Happily Divorced And After

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

From all indications last week, San Diego City Councilmember and former California Reparations Task Force member Monica Montgomery-Steppe will be elected the county’s Fourth District Supervisor.

Early results in the special election for San Diego County Supervisor show that Montgomery-Steppe holds a commanding 22% margin over private investigator Amy Reichert as of Nov. 9.

District 4 has 700,000 residents.

Montgomery-Steppe, who has declared victory in the race, is a Democrat. She won the Aug. 15 primary with 41.7% of the vote while Reichert, a Republican, came in second with 28.8%. Montgomery-Steppe would be the first Black woman to serve on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors should those figures hold.

County District 4 covers parts of central San Diego, La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley.

“The Board of Supervisors serves over 3.2 million San Diegans – this is not a task I take lightly. As your Supervisor, I look forward to teaming up with you to tackle homelessness, promote holistic public safety, and invest in our County. Together, we can move the People’s Country forward,” Montgomery-Steppe said in a Nov. 7 statement.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- Charles Moore and Miesha Carter, an innovative African American couple from Los Angeles, California is revolutionizing real estate investment accessibility with the launch of their Affordable Real Estate Investment Course Series. As seasoned real estate professionals with years of experience, they have a passion for fostering financial growth and are excited to announce that enrollment is open for their transformative online course series.

This initiative is only open and available two times a year and it aims to impart unconventional yet successful real estate investment strategies that have been honed and perfected over the span of five years. With a commitment to making quality education accessible, this couple brings forth an opportunity that not only equips but also caters to the budget-conscious investor and levels the playing field.

Miesha shares her enthusiasm, stating, “We’re here to help our clients start up, invest up, and scale up.” This is why it is good to tap into a community of like-minded people to pursue real estate investment.

Venturing into the world of real estate investment often requires navigating uncharted waters. Considering this, the couple’s real estate investment courses are designed to offer guidance for people eager to explore innovative investment avenues.

A pivotal focus of this online course lies in aiding individuals to master the intricacies of land and real estate government auctions, as well as property liens. These aspects, often overlooked, hold immense potential for those who understand how to navigate them effectively. The course delves deep into the nuances, enabling participants to emerge with a comprehensive understanding.

The highly anticipated Real Estate Investment Class Series titled “Getting Ready for the Auction” stands as a testament to the couple’s commitment to education. This course is a total of 10 modules, 8 Primary modules, and 2 Bonus ones, this series will give the participants the tools and knowledge to understand the auction process.

The modules include:

November 6, January 8th 2024, March 4th 2024: Free Webinar

January 13, 2024: Series 1 – Understanding Tax Liens and Tax Deeds Property Auctions
January 27, 2024: Series 2 – How To Bid At The Property Auction
February 10th, 2024: Series 3 – Researching Tax Property
February 24th, 2024: Series 4 – Getting The Auction Rules
March 9th, 2024: Series 5 – Searching For Liens
March 23, 2024: Series 6 – Zoning
April 13th, 2024: Series 7 – Board of Health and Properties
April 27, 2024: Series 8 – Wiinning The Bid
May 11th, 2024: Bonus Session 2: What To Do With Properties
May 25th, 2024: Bonus Session 3: Creating Your Team

“We believe that everyone should have access to effective investment education,” says Miesha.

Her husband, Charles, comments, “Our courses are designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and strategies necessary to explore unconventional avenues in real estate.”

Enrollment for these courses is now open, offering a unique opportunity to learn directly from experts who have successfully implemented the very same strategies they teach. Participants gain access to a treasure trove of practical insights, industry secrets, and actionable tips that can pave the way to realizing their real estate aspirations.

Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr, RPh, MD, FAPCR a New Orleans and Shreveport, LA distinguished gynecologist was recently elected President of the Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research (APCR). Dr. Weather assumes the role of the first African American to hold this esteemed position in the organization’s history.

Dr. Weather’s extensive academic background includes a Pharmacy degree from Howard University and an MD from Rush Medical College in Chicago, IL. He further honed his expertise through comprehensive training, completing his internship, residency, and fellowship in gynecology and obstetrics at the renowned Johns Hopkins University Hospital.

Beyond his medical accomplishments, Dr. Weather is a multifaceted individual, embodying roles as a health educator, professor, ordained minister, artist, author, and photographer. His literary contributions include three inspirational poetry books, an infertility handbook, and his most recent publication, Endometriosis the Name of the Pain and How to Repress It, released in June 2023.

As an active gynecological clinical trials researcher, Dr. Weather has presented over 210 peer-reviewed presentations and papers, specializing in pelviscopic surgical treatment of infertility, endometriosis, pelvic pain, and uterine fibroids. Notably, he is credited with inventing the revolutionary surgical procedure known as Optical Dissection Pelviscopy, a groundbreaking advancement in laparoscopic surgery that aids in the prevention of organ injury.

Dr. Weather’s impact extends beyond the APCR, as he is the Past President of the National Medical Association, the Louisiana Medical Association, and the New Orleans Medical Association. He currently holds a position as a board member of the State of Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners and serves as the National President of Chi Delta Mu Medical Fraternity.

The APCR is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to advancing the fields of clinical practice, academic research, and pharmaceutical industry engagement in clinical research (clinical trials). Its mission encompasses the prevention and cure of diseases, as well as safeguarding the welfare of patients and study subjects through the acquisition, dissemination, and evaluation of knowledge concerning medicine and device development.

The APCR provides a vital platform for enhanced education, professional development, qualification, and certification for physicians participating in clinical research endeavors. It is the sole organization representing the physician research community within the American Medical Association (AMA), thus influencing national policies on numerous issues related to clinical research.

Dr. Weather brings a wealth of expertise, dedication, and vision to his role as President of the APCR. His historic election is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the medical field and his commitment to advancing clinical research.

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is joining local governments, advocates, and other partners to launch the United Against Hate Week (UAHW) in Berkeley on Nov. 13.

The initiative was started by local government leaders and elected officials in the Bay Area after several hate groups held rallies in San Francisco and Berkeley.

UAHW activities organized to raise awareness about hate and promote cross-racial and ethnic unity will run from Nov. 12 to 18.

“The week is marked by individuals and community organizations coming together to host events and take action to help combat a national and statewide increase in hate,” reads a press release from the CRD.

“In California, reported hate crimes have reached their highest levels since 2001 — jumping more than 20% from 2021 to 2022. As part of the state’s response to hate, the California Civil Rights Department recently launched CA vs Hate, a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal,” the press release continues.

Held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center in Berkeley, the Nov. 13 launch ceremony featured several prominent speakers, including Becky Monroe, Deputy Director, Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs at the California Civil Rights Department; Rick Callender, President of the California and Hawaii State Conference, NAACP; Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco); Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín. Ilan Davidson, President, L.A. County Commission on Human Relations; Patrice O’Neill, Founder and Co-Director, Not In Our Town; Pardeep Singh Kaleka, Senior Strategic Advisor, Not In Our Town.

On November 6, California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber released her department’s latest voter Report of Registration in anticipation of the March 2024 primary elections.

The report, which covers a 154-day period ending Oct. 3, 2024, provides a running count of California voter registrations with data gathered from elections offices in the state’s 58 counties.

About 22.1 million people or 82.91% of eligible voters in the state have registered to vote.

Among registered voters, Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 50% with 46.82% or 10.3 million voters. Republicans account for 23.9% (5.2 million voters) followed by voters with no party preference at 22.2% (4.9 million voters).

Californians who are registered to vote can also check or change their pollical party and vote-by-mail preferences on the Secretary of State’s website.

The Report of Registration includes:

• Voter registration by political party, county, city, congressional district, state senate district, state assembly district, state board of equalization district, county supervisorial district, and political subdivision
• Statewide voter registration by age group and by county
• Historical comparisons to previous reports in odd-numbered year
• Voter registration by political bodies attempting to qualify as political parties (by county)

Californians who are not yet registered to vote can do so or update their voter registration online as well.

Corynne L. Corbett to guide all editorial aspects of the health communications company

NEW YORK, NY– Black Health Matters (BHM) announced Corynne L. Corbett has been named editorial director for the nation’s leading provider of digital health and wellness solutions for African American consumers and patients. BHM’s various online and experiential events are dedicated to educating and empowering African Americans with information rooted in medical expertise and providing the tools necessary to optimize their health.

Ms. Corbett comes to BHM with more than twenty-five years of experience in communications, including roles as executive editor, strategist, editor-in-chief, and senior manager across various platforms and publications. Her past positions include Beauty Director of ESSENCE Communications, Executive Editor of Real Simple Magazine, Editor in Chief of Heart & Soul Magazine, and senior editorial and leadership positions with Mode and ELLE magazines.

“BHM is delighted to find the intellect that will connect us to the health and wellness interests of women of color. Corynne’s professional background illustrates her ability to influence and enlighten women of color at every life stage,” said Roslyn Young Daniels, founder and president of Black Health Matters. “We are excited to see how she’ll utilize her decades of editorial experience to engage with our audience to help improve health outcomes.”

Ms. Corbett will be responsible for guiding Black Health Matters’ editorial vision as the company moves into its second decade of raising awareness about chronic conditions and disease states that disproportionately affect African Americans. In her new role at BHM, she will lead in developing the editorial voice for all aspects of the company’s online and offline presence, managing and creating content, editorial planning, writing, and conducting interviews about medical topics and advances.

“I am excited about joining Black Health Matters because our work not only enlightens and empowers our audience but can also save their lives,” Ms. Corbett said.

Corynne L. Corbett holds a Master of Professional Studies in Technology Entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Merchandising and Management from Pratt Institute.

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Former foster youth living in the city and county of San Francisco are eligible to apply for a Guaranteed Income Pilot Program that will pay them $1200 a month for 18 months.

“Guaranteed income programs help level the playing field and will give these former foster youth the support and resources they need to pursue their California dream,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement when he announced the program November 3.

To support the program, the state awarded San Francisco $3,439,090. Another Guaranteed Income Pilot program will be launched in Ventura County with a $1,538,758 state investment.

“These pilots, through the Department of Social Services, will provide unconditional, individual, regular cash payments intended to disrupt poverty, advance equity, and support the basic needs of recipients,” said a press release from Newsom’s office.

San Franciscans who participate in the program will receive counseling and the state will measure the impact of the program on their lives and their eligibility for other public benefits.

“Transitioning out of the foster care system can be incredibly challenging for many of our youth, and this sustained unconditional income over 18 months will help systems-involved youth pursue their hopes and dreams. In doing so, our goal is to disrupt the cycle of poverty and advance a more equitable future for former foster youth,” said San Francisco Human Services Agency Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, and Public Affairs Susie Smith.

“This is an amazing opportunity to break the cycle of poverty experienced by many young adults transitioning out of foster care,” Smith added.

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

The California Faculty Association (CFA), the union representing faculty at California State University (CSU) schools has voted to authorize a strike if it cannot reach a deal with the 23-campus system’s administration.

CFA represents approximately 29,000 professors, lecturers, coaches, and other faculty across the state.

“Cal State voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, if necessary,” said Charles Toombs, a professor and former chairperson of Africana Studies at San Diego State University (SDSU) and the union’s president, during a virtual press conference Oct 30. “Members are emphatic that low pay, growing workloads, and systematic inequalities are not sustainable.

The union pushed for 12% across-the-board increases this fiscal year, but CSU offered 12% over the next three years. When CFA refused to consider a multi-year offer, the CSU offered a one-year GSI of 5%. CFA then declared an impasse within 40 minutes of receiving this offer.

“We are still moving through the statutory process. CFA members plan on bringing our demands and solidarity to trustees and new Chancellor Mildred García at the November 7 CSU Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach,” read a press release from CFA.

“CSU management says they can’t afford our re-opener proposals, but a CFA fiscal analysis shows otherwise. The CSU has been hoarding billions of dollars in reserves instead of investing in faculty and staff who work directly with our students. Their investment in administrative personnel is increasing while their investment in instructional support continues to shrink,” it continued.

In the fall of 2022, 18,308 Black or African American students (4.0%) were enrolled in the CSU system. Overall, the CSU system. The CSU system is comprised of 23 universities with nearly 500,000 students.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Diwali is one of the major Asian Indian religious festivals observed in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Known as “The Festival of Lights’ it is celebrated globally across diverse religions and cultures. This year, Diwali will fall on November 12, and for most who observe it, celebrations will last five days. The date of the celebration changes every year because it is based on the Hindu lunar calendar.

The celebration of the holiday varies depending on regional customs and traditions. Among Hindus, the most widespread custom is the lighting of ‘diyas’, small lamps filled with oil, on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshimi, the goddess of wealth. In Northern India, the festival also celebrates the royal homecoming of Rama to the city of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the 10-headed king of the demons.

California native Happy Uppal spoke with California Black Media (CBM) and shared how her family celebrated Diwali when they lived in India and how it has changed for them since coming to the US.

“Speaking to my family about the holiday, Diwali meant we were going to have a lot of food, go to festival shows, and do fireworks. We used to light candles around our entire house. It was something my family looked forward to every year in India because they celebrated a lot. The holiday meant that they got to be with family and celebrate our culture at the same time. It was a time of new beginnings and cleansing of the past,” said Uppal.

With around 902,621 people who identify as Asian Indian, California has the largest population of Sikhs, Hindus and Jains in the United States.

Traditionally, the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras, is dedicated to cleaning homes and purchasing small items of gold. Lakshimi is the focus of worship on this day. The second day, called Naraka Chatrudashi or Choti Diwali, prayers are offered for the souls of ancestors. On the third day, Lakshimi Puja, families seek blessings from Lakshimi to ensure their prosperity, light candles, fireworks, and visit temples. On the fourth day, known as Goverdhan Puja, merchants perform religious ceremonies and open new account books. The final day called Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

To the Jains, the holiday has a different meaning. For them, Diwali is the day when the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, Lord Mahavira, attained nirvana, a spiritual state characterized by the transcendence of mortal limitations and obstacles, and the attainment of infinite knowledge and enlightenment. Lord Mahavira established the dharma followed by the Jains worldwide.

For the Sikhs, Diwali is a story of the struggle for freedom. It celebrates the victory of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, from the designs of Emperor Jahangir, who had imprisoned him and 52 other princes with him, in 1619. Guru Hargobind refused to leave the prison for freedom until he was able to bring all of the princes with him.

“The celebration is minimal in the United States unless you go to a temple,” said Uppal. “Not as many families celebrate as much as homes in India. Celebrations usually still include some sort of special sweet dish and lighting of a few candles.”

Along with the sweets, Samosas are very popular dishes to enjoy during Diwali celebrations. Aloo Bonda, a potato stuffing inside of a crispy coating of gram flour is another favorite amongst observers.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in Southern California hosts one the most elaborate Diwali celebrations. This spiritual, volunteer-driven organization is dedicated to improving society through individual growth by promoting Hindu values of faith, unity and selfless service. The center sits on 20 acres and includes 164,000 square feet of building space. On Diwali, the building is illuminated with multi-colored light shows, fireworks, lamps music and festive energy. Their Diwali celebration will take place on Nov. 10-13. The “Diwali Light and Sound Spectacular” takes place on the Nov. 11, 12, and 13, from 6-8 p.m. — with shows every thirty minutes.

During a time in the world where the darkness seems to be more prevalent daily, taking the time to acknowledge the beauty and hope light brings is what Diwali is all about,” Uppal said.

Here are additional Diwali celebrations to look out for if you are interested in experiencing the festival of renewal and light.

Diwali at the Pomeroy Center

Saturday, Nov. 18 from 3-7pm

207 Skyline Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94132

The event includes arts and crafts for children under 12, professional Indian Dance Performances and a buffet dinner with ticket purchase.

Diwali Fest 2023 – Festival of Lights

Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Art of Living Dome

948 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States

This event will have all the aspects of celebration which include lighting Lamps (diyas/tealight candles provided), an opportunity to make a

personal Sankalpa (deep wish) and offering. Lighting lamps and Dance performances, meditation and Indian cuisine.

All are welcome and anyone who comes for the event can witness a traditional Hindu ritual called the puja.

This California Black Media report was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.