symptoms develop, travelers should continue to isolate and get tested again.

Where can I go to get tested if I have symptoms of COVID-19, or if I have been potentially exposed?

Californians can find a COVID-19 testing site online at MyTurn.ca.gov or by calling (833) 422-4255. 

Where can families get more information about the vaccine and to make an appointment?

Visit the state’s websites at www.vaccinateall58.com or www.myturn.ca.gov for more information on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and to make a vaccination appointment.