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VA Loma Linda Healthcare System has resumed administration of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine. Single-dose clinics are available by walk-in or appointment. Call (909) 825-7084 ext. 5085 for information.

?RIVERSIDE, CA— Burlington Stores, the national retailer delivering amazing deals to customers every time they shop, is growing with the addition of their newest distribution center in Riverside opening May 17. ? 

They’re hiring more than 100 full-time positions, and new hires can expect a base wage of?$16 $18/hour. The available positions include first and second shifts, full-time warehouse associates and supervisors. Perks include health benefits, a 401(k), flexible shift choices, and opportunities for performance-based bonuses. And what’s more, this new distribution center will be equipped with the latest pallet technology and will be one of the largest distribution centers for Burlington – measuring at close to 900,000 square feet.?? 

For Interested candidates looking to schedule an interview, they can select a time that works?best for?them. Job offers are often made on the spot. Additionally, Burlington will have Spanish-speaking associates available to assist with relevant interviews.  

To start filling the open positions, there will be a hiring event on Thursday, May 13 from 9 AM to 1 PM PST. Location address can be found below.  

Burlington Stores: Riverside Distribution Center  
21600 Cactus Avenue Riverside, CA 92518 

The deadline to get a travel-compliant Real ID driver’s license has been extended another 19 months by the Department of Homeland Security. Instead of Oct. 1, 2021, residents will have until May 3, 2023 to get their Real ID in order to board domestic flights and enter some federal buildings. If you choose not to get a Real ID, a U.S. passport or DHS trusted traveler card are also travel compliant. The Transportation Security Administration does not require IDs for children younger than 18 if they are traveling with an adult within the United States.

To apply for a REAL ID card, you must present ONE identity document that includes your date of birth and your true full name (first, middle, and last). You can complete the application online, and then go to the DMV to finish the process.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, Mr. Joseph G. Paulino, Chief of Police for San Bernardino City Unified School District Police Department spent time on Saturday, April 24, speaking virtually to youth and others of the Social Lites, Inc. 54th Beautillion program on leadership. Chief Paulino came across as an inspirational and influential leader sharing words of wisdom on how important to motivate others to be their best.  Chahan JhuMaani Chess stated what he learned was “A leader is someone who helps build others up and not only do they help prevent the chaos and malice of the present, but they also help build the fundamentals and encourage others for the possibilities and greatness of the future.”

The 54th Beautillion program is sponsored by The Social Lites, Inc. of San Bernardino under the leadership of Lisa Blacksher Owens, president, and Tina Darling Beautillion Chair. This past year, due to COVID-19 did not prevent this program from moving forward.  This year the Beautillion program continued to be an extracurricular virtual program which included the signature involvement with civic engagement, academics, and virtual cultural awareness through the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra and virtual workshops that included Dr. Samuel Gibbs who spoke on life skills and health.

The 54th Beautillion program will commence virtually on Saturday, May 22, 2021.  For more information, please contact: knight.beautillion@gmail.com

VICTORVILLE, CA— The City of Victorville announced Tuesday that it will award more than $3.2 million in federal grant money from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to local service organizations and programs designed to increase economic opportunities, improve living conditions, expand affordable housing, and assist with Coronavirus response and recovery for Victorville residents.

The recipients include High Desert Homeless Services, High Desert Second Chance (pictured above), Victor Valley Family Resource Center, Community Health Action Network, Victor Valley Domestic Violence, and San Bernardino Sexual Assault Services. Additionally, monies were awarded to various City programs such as the Library, graffiti abatement program, Senior Home Repair Program, Wellness Center Campus, and the homeless shelter at Westwinds Sports Center.

San Bernardino County continues to make great progress in the fight against COVID-19 and has now administered 1,209,066 doses to our residents.

On Tuesday, the County’s adjusted case rate was 2.9/100,000 with an overall positivity rate of 1.7 percent and an equity positivity rate of 1.8 percent. In order to move into the less restrictive yellow tier, the County’s overall positivity needs to be below 2 percent and equity positivity below 2.3% for at least two weeks. 

“We continue to make progress toward the yellow tier and want to thank our staff, entire community, network of trusted communicators and vaccine providers for that progress,” said County Chief Operating Officer Leonard X. Hernandez.

Hernandez said that Pfizer is currently working on approval with the FDA to administer vaccines to youth ages 12-16, and that the state may be releasing new guidance regarding a “green tier” shortly. As soon as that happens, we’ll be sure to share the information in our newsletter and social media sites.

New Vaccination Sites Will Provide Equitable Access to Latinx, Black and Other Communities Disproportionately Affected by Pandemic

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. PPOSBC has capacity to vaccinate up to 180 community members a week at the centers and offers both weekday and weekend appointments. The new vaccination sites 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 ones 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 the 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 Thursday and 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

RIVERSIDE, CA— Join host Makeda Kumasi for a free three-week Saturday Zoom Class series in West African Drum and Dance as we engage in strength, wellness and community support that is the Doundounba. The festival will be held on May 15 to May 29 from 12: 30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Film Festival
• Community Forum
• Classes in West African Drum and Dance

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

SCHEDULE

May 15, 2021

Film Festival and Community Forum: Documentary Films by Makeda Kumasi and Imani Maat -Discussion w/ Master Dancer, Moustpha Bangoura and Dunham Scholar, Janice Blunt  -Introduction to West African Dance and the Doundounba w/ Moustapha Bangura & Company, direct from Guinea, West Africa

May 22, 2021

Introduction to West African Drums w/ Master Drummer, Bara M’Boup and Will Gordon

May 29, 2021

Master Dance Class w/ Master Dancer, Mouminatou Camara
*Classes will begin with Kemetic Yoga and conditioning lead by Makeda Kumasi

Contract award moves forward with replacement of another important bridge connecting San Bernardino communities

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— During its regular meeting on April 21, 2021, the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino awarded a construction contract for replacement of the 2nd Street Bridge over Warm Creek between Arrowhead Avenue and Mountain View Avenue.

In early 2020, the bridge was inspected by the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Structures Inspection Division. On March 17, 2020, the 2nd Street Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic due to the findings of the advanced state of its structural deficiencies.

In anticipation of initiating construction, the 2nd Street Bridge Replacement Project funding was included in the City’s FY 2020/21 Capital Improvement Plan. Further, the project has been approved by Caltrans for Advanced Construction status, which allows the City to fund the construction work and seek reimbursement from Caltrans.

On April 21, 2021, the Mayor and City Council awarded a construction contract in the amount of $2,604,290 to Ortiz Enterprises, Inc. for construction of the 2nd Street Bridge Replacement and $404,107 in construction contingency, engineering and inspections.  “We are thankful to be moving forward with replacement of important infrastructure in our City. Improving our community streets for those who live, work and visit our City is our #1 priority” said Mayor John Valdivia.

“We understand the importance of improvements to our dilapidated structures. We are honored to be able to move forward with this significant project, in addition to the replacement of the Mount Vernon Bridge” said City Manager Robert Field.

The bridge should reopen to traffic in late 2023.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Friday April 30th, 2021, student leaders with Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC) and Inland Empire Prism Collective (IEPC) will host a youth-led conversation with San Bernardino Unified School District board members around access to mental health resources on their school campuses. The meeting starts at 5 p.m. via Zoom at: https://bit.ly/3mUluhK.

Now more than ever, students need support for their mental health needs. Covid 19 has proven to increase anxiety and depression in adults and children due to the mandatory social distancing, stay at home orders, and home circumstances youth have no control over. Youth leaders have been vocal advocates for properly equipped mental wellness centers to aid students in need within SBCUSD. Prior to Covid 19, students have been pressuring district leadership to allocate more funding to mental health resources because of the fear of mass shootings at schools across the nation. Over the past year, youth have also experienced trauma at large rates. From Covid 19 to police brutality, it is evident that students need these resources available to them to effectively handle the emotional impacts that these crises have had on them.

Many students within SBCUSD come from low income and marginalized backgrounds where access to mental health resources is often beyond their reach. By pushing forth this conversation, youth leaders are continuing to pave the way for the implementation of mental wellness centers by holding school board members accountable to allocating money towards the creation of these programs on all high school campuses and continuation schools within the district.

“As youth, we experience many forms of oppression that directly affect our mental health. Having mental wellness resources, such as therapists, available to us at our schools is a necessity for many of us that needs to be implemented as soon as possible.” – Scarlett Juarez, ICUC and IEPC Youth Leader