We hope you are staying safe and healthy during this time. As you read on, we wanted to share some resources and information about coronavirus — from symptoms to ways to mitigate the spread of the disease, this is all good to know while we are all working on getting through this.

As you know, Governor Gavin Newsom has called for all Californians to remain indoors except for absolutely necessary reasons like a trip to the pharmacy, a visit to a doctor, or a run to the grocery store to stock up on food.

Folks are safer at home, and by practicing social distancing, we can mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Projections show that more than 50 percent of Californians could contract COVID-19 without taking safety measures as drastic as this — so please be careful and follow the governor’s orders.

There are a lot of great resources out there, including:

LA County’s Department of Public Health’s website

Ventura County Emergency Information website

California’s Coronavirus Response website

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

If you think you might have coronavirus, contact your health care provider. Local health departments and health care providers determine who needs testing and hospitalization on a case-by-case basis.

Seek treatment by calling your doctor for a phone evaluation if:

• You have difficulty breathing (shortness of breath);
• You feel like symptoms (such as fever and cough) are getting worse rapidly;
• You are unable to care for symptoms at home.

LA County’s Department of Public Health put together this guide on how to cope during this emotionally stressful time:

Manage Your Stress

• Maintain a routine.
• Make time to relax and rest.

Be informed and inform you family

• Become familiar with local medical and mental health resources in your community.
• Give honest, age-appropriate information to children and remember to stay calm; children often feel what you feel.

Connect with your community online or through the phone

• Keep contact with family and friends through social messaging or through phone calls.
• Reach out to neighbors and friends with special needs who may need your help.

Reach Out and Help while maintaining necessary social distancing guidelines

• If you know someone affected by the outbreak, call them to see how they are doing, and remember to keep their confidentiality.
• Consider an act of kindness for those who have been asked to practice social distancing, such as having a meal delivered.

Be sensitive.

• Avoid blaming anyone or assuming someone has the disease because of the way they look or where they or their families come from.
• An infectious disease is not connected to any racial or ethnic group; speak up in kindness when you hear false rumors or negative stereotypes that foster racism and xenophobia.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- Melissa Wyatt is an innovative and forward-thinking serial entrepreneur, real estate developer, coach and mentor who has spent decades honing her skills through multiple startups.  As the powerhouse behind MW Enterprises, LLC, a privately managed and diversified real estate company with holdings in excess of $7mm, and headquartered in Los Angeles, Ms. Wyatt’s  focus includes acquisition, development and management of residential, multifamily, small office, and commercial properties as well as undeveloped land. Her newest land project will pay homage to her grandparents and bringing food resources and solutions to impoverished, resource-scarce communities. 

Melissa offers these tips for landlords and real estate developers. “Now is not the time to panic. Now is the time to show leadership, add stabilization to the market, and ensure that our tenants feel safe and secure in their homes. For tenants, here are a few ways MWE is assisting in this current crisis:

1. Assisting with rent
2. Assisting with medical bills
3. Allowing tenants to pay when they can (being flexible on due dates)
4. Sending positive vibes that everything will be okay soon
5. Letting tenants know if they need something to reach out to us at MW Enterprises LLC so we can try to help”

Check out Melissa’s recent interview in Equity Movement Magazine for more information on how she became a real estate mogul. 

INLAND EMPIRE, CA—- The 2020 Wrightwood Arts & Wine Festival is reaching out to local artists from Southern California to invite participation in its exciting event on Saturday, September, 19, 2020, from 11 a.m.to 6 p.m. Mountain High Ski Resort has joined forces with them as their premier sponsor, which means much more event publicity for artists and their town! More advertising equals more people attending and more sales. Participating Artists will be provided with a 10’x10’ canopy, one 6’ table, two folding chairs, and 50+ promotional postcards to send to their constituents. Booth fees range from $125 – $200. Artists will keep 100% of their sales transactions! Deadline to apply is April 1, 2020.

Artists that are interested may contact Pat Farrell at 760.249.6709 or festival@wrightwoodarts.com to be included on the Festival mailing list.  Or simply complete the artist application which is now available at www.wrightwoodarts.com/festival.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Community block party scheduled at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship and Hunt Elementary School has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 12 p.m. They will; however still give out food on Saturday, March 28 at The Way World Outreach located at 1001 N Arrowhead in San Bernardino from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. If your family is in need, come and grab a bag of FREE groceries.

For more information Call 909-353-7977 visit our web site to volunteer at any capacity call The Way 909-884-7117. Standing on His Word, to God be the Glory.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) is asking the public to help them keep Food Bank services responsive to the increased need for food as the coronavirus (COVID-19) impacts our communities. The Food Bank, which receives food from a variety of sources including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and private food donations, makes food available to those in need through 250 community distribution sites and soup kitchens. In 2019, the program served over 50,000 unduplicated households and 150,000 individuals monthly. More than 15 million pounds of food was provided to meet the needs of San Bernardino County’s food-insecure residents in 2019. Partner soup kitchens served over 400,000 meals during the same year.

But that changed with COVID-19.

Under Governor Newsom’s order that all California residents stay at home and non-essential businesses close their doors, the Food Bank remains open as an “essential service.” But they need help from the communities that depend on them to have enough food and volunteers. Several distribution sites have closed due to senior volunteers staying home. As the need for food assistance continues to grow, having distribution sites stay open with people to staff them will become even more crucial.

“Our Food Bank Program is a vital component in the health, well-being, and in some cases, the survival of thousands of residents throughout San Bernardino County,” explained CAPSBC’s President and CEO Patricia Nickols-Butler. “When distribution sites close and supplies at soup kitchens run short, people go hungry. It’s that simple and that devastating for those who depend on the food we provide. We urgently need help from our communities in order to help us provide food where it’s needed most.”

The Food Bank is asking for assistance in three ways: through financial donations, food donations, and volunteering, particularly by groups and organizations. 

“We are taking every precaution during this time to safeguard the health and safety of our volunteers as well as our staff,” said Food Bank Program Manager Brandon Romano. “I can’t emphasize enough how critical volunteers are to our operations, especially in a time of crisis.”

Potential volunteers should contact Xiomara Henriquez-Ortega, Manager of Administrative Support, at 909-723-1525 or email xhenriquez@capsbc.org for more information and to sign up.

Those wishing to make a financial donation can do so at CAPSBC’s website, https://www.capsbc.org/donate.

For information on how to make food donations, contact the Food Bank directly, (909) 723-1581 or email foodbank@capsbc.org.

For additional information about CAPSBC’s programs, including the Food Bank, visit their website at https://www.capsbc.org/ or call 909-723-1500.

The San Bernardino Public Library will be temporarily closed to the public through Sunday, April 5.

Patrons who have library cards can utilize various free online resources and information available at our library’s website www.sbpl.org.

Among the various resources:

• Overdrive – eBooks and eAudiobooks;
• ReferenceUSA – Business and phone directories;
• Brainfuse – Live Homework Help offering assistance for elementary, middle school and adult learners in various subjects via chat almost every day of the year;
• New York Times – Up to 5 full-text articles a month can be viewed;
• Britannica School and Escolar offering information in elementary, middle school and high school modules;
•  Footsteps2Brilliance offering information to promote early literacy;
• R & B Digital Magazines & Audiobooks featuring electronic editions of popular magazines;
• America’s News featuring full-text of newspaper articles including the San Bernardino Sun since 2001.

Materials can be returned to book drops at the libraries. Patrons can also renew materials that are already checked out to them at the library website. Fees will be not charged for materials due starting March 17 until the libraries re-open.

Please check www.sbpl.org for updates. Patrons are encouraged to follow the library on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sbcitylib and Twitter at https://twitter.com/sbcitylibrary. They can also follow the Friends of SBPL at https://www.facebook.com/SBPLfriends/ .

By Lou Yeboah

Listen… If you think the “Corona-virus” is something—I tell you, but, Nay, except you REPENT… ALL of you will likewise perish… That’s right… I’M FED UP… I’m sick of your sin and disobedience. I’m sick of your rejection, your injustice, and your complaining. Think you can flaunt your sin in My face and nothing happens. Think you can continually take My Grace for granted and nothing happens… I tell you what….Yield yourselves to Me, and serve Me, ONLY THEN, will I let you live and not bring on you any of the diseases which I put on the Egyptians.  Because from the day you came out of the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have rebelled against Me, so much so, that I am ready to destroy you.  I tell you, IF YOU DO NOT REPENT, All of you will likewise perish! I have for along time held my peace; I have been still, and restrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once… No more will I relent if you do not repent! You have been warned, says the Lord.”

I want you to know that both the Old and New Testaments display a God who doesn’t tolerate sin, he punished it.  A few stories from the Old Testament: The Garden: God didn’t tolerate Adam and Eve’s sin. He didn’t accept their lifestyle choice to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He banished them from Eden and left an angel with flaming swords to guard the entrance so they couldn’t return. Noah and the Flood: His anger was provoked against the sin of Noah’s day and He brought on the flood that changed the face of the world. Uzzah: One of the most uncomfortable accounts of divine intolerance found in [2 Samuel 6]. This story recounts Uzzah’s attempt to steady the ark of the Lord after an oxen stumbled on the journey back to Israel. When he reached out and touched the ark, Uzzah’s instinctive response was met with God’s intense anger, and Uzzah was immediately struck down. I could go on and on throughout the Old Testament, considering Achan, Korah, Aaron’s sons, the Canaanites, and the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, just to name a few. All perished by the very hand of God. He did not tolerate their sin; he punished it.

I tell you, God is very patient and loving with us. He gives us many chances to repent and turn from our wickedness. One day, however, His toleration of sin will cease. That is the lesson of the Old Testament, that God waits, longing for people to repent. However, He will not delay punishment forever and when it does arrive, it will be without recourse. The lesson to humanity today is to repent while there is time. 

“The people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them… The king made proclamation… “Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence which is in his hands.” [Jonah 3:5, 7-9]

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. So choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, 20and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him…” [Deuteronomy 30:19].

Scripture Reference:

Luke 13:2-5

Isaiah 65:2

2 Chronicles 30:7-8

Exodus 15:26

Numbers 11: 1-34

Romans 1:18

Isaiah 42: 23-25

By Chida Rebecca | Editor-in-Chief, Black Lifestyle Magazine

The idea of working from home has always been a glamorized one.  Rolling out of bed whenever you’d like, sitting poolside with your favorite drink at noon.  Man! That sounds like a day anyone would enjoy.  Especially if you find yourself working for a company that you may not particularly like physically going to.   In the last few weeks, we’ve seen corporations big and small come to a major halt due to COVID-19.  Businesses have essentially locked their doors and are requiring employees to work from home.  While some may have been excited, others are realizing that working from home is not for everyone.

I grew up in a family business and was accustomed to working for long hours at my desk. I had an innate discipline that helped me stay glued to my seat and maybe a little too much.  But as times changed and opportunities arose for me to work from home, I realized that I had to implement some different habits at home than that of my former office space.  For those of you that are new to “working from home,” here are a few tips I’ll share with you to help you in your transition.

1.    Pick a Designated Work Area

When I started working from home, I thought I could sit on my bed, spread out documents and my laptop and have at it. Well, I soon found that I would start off sitting up, legs crossed and attentive, then progressively move into a slouched position, followed by a full-on fetal position with complete attention on the television while my computer and papers were strewn off to the edge of the bed.  Talk about a reality check.  After being in denial about the obvious distractions, I opted to get an actual desk with a chair and sit there. I went from papers all over the house to everything being in one central location. The desk and chair in a designated part of the house started me off with the structure I need to work efficiently.

2.    Structure Your Time

This is a must. Try to keep the same hours you had when you were physically going to work. Working from home can be one of the biggest distractions there is.  From the television to the kitchen to the laundry and even YOUR BED! These are all things that will beg for your attention during the times you should be working.  When I first started working from home, my house seemed magical. It just had a different feeling on Wednesday at 11 am than a Saturday or Sunday at 11 am did.   If you don’t structure your time you won’t get anything done. The great thing about going to work is that your office was, for the most part, a space designated purely for work. It pretty much shaped how you worked and to what degree.  Your home is usually considered a place for rest and relaxation – a place you escape to. So, understand your brain is going to need some slight rewiring and some patience.

3.    Take Your Breaks

‘In the workforce, breaks are mandated. According to Psychology Today, “A ‘break’ is a brief cessation of work, physical exertion, or activity. You decide to give it a rest with the intention of getting back to your task within a reasonable amount of time.”  Did you know that sitting for long periods of time is said to put you at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity? Simply stepping away from your desk and taking a walk, stretching or some form of activity can reduce the negative effects of too much sitting. If you have other individuals in the house, taking breaks affords you the opportunity to connect with them and shift your mind from any stressful thinking you may be engaged in.

4.    Create an End Time

Knowing when to start working is just as important as knowing when to stop.  When I initially started working from home, I found that when I got into a good flow, it was hard to stop. So, I wouldn’t. I would sit from 7 am until 11 pm at times with minimal breaks. I was determined to ride out the wave of productivity, sometimes working beyond midnight. My dad would always encourage me not to work past the midnight hour because I was cheating myself out of the next day.  He was right. Pushing yourself beyond an established cut off point can lead to burnout quickly.  Ultimately, it’s about setting boundaries with yourself. Give it your all within the time allotted and then stop. Put all your focus and energy into the hours you set, the same way you did when you physically clocked in at work. When you’re done – then you’re done.  Save work for the next day.  There will ALWAYS be something to do. Time is the one thing we cannot replace. Remember to unplug and regroup.

---

Chida Rebecca is the Editor-in-Chief is San Diego’s only digital Black lifestyle magazine called “Black & Magazine”. www.blackandmagazine.com

LOS ANGELES, CA— The Diaspora Dialogues is an unmatched platform and space founded and Executive Produced by Koshie Mills, to bridge the gap and connect Africans in the continent with its global descendants in the diaspora. The power of excellence was displayed in the entertainment quality and program. Illustrious women of power and inspiration came from Africa, West Indies, UK and other parts of the globe to attend the event. The diversity of black women in the room created a magical environment of inclusion, hosted by veteran Author, Comedian, Co-Host of “The Real”, Loni Love.

The star-studded event commenced with an Ancestral Welcome and Affirmation led by the illustrious Host Loni Love. The declarations and sounds of “I AM A DAUGHTER OF THE SOIL….I AM A SON OF THE SOIL permeated the air and set the tone for the palpable love, camaraderie and positive energy in the ballroom. The standing room only crowd was a testament to the need and the reason why Founder Koshie Mills created a space where black women can connect and see each other as a global force.

The elegant, afternoon affair featured its Signature Throne Room, Cultural dancers from the Congo, Spoken word Artist, Actress, Author, Jamaican Born Jozanne Marie, Musical performance from Fox “American Idol” finalist and First generation Nigerian, Adanna Duru and the Afrobeats sounds curated by the DJ  further punctuated the culturally fragrant atmosphere. Spontaneous dancing from attendees erupted at intermission which further underscored our similarities and love of African music.

Four women who are Innovators and Change Agents from various industries were honored; Afro Latina Musical Artist, Actress and Cultural Activist, Amara La Negra was the Goddess Beauty Honoree. Shine on Sierra Leone

Founder, Tiffany Persons, was The Diaspora Dialogues Honoree, Media Maven Kimberly Paige was awarded with the Lionheart Business Honoree and finally Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, received the Entertainment ROAR Honoree.

Actress Ryan Michelle Bathe presented the Entertainment ROAR Award to Actress Yvette Nicole Brown. Google Executive Annie Jean Baptiste presented The Lionheart Business Award, sponsored by BET Networks to Media Maven Kimberly Paige CMO of BET Networks. Cree Summer presented to “Shine On Sierra Leone” Founder Tiffany Persons with The Diaspora Dialogues Sankofa Award and Actress/Director Nana Ghana presented to Afro-Latino Musical Artist Amara La Negra with the Goddess Beauty DUAFE Award.

VIP guests in attendance include; Actress Monique Coleman (High School Musical), Actor Kwame Boateng (The Plug), Actor Kwesi Boakye (Claws) Actress Stacy Dash (Clueless),  Erica Peeples (All American), (BET Plus, Ruthless Young), Nzinga Blake (Influencer and Red Carpet Host), Actress/Artist V. Bozeman (Empire).

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

SOME QUOTES FROM PRESENT AND PAST HONOREES

“I feel the bridge coming together and this event that Koshie Mills has created is the EPICENTER. Please never let the Dialogues Dialogues die, It Is a necessary platform”. – Tiffany Persons, Founder Shine On Sierra Leone

“Koshie and I had a real conversation and that is the UNLOCK for us, it leads to easier collaboration”. – Kimberly Paige, CMO BET Networks

“Women are the Backbone and the Future, That is why we need THIS!” – Actress Ryan Michelle Bathe

“I’m so excited and honored to host this event. We need to take the time to break bread, that’s

why it’s a great event and congrats Koshie You are doing a wonderful job!”. – Comedian, Author and Co-Host of The Real, Loni Love

“I’ve always felt like an African living in America. I believe we are sisters by bloodline and that makes us family”.

– Actress Yvette Nicole Brown.

“The Cross Pollination is long overdue.” Actress Nomzamo Mbatha

“I left the event feeling Euphoric and Empowered.” – Guest, Natalie Beasneal

To help protect your health and reduce the potential spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), Omnitrans has decided to make temporary adjustments to our bus boarding procedures.

EFFECTIVE SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020 – SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020:

• Customers must board and exit the bus using the REAR DOOR.
• Customers with mobility devices will continue to board and exit through the front door.
• NO FARES will be collected on Omnitrans buses.

As always, we advise you to do your part to protect yourself and those around you and follow recommended preventative actions, listed here. We will continue our precautionary, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of buses and facilities.
We thank you for riding Omnitrans and understand your need for essential transportation during this time. For the latest information, please text OMNI19 to 333-777, follow us on social media @Omnitrans on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or call us at 1-800-966-6428 during regular office hours.