Local

SACRAMENTO, CA – On Thursday, December 22nd California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon selected freshman Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson as Chair of the Committee on Human Services. Assemblymember Dr. Jackson is one of six freshman members selected this session (2023-24) to Chair Assembly Committees. His experience successfully leading a non-profit service organization and as a social worker uniquely qualifies him for this position.

Assemblymember Dr. Jackson has spent decades providing direct services to individuals and families in need. He understands the critical importance of the Human Services Committee and the direct services that are enhanced or expanded through this committee.

“I am honored to have the confidence of Speaker Rendon and my colleagues to lead the Human Services Committee as its Chair,” said Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson. “As a social worker and social justice advocate, we must be clear. It is not ok for Californians to just survive. They have a right to thrive! That is my North Star, and I am committed to moving California in that direction.”

In addition to leading this committee, Assemblymember Dr. Jackson has already committed to introducing a bill package this session that will enhance the quality of life for all Californians and expand opportunities for Californians to thrive.

Human Services Committee Jurisdiction: Includes child welfare services, foster care, childcare, adoption assistance, CalWORKs, CalFresh, developmental disability services, In-home Supportive Services (IHSS), community care licensing, adult protective services, SSI/SSP and COVID-19 response.

By Lou K Coleman-Yeboah

Inland Empire resident, entrepreneur, community activist Eugene Weems, aka V.I.P. is also a champion mixed martial artist. [MMA]. He is currently, the King of the Streets Underground Fight Club Heavyweight, World Champion [K.O.T.S.] where the most notorious fights are bare knuckle, with no rules, no rounds, and no decisions, thus the winner only gets the prize money by knocking out the opponent!  Weems is also a former Five-time Tough Man Champion. He earned his K.O.T.S. title in Panama on November 26, 2022, by knocking out his opponent in 32 seconds!

Eugene Weems served 17 years 8 months in the California Department of Corrections for robbery. Upon his release in 2018, he made history by running for the California 31st Congressional District seat currently held by Representative Pete Aguilar in 2020.

Weems is also the founder (2013) and CEO of Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace [VG4VP.ORG]. A nonprofit organization.

Eugene Weems is a pillar in the IE community, who, via Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace consistently provides resources to the homeless and underserved populations in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County and Clark County, Las Vegas. He is a consultant, and community intervention specialist. A man, who has built a reputation as a progressive leader focusing on making a difference that benefits society.

When questioned about his motivation, Weems responds, “My motivation is my Grandmother Aldine Weems who raised me to be the man that I am today, a leader who leads by example with strict morals and values. I am a firm believer that Drive, Determination and Persistence does not recognize Failure. I was brought up to put God first and to believe in myself. I don’t allow others’ belief systems to dictate my abilities to achieve my desired goals or impede on my success. I’m a realist. I believe in facts not cliches. When I mentor people, I pass on the same beliefs that my grandmother instilled in me.”

Weems is committed to using his non-profit organization, Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace to reduce gang violence within the urban communities by fostering ways to reduce crime. His passion is to assure that every child has an opportunity to pursue his or her dreams regardless of nationality or ethnicity.

He is currently competing for a “Six Figure” contract in pro boxing’s Team Combat League [TCL]. “I am being trained by the legendary world champion, hall of fame kickboxer, Dewey, “Black Kobra” Cooper! My   strength and conditioning coaches are both world class… Mr. David Hayes and Grandmaster Terry Blackburn, of BKMMA and Two Dragons Taekwondo Gym in Las Vegas Nevada… And I expect to win, both in the ring as well as out of the ring in my quest to help others find their way!” he stated.

Weems will be a guest on the Empire Talks Back (ETB) radio broadcast on Sunday morning, January 8th… ETB is broadcast at 10:05 on KCAA 1050 AM Radio, streaming live video via KCAA Radio

VICTORVILLE, CA— Justified Smith, founder of Fathers in Hip Hop, and Victorville Mayor, Debra Jones, came together over the Christmas holiday to deliver a blessing to the High Desert Community by passing out $3,000 worth of Walmart Gift Cards to random fathers and their families shopping on December 23 at The Victorville Super Wal-Mart on Palmdale Rd. and Hwy 395 border lining the City of Adelanto.

Fathers In Hip Hop & Group Economics created the “BLESSED IN THE MESS CHRISTMAS” campaign to raise $3,000 to Bless the Mess at Wal-Mart. In 12 days, the team was able to reach their Goal by receiving small donations from several people in their network and support system, proving their theory that Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.

Justified Smith and Mayor Debra Jones accompanied by a crew of volunteers walked the isles of Walmart handing out $25, $50, and $100 gift cards to unsuspecting shoppers. You could feel the joy in the air as multiple families were surprised with a Christmas Blessing from Fathers in Hip Hop & Mayor Jones.

“In a time of recession and financial hardships, what an awesome way for these families to experience a CHRISTMAS BLESSING!” said Victorville Mayor Debra Jones.

Follow The Fathers in Hip Hop on Instagram @fathersinhiphop

By Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

Physicians and public health officials are raising alarms about a “tripledemic” happening as the holiday travel season approaches. Communities around California are susceptible to infection by new COVID-19 variants, the seasonal flu, and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

People who are vulnerable to serious infection, especially those over age 50, are encouraged to get the updated bivalent COVID vaccine and this year’s flu vaccine.

“Young babies, our older patients, and of course people who have complications from things like diabetes or heart disease, or people who have obesity, people who have immuno-compromised symptoms, these people are very vulnerable,” said Dr. Sharon Okonkwo-Holmes a Kaiser Permanente family practice physician during an informational event at the Yvonne B. Burke Senior & Community Center in Los Angeles. “The CDC is really recommending that you get your flu vaccine at the same time as your COVID vaccine.”

The flu vaccine, which changes every year to protect against the flu strains most likely to circulate in the coming season, appears to be “a very good match” according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

However, data shows fewer people are getting vaccinated, including fewer pregnant women, seniors, and children.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. Although it is not dangerous for most people, it can cause serious problems, especially in infants and seniors. No vaccine is currently available for RSV.

COVID-19, flu and RSV share many of the same symptoms, leading to confusion about which course of treatment to take.

The first action people should take if they are not feeling well is to isolate, and do a home test for COVID. An infected person may test negative on the first day of symptoms.

“In early infections, the home test may not pick it up right away, but it will pick it up on day two or day three,” said Okonkwo-Holmes. “Keep your mask on, try and stay in your room… On days one to five, you really do want to avoid exposure with everyone else because you are shedding virus… By day five, you’re considered to be okay. If you’re not having fever for two days, go ahead and put your mask on and you can go out into the community, but we’re still asking you to keep your mask on until day ten.

People over 50 should strongly consider getting vaccinated for Shingles, a viral skin condition causing blisters and a burning or tingling sensation that can last for weeks.

Shingles and associated inflammation can cause complications, including long term nerve pain, vision loss, and has also been linked to increased risk for stroke and dementia. The two-dose shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is recommended for all people over the age of 50 and people who are 19 and older with a weakened immune system due to disease or medication.

“If you’ve ever had chickenpox as a kid, when you’re 50 you should ask your doctor for your shingles shot,” said Okonkwo-Holmes.

Doctors know that three shots at the same time can be too much for some patients. But due to the urgency of the situation, doctors are recommending getting the flu and COVID vaccine together.

“Right now, we’re seeing more COVID, number one, flu, number two, then shingles. So, if you want to put off that third one, then go ahead and put off the shingles one… Get your COVID and flu shots at the same time,” Okonkwo-Holmes said.

Communities of color have been hit especially hard by the pandemic because of “social determinants of health,” like where we live, the types of jobs we have, and our level of the stress hormone cortisol.

“The stress that we endure in America, it has an impact on our cells,” said Okonkwo-Holmes. When society treats you differently, when you are profiled, when the police are following you, when you hear bad news in the media about another person who has been killed who looks like us… It raises our blood pressure; it also raises a [stress] hormone in our bodies called cortisol… It makes us more susceptible to things like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, [and] stroke… So, I would argue that a lot of the systemic racism and microaggressions in our society are directly impacting our DNA and impacting our health… The racism is making us sick.”

For our communities to stay healthy, we must take action. “For me, action means trying to sleep well, avoiding alcohol, avoiding smoke [including] marijuana, trying my hardest to eat well.”

As for stress, Dr. Okonkwo-Holmes recommends laughter. “Go ahead and laugh out loud and have some enjoyment, go on long walks 30 minutes a day and spend time with people who make you feel good.”

As Black communities continue to navigate the pandemic, it is important to use the tools available to keep us as healthy as we can.

Okonkwo-Holmes believes people should wear masks indoors, even though it is not currently a requirement in many places, we should stay up to date with vaccinations to prevent serious illness and hospitalization, and if a COVID infection is acquired, get one of the available treatments, which most seniors will qualify for and usually tolerate well.

“None of my patients have had severe complications at all from treatments,” said Okonkwo-Holmes. “You don’t want to stay really sick. If you don’t feel well and you’re having difficulty breathing. You want to get to the hospital right away or call 911.”

LOS ANGELES – For the first time since January 2020, Metrolink is offering early-morning train service for people attending the Rose Parade being held in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. The agency is offering early-morning service on five Metrolink lines connecting people to the Metro L Line (Gold), which provides direct service from L.A. Union Station to the parade route.

“I’m thrilled that Metrolink is able to once again support this beloved annual tradition by providing early-morning service for people attending the parade,” Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said. “By taking Metrolink to L.A. Union Station and using our $10 Holiday Pass, riders can connect for free to Metro, avoid traffic gridlock and enjoy a safe and affordable trip to the event.”

In keeping with the Tournament of Roses “Never on Sunday” custom, the parade and viewing events will occur the day after New Year’s Day on Monday, Jan. 2. On that day, Metrolink will operate a special schedule and offer a $10 Holiday Pass. The first train on each of the following lines has been rescheduled so riders can connect with a free transfer to the Metro L Line (Gold) to reach Pasadena before the start of the parade.

• Ventura County Line train 162 will depart Ventura-East at 5:20 a.m. making all stops. The train will arrive at L.A. Union Station at 7:10 a.m.
• Antelope Valley Line train 260 will depart Lancaster at 5:40 a.m. making all stops. The train will arrive at L.A. Union Station at 7 a.m.
• San Bernardino Line train 351 will depart San Bernardino-Downtown at 5:40 a.m. making all station stops. The train will arrive at L.A. Union Station at 7:15 a.m.
• Orange County Line train 659 has been added to the schedule and will depart San Clemente Pier at 5:05 a.m. making all stops. The train will arrive at L.A. Union Station at 7 a.m.
• 91/Perris Valley Line train 751 will depart Perris-South at 5:08 a.m. making all stops. The train will arrive at L.A. Union Station at 7:15 a.m.

The $10 Holiday Pass is available in the Metrolink app and at station ticket machines found under the “Special Event Tickets” option.” Metrolink riders can use their ticket for a free round-trip transfer onto the Metro L Line (Gold) to reach Pasadena.

For details about our modified schedule and $10 Holiday Pass available on Jan. 2, please visit metrolinktrains.com/rose-parade.

For Metro bus and rail schedule information, visit metro.net.

By Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

Relief is available for homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage due to financial hardships caused by the Pandemic.

The California Mortgage Relief Program is providing a lifeline for qualifying California property owners, especially in underserved communities. Proponents of the program regard it as a safeguard to protecting generational wealth and assets.

“If you are deemed eligible and approved, we send the payment directly to your servicer or the county in which the home resides for the property tax payment, and then they’re caught up,” said CalHFA Homeowner Relief Corporation President Rebecca Franklin, who was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The California Mortgage Relief Program is giving grants that are funded by $1 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plans Homeowner Assistance Fund. Grants up to $80,000 for past due mortgages, and up to $20,000 for missed property taxes, will be distributed to households facing pandemic-related financial hardship. There are NO FEES to apply, and the GRANTS NEVER HAVE TO BE PAID BACK.

The relief payments are distributed on a first come, first served basis.

“This is an awesome program that reminds me of Keep Your Home, California,” said HUD certified housing counselor Linda Jackson. “Keep Your Home, California did have restrictions, you had to stay in the house for a period of time, so that that loan could be forgiven. I say to everyone, this is free money ya’ll. So, we got to get the free money because you don’t have to pay this back. If anyone charges you for this program, run, because it’s at no cost.”

The application is at www.CAMortgageRelief.org and it includes a calculator to help you see if you qualify. The website also provides resources to help fill out the application. To complete the process, you will need some basic documentation like a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or utility bill.

The application typically takes less than 20 minutes to fill out online. For help completing it, contact the program center at 1(888)840-2594. Additional help with this program and others is available from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development certified counselors at 1-800-569-4287.

“One of the biggest issues is a lot of our community members are older community members that don’t know how to use computers,” said Community Action League CEO Pharaoh Mitchell. “They come in and they’re frustrated, and we literally have to be counselors to them, to [tell them] ‘calm down, we’re here to help you. This is a friendly process. Let’s get you through it.”

“I’m proud that they’re making a conscious effort to really reach into the Black community and make sure our underserved community is served,” Mitchell added.

The program is designed to help low and moderate-income households. It has a cap for people earning more than 150% of the median income in their county, adjusted for the number of people in the household. Officials say it was created to assist people who are behind on payments, specifically those who have missed at least two payments and currently have a past due balance as of Dec. 1, 2022.

Aside from the income requirement and the delinquent payment criteria, there are almost no additional qualifiers (properties must be owner occupied, though, but some multi-unit properties may be eligible).

Homeowners with fully paid mortgages may be eligible for relief as well. Those having trouble paying their property taxes because of the pandemic may be eligible for Property Tax Relief. To qualify for the property tax relief, individuals must have missed a previous property tax payment last spring and fallen into delinquency.

Thanks to the program, to date 8,302 households have received relief. Officials anticipate the funding will reach 20,000-40,000 more homeowners. A total of $246,538,132 has already been disbursed, leaving more than 75% of the allocated funds still available. The average amount granted across the state was $29,696.

For more information or general questions email info@CAMortgageRelief.org or call 1(888)840-2594.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The Board of Education of the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) decided unanimously at its December 13 meeting to fill a vacancy on the governing body through a temporary appointment, avoiding a costly special election.

Interested applicants who live within the SBCUSD attendance boundaries can apply for consideration starting Wednesday, December 14 by downloading an application at www.sbcusd.com/sbcusdboard. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. At its regularly scheduled meeting on January 17, 2023, Board members will discuss the interview process and finalize interview questions. On January 24, 2023, trustees will interview candidates and then appoint someone to serve the remaining two years of Dr. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers’ term. The appointee would be sworn in on February 7, 2023.

A vacancy on the seven-member Board opened with the resignation of Dr. Dowdy-Rodgers, who voters elected last month to represent Area D on the San Bernardino County Board of Education. Two years remain in Dowdy-Rodgers’ term on the SBCUSD Board of Education.

School board members are locally elected public officials entrusted with governing a community’s public schools. The role of a school board is to ensure that the district is responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of the communities it serves. Boards fulfill this role by setting direction and policy, ensuring accountability, and providing community leadership as advocates for children and families, the school district, and public schools. Authority is granted to the Board as a whole, not each member individually. Board members work together as a governance team with the superintendent to make decisions that best serve all the students in the community.

BLOOMINGTON, CA— On December 14th, San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. will be hosting a food truck and toy giveaway for all the students and staff at Crestmore Elementary School in Bloomington, California. Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.  has partnered with California Highway Patrol, San Bernardino County Probation, Sheriff’s, Code Enforcement and Fire Department for this event and will be serving The Habit Burger Grill to the students and hosting the toy giveaway. The young students will be able to choose a toy of their liking right in time for the holidays.

“As Fifth District Supervisor, I believe that no student and school should ever be left behind. Every student deserves the same privileges and services to assist in shaping their futures, as these children are our future. Crestmore Elementary School is home to some of our most underserved population and I believe small things such as hosting a food and toy giveaway can really brighten the holidays for our youth. The time is now to help our local educators and children, and events like this can and will set them on the right track to stay optimistic to their goals. We are looking forward to this event!”  -Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Four trustees, two of them newly elected, were sworn into the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education on December 13.

Former trustees Dr. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers and Dr. Barbara Flores were thanked for their service and leadership and were presented special framed resolutions, photo collages, and a commemorative trophy.

In November Dowdy-Rodgers was elected to represent Area D on the San Bernardino County Board of Education.

The Board welcomed newly elected trustees Mikki Cichocki and Mary Ellen Abilez Grande. Bursts of applause followed as returning Board members Danny Tillman and Abigail Rosales-Medina were sworn in and took their seats on the dais. The two newcomers, as well as Tillman and Rosales-Medina, were elected in November.

An hour-long reception attended by more than 100 people preceded the swearing in.

The Board also held its annual organizational meeting Tuesday, re-electing Dr. Scott Wyatt to his second year as Board president and Tillman as vice president.

Although new to the Board, the new trustees are very familiar with SBCUSD, having dedicated their educational careers to teaching the children of San Bernardino and Highland for decades.

Cichocki recently retired from SBCUSD after a long and successful career in and out of the classroom. A former elementary school teacher and graduate of the District, Cichocki most recently worked for the Positive Youth Development Department as a member of the District’s student Attendance Review Board and was part of pioneering work to reduce bullying and expand restorative justice practices.

Grande, a graduate of San Bernardino Valley College and Cal State San Bernardino, also taught in the District, working with older special education students at Anderson School. Her three daughters graduated from District schools.

Proud to be “someone with actual on-the-ground, in-the-classroom experience with students and parents day in and day out,” Grande is a proponent of community-centered schools and increased parent engagement, believing that “parents in San Bernardino would benefit from exposure to opportunities in training, internships, and even apprenticeships in the skilled trades, just like our high school students do.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Saturday, December 17, Miss Black Awareness Liyah Blevins was crowned by Mrs. California USA Tee Lee. Members of the 2022-23 court are Teen Princess Si’Yae Pernell, Jr., Teen Miss Princess Chardonna Dixon, Jr. Teen Miss Duchess Serenity Tim’s, Young Miss Princess Sencerity Tim’s, and Young Miss Duchess Kylee Brown.  The Royal party was started. Their first engagement is January 16, 2023, in the San Bernardino Martin Luther King Parade.