SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- For ninety-nine years, the Home of Neighborly Service has been a staple on the west side of San Bernardino. How does a resource continue to be relevant and functional while so many others have closed their doors and ceased operations during the pandemic? Staff, supporters and volunteers!
There is no way to sufficiently show appreciation for all they have done, but board president, Vicki Lee, made the effort by honoring them at the Elks Club on Sunday, December 2, 2021. Present were Office Administrator, Charlene Smith, who is contracted part-Time, but volunteers full-time, and she was working then, too; the faithful members of the Presbytery, Tom Reynard and David Beard with his wife, Carrie; committed board member and ex-City Councilmember, Virginia Marquez; City Council member for Ward 5, Kimberly Calvin; supportive National Charity League members, Katie Smith and Janet Eagan; from Inland Harvest, David and Patty Knudson; and the devoted volunteers: Norma Badden, James Dutton, Salem Dominguez, Cynthia Rosales, Debbie Willis, Wally and Ruther Peterson, Mary Acosta, Ray and Edith Martin and Noel Kaltenbach. There is a list of contributors which includes but is not limited to: Community Action Partnership, Arrowhead United Way and Santa Claus, Inc., Liz Cruz and Ramon Valasco.
Weekly, the volunteers faithfully come to sort, pack and stack contributions on Thursday to distribute on Friday’s food (hygiene products and clothing, if available) to those in need. Whenever there is an event at The Home: Family Fun Day, Christmas event, Back to School…. the volunteers are there to help. So many people have praised the Home of Neighborly Services for being a safe place for children and families to go over the decades to have fun, relax and to have needs met. Pre-pandemic, Resource Thursdays brought 10-15 vendors who supplied referrals for counseling, housing, how to get bills paid, grocery sources, and the like. When several people can gather again, Resource Thursdays will return. The Home has literally helped to save and sustain lives in the community.
Vicki Lee said a nice meal, some gifts, official San Bernardino pins and coffee mugs from City Councilwoman Calvin, certificates from Supervisor Joe Baca Jr and a heartfelt thank you hopefully showed our volunteers and supporters how much they are appreciated for keeping hope alive in the city of San Bernardino.
Supporters left to right Charlene Smith, 6th ward council member Kimberly Calvin; Edna Wade, Tom Renard, Janet Eagen, Vicki Lee, Virginia Marquez, Katie Smith and David Beard.
Volunteers left to right Mary Acosta, Wally Peterson, Edith Martin, Ruther Peterson, Norma Baden, James Dutton, Salem Dominguez, Debbie Willis, and Cynthia Rosales.
Governor Newsom: “It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities”
SACRAMENTO – As California marks the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the state, Governor Gavin Newsom today released his latest “On the Record” ethnic media column highlighting California’s nation-leading measures to slow the spread of the virus and the imperative to continue the state’s progress with lifesaving boosters and vaccinations as we head into the winter months.
California has put more shots in arms than any other state – administering more than 62.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine – with 86 percent of all eligible Californians having received at least one dose and more than 6 million adults have received a booster.
“California has led the nation’s fight against COVID-19 through robust vaccination efforts rooted in science and data. This has helped slow the spread of the virus and save countless lives, especially in our most vulnerable communities,” wrote Governor Newsom. “It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities…Californians have met every challenge with vigor and courage, and together, we will continue to lead the nation in the fight against COVID-19.”
Amid an uptick in transmission since Thanksgiving, Governor Newsom urged all eligible Californians to get vaccinated and receive their booster – the most impactful steps we can take to protect ourselves and slow the spread of the virus. Boosters have been approved for those 16 and up who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, those 18 and up who received the Moderna vaccine at least six months before and those 18 and over who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.
Governor Newsom also highlighted the state’s partnerships with more than 130 faith-based and 700 community-based organizations, which have helped close vaccination equity gaps in hard-to-reach communities. These organizations have served as trusted messengers at the local level, providing direct appointment assistance, at-home vaccinations and transportation services and targeted community outreach to build confidence in vaccines and mobilize Californians to get vaccinated.
With COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations increasing, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued updated guidance to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Beginning December 15, the state will require masks to be worn in all indoor public settings irrespective of vaccine status through January 15, 2022, at which point California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic. CDPH has also updated requirements for attending mega events and issued a new travel advisory, more information can be found here.
The COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are free for all Californians regardless of insurance and immigration status. Californians can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 1-833-422-4255 to make an appointment or find a walk-in clinic and learn more about eligibility.
Jay Highsmith is a man who has transformed calamity into serenity.
Once a bullied child, Highsmith became a youth pastor who is as gentle as he is creative through his company, Jay Highsmith Productions.
“Video editing is very therapeutic for me. I can get lost in a zone and work for hours. I find peace and enjoyment in editing videos,” said Highsmith, a 35-year-old married to Shanelle and father to 19-month-old daughter, Jordin.
“I’m a husband, father, photographer, videographer, video editor, content creator, interviewer, and so much more. My main clientele is families. My goal for my business has always been to create and capture memories, laughs, smiles and true joy for generations to come.”
“Shanelle (center) and I officially met through a Bible study,” said Jay Highsmith of his wife of five years. “Our daughter, Jordin, is 19 months going on 19 years!” (Herbert Geddis)
Highsmith shared his spiritual journey with Zenger.
Zenger: Are there any particular projects you’re most proud of?
Jay Highsmith: The work that I’m most proud of is my series “The Christian Creative.” It’s an interview series that promotes, highlights and encourages Christian creativity. It was started with the vision to put a spotlight on the creativity of those who are creative in whatever field or space they’re in.
To date, I’ve conducted 34 interviews that have been posted on YouTube. I have almost 100 videos on YouTube, but those 34 interviews are the foundation of my channel and are special to me.
Zenger: How was your courtship with Shanelle and your relationship with her parents?
Highsmith: Shanelle and I officially met through a Bible study in April 2014, though there were people who tried hooking us up a couple of months prior. We were friends for a year and a half, then dated for six-and-a-half months before getting married. Shanelle and I have been married for five-and-a-half years. Our daughter, Jordin, is 19 months going on 19 years! I have a great relationship with my in-laws, Herbert and Tonie Geddis.
I couldn’t have inherited a better set of parents. They have been such a blessing to us throughout our marriage. We lived with them for two-and-a-half years before moving out and getting our own place. Living with them was very beneficial because it allowed us to save money. We purchased our first home in October 2020. It was truly an amazing feeling once we reached the finish line.
Zenger: I understand that Shanelle has a business as well?
Highsmith: My wife, Shanelle, is a foodie! Period, point blank, she loves food. She loves to explore different restaurants and cities, and loves trying new food.
She recently created a food blog on Instagram where she goes to local restaurants she’s never been to, explores the menus and highlights the food she loves on her page. Her page is quickly growing too.
Zenger: How did your relationship with your parents shape you into the man you are?
Highsmith: My parents are John Highsmith and Brenda Redman. My relationship with them helped shape me into who I am today because through them, I learned the value of hard work and determination.
They both worked long hard hours, while also doing their best to tend to us and keep us active as kids. They wanted the best for us, and I want the best for my family as well.
I have five siblings — three brothers and two sisters. My dad had two from a previous marriage. I’m the oldest of four, and the third of six. Having younger siblings made me very protective, and I still am today, but not nearly as bad.
My younger sister, Michelle, says I’m overprotective because I always made sure the boys stayed away from her, or was always ready to fight a boy because of them messing with her. I just didn’t want anything happening to them. My childhood was fun, but it was also rough.
It was fun because I was always active, involved in different sports, karate, swimming, summer camps and things like that. I played basketball, T-ball … as well as participated in band, playing the clarinet.
Zenger: What part of your childhood was rough?
Highsmith: I was bullied until I was about 13 or 14. When I was a kid, I was short and small. I don’t know if I stood 5 feet tall before I was in seventh grade. I didn’t have my growth spurt until the end of eighth grade, when I grew by about a half-foot, to 5-foot-7 or 5-foot-8.
I had older kids that pushed me around in school, teased me and called me names, and when I spoke up, they threatened to beat me up and tried to jump me. For a while I was scared to go to the playground in my neighborhood because I didn’t want to be seen and jumped by them. In eighth grade going into ninth grade, I grew. I got taller and got some size on me.
I told myself I wouldn’t let anyone pick on me again. I had three younger siblings to look after, and I didn’t want anything happening to them, which is why I became so protective. Early into ninth grade, we moved to a new neighborhood, and from that moment on, I slowly became the man I am today.
A family gathering (from left): Jay’s father, John Highsmith; Jay Highsmith; siblings Jana Highsmith, Andre Highsmith and Michelle Highsmith; grandmother Juanita Redman; Jay’s brother Brandon Highsmith and mother Brenda Redman. (Courtesy of Jay Highsmith)
Zenger: Did you attend and/or graduate from college?
Highsmith: I went to a technical school right out of high school that was a 10-month program. I graduated with a degree in graphic design. Since then, I’ve taken classes at the local community college for things such as creative writing, photography and videography. One day, I think It’d be nice to get my degree.
Zenger: What was your path into entrepreneurship?
Highsmith: I think my life experiences and spiritual foundation more than anything have influenced my decision to become an entrepreneur. I honestly hated school growing up. I always felt like I learned more through my own experiences or through the experiences of others.
My spiritual foundation has been the basis of me becoming an entrepreneur. I started my photography business in May 2015 because of my love and passion for it. I titled it Jay Highsmith Photography. In 2019, I started doing more video work and transitioned it into Jay Highsmith Productions to encompass a larger umbrella of work to fall under it.
Zenger: Does your business in any way serve as a therapeutic method of channeling or gaining peace and serenity, and is any aspect of it geared toward inspiring change?
Highsmith: I love shooting video, and I guess in a way it is therapeutic. I love capturing people in their happiest of moments. It always brings a smile to my face when I watch the videos at home while editing them.
My goal for YouTube has always been to inspire others through the stories of others … even through my own stories. I want to inspire others and hopefully through my life and videos, lead them to Christ.
This unique program equips early-career policy professionals who are committed to contributing to public policy with the necessary skills by being placed in the Senate, House of Representatives and other select offices to become the next generation of leaders in public service.
The program is an intensive 12-month policy training and leadership development program which enables fellows to receive hands-on public policy training as full-time legislative aides and policy analysts.
For this particular Congressional Fellowship, priority will be given to those with a health, aerospace, energy and judiciary background, though all applicants will be considered.
YUCAIPA, CA—- Hands-on career training for paramedics at Crafton Hills College (CHC) has continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic according to Amanda Ward, director of the paramedic training program at CHC.
“We graduated 62 students from March of 2020 to now, which is a typical number of graduates from before the pandemic hit,” Ward said. “Of those students, only two are not working locally.”
CHC has earned high marks for the way the college connects newly trained graduates to relevant jobs. The program is a “Strong Workforce Star” according to California’s Community Colleges system.
The Inland region is fortunate that hands-on training continued at CHC because the pandemic made the need for skilled clinicians much greater.
Ward said it is the pandemic itself, as well as high 911 call volume, that has increased the need for paramedics and not a shortage of high-quality training programs.
“We are hearing that local ambulance companies and fire departments are looking to hire additional paramedics,” Ward said. “Crafton has heard the need and is answering.”
CHC, which is part of the San Bernardino Community College District, operates two cohorts of paramedic students annually now and will begin a third cohort in the Summer of 2022.
“This is a direct response to the paramedic shortage and our community partners’ vacancies,” Ward said.
She said new applicants are always welcome and financial aid is available for community college students. More information about the paramedic program is available online at www.craftonhills.edu/paramedic.
SACRAMENTO, CA— Last week the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) awarded Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) the Regional Legislator of the Year Award during their 45th Annual Legislative Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Each year, hundreds of African American legislators, along with advocates, policy experts, corporate executives, and community leaders, attend NBCSL’s premier event to discuss policies addressing the nation’s most pressing issues affecting African Americans. This year for model legislation, Senator Bradford submitted Senate Joint Resolution 7, which calls for the destruction of illegal FBI surveillance tapes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Senate Bill 796, which authorizes the County of Los Angeles to return the beachfront property known as Bruce’s Beach to the Bruce family.
“This year, it was my honor and distinct privilege to serve as Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus,” Senator Bradford said. “In everything I do and in every bill I introduce, my role and my responsibility is to pick up the baton from where our predecessors left off. I stand on the shoulders of giants who championed African American issues for the state and nation long before I was born. I am honored and humbled to be recognized for this prestigious award by President Billy Mitchell and my fellow NBCSL members. I commend NBCSL’s efforts to enrich the lives of African Americans and collaborate with them to tackle the social, educational and economic challenges facing our community.”
SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Title VI American Indian Education program is proud to have been able to bring back Family Culture Nights for the 2021–2022 school year.
Family Culture Nights are geared towards Native American students and their families, but all SBCUSD students and families are invited to attend and learn about Native American culture with hands-on activities.
“Family Culture Nights started as a way to help our Native students connect with their cultural heritage and find pride in their traditions,” said Cindra Weber, an education assistant IV/Native American Culture and descendant of Lakota nation. “And it’s also an opportunity for everyone in the school community to learn about and appreciate the rich cultural traditions of the Native people of not only this area but from across the country.”
Family Culture Nights feature free events and hands-on activities on most Thursday nights from 6–8 p.m. at the SBCUSD Professional Development Center (PDC). Upcoming Family Culture Nights are January 13, 20, and 27; February 3, 10, 17, and 24; March 3, 10, and 17; April 7, 14, 21, and 28; and May 5 and 12, 2022.
Call the Indian Education office at (909) 473-2076 for more information.
LOS ANGELES, CA—- The cast of “ILU America” (Land of America) grace the red carpet at their world premiere on Saturday, December 4th at the Culver City Film Festival in Los Angeles, California. Stars from the film who were in attendance included Producer Director Taiwo Oduala, Actress Doris Simeon, Actress Mistura Asunramu, Actor Femi Brainard, and Actress Rosemary Huff.
ILU America (Land of America) directed and produced by Taiwo Oduala is an African full length feature foreign language film with suspense, intrigue, emotion, love, and action fully subtitled in English. An indigenous emotional classic reality story of an immigrants’ ordeal and survival. The film is a groundbreaking adventure full of humor where the film’s pessimist, Ade, is forced to discover the meaning of resilience. Despite the obstacles and hardships along the way, his mission is to obtain citizenship in a land he was not born in, so he may see his dream come true.
ILU America (Land of America) cast members include leading actors Taiwo Oduala as Ade who also directed and produced the film and Actress Doris Simeon as Stacy. The film actors also include Adebayo Salami as CEO, Bayo Bankoleas as Tolu, Ayo Mogaji as Ade’s Mom, Mistura Asunramu as Mary, Femi Brainard as Jydo, Shina Ayooyinlola as Ade’s Friend, and Israel Ogunleye Alayo as Drug Guy.
Celebrity talent in attendance included Anthony Bless (Tyler Perry BET+ “Ruthless”; Paramount Pictures “Shooter”), Michael Adegoke (15 Time USA Show Dance Champion), Actress Montana Jacobowitz (Amazon Prime “2Real4U”), Actress Gloria Garauya (ABC “Grey’s Anatomy” & How To Get Away With Murder”), Actress Samantha Bailey (CBS Soap “The Young and the Restless”), Actor Jax Malcolm (CW Network “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”; FOX “The Other Side of the Door”), Abiola Azeezat (Headwrap Designer for Beyonce in The Lion King), Actress Nitu Chandra (Mandalay Pictures “Never Back Down: Revolt”), Actress Deana Moelle (Falcon Pictures “State of Consciousness”) and many others.
Sponsors for the film premiere included Oduataj Productions & Entertainment Inc., Top Dreams Universal, Sweven Culture, Indie Vision Films, Culver City Film Festival, Strictly Industry PR, Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards, Madam Omolara Okunubi, Melody Bar & Grill, Cinemark, Advanced Protection Services, and JW Express.
It’s over! We need to understand that. There is no shortage of fire and brimstone to be found in the Bible. [Revelation 21:8]. It’s clear from the opening pages of Genesis that there is a wrath of God, which abides on every ungodly man. For it is written, “God is angry with the wicked every day.” [Psalms 7:11].
What does this mean for us? It serves to remind us that we need to take the words of the Lord to heart! What He says will happen, will happen. What He promises, He will do. Do not trifle with your salvation. Be like the wise virgins in [Matthew 25] and prepare, because I tell you like a tidal wave, judgment is heading towards us.
Yes, there’s a time when God says, “Enough” to a nation. There’s a time when God says, “Enough” to an individual. God gives grace, He gives mercy, He gives space to repent, but when man is living in rebellion to God, God will not continue forever to give him space. When God draws a line, when God says, “That’s it!” It’s over! Period!
I tell you, it is frightening when the trumpets are sounding, when the alarms and the warning bells are ringing aloud, but yet, you will not take heed, nor believe His word. Just as in the days of Noah, people are ignoring the warnings even with destruction right at their doors. Why? God says, because you rather believe a lie and trust in the arms of mere man and follow after the things of this world which are temporary, than to trust in Him and follow after the things which are established eternally, in His Holy Word.
Therefore, He says, “Enough is enough! All that are unjust, let them be unjust. All that are wicked, let them remain wicked. Do not think that I come to bring peace, but I will come with a sword [Matthew 10:34] with fire and fury and will judge the wicked and all who follow and trust in the idols of this world.” For there are only a few, a small remnant who will hear and take heed to My warnings and will run to Me for true safety.
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins,” [Isaiah 58:1].
You have a decision to make. If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Savior, then heed [Mark 1:15]. “The time has come…the Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” “Because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” [Mark 13:35-37].
Then the Lord said to me, “Even though Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, My heart would not be with this people; send them away from My presence and let them go! And it shall be that when they say to you, ‘Where should we go?’ then you are to tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Those destined for death, to death; And those destined for the sword, to the sword; And those destined for famine, to famine; And those destined for captivity, to captivity.”‘ I will appoint over them four kinds of doom,” declares the Lord: “the sword to slay, the dogs to drag off, and the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy. I will make them an object of horror among all the kingdoms of the earth because of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem. [Jeremiah 15].
Oh, when the Spirit of the Lord says, “Enough is enough! It’s over!
“Weep for yourselves and for your children.” [Luke 23:28].
Please join League of Women Voters Riverside for a conversation with California’s Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber on Saturday, December 11 at 11 a. m. Secretary Weber was appointed California Secretary of State by Governor Gavin Newsom in January 2021. She is California’s first Black Secretary of State.
Weber was born to sharecroppers in Hope, Arkansas during the segregationist Jim Crow era. Although her family moved to Southern California when she was three years old, her family’s experience in the Jim Crow South has driven her activism and legislative work. Her most notable legislative achievements have focused on education, election polices, and criminal justice reform.
Secretary Weber will share her plans to improve California’s election processes, ensure election access for all citizens, and enhance voters’ knowledge of their crucial role in creating a better democracy.
Please send your questions to lwvriverside@att.net and we will be sure to include them in the discussion.
Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
