Happily Divorced And After

SBCSS Students Garner STEAM Experience

REDLANDS, CA—- — In partnership with the Garner Holt Foundation, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) hosted the Animatronics Academy Career Camp, an immersive education and career exploration event. Students from schools across San Bernardino County Schools participated from Jan. 5-7.

“The skills you will learn over the next several days will help you succeed no matter what career path you choose,” County Superintendent Ted Alejandre said in his welcome address to the students. “The ability to think both critically and creatively will be one of your most important assets throughout your life.”

Eligible students in grades six through 12, who are enrolled in San Bernardino County Schools or programs, attended the camp each day at the Garner Holt Education through Imagination headquarters in Redlands.

Through hands-on exploration of robotics, engineering, advanced manufacturing, automation and the visual and performing arts, students gained insight into the creative industries through theme park animatronics.

“I thought it was really cool to see how small items like pieces of plastic and whatnot can become something big like an animatronic,” said Olivia, a student from Wilson Elementary. “I believe that most people think that children don’t really have what it takes to do something big in this world, but that’s not true. They can actually do really good things.”

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre listens to a student as she explains her plans to create an animatronic bird.

Garner Holt, the world’s leading producer of animatronics for theme parks, inspired and guided students during the camp.

 

“It’s all about the success of the kids and giving them hope for the future,” said Holt. “County Schools has been so supportive of what we’re doing… I think it’s great that schools are seeing the value.”

 

Over the course of Animatronics Academy Career Camp, students were encouraged to share ideas, give and receive feedback, practice the art of collaboration, and, ultimately, invest in themselves through the relationships they build.

 

Throughout the experience, students developed life and leadership skills as they worked in teams to create animatronic birds for a show at the end of the week. The students learned a number of skills including coding, programming, set design and script writing throughout the construction and production phases. The camp culminated with a showcase that allowed students to spotlight their work, share their process and reflect on what the experience meant to them.

Students participating in the Animatronics Academy Career Camp worked in teams to create animatronic birds for a show at the end of the multi-day camp.

 

SBCSS provided transportation to ensure equitable access to the camp for all San Bernardino County Schools students who were eligible to attend.

 

The Garner Holt Foundation provides the Animatronics Academy Career Camp, a multi-day experiential STEAM learning event, which capitalizes on the industry experience and expertise of Garner Holt Productions, Inc. and their worldwide portfolio of theme park animatronic design, production, animation and installation.

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre and Garner Holt interact with students participating in the Animatronics Academy Career Camp.

 

Experian Contributes $375,000 to Four Multicultural Organizations Serving the African American Community

The New Year brings strong support for underserved communities during the pandemic.

COSTA MESA, Calif. (January XX, 2022) – Leading information services company Experian announced today a $375,000 contribution to four nonprofit organizations that directly support African American communities, as they emerge from challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. These donations will help organizations with operating expenses, and allow for the development of new programs and initiatives.

“Nonprofits have been a critical resource for underserved communities and continue to be resilient in the face of the health and financial crises caused by the pandemic,” said Abigail Lovell, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility for Experian. “In addition to our work together and reaching out with the message of financial inclusion for all, this is an opportunity to provide real support with their general operating expenses. We hope the funds will enable them to strengthen their impact in the communities that need help the most and lessen the wealth gap in society.”

Experian has contributed to the following four nonprofit organizations:

  • United Negro College Fund (UNCF) – UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that UNCF’s network of member institutions is a respected model of best practices in moving students to and through college.
  • National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Fund – The NNPA Fund promotes scholastic and professional initiatives designed to honor the historic mission of the Black Press: to explore and celebrate black culture, fill the void in news coverage of the Black experience, and provide compelling content that educates, engages, inspires and empowers consumers.
  • California Black Media (CBM) – CBM exists to facilitate communication between the Black community, media, grassroots organizations, and policy makers by providing fact-based reporting to a network of over 21 Black media outlets on leading public policy issues.
  • The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) – TLF’s mission is to increase the number of ethnic minorities in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations by providing scholarships, career and professional development workshops, mentorships, and internships/entry-level positions to African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students.

Experian’s contribution will support the development of a new financial literacy program by The LAGRANT Foundation. The TLF-created program will provide ethnic minority college and university students, as well as young professionals, seeking careers in the fields of advertising, marketing and public relations with the knowledge, guidance and resources needed to become financially literate while gaining an understanding of proper credit card use and financial planning.

Investing in underserved communities is a key pillar of Experian’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, which is committed to investing time, resources and partnerships to create a better tomorrow by helping millions gain access to essential everyday services, facilitating inclusion and diversity, and managing Experian’s environmental footprint responsibly.

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About Experian

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have 20,000 people operating across 44 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people, and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.

 

2022 Homeless Point-In-Time Count Needs Volunteers

The annual Point-In-Time Count (PITC) of unsheltered homeless individuals will be conducted on Jan. 27. Volunteers throughout the county, who are members of the public, community groups, County employees, homeless service providers and private-sector stakeholders will canvass the county’s cities, towns and unincorporated communities to count, survey and assist the county’s homeless population.

The PITC is critical to secure government and private grant funding, as well as other resources for local communities to assist individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The PITC will be conducted using a web-based application designed specifically for the San Bernardino County PITC.  Volunteers will need to have an Apple or Android smartphone to conduct the survey.

The annual PITC, is coordinated by the Community Revitalization Office of Homeless Services (OHS) in conjunction with the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership and is designed to provide invaluable data on homeless individuals and families within the county on a given day and time.

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to volunteer and help count in their own communities. Considerations for COVID-19 have been taken. Teams will adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 safety guidelines. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided to all volunteers.

To register please visit https://link.sbcounty.gov/PITC. If you have questions regarding the count or registration, please call (909) 501-0617 or email Claudia Doyle at claudia.doyle@hss.sbcounty.gov.

As We Learn More About Omicron Variant, COVID-19 Safety Basics Remain Important Questions & Answers with Dr. Dali Fan, UC Davis Health

A case of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, was confirmed at the end of November in California thanks to the state’s large-scale testing and early detection systems. This variant is a cause for concern, not a reason to panic, and public health officials are monitoring the situation.

Until we know more about the new variant, it is important to remember the four things we can do to protect ourselves and our families against COVID-19:

  • Get fully vaccinated and get boosted
  • Wear a mask in indoor public settings
  • Get tested if you have symptoms or may have been exposed, and
  • Stay home when feeling sick

California and federal health officials are working around the clock to study the new variant, including how it spreads, the vaccine’s efficacy against it and impact on COVID-19 symptoms. The reality is that the longer COVID-19 remains a threat, the most variants we will have to overcome. That’s why it is critical Californians get vaccinated to slow the spread of the dominant strains. Kids 5-11 are eligible for vaccines and adults who have already completed their vaccine series are able to receive booters in time for the holidays.

Based on what we do know about this emerging variant, I’m answering your questions below:

How can I protect my family from this new variant?

COVID-19 safety basics continue to be important tools to help slow the spread of COVID-19. First and foremost, everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated and complete their vaccination series. Get a booster when you are eligible. If you are sick, stay home and get tested for COVID-19. And wear a mask when it can protect you and others, especially in indoor public settings. N95 and KN95 masks offer the best protection.

Additionally, Californians are strongly encouraged to enroll in CA Notify to be informed when they have been exposed to COVID-19, or to anonymously report that they’ve tested positive. CANotify.ca.gov makes it easy for California to quickly alert others of possible exposure, allowing them to take the necessary precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 across the state.

Will the vaccines still work against the Omicron variant?

We are still learning about the new variant, including how it spreads and infects individuals as well as how it responds to vaccines. But we do know that variants will continue to emerge as long as there are large proportions of unvaccinated people. We have to remember that COVID-19 is a virus, it wants to live as long as possible by mutating into other variants, which is why vaccination is key to stopping it and its future variants in their tracks.

Right now, we know that all three COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death associated with the main variant circulating in California: the Delta variant.

Will the tests we have in California be able to detect the Omicron variant?

The Omicron variant can be detected with PCR and antigen testing that is currently available in California. Testing is being expanded by the state at international airports, prioritizing arrivals from affected countries. The state is monitoring for the variant’s presence through COVIDNet, the unprecedented Whole Genome Sequencing Surveillance that utilizes sequencing data to help control the spread of COVID-19.

I have family overseas and I am worried about us and them traveling during the holiday season.

Travelers should follow guidance from the CDC. All air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before travel to the U.S. starting December 6. Additionally, the CDC recommends testing within 3-5 days after arrival, and unvaccinated travelers should quarantine for 7 days regardless of a negative test. If COVID-19 symptoms develop, travelers should continue to isolate and get tested again.

Where can I go to get tested if I have symptoms of COVID-19, or if I have been potentially exposed?

Californians can find a COVID-19 testing site online at MyTurn.ca.gov or by calling (833) 422-4255. 

Where can families get more information about the vaccine and to make an appointment?

Visit the state’s websites at www.vaccinateall58.com or www.myturn.ca.gov for more information on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and to make a vaccination appointment.

 

Crafton Hills and Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program receive funding to create a pipeline to community college Career Technical Education pathways

YUCAIPA, CA— The California Community College’s (CCC) Strong Workforce project has awarded funding to Crafton Hills College (CHC) to expand and strengthen its partnership with the Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupation Program (CRY-ROP).

The award is from Strong Workforce’s “Building Bridges from High School to Community College” project. CHC will use the funding to provide area high school students with the opportunity to learn about the benefits of attending community college and completing career and technical education (CTE) certificates or degrees.

“Crafton Hills College is incredibly excited about this partnership,” said CHC Dean of Student Equity and Success Dr. Ivan Peña. “This funding will help us continue to build on our track record of leading the Inland Empire in transfers to four-year universities and promote some of our highly sought-after career and technical education programs.”

CHC aims to improve enrollment and completion rates of students in its established CTE pathways for students from partner high schools. CHC will add two senior student services staff members who will work directly with CRY-ROP to provide college and career awareness workshops, college visit opportunities, financial aid awareness and other research-proven activities and services to help local high school students enroll and succeed in college. CHC and ROP staff will provide onsite advising and transition services, individualized college transition/career plans and support in navigating the postsecondary environment. Project services will promote student success by addressing equity and access gaps faced by underserved and vulnerable student populations.

“We are pleased to formalize our partnership with Crafton Hills College to work side by side to benefit all CTE students,” said CRY-ROP Superintendent Tracie Zerpoli. “With the addition of the Student Services Technician positions, students will plan their future and make a seamless transition to college and career. We are grateful for this opportunity.”

Filing Season Tax Tips

SACRAMENTO, CA—- The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) kicked off the 2022 tax filing season this week, offering Californians tips on how to avoid tax scams, claim valuable cash-back tax credits, file a return for free, and more.

“We encourage Californians to use FTB’s online services, including free e-filing, and to file as early as possible for a faster refund,” said State Controller and FTB Chair Betty T. Yee. “Millions of taxpayers are expected to qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit, and many of them also will get the Young Child Tax Credit. Combined, these credits can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to California taxpayers and their families.”

FTB began accepting state tax returns on January 3.

California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)
Californians with income up to $30,000 may qualify for CalEITC. Those who are eligible for CalEITC and have a child age five or younger also may receive up to $1,000 from the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). In addition, people earning less than $57,414 also may qualify for the federal EITC. Between CalEITC, YCTC, and the federal EITC, a family can receive up to $10,888.

CalEITC and YCTC are claimed by filing a state tax return, while the federal EITC is claimed on a federal return filed with the Internal Revenue Service. For more information about these credits, visit www.ftb.ca.gov/caleitc.

Homeless Hiring Tax Credit
California employers can receive a hiring tax credit for each qualified homeless individual they hire. The employer can tentatively make a reservation to claim the credit with FTB; a total of $30 million of credits is available annually. The credit is available for taxable years beginning January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2026.

An employer may receive $2,500 to $10,000 through this tax credit per eligible employee hired, based on hours worked in the taxable year. Employers may claim up to $30,000 of credit per taxable year when filing their tax returns. For more information, go to ftb.ca.gov and search for homeless hiring credit.

Health Care Coverage Penalties
Californians who did not have qualifying health insurance throughout the year are subject to a penalty of $800 or more when they file their state tax returns. The penalty for a dependent child is half that of an adult; a family of four could face a penalty of $2,400 or more. If you had health coverage in 2021, check the “Full-year health care coverage,” box 92, on your state tax return to avoid penalties.

You can get health coverage and financial help at CoveredCA.com. It is crucial to get health coverage to avoid penalties when filing your tax return next year. For information, visit ftb.ca.gov and search for health care mandate.

State Tax Deduction for Losses from a Disaster
Taxpayers affected by governor-declared California wildfires may claim a disaster loss as a state tax deduction in the tax year when the disaster occurred. They also may file an amended or original return from the year before the disaster occurred. Upon request, FTB will provide replacement state tax documents for free for those who lost them due to a disaster. For more information and a complete list of all disasters declared by the governor, visit ftb.ca.gov and search for disaster loss.

Beware of Scams
FTB encourages taxpayers to protect themselves from scams. Scammers often prey on taxpayers by impersonating IRS or FTB employees. They may attempt to trick taxpayers into sending money not owed, or into providing personal information that could be used to file fraudulent returns and steal refunds. If you receive a letter from FTB or the IRS that appears suspicious, contact FTB at 800.852.5711 or IRS at 800.829.1040. Concerned taxpayers also may check the FTB Letters page or Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter.

Free tax help and FTB Services
Taxpayers may be able to get help with their taxes for free. For a list of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program locations throughout California, go to ftb.ca.gov and search for free tax help. FTB offers free electronic filing for state tax returns through CalFile, an easy-to-use tool that allows taxpayers to file directly with FTB and provides instant confirmation. CalFile will be available starting January 18. Taxpayers can check if they qualify for CalFile and find a list of other filing options at ftb.ca.gov. Taxpayers also can use FTB’s MyFTB service to view their tax documents, check balances due, send secure messages to FTB staff, and more.

The First Black-Owned Car Company Was C. R. Patterson and Sons

Charles Patterson freed himself from slavery and built C.R. Patterson and Sons from the ground up

R. Patterson and Sons may not be a familiar name to many, but this small automobile manufacturer is the first and only African American-owned car company. Charles Richard Patterson was born enslaved on a Virginia plantation in 1833. Twenty-eight years later, in 1861, Charles escaped the plantation and traveled to Greenfield, Ohio, to begin a new life. In 1873, he partnered with carriage manufacturer J.P. Lowe and began the successful business of manufacturing horse carriages. Charles then bought out Lowe’s shares of the business and re-established the company as C. R. Patterson and Sons in 1893, with his oldest son, Frederick, taking on more of an ownership role.

In 1910, Charles Richard Patterson died and left the business to Frederick, who quickly began converting the company into an automobile manufacturer. The hard work of shifting the scope of the business culminated in the introduction of the Patterson-Greenfield automobile in 1915. It was sold for $685 and featured a four-cylinder Continental engine that competed with Ford’s Model T.

Unfortunately, like many smaller automobile manufacturers of this time, C. R. Patterson and Sons could neither match the speed of Ford’s manufacturing nor its economies of scale. This led to another strategy change for C.R. Patterson and Sons, which started creating trucks and buses using Ford and General Motors chassis for the next several years. In 1939 after the Great Depression, C. R. Patterson and Sons was forced to close its doors for the last time.

Although the story of C. R. Patterson and Sons is not widely known, it was a multi-generational success story, securing Charles’ and Frederick’s place in the automotive history books. Unfortunately, the Smithsonian reports, there aren’t any known Patterson-Greenfield automobiles that have survived to 2020, as it was estimated that only around 150 were ever built, but the Greenfield Historical Society does have a C. R. Patterson buggy which looks to be kept in great condition. You can learn more about the business and these inspiring individuals by checking out the National Museum of African American History and Culture and The Smithsonian or by checking out the book “The C. R. Patterson and Sons Company: Black Pioneers in the Vehicle Building Industry, 1865-1939”.

“Never Would Have Made It Without You [Lord]!”

By Lou Yeboah

As I reflect back over my life, I am reminded that, “I never could have made it without the Lord. I would have lost it all, but now I see how He was there for me.” [Marvin Sapp – Never Would Have Made It – “Emphasis Mine”].

You see, “I could have been dead and gone but [He] saw differently. [He] decided to save me… from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you Jesus. Thank you for delivering me; for setting me free, for saving me, for washing me clean, for loving me.” [Grateful – Hezekiah Walker].

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hands against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand delivers me. I give You thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing Your praise; I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness. [Psalms 138:1-8].

It fills me with humble gratitude and overwhelming awe. Thank you! [Psalm 77:11–12].

Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness, My God, that is Who You are. [REVERE, Darlene Zschech & William McDowell Lyrics].

“Oh, get the shackles off my feet, so I can dance. I just want to praise You” [Mary Mary – Shackles [Praise You].

This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad! Amen

I tell you, when we look at our life from where we came from to where we are today, we should be giving thanks to the Lord, proclaiming aloud “look where God has brought us from.” It is His grace and mercy that has carried us through. Like David, God has taken us from the pasture [2021] to the palace [2022]. It’s not just where we made it. It’s how we made it. A remarkable journey that reminds us that we never would have made it without the Lord. [2 Samuel 7].

By no stretch of the imagination, the past two years have been an easy time. The pandemic has forever changed our world and yet here we are thanking God for the brand-new year. We would not have made it, to where we have made it, without a way maker.

Just imagine what would happen if God did not intervene on our behalf? “If the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away.” Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. [Psalms 124:1-7].

“I will always thank the Lord; I will never stop praising Him. I will praise Him for what He has done; may all who are oppressed listen and be glad! Proclaim with me the Lord’s greatness; let us praise His name together! I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me; He freed me from all my fears. [Psalms 34:1-7].

Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of His praise be heard; He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping [ Psalms 66].

“Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!” [1 Chronicles 16:8].

For, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his passions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” [Lamentations 3:22-23].

Count Your Blessings, Name Them One by One!

California Adds Twist to New CDC Advice on Quarantines

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

The Monday after Christmas, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shortened its COVID-19 quarantine recommendation by half.

That same day, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Twitter that California will follow suit, recommending a five-day isolation period instead of the state’s former guidance of 10 days.

“California will align with the CDC’s updated guidelines for isolation and quarantine time,” Newsom tweeted.

However, California’s updated guidance differs from the CDC’s in one important way. The state is recommending that people who quarantine after a positive diagnosis take a follow up test and get a negative result before ending isolation.

The CDC’s guidelines do not include taking another test after quarantining.

The CDC said its decision, in part, is based on science that shows people are most infectious during the first five days of catching the virus.

In an interview with NPR, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said another rationale for the new shortened guidance is the concern for keeping industries that are critical to the national economy operating.

Sharing this concern, Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian, along with the company’s Medical Advisor Dr. Carlos del Rio and Chief Health Officer Dr. Henry Ting, sent a letter to Walensky less than a week before CDC’s updated recommendation, requesting a five-day isolation period for Delta’s fully vaccinated employees.

The letter argued that the previous guidelines were out of date and did not account for vaccinations.

It also argued that the former 10-day isolation period would hurt business because with the spread of the Omicron variant, vaccinated workers who do catch COVID-19 would be out for a longer period of time.

“With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the 10-day isolation for those who are fully vaccinated may significantly impact our workforce and operations,” the letter read. “Similar to healthcare, police, fire, and public transportation workforces, the Omicron surge may exacerbate shortages and create significant disruptions.”

In December 2020, the CDC shortened its previous recommendation of a 14-day isolation period to 10 days.

California Black Media’s coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.