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(BUSINESS WIRE) —- DiCello Levitt today announced the expansion of its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of three attorneys. They include senior counsel, Bernadette Armand, and associates Elizabeth Paige White and E?viealle Dawkins. The three will work closely with Birmingham-based partner Diandra “Fu” Debrosse Zimmermann, an acclaimed mass torts and civil rights lawyer who is the first Black woman ever appointed plaintiffs’ co-lead counsel in a multidistrict litigation, In Re: Abbott Laboratories, et al., Preterm Infant Nutrition Products Liability Litigation.

DiCello Levitt already boasts one of the nation’s premier civil rights practice groups, and these additions bring important depth to the practice, while significantly expanding the firm’s presence in our nation’s capital. The firm has represented plaintiffs in numerous high-profile civil rights matters, including the June 2022 police shooting death of Jayland Walker, an unarmed Black man in Akron, Ohio. DiCello Levitt also represents a group of women in the largest international sex trafficking lawsuit in U.S. history, and the plaintiff in another high-profile police brutality case, among many others.

“We’re excited to welcome Bernadette, Paige, and E?viealle to our civil rights practice group in D.C.,” said Mark DiCello, the firm’s co-founder. “This new group of attorneys represents the rich breadth of experience DiCello Levitt can bring to any complex civil rights, mass torts, and class action cases, and the understanding that many clients in this space are looking for representation by attorneys who look like them.”

“I’m honored and incredibly excited to work closely with this amazing, talented group of diverse attorneys who are as committed to justice and civil rights as I am,” said Debrosse Zimmermann.

“DiCello Levitt has the experience, passion, and grit to go up against the most powerful corporations and governmental institutions across the United States, and I’m proud to be a part of such a distinguished team that has been widely recognized for its leadership in the fields of civil and human rights litigation.”

Bernadette Armand

Years of representing clients accused of some of the most serious crimes in Washington gave Armand deep experience and insight into the tenuousness of civil and human rights in the U.S. She challenges government officials at all levels, from police officers to politicians, to honor the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of certain inalienable rights for all—especially those harmed when leaders trample on those rights. Armand joined DiCello Levitt after serving as supervising trial attorney for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, where she was the lead trial attorney on homicide and other serious felony matters.

Elizabeth Paige White

White’s practice focuses on civil rights, police brutality, and wrongful death cases. She began her career in public service, working as a public defender at the Neighborhood Defender Services of Harlem in New York City, handling hundreds of charges from felony narcotics to violent crimes. She later joined the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, defending adults and juveniles in serious felony cases including violent sexual assault and homicide. While working for the Public Defender, White successfully argued a series of writs of habeas corpus over the conditions at the D.C. Central Detention Facility, which subsequently led to a number of individuals being immediately released.

E?viealle Dawkins

With experience in grassroots organizing and advocacy in the public and political spheres, Dawkins has developed deep personal perspectives on justice and responsibility that are foundational to her legal practice. At DiCello Levitt, Dawkins will apply her insight to litigation work on behalf of plaintiffs injured by civil or human rights abuses, environmental hazards, and other acts of corporate malfeasance. Prior to joining DiCello Levitt, Dawkins honed her litigation research skills on claims ranging from consumer protection and toxic tort to data and privacy.

About DiCello Levitt

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

Choose a Door. Door number 1 or Door number 2?

Door #1. Follow the Lord and He will be your provider, your shield, your reward, and your victory. He will give you everything you need to serve Him. He will not only allow you to serve Him, but because of your faith He will walk with you. He will restore your meaning and purpose and He will be your salvation in the midst of wickedness.

Door #2. Don’t believe God. Think He’s hiding something good from you. Believe you can get away with evil. Have faith in the idea, that God is lying about the destructive nature of sin. Let sin rule over you and instead of being priests to the nations you will fill the world with stubbornness, brutality, murder, hatred, division, and eventually every thought in your imagination will be evil.

Now Christ offer some advice.

“Enter by the narrow gate – For wide is the gate and broad is the path that leads to destruction, and many enter through it – Door #2.

But small is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. – Door #1. [Matthew 7:13-14].

I tell you, of all the decisions that God puts before us, there is none more significant, none more important than choosing the right door.

There are only two pathways—one leading to destruction, and the other leading to life. One is readily found; the other must be searched for. One is popular; the other is unpopular. One is easy; the other is difficult. Choose wisely, for your eternal destiny depends on this choice.  “Enter!” “Do it now!” Time is running out. The gate will not always be open. The choice is between the way of life and the way of destruction. Let’s make a deal!

Christ beckons one and all with the first word of the text, “Enter!”

May you not be found among the majority – enter through the narrow way. As Moses said long ago: [Deuteronomy 30:19-20] I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing, and the curse. So, choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? | California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom has not yet endorsed a candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, but former President Barack Obama did 10 days before the General Election on Nov. 8.

Citing her “proven leadership, integrity, and record of getting things done,” Obama’s endorsement of Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA-13) for mayor of Los Angeles can be seen on a video released by her campaign.

Bass was an early supporter of Obama’s presidential run and campaigned for him in 2007.

“I am asking Los Angeles to vote for Karen Bass for mayor. I know Karen. She was with me in supporting my campaign from the beginning, and Karen Bass will deliver results,” Obama stated when making his endorsement official. “Make no mistake, there is only one proven pro-choice Democrat in this race. Karen has always been on the right side of the issues we care so deeply about.”

President Obama’s support of Bass follows endorsements from President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Sen. Alex Padilla, Sen. Bernie Sanders and more than 250 other endorsements from community leaders, labor unions and elected officials since the June primary.

Bass is the only candidate endorsed by the Democratic Party and Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County Action Fund. Her leadership has also earned her the endorsements of the Los Angeles Times and La Opinión.

“I am humbled and honored to have the support of President Barack Obama,” Bass said in a letter. “President Obama brought us faith in our government and hope for the future of our country. It is impossible to overstate the impact of his work leading this country for eight scandal-free years advancing social and economic justice in the nation and the world.”

While Gov. Newsom has yet to endorse a candidate running for mayor of Los Angeles, he has endorsed other state and local Democrats running for office.

Statewide, Newsom is endorsing Dr. Shirley Weber, California’s first Black Secretary of State. In a local Los Angeles race, he is endorsing Black educator and community organizer Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) who is running for State Senate District 28 against fellow Democrat and Black civil rights attorney Cheryl C. Turner.

Bass is in a tight race with billionaire and Republican-turned-Democrat Rick Caruso.

Responding to a question on Fox 11’s “The Issue Is” show, Newsom said “I have deep respect for the both of them and have not gotten involved in this race.”

Newsom’s political advisers, a firm called Bearstar Strategies, are also chief consultants for the Caruso’s campaign.

In the 2018 gubernatorial primary, Bass endorsed former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa over Newsom. But, August 2021, Bass, members of the group calling itself Women Against the Recall (WAR), and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-37), held a news conference to openly support Newsom in the recall election held Sept. 14, 2021.

The Black Women Organized for Political Action PAC (BWOPA-PAC), California Black Women’s Collective PAC and Black women leaders throughout the state called out Gov. Newsom’s reluctance in declaring support for Bass.

“He stated that he supports Black Women, but his administration doesn’t demonstrate that he wants us at his decision-making table.  He selectively supports Black women candidates even when they have overwhelming support from the party leaders and our community like in the case of Congressmember Bass,” the coalition said in a “open letter” in October.

Bass is running to be the first Black woman mayor of the second-largest city in the country. She stated that “President Obama’s support underscores the contrast in this race and inspires” her campaign.  She has stated her plans are to solve homelessness, make the city of Los Angeles safer, and create affordable housing.

“She has devoted her life to serving her community, from working in the emergency room to saving California from a budget crisis to delivering relief during the COVID pandemic as a member of Congress,” Obama stated.

StormyWeather Banks, a Fashion Designer and Boutique Owner recently announced the grand reopening of her newly remodeled and expanded boutique, StormyWeather Designs in Bellflower California. The grand reopening took place with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring beautiful statement jewelry, structured and relaxed handbags, on trend accessories, jackets, and apparel. The event was well attended by Bellflower City Officials, local celebrities, and the community. Those in attendance included: Larry Wehage (Bellflower Chamber of Commerce President), Dan Koops (Bellflower Councilmember), Actress Camille Calvin (Lifetime’s “Deadly Cheers”), Actress Samantha Bailey (CBS’s “The Young and the Restless”), and many others.

“I am excited about this expansion, but more so grateful for the support of the community and the City of Bellflower over the last 10 years,” says Banks.

StormyWeather is a respected designer, retired LAUSD fashion design teacher, and a minority-women owned business. Her boutique is located at 16737 & 16739 Bellflower Boulevard in the City of Bellflower offering selective custom designs, apparel consultation on making the perfect prom dress, wedding dress and an unveiling of her new sewing and manufacturing shop for those who want to learn how to sew.

Sewing classes are available on Monday and Thursday from 11am – 1pm and 4pm – 6pm. The classes are open to individuals ages 6 years old and up.

To learn more about StormyWeather Designs, visit:

 https://stormyweather-designs.myshopify.com/.

Stay connected with StormyWeather Designs at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stormyweatherdesigns-266515007325099/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormyweatherdesigns/

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

Proposition 28 is one of seven statewide initiatives on the November 8 ballot. If passed, Prop 28 will boost arts and music education funding for 6 million public school students. The proposition requires California to dedicate 1% of the education budget to arts and music programs.

If the proposition passes, it will provide approximately $1 Billion to PK-12 schools.

Prop 28 is backed by Austin Beutner, former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, Arne Duncan, education secretary in the Obama administration, and a broad coalition of teachers, families, artists, entrepreneurs, community leaders and labor organizations.

Among celebrities and musicians supporting the proposition are Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine, John Lithgow, Issa Rae, and Will.I.Am

 “This initiative is timely as our country seeks to create a more just and equitable future for all children. A boost in arts and music education will help ensure the future workforce in media and technology properly reflect the diversity of the children in our public schools,” according to a joint statement from Beutner and Duncan.

As schools adapt to tightening budgets, arts and music are often the first to go. But these programs have a profound impact on students’ academic outcomes and behavior. This was shown in a study of 10,000 students in the Houston school system by University of Missouri professor Brian Kisada and Texas A & M professor Daniel H. Bowen.

“We find that a substantial increase in arts educational experiences has remarkable impacts on students’ academic, social, and emotional outcomes. Relative to students assigned to the control group, treatment school students experienced a 3.6 percentage point reduction in disciplinary infractions, an improvement of 13 percent of a standard deviation in standardized writing scores, and an increase of 8 percent of a standard deviation in their compassion for others,” the professors wrote in their Brookings Institution article.

There is no major opposition to prop 28, but some fiscal conservatives say it could lead to an increase in property taxes.

“If Prop. 28 passes, a 1% combination of state spending, in addition to the spending of each locality through property taxes, would be solely dedicated to music and arts education,” said Ari DeWolf, educational outreach manager at the Reason Foundation, an organization that promotes libertarian values.

“California already spends $95.5 billion on its public school system, translating to around $17,000 per student. This figure puts California in the top 10 states for per-student education funding. California’s current spending on K-12 education has reached a historic high, while public school enrollment is the lowest in two decades,” according to DeWolf.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recognizes the importance of music and arts education. $3.5 billion has been budgeted for an Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials Discretionary block grant program according to a Department of Education press release. These one-time grants will be available to county offices of education, school districts, charter schools, and the state special schools in the 2025–26 fiscal year.

LOS ANGELES, CA— Covered California and Secretary Xavier Becerra of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services teamed up to officially launch open enrollment across the nation for the 2023 coverage year. Open enrollment is the time when Americans can sign up for health insurance coverage through Affordable Care Act marketplaces. This is the 10th open enrollment period under the landmark law, which has helped provide health insurance to millions of Americans and will feature increased and expanded financial help for consumers through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Becerra joined Jessica Altman, Executive Director, Covered California, Mayor Eric Garcetti, City of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, Representative 37th Districtand Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services.

The open-enrollment period begins with a record-high 14.5 million people enrolled in the federal and state marketplaces, including 1.7 million in Covered California. The increased enrollment has been driven by the increased financial help first made available through the American Rescue Plan and extended under the Inflation Reduction Act.

As part of its efforts, Covered California is launching a “10 Years Strong” campaign, celebrating a decade of providing quality health insurance plans and reducing the state’s uninsured rate to a historic low.

“Covered California is ‘10 Years Strong,’ celebrating a decade of expanding access to quality, affordable health care for millions of people throughout the state,” said Jessica Altman. “Open enrollment is here and now is the time to sign up for quality health insurance coverage through Covered California that will protect you and your family.”

10 Years Strong

Covered California’s “10 Year’s Strong” campaign will highlight the progress made in expanding health care access by increasing the number of people with health insurance in every region over the past decade. It will also showcase continuing efforts to reach into every community in the state to make sure all Californians have access to quality health care.

Since Covered California’s first open-enrollment period in 2013, federal data shows that California’s uninsured rate fell from 17.2 percent to a record low 7.0 percent in 2021, which is the largest percentage point drop for any state in the nation over this time.

During this time, more than 5.2 million Californians have received health insurance coverage through Covered California for at least one month. Covered California’s has seen its overall enrollment grow by more than 40 percent, including a nearly 50 percent increase in the number of people signed up in Los Angeles County.

One Million Uninsured Californians are Eligible for Low-cost or No-cost Coverage 

Covered California enters open enrollment with 1.7 million consumers. However, new data shows that there are more than 1 million uninsured Californians who are eligible for financial help to bring the cost of coverage within reach. Of that group, at least 55 percent – or about 568,000 people – could get quality coverage through Covered California or Medi-Cal at no cost.

The remaining 471,000 uninsured Californians are eligible for significant financial help that will lower the cost of their monthly health insurance premiums. Right now, 90 percent of Covered California’s enrollees qualify for financial help, and thanks to the increased and expanded financial help made available through the American Rescue Plan and extended through the Inflation Reduction Act, those consumers are saving an average of $475 per month, or an average of 80 percent of their monthly health insurance premium.

Currently, two-thirds of Covered California’s consumers are eligible for comprehensive health insurance coverage at a cost of $10 or less per month.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, CEO of Covered California Jessica Altman, Covered California enrollee Zhang Yue, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, California Congresswoman Karen Bass, and Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Dr. Mark Ghaly attend the kick off event for Health Care.gov and ‘California’s 10th open enrollment launch event on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 in Los Angeles. (Mark Von Holden/AP Images for Covered California)

Signing up for Coverage is Easy

Consumers can discover their options by visiting CoveredCA.com, where they can easily find out if they qualify for financial help and see the coverage options in their area.

All they need to do is enter their household income, ZIP code, household size and the number of people who need coverage and their ages into the calculator on Covered California’s homepage.

Open enrollment began on Nov. 1 and is the one time of the year when eligible people cannot be turned away from coverage.

In addition to visiting CoveredCA.com, those interested in learning more about their coverage options can also:

• Get free and confidential assistance over the phone, in a variety of languages, from a certified enroller.
• Have a certified enroller call them and help them for free.
• Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.

About Covered California

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

The “Stop the Hate. Spread the Love,” initiative spearheaded by California Black Media (CBM) and others, was introduced to the Los Angeles community at the 17th annual Taste of Soul Family Festival on Oct. 15.

Representatives of the campaign maintained a booth at the daylong, multicultural event that drew over 300,000 people to a two-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles to celebrate the Black cultural experience – as well as the traditions of other ethnic groups — through food, music, and art.

Brandon Brooks, CBM’s campaign project manager, said attending the festival was a good way to familiarize people with Stop the Hate and organizations that are geared toward combatting hate incidents and hate crimes in the Golden State.

“We brought together a lot of partners to give information on how to combat and address hate — outside of law enforcement,” Brooks said.

Representatives from local and state government departments including the City of Los Angeles’ Civil + Human Relations & Equity Department, the California Secretary of State, the California Department of Social Services, and the California Civil Rights Department were at the three-table booth with Brooks and CBM Executive Director Regina Wilson

“Having those representatives on hand was a must,” Brooks said. “If you or I experience hate we might not be comfortable with calling the LAPD or sheriff’s department, so who can we actually really call,” Brooks asked rhetorically, speaking to this CBM reporter. “You can actually call the civil rights department; you can call social services. A lot of people don’t know that. These organizations are there to be a resource or an olive branch to start that dialogue. You may need some help. That’s these organizations’ job.”

A report released by California Attorney General Rob Bonta in June revealed hate crimes inspired by racism and homophobia resulted in a 33% uptick in reported incidents in the state in 2021. Hate crimes against Blacks were the most prevalent, according to the report. There were 513 crimes committed against Blacks in 2021, 13% more than the 456 in 2020.

Becky L. Monroe, the California Civil Rights Department’s deputy director for strategic initiative and external affairs, said working to eliminate hate crimes and the attitudes and circumstances that contribute to them is about saving lives.

“It is critical that people know what their options are if they are targeted for hate and know that we can take action and that we can stop hate and spread love,” Monroe said.

CBM is in the early stages of its Stop the Hate public information campaign. The media and advocacy organization’s goal is to publish a series of stories that educate Black Californians and state residents from other backgrounds about each other’s lives, cultures and traditions as it promotes an appreciation for diversity and fosters deeper inter-ethnic understanding.

CBM has four events or festivals planned within the next year that promote the message of the Stop the Hate campaign.

“Regina’s goal is to really break bread and bring people together,” said Brooks, referring to CBM’s executive editor.

The initiative is funded by a joint venture of the California State Library and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. The Ethnic Media Grant Project has awarded nearly $6 million in grants to 50 ethnic media outlets and organizations serving communities that are historically vulnerable to hate crimes and hate incidents.

The program’s aim is to enhance public awareness of the Stop the Hate Program being run by the state’s social services department.

Festival attendees who visited the Stop the Hate booth were able to meet representatives from media publications Al Enteshar, Carib Press, Ethnic Media Services, Impulso News, and Indian Voices.

The booth was sponsored by CBM, Ethnic Media Services, the Civil + Human Relations & Equity, the NAACP, and the California Civil Rights Department.

Brooks said CBM’s Taste of Soul booth was successful because it introduced people to the Stop the Hate initiative and individuals gained more information about fighting hate crimes and reporting hate incidents.

“When you say hate crimes or hate incidents, we as a collective really need to figure out how to address this topic,” he said. “We really wanted to bring resources and information to the community.”

Los Angeles Sentinel Executive Editor Danny J. Bakewell Jr., whose newspaper organizes Taste the Soul and is a CBM partner, said the festival aligns with “Stop the Hate. Spread the Love.”

“That is what Taste of Soul is all about,” Bakewell said to CBM’s videographer. “Spreading the love, right here in our own community on Crenshaw Boulevard.”

“California Black Media was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.”

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

Time is running out! The signs are so strong, and the evidence is so clear that any person willing to accept the truth can see that the end of the world, as we know it, is near. EVERY sign that is given in [2 Timothy 3] are specifically pointing to our day today. These are the signs showing that the end of the world is near. I tell you, we ARE living in the last days, there can be no doubt. Do not be foolish! Repent while you still have time. Jesus said, “Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many I say to you, will seek to enter, and will not be able to.” [Luke 13:23,24].

Listen, we are commanded to seek the Kingdom of God first; not our careers, riches, or anything else. If we seek anything else first, Hell will be our portion. Ain’t no if and or butts about it. Jesus made it clear, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. We cannot serve both God and money [Matthew 6:24]. Oh, how I wish you would understand what I’m trying to convey to you.

You cannot continue your life without absolute focus on the Kingdom of God. Enter by the narrow gate [Matthew 7:13]. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness [Matthew 6:33]. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches” [Revelation 2]. Time is running out!

Now learn this lesson from the fig-tree: as soon as its twigs become tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. [Matthew 24:33-42].

I want you to know that throughout Scripture, God is constantly taking His people to a point of decision. To a point in which they need to make a commitment one way or the other. A point in which they need to decide to choose life or death. It’s been that way from the very beginning. In the garden of Eden, God set a tree, the tree of the knowledge of the good and evil and said, “You shall not eat from that tree. For the day you eat from it, you shall surely die”. And so, he set before Adam and Eve a choice

In the book of [Deuteronomy chapter 30:15-20], He gave us a choice, “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey His voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto Him: for He is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

“This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the Faithful and True Witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:  For, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me. And to him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. [Revelation 3:15-22].

Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. [Revelation 3:3].

Oh, how I wish you would understand what I’m trying to convey to you! Time is running out! Repent, before it is too late!

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

State officials have announced eligibility for the updated Moderna COVID-19 booster and the Pfizer-BioNTech booster has been expanded.

Now children 6 years old and older who have received their initial series of vaccinations can receive the updated Moderna bivalent booster. Children 5 years old and older are approved to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster two months after their most recent injection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these reformulated single dose boosters are referred to as “bivalent” because they are meant to defend against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants which currently make up about 80% of the cases in the United States.

California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, and Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón made this announcement on Thursday Oct. 13 as experts are predicting that there will be an uptick in COVID-19 cases during the upcoming holiday season

The decision to approve the use of bivalent boosters is in line with recommendations the CDC has made to the public and it is supported by the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.

“Given the anticipated burden of COVID-19 infections and related illnesses this fall/winter season, the Workgroup believes that the benefits of bivalent booster doses that more closely match currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants will sustain protection against COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths in young children and substantially outweigh any potential risks,” Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup Chair Arthur Reingold, MD, said in a statement addressed to the governors of California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington State.

Medical experts warn that cooler weather will bring a surge of COVID-19 cases at the same time that cases of the flu could make a return this fall and winter. Doctors are promoting flu shots to keep hospital admissions down as health systems grapple with surging COVID cases.

According to the CDC and official California state estimates, the national 14-day-average for COVID-19 hospitalizations is currently 6,496 while the state average is about 1,818.

According to the state, the number of COVID-19 deaths averaged about 19 per day.

About 72.3% of Californians have received the primary series of vaccinations. 58.6% the state’s population have received the primary series and the booster. Only 37.5% of children 5-11 have received the primary series of vaccinations.

Eligible Californians can speak with their doctor, visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255 for more information to make a vaccine or booster appointment.

By Jasmyne Cannick | Special to California Black Media

The situation with disgraced Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León reached a new low Wednesday when he calmly declared during a news interview that he is not resigning, putting to rest any hope that he would do the right thing and step down.

“No, I will not resign because there is a lot of work ahead,” De León said.

In the two weeks since the leaking of the audio of the October 2021 meeting involving City Council President Nury Martinez, Councilmembers Gil Cedillo and Kevin de León, and Ron Herrera, the leader of the Los Angeles Labor Federation, in which they were overheard conspiring to retain and expand Latino political power to the detriment of Black residents, a lot has been said.

But now, Los Angeles, it’s time to put up or shut up.

Either you stand for and with racists and bigots or you don’t. There’s no in-between on this.

It is not easy to overlook the fact that far too many “leaders” and organizations hesitated before they could bring themselves to call for the resignation of all four involved

“There is no place in our city family for attacks on colleagues and their loved ones, and there is no place for racism anywhere in L.A.,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti in his first statement.

Performative activism on the issue of De León’s resignation should not be celebrated or accepted — by anyone.

City leaders cannot claim to stand with us on this issue and then go on as business as usual. That makes them just as complicit as Martinez, Cedillo, De León, and Herrera.

Labor and Democratic Party organizations cannot denounce the Racist Four and then not put measures in place to make sure that they are ineligible for future endorsements and resources for political campaigns in the future.

De León is a textbook narcissist who believes he has a bright political future ahead of himself, including his running for statewide office in 2026. In order for that run to be successful, he has to have the backing of labor, the Democratic Party, and Democratic clubs. These groups need to deliver a unified message that he can’t come to them for money, endorsements, or support.

But it doesn’t stop there.

Kevin has drawn a line in the sand: he’s not going to leave on his own.

We need to draw our own.

While I know many community, labor, and Democratic organizations were against the recall of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, those same groups should be using their political savviness and resources to spearhead the recall of De León — that is, if they truly found his comments abhorrent and want him off city council.

If Kevin De León isn’t a perfect example of an elected official who needs to be given his pink slip, I don’t know who is.

Despite public outrage and disillusionment, De León thinks he can sit pretty for the time being as long as he is only facing surface-level activism. Remind you of anyone?

That needs to change, and allies need to do more than issue strongly-wordedstatements. It’s time for some strategic, organized action.

And before I get out of here, it’s not just allies who need to show up.

Black people, we need to show up for ourselves, too, lest we prove De León’s “Wizard of Oz effect” to be true.

If you are not talking about this situation in some way every day, as the elders say, “you ain’t talking about nothin.” If you can’t be out there with Black Lives Matter and the other groups camping out in front of the homes of Cedillo and De León, then you support the people who are. There’s a role for everyone in fighting for our respect as a people.

How Los Angeles meets this moment will dictate the future of consequences for exposed racism and bigotry in our government. If De León is allowed to stay put, then going forward, no public official will allow themselves to be forced to resign over their anti-Black comments.

Gil Cedillo isn’t off the hook either. He, too, needs to kick rocks. Everything I said about labor and Democratic organizations withholding support from De León should apply to Martinez, Cedillo, and Herrera. At least with Cedillo, while we want him gone now, we know he will be gone in December. The bigger problem we face is giving De León the boot.

Being a leader means more than being the first with a tersely worded statement or performing before the news cameras. It also means taking action and taking a stand, even when no one is watching and it’s uncomfortable to do so.

We are still waiting for Los Angeles “leaders” to meet the moment.

A political strategist, Jasmyne Cannick is a former Special Assistant to previous Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson, a delegate in the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, and a proud member of The Blacks who stands with the Oaxacan, Armenian, Jewish, and LGBTQ communities.