On Oct. 27, Gov. Gavin Newsom held a press conference after receiving a Moderna booster shot to augment the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine he took in April.

The governor said he deliberately opted for a different vaccine as a booster to emphasize the Centers of Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance that it is safe for people to mix and match vaccines.

The governor encouraged eligible Californians to get their booster shots as well, warning that initial COVID-19 shots required to be designated “fully vaccinated” might not be enough to inoculate individuals who are at a higher risk of getting the disease.

“Any state vision has to be realized at the local level. Localism is determinative,” Gov. Newsom said, thanking Alameda County public health officials and workers, Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf, Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan and Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) for their leadership in spearheading the vaccination of 84 % of all people in their county. Newsom was speaking at Asian Health Services, a community clinic in Oakland.

The governor also thanked Bonta for working to make sure the state is “supporting these efforts not only advance the cause of getting more of the unvaccinated vaccinated, but now the cause that unites us here today, and that is encouraging more boosters so that we can address the legitimate concerns of waning immunity,” Newsom said.

The governor pointed out that he is not just promoting boosters. He is also pushing a message of “caution” because of what he anticipates might happen this winter based on a spike in COVID cases around this same time last year.

“On the 24^th of October, we had about six thousand cases. One month later, we had 18,000 cases. A month after that, we had 54,000 cases – basically a tripling of cases every month. That was last year,” he said. “And we all remember what occurred last winter in December and January.”

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, immunity against COVID-19 drops to as low as 20% four months after the second vaccine dose.

On Oct. 21, the CDC expanded eligibility for the Pfizer and Moderna booster shots for those 65 years and older, 18 years and older who live in long-term care settings, 18 years and older who have underlying medical conditions, and 18 years and older who work or live in high-risk settings.

The California Health and Human Services Agency echoed the governor’s push for booster shots on Twitter.

“Get boosted, CA! #COVID19 vaccine boosters will help keep our immunities strong and our families safer. Find out if you’re eligible & get yours today,” the tweet read.

Newsom offered words of encouragement to Californians who he says might be weary of living with COVID restrictions.

“We’ll get through this. We’re making progress. We’re turning the corner but let’s get these boosters, let’s continue to be vigilant, let’s continue to reach out to those maybe on the fence, maybe hesitant about getting a vaccine, and encourage them to get a vaccine,” Newsom said.

More than 80 % of Californians who are eligible to take the COVID vaccine have received at least one shot, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Bonta, who replaced her husband Attorney General Rob Bonta in the California Legislature, is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus. She took a booster shot with the governor.

“When we talk about being a resilient community, it requires resilient action,” said Bonta. “The simplest thing we can do right now is to go to our trusted providers to ensure we are getting our boosters. As we consider taking care of our communities, it requires every individual to act with resilience.”

To check eligibility or make an appointment for a COVID shot, visit MyTurn.CA.gov

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

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD’s) comprehensive efforts to acclimate employees into its professional culture and values, starting with welcoming and training new hires, has earned acclaim from the California School Boards Association (CSBA).

The District’s Onboarding Program, overseen by the Human Resources Division, has earned a distinguished Golden Bell Award and will be formally honored in December at a reception in San Diego.

The District’s onboarding process is personalized depending on the role of the new employee and offers various opportunities for ongoing professional development and mentoring.

SBCUSD has about 47,000 students and is California’s seventh largest school district. The District has about 8,000 employees. As San Bernardino County’s largest school district and one of the Inland Empire’s largest employers, SBCUSD has a duty to hire and retain the most qualified employees, something that is even more important during the pandemic, said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marcus Funchess, who oversees the Human Resources Division.

“We’re proud of our onboarding process because it helps new employees feel they are part of our SBCUSD family,” Funchess said. “Once our employees go through onboarding, they have the confidence and skills they need to succeed in their position, whether they’re a new teacher or custodian. Additionally, they develop an understanding of how their own purpose can align with our District’s vision.”

SBCUSD offers employees many opportunities to participate in professional development that focuses on sharing best practices with an emphasis on equity, access, inclusion, and innovative educational practices. The District designs excellent educational experiences for staff and gives employees diverse opportunities for authentic collaboration throughout the year.

Each year, CSBA recognizes outstanding educational programs and school governance practices that effectively address the needs of California students. The District has earned several Golden Bell Awards in recent years, including one for its efforts to cultivate future teachers from its student ranks through the Grow Your Own program. The Demonstration Teacher Program, also overseen by Human Resources, previously won Golden Bell acclaim. Demonstration teachers are experts in various subjects and open their classrooms to other District teachers who are working to hone their instructional skills.

“Black Panther” actress Dorothy Steel, who rose to fame for beginning her acting career at the age of 88, has died at 95.

Although it was a life-long dream to act, Steel did not begin to pursue acting until she was 88. At the age of 92, she made her feature film debut in one of the biggest roles in her movie career, as an elder tribal leader in the 2018 Marvel franchise blockbuster movie Black Panther.

She followed up Black Panther with a recurring role as Mother Harris on the series Saints & Sinners, and she later appeared in the comedy Poms, the TV movie Christmas Wishes, Mistletoe Kisses, Daisy Winters, BET’s The Oval and also had a small role in the movie “Jumanji: The Next Level.”

Steel stated that she sat down in front of her computer every day and practiced Nelson Madela’s speeches to find the right tone for her character. She heard back from the Black Panther production team an hour after sending in her audition tape.

Steel was born in Detroit in 1926. She lived in Atlanta but transitioned at her home in Detroit.

Prior to her death, the actress was in the middle of filming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which started production this past June. The Marvel franchise reportedly flew her home so she could spend her final moments with her loved ones.

Her agent Cindy Butler wrote. “Thank you, Ms. Dorothy, for giving me the opportunity to ride this wave with you. Thank you too all the Casting Directors who hired Ms. Dorothy. Thank you to the world for loving on her from afar.”

HIGH DESERT, CA — Recording artist and community raptivist, Justified Smith is back on a mission in the name of FATHERHOOD! Being well known for his work in the high desert community, Justified has taken fatherhood engagement to another level by reaching out to the Hip Hop Community to stand alongside him as FATHERS IN HIP HOP.

On Sunday, November 21, 2021, Fathers in Hip Hop will be delivering a huge blessing to the fathers and their families in the High Desert and surrounding areas with the “BLESSED IN THE MESS THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAY”. It is their goal to distribute Thanksgiving Dinners to 500 Families including Turkeys and all the traditional sides.

In addition to giving away FREE Baby Diapers, Bottles & Formula along with other household necessities such as toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, cleaning supplies, and hygiene bags, they will also be raffling off a variety of prizes such as bicycles, skateboards, televisions, and other electronic devices.

During the event, Fathers in Hip Hop will be honoring 100 MEN and presenting them with Fathers in Hip Hop Acknowledgment Awards for their commitment to Fatherhood. Among those honorees are men from different walks of life. Politicians, Pastors, Professional Athletes, Influential Recording Artist, and Youth Sports Coaches. Fatherhood is the common ground for all these men being awarded.

With This Event Fathers in Hip Hop’s Goal Is to Bless the Families of The High Desert and To Show The Importance Of Strong Fathers and the roles they play in the community.

ABOUT FIHH

FIHH takes an intimate and up-close look into the testimony of various Influential hip hop artists in regards to their experiences and definitions of fatherhood. Too often these types of artist are categorized as dead-beat dads and judged by their genre of music instead of who they are as fathers.

FIHH covers testimony by men discussing fatherhood from a variety of angles, exploring resources and introducing tips to better aid men in raising their children. FIHH covers financial planning including life insurance and other means of providing security and provisions for their children’s future.

FIHH brings awareness to the importance of being an active father in a child’s life regardless of the circumstances. FIHH will expose the effects that carry over into adulthood stemming from the absence of a father figure.  FATHERS IN HIP HOP is impacting fatherhood engagement around the world!

Follow the FATHERS IN HIP HOP on social media.

Instagram @Fathersinhiphop

Twitter: @Fathersinhiphop

Facebook: Fathersinhiphop

Website: fathersinhiphop.com

Colin Powell, the retired four-star general who became the country’s first Black Secretary of State and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has died due to complications from Covid-19. He was 84.

Powell, 84, was fully vaccinated from Covid-19, and had been treated at Walter Reed National Medical Center but was suffering from serious underlying conditions.

Powell and his wife, Alma, were tested for Covid recently and both tested positive. Powell was then hospitalized at Walter Reed. Powell had multiple myeloma, a cancer of a type of white blood cell, which can harm the body’s immune system, surgery for prostate cancer when he was Secretary of State, and, more recently, Parkinson’s disease.

Powell became the first Black secretary of state under President George W. Bush. He served twice in Vietnam — during the first tour, he was wounded in action, and on the second tour, he received the Soldier’s Medal for rescuing several men from a burning helicopter. He also received a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts earned during his other tours in Vietnam. He also served as U.S. National Security Adviser under President Ronald Reagan from 1987 to 1989.

Powell, a moderate Republican and a pragmatist, considered a bid to become the first Black president in 1996 but his wife Alma’s worries about his safety helped him decide otherwise. Powell will forever be associated with his controversial presentation on Feb. 5, 2003, to the U.N. Security Council, making President George W. Bush’s case that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein constituted an imminent danger to the world because of its stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons.

In 2008, he broke with his party to endorse Democrat Barack Obama, who became the first Black elected to the White House.

Powell was born in 1937 in Harlem, New York, to immigrants from Jamaica and grew up in the South Bronx, going on to get a bachelor’s degree from the City College of New York.

He is survived by his wife, their three children, and multiple grandchildren.

By Lou Yeboah

“I am giving you three options. Choose one of them for me to carry out against you” [1 Chronicles 21:10]. Three years of famine, or three months to be defeated by your foes with the sword of your enemies overtaking you, or else three days the sword of the LORD; the plague in the land, with the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.” Choose One of them for me to carry out against you” because over and over I have warned you to repent, and you have ignored my warnings!

Now consider what answer I should take back to Him who sent me: And David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” [1 Chronicles 21:13].

So, the LORD sent a plague on Israel from that morning until the end of the time designated, and seventy- thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD was grieved because of the calamity and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, “Enough! withdraw your hand. [2 Samuel 24:15-16]. Oh,Merciful God! If it had not been for the Lord on my side, where would I be?

Listen, even though God chooses to show mercy, what about when that mercy runs out? What will you do? So, many times we take things of God for granted. Things like salvation. God’s convictions. God’s calling. God’s grace and mercy without realizing the result of doing so. But [Isaiah 5:24] reminds us that if we do not repent and return to our first love, that God’s love will be turned to anger, His blessings will turn to judgment, murder and death of the people will increase, enemy nations will threaten to attack—suddenly and overwhelmingly—and all trusted defenses will fail. It happened to Israel. It will happen to us if we don’t soon change our ways. I tell you, it’s past time to look to God, repent and beg His mercy because the similarities of the six woes in [Isaiah 5] and how they relate to us, especially America today are astounding.

Sound the Alarm: Judgment is Coming! Blow the trumpet in Zion; let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand- a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was of old nor ever will be in ages to come. Blow the Shofar! Another army is approaching… this one not of locust but men… who attack, scaling walls and entering houses… and this too will be a “Day of the Lord.”

The message God has given to proclaim; God has run out of patience with your unbelief and punishment is on the horizon: For He says, even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, my heart would not go out to this people. Send them away from my presence! Let them go! And if they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ tell them, ‘This is what the LORD says: “‘Those destined for death, to death; those for the sword, to the sword; those for starvation, to starvation; those for captivity, to captivity.” [Jeremiah 15:1-2].

As Moses wrote in the book of Numbers: “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” [Numbers 23:19]. This is what the LORD says; while God is full of mercy, His justice will prevail. Make no mistake about it!

“I am giving you three options. Choose one of them for me to carry out against you.”

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

 Marked for their intense drive and steely determination, Scorpios make some of the most indispensable people in a company or an organization. You never have to worry about bearing the brunt of hard work with this sign around. Scorpio’s famous for doing whatever is necessary to bring a job to completion. If you work with a Scorpio, you are working with someone who is intense, passionate, and strong-willed and who get the job done. Mr. Wallace Allen… a very lucky man…. Lol….

Happy Birthday to ALL November born.

If you would like to place your “Birthday Ad” in Westside Story Newspaper, please call (909) 384-8131.

By Breanna Reeves and Drew Nate

A JW North High School math teacher has been placed on administrative leave after a video of her mockingly chanting and dancing around the classroom in a fake headdress went viral on Thursday.

In the video, the teacher is seen chanting “SohCahToa,” a mnemonic device that is commonly used to teach trigonometry in classrooms. The video captures a scene that Native American students and community members are already familiar with — the misappropriation and mockery of Native American culture.

“How many students now seeing her react that way or even on the viral videos that are going on, are now mimicking her within their discussions in their own neighborhoods now?” asked Assemblymember James Ramos

who is Serrano and Cahuilla and the first Native American person elected to the California Assembly. “And how does that make the Native American students feel or the Native American community feel?”

The Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) released a statement in response to the incident, which read in part, “Her actions do not represent the values of our district.” RUSD is currently pursuing an investigation into the incident.

“We are deeply committed to implementing inclusive practices and policies that honor the rich diversity of our district and the greater region. We will be working with our students, families, staff and community to regain your trust,” the statement read.

While RUSD has initiated an investigation into the incident and the teacher, community members expressed outrage at an RUSD Board Meeting Thursday evening. A few attendees who spoke called for the teacher to be fired immediately.

A young girl in attendance at the meeting, spoke powerfully to the RUSD Board Members. “Me and my people, we still don’t have our rights. We’ve been fighting for it. I always feel so sad,” she said.

She went on to say, “They treat us badly, they bully us, and nothing has happened for so long.” She gave a call to action to RUSD Board Members. As she stated in the meeting, “[Y]ou can change things, you have the power to change things.”

Several members and supporters of the American Indian Movement’s Southern California chapter went to the podium to speak, demanding that the teacher be fired, an apology to the student who filmed the incident, and an apology to Native Americans affected by the video.

“We want that apology. We want something done. We heard what your statement said — you’re going to ‘look into it’. We’ve heard over and over ‘we’re looking into it.’ No. We want it looked into now,” said Dee Dee Manzanares Ybarra, director of the American Indian Movement SoCal chapter and tribal chair of Rumšen Am:a Tur:ataj Ohlone.

“We’re not going to wait. We asked for an answer within a week. We expect that answer. Something needs to be done. All the evidence is there.”

In response to the video, community members organized a protest on Thursday to let their voices be heard in Riverside.

President of JW North Alumni Association, Sammie Luna spoke at the RUSD Board Meeting and talked about how it was a difficult day for everyone in attendance. She began by saying she is a proud Husky and by thanking Dr. Horace Jackson who was one of the first principals at JW North High School to champion cultural diversity.

She spoke in front of the RUSD Board, saying, “diversity has always been North’s greatest attribute and treasure.” She spoke of the incident and mentioned how this was the perfect example of why Assembly Bill 101 regarding ethnic studies is needed which she credited to Assemblymember Jose Medina for introducing the bill. Luna went on to say that “this bill is not only good for our students but also for teachers.”

Jesse Ramirez, a community member who also spoke at the RUSD Board Meeting called for the JW North High School teacher to be terminated. Ramirez also went on to explain the importance of ethnic studies bill.

Earlier this month, California became the first state to require students to complete an ethnic studies course for high school graduation.

“America is shaped by our shared history, much of it painful and etched with woeful injustice. Students deserve to see themselves in their studies, and they must understand our nation’s full history if we expect them to one day build a more just society,” Governor Newsom said in a statement.

Last September RUSD unanimously voted to make ethnic studies a graduation requirement among high school students beginning with the 2024-25 school year. Prior to this vote, RUSD offered both African American Studies and Chicano Studies courses as electives to students.

The incident at North High School further emphasized the need for ethnic studies and cultural competency in the classroom. Assemblymember Ramos explained that his upcoming bill, AB 1554, the California Indian Education Act, outlines curriculum guidelines for educating both students and teachers on California Native Americans.

“There has to be some type of change that takes place to make sure that California Indian people, and Native Americans throughout the nation, are respected and taught appropriately when they’re being discussed inside the classroom,” said Ramos. “This is an issue that starts at an early age that continues to move forward into higher education.”

The student who took the video remains anonymous and does not wish to be identified for safety reasons, according to Akalei Brown, who is Kanaka-Maoli and Taos Pueblo and a Native History/ Culture consultant. Brown has identified herself as the spokesperson for the family of the student.

“I felt it necessary to share this video with the world so they could have a small glimpse into the type of abuses Native children face in US schools every day,” said Brown in a statement via Instagram. “This is reality for Native people in the US and we’re not going to take it sitting down anymore. We’re standing up for our children and setting a new standard for the treatment of Native people.”

To the student who filmed the incident, Assemblymember Ramos urged, “??Continue to stand up, stand up for your rights, don’t let no one take those rights from you. So, stand up, keep moving forward, and there should be no — there should be no retaliation against this student for recording what they did in that classroom.”

This district has not released the teacher’s name.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA –PAL Charter Academy faced off against Lucerne Valley Saturday, October 23 at San Bernardino High School. PCA won 48-0, moving them to 2-0 in Agape League play.

The Bulls received a surprise visit from President Dr. Gwen Rodgers from the San Bernardino City Unified School District. She gave the team a boost before the game telling them she and the district were proud of them.

Dr. Rodgers then gave them a pep talk and encouraged them to bring it home for PCA and the city. The district extended PAL Charter Academy SBHS football stadium to play their season games while PCA builds their football field. PAL Charter is the longest operating and first authorized Charter school under the SBCUSD.

Head coach, Joseph Stanley, said the team played hard and followed the school’s 3D code, “Discipline, Determination, and Dedication equals winner on and off the field!” Tonight, they lived the code.

Executive Director Dwaine Radden Sr. said it was great seeing Dr. Rodgers out here supporting their players and school. It meant a lot to them and the staff. Radden noted the district has worked with him and the team to ensure they had a district facility to play their CIF games. Her visit was also coupled with making sure PCA received quality customer service from the district.

On Friday, October 29, the Bulls had a barn burner against Hesperia Christian, who is also 2-0.

RIALTO, CA— On Sunday, October 31, 2021, the City of Rialto held their annual Halloween Hi-Jinks at the Civic Center in Downtown Rialto.

Halloween Hi-Jinks is the city’s annual Halloween celebration. This year there was a New Orleans Masquerade Mayhem with free candy, games and live entertainment. Other festivities included Down in the Bayou with kid’s crafts, food vendors and Princess & the Frog movie, Mazes and a Masquerade Mask Contest.

“Another great success during our Halloween Hi-Jinks,”Mayor Deborah Robertson stated. “Thanks to everyone who participated in making this a wonderful night. Special thanks to the new Community Services Director Cynthia Alvarado and the entire supporting staff of Parks and Recreation, as well as the various City department heads in attendance. The crowd and turnout was awesome!”