By Reginald Young

The word is out. The San Bernardino Pastors United (SBPU) in association with community leaders and the faith based community, will have another Community Block party on Saturday October 26, 2019 from 12PM – 3PM  at Dr. Mildred Henry Elementary, located at 1250 W 14^th Street, San Bernardino.

The residences in San Bernardino are still being plagued with violence, crime and shootings in the City. The San Bernardino Pastors and community leaders take a stand together in solidarity and let the residence know with boldness, theme “Our God Will Provide” Gen 22: 11-14. The SBPU pastor’s demonstrate by showing love, helping thy neighbor, covering one another.  On this day, pastors, law enforcements, dignitaries, school officials all join together on one accord.  

We are expecting thousands to be in attendance, Come early. At the event, there will be free food, free groceries,  free gifts and prizes for the kids, free clothes and free health checks, job resources. The host church will be Victory Outreach Church, located at 990 W Mill Street, San Bernardino, CA 92410. Pastor Rick Alanis Senior will deliver a life changing message. Please register by phone, or go to our website www.sbpastorsunited.org to register.  

The SBPU is asking the community to join us, as we remain strong, through providing:  “Healing, Change, and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino, for more information call 909-353-7977 or contact the Victory Outreach Church 909-884-1921 email sbpastorsunited@gmail.com. Pass the Word! Like us on Facebook!  

SACRAMENTO, CA— Governor Newsom signed Assemblymember Chris Holden’s legislation, Assembly Bill 30, that ensures dual enrollment opportunities remain available to students. 

“With the rising cost of higher education that widens the achievement gap, we need to find more ways to make college more affordable and accessible,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden.

“Dual enrollment is a proven strategy that creates pathways to college and gives opportunities to students who might never have thought it would be possible to go to college.” 

Assembly Bill 30 extends the College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP), first established by Assemblymember Holden’s legislation in 2015, past its current expiration at the end of 2021, and ensures dual enrollment opportunities remain available to students who are not already college bound or are underrepresented in higher education. The new legislation also streamlines the process for developing CCAP agreements between community colleges and K-12 districts. 

Dual and concurrent enrollment provides high school students access to college-level coursework. In some cases, students earn both high school and college credit for the same course depending on approval from local school and community college governing boards. 

“Dual enrollment helps increase the number of college graduates, reduce time and money spent for college, and help close the achievement gap,” said Holden. “Today’s signature is a win for students and their families.” 

Seeking to implement effective regional as well as local approaches to combat California’s growing homeless crisis, San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales has joined eight other County Supervisors on the California State Association of Counties’ (CSAC) Homeless Action Team.

CSAC formed the working group in August, which also includes its First Vice President Lisa Bartlett and Immediate Past President Leticia Perez, to complementGovernor Gavin Newsom’s Statewide Homeless and Supportive Housing Advisory Task Force. Viewing homelessness from the county perspective, the Homeless Action Team will help to fill the gaps, ensuring the design and execution of a greater comprehensive strategy to address the economic, social, and health challenges California communities face.

“My colleagues on the Homeless Action Team and I are equally vested in reducing homelessness in our respective counties, as well as statewide,” said Supervisor Gonzales

“Now is the time for us to seek collaborative, comprehensive approaches that also will help us tackle the complex housing, economic, mental and physical health impacts we each face as we work to reduce our homeless populations. The Governor’s support and the recent funding allocations to address homelessness makes all of this possible,” said Gonzales.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who co-chairs Governor Newsom’s Statewide Homeless and Supportive Housing Advisory Task Force, also chairs CSAC’s Homeless Action Team. As the conduit between the Task Force and the Team, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas is ensuring that best practices, programs, and collaborative measures recommended by his fellow Supervisors will be put in place to effectually respond and threat the symptoms that trigger homelessness.

“I look forward to hearing from the other Supervisors as to what is working in other parts of the state, while also sharing our own successes,” said Supervisor Gonzales who is chair of San Bernardino County’s Interagency Council on Homelessness – a model partnership that addresses chronic homelessness.

“Homelessness does not respect jurisdictional boundaries; it is a tragedy that destroys everyone’s quality of life. It is critical that we work together to address this social ill,” she added.

RIVERSIDE, CA— Susan G. Komen Inland Empire’s annual signature fundraising event is set for Sunday, Oct. 13 in Murrieta where supporters will walk and raise money for breast cancer treatment, patient advocacy and groundbreaking research as part of the rebranded new MORE THAN PINK Walk™.

The community event at Murrieta’s Town Square Park will honor breast cancer patients who are no longer living and will celebrate the survivors.  Seventy-five percent of the net proceeds stay here in Riverside and San Bernardino counties to fund local programs to support mothers, sisters, neighbors and friends as they battle breast cancer right here in our community. The remaining 25 percent will fund groundbreaking research.

The organization announced in May the rebranding of the event, previously known as the Race for the Cure, with a renewed focus on community and the value participants bring to Susan G. Komen’s overall mission.

The inspiring family-friendly event demonstrates how the fundraising efforts of every participant fuel lifesaving research, critical patient care, needed community programs and public policy advocacy in a personal and powerful way. 

“By participating in the Susan G. Komen Inland Empire More Than Pink Walk™, you can help ensure that our vision to end breast cancer becomes a reality, as we strive to support those affected by breast

Cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures,” said Dr. Sandra Finestone, board president for Komen Inland Empire.  

The event will open at 6:30 a.m. Opening ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. with the Walk starting at 8:30 a.m.  Survivors and those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer will kick off the opening ceremony by leading the way through the “Pathway of Hope” where all participants will cheer them on.  Also new this year will be guest speakers Kara Adams, a survivor and author, and Metastatic Breast Cancer survivor Patti Martinez.  The emcee for the event will be one of Komen Inland Empire’s founders, Joan Sparkman. 

“Together we have the power to transform lives, one step at a time,” said Joan Sparkman, Founding Member of Komen Inland Empire.

The MORE THAN PINK Walk^TM sponsors show their commitment to our community by supporting our volunteers, survivors and those living with breast cancer, as well as everyone who has joined together to raise funds as part of this important event. 

This year’s sponsors include: Bank of America, the City of Murrieta, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Abbott, Arrowhead Water, BMW of Murrieta, The Valley News, The Camp Transformation Centers and more.

Susan G. Komen Inland Empire has a goal to raise $300,000 at this year’s MORE THAN PINK Walk™.  Reaching our fundraising goal means more research, care and action against breast cancer for our loved ones, our community and future generations.  Organizations interested in sponsoring the Walk are encouraged to contact the affiliate office to learn more about opportunities.

Register and begin fundraising TODAY at www.komenie.org. For more information you can call 951-676-7465.  Follow the Susan G. Komen Inland Empire on Facebook Susan G. Komen Inland Empire and or Twitter.

Volunteers also are needed and are encouraged to sign up online: https://events.com/r/en_US/registration/2019-more-than-pink-inland-empire-walk-murrieta-october-762428

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— RIVERSIDE,CA— At its Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 20, 2019, the Riverside African American Historical Society, Inc. (RAAHS) will honor several individuals who have impacted the development of the African American community in the Inland Empire. 

The following Unsung Heroes will be honored:  Daniel Hantman, Humanitarian; Karen Y. Johnson, Education; Dwight Jones, Religion; and Harold Ross, Community; all have made a positive difference in the lives of others and have not received nor sought recognition for their service. 

The RAAHS salute these individuals who advocate for and promote a strong visible presence in the community to hold fast to the moral standards of our heritage.

The Annual Meeting will be held at the Marriott Riverside, 3400 Market Street, Downtown Riverside, beginning at 2:30 p.m.  Donation $60 per person, payable in advance.  RSVP for the luncheon by contacting (951)684-1072 or emailing mompops8@aol.com.  Visit our website at: raahsinc.org

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SACRAMENTO, CA— Recently, Assemblymember Chris Holden joined Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing ceremony for legislation aimed at improving California’s wildfire prevention, mitigation and response efforts. As chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy, Holden had a significant role in developing a comprehensive legislative package this year to address the threat of wildfires and the resulting impact on communities and ratepayers.

“It’s been a privilege and a great responsibility to work with Governor Newsom and my colleagues in the Legislature to find the right response to the devastating wildfires that have ravaged our state,” said Holden. “Our work is not done yet but we’re in a much better place this year than we were only a year ago.”

The bills signed by Governor Newsom today included Holden’s Assembly Bill 1513 which refined provisions of legislation signed earlier this year to prevent and respond to fires caused by electric utility infrastructure.  The Governor also signed several bills for which Holden played a key role in crafting as Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee.  The bills will result in the refinement of programs impacting the deenergization of electric lines (Public Safety Power Shutoffs) to prevent ignition of fires during extreme weather events and enhance vegetation management to prevent fire ignition by electric lines.  The full list of bills signed by Governor Newsom can be found here.

Climate change has created a new wildfire reality for California. The state’s fire season is now almost year round. More than 25 million acres of California wildlands are classified as under very high or extreme fire threat with approximately 25 percent of the state’s population – 11 million people – living in those high-risk areas.  At the same time the state is experiencing an increase in weather patterns with high wind and temperature coupled with low humidity.  The events, along with deficiencies in utility vegetation management practices, have caused the ignition of several fires as a result of contact between the electric lines and vegetation.

“Our goal in the last year has remained constant – protect ratepayers and wildfire victims, improve the safety of electric infrastructure, and ensure that we have fiscally stable electric utilities to serve customers,” said Holden.

Holden’s legislation was a follow up bill to Assembly Bill 1054 signed earlier this summer, that increased safety requirements for utilities and protected customers and taxpayers from wholly bearing the costs of devastating wildfires.

On Saturday, September 21, the Redlands’ Boy’s and Girls Club held its annual ‘Day 4 Kids’ event. Check out some of the photos below:

Photo Credit: John Coleman, Community Photographer

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By Rob Falkenberg, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of California

Open enrollment season is here, a time when more than 18.3 million people in California and millions of Americans across the country will have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance plan for 2020.  

To help guide you during this important time, here are some tips that may help lead you to better health and cost savings.

Tip 1: Know your open enrollment dates

• For the more than 178 million Americans with employer-provided coverage, many employers set aside a two-week period between September and December when employees can select health benefits for the following year.
• For the more than 64 million people enrolled in Medicare, Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year.

For most people, changes made during this time will take effect Jan. 1, 2020.

Tip 2: Understand your options. When it comes to selecting a plan, one size does not fit all. Take the time to understand your options so you can find what will work best for you. A good first step is to make sure you understand health insurance lingo, such as premium, deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum. If you need a refresher, check out UnitedHealth Group’s Just Plain Clear Glossary (in English, Spanish and Portuguese) to learn and understand health care terms. And if you’re eligible for Medicare, make sure you’re familiar with the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage as you weigh your options.

Tip 3: Anticipate next year’s health expenses.  When reviewing your options, plan ahead. Maybe you are expecting a significant health event next year, such as a surgery or having a baby. If so, then it’s even more important to compare the “total cost” of your plan, not just your monthly premium. Plan designs vary, so also compare deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

Tip 4: Check to make sure your medications are covered

Even if you don’t expect to change plans, it’s important to make sure your prescription drugs will still be covered next year. Costs can change from year to year, and how much you pay for generics vs. brands may differ among health plans.

Tip 5: Ask about well-being programs. Many health plans now offer financial incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, walking, going to the gym or not using nicotine. Also, many Medicare Advantage plans offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional costs.

Tip 6: Don’t forget about specialty benefits

Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, disability or critical illness insurance, are often cost-effective coverage options that can help protect you and your family from head to toe. For Medicare beneficiaries, some may be surprised that Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs and most dental, vision and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.

Tip 7: Try the convenience of virtual visits. If you are busy juggling kids’ schedules or work travel, or simply prefer to connect with a doctor from the comfort of your own home,  consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual visits. It may be a convenient, lower-cost way to talk to a doctor about minor health issues, and all you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer. Often, telehealth is available to members of employer-sponsored, individual and Medicare Advantage plans.

For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment and health care, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com.

Monthly labs to K-12 students and community give insight into the art of filmmaking

SAN BERNARDINO, CA.– San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is giving K-12 students and the community a glimpse into the art of filmmaking with its monthly lab series.

The Inland Empire Media Academy (IEMA) series was developed to help students find their voice and develop an appreciation for the art and craft of film and visual storytelling. Labs, free to elementary, junior and high school students and $15 for members of the community, are held on Saturdays and participants can expect to receive a broader knowledge of film, TV and media production.

“This is a great way to learn about everything that goes into making a movie or TV show right here in San Bernardino,” said IEMA Director and SBVC Radio, Television and Film (RTVF) Instructor Lucas Cuny.  “It also gives people a chance to work with state-of-the-art technology and learn about the RTVF program here at SBVC.”

Held on October 26, “Set Tech 101” educates students on how to set up and break down all film and television set equipment. SBVC’s Kevin Lyons will teach participants how to set up a dolly, 12×12, c-stand, light stand, tripod, camera, sound equipment, as well as the right way to wrap a cable.

The series runs through November, goes dark in December and restarts in January 2020. All labs are from 1-5 pm in SBVC’s Media and Communications Building, Room 142. Registration is at valleycollege.edu/academic-career-programs/degrees-certificates/radio-television-film/film-festival/index.php. 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Recently, Congressman Pete Aguilar announced a federal grant of $3 million has been awarded to the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD). The funding comes from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and will be matched by SBCCD, bringing the total investment to $6 million.

These funds will be used to renovate and modernize two buildings housing the San Bernardino Community College District’s Institute for Local Economic Advancement and Development (iLEAD) initiative. The first building, in northern San Bernardino, will house the iLEAD Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IE) Accelerator. Here students will receive hands-on career training in coding, 3D printing, digital media, machine technology, and construction. The second facility, in Downtown San Bernardino, will provide job training to formerly-incarcerated individuals through the iLEAD Center for Re-Entry & Access to Transitional Employment (CREATE) Program. The EDA estimates that the programs will create 369 new jobs, support 893 current jobs, and spur over $120,000 in private investments in the community.

“With this investment in our community, the EDA is recognizing the potential for growth within San Bernardino. I’m proud to announce this funding, which will create hundreds of good-paying jobs in our region and help continue the economic growth we’ve seen in the past few years,” said Aguilar.

“Whether a young student wants the skills to jumpstart their career or a formerly incarcerated adult wants a second chance at a better life, our partnership with the EDA will help open new doors of opportunity,” said San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Bruce Baron. “We look forward to putting this investment immediately to work and continue building a stronger workforce for the Inland Empire.” 

As Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Aguilar helps determine federal funding levels for agencies such as the EDA. In addition to his role on the Appropriations Committee, Aguilar serves as a Chief Deputy Whip in the House Democratic Caucus.