By Antonio Ray Harvey, Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
On October 14, visitors will make the annual trek to Allensworth, a historic township in Tulare County founded by Blacks, to celebrate a little-known piece of California history, and the spirit of self-reliance and determination that marked its establishment.
In 1974, the California Department of Parks and Recreation purchased the land where Allensworth was located and created a state park called Allensworth State Historic Park.
“Allensworth holds a unique place in our state’s history,” writes a press release about the event. “The annual Rededication event is a time to reflect on this legacy, celebrate the accomplishments of its founders, and inspire future generations to recognize and cherish this rich history.”
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day of the rededication, Amtrak San Joaquins is offering fares at 50% off for visitors traveling to Allensworth. There will also be a shuttle at the station to take guests to the park. Get train schedule and tickets here. (westsidestorynewspaper.com).
By Antonio Ray Harvey, Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
The Writers Guild of America West (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA unions have reached a tentative agreement to end a historic and highly publicized strike that shut Hollywood down and lasted nearly five months.
“I am grateful that the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have reached a fair agreement and I’m hopeful that the same can happen soon with the Screen Actors Guild,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Now, we must focus on getting the entertainment industry, and all the small businesses that depend on it, back on their feet and stronger than ever before.”
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) – the organization that represents the studios – approved a potential new deal on Sept. 24 that allows 11,500 writers to return to work beginning Sept. 27 while the ratification process takes place. The new agreement will run until 2026.
The unions were protesting for higher wages and protections from studios using artificial intelligence in the creative process.
In the end, negotiations included streaming compensations and set a minimum number for writing staffs. Staff writers reportedly received a 5% increase in weekly pay, while story editors and executive editors saw a 3.5 to 4% increase in their compensation.
“What we have won in this contract – most particularly, everything we have gained since May 2nd – is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days,” the WGA stated in and email to members.
Ruth Stevens was named ‘Granny Goose’ by her first granddaughter, Myshjua, over 50 years ago.
The name has been echoed by eight grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter! The ‘Goose’ is shown here with one of her great granddaughters!
Ruth recently celebrated her 97th birthday. Her life is profiled in her book, “Ruthie ’Jewels”, available in the Amazon bookstore!
The exciting advance has raised the prospect of the method being tailored for use in treating brain injuries in humans in the future, by essentially 3D printing brain cells.
In experiments, the implanted cells integrated into the animals’ brains both structurally and functionally.
The innovative University of Oxford study, published in the journal Nature Communications, marks the first time neural cells have been 3D printed to mimic the architecture of the cerebral cortex.
The research builds on a ten-year track record in producing and patenting 3D printing technologies for synthetic tissues and cultured cells.
The success of this latest project has increased hopes similar technology could one day be used to treat brain injuries.
The exciting advance has raised the prospect of the method being tailored for use in treating brain injuries in humans in the future, by essentially 3D printing brain cells. PHOTO BY MART PRODUCTION/PEXELS
Injuries to the brain, including those caused by trauma, stroke and surgery or tumors on the brain can typically result in damage to the cerebral cortex – the outer layer of the brain.
This can lead to difficulties in cognition – the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses – as well as movement and communication.
Each year, around 70 million people across the globe suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), with five million of those being severe or fatal.
But despite their significant toll on the human population, there are thus far no effective treatments for TBI, leading to serious impacts on the sufferer’s quality of life.
However, tissue regenerative therapies are seen as a promising route to treatment; especially those which incorporate implants derived from patients’ own stem cells.
But, up until now, no method has been able to ensure that implanted stem cells mimic the architecture of the brain.
In this latest study, researchers used 3D printing techniques to create a two-layered brain tissue using human neural stem cells.
When implanted into the brain slices of mice, these cells encouragingly showed convincing structural and functional integration with the host tissue.
The cortical structure was constructed from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which have the potential to produce the cell types found in most human tissues.
A key advantage of using hiPSCs for tissue repair is that they can be easily derived from cells harvested from patients themselves; therefore not triggering an immune response.
The hiPSCs were differentiated into neural progenitor cells for two different layers of the cerebral cortex by using specific combinations of growth factors and chemicals.
The exciting advance has raised the prospect of the method being tailored for use in treating brain injuries in humans in the future, by essentially 3D printing brain cells. PHOTO BY MART PRODUCTION/PEXELS
The cells were then dipped in a solution to generate two ‘bioinks’, which were then printed to produce a two-layered structure.
The printed tissues maintained their layered cellular makeup for weeks, as indicated by the expression of layer-specific biomarkers.
Dr. Yongcheng Jin, a lead author of the study from the University of Oxford’s Department of Chemistry, excitedly explained: “This advance marks a significant step towards the fabrication of materials with the full structure and function of natural brain tissues.
“The work will provide a unique opportunity to explore the workings of the human cortex and, in the long term, it will offer hope to individuals who sustain brain injuries.”
When these printed tissues were implanted into brain slices in mice they displayed strong integration, demonstrated by the projection of neural processes and the movement of neurons across the boundary between the implanted and the host cells in the brain.
The implanted cells also showed signalling activity which correlated to that of the host cells – indicating that the human and mouse cells were communicating with each other and demonstrating functional as well as structural integration in the brain.
The research team now intend to further refine their printing technique to create complex, multi-layered cerebral cortex tissues that more realistically mimic the architecture of the human brain.
If successful, it is hoped that scientists may soon simply be able to print necessary brain cells from a patient’s own stem cells and implant them in the brain.
Besides their potential for repairing brain injuries, these engineered tissues might also have uses in drug evaluation, studies of brain development, and improvement of our understanding of the very basis of cognition.
Senior author Dr. Linna Zhou said: “Our droplet printing technique provides a means to engineer living 3D tissues with desired architectures, which brings us closer to the creation of personalized implantation treatments for brain injury.”
Associate Professor Francis Szele, from the University of Oxford’s Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and another senior author of the study, added: “The use of living brain slices creates a powerful platform for interrogating the utility of 3D printing in brain repair.
“It is a natural bridge between studying 3D printed cortical column development in vitro and their integration into brains in animal models of injury.”
Professor Zoltán Molnár, another senior author, said though the technology was not fully advanced yet, the study shows significant promise in treating brain injuries in the future.
“Human brain development is a delicate and elaborate process with a complex choreography,” he said.
“It would be naïve to think that we can recreate the entire cellular progression in the laboratory.
“Nonetheless, our 3D printing project demonstrates substantial progress in controlling the fates and arrangements of human iPSCs to form the basic functional units of the cerebral cortex.”
An experimental vaccine that sends immune cells into “Incredible Hulk mode” could protect patients against all hospital superbugs, according to new research.
Scientists say a study in mice suggests a single shot administered just before or after arriving in hospital could prevent all antibiotic-resistant infections – including potentially deadly MRSA.
The new vaccine has been developed and patented by an international team led by scientists at the University of Southern California (USC).
Researchers designed the formula to stop serious infections from drug-resistant pathogens.
Scientists say a study in mice suggests a single shot administered just before or after arriving in hospital could prevent all antibiotic-resistant infections – including potentially deadly MRSA. PHOTO BY GABRIEL TOVAR/UNSPLASH
The Incredible Hulk was a super-strong Marvel Comics character who was the alter ego of scientist Dr. Bruce Banner.
The new study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, shows that a single dose, administered in mouse models, put immune cells into “Incredible Hulk” mode, providing rapid protection against eight different bacteria and fungi species.
Senior author Dr. Brad Spellberg, chief medical officer at the USC-affiliated Los Angeles General Medical Center, said: “It’s an early warning system.
“It’s like Homeland Security putting out a terror alert. ‘Everybody, keep your eyes open. Keep an eye out for suspicious packages.’
“You’re alerting the soldiers and tanks of your immune system.
Scientists say a study in mice suggests a single shot administered just before or after arriving in hospital could prevent all antibiotic-resistant infections – including potentially deadly MRSA. PHOTO BY GABRIEL TOVAR/UNSPLASH
“The vaccine activates them. ‘Oh my, there’s danger here. I better turn into the Hulk.’
“I mean, when you have bad superbugs lurking, that’s when you want the Hulk waiting to pounce rather than Dr. Banner, right?”
Healthcare-acquired infections kill more than 90,000 people every year in the United States alone.
On any given day, around one in 31 hospital patients in America has at least one such infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In many cases, infections are caused by superbugs such as MRSA.
The infections spread via contaminated surfaces or equipment, such as catheters or ventilators, or through person-to-person spread, often from contaminated hands.
Risk is highest among intensive care patients who may suffer surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Typical vaccines usually prompt the body to make antibodies against a specific pathogen but – despite the high incidence of healthcare-acquired infections -there are currently no approved vaccines that prevent the most serious, antibiotic-resistant infections.
Dr. Brian Luna, of Keck School of Medicine at USC, said: “Even if there were such vaccines, multiple vaccines would have to be deployed simultaneously to protect against the full slate of antibiotic-resistant microbes that cause healthcare-acquired infections.”
He said the new experimental vaccine takes an entirely different approach as it “gooses” the body’s pre-existing supply of pathogen-gobbling immune cells called macrophages, which engulf and digest bacteria, fungi and other bad actors.
Dr. Luna said the activated fighters, found in all tissues, quickly neutralize incoming invaders which might otherwise multiply rapidly and overwhelm the body’s defenses.
Study first author Jun Yan, a doctoral student at Keck School of Medicine, said: “This is very different from developing new antibiotics.
“This is using our own immune system to fight against different superbugs, which is a different approach than everybody else.”
The vaccine is comprised of just three ingredients, two of which are already used in officially approved vaccines.
A third component is a tiny piece from the surface of a fungus commonly found on human skin.
Tested in two independent labs, the vaccine works within 24 hours and lasts for up to 28 days.
In lab models, the number of pathogen-eating immune cells in the blood increased “dramatically” – and the survival time of invasive blood and lung infections improved.
Early data suggest that a second dose could extend the window to prevent infection, according to the research team.
To develop the vaccine, they formed the start-up ExBaq LLC.
The technology licensing office for USC has successfully filed one patent for the vaccine and is pursuing others.
Professor Ishwar Puri, senior vice president of research and innovation at USC, said: “The pandemic stimulated unprecedented innovation in vaccine development, where federal funding and university-industry partnerships were game changers for translating promising discoveries from academic labs for the good of all.”
Now ExBaq’s founders have begun talking with potential pharmaceutical partners who might be interested in further developing the vaccine for human clinical trials.
They said the first such trial would be done in healthy volunteers to find the right dose of vaccine that is safe and triggers the same kind of immune response in people as seen in the mice.
Your whole world is about to be turned upside down and you are not concerned. What’s wrong with you? We are constantly moving forward toward the Biblical description of the last era of human history prior to Christ’s return and you aren’t concerned. Woe unto you! Repent before it is too late! For “My spirit will not always strive with man.” And know that every tender warning, every word of mercy, every expression of compassion, every act of grace and every extended breath within the framework of My patience is not to be treated lightly or trivialized. Right now, you are living in a time of grace. Enter the ark, before it is too late! If you do not, death and destruction will be your portion. I the Lord have spoken!
Final Invitation. Final Instructions. Final Response. Final Judgment. [Genesis 7:1-24].
God is not a man that He should lie…If God says it, He means it. And the Bible warns us in the New Testament…that Judgment is coming again…and the earth will be destroyed one more time. [Jeremiah 4:5-7].
Burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.” [Malachi 4:1].
By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) says she’s extremely disappointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to veto Assembly Bill (AB) 957, legislation that would have required judges in custody cases to consider a parents’ affirmation of their child’s gender identity in their application of the law.
Wilson, who is the chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus and who has a transgender child said, “I know the Governor’s record. He has been a champion for LGBTQ+ rights even before it was popular to do so.”
“However, on this point, the Governor and I disagree on the best way to protect transgender kids,” Wilson continued. “I’ve been disheartened over the last few years as I’ve watched the growing hate and heard the vitriol towards the trans community. My intent with this bill was to give them a voice, particularly in the family court system, where a non-affirming parent could have a detrimental effect on the mental health and wellbeing of a child. Whether the roadblock comes from the opposition or even a supporter, it only hardens my resolve. I’m far from done, this fight is personal! Not just for my family, but to all the trans kids that deserve a brighter and safer future.”
The Governor announced his decision in a press release his office sent out Friday that listed bills he has so far signed and others he has vetoed.
Oct. 14 is the deadline for Newsom to sign bills lawmakers introduced during the 2023 legislative session.
Explaining his decision to veto AB 957 in a message, Newsom said people elected officials could point to the legislation as precedent to “diminish the rights of vulnerable communities.”
“I am returning Assembly Bill 957 without my signature,” Newsom wrote. “I appreciate the passion and values that led the author to introduce this bill. I share a deep commitment to advancing the rights of transgender Californians, an effort that has guided my decisions through many decades in public office.”
That said,” the Governor continued in his message, “I urge caution when the Executive and Legislative branches of state government attempt to dictate – in prescriptive terms that single out one characteristic – legal standards for the Judicial branch to apply.”
By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
Last week, Christopher Darden, an attorney, bestselling author, law professor and former L.A. County prosecutor announced his candidacy for L.A County Superior Court judge.
The elections will be held next March.
Darden, 67, a Richmond native, gained national prominence when he served as a co-prosecutor in the 1994 O.J. Simpson murder trial.
The conclusion of Suicide Prevention Week on Sept.16, served as a reminder, according to wellness advocates, of the ongoing mental health crisis faced by Black Californians.
Between 2010 and 2019, Black Californians experienced a 31.1% increase in suicide deaths, according to the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that between 2019 and 2020, non-Hispanic White people experienced a decrease in suicide rates by 4.5% while the rate for non-Hispanic Black people increased by 4%.
Many of these suicides occur among people aged 10 to 24, prompting schools, colleges and universities to develop programs to reach out to young Black Californians dealing with mental health challenges.
The Claremont Colleges (TCC), a consortium of five private liberal arts colleges and two graduate schools located in Southern California, have implemented programs of their own.
“Across our campuses, we are continuously working to reduce or remove perceived barriers that may prevent people of color from getting services at a counseling center,” said TCC’s Director of the Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services Center (MCAPS), Dr. Gary DeGroot.
DeGroot highlighted several internal obstacles, including a mistrust of treatment and therapy, a lack of confidence in the mental healthcare system’s ability to provide culturally competent care, and fear of stigma.
Dr. Adrienne Hilliard, Senior Staff Psychologist at the Claremont Colleges, spoke about the stigma connected to treatment for mental health issues.
“I think as suicide and mental health stigma decreases, Black men are now more open to identify and report that they are in crisis and instead of silently suffering are now encouraged and willing to seek help,” said Hilliard.
She pointed to some external obstacles to seeking mental health treatment.
“Several institutional factors can contribute to the increase suicide rates for Black men: economic oppression, increased educational disparities, racism and racial trauma across all sectors, racial injustice witnessed with the recent increase in recorded murders of black men by police and others, stigma surrounding manhood and mental illness,” said Hilliard.
Black Californians had the largest increase in firearm suicide rates since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study by Injury Epidemiology.
However, TCC has seen an increase in the number of students participating in their mental health programs.
“More resources, specifically for Black folks are becoming readily available,” said Hilliard. “So, statistically there may be greater representation.”
Hilliard pointed to programs like Therapy for Black Men, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM), Black Mental Health Alliance, and The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation.
DeGroot, who also works closely with the Office of Black Student Affairs (OBSA), stated that students respond positively to having access to Black therapists, connecting with Black organizations and attending Black student events.
Hilliard spoke on the importance of a community-based approach to mental health care for Black students on their campuses.
“Although each campus has individual resources and services, we encourage a more community-oriented mindset when it comes to our students of color,” said Hilliard. “We understand that community is extremely important for Black students, so we maintain connections with faculty and staff across departments, such as counseling, student health, housing, etc., to ensure our students are supported on every front.
Last Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office released a statement announcing that the state, through the the California Department of Health, is investing $16.3 million in “Youth Suicide Prevention efforts” through grants dedicated to tribal entities and community-based organizations.
“Suicide ideation amongst youth has increased nationwide, especially among girls, LGBTQ+ youth, and youth of color,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Knowing this, California’s new investments in youth suicide prevention resources are absolutely critical as we work to destigmatize mental health and improve access to mental health support for young Californians and their families.”
A New World Order; Global initiatives; International law, and Social Revolution, I tell you, your spiritual antenna should be beeping; Beep; Beep; Beep; Beep, alerting you that Time is Almost Up! The current world chaos is too well orchestrated to be a mere coincidence. Read the second chapter of 2 Thessalonians which provides a glimpse into Satan’s master plan. It speaks of an evil, sinister force working behind the scenes. It speaks of a villainous, devious, charismatic world-leader, whom Paul identifies as ‘the man of lawlessness,” who in the last days will ascend to power out of nowhere and would usher the world into a global economy and a universal religion. I tell you; your spiritual antenna should be Beeping. Beep; Beep; Beep; Beep; Beep! For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work. [2 Thessalonians 2:7]. This is how we know it is the last hour. [1 John 2:18]. The UN 2030 AGENDA –Recognize – Be sober and be vigilant, Time is Almost Up!
God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them has turned aside. [Psalms 53:2-3].
Then, I looked, and there before me was a white horse! It’s rider held a bow, and he was given a crown and he rode out as a conqueror bent on a conquest. [Revelation 6:2].
Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. It’s rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. [Revelation 6:4].
Then I looked, and there before me was a black horse! It’s rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine! [Revelation 6:6].
Then I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green like a corpse. And Death was the name of its rider, who was given authority over one-fourth the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals” [Revelation 6:7-8].
Then there was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like a sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth. Then the sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. [Revelation 6:12-14].
Because they did not listen, the destruction that DID come found the people unprepared. [Luke 17:26-30].
Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
