Happily Divorced And After

28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk-a-thon: Join us on January 17th as we pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! This year our theme is ‘A Legacy of Strength, A Future of Action’. Our 5K walk will start at Stratton Center and end at the Riverside Main Library with a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on Main Street. Free shuttle services back to Stratton Center will be available every half hour beginning at 11 am. Registration will begin at 7:30 AM at Stratton Center. The Walk will begin promptly at 10 AM at the entrance of the Center. Free shuttle service back to Stratton Center will be available every half hour beginning at 11 AM. After the walk join us for a short program (honoring local honorees), booths, entertainment, performances and a contest for the organization with the greatest number of walkers. This year’s Honorees include: Councilmember Erin Edward, Dr. Judy White, Andy Melendrez, Leila Bensaid, and Chani Beeman. Proceeds from the Walk-A-Thon will benefit the Riverside African American Historical Society to support: The Civil Rights Institute, Clarke & Grier College Scholarships and for the maintenance and upkeep of the Martin Luther King Jr. statue.

2022 MLK Day of Service-Exchange club of Fontana: Residents of all ages and backgrounds are invited to advance the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 2022 MLK Day of Service on January 21. Join hundreds of volunteers in making it a “day on, not a day off” by completing service projects throughout the community. To volunteer, please register by contacting Brock Champion at bchampion@ofy.org or call (909) 315-9154. Participants will complete a variety of projects such as painting, beautifying schools, serving meals, and more. To make the event a success, local Fontana-area service projects are needed.  Non-profit organizations are invited to submit their (3) hour project requests to Brock Champion at bchampion@ofy.org or call (909) 315-9154.

21st Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast: The MLK Breakfast Tribute will be Monday, January 17, 2022, from 8:30am to 11:00am. Workshops following from 11:30am to 1:00pm. at the Ontario Airport Doubletree Hotel. Sponsors welcome, advertise in our program book. Looking forward to seeing you there. Please RSVP to Trudy Coleman at (909) 418-8530. or Alice Anderson at (909) 717-9448.

City of Inglewood 39th Annual King Fest Celebration: The 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is almost here! The event will be held on Monday, January 17, 2022, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and include a commemorative parade and family festival at the Fabulous Forum. You don’t want to miss the 39th annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King. Masks and proof of vaccination for persons 12 years and older are required by organizer for entry into the festival. For more information on sponsorship, vendor opportunities, and parade participation, contact the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department: (310) 412-8750.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon: Monday, January 17, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Hilton Garden Inn Victorville located at 12603 Mariposa Road in Victorville. For tickets, go here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-luncheon-tickets-222073657287

Black Lives Matter Pasadena Martin Luther King Protest: Black Lives Matter Pasadena will be leading a protest beginning at the corner of Raymond Avenue and Holly Street. The protest will be on Monday, January 17, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Corner of Raymond Avenue and Holly Street at 85 E Holly Street in Pasadena.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service (Virtual): The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), invites you to the 9th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This event will be held virtually via Zoom. This year’s celebration, “Living, Dreaming, believing in a Clean Air Future” focuses on partnering with communities to address air pollution and the inequalities of environmental justice. South Coast AQMD’s partnership with the communities are vital to improving air quality for all residents of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-of-service-tickets-214304379167

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace Allen

Testing The Test!

The test for COVID-19 is being suggested by some and required by some others. Various activities and events may require evidence of a negative test in order to participate or attend. Having a negative test days before the planned activity or event is often the recommended policy that represents the safe way to gather with others.

Does a negative result from a COVID-19 test truly indicate the COVID-19 status of the person who took the test?

Should we consider the recent exposure that occurred too recently for the test to detect or exposure any time after the test?

Thinking it through seems to suggest that the only thing that the test can really determine is if someone were negative at the time of the test, which is not an indication of their immediate, and certainly not their long-term status, such as one day later.

Taking the vaccine has become a social argument that is now documenting strong results for the vaccinated; however, the unvaccinated have among them some that take the efficiency gaps in bureaucratic policy, logic and procedures as reason to fight the shot.

If we were all tested daily, we would find people that test positive today who tested negative yesterday.

Insisting that taking the test is a truly relevant procedure feeds that skepticism. The energy and resources used on testing are probably better used elsewhere.

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.

San Bernardino County has jobs that will be opening on Saturday. 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.

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.

# # #

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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”.