Local

By Lue Dowdy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vaccination Sites

PPOSBC’s vaccination sites are located at: 

?      San Bernardino Health Center

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

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

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

?      Victorville Health Center

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

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

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

To Make an Appointment

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

?      Register and check your eligibility on the website

?      Enter your address or zip code after confirming eligibility

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

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

Helping Hesitant Family and Friends 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Hunter Lee

El Camino Community College has found its next superintendent.

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

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

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

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

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

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— SAN BERNARDINO – Richard De Nava, assistant superintendent of Business Services for County Schools, began his role as president of the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) on April 8. 

De Nava has been a member of CASBO for 17 years. During his tenure with the organization, he has served as president-elect and vice president for the Board of Directors, served as director for the Eastern Section and has served as treasurer, secretary, director, president-elect, president and past president for the Eastern Section Executive Board. 

“I have had so much to be thankful for as CASBO has been the foremost authority in school business; paving the way for me to learn, lead, volunteer, advocate and build capacity,” said De Nava. “The year ahead will be defined by how CASBO members and I continue to respond in the face of adversity. On full display will be the grit, perseverance and will to move forward in the best interests of our greatest asset – the California student!”

De Nava has worked in education for 18 years. From 2009-12 he served as director of Business Services for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. He assumed his current position when he rejoined SBCSS in 2014 after serving two years as the assistant superintendent of Business Services in the San Jacinto Unified School District.

“Richard De Nava truly takes dedication and leadership to a new level. He eagerly works to ensure that our students receive the highest quality resources, educational opportunities and care they deserve,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “I look forward to all he will accomplish as CASBO president.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Digital Learning Innovation Coordinator Sonal Patel was awarded Administrator of the Year by Computer-Using Educators (CUE). Patel was honored on March 19 at the Virtual Spring CUE EdTech conference.

Patel (@Sonal_EDU) is an EdTech champion. Her work at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools is centered around closing the digital equity gaps for students countywide. Patel supports teachers, coaches and administrators through professional learning opportunities that are focused on blended learning practices. In 2019, Patel established the Inland Empire Computer Science Equity Task Force which aims to create systematic changes that provide rigorous and inclusive Computer Science education to all students. 

“Sonal is an exceptional technology leader working to create equitable digital learning environments,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “She sees the potential in each of our students and actively works to ensure they can be successful in today’s ever-changing, technology-rich world.”

CUE is a nonprofit educational corporation founded in 1978. Its goal is to inspire innovative learners in all disciplines from preschool through college.

The Administrator of the Year Award is presented to an administrator who has made noteworthy contributions to promoting educational technology within their school, district and/or region and builds a learning environment that promotes ongoing risk-taking and exploration. Honorees are nominated by their CUE affiliate members and selected by the CUE Board, staff and Awards Committee. 

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA—For two decades, Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy (YVYLA) has worked tirelessly to support at-risk youth, enhancing their potential for academic, economic, and social success, and striving to build safer, more equitable communities.

Partners for more than 15 years, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and YVYLA have collaborated on several projects, events, and initiatives. YVYLA is also an in-house partner at the health plan’s Community Resource Center (CRC) in Victorville, CA, providing mentoring services and support to local youth.

“Young Visionaries is blessed to be in partnership with IEHP,” said Terrance Stone, YVYLA chief executive officer. “Since COVID-19 hit, we were able to pivot in community outreach engagement activities and serve over 20,000 families. We will continue to work alongside our partners to serve our communities and remain open to partnering with all interested agencies to better support our neighbors.”

YVYLA has served more than 85,000 community youth through various events and activities focused on academic, employment, leadership, and life skills development and more. YVYLA continues to develop new programs that emphasize social innovation and transformation.

“Young Visionaries is extremely aligned with the community they serve we are very proud to host them as in-house partners in our Victorville CRC,” said Marci Coffey, IEHP community partnerships director. “Collaborations with trusted and well-respected organizations like Young Visionaries is a critical element to the work we do in our communities. In addition to filling in social gaps, these organizations often serve as a link or a bridge between a need and healthy lifestyle change. We congratulate YVYLA and we look forward to continuing our work to make the IE a better place, for all.”

To learn more about Young Visionaries and their upcoming 20 Year Anniversary Virtual Gala, visit http://yvyla-ie.org/.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Spelling was all the buzz at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools first Spelling Bee on March 24. 

Five winners were announced during a virtual awards ceremony. First place champion Caleb Rodriquez will advance to compete in the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee in July. 

Congratulations to the 2021 Spelling Bee winners:

• First place, Caleb Rodriguez, 8th grader at Edison Academy of Differentiated Learning, Ontario-Montclair
• Second place, Hayden Gonzalez, 8th grader at Foothill Knolls STEM Academy of Innovation, Upland Unified
• Third place, Logan Person, 8th grader at Richardson PREP HI Middle School, San Bernardino City Unified
• Fourth place, Rianna Manalac, 7th grader at Loving Savior Lutheran School, Pacific Southwest 
• Fifth place, Ames Avarell, 4th grader at Inland Leaders Charter Schools, Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified 

Twelve students from nine elementary and middle schools participated in the virtual event. Districts represented included: Adelanto Elementary; Ontario-Montclair; San Bernardino City Unified; Snowline Joint Unified; Upland Unified; Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified; and private school district, Pacific Southwest. 

Scripps National Spelling Bee provides Words of The Champions, a 4,000-word study booklet, to help students prepare for the competition. Each student is given 30 minutes to spell up to 50 words. Rodriguez correctly spelled 44 words out of 50—earning him the title.

The Spelling Bee is sponsored by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Innovation and Engagement branch. The purpose of the Scripps National Spelling Bee is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabulary, learn new concepts and develop correct English usage. For more information on the Scripps National Spelling Bee, visit their website

VICTOR VALLEY, CA—- As part of Victor Valley College’s ongoing response to COVID-19, students now have free, immediate, and unlimited access to medical and mental health counseling visits through TimelyMD, a telehealth company that specializes in higher education

TimelyCare, as the program is branded, offers students a complete care solution for campus health, with on-demand and appointment-based medical care and on-demand mental health counseling programs specifically designed for college students.

The program gives students free 24/7 access to licensed physicians and mental health professionals anywhere in the United States. 

“We know that students lead busy, complicated lives. The pandemic has made life, and being a student, even more challenging,” said Vice President of Student Development Dr. Karen Engelsen. “Students, we hope that you’ll utilize TimelyMD and benefit from the 24/7 access to medical, emotional and mental health care providers. It’s free, confidential, and available to all registered VVC students. We care about you and your future. Stay well.”

TimelyMD enhances campus resources by helping limit the spread of illness, reduce the stigma of mental health counseling, and grant peace of mind to students and their families. In fact, a recent survey found the top three things that would boost parents’ confidence in the ability of campuses to support students this fall were 1) on-campus enforcement of social distancing, 2) regular COVID-19 testing and 3) access to 24/7 telehealth resources for physical and mental health – all of which Victor Valley College has implemented.

“The experiences we’ve all gone through during this pandemic have called attention to the need to invest in programs that support mental health and overall well-being,” said Associated Student Body President Bridge Lee. “I’m so appreciative of VVC for bringing care solutions to students at a time when we need it most. I hope that students will take full advantage of this exceptional opportunity and that it will be continued for years to come.”

Seeking care on-demand is as easy as making a video call through TimelyMD. From an app on their phone or other device, students can see the profiles, faces and basic identifying details of a diverse range of medical providers or mental health counselors available to them. They can choose to meet with a specific provider or select the first available. Typically, students are having a video consultation with someone within 5 to 10 minutes. 

“Virtual access to medical and mental health counseling has never been more important, especially for college students who may be learning remotely, need care after hours, and prefer to do so privately on their own devices,” said Luke Hejl, Chief Executive Officer of TimelyMD. “Resuming classes this fall includes anticipating and addressing the concerns, needs and demands of students and their families. TimelyMD is proud to partner with Victor Valley College to take quality medical and mental health care off everyone’s worry list.”