Happily Divorced And After

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Constituent Services Director Samuel Shoup had the pleasure of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly constructed North First Avenue Bridge on my behalf.

This significant project, led by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) in partnership with the City of Barstow and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, has replaced the outdated bridge with a modern structure that will serve the community for years to come.

The new bridge, which began construction in January 2023, is a testament to the commitment of our local leaders to improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for San Bernardino County residents.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

You will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from His glorious power. The most severe consequence of delaying salvation. Eternal Separation from God. [2 Thessalonians 1:5-10].

You will be thrown into the Lake of Fire. Eternal Torment Forever and Ever [Revelation 14:9-11].

You will forever regret your decision to reject God’s offer of salvation. Eternal Lament Forever and ever. [Luke 16:19-31].

Knowing that truth, tell me, if you ignore God’s provision for your soul’s salvation, how will you escape the consequences of such neglect? How will you escape His wrath? [John 3:36]; His condemnation? [John 3:18]; His word of banishment? [Matthew 26:41]. You will not!

Listen, do not confuse God’s patience with His tolerance. Yes, God is loving, He is kind, He is patient, but there comes a time when God will say, “Enough.” The story of Sodom and Gomorrah reminds us of such. God said “Enough.” Afterwards, He passed judgment, issued a verdict and carried out the sentence. [Genesis 19:23-25]. Don’t take God’s grace for granted. His patience is not a license to delay salvation, but an opportunity for you to repent and be saved [2 Peter 3:9].

Understand we are living in a time of judgment just as the people of Jesus time were. For us though, the grace of God is being extended as never before. Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means [Romans 6]. Understand the urgency of salvation because of the reality of life’s brevity. Our life on earth is limited. Our days are numbered, and we do not know when our time will come. The offer of Salvation is NOW! Don’t wait until it’s too late! [2 Corinthians 6:2; Isaiah 55:6; 2 Peter 3:9; Isaiah 55:6; James 4:14]. God has given us a limited amount of time on Earth, and we must use it wisely [Luke 12:20] Delaying decisions or actions can lead to missed opportunities. [Proverbs 27; Hebrews 3:15]. Don’t wait until its too late because one day God Mercy is going to expire and when it does, His judgment and wrath will be unleashed. [Romans 2: 1-6]. For He says in [Isaiah 48:9] know that for My own name sake, I will delay My wrath; for the sake of My praise, I will restrain it, so as not to kill you.

You know there is an old imaginary/fictitious story of a convocation of demons who met in Hell to discuss how best to damn and destroy the lives of men. One demon stood and said, “I know how to damn the lives of men. Let us tell them there is “No God.” Satan replied, “A fine suggestion.” We’ll tell them there is no God and some of them will believe it. But the fool has said in his heart there is no God and not all men are fools. We need another suggestion.

Another demon stood and said, “I know what we can do. Let us tell them that the Bible is not inspired, that it isn’t the Word of God.” And Satan smiled and said, very good. We’ll tell them that the Bible isn’t the infallible, inerrant Word of God. But the Bible remains the best seller of all books on earth. We need another suggestion.

Another demon stood and said, “I know what we can do. Let us tell them that Jesus is not the Son of God. He didn’t rise from the grave. That Jesus was merely a mortal man.” Satan said, that’s a good suggestion. We’ll tell them that Jesus was not the Son of God, and many will believe us. But the more we talk about Jesus, the more He draw men to Himself. We need something else.

Finally, another demon stood and said, “I know – Let’s admit it all. Let’s admit that there is a God. Let’s admit that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Let’s admit that Jesus is all that He said He was. Then let’s whisper in their hearts, “But do nothing about it. Some other day. Some other time. At a more convenient season.” And Satan says, “That’s it. There was Hellish applause. The demons said, “That is the best plan of all.” That will work.” And it does.

Almost persuaded” now to believe; Almost persuaded” Christ to receive; Seems now some soul to say, “Go, Spirit, go thy way, some more convenient day on thee I’ll call.”

“Almost persuaded,” come, come today; Almost persuaded,” turn not away; Jesus invites you here, angels are lingering near, prayers rise from hearts so dear; O wanderer, come!

“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past! Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last; “Almost” cannot avail; “Almost” is but to fail! Sad, sad that bitter wail— “Almost—but lost!”  [Author: Philip Bliss]

Jesus Weep! [John 11:35]. You neglected the Rock who begot you and forgot the God who gave you birth. [Deuteronomy 32:18]. They would not, and now they cannot.” [Isaiah 6].

The Eternal Consequence of a Delayed Decision!

Annual Holiday Concert will be Performed December 16

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will present their annual holiday concert on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. Entitled “A Christmas Festival,” this performance will be held at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts in downtown San Bernardino.

Under the baton of Maestro Anthony Parnther, the repertoire will feature a number of holiday favorites, including “Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovych, “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway and Nadine McKinnor, “The Christmas Song” by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Walter Kent, “Jingle Bells” by James Lord Pierpont, “I Need an Angel” by Ruben Studdard, “Silent Night, Holy Night” by Franz Xaver Gruber, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen,” With A Christmas Heart” by Luther Vandross, “A Whole New World” by Alan Menken, “My Favorite Things” by Richard Rodgers, “Who Would Imagine A King” by Mervyn Warren, “I Just Had to Hear Your Voice” by Oleta Adams, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” by John Francis Wade.

Vocalists Jamie Carganilla, Maiya Sykes, and Drew Tablak, who patrons will recognize from their appearances at the Symphony’s annual concerts under the stars, will lend their angelic voices to this joyful show. Audiences will also marvel at several Cirque performers whose unique skills will bring a further level of festive variety.

In addition, the Granite Hills High School GREAT Academy Choir led by Director of Music and Piano Shane Churchill will accompany the Orchestra, and members of the A.B. Miller High School Conservatory of Dance with direction by Aisha Bardge and Nicole Robinson will make a special appearance. The audience will also take center stage in a grand sing-along finale.

Explained Maestro Parnther, “Perhaps more than anything else we do each year, the annual holiday performance is designed to lift the spirit and gladden the heart. Quite honestly, seeing everyone on their feet raising their voices in song last year literally brought a tear to my eye, and I anticipate it will do the same this year.”

Patrons, who are highly encouraged to dress in their holiday best – with nods to both black tie and ugly sweaters – will begin their festive afternoon even before the baton descends as the Inland Valley Repertory Theater’s Dickens Carolers will be performing in the lobby beginning at 2 p.m.

Attendees are highly encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy which will be donated to Symphony partners, The Children’s Fund of San Bernardino.

“This is going to be the region’s most musically festive evening!” shared Symphony Board of Directors President Donna Marie Minano. “We cannot wait to welcome you all!”

Tickets and Location Details

Tickets for A Christmas Festival are available at $20-$100 per seat. and may be purchased online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday. Students and Active Military are always $15.

Doors open and the carolers begin at 2 p.m.; the concert begins promptly at 3 p.m.

The historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts is located at 562 W. 4th Street San Bernardino. Free, lighted parking is available directly across from the venue and is accessible from E Street by following the signs.

Venue box office sales are planned prior to the concert, but this performance generally sells out, so the availability of seats cannot be guaranteed.

More Great Music December 15

If one fabulous concert isn’t enough, please consider joining us for the inaugural performance of the San Bernardino Youth Symphony Orchestra at the historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 15. $10 general admission tickets are available at www.sanbernardinosymphonyorg or at the door.

District Director Kimberly Mesen was pleased to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Loma Linda University Children’s Health Pediatric Medical Clinics.

This new facility will bring together essential pediatric services under one roof, providing comprehensive care for our County’s youngest residents.

They are thrilled to see this project come to life and look forward to the positive impact it will have on families in the region.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — First 5 San Bernardino celebrated 25 years of serving young children and families on November 14 at the historic Fox Theater in Redlands. The event brought together local leaders, partners and advocates to reflect on the organization’s milestones and its continued mission to support children ages 0-5 and their families in our county.

The event featured a full program that included keynote speaker Ted Lempert, president of Children Now, awards and recognitions, and special appearances by notable professionals in children and family services such as State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and Nadine Burke Harris (virtual), founder of the Center for Youth Wellness and Former Surgeon General of California.

“What First 5 San Bernardino does matters so much. This county has the greatest diversity, the greatest growth, certainly the greatest people and the greatest opportunity,” Thurmond said during his remarks delivered at the event. “We have an opportunity to make sure that children have access to nutrition, early education, learning to read and more. It starts with what happens here in San Bernardino.”

The celebration also honored local champions who’ve made a difference in the lives of local families.

“We know that raising children can oftentimes take a village, so we are proud to have been able to stand alongside in support of our county’s families for so many years,” said Karen Scott, executive director of First 5 San Bernardino.

Since its founding in 1999, First 5 San Bernardino has focused on empowering parents and caregivers through a broad network of county partnerships that offer vital family support services. Together with these partners, the organization helps ensure that every child in San Bernardino County has the opportunity for a strong start and a better life.

Follow their story at First5SanBernardino.org and on Instagram @first5sanbernardino.

On November 19, the Board of Supervisors appointed Dr. Sharon Wang, DO, MSHPE, FIDSA as the new county health officer, effective Nov. 21. Dr. Wang brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this vital role, where she will oversee public health initiatives and lead the county’s efforts in promoting health and wellness for all residents. Dr. Wang is the first woman to serve as the county’s health officer.

Dr. Wang graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and completed her training in Dietetics at Yale New Haven Hospital. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, where she graduated fifth in her class, while simultaneously completing her master’s degree in health education. Following her medical training, Dr. Wang completed an internal medicine residency and an infectious diseases fellowship at the University of California, Davis. She is dually board-certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases.

“Public health is a collaborative effort, and I look forward to working with our dedicated team and community partners to address the challenges we face and implement innovative solutions that enhance the well-being of our population,” Dr. Wang said.

Before her appointment as health officer, Dr. Wang served as the deputy county health officer, playing a pivotal role in guiding public health strategies and initiatives. Prior to that, she worked at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) where she became a highly respected specialist in infectious diseases, playing a crucial role in establishing and maintaining the antibiotic registry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Wang served as a key infectious diseases consultant for ARMC’s response and treatment program. She is known for her passion for teaching, leadership, teamwork and warm personality, having been recognized as the 2020 Physician of the Year at ARMC.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Wang join our team as health officer,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Her extensive background in public health and infectious diseases will be invaluable as we continue to address the health needs of our community.”

Dr. Wang is eager to engage with the community and prioritize public health initiatives that will improve the health and well-being of San Bernardino County residents.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) Cajon High School held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 6, 2024, for its new Dental Pathway, which will provide students with a path towards both college and a career.

SBCUSD’s career pathways provide participating students with strong, high-quality academic instruction that is aligned with a particular career focus and includes the possibility of students earning both a high school diploma and industry certification. Pathways link academic instruction to real-world career skills so students can see the purpose behind their classwork and graduate both college and career ready.

The Cajon High School Dental Pathway, established through a generous grant, provides students with hands-on experience in dental care, preparing them for careers in the dental field.

“As a former Cajon student myself, it’s particularly exciting to witness the incredible growth and transformation in career and technical education over my 28 years in education,” said Cajon High Principal Dr. Christopher Jackson. “It’s inspiring to see how our school has evolved to offer pathways that prepare students for real-world success and help them find fulfillment in their future careers.”

This program equips students with essential skills in dental assisting, dental hygiene, oral health and patient care, offering both classroom instruction and real-world practice. The grant has enabled the school to enhance its facilities, provide state-of-the-art equipment and offer students access to professional mentorship and career development opportunities in the healthcare sector.

Cajon offers nine other career pathways, including five pathways certified Silver by the Linked Learning Alliance.

Cajon’s Silver-Certified Pathways include:

• Automotive Technologies
• Behavioral Health & Human Services
• IB Film Theory and Production
• Sports Medicine
• Theater Arts

For more information about Cajon High School, visit https://cajon.sbcusd.com/.

About San Bernardino City Unified School District:

The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about SBCUSD, visit www.sbcusd.com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY— San Bernardino County is putting out a call for volunteers to help with the official count of unsheltered individuals on January 23 to collect data that will be used to determine how federal resources will be allocated. As an added enhancement, a special focus for volunteers will be to offer supportive services to the unhoused community in real-time alongside multi-disciplinary county teams.

The annual Point-In-Time Count (PITC) provides a snapshot of the county’s homeless population, which enables officials to track progress toward reducing homelessness and ensure resources are being directed where they are most needed. The annual count is crucial for securing grant funding to assist individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The PITC also serves as an opportunity to mobilize county departments and partners to serve the most vulnerable populations in real-time.

“The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) is proud to team up with the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership (SBCHP) and our dedicated volunteers to collect critical data that will support efforts to address homelessness,” said OHS Chief Marcus Dillard. “We are deeply committed to ensuring that our homeless population has access to safe and stable housing. We also plan to provide supportive services to those we encounter during the PITC, just as we did last year.”

Using a web-based app, county employees, community groups, homeless service providers, stakeholders and volunteers will canvass cities, towns and unincorporated communities to count, survey and assist individuals whose primary nighttime residence is in a vehicle, park, abandoned building, transit center, riverbed or other unsheltered location. The information collected from the survey will be shared with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Individuals and organizations are highly encouraged to participate in the count. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have an Android or iOS smartphone to conduct the survey. Participants will be organized into groups and assigned to specific areas of the county. Walking will be involved, and personal transportation is required. Training will be available in person and virtually to ensure everyone is prepared.

“The success of the annual count largely depends on city and community partnerships,” said Dillard. “I strongly urge the community to volunteer and help us make a meaningful impact in addressing homelessness.”

To register as a volunteer, please visit https://sbchp.sbcounty.gov/community-projects/point-in-time-count. For any questions regarding the PITC, please call 909-501-0617 or email Claudia Doyle at claudia.doyle@hss.sbcounty.gov.

OHS’s primary focus is to work with community and faith-based organizations, educational institutions, the private sector and all levels of government to create a comprehensive countywide network of service delivery to the homeless in San Bernardino County. OHS also supports the county’s Continuum of Care and Interagency Council on Homelessness. For more information about OHS and how it supports the county’s Homeless Strategic Action Plan, please visit https://homelesstohome.sbcounty.gov/.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber hosted a webinar on Nov. 14 to update Californians on the ballot counting process for the 2024 General Election.

California is home to the largest voting base in the nation with 22.5 million registered voters. According to the Secretary of State Office (SOS), about 70% of the state’s voters participated in the November Election. So far, 15.2 million votes have been counted, processed and verified. There are still roughly 0.8 million votes to go through the process.

Because California allows voters more time and opportunities to vote than most states, it typically takes longer to finalize the results.

Historically, it has taken the state the longest to finalize election results. Almost half of the uncalled house races this year come from California. As of Nov 14, the closest race is in the 45th Congressional District House race between Michelle Steel and Derek Tran. The two candidates are only separated by 58 votes with 93% of all votes counted.

“California basically makes sure that every vote counts,” said Weber. “We will receive our first actual count from all of the 58 counties on Dec. 6. After that, we have at least one week, which is until Dec. 13, when we will actually certify the state results. Then that becomes the official results for the election.”

If a recount is triggered in the 45th district, official results may take longer than the expected deadline.

The part of the ballot counting process that tends to prolong the official results involves verifying signatures and making sure individuals who obtained provisional ballots the day of the election are all eligible to vote, Weber said.

The SOS goes as far as finding individuals who neglected to sign their ballots so they can complete the process.

“The reason we do this is we respect every vote that comes in. California’s election process is designed with a core commitment to recognizing and basically accurately counting each and every eligible vote that comes into our office,” added Weber.  “This approach involves a series of rigorous checks and safeguards, including Signature verification machine audits and manual accounts. These measures assure that all votes — whether they are cast in person, cast by mail, or brought the same day registration — are accurately represented in our final count.”

While technology has helped expedite the counting process in some areas, as the voter base continues to grow in the state, additional manual support is needed. For example, vote my mail ballots have to be opened and counted by hand. By Oct. 18, 1.5 million vote-by-mail ballots were already submitted.

Voting over the internet is prohibited by California Law. This eliminates all possibilities of cyber tampering or electronic voter fraud.

The SOS office also does a hand count of one percent of all ballots before Dec. 13.  This is done to verify the fact there is a correlation between the hand counts and what the machines are counting. In addition, each machine is also tested before every election.

“Some people ask the question: ‘Why do we have to be so accurate?’ Lots of people are counting on your vote, and if we had some questions about it; you’d want us to be accurate you’d want us to basically go in and find out if that’s really a signature you want us to make sure that that is our ballot and that our ballot gets counted and we do our best to make sure that every Californian who is registered legally registered to vote will have their vote counted,” Weber emphasized.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Only 3% of doctors in California are Black, compared to about 5% nationwide.

The California Black Health Network (CBHN), Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) in Los Angeles and other health advocates are working to increase that percentage.

On November 14, CBHN hosted its Health Equity Forum titled “Improving Workforce Development for Better Health Outcomes.” The organization — now 40-plus years in existence – refers to itself as “a trusted resource” for Black health equity in California. CBHN utilizes outreach, education, advocacy and policy work to complete its mission.

The forum is the fourth installment in a series of webinars called the “The Health 4 Life: Healthy Black People Campaign.” The effort aims to empower Black Californians with the information and resources they need to navigate the healthcare system; advocate for friends, family, and themselves; and take action when faced with discrimination

“Where there are Black doctors, we tend to see better health outcomes for Black communities,” said Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of CBHN.

“According to the California Healthcare Foundation, here in California, the state’s medical student education pipeline is not producing enough Black physicians,” Smith continued. “And, unfortunately, half of California’s black medical students leave the state for residency programs and often don’t return. So, what can we do to ensure that there is a strong pipeline of healthcare professionals that look like the communities they will serve, and that there’s a greater representation of black physicians and healthcare professionals?”

The forum featured Dr. David M. Carlisle, MD, President of CDU.

CDU is one of four Historically Black Medical Schools in the country, and the only one in the West. The session centered on how CDU’s commitment to social justice and health equity prepares more Black and other minority doctors to serve across California while engaging and building trust with underserved and historically excluded communities.

“Our vision is excellent health and wellness for all in a world without health disparities,” said Carlisle. “Our point and why we’re here is to train young people from the communities around our university, which are significantly under-resourced and underserved, and turn them into practicing healthcare professionals. Many of whom will say, ‘I’ll return to the communities I grew up in to make it a better peace.”

CDU is ranked #3 in the country as a value-added university by the Brookings Institute for its efforts to take young people from challenging socioeconomic beginnings and turn them into highly effective members of their communities and standouts in their professions by the midpoint in their careers. The medical school says its goal in the short term is to increase enrollment to 1,000 undergraduates and 1,000 graduate students.

“Our medical students are very unusual. About two-thirds of them were Pell Grant recipients when they were in college,” said Carlisle. “

That is more than twice the national average among medical students. At least a third of them are first-generation students. That is more than twice the national average among medical students. If you stop one of our students on campus and ask them why they came to CDU, instead of going to a UCLA, USC, Stanford, or some other school,” he continued. “They will typically say, ‘I came to CDU because the mission at CDU aligns with my personal mission in trying to become a health professional. I can’t get that at any other school.’”

In 2022, there was a total of 260 African American, Latino, Indigenous and other underrepresented students combined in first-year medical school classes across the State of California. About 100 of those students were African American at that time.

Among all CDU’s medical students, about 31 were African American. That number contributed to an increase in the number of first-year African American medical students in the entire state, by well over 20% in that first-year.

Carlisle, who also sits on the board of the California Healthcare Foundation, noted in a recently published survey of Black Californians that trust is still a major issue when it comes to healthcare providers.

“Increasing diversity is one step that we make in the right direction. Sounds like there’s a lot more human kindness that happens with the individuals that go through our medical school program because they are able to better connect and relate to the individuals that they take care of,” he concluded.