Happily Divorced And After

SACRAMENTO, CA— On Friday October 18th, Assemblymember Eloise Reyes (D-Colton) celebrated the signing of AB 2033, the EBT Access for Student Empowerment (EASE) Act, at a joint event hosted by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and San Bernardino Valley College. The event took place at the “Den Coffee Shop” located at San Bernardino Valley College. AB 2033 addresses the student hunger crisis faced on campuses across California by making it possible for students to use Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) across California’s three college systems. This legislation was co-sponsored by the Student Senate for the California Community Colleges, the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges, and uAspire, a nonprofit focused on improving the economic mobility of underrepresented students.

“I am grateful to Governor Newsom for signing AB 2033 into law and want to thank our robust coalition of supporters, including the Community College Chancellor’s Office for helping get this across the finish line,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “Student hunger is directly linked to academic achievement, and we know that food insecure students are more likely to report lower GPAs given the externalities they face. AB 2033 is a step forward in our efforts to end student food insecurity across California.”

“By accepting EBT, college campuses are doing their part to promote food security. If students do not have to worry about where they will get their next meal, they can learn and thrive in school. This should be an ultimate goal for all of us,” said Dr. Sonya Christian, Chancellor of the California Community Colleges. “I applaud Assemblywoman Eloise Gomez Reyes for authoring AB 2033 and I thank the Governor for signing this important legislation.”

“AB 2033 ensures that our colleges continue to be the open door of opportunity for students. By addressing food insecurity, we are helping students stay in school, graduate, and build better futures,” said Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District. “That investment doesn’t just pay off for them—it strengthens our economy and lifts up our entire community.”

By Nataki Garrett and Clyde Valentín

In this pivotal election year, as Americans face unprecedented health and social challenges, a groundbreaking new campaign is centering joy and redefining how we view the arts: not just as a form of expression or representation of culture but as a key component of community wellness. In just one day, Arts For EveryBody, a national initiative led by One Nation/One Project, showcased the power of our collective joy.

The project sought to answer one question: How can arts participation in communities influence social cohesion and well-being? On July 27th, hundreds of artists from 18 cities and towns across America worked together to find out.

Arts For Everybody brought unlikely community partners together— artists, government officials and community health leaders— to produce participatory arts projects seeking to bridge the arts with the health and well-being of our communities. The activation part of “One Nation/One Project” spanned 18 communities across the country from Hawaii to Washington state to Texas to Florida to Illinois to New York and to the nation’s capital Washington, DC and beyond to share, to create, to perform in celebration of health, community, belonging, and togetherness. Each project sought to address the unique challenges of their city, from access to clean water to access to lost customs and culture—issues that, many times, disproportionately impacted Black and brown and low-income communities. These same communities face the biggest barriers when it comes to access to the arts and health care.

At the heart of Arts for EveryBody is a commitment to addressing the deep inequities that disproportionately affect Black, brown, rural, and marginalized communities. These communities often face the greatest social challenges, from systemic health disparities to economic insecurity, yet have the least access to the healing power of the arts and quality healthcare.

At the heart of Arts for EveryBody is a commitment to addressing the deep inequities that disproportionately affect Black, brown, rural, and marginalized communities. These communities often face the greatest social challenges, from systemic health disparities to economic insecurity, yet have the least access to the healing power of the arts and quality healthcare.

Arts For EveryBody seeks to close this gap by bringing large-scale, participatory art projects directly into underserved neighborhoods, fostering not just creativity, but also mental and physical well-being. By prioritizing these communities, the project acknowledges that the arts can be a powerful tool for resilience and healing, particularly where they are needed most.

Part of the growing emphasis on participatory arts projects is research that shows a direct link to our health. In a recent paper looking at the tie between participatory art and health Dr. Jill Sonke, PhD, director of research initiatives in the Center for Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida specifically looked at “One Nation/One Project”.

 “ONOP is a multifaceted initiative designed to engage the arts to strengthen the social fabric of U.S. communities on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative leverages collaborations between the arts, public health, and municipal sectors to build health, health equity, and well-being.”

Looking further at the reach and the impact of hundreds of artists coming together in communities all across the country shows the potential and the possibilities of arts and expression to center health and wellness for diverse groups in diverse communities. In Chicago Healing Arts Chicago hosted a citywide creative summit focused on creating, doing, and performing to highlight how artists could be trained as community health workers. In Edinburg, Texas, the community premiered an original musical, Despierta, which featured 75 community members.

Also, it explored the legacy of the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo as a way of looking at important things such as healing and belonging. In Kansas City, Missouri, the community hosted Celebrate AMERI’KANA a music and arts festival bringing together locals of all ages to celebrate the diverse history of American music. In Rhinelander, Wisconsin community members came together for a Walk Against Social Isolation, hosted a community meal, and unveiled a public art installation as their way of looking at well-being and belonging and togetherness. In each example breaking down barriers and silos and exploring inclusivity were seen as key to making sure that health equity, fair and just access to healthcare and resources, was an overarching theme.

At the center of this work is a desire to make participatory arts something that communities commit to on an ongoing basis and to bridge that work directly to the local health sector and/or the local municipality. We have a deep commitment to community engagement and accessibility, and we hope to inspire a movement where on an ongoing basis communities explore art as a way to make communities healthier, stronger, safer, and more united, thus improving the lives of everybody.

During a consequential election year, art is more important because of its ability to spur conversation about the state of the union and remind us that our commonalities should be a powerful enough force to combat ignorance and intolerance. And for the messages of the art being created and shared across the country to help us better truly, we also cannot give in to indifference.

The day’s actions demonstrated the strength of American plurality, diversity, and expression in the most hyperlocal and culturally nuanced ways. The inclusion of $210.1 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget underscores the government’s recognition of the arts as a vital component of community well-being and equity.

This funding aligns with initiatives like “Arts For EveryBody,” which emphasize the role of arts in addressing systemic health disparities and social cohesion. The budget further promotes the transformative power of participatory arts in underserved communities by ensuring greater access to arts and health resources.

At a time in America where communities are sometimes divided, uncertain, and disjointed, here is an opportunity to unite people and communities. This is a chance to improve people’s everyday lives, whether you’re an artist or creator, a healthcare worker, a government official, or a philanthropist seeking to make positive change.

Together with a common focus, there are ways not just to have participatory arts be part of a moment, but to make participatory arts a movement, where the message is clear arts is for everybody and it really does have the power to transform lives and communities and bring us together.

What July 27 proved is that local leadership has the power to bring together factions of communities that would not ordinarily do so—from health care providers to artists and arts organizations to local elected officials. From these unlikely alliances have sprung powerful partnerships and possibilities to identify critical and unique needs in communities across America.

Arts for EveryBody is led by some of our country’s most creative thinkers. Together, they’re working to coordinate a movement guided by healing, equity, and community. https://www.artsforeverybody.org/joinus

INLAND EMPIRE, CA— Edward Ornelas Jr., President of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Inland Empire Business Journal, has been named a finalist in the famed 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards. Ornelas is honored in the Social Entrepreneur category for his remarkable leadership and vision in fostering business growth and development across the Inland Empire. The award ceremony will take place on November 21, 2024, at the Riverside Convention Center, celebrating the best of entrepreneurship throughout the region.

The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards, often regarded as the “Oscars of Business” in the Inland Empire, recognizes the innovation, leadership, and impact of outstanding entrepreneurs across various sectors. Ornelas joins a select group of 34 finalists, each representing the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience that define the I.E. business community. The Social Entrepreneur category highlights individuals like Ornelas, whose work goes beyond profit to positively impact society.

In his role as President of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ornelas has been a powerful advocate for the business community, connecting small businesses with essential resources and creating opportunities for growth. As the owner of the IE Business Journal, the only publication in the region dedicated solely to business news, Ornelas has provided a platform for local businesses to thrive by sharing their stories and promoting their success. His innovative, forward-thinking approach to marketing has earned him a reputation as a “visionary” and a “get-things-done” leader across both public and private sectors.

“I’m deeply honored to be recognized as a finalist for the 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards. This nomination is a reflection of the incredible businesses and community leaders across the Inland Empire who inspire me every day. At the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to empower businesses and foster economic growth, and this recognition highlights the collective efforts of our entire community. I’m excited for what the future holds as we continue to work together to make a lasting impact,” said Ornelas.

Other notable finalists for the 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards include leaders in healthcare innovation, green technology, and digital transformation. Each finalist, selected by a distinguished panel of judges, represents the best in their respective industries and contributes to the Inland Empire’s continued growth as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards is an annual event that brings together business leaders, community advocates, and entrepreneurs to celebrate the entrepreneurial excellence that drives the region’s economy. This year’s event promises to be a night of inspiration and recognition, showcasing the achievements of finalists like Ornelas, who continue to elevate the Inland Empire’s business landscape.

For more information about the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards and to see the full list of finalists, visit www.spiritawardsie.com.

About Edward Ornelas:

Edward Ornelas is the President of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce and owner of the IE Business Journal. Through his leadership of both organizations, Ornelas is dedicated to advancing the growth and success of businesses throughout the Inland Empire. To learn more about either organization, visit www.iechamber.org or www.iebizjournal.com.

About the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards:

The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards honors the top entrepreneurs in the Inland Empire for their leadership, innovation, and impact on the community. Since its inception, the awards have recognized hundreds of entrepreneurs whose work drives the region’s economy and culture forward.

ATLANTA, Ga., Oct. 17, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In a powerful show of civic engagement, state and local leaders converged upon the C.T. Martin Recreation Center polling location on Tuesday for a press conference in support of “Overload the Polls,” a statewide voter mobilization effort kicking off the first day of early voting. Spearheaded by Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR), Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda (People’s Agenda), RISE, Black Youth Vote, and other advocacy organizations, the initiative rolled out in 32 counties across the state, aiming to drive a surge in voter participation.

This widespread effort underscored the growing influence of women and young voters, and surely contributed to the historic turnout, with over 300,000 people casting their ballots on the first day of early voting-more than double the record set in 2020.

Helen Butler, executive director of People’s Agenda and convener of GA BWR, energized the crowd with her passionate call to action.

“We are here today to overload the polls. We’re here to make sure our voices are heard, Black women and women in general are the highest voting demographic in Georgia. Today, we have 32 counties of women participating in this event across Georgia, and we’re all overloading those polls,” Butler declared. “Our ‘Power of the Ballot’ bus will continue touring the state to encourage voter participation.”

Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin emphasized the urgency of the moment.

“Now it’s time to do what we said we’re going to do. It’s time to show up, stand up, and to vote – and to get everyone else out to vote. We’re starting on day one and going to finish on Nov. 5. We’re not leaving any stone unturned,” Franklin said.

Atlanta City Councilwoman Andrea Boone encouraged community involvement saying, “We want our neighbors to pick up their neighbors, text their church members, and ask businesses if they’ve voted. Then, we’re going to party at the polls.”

Highlighting the stakes of the election, Congresswoman Nikema Williams exclaimed, “Our freedoms are on the ballot. Our future is on the ballot. Today we are gathered with 32 counties across the state to overload the polls because we understand that when we vote, we win,” said Williams. “That means winning for our future and winning for our freedom.”

State Rep. Inga Willis, representing the Divine Nine, reflected on the legacy of the civil rights movement. “I stand before you today as the daughter of a 97-year-old father who walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. I stand before you today as the fruit of an HBCU,” Willis said. “We are here to overload the polls, vote early, and ensure that everyone in our communities does the same.”

Warning voters about potential challenges on Election Day, State Rep Shelia Jones, representing DeIta Sigma Theta Inc, asserted, “I encourage all of you to early vote because we don’t know what is going to happen to our votes on Election Day.”

Civil rights activist and attorney, Rose Sanders, who traveled from Selma, Alabama to help mobilize voters, galvanized the crowd by leading the crowd in freedom songs. She was joined by Betty Boynton and other foot soldiers who marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, symbolizing the ongoing fight for voting rights.

The event concluded with a critical reminder from Butler about checking voter registration and knowing where to vote. “Check your status at MVP.sos.ga.gov, and if you need a ride to the polls, visit ridetothepoll.com or call 1-877-524-8683,” Butler urged.

The People’s Agenda (thepeoplesagenda.org) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to year-round voter registration, education, and mobilization in Black communities throughout Georgia. Founded by the late civil rights leader Dr. Joseph Lowery, the organization is led by board chair Rev. J. A. Milner and executive director, Helen Butler. It operates with headquarters in Atlanta and offices in Athens, Albany, Macon, Augusta, LaGrange, Rome and Savannah. The organization’s women’s initiative, Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable, is an affiliate of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s Black Women’s Roundtable.

NATIONWIDE — Cherry and Sherry Wilmore, African American twins from Houma, Louisiana, who grew up in foster care, are now giving back to their community in a big way. Determined to pay it forward, they have launched Cherish Times Two, their very own non-profit that helps foster kids who come from vulnerable communities.

Raised in Houma, Louisiana, the Wilmore sisters are affectionately known as “everybody’s favorite twins” for their positive energy and generous spirits. Their journey from foster children to community leaders has inspired many, including Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet, who shared, “I love them both dearly, and I’m very blessed that they’re part of our community.”

Cherry and Sherry’s childhood was marked by challenges, as they spent 12 years in foster care, moving between two families. Despite the difficulties, they fondly remember their foster parents, Anna and Albert McMahon, who provided them with love and stability. “We didn’t even realize we were in foster care until we left their home at 10,” the twins said. Though they were up for adoption a few times, it never worked out, but their foster families made a lasting impact.

According to CBS News, at 10 years old, the sisters were separated and placed in group homes, where a psychologist once labeled them a “danger to society.” But thanks to the love and guidance of their later foster mother, Louise Navy Wallace, the twins reunited and flourished. Wallace’s belief that twins needed family and structure helped shape their path. Her words, “Foster care is just a chapter, not your story,” stayed with Cherry and Sherry throughout their lives.

One of the key initiatives of their non-profit organization is donating laptops to college-bound foster care youth, helping them succeed in school. Describing themselves as innovators, educators, and influencers, their friends see them as much more. Ariel Triggs, a close friend, called them “a ray of sunshine.”

The twins have been featured on several shows including the Jennifer Hudson Show where they spoke about their foster care experience and how it shaped their mission to give back. During their interview with CBS News, their half-brother, Jeremy Wilmore, surprised them after 10 years apart. He expressed pride in his sisters’ resilience and accomplishments, saying, “It’s a blessing to see what they’ve done with their lives despite all the struggles.”

As Cherry and Sherry continue to inspire others, they remind people that support can come from unexpected places. “Sometimes, your family may not be biological, but find those people, and they’ll definitely be your family,” they said.

YUCAIPA, CA – Just in time for Halloween, the Crafton Hills College (CHC) Theatre program will present a spine-chillingly unique production of Dracula to get audiences into the spirit of the season. This immersive performance promises to be both thrilling and unforgettable.

Based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, the play uses an epistolary style—told through letters and diary entries— perfect for creating multiple physical stages where the dramatic action unfolds.

Due to the interactive nature of this experience, only 40 tickets will be available for each of the six performances, so don’t wait to secure your seat!

The showtimes are:

Friday, October 18, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 19, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 20, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at craftonhills.edu/tickets.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced $531,000 in grant funding for two nonprofit housing assistance programs in San Bernardino to address the affordable housing crisis.

The funding comes as part of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s NeighborWorks America’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Grants. Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services (NPHS) will receive $327,000 in grant funding, and Neighborhood Housing Service of the Inland Empire (NHSIE) will receive $204,000 in grant funding.

“This funding is a step forward in further addressing the affordable housing crisis that continues to put the American Dream of homeownership out of reach for so many families in San Bernardino,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I appreciate the efforts of organizations like NPHS and NHSIE, which work at the forefront of ensuring that families have access to safe, affordable homes. Together, we’re building more housing, stronger communities and brighter futures for our residents.”

“The funding from NeighborWorks America empowers NPHS to uplift underserved communities across the Inland Valley,” said Clemente Mojica, NPHS CEO. “This support will enable NPHS to create affordable and stable housing for low-to-moderate income families, fostering opportunities where all families can achieve housing and economic security.”

“This federal allocation is a game-changer for our community,” said Kailin Scott Peoples, CEO/Executive Director of NHSIE. “It will allow us to significantly expand our efforts to continue services while pursuing new innovative approaches to provide safe, stable housing for those who need it most. We’re deeply grateful for this investment, which recognizes that affordable housing is fundamental to the health and prosperity of our entire society. With these funds, we can build more than just homes – we’re building hope, opportunity, and a stronger future for countless families.”

The NeighborWorks America funding supports the following programs for low-to-moderate-income families and small businesses: affordable housing developments, down payment assistance programs, neighborhood revitalization projects, community wealth-building initiatives, environmental sustainability programs and services for small businesses.

By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

On Sept. 29, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill authored by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) that ensures babies in neonatal intensive care units receive donor breast milk vital for their health.

Under new guidelines set by Assembly Bill (AB) 3059, medical facilities will provide families donor milk for their babies regardless of restrictions their medical insurance might have.

Weber said that the bill represents the final step in expanding access to donor milk for all families, making a difference in health outcomes for newborns and their families.  AB 3059 defines donor milk as “essential” under commercial insurance coverage – a designation that Medi-Cal requires as well for payment.

“Addressing disparities in health care starts with ensuring access to essential nutrition,” said Weber. “With the mortality rate for Black infants being three times higher than that of white infants, it’s crucial we address health care inequities beginning at birth.”

Dr. Michael V. Drake, president of the University of California, thanked Weber and Newsom for their leadership.

“Creating greater access to donor milk is vital for the health and well-being of newborns and their families,” said Drake.

Drake said that the University of California looks forward to supporting vulnerable families and their babies.

According to UC data, breast milk reduces some health risks in infants such as necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening bowel disease that occurs 60% more frequently among Black and Latino children.

AB 3059 lifts a restriction that required hospitals to have a license to give donor milk to patients. The new law only requires that the milk be obtained from accredited sources such as the University of California Health Milk Bank.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Jesus said to them, don’t you understand this parable? The deception of distractions? [Mark 4:1–8; Mark 4: 13-17; Mark 4:21–25; Mark 4:26–32]. All that you are seeing and are hearings are distractions from the real reality. Look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise [Ephesians 5:15-16].

Remember what the Weeping  Prophet Jeremiah said in the Old Testament [Jeremiah 9:6]… “You live in the midst of deception.” So  be like, Nehemiah and see through their ploy [Nehemiah 6:3]. Let no one deceive you [Matthew 24:4] because distraction from reality will lead you to Hell.

Understand how the devil wages war. First, he will turn your attention from God through distractions, and second, he will make you doubt through deception. Know that distractions and subtleties are one of the major tools that Satan uses to get as many souls that he can. Satan is a master deceiver. He deceived one third of the angels to follow him. He deceived Eve. He deceived Judas and many others. I tell you, we must choose to focus on following the Lord, no matter the distraction.

If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear [Mark 4:23].

We have a supernatural enemy whose aim is to use distractions and deceptiveness to make us blind, stupid, and miserable — forever. The Bible calls him “the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world . . . the accuser” [Revelation 12:9–10], “the ruler of this world” [John 12:31], and “the god of this age” [2 Corinthians 4:4]. He is our “adversary who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” [1 Peter 5:8] and yet, in the most appalling and unwitting bondage, the whole world willingly “follows the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience” [Ephesians 2:2]. At his most successful, his subjects march obliviously to destruction and take as many with them as they can. Distractions – deceiving, divisive, and deadly!

I admonish you, do not believe everything you see or hear. While we ought not be cynical, we ought to be sober and seek to verify what we see and hear with God’s revealed truth. Do not be deceived.

Life moves very fast. We have only a short time before it’s over. Let us not get caught in the distractions.  Be alert and discerning because the Time is Near!

God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. Every one of them has turned aside [Psalms 53: 2-3].

Jesus Weep!

Distractions  – Deceiving, Divisive,  and Deadly.

By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Participation in dual enrollment high school and community college programs has increased among students in California. However, the percentage of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in dual enrollment programs has decreased in recent years, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California Davis.

California policymakers and educators are integrating dual enrollment as a key mechanism for improving educational attainment, ensuring students have equal access to postsecondary opportunities. State legislators increased funding to expand dual enrollment programs under Assembly Bill 288 authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), a law that helps facilitate collaboration between high schools and community colleges. California made an annual investment of $200 million for high school students. The state also allocated $10 million for the STEM Pathways Grant program that supports creating 6-year programs for students to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics within 2 years of graduating high school.

Despite California’s investment over the years, the study revealed that the number of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in community college courses has declined since 2020. The enrollment gap between Asian-Pacific Islander students, who have the highest participation rate, and Black students doubled from 7 % in 2019 to 14.5% in 2022.

“For students whose life circumstances, such as economic hardship, may inhibit educational pursuits, opportunities to enroll in community college while in high school may be less accessible,” researchers stated.

Participation rates in dual enrollment programs are lower among socioeconomically disadvantaged students, English learners, youth in foster care, and students with disabilities compared to their counterparts. The research study attributed the steady decline in enrollment rates to the COVID-19 pandemic.