WSSN Stories

By Charlene Muhammad | California Black Media

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a heavy toll on the health, finances, and mobility of people around the world, affecting almost everyone on the planet.

Youth, in particular, have been experiencing an uptick in mental health cases, including depression, in a trend U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is calling an emerging crisis.

On Dec. 7, Murthy released a 42-page health advisory drawing the country’s attention to the “urgent” need to help youth facing mental health problems. He said one in three students in the U.S.  say they experience sustained periods of sadness and hopelessness. That number represents a 40 % increase from 2009 to 2019.

The pandemic has made those conditions worse.

“The future wellbeing of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation,” said Murthy. “Especially in this moment, as we work to protect the health of Americans in the face of a new variant, we also need to focus on how we can emerge stronger on the other side. This advisory shows us how we can all work together to step up for our children during this dual crisis.”

Recently, a panel of experts tackled the issue during a news briefing organized by Ethnic Media Services titled “The Pandemic’s Heavy Toll on Teen Mental Health.”

Michelle Cabrera, Executive Director of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA), spotlighted the health needs of minority youth.  She explained that all over the nation — and in California — youth are suffering from a mental health crisis, leading to increasing numbers of suicide and high levels of anxiety in schools.

“The numbers of children and youth in acute mental health crises shot up two and sometimes three-fold. We have had children as young as eight-years-old who have been hospitalized due to suicidal ideation,” stated Cabrera.

Behavioral health experts say transitioning students back to in-person learning results in higher rates of children and youth experiencing mental health crises, she said.

According to Cabrera, existing programs lack support for youth in Black and Native populations, and records show that major disparities are also present among professionals within the behavioral health field.

“For example, the access to services and programs that may be used in White communities to combat mental health problems are not made available in Black communities,” she said.

Cabrera mentioned that there is also a career crisis in behavioral health, and that by 2022, these benefits will be put in place to help abate the employment crisis in California and all over the nation.

“The pandemic has also changed the statistics about drug and substance abuse in America,” Cabrera continued. “Data has shown an increase in alcohol and opioid consumption in young people, who are also experiencing a lot more overdoses because of their consumption of fentanyl in the drugs that are used,” she said.

Youth also struggle with returning to school physically, bullying, and a lack of programs to address their mental health issues.

Dr. Latonya Wood is the director of clinical training at Pepperdine University in Malibu. She delved specifically into the data about Black children who are suffering from mental health-related issues. She explained that depression is being expressed and understood differently among Blacks.

For example, young, Black males interprete their emotions and mental conditions differently. They may not act in ways that are typically associated with depression, such as sadness or melancholy. Black youth typically translate those emotions into aggression and more physical reactions.

In addition, the pandemic has amplified some of the disconnections in the Black community, said Dr. Wood.  She explained that there has not been consistent help in public health organizations that serve Black communities.

“Seldomly, there is relatability to the Black community. So African American are going to be lacking resources because they don’t know how to reach them,” she said.

Wood said historically Black people have not had a reason to fully trust mental health providers. A recent survey asked a group of Black youth about mental health care during COVID.  It found that Black youth do not feel like mental healthcare providers care for them, that they only want money, and they do not understand the lived experiences, according to Dr. Wood.

“I think that really reflects the lack of culturally informed and trauma-informed care and really understanding the experiences of Black youth in some ways were traumatic during COVID,” said Dr. Wood.”

More Black people are seeking Black providers, but they number just short of about 4% of the psychologists in America, according to a 2020 Workforce Study, completed by the American Psychological Association, she continued.

As a result, Black people suffer usually long wait times to even be seen by a therapist or to receive care. Wood stressed that finding the right care for people dealing with mental disorders in the Black community is very important.

Solutions for these issues were suggested at the level of community-based care provided at places where people congregate like school, church, and the barbershop, among others. Those spaces can serve as supportive places venues where mental health care or interventions can be accessible.

“The youth need support systems in place in order to help guard against the extreme negatives that come with poor mental health,” said Wood.

By Kassidy Henson | California Black Media

Grammy Award-winning Christian Hip-Hop hop artist Lecrae is on a mission to increase financial literacy among African Americans.

Growing up in a “marginalized” community in San Diego, Lecrae says he was exposed to incredible wealth and opportunity when he visited communities along the Pacific coastline or neighborhoods nestled in the hills overlooking the city.

But life was different in his predominantly Black neighborhood. Less possibility. Much more poverty.

“You begin to wonder ‘how do I acquire that?’ How do you change the narrative?” Lecrae told California Black Media.

“Returning to a community that faced marginalization, brutality and the effects of poverty was a reflection — excluded from the gleaming SoCal Hills.”

Recalling those childhood experiences, Lecrae — who now lives in Atlanta — said he decided to launch an effort to create opportunities for African Americans that would help to close the wealth gap between Blacks and Whites.

Using his own production company, 3 Strands Films, Lecrae developed a short-form financial education show called Protect the Bag.

The six-part web series provides viewers with a “blueprint” for financial wellness by delving into topics like saving, retirement, investment, budgeting, and identity protection, according to the rapper who released a new album with fellow artist 1K Phew titled “No Church in a While” on Dec. 3

Lecrae, who won a Grammy for Best Gospel Album in 2012, says he hopes the show helps to restore stability and hope in a new generation of young Black people.

The concept for Protect the Bag was developed during the COVID-19 lockdown last year. During that time, Lacrae says he partnered with the credit scoring company Experian to come to the aid of 21 families facing foreclosure due to financial hardship.

A series of short roundtable conversations comprises the Protect the Bag. During each one, Lecrae explains the basics of building a financial legacy. In discussions with financial professionals, community members and guests like Denver Nuggets forward Michal Porter Jr, the panelists address obstacles to building wealth that large numbers of African Americans face.

By the end of each episode, Lecrae says his goal is to equip viewers with the knowledge, exposure and confidence to create better financial habits.

Before knowing that his passion for financial education would grow into what he calls a “new-age Teen Summit” (referring to the early 1990s BET weekly show that dealt with issues facing young African Americans), Lecrae says he was working to expose those around him to the benefits of good money habits.

A self-described “doer,” Lecrae explained that at his label he met with artists and hosted financial literacy classes exploring buying power, disparities in the stock market, and the value of the Black dollar.

“Those are all important pillars of good financial stewardship,” says the artist who joined other lecturers to teach a six week “pop-out course” at Stanford University.

“One of the struggles that we had in academia is that academics often speak through a backwards megaphone. They speak through the wide end. To them, the information is easy to grasp when it comes out the smaller side,” he says. “How do we turn that megaphone around? How do we take these narrow concepts and make them more broad and applicable for everybody listening? How do we speak the language of the community and allow it to be less complicated than everyone makes it sound?”

Lecrae also talked about the many benefits that can be reaped when African Americans decide to invest in their communities.

“It creates a network. Like that old game, Barrel of Monkeys: when someone reaches down to give you a hand the next step is to reach your hand down to help the next person up,” he says. “This practice puts funds and resources back into the community, which is an essential part of a financially stable economy.”

Lecrae said young people should ditch the mindset that you only live once.

“You can really lose a movement over a moment. I think we chase pleasure over happiness. Think about what you want long-term because your decisions today can work to ensure that your 60-year-old self is living in a way that is liberated and free.”

New episodes of Protect the Bag are released each week on Lecrae’s YouTube channel.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

Lillian Lewis earned multiple degrees from California State University Sacramento (also known as Sac State University).

Lewis said, before the pandemic began, paying down the high student loan debt she accrued to cover her tuition and living expenses while in school put a strain on her monthly budget. Those arrears (“in the thousands”) with growing interest made it difficult for her to make ends meet.

But last month, Lewis and about 30,000 other American student loan borrowers across the United States received some unanticipated good news. The Biden administration announced a $2 billion relief program that expanded the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

 “It took a huge load off my finances and will improve my credit, which was not bad anyway,” said Lewis, who works in social work and now lives in Las Vegas. “It was taking forever to pay off. Now, I don’t have to worry anymore.”

The PSLF wipes out student loan debt for borrowers who commit to public service careers or work full-time for public or nonprofit organizations.

The relief program launched about three months before the federal government lifts a freeze on student loan payments on Jan. 31, 2022. In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the country, the feds paused monthly payments for Americans who owe student loans, stopped all collection activity, and applied a temporary zero-interest rate to all debt.

In California, there are thousands of African Americans like Lewis: saddled with huge balances stemming from loans they took to pay for tuition not covered by scholarships, living arrangements, textbooks, and other expenses.

In November, highlighting one borrower’s story, United States Education Secretary Miguel Cardona tweeted, “we are just getting started” to provide student debt relief for millions of Americans.

According to a report by California Student Loan and Debt Service Review Workgroup (CSLDSRW) — established under the state’s Budget Act of 2020 — and the National Center for Education Statistic (NCES), 84.9% of Blacks who earned bachelor’s degrees from 2015 to 2016 owed an average of $34,000 upon graduation.

CSLDSRW’s study also found that Californians of color default more on their student loans. Neighborhoods in the San Francisco Bay Area with the largest percentages of Black and Latino residents had 19.9% of borrowers in delinquency and 15 % in default.

In Los Angeles, borrowers living in ZIP codes with high minority populations had double the amount of default rates than borrowers in ZIP codes that are predominantly White.

U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts) told the media at an event hosted by the American Federations of Teachers earlier this year that she, too, had defaulted on her student loans.

Black women carry 20% more in student debt than White women, according to the American Association of University Women, an advocacy faction that fights for fair pay and economic opportunities for women.

“Like 85% of Black students, I had to borrow; and like so many of those students, I had also defaulted on those loans. We know that Black and Brown students are five times more likely to default for those loans than our White counterparts,” said Pressley.

CSLDSRW’s reported that among all borrowers, Black women accrued more student debt, an average of $37,558, from their undergraduate studies than any other group.

According to EducationData.org, a website that addresses the rising cost of higher education, Black college graduates owe an average of $52,000 in student-loan debt – nearly $25,000 more than their White counterparts.

In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 424, the Private Student Loan Collection Reform Act, which places new documentation requirements on private student loan lenders before activating any collection activity. AB 424 becomes law on July 1, 2022.

“We’re turning commitments into reality by ensuring that our students have more access to high-quality educational opportunities, creating a change of course for generations to come and bolstering California’s innovation economy,” said Gov. Newsom said when he signed the legislation.

“Californians have thrived at our world class universities for decades, but not everyone has had similar access – today that’s changing,” he continued. Everyone deserves a shot at the ‘California Dream”

The U.S. Department of Education expects thousands more to benefit in the coming months from more federally funded debt relief programs.

Over 45 million Americans have a total of $1.7 trillion worth of student loan debt. Progressive lawmakers have pushed Biden to wipe out all federally held debts up to $50,000 and they are making efforts to stop repayments of loans.

“89% of student borrowers say they aren’t financially ready to resume student loan payments & 27% will be spending at least a third of their income on payments when they resume,” tweeted Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). “Student debt is dragging down our communities and economy@POTUS should #CancelStudentDebt.”

By Lou Yeboah

Oh, I can’t help but respond with an offering of praise. You see, the Father gave His son. The Son gave His life as a ransom for me and you. [Galatians 1:4]. “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” [John 3:17]. God sent His Son to be born of a virgin and to be born into human flesh, to live a perfect life and to have Him give His own life so that we might be saved and not fall under condemnation but rather, be saved by the free gift of grace [Ephesians 2:8-9].

Thank You, Lord for Your Indescribable Gift of Jesus. The invaluable, unspeakable gift You have given us! No thoughts, words, or songs can begin to convey the greatness of Who Jesus is, nor of the love You lavish on us by sacrificing Your beloved Son! I thoroughly delight in the incomparable benefits [current and eternal] that I have received through life in Him [His glorious strength, peace, hope, mercy, pardon, righteousness, love, wisdom, joy, deliverance, light and infinitely more]. Thank You that I have everything in Your Indescribable Gift! I repent for how I have often not treated Him as Your Indescribable Gift, and I pray that I, my family members, and all other believers will, from now on, Exult in Him. Experience Him as Your Pleasure. Know Him as Your Treasure. Love Him, Honor Him, Cherish Him, Worship Him, Abandon ourselves to Him, Abide in Him and speak continually about Him as Your blessed Indescribable Gift.

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.” [Psalm 116: 12-14]. Yes, I will proclaim Your greatness…I will thank You forever. Because my Hallelujah belongs to You. All of the glory belongs to You. I will praise you Oh Lord, because You deserve it. You deserve my love, my adoration, my devotion, my praise, my worship, my obedience, my everything… for you have clothed me with the garments of salvation. You have covered me with the robe of righteousness [Isaiah 61:10]. Oh, When I think upon Christmas! Thank You Lord!

If God has been good to you, you ought to say so. [Psalm 107:2]. If God has delivered you, you ought to say so. If God has saved your soul, you ought to say so. If God has blessed you, you ought to say so. If God woke you up this morning, you ought to say so. If God has brought you from a might long way, you ought to say so. The King of Kings is still alive. Therefore, celebrate Him! Because He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He is your doctor in the sick room. He is your lawyer in the court room. He is your bread when you are hungry. He is your water when you are thirsty. He is a wonderful counselor when you are confused. He is your peace in the midst of the storm. He is your joy when you are sad. Our Great Redeemer, Great Jehovah, the Open Door, the Great Shepard, the Resurrection and the Life, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Giver of the Holy Spirit. The True Vine, Jesus I can’t forget what you have done for me. I can’t forget how you set me free. I can’t forget, No Never. For Grace and Mercy, so freely given, I cannot forget. For Faith that says, my sins are forgiven, I cannot forget. For your sons precious blood, which covers my faults, I cannot forget. Thanks be to You Oh Lord, for your inexpressible gift!” [2 Corinthians 9:15].

Singing ? “Because of Who you are, I give you glory. Because of Who you are, I give you praise. Because of Who you are, I will lift my voice and say: Lord, I worship you because of Who you are. Jehovah Jireh [My provider] Jehovah Nissi [You reign in victory]. Jehovah Shaloh [My prince of peace] I worship you because of Who you are.” [Vicky Yohe – Because I Sing].

“Grateful, Grateful, Grateful, Grateful – Grateful, Grateful, Grateful, Grateful – Grateful, Grateful, Grateful, Gratefulness – is flowing from my heart. Are you grateful for what the Lord has done, why want you give Him glory?” [Hezekiah Walker-Grateful].

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” [Luke 2:8-14].

Celebrate Jesus!

Last week, the California Board of Equalization (BOE) elected Malia M. Cohen its chair. She is the first African American woman to serve on the Board.

It is the second time in four years, Cohen — a San Francisco native — has been elected chair of the five-member body responsible for representing taxpayer interests and “equalizing” county-by-county tax assessments across the state.

BOE is comprised of four members that are elected to represent a region of the state, and California’s Controller Betty Yee.

“It is a privilege and honor to serve again as Chair of the California State Board of Equalization,” she said. “In these unprecedented times, with the daily challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we must remember that our first duty is to the People of California who deserve our continuing dedication, resolve, and service.”

Besides, providing “direct representation” to Californians on their property assessments and other tax-related issues, the BOE directs an estimated $75 billion in annual revenue to the state’s schools and local governments in all 58 counties.

Before her election to the BOE in 2018, Cohen served as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. From 2011 to 2019, she was a member of the board, representing the city’s second district, which includes neighborhoods along the southeastern shore of the Bay like Hunters Point-Bayview, the Central Waterfront and Sunnydale.

On the BOE, Cohen represents the Second District. It spans 23 coastal counties from Santa Barbara County (about 95 miles north of Los Angeles) to Del Norte County on the Oregon border.

As chair of the BOE, Cohen says remaining accessible is her priority.

“For Californians who have struggled during these most difficult times, please know that my door is always open to you,” she says.

Cohen has announced she is a candidate for State Controller in the 2022 election.

SACRAMENTO CA— California’s Save Our Water program is excited to announce the WaterWise Squad, a new TikTok effort featuring a group of young Californians who encourages water conservation through trendy videos, songs, and dance moves.  On the five member WaterWise Squad are two sisters from California’s Central Valley, Nirina and Lalaina Rabetsimba, ages 15 and 16.

The Squad is engaging in a fresh, fun way to raise awareness and get kids to practice and share tips that urges everyone to continue exercising water saving habits.  The Rabetsimba sisters began creating content on TikTok as way to display their extensive backgrounds in musical theater, choir, gymnastics, and dance.

“We hope that by participating in the WaterWise campaign, we encourage other kids, friends, family and people in our community to conserve water,” said Nirina Rabetsimba. “We have always tried to save water, but now we are even more conscious about taking shorter showers because every drop counts.”

The two teens practice saving water by recycling indoor water for outdoor use to water their plants, and by turning the faucet off when brushing their teeth or in-between washing their hands and dishes.

Lalaina and Nirina helped create four TikTok videos that share the following water saving tips:

1. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean outdoor areas.
2. Turn off the faucet in between rinsing produce. Doing so can save over four gallons of water!
3. Three rotations of the coffee grinder dance are all the time it takes to water plants.
4. Don’t let the faucet run while brushing teeth and washing hands.
5. Run the dishwasher or washing machine for full loads only.

Despite recent rain and winter storms across California, water conservation efforts are still very necessary for all Californians during the drought.  For more water conservation resources and tips, visit saveourwater.com.

About Save Our Water

Save Our Water is a statewide, water conservation program created in 2009 by the Department of Water Resources.  The program aims to make water conservation a daily habit among all Californians.

Check out The Rabetsimba sisters on the Save Our Water’s TikTok @SaveOurWaterCA Instagram @saveourwater.

LAS VEGAS, NV— The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (“SMGHA”) an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (“San Manuel” or the “Tribe”) today announced they received approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission as licensees for Palms Casino Resort (“Palms”) in Las Vegas.

With this approval, SMGHA Nevada, LLC, owned by SMGHA, is set to close the transaction and become owners of Palms Casino Resort with plans to reopen next year in the spring.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to share our long-standing tradition of hospitality with Las Vegas and execute our vision for this iconic resort, starting by welcoming back former and current Palms employees,” said SMGHA Chairwoman Latisha Casas. “Together, we will create history.”

“We would like to extend a sincere ‘thank you’ to Red Rock Resorts and their leadership team,” said SMGHA Management Committee Member Laurens Vosloo.  “We deeply appreciate the support and ongoing partnership they provided as we worked through transition of ownership.”

Recruitment for more than 1,000 positions ranging from casino, operations, hotel management, food and beverage along with supervisor positions is underway. Following the close of the transaction on Friday December 17, interested applicants can apply at www.palmscareers.com.

In addition to the casino, Palms includes more than 700 hotel rooms and suites, multiple casual and upscale dining options, meeting and convention space, a 2,500-seat theater, pool and spa, and Palms Place condominiums.

Within days of the close of the deal, guests can make reservations at Palms Place at www.palms.com. Room reservations for Palms Casino Resort will be available in early 2022.

“It’s such an honor to reach this milestone today. As we forge ahead, it’s important we bring forward the strong values and culture of the Tribe into everything we do at the property,” said Cynthia Kiser Murphey, General Manager of Palms. “From team member culture to exceptional guest service, it’s our intent to create a lively and fun environment not only for customers but our dedicated staff as well.”

Even prior to opening the property, the Tribe has supported Las Vegas based community groups and non-profits by contributing more than $10 million to organizations including UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and William S. Boyd School of Law; the Public Education Foundation; Three Square Food Bank and Shade Tree Shelter to name a few. Additionally, the Tribe has partnered with local sports teams through sponsorships with the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium, and the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Tribe owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel (formerly San Manuel Casino), in Highland, CA. What started 35 years ago as a humble bingo hall became one of Southern California’s premier destinations for gaming, entertainment and culinary delights. Earlier this year, the Tribe unveiled the first of a three-part expansion project at the casino, adding more than 6,500 slot machines, a new high-limit gaming room, retail shops, bars and new restaurants. Just days ago, the Tribe celebrated the opening of the resort at Yaamava’, featuring 432 guest rooms with 127 spacious suites, a pool, private cabanas, a full-service spa and salon and new food and beverage options. In 2022, the expansion will be complete with the debut of a 2,800-seat entertainment venue.

San Manuel is a top-10 private employer in San Bernardino County with nearly 6,000 team members and the recipient of Great Place to Work® recognition by the Great Places to Work Institute.

About San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority 
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority is a governmental instrumentality of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe, created for the purpose of independently carrying out the investment in, and ownership and management of, gaming and hospitality businesses outside of the San Manuel Reservation.

Brotherhood Crusade celebrated its 20th Annual Christmas in the Neighborhood, Saturday, December 11th, at the parking lot of the local Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper.

Stacy Hill Williams, Executive Vice President, Brotherhood Crusade said ,”Brotherhood Crusade enjoys bringing this annual holiday event to the community. It creates considerable joy for our neighbors at a time of year when many people feel forgotten. We thank our partners for making it possible to show support for our community and bring this much needed holiday cheer for so many at risk families.”

Families enjoyed free holiday gift baskets, including gift cards, toys, food and clothes. The socially-distanced Drive Thru & Go event, required that all guests wear masks and remain in cars for safe distribution. More than 1000 families were served during the event. Partners for the event included:

Los Angeles Sentinel

AHF

LA Food Bank

Blue Shield of California

Chris Paul Family Foundation

SEIU 2015

SoCalGas

AIM (Acts Inspired by Mookie)

Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation

PepsiCo

City of Los Angeles

Council District 10

Marqueece Harris-Dawson

Council District 8

The Hutt Group

Blackline

The Smidt Foundation

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

Charisse Bremond Weaver, President and CEO , Brotherhood Crusade said, “Thank you to our partners whose generosity continues to make it possible for us to make a significant impact in bringing relief to underserved families. This service helps provide security and stability to many at risk-families, when assistance is most critical.”

“It is so special to kick off the holiday season by distributing toys and meals alongside such a prominent organization as the Brotherhood Crusade. It was my pleasure to support this heartwarming event along with my SoCalGas colleagues. We are a proud partner in the communities where we live and work.” – Cedric Williams, chief safety officer for SoCalGas.

To learn more about Brotherhood Crusade or to make a contribution to its programs and services, please visit us online at brotherhoodcrusade.org or call 323-846-1649.

Below is a list of different organizations that are doing toy and gift drives this season.

• Christmas Toy Giveaway: Now until December 9 to December 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lourdee’s Dentistry located at 16701 Valley Blvd in Fontana. Lourdes’s Dentistry is giving away Christmas toys to all children who come in for their end of the year dental checkup and cleaning! Don’t Miss Out! we will also be providing pictures with Santa Claus this year! Call them today at Call us today! (909)356-4490
• CAPSBC Presents Santa’s Workshop Toy Giveaway: Saturday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in San Bernardino at Community Action Partnership’s headquarters. To participate you must be a resident of San Bernardino County and Pre-Registration is required. Register at ly/capsbcsantasworkshop.
• 4th Annual Christmas Toy Drive Fosters Unity in the Community: Saturday, September 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at North Recreation Center located at 1554 Art Townsend Drive in San Bernardino. This year, SMD aims to gift at least 5,000 toys. There will also be information to connect families with essential resources. Families can find out how to register children for the toy drive by following SMD on Facebook @sistasmd2020 and Instagram @sistasmd. Walk-ups are also welcome.
• Winter Wonderland by Shiekh Shoes and Young Visionaries: Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shiekh Shoes Headquarters located at 1777 S. Vintage Avenue in Ontario. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-winter-wonderland-tickets-212722076457.
• Project Bon Christmas Event: Saturday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Grocery Outlet located at 1145 West Renaissance Parkway in Rialto. Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/project-boon-christmas-event-tickets-210137044557.
• Christmas Community Giveaway: Sunday, December 19 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 1945 East Riverside Avenue in Ontario. Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-community-giveaway-tickets-226485202337.
• 2^nd Annual Never Stop Grinding Impact Toy Drive: Wednesday, December 22 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Wilmer Amina High School located at 2630 North Linden Avenue in Rialto. All children must be present in the car or parent must present school IDs for any child who cannot be present. Registration is recommended but not required to attend and does not guarantee toys. Please register at eventbrite.com.
• Music Changing Lives Christmas Eve Party: Friday, December 24 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 261 West 40^th Street in San Bernardino. Register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-eve-party-tickets-222047489017.