Happily Divorced And After

By Carrie Stanton

The California Department of Motor Vehicles remains open for business both virtually – through online service options at dmv.ca.gov/online – and in our offices with health and safety precautions.

During this surge of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, customers are encouraged to use our online services as the safest and fastest way to take care of DMV business. Most things you need to accomplish at the DMV can be done online. Of course, if you have to come to an office, we are happy to serve you, but ask that everyone be cautious and follow public health guidelines during this pandemic.

To protect the health and safety of DMV employees and customers, the DMV requires everyone in its offices to wear face coverings, keep their distance, wash hands frequently, and stay home if they are sick. Customers are also asked to limit the number of family members who accompany them to an office to those who are necessary to complete a transaction, and to be patient while waiting to be served.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 to our team members and the public is our priority as we provide service to our customers.

Many DMV transactions, including vehicle registration and driver’s license renewals, and changing an address can be completed at dmv.ca.gov/online. Californians also can save time by filling out the online driver’s license application, including for REAL ID, before they visit a field office. Customers may also upload required REAL ID documents beforehand to save time during their office visit.

Starting May 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved documents, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.

In addition to providing more services online, the DMV has accommodated customers in many ways during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the DMV announced the extension of commercial driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, endorsements and special certificates expiring between March 2020 and February 2022, through February 28, 2022.

The DMV also offers many services through its 365 self-service kiosks located in retail establishments statewide, its business partner locations, over the phone and by mail.

San Bernardino County has jobs that will be opening on Saturday, January 29. We encourage you to apply and share these job openings with those who may be interested in them. Recruitments listed are subject to final department approval. Check sbcounty.gov/jobs for the most up- to -date recruitments.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) believes that all families should have choices and input when it comes to their children’s education. To that end, SBCUSD offers several Signature Programs, middle school lottery programs, and School of Choice options.

If your child is currently enrolled at an SBCUSD school, you can apply now for a change of school for the 2022–2023 school year. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2022.

“School staffing is based on student attendance, which is usually based on the number of children living in a school’s attendance area,” Leonard Buckner, director of Enrollment & Placement Services, said. “However, if students apply early for a change of school, we may be able to alter our staffing, to the extent possible, to accommodate parents’ requests.”

Families are not able to request a transfer to Chavez Middle School, Richardson PREP HI Middle School, or Rodriguez Prep Academy Middle School since all three schools are part of the middle school lottery system. Paakuma’ K–8 School does not have space to accommodate any additional students. Middle College High School has a unique application process. Most other SBCUSD schools are available as a School of Choice option.

Learn more at https://sbcusd.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=59953&pageId=201467.

By Lou Yeboah

What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. [1 Corinthians 7:29-31]. I tell you; our entire lives are about to change.

You see, we are moving forward toward the Biblical description of the last era of human history prior to Christ’s return. [Romans 13:11-14]. Events will unfold soon to destroy the world’s way of life as we have known it. How much time is left? We do not know. That is a mystery that God holds in His hand, and He will not tell us. But what He does tell us is, “IT’S LATER THAN YOU THINK.” Time is passing quickly. It will not be long before this present age as we know it will end. I tell you our entire lives are about to change. Wake up!

The Bible reveals that the worst, most indescribably terrifying time in the entire history of this planet is soon to occur. This terrifying time [the Great Tribulation] spoken of as the time of “Jacob’s trouble” [Jeremiah 30:7] will be such an awful time that the destruction and genocide of World War II will seem like a picnic in comparison! Just thinking about the horrors to be visited on the city caused Jesus to weep. [Luke 19:41].

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” [Matthew 24:21–22].

I tell you, we are now approaching that time, and these things are now being revealed. War, violence and lawlessness, drought and famine, earthquakes and other natural catastrophes, disease epidemics, the rise of an aggressive, fundamentalist Islamic power, an ascendant European Union seeking global primacy, the crisis involving Jerusalem, the abomination of desolation. Understand the significance of today’s news and where it is all leading, for the end of all things is at hand. [1 Peter 4:7]. The night is nearly over the day is almost here. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  [Romans 13:11-14].

And Jesus said to the multitudes on one occasion: “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so, it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?” [Luke 12:54-56]. Days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation” [Luke 19:42-44]. Wake up! Everything is about to change!

Even though Moses, wrote in [Psalms 90], “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” We don’t know how to do that. We don’t know how to measure the number of days we have left. And therefore, the heart of wisdom is for us to assume that today might be our last day on earth, and that we should make the most of the hours we have today, to live them to the fullest to the glory of God, and do this, understanding the present time.

None of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand” [Daniel 12:10].

I say, and I say again, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!”

SOUTH CHINA SEA—Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Victor Rodriguez, from Apple Valley, Calif., assigned to the “Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, conducts maintenance on flight gear aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Aleksandr Freutel)

By Vicki C. Philips

“How fortunate and blessed we are to know about the types of COVID vaccines that are available today.  Why then should we deny ourselves getting vaccinated? We all have the opportunity to be informed, receive advice from professionals we trust and understand how we can protect ourselves by getting vaccinated.”

Those were the words of Lillie Tyson Head, daughter of Freddie Lee Tyson, a United States Public Health Service Syphilis Study Victim at Tuskegee and Macon County, Alabama and President, of the Virginia-based, Voices for Our Fathers Legacy Foundation https://www.voicesforfathers.org, speaking on a panel entitled “Vaccine Hesitancy: Understanding the Science and Getting people to Trust It.” The panel was part of the Annual Round-Up of Education Leaders, co-hosted by the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators, https://www.caaasa.org/the Los Angeles County Alliance of Black School Educators and the National Coalition on Education Equity under the theme “Addressing Equity for African American and Other Students of Color.”

The organizations, including educators from throughout California, met recently at the Reef Restaurant in Long Beach, to discuss several issues related to education equity.  The Annual Round-Up of Education Leaders was co-hosted by the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators, the Los Angeles County Alliance of Black School Educators and the National Coalition on Education Equity under the theme “Addressing Equity for African American and Other Students of Color.”

The presentation on vaccine hesitancy, also featured Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director, LA County Department of Public Health and Dr. Oliver T. Brooks, Chief Medical Officer, Watts HealthCare Corporation and Past President, National Medical Association and was one of four highlighted throughout the day.

During her speech, Tyson Head shared information about the history of Public Health Service’s Study and corrected some of the misinformation that has been widely circulated for decades. For one, she requested that the monikers, “The Tuskegee Syphilis Study,” and “Tuskegee Experiment,” cease from being used.  Tuskegee Institute (now University) was not the owner of the study, nor were they responsible for it, she said

“The study began in 1932 and was initially funded by the Rosenwald Foundation for six months and then, for the next 39 years and 6 months, it was approved and funded by the US government,” she said.  “This study is the longest lasting, non-therapeutic, biomedical study in US history.” The participants were African American men; struggling farmers or poor sharecroppers with little formal education.  They were NOT injected with syphilis, as the myth has been circulated.  The “recruits” included men with congenital syphilis, latent syphilis or no syphilis.

“The men were told that they had ‘bad blood’ and that they would receive treatment.  They were never told they were in a study and the intent of the study.”  To make matters worse, those with syphilis were denied Penicillin, when it became available in 1945, despite the drug’s proven results in treating the disease.

“The ramifications of this study are still haunting and fosters mistrust” she said.  “Forty nine years after the study was exposed and 89 years after the study began, people, particularly in the African American communities, distrust certain medical treatment and medical research.  And they are using this study as reasons for hesitating getting vaccinated or refusing to get vaccinated at all.

Other Round-Up highlights included virtual greetings by California Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond and Education Trust West Executive Director, Dr. Christopher Nellum.  Panel discussions included: Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness; Families and Educational Stakeholders: Maintaining an Equity Focus, Post-COVID; and Supporting the Mental Health of Black Students and Educational Stakeholders.

Founded in 1993, CAAASA is an education equity and advocacy organization that works through collaboration, network-building and direct community engagement to promote the success of African American, Latinx and other underserved California K-12 public school students and families.  CAAASA’s members include school superintendents, administrators, teachers and other educational professionals from throughout California.

Although its primary focus is education, CAAASA has been at the forefront of numerous issues impacting the health of the African American community. Once vaccines became available within LA County, CAAASA hosted a webinar with noted medical professionals, to address the concerns of African American students, families and education stakeholders. Additionally, CAAASA is currently engaged in campaigns, funded by the County COVID-19 Community Equity Fund (CCCEF) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to provide individuals with valuable information about COVID-19, in the hope of increasing vaccine awareness among African Americans living in the Antelope Valley area.

In keeping with the tradition of “Making the Chair Fit,” Menah Pratt-Clarke asked Virginia Tech alumna and senior video producer for the Department of Defense, Juanisha Brooks, what her favorite chair was during a recent segment.

“The director’s chair, because not many Black women occupy that chair,” said Brooks, a 2008 graduate and recent addition to the university’s Alumni Board of Directors. She has served as a volunteer for the Black Alumni Reunion since 2014.

Pratt-Clarke, vice president for strategic affairs and diversity, hosts “Making the Chair Fit,” an entertaining and informational series. Through the series, she examines and highlights the many people and programs dedicated to serving underrepresented and underserved students, faculty, and staff.

As senior video producer for the Department of Defense, Brooks is part of an in-house multimedia production unit that produces documentaries and training materials, as well as interviews with military and high-level intelligence officials. Part of her daily responsibilities include serving as producer, editor, and director for a wide range of video productions for the agency’s internal and external media platforms. Because of the sensitive nature of much of her work, Brooks had to obtain top-level security clearance through a process that took more than seven months.

Growing up, Brooks thought she’d be in front of the camera as an actress. In high school she signed up for television production and found it both fun and powerful, so she chose to major in communication at Virginia Tech. She was selected as a fellow for the International Radio and Television Society, received the Steger Award for Undergraduate Poetry, was awarded the Virginia Tech NAACP Female Undergraduate of the Year Award, and was a finalist for Undergraduate Woman of the Year.

Brooks’ first big break in broadcasting came when she was selected — from a pool of more than 8,000 applicants nationwide — to be a part of the prestigious NBC page program. She then became a production assistant at the MSNBC headquarters in New York City. In 2012, Brooks was hired as media coordinator for the CNN Washington bureau, where she helped produce political coverage for the “Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.”

Despite her successful career and high-level government clearance, Brooks recently fell victim to racial profiling. While driving home late one night, Brooks was stopped by the police, arrested, jailed, and charged with four crimes.

“It broke my heart to know that I could one day work in a role where the main mission is to support and defend, yet I was not treated with the same respect,” Brooks said. “The service didn’t matter, all that mattered was the color of my skin. The people who were assigned to protect and serve me did not, and that is something that has sat with me.”

When asked why she is speaking up about the case, Brooks quoted Audre Lorde, “Your silence will not protect you.”

“I could have lost my life. I could have lost my career,” said Brooks. “Black lives matter — but also, black livelihoods matter,” she added.

When asked what advice has been transformational, Juanisha replied, “My mother said that no matter what happens in life, keep going. Put one foot in front of the other and keep going. If you have that determination you can keep going.”

The incident has since been expunged from her record.

“Virginia Tech is where I initially developed a spirit of service and saw future military leaders in action through the Corps of Cadets,” she said. “No matter what path I take next, I will take valuable lessons of service with me.”

Looking ahead, Brooks – who chairs the communications committee for the Black Alumni Reunion, said, “I am passionate about connecting Black alumni, building community, and increasing engagement across decades. I am looking forward to the in-person reunion in 2022.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has named City of San Bernardino Council Members Kimberly Calvin and Damon L. Alexander to their 2022 Housing Policy Leadership Academy.

With State legislation focusing on regional housing needs and market forces accelerating housing production, the SCAG Housing Policy Leadership Academy will expose emerging and established leaders to best practices to increase the availability of affordable housing in their communities. The program will focus on five specific issues: producing housing for all; preserving vulnerable housing, promoting equity and inclusion, protecting tenants and small landlords, and preventing displacement.

“Affordable and inclusionary housing is a critical issue for both the residents of San Bernardino and our region,” said Calvin. This is a tremendous opportunity for Councilmember Alexander and I to take what we learn during this program and apply it locally.”

During the Academy, program participants and issue experts from across the state and region will examine housing issues from diverse perspectives and apply their learning to current policy challenges. Discussions will examine solutions that consider both the physical and social aspects of a healthy housing ecosystem for all.

“With more developers looking at opportunities in San Bernardino, we are poised for growth. We need to be sure that inclusionary and affordable housing is part of that growth,” said Alexander, who represents San Bernardino’s seventh ward. “The timing of this Academy could not be better, and we look forward to being a part of it.”

The Housing Policy Leadership Academy consists of ten monthly sessions and runs through November. SCAG is the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six southern California counties, 191 cities and more than 19 million residents.

Mrs. Moses moved to Perris Valley in 1957 and hit the ground running—taking on leadership roles in a variety of organizations that initiated infrastructure improvements, including installing roads, water and natural gas; and construction of an elementary school, community center, and fire station in the rural area of Good Hope, where she resides.

Mrs. Moses’s leadership in Perris Valley’s first Human Relations Commission facilitated dialogue and training for community leaders that helped move race relations forward in the community and schools.  Mrs. Moses’ vision, and her respect for the diverse needs of her community and fair-minded leadership style have earned her the respect of residents and community leaders alike.  Willie Lee has served the community well and her wisdom and stalwart example will no doubt have lasting impacts in Perris Valley, and beyond. Mrs. Moses is deeply cherished in her beloved community, where she is often dubbed “The Mayor of Good Hope.”  Although Willie has slowed a bit in in the past few years, the fruits of her good work and shining example are ever present.

Willie’s daughter Eleanor stated, “My mom’s optimism, and commitment to shape the world around her and make it a better place, are constants. She really embodies that adage “be the change you want to see. Hard to find a more stalwart and hopeful public servant. She’s such an inspiring role model in these fractious times.”

A celebration in her honor of Willie Moses and her purpose filled life will be held at the Riverside County Moses Schaffer Community Center on her 100th Birthday on Friday, February 18, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 4 PM.  The event will be held both virtually and in person.  For additional information or to RSVP, please contact Eleanor Moses at willieleemoses@gmail.com, or 510 290-4563.

Facts about Willie Moses

• It did not take long for Willie Lee and Henry Moses to discover Perris Valley was conservative and resistant to change when they relocated to Good Hope from Compton in 1957.
• The Moses’s were active in the community from the beginning taking a leadership role in community development, quality education, working as an activist during the civil rights era. They were involved with many Democratic political campaigns, and public education efforts.
• The couple worked with other leaders to build strategies for improving race relations in Perris Valley and help the community evolve in positive directions.  Every race, nationality, and religion could be found in the Moses home which was a hub for many community, political and family events. They were a constant resource and support for family, neighbors, and community leaders over the years.
• Willie Lee Moses Nee Wanza was born February 18, 1922, in a small Louisiana town. Despite encountering many difficulties living in the racially charged South Willie developed a strong belief early on that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.  She has maintained that self-assuredness and spirit of resilience throughout her life and speaks lovingly of family and community members who believed in her and guided her early development.
• Willie migrated West in 1944 after graduating valedictorian of her high school class, attending several years of teacher training at Grambling College and teaching school for a short period.
• Looking for better opportunities, Willie joined her future husband Henry in Washington state, where they both worked in the war effort. Willie worked in an armory processing ammunition before moving on to monitor ammunition inventory coming on and off ships. The couple relocated to Southern CA in 1946 where they purchased a large home and business enterprise, hosting many friends and relatives migrating from Louisiana.
• Just three generations from slavery, Willie broke many barriers in Perris Valley as the first African American to take assertive leadership roles in a variety of community organizations. Her legacy of deeply principled activism, service, and community building are still evident throughout Perris Valley.
• Willie was instrumental in helping bring water, natural gas, roads, and other critical infrastructure to her rural community, and successfully advocated for development of an elementary school, community center and fire station in Good Hope. She was tireless in her work to provide resources for the elderly and needy, coordinating a free food program for low-income seniors nearly 35 years.  Concerned about the quality of her children’s education Willie stepped up without hesitation to serve as president of the Perris Elementary, Middle and High School PTAs.  Sometimes serving as president of multiple PTA at the same time.
• Instrumental in developing a new elementary school in the neighborhood, Willie also served as first PTA president of the new Good Hope Elementary School where she helped raise funds for free lunches, the purchase of clothing and shoes for underprivileged children and distribution of food baskets to seniors in addition to school oversight duties.
• Willie had a leadership role in Perris Valley’s first Human Relations Commission, which was successful in opening dialogue and improving race relations among community leaders in Perris Valley, and students in the Perris Unified School District.
• A Perris Elementary School District food service manager for nearly 25 years, Willie also served as a job steward for classified employees in the region. All of this and more while keeping up a large turn of the century home and raising five girls on a five-acre property filled with fruit trees, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and the occasional cow.  While her husband worked, Willie was often left single handedly keeping five girls in either Brownies, Girl Scouts, band, drill team, cheerleading, school plays, speech contests, sports teams, Sunday School and church.
• The Moses home was the nucleus of a large extended family, and the broader community. Often the hub of large gatherings, meetings and political events.
• A stalwart public servant, Willie has an open heart, and endless energy for family and community. The most notable testament to her years of advocacy is when she is lovingly referred to as “Mayor of Good Hope”.  Riverside County renamed their community building in Good Hope, Moses Schaffer Community Center.  In honor of Willie and another super volunteer and former co-worker.  In 2018 she received an honorary theology PHD for a lifetime of community service. She has many formal acknowledgements for her work over the years..
• Willie was a member of Bethel AME Church nearly 60 years, where she served as a missionary and exhorter.
• The pandemic has prevented Willie from participating in-person with clubs and organizations, but she continues to be involved and give council. Approaching 100, she still has an extraordinary ability to mix her faith and love of life, family, community and friends into a living storybook that deserves celebrating.  She’s defiantly an inspiration in these fractious times.
• When asked advice she has for leading a good life. Moses responded: “Just, treat others the way you want to be treated;” “give the best you have, and the best will come back to you.” “I draw a lot of strength from the 23^rd  It’s my favorite scripture.” “When our ancestor had to pray in the bushes and arbors, for a better future for themselves and their children.  They may not have known what it looked like, but they were good folks, and they believed, and just kept pushing forward.  I never forget, or let my children forget that we stand on the shoulders of those elders and their toil, and we need to keep carrying the torch forward.”
• “Almost eighty-five years ago as a fifteen-year-old girl I was fortunate to win a regional speech contest competing with many older students.  Thanks to good schooling, and the confidence that was instilled in me at an early age, I went on to become valedictorian of my high school in Farmersville LA. The poem I recited in that competition The House by the Side of the Road https://allpoetry.com/The-House-By-The-Side-Of-The-Road has been a guiding light for me throughout my life.  Its a constant reminder to be tolerant and compassionate.”

Andre Herndon talks about his journey to his new role, some of his most proud achievements, and his relationship with his family in an exclusive interview with Westside Story Newspaper.

By Savannah Thomas

Working in politics takes a special kind of drive and personality: thankfully, Andre Herndon is the man for the job.

On January 26, 2022, Herndon was promoted to Mayor Garcetti’s Chief of Staff. Herndon has been a part of Garcetti’s team since 2015 and has spent his entire career in politics working his way through multiple roles to get to where he is today. Now, it seems as though years of hard work are finally paying off.

Herndon has always had an interest in public service, but it would be many years before he would work directly in politics. He started his career as a journalist in the mid-1990s, working for the Westside Story newspaper before moving to the LA Wave in 2000. He worked as an editor at the paper for nearly a decade before shifting gears to becoming communications director for the city council, then into Parks and Rec, and finally accepting a job offer working for Mayor Garcetti. Now, Herndon has graduated from reporting on the city budget to helping write it.

And Garcetti couldn’t be happier to have him.

“Andre’s thoughtful leadership and dedication have been essential to everything we’ve done to make Los Angeles a safer, more prosperous, and well-run city,” wrote Garcetti in an email to Westside Story. “In my years of working with him, I have seen that he isn’t just a strong leader—he inspires people to work harder and embrace new ways of solving our most pressing challenges. That’s the kind of leadership Los Angeles needs, and it’s why I know he will make an excellent Chief of Staff.”

In 2021, Mayor Garcetti and his team unveiled their Justice Budget, an ambitious project aimed at targeting underserved communities in Los Angeles. According to Herndon, the process to create and launch this project was time-intensive but resulted in being one of his most impressive projects to date.

“That was my baby for over a year,” Herndon admits, referring to Basic Income Guaranteed: KA Economic Assistance Pilot (BIG: LEAP), a pilot program that will provide 3,000 Angelenos with $1,000 a month for 12 months. It’s a big step towards trying to assist low-income individuals by setting an income floor for them in this time of need.

Given his dedication to making the city of Los Angeles a more equitable place for everyone, it should come as no surprise that Herndon also had a hand in creating Los Angeles Reforms for Equity and Public Acknowledgement of Institutional Racism (LA REPAIR): a program designed to provide $8.5 million in funds to low-income communities of color that were struck the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It should come as no surprise that this field of work requires a lot of time and dedication. In fact, Herndon admitted that he often “spends more time with his [coworkers] on a weekly basis than his family”. But that doesn’t stop him from finding time to be present in his son’s lives when he clocks out at the end of the day.

Herndon, who had thus far come across as a somewhat closed-off public figure, finally cracked a smile when talking about his family. He recalled taking one of his sons to the Kanye West and Drake benefit concert late last year, and the fond memories that came from it.

“It was very cold, but I braved it,” Herndon said, laughing. “Because I want [my children] to have those experiences.” According to Herndon, his family is something he holds very dear, and he wanted to make an attempt at being a present figure in the lives of his children since being in public service is often-times demanding.

It takes a very special kind of person to do well in politics, but thankfully, Andre Herndon is more than qualified.