Edith Lara-Trad, information officer at Covered California, welcomes representatives from Inland community groups to the first Covered California regional meeting at Loma Linda University Health.

LOMA LINDA, CA  – Representatives of community groups working to enroll more San Bernardino County residents for affordable health insurance through Covered California kicked off their first regional meeting on Wednesday (Feb. 12) at Loma Linda University Health (LLUH).

About 40 people, representing dozens of community groups, stakeholders, health organizations, elected officials, and local health officials, took part in the gathering, hosted by LLUH.

“One of the objectives of the regional meeting is to focus on increasing partnerships and collaboration within the region, and to share lessons learned from the first weeks of enrollment,” said Edith Lara-Trad, information officer at Covered California, and the regional coordinator for the effort.

“It is about the people who are in dire need of health coverage. We have 47 days to continue mobilizing our efforts and enroll them now. One focus is to use in-person assistance to maximize enrollment,” she said.

LLUH, in partnership with Community Clinic Association of San Bernardino County, is one of 48 lead organizations that received grant awards totaling $37 million from Covered California to help residents access affordable health coverage.  Covered California is the state’s new health care insurance marketplace responsible for reaching out to 5.3 million Californians in need of individual insurance, many of whom may be eligible for financial assistance with the premiums.

“LLUH wants to ensure the residents of the Inland Empire are informed regarding the historic changes in our health care system and we are getting our residents the coverage they need to improve and maintain their health,” said Gerald Winslow, Ph.D., vice president for mission and culture at LLUH, and director of the Institute for Health Policy and Leadership, the organizational entity responsible for administering the grant.

The regional meeting provided opportunities for grantees, certified counselors, providers, community and health agencies, and elected officials to mingle and work in partnerships in existing enrollment events. Covered California partners and the health community have played an integral role to accomplish enrollment to many people thus far and Covered California is providing specific support to the community and partners to drive the regional effort.

Lara-Trad said the challenge is to encourage more people to enroll by March 31, which is the deadline for open enrollment and for obtaining premium assistance and guaranteed health coverage. She said, “We are focusing on key gaps. Latinos, African Americans, and other under-represented communities and young adults are especially targeted for enrollment.” More information is available at www.CoveredCA.com

Rosie Salazar, Covered California certified counselor at Inland Behavioral Health Services, attended the event because she wanted to expand her network and get ideas for getting more people to sign up for health insurance.

“We are in a community where we deal with many homeless and low-income people,” she said. “We do not want them to be left out of affordable health care.”

COLTON, CA – The Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Foundation will recognize five honorees at its Inaugural Gala and Awards Dinner on May 8. The event, which will be held at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, will benefit Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC).

The ARMC Foundation Gala Committee and members of the community were asked for nominations in five categories: Honorary Chair; Arrowhead of the Year; Physician of the Year; Partnership of the Year; and Philanthropist of the Year. The Gala’s nominating subcommittee based its selections on support for ARMC and the community.

The award winners for the Inaugural Gala are: County of San Bernardino Fifth District Supervisor, Josie Gonzales, Honorary Chair; Dr. Dev GnanaDev, Arrowhead of the Year; Dr. Steven M. Beutler, Physician of the Year; Professional Hospital Supply, Partnership of the Year; and Anne Hirschman Cress, Philanthropist of the Year.

“We selected the honorees for their hard work, dedication and commitment to ARMC now and in the past,” said Frank Reyes, executive director of the ARMC Foundation, which assists the hospital with funding for new equipment and programs. “This is the Foundation’s first Gala, so we wanted to ensure that whoever we selected has made a significant difference in the community.”

The award winners will be recognized at the Gala and receive a distinctive plaque. “The Gala’s theme, ‘What I love about ARMC,’ reflects the appreciation that the community has for the great care the hospital provides,” said Reyes. “The funds raised
from the Gala will help purchase much-needed equipment for the hospital.”

The Gala will feature keynote speaker Sam Cunningham, a former USC running back, who also played nine seasons in the NFL for the New England Patriots. Founded in 1977, the ARMC Foundation’s mission is to assist the Medical Center in providing quality health care and health education to our community by enlisting and increasing public and private interest, involvement and financial support.

For more information about the ARMC Foundation Inaugural Gala and Awards Dinner, call Event Coordinator, Patty Holohan, 909-518-4612, or email PSHoloha@aol.com. For more information about the ARMC Foundation, visit www.arrowheadmedcenter.org/foundation.

Peter Lee

WHO: Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown, 47^th AD; Peter Lee, executive director, Covered CA; Edith Lara-Trad, regional public information officer, Covered CA; and Trustee Joseph Williams, San Bernardino Community College District

WHAT: State and local officials will convene at San Bernardino Valley College to give a status report of the Covered California enrollment figures for San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Additionally, state officials will announce upcoming efforts to promote Covered California throughout the Inland Empire.

WHERE: Business Conference Center at San Bernardino Valley College, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino.

WHEN: Friday, February 21, 2014 at 10 a.m.

Raul Mendiola

According to the LA Galaxy Insider, Raul Mendiola, was signed to the team to homegrown player contracts by Bruce Arena after the first two rounds of the Major League Soccer (MLS) Super Draft. The article also stated that there could be another signing in the near future will be Jose Villarreal, brother to Jamie Villarreal.

Mendiola has been a rumored signing for LA since last summer, and is known to be wanted by several foreign clubs. He’s a five star rated prospect by Top Drawer Soccer, and has experience at the youth levels of the US national team.

Source: LAG Confidential 

ISELIN, NJ- History was made at the legendary Newark Symphony Hall breaking the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for Largest Gospel Choir. The McDonald’s Gospel Super Choir was made up of 1,171 singers of all ages, from across the New York Tri-State area and as far away as Philadelphia and Florida. This record breaking event was produced and directed by Emmy Award winning A. Curtis Farrow. The previous record of 1,169 singers was held by the London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) joined by hundreds of singers from gospel choirs across Europe. As a launch to Black History Month, this record breaking choir was sponsored by the McDonald’s New York Tri-State Owner Operators Association and McDonald’s Corporation. For more information and photos, visit http://www.lovepeacejoy.info.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA- On target to delivering a carefully crafted taste of African culture and pride several African American community organizations are gathering for a Day of the African Community and Family: Cultural Faire & Celebration.  The event, which brings together local African storytellers, dancers, musicians and poets is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 15, at Immanuel Praise Fellowship, 9592 7th Street in Rancho Cucamonga, from 11:30 am to 4 p.m. The fair will culminate with two lectures beginning at 5 p.m. from internationally recognized ancient African Egyptian historians and lecturers Merira and Ashra Kwesi. Entrance to both lectures is $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door and $10 for students with valid I.D. Another community favorite is the multifaceted performer and dancer, Makeda Kumasi, who will be featured with her group the Umoja Ensemble of the Inland Empire. Kumasi who is known for her one- woman shows has captured the hearts of audiences both young and old.This is an event that is offering fun for all ages the program also promises African drumming, dancing, poetry and a host of other activities. General admission to the cultural faire is free and open to the community. For more information or to become a vendor call 951-552-3923.  Tickets can be purchased as www.blackdotcommittee.com or www.5ontheblackhandside.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) is proud to announce that she is running for re-election to the California State Assembly’s 47^thAssembly District. The 47^th Assembly District encompasses the cities of Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto, the southwest parts of San Bernardino and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy. Her re-election campaign is set to launch on Sunday, February 16 at the Hampton Inn, 250 North 9th Street in Colton, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. During her first year in office, jobs, economic development, small business growth, education and public safety were among her top priorities. She also sponsored and supported various bills to promote economic development, spur small business growth, support student success and assist homeowners and veterans.

The California State Legislature approved four of her bills last year, two of them, AB 379 and 1094, becoming laws. AB 379 protects financing for manufactured home owners and AB 1094 increases CalWORKS benefits for veterans, allowing them to receive the financial assistance they need to care for their families.

Additionally, she hosted 16 community events that brought resources into the District, including a back to school giveaway, where she distributed 400 free backpacks to students in Bloomington and Muscoy; a green collar jobs fair; and a business summit to help small businesses gain access to resources to further their development. Assemblymember Brown has already won the pre-endorsement of the delegates from the California Democratic Party. To RSVP contact Ashley Jones at 909-645-3853.

RIVERSIDE, CA- Riverside County Probation Department is now hiring for the position of a Probation Corrections Officer I. The starting hourly wage is $17.31 to $23.28, the monthly salary is $2,999.97 to $4,035.96, and the annual salary ranges from $35,999.60 to $48,431.55. Visit www.probation.co.riverside.ca.us/employment or www.rc-hr.com for more information.

FONTANA, CA- Are you a teenager? Is your teenager looking for a little extra cash? If so, there will be a YOUTH JOB FAIR at the Jack Bulik Teen Center, 16581 Filbert Street in Fontana, on Saturday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jaylin Miller holds certificate of excellence alongside Janet Clayton, Senior Vice President, Edison International.(Photo Credit: Naomi K. Bonman

ROSEMEAD, CA- Los Angeles County’s top attorney Jackie Lacey joined Southern California Edison (SCE) in celebrating the utility’s business and community partnerships, serving as the keynote speaker at the company’s 12^th Annual Black History Month celebration held on Friday, February 7 at SCE headquarters.

“Our annual Black History Month event is our opportunity to show our appreciation to the communities we serve,” Lisa Cagnolatti, vice president of SCE’s Business Customer Division and host of the celebration, said. “Our partnership with our business and community leaders is the cornerstone of service we provide to our customers.”

Returning as the emcee of the afternoon was KTLA Morning News anchor Chris Schauble. He kept the momentum going in between each speaker and presenter. Other speakers in addition to Jackie Lacey (who is also the first woman and African American to serve as the Los Angeles County district attorney since the office first opened in 1850), was Faye Washington. Washington is the president and CEO of YWCA Greater Los Angeles. She is well positioned to lead the YWCA in its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

In addition to the speakers, there were three award recipients who were honored which included Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles (Energy Efficiency Participation Award); St. Hare Capital Investment Bankers (Diverse Business Enterprise Award); and YWCA Greater Los Angeles (Community Partnership Award). Jaylin Miller, an eighth-grade student at Marshall Fundamental School in Pasadena, also recited a poem that she wrote entitled, “The African Pledge”. Miller dreams of becoming a pediatrician and is involved in the YWCA and actively volunteers and gives back to her community. She was also a 2013 YWCA Girls Empowerment Scholarship award recipient.  (Edited and Written by Naomi K. Bonman)