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San Bernardino County this morning temporarily paused distribution and use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with recommendations made by state and federal health agencies.

The pause was issued in response to six reported cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine. None of the six cases were in California. More than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine have been administered in the U.S.

“The county has no higher priority than the health and safety of our residents,” said Dr. Michael A. Sequeira, San Bernardino County Health Officer. “Although this condition is extremely rare among Johnson & Johnson recipients – much more rare than serious blood clots among those who contract COVID-19 – this pause is prudent pending further federal review.”

“The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines remain widely available in our county and have proven to be safe and effective,” Sequeira said. “The public should remain confident in the nation’s COVID-19 vaccination effort.”

Anyone who has received the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine and who develops a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath should contact their health care provider, Sequeira said.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine accounts for 48,600, or 6.6%, of the 738,225 vaccine doses received in San Bernardino County. Pfizer accounts for 49.5% and Moderna 43.9%.

County-run vaccination clinics have primarily used the Pfizer vaccine. County-operated special vaccination events that had been scheduled to utilize the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine have been switched to Pfizer. Second-dose appointments will be made when first doses are administered. Those who have appointments for those events are being notified. There are no plans to cancel events at this time.

The county has 8,500 doses of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine on hand. Those doses will be kept in storage pending further direction from the state and federal governments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food & Drug Administration recommended a pause the use of the Janssen vaccine today until a review by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices convenes on Wednesday to review the six blood-clot cases.

Additional information is available on a fact sheet published by the county at http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/CAO/Feature/Content/Vaccine_Update_4-13-21_FINAL.pdf.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Sunday, April 18, the entire community is invited to join Music Changing Lives in a historic 23-year anniversary celebration and milkweed planting event. The celebration will take place from 9 am to 1 pm and will be held at the Music Changing Lives Resource Center, located at 301 W. 40th St, San Bernardino, CA 92407.

Attendees will have an opportunity to engage in live music performances, unique art activities, award presentations plus plant their very own milkweed in the new Music Changing Lives (MCL) urban plant and butterfly garden. The milkweeds will be the first addition to the urban garden which are known for attracting Monarch butterflies.

Several community partners will be joining in on the fun and hosting activity and resource

booths including Dae Gardens, Catalyst Cares, Arrowhead United Way, Centro Del Inmigrante,

Stronger Together Now, San Bernardino NAACP, Garcia Center for the Arts, JessBeU, Sistas

Making A Difference, NSG, Vizard Marketing & PR, Survive Inc, and Vonzelle Creates with more to be announced.

Music Changing Lives has been a staple in the Inland Empire for 23 years, providing children and youth with music, art, dance, financial literacy, tutoring, civic engagement and much more. In addition to their remarkable art programs, MCL now distributes 30,000 lbs. of fresh produce each week at their newly established Resource Center in San Bernardino as a direct response to community needs related to COVID-19.

This event is free to public and all attendees will be required to practice social distancing and mask wearing. If you would like to join this remarkable celebration you can register for the event by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-us-to-celebrate-23-years-of-excellence-tickets-148729438755 or for more information call 951-992-0721.

Empire News Network

Join ICLS’ panel of distinguished speakers featuring attorney and author, Shauna Albright-Austin as they discuss helpful information about child custody and visitation, restraining orders, and how to maneuver in family law court. The panel will he held via Zoom on Wednesday, April 21 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will also be a Book Giveaway.

ICLS is a non-profit 501c(3) corporation serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and receives federal, state, and local county funding. Funders are the Legal Services Corporation, State Bar of California Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts, State Bar of California Equal Access Fund, San Bernardino County Department of Aging and AdultServices, Riverside County Office on Aging and Department of Housing & Urban Development.

Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Harry “Doc” Ervin as Superintendent during today’s Board of Education meeting. Ervin will assume the leadership post on July 1, officially filling the seat vacated by Dr. Dale Marsden.

Ervin joins SBCUSD from Bakersfield City School District, where he has served as superintendent since 2016. He was selected during a nationwide search that resulted in more than 20 highly qualified applicants.

“The Board of Education listened closely to our SBCUSD community about the qualities we should look for in a new superintendent, and Doc Ervin stood out for his passionate commitment to equity and excellence,” said Board President Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers. “We are confident we have found a transformational leader as his experience at all levels of the educational system will help us effectively navigate the opportunities and challenges that come as we recover and grow from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Ervin, who is fluent in English and Spanish, has dedicated his career to bringing equity and access to economically disadvantaged students from culturally diverse backgrounds, setting high expectations for their success. He brings more than 25 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, school principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in districts across the state, serving areas that include Kern County, Monterey County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County. 

“I am pleased to accept the position of Superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and I look forward to ensuring every SBCUSD student has the support they need to be successful,” said Ervin, who was present for the Board of Education’s virtual meeting. “SBCUSD has a lot of great programs in place for students, and I look forward to taking what they have to the next level.”

The SBCUSD Board of Education selected Ervin through a locally driven process where the public was offered multiple opportunities for input. Preparation began a year ago with community listening sessions and surveys to capture stakeholder thoughts about the qualities most important for the new district leader. Among these desired characteristics was a successful track record working in a socioeconomically diverse, multicultural community with similar demographics to San Bernardino. Recruitment was disrupted by COVID-19 and resumed in January of this year where community members were again invited to participate by submitting questions for the Board to consider in their interview process.

Ervin is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and Master of Science in Education Administration from Alliant International University and his Administrative Credential from California State University, Fullerton. He is married with three sons and one daughter.

The SBCUSD Board of Education will formally approve Ervin’s contract at its April 6 meeting. Between now and July 1, Ervin will work with now Interim Superintendent Dr. Harold Vollkommer to ensure a smooth transition.

Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Council Member Damon L. Alexanderin conjunction with the San Bernardino District Attorney’sOffice presents, “Victim/Witness Informational Seminar”, on Tuesday, April 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

If you have ever wondered what would happen if you were a victim of a crime and what you would do or where you would go, then this seminar is for you. The guest speaker of the event will be Victim Advocate, Ryan Isenburg. Resources will be provided during the presentation with a Q&A session immediately following.

Please visit https://zoom.us/j/92336058076 to register.

Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Thursday, April 8 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Time for Change Foundation will be presenting their 19^th Annual “She Is…” Virtual Awards and Gala. If you have not registered, there is still time, but it is running out!

The 19th Annual “SHE IS…” Virtual Awards Gala, will pay homage to the amazing women who have rebuilt their lives, reunified their families and regained their voices for change. COVID-19 has brought with it a dizzying amount of fear, uncertainty, and change. Homelessness has increased, safety net programs have been torn through, and our childcare system is buckling under its own weight. Yet, in the face of future uncertainty, SHE IS…

“SHE IS…” still standing up for racial justice.

“SHE IS…” still working to advance causes that benefit children.

“SHE IS…” still ensuring that no woman is released from incarceration without the protection and support of her sisters.

SHE IS… trailblazing, conquering, surviving.

SHE IS… an example of the most relentless of spirits.

To learn more about Time For Change Foundation and the work we do visit us at www.timeforchangefoundation.org.

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Council Member Damon L. Alexander hosts the 7th Ward Homeless Roundtable on Monday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom. The topics of discussion will include coordination of services, a strategic plan for the 7th Ward homeless population, immediate and achievable solutions, and COVID-19 vaccinations for our homeless population.

The panel is co-sponsored by Time for Change Foundation, The Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Ecclesia Christian Fellowship &Cathedral of Praise.

By Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m., the San Bernardino Symphony will be airing their Spring Concert again on the Symphony’s new SBSOtv platform accessible from their website.

April 10th is the Final Airing of Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and Grieg

Want to know more about the concert?

Concerned you won’t be able to access a digital concert?

Here’s how it’s done:

1. On concert day, go to www.sanbernardinosymphony.org
2. Click on the SBSOtv tab (third white tab from the left just below the purple page header).
3. Input your password at the first prompt, then the same password at the second prompt.
4. Watch the concert from your computer or cast it onto your SmartTV the same way you would other computer-based content.
5. Enjoy the concert from the best seat in Your House!

Remember, even if you’re not right on time, you won’t have missed a thing!

The concert starts for you when you input your password!

See what previous show goers thought

“Breathtaking program, performance, video, sound quality, studio, organ, bassoon – phenomenal details of beauty, curiosity and virtuosity! Wowww!!”

“Another exceptional concert  Loved hearing Anthony on the bassoon all while conducting the orchestra! What a nice surprise to hear the Wurlitzer. Thanks for all that SBSO has been able to present despite the pandemic.” 

“The Golden Era of the San Bernardino Symphony is upon us!” 

“Stunning performance in every way!!! Bravi Tutti, SBSO!! Brilliant!!! And Maestro Anthony, your incredible conducting, commentary and virtuoso bassoon concerto – unreal!! Crying tears of joy of how amazing it was and thinking about the history of your bassoon and its journey back!”

“Extremely moving and beautiful!! “

“Fantastic concert, and especially great to hear Maestro Parnther reunited with his bassoon, singing to us in the Vivaldi concerto. Loved every moment!” 

“This concert was what my soul needed.”

“The concert was so lovely. Hearing our maestro play was so wonderful, a very talented musician in so many ways. The organ pieces were astounding, so many pipes, such amazing ability to play that instrument-our senses were mesmerized. The strings, of course, were angelic-we are so fortunate to have this orchestra for San Bernardino.”

“Another beautiful concert! Loved your brilliant performance, the camera work, and historical background. Well done, everyone!”

“Outstanding concert, the music, the arrangements, the musicians, the videography, the editing, and post production all made for an amazing experience. I look forward to any/all future concerts by SBSO.”

“Sounded really full & the vertical harmonies really balanced about as close to perfect as possible.“ 

“The music brought tears to my eyes it was so beautiful. Thank you for a lovely afternoon!“

By Lue Dowdy

In honor of National Women’s Month, the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce-Inland Cities East Chapter Monthly Mixer presents – Female Black Entrepreneurs – (‘Oh Yes, WE CAN’) a panel discussion of 7 beautiful and talented Black Female Entrepreneurs! The panel discussion will be held via Zoom on Monday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Female entrepreneurship has steadily increased since the 21st century and women business owners are defiantly in the mix.  How does that look for woman of color? Where do BLACK WOMAN ENTREPRENEURS FIT IN? The panel will be sharing their business experiences and speaking on the following topics: How to start your own business, what type of business to start, How and where to seek to help, and Some of the struggles Black Woman entrepreneurs endured!

The ladies on the panel consist of:  Shari’ah Hrdie – Business GURU; LaToya Tillett – The Broker; Keyona Dawson – The Fashion Designer; Vonshai VonCierge – The Chef; Tania; HairCare DivaAtlas – The Shop Owner; and Kimberly Woods – The Print Shop. In addition to the panelist, there will also be a special musical performance by Merrion Morey.

Make sure to register for this fun, entertaining but informative business networking mixer highlighting female Black entrepreneurs. Registration link can be found on the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce website and Facebook page.

On March 25, 2021, James and Loretta Cousar celebrated 60 years of marriage. They met in 1960 at a card party where it was love at first sight and since then they have been building a legacy for their family in West Covina, California.

The couple has two children: Andre Cousar (John Cluckie) and Felicia Alexander (Damon Alexander); 5 grandchildren: Kali, Aryriana, Khalil, Todd, Jordan and one great grandchild: Avery Grace. 

James Cousar is a retired Quality Assurance Engineer for Rockwell International and Loretta Cousar was a Pupil Services and Attendance SARB Chairperson for Los Angeles Unified School District.  In addition to their careers, the couple were very instrumental in the community and members of many organizations, such as Murph Chapel AME, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (San Bernardino Alumnae Chapter), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (Pomona Valley Alumnae Chapter), San Gabriel Valley NAACP, West Covina Chamber of Commerce and San Gabriel Valley League of Women Voters.

Currently, Mrs. Cousar is an elected Trustee for the Banning Library District and Mr. Cousar continues to support his wife in all of her endeavors