By Edward Henderson ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

As the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) continues to transform Medi-Cal, the state is expanding coverage to include behavioral health needs, like mental health care and substance use disorder services.

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, provides coverage for one in three — or 15 million — Californians. About 40% of California youth is also covered by the program.

Paula Wilhelm, Interim Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Services at DHCS recently spoke at a digital press conference hosted by Ethnic Media Services to discuss some of the expanded services.

“As a department, we know that mental health is just as important as physical health, and all of our health outcomes are intertwined. DHCS has been working hard to partner with our medical managed care plans and care providers to transform the way behavioral health services are delivered to Medi-Cal members.”

Some expanded services include prevention and wellness, screening and assessment, outpatient and community-based treatment, and group/family therapy. More intensive services are covered as well: crisis care, residential treatment, inpatient, mental health, and substance use medication.

Individuals dealing with postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress due to school or work, drug or alcohol addiction can also receive services.

“We want to improve the quality of care that we offer in Medi-Cal and create a more person-centered delivery system,” said Wilhelm. “Our overarching goal is to make it easier for Medi-Cal members to access behavioral healthcare and all the services they need to live healthier lives.”

Recent changes to the Behavioral Health Services Act, which voters approved as Proposition 1 in March, will reform behavioral healthcare funding and prioritize care for people with serious conditions. The new law also focuses on adding diversity to the behavioral healthcare workforce to promote equity. Culturally responsive services and a workforce that reflects the diverse communities served under the plan will be prioritized.

Wilhelm also mentioned the state’s “No Wrong Door Approach” to mental health care in her briefing. This initiative focuses on behavioral health payment reform that aligns payment models that reward quality. This allows more providers to get into the Medi-Care system and increases the diversity of providers to make patients feel seen.

Medi-Cal is also expanding services for children and youth in California. Gov. Newsom’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative is a $4 billion investment into strengthening existing mental health services.

Autumn Boylan, Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for DHCS also spoke at the digital conference. She focused on the expansion of services to meet the growing mental health needs of youth.

“Half of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental illnesses emerge for our young people by the age of 14 and 75% of diagnosable mental illnesses begin by the age of 24. Focusing on children and youth from ages 0-25 is critically important to ensure that we are providing preventative services and intervening early when symptoms of mental health/substance abuse conditions begin to emerge as our young people are developing.”

In California, almost 300,000 youth are coping with major depression and 66% of those young people do not get treatment access in the way they should.

To combat this, the act focuses on strengthening the network of support for youth through county offices of education, and school districts throughout the state to increase care at school settings. Funding will bring more school counselors, psychologists, well-being and mindfulness programs, social and emotional learning, and support.

Community-based services known to benefit and achieve better outcomes for young people of color will also be prioritized.

Two free mental health apps have been created to increase mental health access for youth and their parents in California despite their coverage status.

The BrightLife Kids App (0-12), and Soluna App (13-25) provide free mental health support.

If you or a loved one could benefit from Medi-Cal’s services, you can access the DHS 24-hour access line to get connected to care.

LOS ANGELES, CA— For several decades now, casting director Jacqui Pitman, owner/CEO of Pitman Casting Inc. and PartyPit Productions Inc., has played a crucial role in the success of numerous long-standing TV shows.

With her creative insight, Pitman has contributed to over 500 shows, including iconic staples like “America’s Most Wanted,” “Price is Right,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” “Face Off,” and “Big Brother 2.” Pitman served as the casting director for ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor” and is now casting for the highly anticipated spinoff series, “The Golden Bachelorette.”

Pitman’s contributions to the world of dating shows and reality television are extensive. Her career began in the late ’80s with classic courting shows like “Love Connection,” Fox’s “Studs,” and as the notable casting director of CBS’s “Big Brother 2” which was said to be the season that revitalized the series. In 2004, when she was Senior Vice President of Development at Lighthearted Entertainment, Pitman created, and executive produced the MTV hit dating show “NEXT” which was inspired by her own dating life. She also developed and co-executive produced ABC’s hit show, “Extreme Makeover.” In 2017, in partnership with Asylum Entertainment, Pitman created, executive produced, and cast Bravo’s “To Rome for Love,” a groundbreaking series following five single African American women in Italy, produced under her PartyPit Productions Inc. banner.

“My television career has been AMAZING! From casting to developing, to executive producing and creating my own shows, I have had the opportunity to interact with some of the most fascinating people. Casting itself is like a big puzzle where we find the pieces that we think will fit naturally. But I must admit, dating shows are my thing! From “Love Connection” to MTV’s “NEXT” to the ultimate fantasy of living in one of the world’s most romantic places, Rome, Italy, while filming “To Rome for Love,” playing Cupid over the years has taught me so much about men and women. It’s clear pursuing love is a never-ending quest, no matter how old we are. But who could ask for a better day job than mine? It truly has been an unimaginable experience,” reveals Pitman.

Under PartyPit Productions Inc., Pitman specializes in all facets of reality show production, from casting hosts and experts to overseeing logistical aspects like background checks and casting finals. Her expertise extends across various platforms, including Fox, NBC, Discovery, OWN, Lifetime, WE and streaming services like Amazon, Netflix, Snapchat and Hulu. She continues developing original reality show concepts, with recent options at GSN, ABC, and CBS Studios.

Born in New Jersey and raised in foster care, Pitman’s childhood experiences have shaped her compassionate persona. She has long been involved in philanthropy, organizing annual drives to support children in the foster care system. Currently, she’s launching “Marvin Cares for Kids,” a non-profit named after her late brother, aimed at helping foster children transition into careers in the entertainment industry.

Don’t miss what casting director Jacqui Pitman and her casting team have in store for you next!

For upcoming opportunities with Pitman Casting Inc., visit https://pitmancasting.com.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Daughter of man, speak to your people and say to them:  When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their daughters and make her their watchman, and she sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head.  Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood. Well not on my watch. Sounding the alarm!

How Foolish to Ignore God’s Warnings!

A loving God who loves us so much that he warns us of upcoming impending judgment and doom, and what do you do, you ignore His warnings. Woe unto you! How foolish it is to ignore God’s warning. Ignoring God’s warnings ALWAYS breeds tragedy.  Learn from past history and do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Return now from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not listen or give heed to Me,” declares the Lord. [Zechariah 1:4]. How foolish to ignore God’s warnings. Learn from the Past!

Before God destroyed the world the first time with a flood of water, He raised up Noah, a man of righteousness, and allowed him to prophecy and forewarn the people of his day for 120 years. Did they listen? No. Tragedy!

Before Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with fire and brimstone from heaven, God allowed Abraham to intercede for the people there. Did they listen? No. Tragedy!

God used His prophets to forewarn the children of Israel that, if they did not change their ways, they would be led away captive by the Babylonians for a period of seventy years. Did they listen? No. Tragedy!

Listen, God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? [Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18].

God’s warnings always precede His judgment. But those who want to self-destruct don’t repent. Instead of repenting and sparing themselves the negative repercussions, they continue on their wrong journey and ruin their lives. Come back to your senses as you ought and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. [1 Corinthians 15:34].

A Vision of Chaos-

I looked at the earth, and it was formless and void, at the heavens, and there was no light there. I looked at the mountains; they were quaking, and all the hills moved back and forth. I looked, and no people were there. All the birds of the sky had gone. I looked, and the fruitful land had become a desert. All its towns were broken down because of the Lord, because of his burning anger. For this is what the Lord says: “The entire land will be devastated, but I won’t completely destroy it. Because of this, the land will mourn, and the heavens above will be dark. Because I have spoken and decided, I won’t turn back from doing it. [Jeremiah 4].

Ignoring God’s Warning ALWAYS Breed Tragedy!

U.S. NAVAL BASE GUAM – More than half of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force is based in the Indo-Pacific region due to the area’s strategic importance. At any given time, the undersea forces are conducting worldwide operations across the full spectrum of undersea warfare missions.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Rene Cardenas, a native of Rialto, California, is one of the sailors continuing the 124-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Cardenas graduated from Keiser High School in 2013.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rialto.

“Growing up, I was taught I needed to have patience and tolerance for those around me,” said Cardenas. “Me and my fellow sailors spend a lot of time together. We eat together, work together and bunk in the same room. We need to have patience with each other and work together to get the mission done.”

Cardenas joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Cardenas serves as a sonar technician.

“I joined the Navy to travel and see the world while protecting and defending my country back at home,” said Cardenas. “The Navy had so many opportunities and I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my family.”

Known as America’s “Apex Predators!” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines can conduct rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.

There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).

Cardenas serves aboard the fast-attack submarine, USS Jefferson City.

Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.

The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. – replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.

The Pacific Submarine Force maximizes our strengths of knowledge, stealth, agility, firepower, and endurance and works as part of joint and combined forces to maintain the international rules-based order and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

“The men and women of the Pacific Submarine Force are among our best and brightest Americans,” said Rear Adm. Richard Seif, Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. “The pace of activity across the force is eye-watering, and our ability to remain on-scene, unseen, is only possible due to their hard work and critical thinking. We are lethal, far-reaching, and incredibly capable, and we deter aggression through our demonstrated advantage in the undersea domain.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Cardenas serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Cardenas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of being able to travel to Japan and witness the culture and people,” said Cardenas. “I love the fact that I am earning a paycheck, helping defend my country and loved ones while being able to work on a submarine. I don’t like to brag but I think I am the only one from my hometown who has ever been on a submarine, let alone been able to work and live on one.”

Cardenas can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means always being prepared wherever or whenever you are to help others and protect those who need you,” said Cardenas. “The Navy is seen as a symbol of strength and protection for those around the world who need our assistance.”

Cardenas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my parents back home for always supporting me,” added Cardenas. “I would also like to thank my command for teaching me so many valuable skills I can use for the rest of my life.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In Feb., the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education presented the Outstanding Community Partner Award to the Assistance League of San Bernardino, a longtime supporter of SBCUSD students.

For decades, the Assistance League of San Bernardino has had a profound impact on the SBCUSD school community through its dedicated efforts to support children in need. From providing clothing to at-risk students to offering a dental program, the Assistance League has consistently demonstrated its commitment to enhancing opportunities for children in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. Many past and present Board of Education members have performed at the Assistance League’s annual fundraiser, the Headdress Ball.

That event is the League’s chief fundraiser, allowing the nonprofit to provide low-cost and, in some cases, free dental services to children ages 5 to 25, ensuring that every child has access to quality dental care. The Assistance League also runs Operation School Bell, which helps provide clothing for needy children from kindergarten to senior year by sending them shopping for brand-new clothing for free.

By addressing basic needs, the organization helps to remove barriers to learning and promotes student success, said Dorie Stratton, the Assistance League’s Vice President of Resource Development and Principal of San Andreas High School.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award from SBCUSD,” Stratton said. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, as well as the impact of our programs on the lives of those we serve.”

Victor Valley’s First District Community Liaison Paul Marsh was pleased to attend the NAACP Black Excellence Graduation Ceremony at Victor Valley College. “The celebrated students were well deserving of the recognition,” he said. Congratulations to all the honorees!

RIVERSIDE, CA—- What an incredible night at the First Annual Spring Art Experience and Fundraiser hosted by Off the Chain Alliance and MHE Productions on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The event featured the stunning works of artist Maurice Howard and drew a crowd of remarkable individuals, including the renowned Charles Bibbs and his lovely wife, Elaine Bibbs.

The experience was held at the exquisite Mind & Mill in Downtown Riverside, the evening was truly special. Porscha N. Dillard, founder of Off the Chain Alliance, shared her heartfelt story and the mission behind her nonprofit, supporting disenfranchised minority families in the Inland Empire.

Maurice Howard sold two original pieces, generating funds to advance this important cause. The night was elevated by the mesmerizing vocals of Nkese, leaving the audience spellbound.

The collaboration between Porscha N. Dillard and Maurice Howard proved to be exceptional, making the event an unforgettable success. Cheers to more amazing events like this in the future!

By Lue Dowdy

This past Saturday, the Assistant League of San Bernardino hosted their 62nd Annual Headdress Ball, a major fundraiser supporting their philanthropic programs for children and young adults in San Bernardino County. This year’s theme, “I Hope You Dance,” took the audience on a nostalgic musical journey from the 1920s to the 2000s.

The event showcased 12 remarkable women from the community as models, including Dr. Sandra Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent for San Bernardino Unified School District, and Sonietta Brown, President Elect of the San Bernardino Symphony. A highlight of the evening was LuCretia Dowdy, also known as Lue, the Community Engagement Specialist for First 5 San Bernardino. She lit up the stage with a spirited Charleston dance choreographed by Lupita of The Limónadas Dance Company, her radiant smile and energetic moves thrilling the audience.

San Bernardino City Mayor Helen Tran and Felicia Alexander, President of the Assistance League of San Bernardino, delivered the opening remarks. The live auction was expertly conducted by Councilman Damon Alexander of the 7th Ward. The event’s atmosphere was further enlivened by live music from the San Bernardino Music Teen Workshop, creating a memorable and enchanting evening.

The Assistance League of San Bernardino is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact through their philanthropic efforts in San Bernardino and surrounding communities.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May Revised Budget has sparked criticism from criminal justice advocates for failing to include additional prison closures. Despite a budget deficit of as much as $73 billion and the potential to save more than $1.5 billion annually by closing more prisons, as well as billions more in infrastructure repair costs, the governor’s proposal includes only minimal cuts to prison spending by closing 46 housing blocks across 13 state prisons, resulting in savings of $80 million, a tiny fraction of CDCR’s $14.5 billion budget and overall bed capacity.

Amber-Rose Howard, Executive Director of Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB), stated, “If the administration can’t select a prison to close, we are prepared to advocate for closure at specific prisons across the state. Closing entire prisons, starting with a prison like the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco (CRC), is a sensible step towards significant cost savings.”

This morning, CURB launched a petition to close CRC in Riverside County. The petition demands the closure of five more prisons: an immediate closure of CRC, alongside the commitment to close at least four additional state prisons in the future. “This petition will represent the collective voice of thousands of Californians who believe in a more just and fiscally responsible approach to public safety,” said Viju Mathew, a lead organizer with CURB member organization Critical Resistance.

“We are calling on Governor Newsom to change course and really step into leadership on prison closure.”

While some towns have resisted prison closures for economic reasons, the call to shutter CRC has existing community support. Prison closure is part of the city’s official legislative platform and has been supported by local lawmakers. In 2021, CURB named CRC Norco as a top state prison to close based on a survey of more than 2,000 incarcerated people.

CRC Norco has earned the reputation of being a toxic prison. “Without air conditioning, summer temperatures exceed 100 degrees F, with only 5 fans for 100 people,” said an anonymous incarcerated individual at CRC. Marked for closure in 2012 by then-Governor Jerry Brown, the state allocated $810 million to construct prison housing elsewhere. However, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) opted to keep CRC operational to “alleviate overcrowding” in other state prisons.

The state prison population in California has decreased significantly to approximately 93,000 from its peak of 165,000 in 2006, yet the state continues to maintain costly and underutilized facilities. Nonpartisan budget analysts have endorsed closing up to five additional prisons, and Assemblymember Phil Ting (D) introduced AB 2178 this year to limit CDCR’s overall bed capacity.

Notably, the only organization listed in opposition to AB 2178 was the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), the law enforcement special interest group representing prison guards which successfully negotiated $1 billion in raises and bonuses from Newsom for their members last year. CCPOA is one of Newsom’s biggest and most reliable donors.

“We are deeply concerned with the Governor’s comments that more prison closures are not being planned due to proposed policies and initiatives that will fill California prisons,” said Emily Harris, co-director of programs for the Ella Baker Center, in a Friday press release. “This is an alarming signal that the Governor and our lawmakers are preparing to send California backward to an era of mass incarceration. Governor Newsom should do everything he can to stop the attempted roll back of Prop 47.”

“The governor’s budget continues to prioritize the prison system over essential community services,” continued Howard. “These funds should be redirected to offset the shameful cuts to education, housing, and other programs that would better address the root causes of criminalization, like poverty, and support communities across California.

Critics opposing prison closures often cite public safety concerns, despite the fact that California’s three existing prison closures had no associated releases of incarcerated people. Both advocates urged California decision-makers to learn from past mistakes and seek smart solutions to public safety that do not involve putting predominantly Black, Brown, and low-income Californians behind bars.  

Comprehensive economic ‘just transition’ plans, including job programs and economic development initiatives, have been proposed to support workers and communities impacted by prison closure. “The closure of prisons should be seen as an opportunity to repurpose them and bring sustainable and equitable growth to communities,” Howard said. “California needs a practical roadmap to close prisons that meets the needs of multiple stakeholders. This is all possible with political will and common sense. At this moment, we need Newsom to have both. We want the Governor to sign a final budget in June that centers the most vulnerable Californains and more meaningfully addresses out-of-control corrections spending.”

VICTORVILLE, CA— Community Liaison Paul Marsh was pleased to represent our office at last week’s Fentanyl Awareness Forum. This important event, hosted by the Institute for Public Strategies and the City of Victorville, shed light on the effects of opioids on our community, with a special focus on fentanyl.

“It was a great turnout, and the speakers were very engaging,” said Paul.

The forum featured a powerful panel discussion with experts including:

• Alex Cordova from the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health
• Deputy Greg Jones from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
• Takisha Williams from Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC.
• Antoinette Jackson from the Symba Center
• Steve Filson from VOID Victims of Illicit Drugs

We can’t thank the organizers and panelists enough for bringing this important issue to light. Let’s all work together to keep our community safe from the dangers of fentanyl.