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CURB celebrates each release that Governor Gavin Newsom has used his executive authority to grant in the face of COVID-19. In states like New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo has not expressed half of the urgency to protect public health as Newsom has in California. Although, with over 122,000 people incarcerated in the California Department of Corrections (CDCR), 3,500 expedited parole dates does not impact the prison population nearly enough to slow the spread of the COVID-19. 

There are positive cases of the virus at 10 of the 35 prisons in CA, currently affecting 25 staff and four prisoners. If Governor Newsom’s intent is to take “extraordinary and unprecedented protective measures” to slow the spread of the virus and protect those who live and work within California’s 35 prisons, he must not continue to exclude people who are convicted of violent offenses. Tens of thousands of people are serving decades under the 3-Strikes Law, over 5,000 people are serving a Life Without the Possibility of Parole (LWOP) sentence and over 30 thousand people are 50 years of age and older in CDCR. Granting commutations for thousands of elders and medically vulnerable people, including those serving an LWOP or other life sentences would be extraordinary, unprecedented and a lifesaving move, protecting the health of people across California.

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today released the below statement following the announcement of a commitment from California counties to cancel penalties and other charges for homeowners, small businesses and other property owners with demonstrated economic hardship, on a case-by-case basis, due to COVID-19. Property owners that can afford to pay these taxes should continue to pay on time.

“This is good news for Californians. I would like to thank the California State Association of Counties and the California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors for committing to providing economic relief for residents and small businesses facing hardships due to COVID-19,” said Governor Newsom.

More information on the counties commitment can be found here. 

LOS ANGELES, CA—- Due to the mandatory closing of all non essential business, Art Angels LA has had to close its’ gallery doors temporarily. Wanting to find a way of bringing art to the community, Gallery owners Kat Emery and Jacquelin Napal commissioned one of their favorite artists; PUNKMETENDER to paint and install a mural on the exterior of the gallery. 

The beautiful and timely mural is one example of how small businesses are reflecting themes of resilience to the community and supporting their artists during uncertain times. 

“We chose PUNKMETENDER because butterflies are a powerful symbol of hope and transformation in a period of challenging and uncertain times,” says Kat Emery, co-owner of Art Angels Los Angeles. “He is the hero we needed and he certainly delivered on this mural, bringing the life of the gallery to the streets in this time of closure.”
 
To many cultures, the butterfly is a symbol of a battle won, a beautiful goal achieved through perseverance. After all, only through the chrysalis can the plain caterpillar reach the heights of the butterfly. However, the butterfly’s most common symbolism is one pertaining to growth and progress. It teaches us to be aware of the heights we could reach, and to consciously work towards the summit. It reminds us that the long journey behind us is daunting — it is meant to be this way.

“We hope the mural is a reminder of connection and inspiring to the community,” say Jacquelin Napal, co-owner of Art Angels LA. “After all, only through trials can we really taste the sweetness of victory.”

“After the mandatory closure of the gallery all our fine art specialists started working immediately from home,” said Kat Emery, co-owner of Art Angels. “We are utilizing all our online platforms to assist collectors with their art choices including exhibition videos and view in room programs,” adds Emery. “It has never been easier to purchase art from the comfort of your own home.”

Art Angels’ website gallery provides View in Room functionality for every artwork, the latest online viewing rooms, updated on future exhibitions. 

For high resolution images, click here: EXTERIOR MURAL. To interview gallery founders or the artist, contact Julie Du Brow or Shaun Thompson above.

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PUNKMETENDER | Series Statement

The mysterious artist Punk Me Tender is known for his very graphic, raw form of art. Inspired by women, fashion, and style, his art offers a new look on the female body, claiming that desire is the biggest drive in everybody’s soul.

?Born in France on September 4th, 1982, the artist came to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams. Whether it is art in the form of graffiti, a mural, or photography, his works are always a surprise and unexpected. Like many artists, Punk Me Tender doesn’t have a strategy for his art. He only acts based on instinct and doesn’t follow any rules. Much of his photography has themes of sensuality and wanting.

??His murals show women in varied color schemes and are a sensation. His mixed media pieces utilize black and white photography, bright splashes of pinks and blues, and incorporate real pieces of clothing. The artist maintains that a mix of graffiti and fabric is an original approach that never fails to intrigue and captivate the viewer. 
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??His identity is kept secret in order to maintain freedom and express himself as he desires. When interviewed he uses a surrogate, such as a model, to speak for him. The artist sees women as heroes and has a deep passion for them.  

VIEW THE COLLECTION

ARTWORKS  –  INSTALLATIONS

About Art Angels Los Angeles Gallery
With flagship galleries in Los Angeles and Miami and permanent art curations in Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, Eden Roc Hotel Miami Beach and Catch Restaurant Los Angeles, Art Angels was founded in 2013 by Jacquelin Napal and Kat Emery. Art Angels’ contemporary and provocative style has attracted collectors from around the world. Art Angels describe themselves as a premium luxury brand who are inviting and very approachable. The Gallery exhibits a selection of both established and emerging artists, offering a truly eclectic mix for their clientele. Showcasing a number of barrier breaking exhibitions including David Yarrow, Russell Young, Flore, Nick Veasey and Mike Dargas to name a few, the gallery was quick to build a cult following – so much so that they have recently expanded their LA gallery and recently opened a new space in Miami, with more to come. The rapidly successful gallery has become the go-to destination for artists and collectors alike, who want to be a part of something visionary and unique. Now one of the leading galleries in Los Angeles and a major player in the art and creativity sphere, the gallery has a core team of art specialists dedicated to providing collectors, designers, developers and corporations with the tools needed to offer innovative and creative art from around the world. For more information on Art Angels Galleries, upcoming exhibitions and current collections, contact Gerry Conedy, Gallery Director at Art Angels LA, 619.994.3130. 9020 Beverly Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90048. www.artangels.net. Instagram: @art_angels.

Starting April 2, healthcare workers, police officers and firefighters with valid ID or uniform will receive free coffee and Egg McMuffin sandwich at participating McDonald’s restaurants in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Imperial counties

SAN BERNARDINO – Early this week, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution suspending evictions and foreclosures for properties within the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. The resolution does not exempt tenants from paying rent, nor does it restrict a landlord’s ability to recover rent, nor does it apply to evictions based on illegal activity or “nuisance.” This resolution applies to residential and commercial properties and is in effect through April 30th, 2020. The termination date may be extended by the Board of Supervisors but cannot exceed the date of May 31st, 2020 per Governor Newsom’s Executive Order.

The Board’s resolution is in direct response to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order (N-28-20) issued on March 16th, 2020, that allows cities and counties to suspend evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution ensures that businesses, landlords, and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities during the COVID-19 crisis. Under the resolution, no one can be evicted for failure to pay rent as a result of being impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, including:

• Job loss or layoff
• Loss of hours or wages
• Missing work due to illness
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses

“These are unprecedented times, and I thank the Governor for allowing local government to take action to stabilize their own communities,” said Vice Chair Supervisor Gonzales.

“Due to circumstances beyond their control, many county residents have lost their jobs, closed their businesses, and may be facing substantial medical expenses with unforeseen consequences from sheltering in place. We must do everything within our power to enable our residents to overcome these hardships. I am proud that every city will be able to act on its own behalf to best meet the unique needs of their communities” added Supervisor Gonzales.

The Board also adopted a resolution to strongly recommend utility service providers (gas, water, electric, telecommunications) impose moratoriums on service disconnections and late fees for non-payment until at least April 30th, 2020.

For information about the coronavirus crisis, visit the County’s coronavirus website at wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/coronavirus. New information and resources have been added and the site is being updated daily. The public can also contact the coronavirus public information line from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (909) 387-3911, or email the County at coronavirus@dph.sbcounty.gov.

Governor signs executive order to expand health care workforce and staff at least an additional 50,000 hospital beds needed for the COVID-19 surge

Medical doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, behavioral health scientists, pharmacists, EMTs, medical and administrative assistants, certified nursing assistants all needed

Governor Newsom: “If you have a background in health care, we need your help. Sign up at healthcorps.ca.gov”

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today launched a major new initiative to expand California’s health care workforce and recruit health care professionals to address the COVID-19 surge. Health care professionals with an active license, public health professionals, medical retirees, medical and nursing students, or members of medical disaster response teams in California are all encouraged to join the new California Health Corps.

Interested medical and health care professionals are encouraged to visit healthcorps.ca.gov for more information and to register for the California Health Corps. Medical doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, behavioral health scientists, pharmacists, EMTs, medical and administrative assistants, as well as certified nursing assistants are encouraged to step up and meet this moment to help California respond to the outbreak.

The Governor also signed an executive order that will temporarily expand the health care workforce and allow health care facilities to staff at least an additional 50,000 hospital beds the state needs to treat COVID-19 patients. A copy of the Governor’s executive order can be found here, and the text of the order can be found here.

“California’s health care workers are the heroes of this moment, serving on the front lines in the fight against this disease. To treat the rising number of patients with COVID-19, our state needs more workers in the health care field to join the fight. If you have a background in health care, we need your help. Sign up at healthcorps.ca.gov,” said Governor Newsom.

“Outreach to unemployed health care workers and under-employed foreign medical graduates will help build the workforce needed to fight the pandemic — and also create new opportunities and jobs for Californians struggling with unemployment,” said California Labor Secretary Julie A. Su.

“California must continue to prepare our health care delivery system and make sure it has every resource to respond to a potential surge in COVID-19 patients. California’s most valuable resource is its people and I join the Governor in calling on all medical professionals to join the fight against COVID-19,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly.

More ways for Californians to support their communities and request assistance are outlined on the California Volunteers website serve.ca.gov. For more information on the state’s response to COVID-19, visit covid19.ca.gov.

INLAND EMPIRE, CA—- The 2020 Wrightwood Arts & Wine Festival is reaching out to local artists from Southern California to invite participation in its exciting event on Saturday, September, 19, 2020, from 11 a.m.to 6 p.m. Mountain High Ski Resort has joined forces with them as their premier sponsor, which means much more event publicity for artists and their town! More advertising equals more people attending and more sales. Participating Artists will be provided with a 10’x10’ canopy, one 6’ table, two folding chairs, and 50+ promotional postcards to send to their constituents. Booth fees range from $125 – $200. Artists will keep 100% of their sales transactions! Deadline to apply is April 1, 2020.

Artists that are interested may contact Pat Farrell at 760.249.6709 or festival@wrightwoodarts.com to be included on the Festival mailing list.  Or simply complete the artist application which is now available at www.wrightwoodarts.com/festival.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Community block party scheduled at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship and Hunt Elementary School has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 12 p.m. They will; however still give out food on Saturday, March 28 at The Way World Outreach located at 1001 N Arrowhead in San Bernardino from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. If your family is in need, come and grab a bag of FREE groceries.

For more information Call 909-353-7977 visit our web site to volunteer at any capacity call The Way 909-884-7117. Standing on His Word, to God be the Glory.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) is asking the public to help them keep Food Bank services responsive to the increased need for food as the coronavirus (COVID-19) impacts our communities. The Food Bank, which receives food from a variety of sources including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and private food donations, makes food available to those in need through 250 community distribution sites and soup kitchens. In 2019, the program served over 50,000 unduplicated households and 150,000 individuals monthly. More than 15 million pounds of food was provided to meet the needs of San Bernardino County’s food-insecure residents in 2019. Partner soup kitchens served over 400,000 meals during the same year.

But that changed with COVID-19.

Under Governor Newsom’s order that all California residents stay at home and non-essential businesses close their doors, the Food Bank remains open as an “essential service.” But they need help from the communities that depend on them to have enough food and volunteers. Several distribution sites have closed due to senior volunteers staying home. As the need for food assistance continues to grow, having distribution sites stay open with people to staff them will become even more crucial.

“Our Food Bank Program is a vital component in the health, well-being, and in some cases, the survival of thousands of residents throughout San Bernardino County,” explained CAPSBC’s President and CEO Patricia Nickols-Butler. “When distribution sites close and supplies at soup kitchens run short, people go hungry. It’s that simple and that devastating for those who depend on the food we provide. We urgently need help from our communities in order to help us provide food where it’s needed most.”

The Food Bank is asking for assistance in three ways: through financial donations, food donations, and volunteering, particularly by groups and organizations. 

“We are taking every precaution during this time to safeguard the health and safety of our volunteers as well as our staff,” said Food Bank Program Manager Brandon Romano. “I can’t emphasize enough how critical volunteers are to our operations, especially in a time of crisis.”

Potential volunteers should contact Xiomara Henriquez-Ortega, Manager of Administrative Support, at 909-723-1525 or email xhenriquez@capsbc.org for more information and to sign up.

Those wishing to make a financial donation can do so at CAPSBC’s website, https://www.capsbc.org/donate.

For information on how to make food donations, contact the Food Bank directly, (909) 723-1581 or email foodbank@capsbc.org.

For additional information about CAPSBC’s programs, including the Food Bank, visit their website at https://www.capsbc.org/ or call 909-723-1500.

The San Bernardino Public Library will be temporarily closed to the public through Sunday, April 5.

Patrons who have library cards can utilize various free online resources and information available at our library’s website www.sbpl.org.

Among the various resources:

• Overdrive – eBooks and eAudiobooks;
• ReferenceUSA – Business and phone directories;
• Brainfuse – Live Homework Help offering assistance for elementary, middle school and adult learners in various subjects via chat almost every day of the year;
• New York Times – Up to 5 full-text articles a month can be viewed;
• Britannica School and Escolar offering information in elementary, middle school and high school modules;
•  Footsteps2Brilliance offering information to promote early literacy;
• R & B Digital Magazines & Audiobooks featuring electronic editions of popular magazines;
• America’s News featuring full-text of newspaper articles including the San Bernardino Sun since 2001.

Materials can be returned to book drops at the libraries. Patrons can also renew materials that are already checked out to them at the library website. Fees will be not charged for materials due starting March 17 until the libraries re-open.

Please check www.sbpl.org for updates. Patrons are encouraged to follow the library on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sbcitylib and Twitter at https://twitter.com/sbcitylibrary. They can also follow the Friends of SBPL at https://www.facebook.com/SBPLfriends/ .