Peter V. Lee, center left, is joined by representatives from statewide organizations receiving funding Affordable Care Act outreach and education programs. These groups include the Pacific American Legal Center; California Black Health Network; California State University-Los Angeles-University Auxiliary Services; Community Health Councils; SEIU Local Majority and Vision y Compromiso.

LOS ANGELES, CA — California was the first state to create a health benefit exchange following the passage of the federal health care law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obama Care).  ‘Covered California’ (www.CoveredCA.com) is an independent part of state government charged with creating a new health ins

urance marketplace in which individuals and small businesses can get access to health insurance; and to make the market work for California consumers.  It operates under the leadership of a five-member board appointed by the Governor and Legislature.

‘Covered California’ has announced $37 million in grants to 48 lead organizations to conduct outreach and education programs on how, starting in 2014, Californians c

an access affordable health care coverage under the federal. The lead organizations will be supported by 226 subcontracting entities. “We are excited to build on our partnerships with organizations that have trusted relationships in diverse communities throughout the state,” said Peter V. Lee, Executive Director of Covered California.

His organization is seeking to strengthen their efforts to make certain Californians are aware of and enrolled in the new health insurance options this fall for coverage beg

inning Jan. 1, 2014. The efforts will inform the public about the new benefits, educate them about available programs, and motivate consumers and small businesses to obtain health insurance. Outreach activities are expected to reach nearly 9 million individuals and over 200,000 small businesses in 58 counties, primarily focused on connecting with 5.3 million Californians needing individual insurance, including almost 3 million of whom may be eligible for premium financial assistance.

Covered California is deve

loping educational partnerships that anchor outreach and education programs in actual targeted communities where likely enrollees live, work, pray, shop, and play; and are therefore both economically and ethnically targeted:  The state’s large Latino community is the focus of 37 outreach and education grants; with the next highest number of those in need of potential subsidies being Caucasians (24 grants); followed by Black and African Americans (32 grants); the Middle-Eastern community (11 grants).  20 grants outreach to Asian-Pacific Islander communities with targeted sub-contracts: Vietnamese (19); Chinese (18); Filipinos (18); Koreans (16); Hmong (11); Laotians (9); Japanese (8); and Cambodians (8).  All

grant specifics are available online at www.hbex.ca.gov.

“We see an outpouring of interest from groups across the state who want to be part of increasing the number of Californians with health insurance, improve the quality of health care, reduce health care coverage costs and ensure California’s diverse population has fair and equal access to quality health coverage,” added Lee.

Organizations tha

t did not receive a grant are encouraged to become part of Covered California’s Community Outreach Network by applying to become Assister Enrollment Entities under the Covered California Assisters Program; and will be trained, certified, and in many cases paid by Covered California to provide in-person enrollment assistance.  Covered California’s board allocated $43 million of its federal funding to organizations that can reach all eligible Californians: $34 million for community outreach; $3 million for business outreach with the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP); and $6 million to support successful outreach and education strategies in 2014.

Covered California will help individuals compare and choose a health plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Federal financial subsidies will be available to help lower costs for people on a sliding scale. Small businesses will be able to purchase competitively priced health plans and offer their employees the ability to choose from an array of plans, and will be eligible for federal tax credits.

    This low calorie Chicken Marsala recipe is great for those watching their diets or for those who just want a light, delicious and flavorful summer dinner, using Marsala, Italy’s most famous fortified wine.  Prep Time: 11 minutes. Total Time: 19 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients: 4 small (12 ounces total) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves; Nonstick spray coating; 1-1/2 cups  sliced fresh mushrooms; 2 tablespoons  sliced green onion; 2 tablespoons water; 1/4 teaspoon  salt; 1/4 cup dry Marsala or dry sherry.

Directions: Place 1 piece of chicken, boned side up, between 2 pieces of clear plastic wrap. Working from the center to the edges, pound lightly with a meat mallet to about 1/4-inch thickness. Remove plastic wrap. Repeat with remaining chicken breast halves.

Spray a large skillet with nonstick spray coating. Preheat skillet over medium heat. Add 2 chicken breast halves. Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender and no pink remains. Transfer to a platter; keep warm. Repeat with remaining chicken breast halves.

Carefully add mushrooms, green onion, water, and salt to skillet. Cook over medium heat until mushrooms are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated (about 3 minutes). Add Marsala or dry sherry to skillet. Heat through. Spoon vegetables and sauce over chicken. Makes 4 servings. Calories 161, Total Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 72 mg, Sodium 191 mg, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 27 g. (Per serving)

Serve with choice of pasta type, and choice of  vegetable — broccoli, asparagus, green beans, mixed peppers, or peas are good with this dish.  (Recipe.com; Photo: The Grub Daily)

Pacesetters Drum Squad

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– The award-winning San Bernardino Pacesetters Drum Squad led the procession of the proud high school graduates who were the honorees at the well-attended 2013 Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators’ Graduation and Scholarship Recognition Ceremony held Friday, May 3, 2013, at the San Manuel Events Center, at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB).  The Pacesetters Drum Squad is as renowned for their intricate and complex beats as are the Pacesetters Drill team for their outstanding moves. Their shirts say it all as the group, led by Jo Ann Parker and Kelly Graham, believes in “Excellence, Discipline, and Pride.”  Shown here at the front of the drum line are Traquise Martin, left, and Andre Jackson, right, who is a current freshman at CSUSB. Directly behind Traquise is Harith Martin, and Kaijah Thompkins brings up the left flank rear and is unseen.  Behind Andre on the right are Jayden Kelly and Davonnie Martin. Photo by John Coleman, CP Times ©2013)

Deeveatva Foy

By Lue Dowdy, SAN BERNARDINO, CA– Hi everybody! This week’s select artist is none other than the beautiful and talent, Deeveatva Foy. I was so impressed the first time I saw this talented artist. Watching Deeveatva move her body made me wanna exercise. Okay I’m lying! But it did make me appreciate the art of belly dancing.

Deeveatva is a versatile and innovative professional dancer! She has performed at a number if venues throughout the Inland Empire and Southern California. She is playful, expressive, and strives to connect with every audience; and her various artistic styles continue to evolve as she learns

more about different dance forms. Looking for a fun way to exercise and stay in shape after having two children, Deeveatva took her first beginning belly dance class in 2000. Deeveatva was instantly hooked. She was inspired to learn about the different styles of belly dance and was able to unleash her inner Goddess…Zada!

Deeveatva currently dances as a soloist and with two belly dance groups Nubian Hips (of which she is the co-founder) and Al Nar Belly dance Ensemble troupe. She’s also an Afro-Caribbean dancer and performs with the troupe Caribbean Jems. Deeveatva has modeled for up and coming local fashion shows throughout the Inland Empire. Her mission and passion is to encourage all women to grow and re-connect with their inner truth r

eclaiming the Goddess within; and to share, unite, and collectively come together in sisterhood!

This spring Deeveatva will start teaching beginning belly dance classes in the Inland Empire…stay tuned for date, time & location!  Connect with Deeveatva on Facebook.

Paul Douglas aka P Hustle the Beast

by Lue Dowdy, SAN BERNARDINO, CA– LUE Productions 2013 Urban HipHop/R&B Fashion

Yung Muusik

Showcase is happening this Saturday, May 18 starting at 2 p.m. in the city of S

an Bernardino, hosted by The Jazz and Art Exchange, along with community partners.   This event mixes an urban fashion show w

ith live HipHop and R&B performances, dance, and art, with plenty of local talented youth and adults, highlighting the talent in the IE and surrounding cities. This will be a fusion of ART, FASHION, and LIVE ENTERTAINMENT for the entire family to enjoy. Please come out and join in all the FUN! Comedy by CEE-CEE Baby.

HipHop Line-up: Artists Paul Douglas aka P. Hustle The Beast (feature

d artist) ; Young Stress, Carl Fontaine, Royce Blue, Mack Pepperboy, Mi$Fit,  Fanacii, Lil MEX, Speaker Junkies, Dominance, and Mic Fitz.

R&B Line-up: Yung Muusik (featured artist),Lady LaNeika, Bernice Reveles, LUE, Cherrelle Jones, Pretty Mentality, Ms. Chevy, and Cash El Principe.

Dance Line-up: A-Town Dance Crew from Arroyo High School; Simon the Kidd, and Melissa Grant.

Swimwear By Me Shaun Denise

This showcase will also highlight four of the top up and coming designers, including C. Taylor’s Fashions (Inla

nd Empire), Me ‘Shaun Denise Fashions (

Charleston, SC), Bakers Fashions and Divine Intervention.  Their unique styles will be modeled by Bernard aka Skates Borser (featured male model), Top Model Competitors Lea Nora, Krystal Yvonne, Antwanett Grant, and LaTrice Wilson; plus featured

toddler model Nevaeha Alford.

The other stylish models participating in this Urban HipHop affair are Janae Perryman, Cerina Hill, Adrian Johnwell, Vidal Rojas, Fay Palaki, Micheal Foy, Cherrelle Jones, Ahaziah Kingcabe, Mic Fitz, Princess Gallon, Valjene Gallon, Emoni Holmes, Mychelle Mosley, andYung Muusik.

The 2013 Urban HipHop/R&B Fashion Showcase will be held at  The Jazz and Art Exchange, 132 South Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, 92410.  Come out and show your support for the Inland Empire’s creative energy! Fashion Designers compete for a cash prize, and artists will exhibit in the Urban Art Factory. Sponsors: CCM Entertainment, Rising Star Music Awards, Island Def Jam Recordings, the Westside Story Newspaper, Chef Music, AM Inc., Swag Models, Believe and Achieve Foundation, Artist Haus Records, and Steene’s Southern Kitchen.  For more information, call 909-567-1000 or Email lueproductions@mail.com

Lue Dowdy

By Lue Dowdy, SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Hi everybody! It’s ya girl, LUE coming at you with this week’s my artist review and entertainment happenings. What an eventful weekend! So many awesome and exciting things took place.

Artist Review: I selected Mack Pepperboy a talented and charismatic Hip-hop performer turning heads all over.  Pepperboy was born in the early 80’s growing up with a love for music, being influenced by such west coast artists as Snoop, Dre, E40 pac and many more. It was in the late 90’s when Pepperboy (Anthony Joseph) caught a glimpse of the movements down south and the Club/Street sounds of Cash Money Records & No Limit Records. He then realized that a combination of west coast and down south living would create a whole different sound. Far from a rookie Pepper boy signed his first management deal in the late 90’s which set the wheels in motion. The release of his first mix tape in 2001 with a group from Shreveport Louisiana helped put him on the radar.

2007’s release of Louisihammer the mix tape pushed him forward and helped gain the ears of the west coast. By the time 2008 came around he dropped another CD called Flame Thowa whchtch had the attention of people coast to coast with the songs Get it Girl & My Swagg all over internet radio. You can catch Pepper boy any were from C.A To L.A doing live shows on a weekly basis in 2009 over50 were logged. It doesn’t look like Pepper boy will stop anytime soon. Pepper boy has shared the stage with numerous artists such as Glassess Malone, the new Boyz, Nipsey Hussle, BWS Menace, WuTang, and the list goes on. (mackpepperboy@facebook.com.  Photo:  Label Image Photography.

Jeff Garcia

Mack Pepperboy

Entertainment Happenings: BLAZE THE STAGE— Our team took a trip to Venice Beach this Saturday, for the 2013 Blaze The Stage – Spring Classic Invitational. This event provides a platform for young

talented unsigned artists from all over the United States to showcase their talent in front of panel of well-known industry leaders. The panel included, Pat Charles, Executive Producer of Blaze the Stage/Senior Writer and creator of “106 & Park” Wild out Wed and Freestyle Friday, Mike Robinson: Executive Talent Scout for Blaze the Stage and CEO of the #1 artist Development/Management company in the West Coast UGMX and BmikeroB

Management, Miss Mim, Host of Sirius XM Radio Shade 45 ; Julius “Just Be” Garcia: Manager to National recording artists, J-Cole & Miguel/A&R of RCA records, Jaynie Jackson: Vocal/Talent Development, Chris Roker : VP of Promotions of the School Tour, Daniel ‘Skid’ Mitchell: Founder of Skids Row Music

Group/Bad Boy Records, 03-11 A&R Alumni, Steve Lobel: Celebrity Manager, Timmi Hicks: Celebrity Vocal Producer, Michael Hayes: CEO and Founder of NUTIZ Radio, Kevin Black: CEO of U Can Fly and Xstream Nation and Aisha Francis: Movement Specialist for Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Alicia Keys, and many more.

Lisa Alvarado

The entire day was pure entertainment. Between performances a fashion show was provided by FLWC

Willie Barcena

, a vendor located on the beach. The clothing was gorgeous as well as the models. Several artists stood out. I particular had my eye on a dace crew all the way from, West Palm Beach Florida. This talented young group of dancers from XCL Productions, stunned the people with their over the top hip-hop dance moves. What an amazing team under the direction of Mrs. Adrian Fischer.  It was a three day event that consisted of networking, basketball game, fashion, performances, and FUN.

For information on Blaze the Stage visit http://blazethestage.com .

LATIN COMEDY JAM— How did you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Courtesy of Stansell Enterprises Concerts & Events, we attended the “No Boarders” Comedy Fest in the lovely city of Riverside located at the Riverside Auditorium. What a beautiful and historic place. We LOL all night long, with comedians, Willie Barcena, Gilbert Esquivel, Lisa Alvarado, Jeff Garcia and George Perez. What a great show! Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Be sure to purchase your ticket this month for the Bel Biv Devo and Dru Hill concert, May 25th at the Riverside Auditorium. For more information on upcoming events and tickets visit Stansell Enterprises Concerts & Events at http://www.stansellenterprises.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– The San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), Adult Protective Services (APS) is creating awareness of abuse within the senior and dependent adult populations and encourages them not to be reluctant to report abuse of any type.

The awareness campaign, “It’s Not Your Fault,” aims to empower seniors to not be afraid or embarrassed to report abuse; and to let them know they deserve “Dignity, Fairness, and Respect.” DAAS and APS staff will be speaking to seniors throughout the community during the month of May, “Older Americans Month,” in an effort to help prevent and stop abuse of our elderly and frail.  Such abuse can take the form of physical, mental suffering, neglect, intimidation, isolation, abduction, sexual, and financial exploitation. Neglect and financial abuse are the most common.

Over 5 million elderly or vulnerable adults are abused and/or neglected in the U.S. each year, and many fall victim to scams and abuse often by a family member or caretaker. Some seniors are ashamed, or fear if they complain they will be institutionalized as a form of retaliation by a family member.  Many do not believe police and social agencies can really help them, or they think that no one will believe them.

The “I’s Not Your Fault” campaign lets seniors know ‘It’s Not Your Fault if someone you love, respect, and/or depend on is not acting in your best interest.’ Following the 2012 implementation of San Bernardino County’s “It’s Not Your Fault” campaign in the High Desert area, referrals for abuse increased over three times greater than in July.  The state-wide hotline to report abuse is 877-565-2020.

“Elder abuse tends to take place where the senior lives.  Most often, abuse is in the home where abusers are apt to be adult children or other family members such as grandchildren or spouses/partners of elders. “For every report of abuse of an older adult or an adult with a disability, five reports are not made,” says DAAS Director Ron Buttram.”

However, abuse can also take place in senior living facilities. The California Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse (BMFEA) operates three programs designed to hold both persons and institutions accountable for abuse of elders: 1. The Violent Crimes program investigates and prosecutes physical elder abuse committed by individual employees against patients in elder care facilities (including homicide, rape, false imprisonment, assault and battery). 2. The Facilities Enforcement Team investigates and prosecutes the actual facilities for adopting policies or promoting practices that lead to neglect and/or poor quality of care, such as: a) Failure to provide medical care for physical and mental health needs; b) Failure to attend to hygiene concerns; c) Failure to provide adequate staffing; and, d)Failure to prevent malnutrition and dehydration; and Falsification of patient charts

The Operation Guardians program helps to help protect and improve the quality of care for California’s elder and dependent adult residents in skilled nursing facilities by identifying instances of abuse or neglect via investigations that include “Surprise Inspections” that may lead to criminal or civil prosecution by the BMFEA. Actual reports of the guardians’ “Surprise Inspections” can be found online at  http://oag.ca.gov/bmfea/elder — a good way to know what home NOT to reside in.

DAAS wants seniors and dependent adults who are victims of abuse to call California’s Adult Protective Services hotline first at 1-877-565-2020.  All referrals are handled with discretion, dignity and respect. APS services are also available to persons between 18-64 years of age who are unable to protect their own interest due to a physical or mental disability.

With the “It’s Not Your Fault” campaign, the DAAS is empowering seniors, at-risk individuals, and adults with disabilities ensure they have the resources to improve or maintain choice, independence and quality of life in the least restrictive environment possible.  To report abuse, call 877-565-2020.

Professor Cynthia Davis

David Martins MD

LOS ANGELES, CA– Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science conducts a great deal of research and engages in significant outreach to help reduce health disparities among communities of color and the socioeconomically disadvantaged. Heart disease/stroke, cancer, diabetes and AIDS prevention remain among the top diseases that affect minority populations, and these communities are disproportionately affected by preventable disease, disability and even death.

Aggressive identification and implementation of new and more effective prevention and intervention strategies is needed, as heart disease and strokes are leading killers across most racial and ethnic communities in the U.S.  “We are currently exploring the role of vitamin D in the prevention of heart disease and diabetes, along with a regimen of diet and exercise. We are also exploring video game exercises as a means of heart disease prevention, especially for patients who live in communities where it may not be safe to go outdoors for exercise. High blood pressure is a large contributor to heart disease,” says Dr. David Martins, Assistant Dean for Clinical and Community Affairs at CDU.  He encourages a minimum of annual blood pressure checks and more often if not normal. “If it is elevated they should get care immediately. A tablet of aspirin a day reduces your risk of stroke and heart disease,” he added.

HIV/AIDS has a devastating impact on minorities in the U.S., with almost 71 percent of the newly diagnosed cases.  Cynthia Davis, Assistant Professor in the Medical Sciences Institute at CDU has been a trail blazer in HIV/AIDS community outreach and mobilization, and has been involved in HIV primary prevention initiatives on a national and local level since 1986, initiating the first pilot demonstration mobile HIV testing program in Los Angeles County in 1991, providing HIV testing, counseling and referral services to over 60,000 community residents.

“HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts African American women, youth, and men who have sex with men. This disease is 100% preventable, but due to denial, fear, stigma, homophobia, and lack of access to health care, it continues to ravage our community. The CDC recommends everyone aged 14 to 64 obtain an annual HIV test,” says Davis.

Professor Davis is also involved in research examining how factors such as HIV knowledge, alcohol abuse and childhood sexual abuse influence the rates of depression among HIV positive and HIV negative Latinos residing in South Los Angeles. CDU was also a health partner in the KJLH Radio’s Women’s Health Forum on Saturday, April 27.

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (www.cdrewu.edu), is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian, medical and health sciences institution in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles, and has graduated over 550 medical doctors, 2,500 postgraduate physicians, 2,000 physician assistants and hundreds of other health professionals.  It is the only dually-designated Historically Black Graduate Institution and Hispanic Serving Health Professions School in the U.S., with a mission to provide care with excellence and compassion, and transform the health of underserved communities.