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Seeking to implement effective regional as well as local approaches to combat California’s growing homeless crisis, San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales has joined eight other County Supervisors on the California State Association of Counties’ (CSAC) Homeless Action Team.

CSAC formed the working group in August, which also includes its First Vice President Lisa Bartlett and Immediate Past President Leticia Perez, to complementGovernor Gavin Newsom’s Statewide Homeless and Supportive Housing Advisory Task Force. Viewing homelessness from the county perspective, the Homeless Action Team will help to fill the gaps, ensuring the design and execution of a greater comprehensive strategy to address the economic, social, and health challenges California communities face.

“My colleagues on the Homeless Action Team and I are equally vested in reducing homelessness in our respective counties, as well as statewide,” said Supervisor Gonzales

“Now is the time for us to seek collaborative, comprehensive approaches that also will help us tackle the complex housing, economic, mental and physical health impacts we each face as we work to reduce our homeless populations. The Governor’s support and the recent funding allocations to address homelessness makes all of this possible,” said Gonzales.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who co-chairs Governor Newsom’s Statewide Homeless and Supportive Housing Advisory Task Force, also chairs CSAC’s Homeless Action Team. As the conduit between the Task Force and the Team, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas is ensuring that best practices, programs, and collaborative measures recommended by his fellow Supervisors will be put in place to effectually respond and threat the symptoms that trigger homelessness.

“I look forward to hearing from the other Supervisors as to what is working in other parts of the state, while also sharing our own successes,” said Supervisor Gonzales who is chair of San Bernardino County’s Interagency Council on Homelessness – a model partnership that addresses chronic homelessness.

“Homelessness does not respect jurisdictional boundaries; it is a tragedy that destroys everyone’s quality of life. It is critical that we work together to address this social ill,” she added.

RIVERSIDE, CA— Susan G. Komen Inland Empire’s annual signature fundraising event is set for Sunday, Oct. 13 in Murrieta where supporters will walk and raise money for breast cancer treatment, patient advocacy and groundbreaking research as part of the rebranded new MORE THAN PINK Walk™.

The community event at Murrieta’s Town Square Park will honor breast cancer patients who are no longer living and will celebrate the survivors.  Seventy-five percent of the net proceeds stay here in Riverside and San Bernardino counties to fund local programs to support mothers, sisters, neighbors and friends as they battle breast cancer right here in our community. The remaining 25 percent will fund groundbreaking research.

The organization announced in May the rebranding of the event, previously known as the Race for the Cure, with a renewed focus on community and the value participants bring to Susan G. Komen’s overall mission.

The inspiring family-friendly event demonstrates how the fundraising efforts of every participant fuel lifesaving research, critical patient care, needed community programs and public policy advocacy in a personal and powerful way. 

“By participating in the Susan G. Komen Inland Empire More Than Pink Walk™, you can help ensure that our vision to end breast cancer becomes a reality, as we strive to support those affected by breast

Cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures,” said Dr. Sandra Finestone, board president for Komen Inland Empire.  

The event will open at 6:30 a.m. Opening ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. with the Walk starting at 8:30 a.m.  Survivors and those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer will kick off the opening ceremony by leading the way through the “Pathway of Hope” where all participants will cheer them on.  Also new this year will be guest speakers Kara Adams, a survivor and author, and Metastatic Breast Cancer survivor Patti Martinez.  The emcee for the event will be one of Komen Inland Empire’s founders, Joan Sparkman. 

“Together we have the power to transform lives, one step at a time,” said Joan Sparkman, Founding Member of Komen Inland Empire.

The MORE THAN PINK Walk^TM sponsors show their commitment to our community by supporting our volunteers, survivors and those living with breast cancer, as well as everyone who has joined together to raise funds as part of this important event. 

This year’s sponsors include: Bank of America, the City of Murrieta, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Abbott, Arrowhead Water, BMW of Murrieta, The Valley News, The Camp Transformation Centers and more.

Susan G. Komen Inland Empire has a goal to raise $300,000 at this year’s MORE THAN PINK Walk™.  Reaching our fundraising goal means more research, care and action against breast cancer for our loved ones, our community and future generations.  Organizations interested in sponsoring the Walk are encouraged to contact the affiliate office to learn more about opportunities.

Register and begin fundraising TODAY at www.komenie.org. For more information you can call 951-676-7465.  Follow the Susan G. Komen Inland Empire on Facebook Susan G. Komen Inland Empire and or Twitter.

Volunteers also are needed and are encouraged to sign up online: https://events.com/r/en_US/registration/2019-more-than-pink-inland-empire-walk-murrieta-october-762428

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— RIVERSIDE,CA— At its Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 20, 2019, the Riverside African American Historical Society, Inc. (RAAHS) will honor several individuals who have impacted the development of the African American community in the Inland Empire. 

The following Unsung Heroes will be honored:  Daniel Hantman, Humanitarian; Karen Y. Johnson, Education; Dwight Jones, Religion; and Harold Ross, Community; all have made a positive difference in the lives of others and have not received nor sought recognition for their service. 

The RAAHS salute these individuals who advocate for and promote a strong visible presence in the community to hold fast to the moral standards of our heritage.

The Annual Meeting will be held at the Marriott Riverside, 3400 Market Street, Downtown Riverside, beginning at 2:30 p.m.  Donation $60 per person, payable in advance.  RSVP for the luncheon by contacting (951)684-1072 or emailing mompops8@aol.com.  Visit our website at: raahsinc.org

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SACRAMENTO, CA— Recently, Assemblymember Chris Holden joined Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing ceremony for legislation aimed at improving California’s wildfire prevention, mitigation and response efforts. As chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy, Holden had a significant role in developing a comprehensive legislative package this year to address the threat of wildfires and the resulting impact on communities and ratepayers.

“It’s been a privilege and a great responsibility to work with Governor Newsom and my colleagues in the Legislature to find the right response to the devastating wildfires that have ravaged our state,” said Holden. “Our work is not done yet but we’re in a much better place this year than we were only a year ago.”

The bills signed by Governor Newsom today included Holden’s Assembly Bill 1513 which refined provisions of legislation signed earlier this year to prevent and respond to fires caused by electric utility infrastructure.  The Governor also signed several bills for which Holden played a key role in crafting as Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee.  The bills will result in the refinement of programs impacting the deenergization of electric lines (Public Safety Power Shutoffs) to prevent ignition of fires during extreme weather events and enhance vegetation management to prevent fire ignition by electric lines.  The full list of bills signed by Governor Newsom can be found here.

Climate change has created a new wildfire reality for California. The state’s fire season is now almost year round. More than 25 million acres of California wildlands are classified as under very high or extreme fire threat with approximately 25 percent of the state’s population – 11 million people – living in those high-risk areas.  At the same time the state is experiencing an increase in weather patterns with high wind and temperature coupled with low humidity.  The events, along with deficiencies in utility vegetation management practices, have caused the ignition of several fires as a result of contact between the electric lines and vegetation.

“Our goal in the last year has remained constant – protect ratepayers and wildfire victims, improve the safety of electric infrastructure, and ensure that we have fiscally stable electric utilities to serve customers,” said Holden.

Holden’s legislation was a follow up bill to Assembly Bill 1054 signed earlier this summer, that increased safety requirements for utilities and protected customers and taxpayers from wholly bearing the costs of devastating wildfires.

On Saturday, September 21, the Redlands’ Boy’s and Girls Club held its annual ‘Day 4 Kids’ event. Check out some of the photos below:

Photo Credit: John Coleman, Community Photographer

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By Rob Falkenberg, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of California

Open enrollment season is here, a time when more than 18.3 million people in California and millions of Americans across the country will have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance plan for 2020.  

To help guide you during this important time, here are some tips that may help lead you to better health and cost savings.

Tip 1: Know your open enrollment dates

• For the more than 178 million Americans with employer-provided coverage, many employers set aside a two-week period between September and December when employees can select health benefits for the following year.
• For the more than 64 million people enrolled in Medicare, Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year.

For most people, changes made during this time will take effect Jan. 1, 2020.

Tip 2: Understand your options. When it comes to selecting a plan, one size does not fit all. Take the time to understand your options so you can find what will work best for you. A good first step is to make sure you understand health insurance lingo, such as premium, deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum. If you need a refresher, check out UnitedHealth Group’s Just Plain Clear Glossary (in English, Spanish and Portuguese) to learn and understand health care terms. And if you’re eligible for Medicare, make sure you’re familiar with the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage as you weigh your options.

Tip 3: Anticipate next year’s health expenses.  When reviewing your options, plan ahead. Maybe you are expecting a significant health event next year, such as a surgery or having a baby. If so, then it’s even more important to compare the “total cost” of your plan, not just your monthly premium. Plan designs vary, so also compare deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

Tip 4: Check to make sure your medications are covered

Even if you don’t expect to change plans, it’s important to make sure your prescription drugs will still be covered next year. Costs can change from year to year, and how much you pay for generics vs. brands may differ among health plans.

Tip 5: Ask about well-being programs. Many health plans now offer financial incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, walking, going to the gym or not using nicotine. Also, many Medicare Advantage plans offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional costs.

Tip 6: Don’t forget about specialty benefits

Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, disability or critical illness insurance, are often cost-effective coverage options that can help protect you and your family from head to toe. For Medicare beneficiaries, some may be surprised that Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs and most dental, vision and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.

Tip 7: Try the convenience of virtual visits. If you are busy juggling kids’ schedules or work travel, or simply prefer to connect with a doctor from the comfort of your own home,  consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual visits. It may be a convenient, lower-cost way to talk to a doctor about minor health issues, and all you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer. Often, telehealth is available to members of employer-sponsored, individual and Medicare Advantage plans.

For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment and health care, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com.

Monthly labs to K-12 students and community give insight into the art of filmmaking

SAN BERNARDINO, CA.– San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is giving K-12 students and the community a glimpse into the art of filmmaking with its monthly lab series.

The Inland Empire Media Academy (IEMA) series was developed to help students find their voice and develop an appreciation for the art and craft of film and visual storytelling. Labs, free to elementary, junior and high school students and $15 for members of the community, are held on Saturdays and participants can expect to receive a broader knowledge of film, TV and media production.

“This is a great way to learn about everything that goes into making a movie or TV show right here in San Bernardino,” said IEMA Director and SBVC Radio, Television and Film (RTVF) Instructor Lucas Cuny.  “It also gives people a chance to work with state-of-the-art technology and learn about the RTVF program here at SBVC.”

Held on October 26, “Set Tech 101” educates students on how to set up and break down all film and television set equipment. SBVC’s Kevin Lyons will teach participants how to set up a dolly, 12×12, c-stand, light stand, tripod, camera, sound equipment, as well as the right way to wrap a cable.

The series runs through November, goes dark in December and restarts in January 2020. All labs are from 1-5 pm in SBVC’s Media and Communications Building, Room 142. Registration is at valleycollege.edu/academic-career-programs/degrees-certificates/radio-television-film/film-festival/index.php. 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Recently, Congressman Pete Aguilar announced a federal grant of $3 million has been awarded to the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD). The funding comes from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and will be matched by SBCCD, bringing the total investment to $6 million.

These funds will be used to renovate and modernize two buildings housing the San Bernardino Community College District’s Institute for Local Economic Advancement and Development (iLEAD) initiative. The first building, in northern San Bernardino, will house the iLEAD Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IE) Accelerator. Here students will receive hands-on career training in coding, 3D printing, digital media, machine technology, and construction. The second facility, in Downtown San Bernardino, will provide job training to formerly-incarcerated individuals through the iLEAD Center for Re-Entry & Access to Transitional Employment (CREATE) Program. The EDA estimates that the programs will create 369 new jobs, support 893 current jobs, and spur over $120,000 in private investments in the community.

“With this investment in our community, the EDA is recognizing the potential for growth within San Bernardino. I’m proud to announce this funding, which will create hundreds of good-paying jobs in our region and help continue the economic growth we’ve seen in the past few years,” said Aguilar.

“Whether a young student wants the skills to jumpstart their career or a formerly incarcerated adult wants a second chance at a better life, our partnership with the EDA will help open new doors of opportunity,” said San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Bruce Baron. “We look forward to putting this investment immediately to work and continue building a stronger workforce for the Inland Empire.” 

As Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Aguilar helps determine federal funding levels for agencies such as the EDA. In addition to his role on the Appropriations Committee, Aguilar serves as a Chief Deputy Whip in the House Democratic Caucus.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Brenda Dowdy, homeless education project manager for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, will receive the 2019 Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award at a national conference in Washington, D.C.         

Dowdy will be honored at the 31st annual National Association for the Education of Homeless Children Conference on November 3.         

For the past 13 years, Dowdy has worked in County Schools’ Children Deserve Success program, working with liaisons of the county’s 33 school districts in homeless education to provide services for students from pre-kindergarten through college.          

San Bernardino County is home to more than 33,000 students identified as homeless as defined by the federal McKinney-Vento Act.         

Dowdy has led efforts through County Schools to provide backpacks with school supplies, clothing, emergency food and personal hygiene items for students. She has run tutoring programs to help students with homework. She also has helped raise and coordinate distribution of college scholarships for high school graduates annually.         

For the past 14 years, Children Deserve Success partners with community organizations to host an annual holiday celebration for more than 200 students and their families.

A celebration of global culture and community

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOS ANGELES, CA—- On September 28, 2019 from 11am to 6pm nearly four thousand women congregated at Grand Park in Downtown, Los Angeles for the fourth annual Head Wraps in the Park Festival made possible by Red Bay Coffee Roasters.  The event is a celebration of culture and the brainchild of Fatima Dodson, a local business owner in Los Angeles. The concept for the festival originated from the desire and need to create a safe space for women of all ethnicities to celebrate wearing head wraps. Head wraps, also known as “goddess wraps”, are a garment of choice associated with the natural hair movement in the African-American community. Goddess head wrapping is a global tradition ranging from South Asia to Africa. It is an art form that bridges cultures and also wonderfully displays creativity in textile arts & crafts. Originating in Sub-Saharan Africa, head wraps are an African beauty statement. Worn on the head and symbolizing a crown, the head wrap either covers hair completely or ties as a headband around the forehead to reveal the hair. There are many ways that someone can tie a head wrap, making it versatile enough to fit most personal styles.

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The annual event draws women from around the world. “The event is appreciated by the community and provides the opportunity to celebrate African culture and beauty,” says Fatima Dodson. 

Red Bay Coffee, the black-owned sustainable specialty coffee company with headquarters in Oakland, California, is a proud sponsor of the Head Wraps in the Park festival. Since its founding in 2014, Red Bay has been at the forefront of the fourth wave of coffee—a firm commitment to ensure coffee production is not only high quality and sustainable, but also a vehicle for social unity and economic empowerment. Red Bay Coffee’s Public Roasteries serve as hubs for building community and bringing Beautiful Coffee to the People.

“People are in need of a sense of courage and positivity. When Fatima invited us to support Head Wraps In The Park, we were happy to help. We source our coffee beans directly from countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Mexico, and Colombia–all with a rich history of creativity and expression. Celebrating culture truly resonates with us,” says Keba Konte Founder and CEO at Red Bay Coffee.

The arts and culture festival will included experiences for all ages. Event highlights included panel discussions, heading wrapping bars, live DJ, food and beverage trucks, photo and art exhibits and so much more. Red Bay Coffee and Head Wraps in the Park also supported a social media head wrap contest with cash prizes given to winners. A special moment was captured when attendees gathered and organized for a photos in the shape of the continent of Africa.

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ABOUT RED BAY COFFEE ROASTERS

Since 2014 Red Bay Coffee Roasters has been building a global community through a commitment to bringing Beautiful Coffee to the People and ensuring economic opportunity with a team that values diversity and inclusion. Red Bay Coffee envisions a world in which specialty coffee is a vehicle for social restoration and environmental sustainability.  Red Bay Coffee’s commitment to producing the best and most beautiful coffee starts by building and maintaining real relationships with the farmers and cooperatives that harvest, process, and prepare some of the best green coffee in the world. Red Bay Coffee believes in fair relations and prides itself on creating value streams that emphasize experience and ethics, not just supply and demand.  

In 2016, Red Bay Coffee established its first public roastery and production headquarters in the Fruitvale District of Oakland, California. Since then, Red Bay Coffee continues to spread its footprint throughout the United States through several locations and directly to customer’s doorsteps nationwide. Red Bay Coffee Roasters was founded by Keba Konte, a renowned local artist and successful food entrepreneur with deep roots in the San Francisco Bay area’s specialty coffee and hospitality industry. Konte continues to foster his vision of using Red Bay Coffee as a platform to create a culture of equity, where all people are celebrated, in addition to bringing greater opportunities for those historically marginalized and/or left out of the specialty coffee industry, particularly people of color, the formerly incarcerated, women and people with disabilities. www.redbaycoffee.com