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By Merilee Kern

As we head into fall and are now back to school, it is more important than ever to carry on with healthy hydration habits from the long, hot days of summer. The human body is made up of 50% water, in order to achieve peak hydration needs, kids (ages 4-8) require five cups of water per day and kids (ages 8+) require 7-8 cups per day. 

“Unfortunately, water is not the most tasty or easy to drink liquid so often we substitute it with other things such as milk, sports drinks, orange juice or fruit concentrates,” says James Mayo, Co-Founder and CEO of SOS Hydration. “These substitutions offer some hydration benefits, but also come with excessive amounts of sugar and high calories that kids don’t need. Just take a peek at the nutrition panels the next time you reach for one of these beverages. Many of these drinks disguise their contents on the front by clever marketing or small pack sizes but look at the truth panel on the side to see the number of calories and also in many cases the amount of artificial ingredients. A carton of orange or apple juice can have 100 calories and a fruit concentrate pouch can have 60 with some cartons that call themselves honest still having a heaping of 40 calories and excessive sugar.”

The next option for hydration you might consider are the water enhancing powders. Many of these products tout ultra-hydration but, again, one would be wise to visit the nutrition panels first as they are often loaded with artificial ingredients.  “Some electrolyte drink options for kids on the marketplace lead people astray with their ‘organic’ ingredients or ‘physician recommended’ but be wary of sugar, which is not the ideal product for kid’s hydration,” James warns.

These realities led SOS Hydration to launch its first annual September “National Family Hydration Awareness Month” initiative, during which the public is invited to learn about the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits of pre-hydrating to avoid becoming dehydrated. Throughout National Family Hydration Awareness Month families will enjoy an assortment of activities and benefits aimed to help them become, and remain, hydration minded as the new school and business year kicks into gear. From its web site at www.SOSKidsHydration.com, families can learn more about the science of hydration and see the full line of SOS Hydration products for both adults and children.

Also starting this month, children across America can enjoy SOS Hydration’s healthier and more effective alternative to the mass-market sugary drinks targeted to children. The company’s new child–specific, low sugar electrolyte drink mix formula—SOS Kids, featuring PAW Patrol—is now available online at SOSHydration.com, Walmart.com starting September 11 and, also this September, will be exclusively available on shelves in every Walmart store throughout the United States.

“As a dad of two young girls I wanted a better-for-you lunch box alternative to the high sugar, unhealthy beverages marketed at children…plus I understand the power of PAW Patrol,” said James Mayo, Co-Founder and CEO of SOS Hydration. “My girls love the pups and I love what they stand for. With our company having formulated the first kids-specific electrolyte, vitamin and mineral drink, my wife and I felt the PAW Patrol franchise was a perfect partner since their values mirror our own. The pups now grace the packaging of our SOS Kids line that not only tastes great, but also gives children that boost of hydration—all without the artificial ‘nasties’ and high sugar content of other so-called solutions on the market.”

SOS Kids was specially-formulated for daily hydration by SOS Hydration Co-Founder and board certified Internal Medicine physician Dr. Blanca Lizaola-Mayo to help keep children optimally hydrated, and actually avoid becoming dehydrated in the first place—a condition that compromises the body and mind in a variety of ways. SOS Kids has only three grams of sugar; is boosted with Vitamins A and C, minerals Zinc and Magnesium; and contains no artificial additives—all designed to keep kids ahead of their hydration needs so they can perform better and get more from their days. “The first sign of thirst means you are dehydrated,” notes Dr. Lizaola-Mayo. “SOS helps the body absorb water two to three times faster than drinking water alone and provides a better alternative for children over juices, powders and other sports drinks laden with unnecessary sugar, calories, carbohydrates and additives.”

Mayo added, “SOS Kids is a valuable addition to our popular adult hydration line that is based off independent and 3^rd party research for maximum advocacy,” Mayo said. “We’ve also put our product formulas up for independent research so that we can base our claims on fact rather than self-promotional rhetoric. One need only review the ‘How does SOS Compare’ page of our web site to appreciate the comprehensive suite of reasons putting our formula in a scientific league of its own. We want consumers to fully vet us against our competitors as well as published scientific standards so they can truly understand appreciate what sets up apart and makes our product worthy of their hard-earned dollars.”

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Forbes Business Council Member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the  “Savvy Living” lifestyle TV show that airs in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta and other major markets on CBS, FOX and other top networks; as well as the “Savvy Ventures” business TV show that airs nationally on FOX Business TV and Bloomberg TV. As a prolific lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReports / Twitter www.Twitter.com/LuxeListReports / Facebook www.Facebook.com/LuxeListReports / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.

By Karen Earl | Special to California Black Media

Hundreds gathered online and in person at Faithful Central Bible Church in Los Angeles for the home-going celebration of Michelle A. Avan on Aug. 27.

The 48-year-old senior banking executive was found beaten to death in her Reseda home on Aug. 5.  

Viewers of the livestream expressed prayers and condolences, and especially shared how beautiful the celebration of her life was.  Their sentiments reflected the beauty and solemnity of the invocation, songs by an all-female youth ensemble, and a video presentation of the beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend in her personal and professional life experiences.

Avan’s son Trevon Avan and daughter Nyah Avan shared some of their endearing and humorous moments with her.  They were best friends, more like sisters, said her daughter, as she took deep breaths.  She loved to dress up in her mom’s clothing, and grew to love to pick out Avan’s attire, especially for award ceremonies and galas.  

“I know her spirit will still continue to help me through my own award ceremonies, because she’ll give my aunties, my uncles, my cousins, my grandparents, my dad, her sister-friends, her village, the strength to help carry me and my brother on during these difficult times,” said her daughter, brimming with pride.

“I never thought that this would happen to someone like her; someone who believed in the people; someone who believed in being your true, authentic self, no matter what,” stated her son. “But on this day, we’ll celebrate my mom’s living legacy, he said.

Andy Sieg, president, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, reflected on the woman who had a remarkable impact on the company for over 23 years.

She landed her dream job and took charge of the hiring, development and advancement of women, people of color, and others with differences, when she was made head of Women’s and Underrepresented Talent Strategy for Bank of America last June, he reflected.

“That is a huge impact.  It’s across a company of 200,000 people,” said Sieg.  As teammate Susan Axelrod expressed, Avan’s unique gift was the ability to bring people together in very special ways, to lift up those left behind, to encourage others to extend a helping hand … Far beyond their mission of driving adversity, she stood for unity, empathy, acceptance,” he continued.

Meanwhile, police arrested 52-year-old Anthony Turner, her ex-boyfriend, alleging he entered her home on August 3, killed her, then left the next day. Bail was set at $2 million.

Turner faces one felony count each of murder and first-degree residential burglary, and has pleaded not-guilty.  He has been released on bail and a preliminary hearing has been reportedly scheduled for Sept. 30.

One in four women will experience a form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Within the Black community, 45.1 % of Black women have experienced intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes. 

Family members, friends, concerned community members and colleagues of Black women and girls plagued by and ultimately killed in domestic or intimate partner violence bemoan the question over and over again, “Why did she stay?”.

Jenesse Center, Inc., in its 40-year history of meeting the needs of intimate partner survivors has learned that the answers are more nuanced, complex, and many, such as:

“I had nowhere else to go.” 

“I felt ashamed.” 

“I couldn’t call the police.”

Our Black girls and women face the added burden of structural racism.  Negative interactions between law enforcement and Black girls and women are rooted in the institution of slavery and have become institutionalized responses in the decades since. Far too often we are seen as “less than human” and as such, are not given the respect and grace to be in crisis and needing help; to be a victim, and not perpetrator of violence. If the police are called, far too many Black girls and women have themselves been arrested and persecuted as the “aggressor.” 

In other cases, Black girls and women have been killed by police responding to their calls for help. On average, it is expected that between 2.4 and 5.4 Black girls and women per 100,000 will be killed by police over the course of their lifetime.  Black women are 1.4 times more likely to be killed by the police than white women. They also fear not being believed and that if the police respond and do nothing, they and their children are at greater risk of increased acts of violence by their partner once the police leave. 

But also, Black women are conflicted by the thought of turning their children’s father over to the state, compounding years of social injustice in the criminal justice system. However, they also face further isolation, shame, and ridicule by family and friends for calling -9-1-1 even when their very lives are at-risk.  

Collectively, what is our community responsibility to safety and protection of Black girls and women in Los Angeles County?  How do we take a stand to protect our mothers and daughters? How do we amplify our voices to say, “enough is enough”?

The Jenesse Center, a domestic violence intervention organization based here in Los Angeles, calls upon elected officials, public policy makers, employers, and community and spiritual leaders to join us in solidarity toward action. The interventions and preventative support services we provide to victims and survivors of domestic are holistic, trauma-informed and culturally responsive.

We need informed advocates who relentlessly amplify the message that Black girl’s and women’s lives have value and drive action to ending intimate partner violence in our homes. Jenesse is ready to change the world by changing hearts and minds right here in our community.  

Are you ready to join us?

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About the Author

Karen Earl is CEO of the Jenesse Center, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides  domestic violence intervention and prevention support programs.

RIALTO, CA—- Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson is one of 34 leaders from across the country appointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC).

Robertson’s appointment was announced Wednesday by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. The 39-member LGAC represents a diverse cross-section of cities, counties, towns, and communities across the United States, and advises the EPA Administrator on a variety of issues impacting cities.

“It’s a privilege to be part of this distinguished committee as we work on climate security, sustainable economic development, infrastructure needs and eliminating barriers to economic opportunity for all,” Robertson said. “Rialto has been at the forefront of many of these issues, and I look forward to sharing our experiences with my fellow mayors and local leaders, while continuing to look at innovative solutions, which helps to advance equity and economic solutions, especially for communities identified as disadvantaged.”

Said Regan: “I’m honored to welcome this diverse, highly qualified group of local leaders who will bring valuable insight and experience to the Agency. EPA is counting on their input and collaboration to help achieve our mission to protect public health and the environment in every zip code. From tackling climate change to advancing environmental justice, we need local partners at the table to address our most pressing environmental challenges.”

With a population of more than 103,000, Rialto is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Inland Empire, with a strong business climate and a strong reputation for innovation and sustainable development.

A notable example is the work in and around Rialto’s wastewater treatment plant, including the development of a microgrid that uses solar, biogas and battery story to bring greater energy independence to the City, and the recent awarding of a $1.05 million grant to create a recreation and education area using recycled water from the plant. The microgrid project has been hailed as a giant step forward in the way municipalities can take positive steps toward a greener future.

For more information about the LGAC, please visit https://www.epa.gov/ocir/local-government-advisory-committee-lgac.

1. The love from a dedicated and committed spouse that truly sees you, is invested in honoring you, and puts you before them will cause you both to soar in ways unexpected.  When you give completely of yourself, your spouse will do the same.  No need to worry if you’ll be taken care of.  
2. People are watching. They may never say a word. Some are judging you and waiting for you to fail. Many are cheering you on. Some are using your example to model or as a what not to do guide for their own marriage or future marriage. 
3. What other people think does not matter. It is you two.
4. Loving your spouse how they receive love is crucial to the survival and overall health of your marriage.
5. Happy wife does in fact make a happy life. When the wife has joy and is fulfilled, the home runs more smoothly. The kids and the husband bask in that joy and peace she creates because she is at peace. But the husband is not responsible for this happiness. He can and should add to it. Spouses should add to each other’s happiness. But neither should lose themselves.
6. Both spouses need to be fulfilled individually. Hobbies, trips, alone time –each needs to factor that in because life is hard and we need breaks from everyone, even our beloved.
7. When a million things come at you all at the same time, you must look to God and keep your eye on your spouse. Both of you cannot drown. You will take turns being the “strong” one.
8. The perfect marriage for you and your spouse is created by investing in one another. The kids do not come before the marriage. Date nights where you turn distractions off and tune in to one another are essential.  
9. The way your spouse experiences can for them feel different than what you intend. You can truly think you’re giving your all but if that’s not how your spouse sees it or can receive it, conflict and resentment can arise. Checking in to discuss how your spouse is feeling tended to by you are important.
10. People change, dynamics change but the vows you took never change. The commitment expectation does not either.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Would you like to learn more about local government as a career? Our First District Office is seeking college students to join our Fall 2021 internship program.  Students will work flexible hours (roughly 10 hours a week) at the San Bernardino County Government Center, where they will tackle important issues including homelessness, behavioral health, law enforcement, education, public health and more. 

Interns will work one-on-one with First District constituents and assist with handling constituent casework. They will also have the opportunity to get hands-on training in government social media management, graphic design, photography/videography, website administration and newsletter writing. Deadline to apply is October 1, 2021. For more information, please contact Julia Robles at Julia.Robles@bos.sbcounty.gov

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD’s) executive cabinet has undergone several changes over the past few months, all designed to better serve students and families.

The Board of Education held a reception in honor of the two newest additions to the cabinet and the promotion of Dr. Rachel Monárrez. The reception began at 4:30 p.m. at the Dr. Margaret Hill Community Room in the Board of Education building, prior to the August 17 Board meeting.

The newest addition to the cabinet is Dr. Ricardo Esquivel. As the assistant superintendent of Equity, Access, and Innovation, Esquivel will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of new Superintendent Doc Ervin‘s vision of providing equity, access, and innovation for all students.

Esquivel, who holds both a master’s and doctorate degree in Urban Education and Leadership, has several years of experience as an educational leader. Most recently, he served as superintendent of the Elk Hills Elementary School District. Prior to that, he was the executive director of the Wonderful College Prep Academy in Kern County. Esquivel also has more than four years experience serving as a school administrator.

Esquivel is filling the assistant superintendent position left open when Dr. Rachel Monárrez was promoted to deputy superintendent.

Monárrez joined SBCUSD in August 2016 as the assistant superintendent of Student Services, and was later named the assistant superintendent of Continuous Improvement. That position has been renamed to assistant superintendent of Equity, Access, and Innovation.

Monárrez has spent her 27 years in education focusing on the success of students. She spent almost two decades as a classroom teacher and instructional leader. In 2004, she earned recognition as a National Board Certified Teacher, something that only a small percentage of teachers earn and only after proving their effectiveness in the classroom through a rigorous, lengthy process.

In 2020, the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators named Monárrez as the Central Office Administrator of the Year for her distinguished leadership and excellence in advocating on behalf of Latino/Latina/Latinx children.

Monárrez earned her M.A. in Education in 1995 and her Ph.D. in Urban Education in 2010.

Harold Sullins joined SBCUSD as the associate superintendent of Business, Facilities, and Operations on July 8, 2021.

Sullins served as the assistant superintendent of Administrative Services for Rosemead School District prior to joining SBCUSD.  He has also served as the assistant superintendent of Business Services for Upland Unified School District and the executive director of Business Services for San Jacinto Unified School District.

Sullins earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and has certifications in school management negotiations and as a chief business official.

The executive cabinet are the top-level division and department heads directly reporting to the superintendent. They meet regularly to advise the superintendent, and they help run the District’s daily operations.

By Camile Jené

Yesterday, I woke up to fatigue. No, not your regular just dragging that coffee can fix. The overtired feeling that does not get quenched by a regular night of sleep. Yes, that! Pure exhaustion. I felt like I needed a nap. All. Day!

But that’s a dream for empty nesters. As a mother of young children, there’s no all-day naps unless on a personal, kid free vacation or a planned weekend at Grandmother’s. So, I had to break out my supermom ninja tricks in order to brave the day because children do not take time off.

Mom hack number 1: Yes-spaces. 

Yes-spaces are essential to a mom’s peace. These spaces are available for your child to roam freely without having to worry about them getting hurt by chemicals or dangerous object, and staying out of your no-no items. If you like, you can sit back, relax and even rest your eyes for a second but the point is you do not have to worry about danger or having to move things. The sockets are covered, entrances are child proofed as well, and there are enough toys and non-breakables to keep your child entertained without you having to constantly hover. Yes, to yes-spaces. 

For years I didn’t have a yes space and the stress of not having things properly locked down wore on me in a way I hadn’t even realized. The relief that a yes-space offers is priceless.

Mornings can be pretty exciting and a bit hectic. This hack saves the time of a sit-down breakfast but your car will not thank you for this mom hack. But I’d rather and unhappy car than hangry children any day.

Mom hack number 2: Portable breakfast

• baked oatmeal (I recently got the tip to put these in a muffin tin! It’s even better than baking a large pan and cutting into bars. And less crumbs)
• Pigs in a blanket
• Breakfast sandwich with eggs, cheese and bacon
• Waffles (folded like a sand which. Hold the syrup)

These work for us. We pair one of the options above with a piece of fruit or a yogurt smoothie. 

Food is important in our home as my next tip also has to do with food. Time to educatie the children, run successful businesses, and relax (it’s essential for productivity), is also important. Time management and dispersing my energy wisely is essential.

Mom hack number 3: Cook once per day

This has saved me on those days where I’m too tired at the end of the day. Too many times we have eaten fast food instead of a home cooked meal because I needed something quick. 

Cooking dinner either completely or the main dish while I cook breakfast or lunch has helped me ensure that my kids get a healthy meal at dinner time. 

If you prepare lunches at night or before work, you can start something in your crock pot right before you get started. Anything to maximize time at the end of the day is helpful. 

Those 3 hacks have saved me sanity and time each week for years.

Whether you incorporate these or other mom-hacks such as meal-prep or chore charts, implement ideas that will help your home work for you.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Friday, August 20^th Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes honored two of the 2021 Minerva Scholarship recipients. The program awards up to eighty-seven California residents a $2,500 scholarship.

The Minerva Scholarship program was established by Women in California Leadership to support the advancement and empowerment of women. This foundation awarded two scholarships to students from the 47^th Assembly District.

The 2021 scholarships were awarded to Veronica Banuelos, San Bernardino and Destiny Lopez, Rialto. Both have shown a commitment to their communities and higher education.

“It is an honor to present these two scholarships to women in our community who have gone above and beyond to serve their community and strive for more knowledge,” said Assembly Majority Leader Reyes. “Congratulations to Veronica and Destiny and good luck on your studies.”

Veronica is a first year student at Pomona College, graduating Arroyo Valley High School in 2020 during the pandemic. During high school, she served as academic decathlon president, varsity tennis captain, Pomona College Academy of Youth Success Student Advisory Board, and teaching assistant.

Additionally, she was an organizer for Bloodstream Blood Drive and Adopt-A-Family for her local community. Veronica was also part of the third Assembly District 47 Young Legislators, where she actively participated in each of our meetings, and went beyond the expectations of the program by volunteering at several of our District events.

Her commitment to her scholastic and athletic excellence and to her community’s success is what shaped her into the leader she is today, and the leader she will be in the future.

“I would like to thank the Minerva Scholarship program for making this scholarship possible and available for students like myself. I can humbly say, from the bottom of my heart, that I am honored, and grateful to use this to continue my education. Thank you to Assembly Majority Leader Reyes, Maha Rizvi, and the rest of the team for introducing me to such wonderful opportunities,” said Veronica Banuelos.

A recent graduate of Eisenhower High School, Destiny is planning to attend California State University, San Marcos. While attending school, she was an active student in her school district, where she had the opportunity to serve as the student voice on Rialto Unified School District’s Strategic Planning Committee.

Her involvement continued to high school where she served as ASB President, ASB Vice president, District Strategic Planning Committee-Student Member, Key Club President, Varsity Cheer Captain, and Equity and Access Team Member.

Surrounded by the uncertainty of the pandemic and the devastation of losing a year on campus, she applied and was selected as Student Board Member for RUSD, where she advocated for social emotional programs for students affected by the pandemic.

“It was an honor to be able to take part in this experience that so few women are able to I couldn’t begin to express how grateful I am. I promise to make you proud,” said Destiny Lopez.

For more information on the complete scholarship requirements and details, go to the Foundation’s website at https://wicl.us/scholarship-program/

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Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.

RIALTO, CA— Allanah was honored on August 10 by the City of Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson, The State Senate Connie Leyva and the County of San Bernardino Joe Baca for her academic accomplishments. In the words of Madame Mayor “It takes a village.”

“Thank you all so much for demonstrating to my baby that all of her hard work has not gone unnoticed,” Vickie Davis, mother of Ms. Mouton, states. “She has accomplished something that many people will only see on TV or through periodic news stories that make their way into social media pages.”

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She continues, “How blessed we are to have a front row seat. I’ve said it at least a hundred times and I’ll say one hundred more, I COULD NOT BE ANY MORE PROUD. Thanks to the love of my family, the beautiful support and encouragement of my community and unmatched joy that I have the privilege of knowing via watching my children grow I AM RICH. #richblessings.”

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Paulette Brown-Hinds, publisher of the Black Voice News has been named one of 10 recipients of Stanford University’s John S. Knight (JSK) Fellowship. The JSK Fellowship Program made the announcement August 4.

“As a lifelong learner, I’m excited to join the innovative cohort of journalism professionals — and especially excited to have access to some of Stanford’s finest minds and the JSK community of support as I work on my proposed project,” Brown Hinds said.

The JSK fellowship began in 1984 with a $4 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to provide a permanent endowment for the program. Their goal is to empower seasoned and emerging journalism leaders to close the information gap growing within minority communities. Fellows will receive stipends up to $75,000, advising on strategy and execution, cohort membership, and access to Stanford University resources.

“We’re thrilled by the wide range of experience levels, talents and types of local organizations around the U.S. that our new JSK Community Impact Fellows represent,” said JSK Director Dawn Garcia. “Their news and information projects will provide essential information to communities of people who are too often overlooked.”

With nearly 50 years of service to the Black community in Riverside County and surrounding areas, Black Voice News has been a family venture since Brown-Hinds parents, Hardy Brown and retired California Assemblymember Cheryl Brown became publishers in 1980. Brown-Hinds took over as publisher of the company in 2012 and has since focused on transitioning the print publication to a digital leader driven by what she describes as “solutions-based data journalism.”

During her 10-month fellowship, the information challenge Brown-Hinds proposed builds on the work of two Black Voice News data journalism focused initiatives: Mapping Black California and ‘DaHUB’, a data hub and content sharing platform currently in development.

The fellowship affords her the time, Brown-Hinds says, to explore how to make the visualization tools and datasets needed for solutions-focused data reporting on racial justice accessible to the Black Press in California.

Beyond the fellowship, Brown-Hinds is interested in providing assets for interested publishers.

“This includes a toolkit for news publishers on how to identify the right datasets, evaluate sources and translate statistics and numbers into meaningful narratives identifying solutions to systemic racism,” Brown Hinds says. “And drafting a playbook for Black media and Black community-based organizations interested in pursuing story collaborations utilizing data to solve community and systemic issues.