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RIALTO, CA— Rialto is the first city in the country to formally support the Myles Edward Scott Act to address the illicit recreational use of nitrous oxide, after the City Council adopted a resolution Tuesday night in support of the legislation.

The Myles Edward Scott Act, introduced by Congresswoman Norma J. Torres and co-sponsored by Congressman Pete Aguilar is named in honor of Rialto Mayor Pro Tem Ed Scott’s son, who was tragically killed in a nitrous-involved car accident just one week after graduating high school in 2014. The driver of a vehicle Myles was riding in lost consciousness after inhaling N2O as a recreational drug.  

“While I can’t bring back Eddie or eliminate the pain my family and I have felt since his death, it is my sincere goal to work as hard as possible to make sure no other family experiences what we have,” Mayor Pro Tem Scott said. “We are so thankful that Congresswoman Torres and Congressman Aguilar had taken such a bold step in bringing this act forward. This is not just a California problem; it’s a national problem.”

Since his son’s death, Scott has advocated for changes and tougher regulations to prevent future tragedies resulting from the illicit distribution or use of N20. In 2017, Rialto became the first city in the nation to pass an ordinance banning the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide in an effort to keep the inhalant out of the hands of young people and teens.

The Myles Edward Scott Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to identify what states are currently doing to protect people from the dangers of illicit nitrous oxide use, and what more the federal government can do to add to those efforts.

“Myles Scott’s life was cut tragically short because of a danger hiding in plain sight,” Rep. Torres said. “His father’s efforts to keep nitrous oxide out of reach for young people are helping ensure other families don’t endure the same loss that the Scott family has. The legislation I’m introducing today builds on Mayor Pro Tem Scott’s efforts. It will shine a light on what each state is doing to protect lives, and identify additional ways for the federal government to contribute to this life-saving cause.”

Scott said that while there are productive uses for nitrous oxide – in the food industry, automotive racing and as a dental anesthesia – it can become a deadly weapon when put in the wrong hands.

 “It is gaining in popularity and becoming more widespread everyday,” Scott said. “My goal is not to punish those who misuse nitrous oxide, but to educate them and hold accountable the countless companies and adults who have distributed and sold nitrous oxide to our nation’s children.”

Document proving Social Security number no longer required after federal rule change

SACRAMENTO, CA— Californians applying for a REAL ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles now have one less document to provide during the application process. Following updated federal rules, the DMV no longer requires applicants to provide a Social Security card or W-2 to prove they have a Social Security number. Starting today, Californians can now simply provide their Social Security number.

By filling out the online application and uploading their documents, Californians can bring their confirmation code and documents to a DMV office at their convenience, even the same day, for express service – no appointment necessary. Once at a service window, it now takes less than 10 minutes to complete the REAL ID transaction.

“Getting a REAL ID in California just got a little easier,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “We continue to streamline the REAL ID process so that customers can upload required documents, avoid long lines and get a REAL ID well in advance of the federal enforcement date.”

To apply for a REAL ID, an applicant must provide a valid Social Security number, proof of identity and two proofs of California residency. A list of qualifying documents and other helpful information can be found at REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

Customers are required to wear face coverings and maintain physical distance during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

Starting May 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.

The DMV is no longer requiring a document with a Social Security number after updating its system following passage of the REAL ID Modernization Act, which will allow for further process improvements in the future. The DMV continues to streamline its processes and incorporate technology to become more mobile and better serve its customers through more convenient service options.

Complete Other Transactions Online

Most DMV tasks do not require an office visit. The DMV continues to encourage customers to use its online services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. As a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly all Californians can now renew their driver’s license online – even if the renewal notice states an office visit is required. Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

With more customers using online services, DMV offices have more space to accommodate Californians who need a REAL ID or otherwise have to visit an office.

PACIFIC OCEAN—-Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class Chase Davis, from Crestline, Calif., operates a console in the combat information center of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) during a damage control drill, May 15, 2021. Russell, part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, is on a scheduled deployment conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erik Melgar)       

By Gustavo F. Velasquez & Tunua Thrash-Ntuk | Special to California Black Media Partners

Due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, paying rent has become a real struggle for millions of Californians. But help is available to renters and landlords through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.

Based on income level, qualified applicants can receive assistance with unpaid rent and utilities and with future payments.

Funding comes from the $2.6 billion in federal emergency rental assistance provided to support both state and local rent relief programs in California. The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program isn’t the sole resource for rent relief for California renters and landlords; many cities and counties are either currently administering their own rent relief programs – or launching one soon.

Cities and counties with populations greater than 200,000 are employing one of three rent relief options: option A) the state-administered CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program; option B) a local city- or county-administered program using the same eligibility criteria as option A; and option C) a local city-or county-administered program using different eligibility criteria, in some cases, in combination with a portion administered by the state.

While the programs vary, the goals are the same: Keep people housed and provide quick assistance to those at the highest risk of eviction. To simplify access to rent relief programs in California, the state launched HousingIsKey.com. The website directs renters and landlords to the programs that they may qualify for, based on where they live. After applicants provide the address of their rental property (landlords) or their residence (renters), they are sent to a website where they can review eligibility criteria and complete an application. Applicants can also call the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Call Center (833-430-2122) to find out which program to apply for and get help in a variety of languages.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino County continues to make great progress vaccinating its residents, and recently opened opportunities for children ages 12 and up (with parental consent). More than 1,000 youth between the ages of 12-15 have been vaccinated since last Thursday, and the County recently launched a school vaccination program in partnership with local districts.

“We are very excited with our partnership with superintendents throughout the County, who helped to facilitate 1,942 vaccinations at our high schools,” said San Bernardino County’s Chief Executive Officer Leonard X. Hernandez. “There’s been a lot of interest from parents and students wanting to get vaccinated before graduation ceremonies.”

Ten high schools were served last week, with another 14 scheduled for this week.

“Needles Unified School District reached out and we were able to get them connected with an event,” said Hernandez. “Any school district that’s interested can contact Public Health and we’ll get an event scheduled.”

By Lue Dowdy

A call out to African American Men! We hear you; We see you; You are not alone!

Please save the date and log on Saturday, June 5 at 9 a.m. for “Express Yourself Beautiful Black Man Part Ii: From A Males Perspective’! The event will be presented by the African American Health Coalition and sponsored by Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health, San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, LUE Productions, and The African American Family Wellness Advisory Group.

Our Purpose is to introduce, connect, and provide African American men with available information and resources that they need. The goal of the 1-day virtual workshop is to bring educational resources to help empower Black men and equip them with tools that can be maintained in their daily LIFE. The workshop will kick off with meditation and yoga and will end with a gut busting comedy show. Below is a list of our awesome speakers along with their workshop titles.

Speakers of the day include: Clint Lewis, San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department ; Dean Chambers, LCSW – Depression and the Blues in Our Community- A Cognitive Perspective!; James Woods, Dat Yoga Dude –  From “Yelling 2 Yoga” Black men healing for improvised mental health and wellness; Jerrron E. Clark, WellWrx80 –  Black Manhood & Mental Health: What It Looks Like!; Martinez Sellers, Marsell Consulting MHS – Knowing my IDENTITY as a Black Man; and Tyrome Thompson & Kevin Davis, C.S.U. – Coping Using Comedy: An alternative stress relief! 

For more information or how to register, please visit the African American Health Coalition website at theaamhc.org or the Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health website at www.rcdmh.org/ccp. For questions please contact Linda Hart at 909.571.4964 or Lue Dowdy 909.567.1000.

RIVERSIDE, CA—- On Saturday, June 5, 2021, the 21^st Annual Riverside Juneteenth Celebration will be held virtually via Facebook and YouTube. There will be a medical presentation on COVID-19, entertainment that consists of singing and dancing, and there will be a Health Workshop TransforAnation. For the links and times of the celebration, please visit www.JuneteenthSoCal.org.

VICTORVILLE, CA— Victorville Police Department will have extra deputies out on patrol this Friday, May 21, looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupancy. Click here for tips on motorcycle safety for both drivers and motorcyclists.

Planned Parenthood of Orange & San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC) has opened two new COVID-19 vaccination sites, in their San Bernardino and Victorville health centers, dedicated to eliminating barriers to vaccine access for Latinx and other diverse communities. PPOSBC’s patient population in San Bernardino — 81% of whom identify as Black, Latinx and people of color — have been disproportionately affected by both the virus and the pandemic’s economic fallout. The new vaccination sites offer weekend appointments, are dedicated to making it as easy as possible to schedule an appointment, as well as providing accurate information and answering any questions a patient might have about the vaccine.

“At Planned Parenthood, we understand the only way to end this deadly pandemic is with COVID-19 vaccines, and we are proud to be part of the solution by offering these safe, effective vaccines to the communities we serve,” said Dr. Janet Jacobson, medical director of Planned Parenthood of Orange & San Bernardino Counties. “We are dedicated to being a trusted health care provider and that includes helping those facing inequitable access to comprehensive medical care and resources. We trust the vaccines to help make our future stronger and having them readily available at our health centers is key to increasing confidence that the best thing to do to keep you and the ones your loved one’s safe is to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.”

As the vaccine rollout accelerates across the country, and officials focus on ensuring the hardest-hit communities get access to shots, PPOSBC has launched an educational campaign including social media and digital ads to help build public confidence around the vaccines in these areas with a special emphasis on vaccinations in the Latinx community. Both health centers offering COVID-19 vaccines are located in zip codes that have been heavily impacted by coronavirus. PPOSBC staff accurately reflect the populations in the communities they serve, and most of the support staff working at both sites are official translators and can provide care in multiple languages.

 The organization will be offering the Moderna vaccine and will be a part of BlueShield’s “MyTurn” web appointment system. Anyone who is eligible (currently, any Californian aged 18 and up) can choose to get vaccinated at a PPOSBC location through the MyTurn scheduling system. The vaccine is free and available to all eligible people, regardless of citizenship status. Insurance is accepted, but not required.

Vaccination Sites

PPOSBC’s vaccination sites are located at: 

?      San Bernardino Health Center

1873 S. Commercenter Dr. W., San Bernardino, Calif. 92408

Vaccines offered on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please check the MyTurn website for most up-to-date information. Vaccination walk-ins are currently being accepted on the days and times above only, but advance appointments are encouraged.

?      Victorville Health Center

15403 Park Ave. E., Victorville, Calif. 92392

Vaccines offered on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please check the MyTurn website for most up-to-date information. Vaccination walk-ins are currently being accepted on the day and time above only, but advance appointments are encouraged.

To Make an Appointment

?      Visit www.MyTurn.CA.gov or call (833) 422-4255

?      Register and check your eligibility on the website

?      Enter your address or zip code after confirming eligibility

?      Scroll down to look for a Planned Parenthood location. In addition to the new locations in San Bernardino and Victorville, vaccines are also available in Orange County at Planned Parenthood’s Anaheim location, located at 801 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, Calif. 92805

?      Appointment slots are limited, so if you don’t see one of the Planned Parenthood locations, it means the appointments are full for that day. But you can check back later. 

Helping Hesitant Family and Friends 

For those with family or friends who are hesitant or have questions about the vaccine, Dr. Jacobson offers three helpful tips for handling conversations about why they should get their shots: 

1. Listen to their concerns with empathy. “These vaccines, while remarkably effective, are still very new. It’s natural for people to have questions about them. The sheer amount of information—and misinformation—about COVID-19 vaccines out there can be overwhelming for anyone. That’s why it’s so important to listen without judgement when a family member or friend expresses fear about getting vaccinated and identify the root of their apprehension.

“Acknowledge their emotions so they know they have been heard. For example, you can say something like, ‘It sounds like you’re stressed both at work and at home, and concerns about the vaccine are another source of stress. That’s really tough.'” 

1. Ask open-ended questions to explore those concerns. “Open-ended questions are meant to get more than a “yes” or “no” response. Asking open-ended questions can help you understand what a person is worried about, where they learned any troubling information, and what they have done to get answers to their questions. For example, you can ask, “How did watching that news report make you feel? What did you do next?” 

“As difficult as it may be when you are passionate about making sure everyone is vaccinated, do not be judgmental. Respectfully ask open-ended questions that help you understand their fears, and avoid saying things like, ‘That’s silly to think that,’ or ‘why would you be worried about that?'”

1. Once you understand their concern, ask their permission to share information with them. “Once you feel you understand where they are coming from, even if you do not agree, ask if you can provide some information. Tell them where you get information you trust and be careful not to push information on them. You can find answers to common questions they may have from reputable sources, including the CDC, San Bernardino County of Public Health, or other trusted sources such as the person’s doctor, nurse or pharmacist. 

“Sometimes, simply sharing quick, accurate answers to common concerns your friends or family members can go a long way toward moving someone from worry to confidence to empowerment. If you don’t know the answers to their questions, offer to help them look for information. Remember that the overwhelming data regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines may not be enough to change someone’s mind about getting vaccinated right away. It may take a while for the idea to grow so be patient and kind.” 

“We are always here for every patient who walks through our doors, helping them make informed decisions about their health,” said Dr. Jacobson. “We will never let up on our commitment to giving everyone who uses our services high quality essential care, the most up-to-date information and the resources available to help them live the life they envision for themselves.” 

To book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, please visit www.MyTurn.CA.gov or call (833) 422-4255. 

For more information about Planned Parenthood’s COVID-19 vaccination sites, and for answers to frequently asked questions, please visit: www.pposbc.org.

By Hunter Lee

El Camino Community College has found its next superintendent.

The Board of Trustees for the El Camino Community College District has named Brenda Thames as the successor to Dena P. Maloney, who will retire as superintendent/president once her contract ends at the end of next month.

Thames, who currently serves as the president of West Hills College Coalinga, will take over on July 1. She will make $307,000 her first year, according to the district’s superintendent salary schedule, and will be eligible for raises each year after that, pending Board of Trustee approval.

Thames has spent more than two decades working for community colleges throughout the state, in instruction, student services and administration.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in the leadership role of a community college as distinguished and reputable as El Camino College,” Thames said in a statement. “El Camino College is known and recognized for the College’s deep commitment to equity and student success.”

Thames received her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, where she was a double major in sociology and social welfare. She also has two master’s degrees from USC, one in social work and another in public administration, and a doctorate in education from Oregon State University.