By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

As parents across California focus on purchasing new clothes, school supplies and technological aids for their children for the coming school year, public health officials and healthcare professionals are asking them to consider the COVID-19 vaccine a back-to-school essential.

In June, COVID-19 vaccines were authorized for children 6 months through 4 years. Consequently about 2.2 million children in California and nearly 20 million children in the United States less than 5 years of age are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Although data from the trials involving thousands of infants and toddlers over the age of 6 months show that the vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to prevent serious health issues for youth and their families, many parents are hesitant to have their young children vaccinated.

Pfizer vaccine trials enlisted roughly 4,500 infants and toddlers over the age of 6 months. They proved the vaccine effective against COVID-19 and showed a strong antibody response in children receiving the vaccine.

Moderna vaccine trials involved over 6,500 infants and toddlers over the age of 6 months. They also proved the vaccine effective against COVID-19 and showed a strong antibody response in children who received it.

Dr. Jennifer Miller, a pediatrician with East Bay Pediatrics, spoke about her experiences with parents in her practice regarding the vaccine during a virtual press conference hosted by The California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

“For those families that are hesitant and questioning, I try to understand what their fears and questions are. I try to remind them that we are in this together. I care about the health and wellbeing of their children, and I will always suggest the best possible course for them,” she said. “I let them know that ultimately it is their decision to make, and I am here as a resource. It is normal to be afraid of the unknown and to want to protect your child. With that in mind, vaccination is the best protection around.”

COVID-19 vaccines were only authorized for use in the US after three phases of clinical trials that show the vaccines are effective at protecting against the virus. For the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials with children under 5 years old, infants and toddlers of different ethnicities were enrolled to ensure that the vaccine is consistently effective. Once the trials were completed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined after rigorous analysis that the data meets their high standards of safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality.

Since the vaccines were authorized for emergency use, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been using platforms like V-safe and VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) to monitor safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

Children 3 and above are eligible to receive the vaccination at pharmacies, while children under 3 will need to see their pediatrician or small community clinics due to federal regulations. The state has purchased enough vaccines for every child in California with the first shipment of 500,000 doses arrived last month.

The Moderna vaccine for children under four is a two-dose vaccine like the dosage for adults, however there will be one month in between doses. The Pfizer vaccine is three doses. The first dose is followed by the second 21 days later and the final dose comes 60 days after that. The Moderna dose is 1/4 of an adult dose, and the Pfizer vaccine is 1/10 of the adult dose. Tests show the side effects of minor fever and pain at the injection site can be stronger for children who receive the Moderna vaccine.

Protecting everyone in the household is a top priority as the new school year approaches. For the first time since the pandemic, vaccines are available for the entire family. Age is no longer a factor. Data has also shown that the vaccine is effective for pregnant women and safe for their unborn children. Additional protections can also be given to them while they are still in the womb.

Dr. Sarah Takekawa, an Obstetrician-Gynecologist, is currently raising 3 children under 5. She spoke during the California Department of Public Health’s virtual press conference on concerns pregnant woman may have with the vaccine and its effect on children. Dr. Takekawa was fully vaccinated before conceiving her third child and received her booster while pregnant.

“I have seen first-hand what the COVID-19 infection can do to otherwise extremely healthy young women during their pregnancies. Watching firsthand adults otherwise healthy succumb to the disease, it seems easy to us to make this decision about wanting to get vaccinated and encouraging other parents to have their children vaccinated. But we also understand that it is a discussion that needs to be had.”

You can view the entire Department of Public Health’s digital press conference discussion here and learn more about the youth vaccine. You can also visit Vaccinate All 58 to learn more about safe and effective vaccines available for all Californians aged 6 months and older.

By Austin Gage | California Black Media

After a 3-year hiatus, the 12-member California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) held its “African American Leaders for Tomorrow Program” (AALT) on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills CSUDH.

From July 20 to 23, the CLBC brought together high school students from throughout California for a series of workshops and social activities aimed at preparing the next generation of leaders in African American communities in fields such as business, government, and non-profit advocacy.

According to the CLBC website, the primary goal of the program “is to “build a bench” of young leaders who will lead California in solving issues of protecting voter rights, increasing access to higher education and career training through dual enrollment, reducing poverty rates, increasing living-wage employment, participating in criminal justice evolution, increasing quality and equity in healthcare, and reducing high infant mortality rates, in the lower-socioeconomic communities.”

Sixty high school students whose applications were chosen to participate in the program were provided an on-campus immersion experience. They lived in the CSUDH dorms and ate in the campus dining common.

State Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) and CLBC Chairman welcomed the students to the program and reiterated the reasoning for the program’s existence.

“I learned long ago that your education is the most important investment you make in yourself,” said Bradford, “We hope that our students learn and evolve from this opportunity. That they leave with skills and knowledge that they find useful in their educational and future endeavors. Our commitment is to prepare the next generation of African American leaders for whatever the future holds.”

Also welcoming the students were CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham and California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber. Los Angeles mayoral candidate and Congresswoman Karen Bass, who represents California’s 37^th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, and actress and comedian Kim Whitley provided video messages to the students.

Actress and dancer Debbie Allen and retired professional basketball player Norm Nixon gave the opening remarks at the program’s dinner to the students.

Six major workshops were held where the students interacted with CLBC members and experienced professionals from corporations such as The Education Trust-West, Snap Inc. and J.S. Held. The workshop topics were civic engagement, dual enrollment, STEM/technology as a career, leadership development, financial education and college knowledge.

Faculty at CSUDH and the Mervyn Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute also played key roles a huge role in the execution the program. Parham along with Dr. Justin Gammage, and other members of the university lectured the students on topics such as mental wellness and selfcare in addition to the workshops and panels. On the last day of the program, students participated in a mock committee hearing about AB3121, the bill that established California’s Reparations Task Force.

CLBC members Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) and Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) helped wrap up the program and handed out certificates of recognition to participants in the program.

CLBC member Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D- San Diego), reflecting on the program said “For three days, high school students get to stay on a college campus and get immersed in a unique learning environment that will prepare them for successful transition to higher education, job seeking, budgeting and leadership.”

The AALT serves as a cultivating ground for the youth and helps them understand what they may want to focus on for their future careers. Another CLBC member attending the program, Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), shared Weber’s perspective.

“The African American Leaders of Tomorrow program was created to prepare the youth of today for their careers by exposing them to legislative process, encouraging critical thinking and helping them discover their passions,” Holden said.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL—- – R&B singing superstar and global entertainment icon Janet Jackson recently visited Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on a family vacation and enjoyed some time at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT. The newest family thrill coaster is part of the ongoing transformation of EPCOT.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Six San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) campuses will begin the 2022–2023 school year on Monday, August 1 with new principals who are eager to work with families to foster collaborative relationships that put students on a path to success.

SBCUSD invests in growing its own crop of qualified educators and leaders, especially those who were educated in our schools, like Anton Elementary School’s new principal, Melanie McGrath, who attended Barton Elementary, Del Vallejo Middle School, and graduated from Pacific High School.

McGrath, formerly a coordinator in the District’s Multilingual Programs Department, is excited about leading Anton Elementary.

“It’s extra special to me because when I stand in Anton’s playground I can see my high school, and it renews my commitment to bettering my local community,” McGrath said. “I was born and raised in San Bernardino, and it made me who I am today. A lot of people underestimate San Bernardino and the people who come from here, but we have so much potential.”

McGrath is looking forward to forging strong, collaborative relationships with Anton Elementary families.

Anton is one of several SBCUSD schools starting the school year with new principals. Others are:

• Heather Bjornberg, North Park Elementary
• Tamara Brown, Davidson Elementary School
• Khaleelah Lewis, Parkside Elementary School
• Christine Ramirez-Shows, Brown Elementary School
• Anna Sosa, San Bernardino High School
• Raul Pedraza, Inland Career Education Center

Gomez and Hunt Elementary Schools will also have new principals, who have previously led other District schools. Assigned to Gomez is Maria Martinez, and Breanna York will lead Hunt Elementary.

Ana M. Applegate, the District’s Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, who is serving as the District’s administrator in charge in August, recommends that families find opportunities to engage in the school community as soon as possible, making sure to make connections at Back-to-School Night or Open House events.

Parents and guardians have many reasons why they should meet the staff at their children’s schools, especially because establishing a personal relationship makes it easier to be connected to a host of school resources, Applegate said.

“Maybe a parent is nervous because they have a little one starting kindergarten and they still have questions,” Applegate said. “Or a parent may want to know more about program options being offered at the school. Open communication with the school is important and highly encouraged.”

MUSCOY, CA.- On the morning of August 1st, Muscoy Elementary School Students were welcomed back to their first day of school with a backpack giveaway from Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. and other community partners. The backpacks were full of school supplies, hygiene kits, t-shirts, socks, books, and more for all the students. San Bernardino County Fire and Sheriff, and California Highway Patrol brought their cars and K-9 Units out to have the children interact with them.

“Seeing the smiles on these children’s faces yesterday as they were receiving some of these everyday life essentials was truly priceless. Assisting these underserved children in our community is the least we can do to encourage them to come to school every day prepared and ready to learn. This day would not be possible without the assistance of Medline, California Highway Patrol, San Bernardino County Fire, Sherriff, and Probation Department, Code Enforcement, Department of Public Health and Behavioral Health, and San Bernadino County Children’s Fund for supplying these children with items that are necessary to assist them with their educational journey through the new school year,” Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., stated.

YUCAIPA, CA — Norma Viveros wears a lot of hats.

To her students at Victoria Elementary in San Bernardino, she’s known as Ms. Norma. At home, she’s Mom. At Crafton Hills College (CHC), she’s a proud graduate of the Class of 2022.

The San Bernardino woman was one of more than a thousand to celebrate their educational accomplishments during a campus-wide commencement ceremony on May 25. But her path to receiving an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development was not always easy, but one that was etched when presented with a challenge.

“I was working as a campus monitor at Victoria, and there was a teacher who told my son that he was going to ‘end up like his mother.’ I didn’t like that,” explained the 46-year-old. “The neighborhood I live in is not in the best area, but it is just home to me, and I didn’t like (my son) looking at me and saying, ‘I’m not going to graduate.’ So, I made it my mission to get my diploma and show him that if his mom could do it, he could do it.”

Looking also to prove the doubters wrong, Viveros enrolled at Redlands Adult School (RAS) to earn her high school diploma. After crushing that goal, she began her CHC journey and will continue her studies at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) in the fall.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get my high school diploma,” she said with a chuckle. “I asked (staff) at Redlands Adult School ‘what’s next.’ And they replied, ‘What about college?’ I was 45 years old at the time. How am I supposed to go to college? That’s for young kids. There’s no way.”

With RAS officials’ encouragement, Viveros registered for CHC Summer Bridge Program, a five-week course that helps students from Redlands and Yucaipa adult schools transition into college. She then tried taking two classes and then more –until she graduated with her degree.

Balancing it all – work, home and school – was tricky, but Viveros credits her robust support system, which includes her four children, ages 26, 22, 17 and 14, for cheering her on, even if it meant missing family occasions.

And as she continues to make her goals a reality, Viveros knows that support will continue, which is a huge motivational boost. Another reason: she wants to set a positive example for the students of Victoria and those who live in the same San Bernardino neighborhood.

“My plan is to get my master’s in counseling and encourage ‘my kids’ to stay in school and help them be productive because I believe if we keep our kids busy, you won’t have them running these streets,” Viveros explained.

“I’m the first in my family to graduate from college. I’ve been through some crazy things in life, but no matter what I’m doing, no one knows what I’m going through because I’m always smiling. I’m not a victim. I’m a survivor. And when you put a challenge in front of me, I’m going to run with it.”

The Adult Education Program is a partnership between the community college and the local adult schools provided by the California Adult Education Program and the Inland Adult Education Consortium.

The program aims to facilitate the transition between adult school and college by providing adults with resources to advance their careers and education to improve their overall quality of life.

For more information, visit craftonhills.edu/adult-education-program.

For a PDF version of this release and to download Norma’s photo, click here.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—” I’m very happy to have been promoted to being an instructor by the Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health program,” says Yamileth Monarrez, “because the courses address issues that I’ve personally experienced and now I feel I can do something to make things better.”

The Making Hope Happen Foundation’s Inland Empire Men’s Mental program offers free classes that educate people on how to recognize signs of mental distress in people they know and love and teaches them how to get friends and family members to be willing to talk about what’s going on.

Program manager Gerzon Ceseña says, “Men—especially minority men—tend to be very reluctant to talk about problems they’re having. Instead, they often shut themselves off, which can make things worse. Our program is all about getting rid of the idea that real men don’t need help and instead, that real friends can help friends when things are tough.”

“Promoting Ms. Monarrez to our training staff allows us to accommodate more students for our suicide prevention and mental health first aid classes,” says Ceseña.

Yamileth Monarrez is a senior at UC Riverside and will be graduating in December. She spent a semester abroad at London South Bank University, taking a variety of courses, and psychology is an area she has been interested in for some time. The exposure to a different culture broadened her horizons while at the same time, showed how people everywhere often need to deal with the same problems.

Monarrez says, “At UCR I’ve served as a mentor to freshmen. I really enjoy helping people and I wanted to work for IE Men’s Mental Health because the program emphasizes the need to de-stigmatize mental health issues so that people can get the help they need.”

For more information or to sign up for a course, visit. https://www.mhhfmentalhealth.org/dult.htm or call (909) 347-7234. Class schedules are updated monthly.

About Making Hope Happen Foundation

Making Hope Happen is a nonprofit foundation linked with the San Bernardino City Unified School District. The nonprofit is based on the philosophy of Gallop Senior Scientist Dr. Shane J. Lopez. Hope allows people to envision a better future, design a path toward that future, and take purposeful steps toward it.  As a result of a deep commitment to this quest, the San Bernardino Community and School Alliance (CASA was reorganized and renamed the Making Hope Happen Foundation).

The Foundation’s Inland Empire Men’s Mental Health program offers free mental health training for people who would like to be able to help friends or family members that would like to learn effective ways to approach friends or family members who seem to he has emotional or mental health problems but aren’t sure about what to say or do.

For more information on The IE Men’s Mental Health Program, go to the group’s web page at IEMensMentalHealth.org or call (909) 347-7234.