VOICE Issue May 7, 2020

Inland Southern California’s News Weekly

May 7, 2020 Volume 47 | Issue 42 theievoice.com

A Listening Ear and the Power of Resilience Coping with Anxiety and Stress in the Age of COVID-19

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Inside: Uncage Our Children

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“Dear Mayor Valdivia, It is Passed Time for #YouToo, to Go” PAULETTE BROWN-HINDS, PhD Publisher

“His comments are not compliments or even propositions. They are declarations of ownership.

They are threats. They are the intrusive thumb of male privilege and patriarchal violence, reminding me of my place as I move around within public space.” - Alice Minium

S.E. WILLIAMS Editor

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SUSAN MORRIS General Manager / Controller MARLA A. MATIME Project Director CHRIS ALLEN Creative Director CHUCK BIBBS Digital Director ALEXANDER BROWN-HINDS Social Media HASSAN BROOKS Distribution MONICA VICUNA VOICE Cares HARDY & CHERYL BROWN Co-Publishers Emeritus CONTRIBUTORS Gary Montgomery, Dr. Ernest Levister, Dr. Joseph Bailey, Jordan Brown, Benoit Malphettes, Kathy Malphettes, Laura Klure CONTACT US To submit an article, become a subscriber, advertiser, sponsor, or partner please contact the general manager at 951.682.6070 or email suzie@ voicemediaventures.com.

ESTABLISHED 1972

Voice Media Ventures Post Office Box 912 Riverside, California 92502 (951) 682-6070 Published every Thursday and distributed throughout the Inland Empire Adjudicated, a legal newspaper of general circulation on July 8, 1974 Case # 108890 by the Superior Court of Riverside County. Stories published do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Member of: National Newspaper Publishers Association, California Black Media and California News Publishers Association

ommunities everywhere are fighting to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Planning for an economic future that looks bleak compared to how it appeared just a few short weeks ago, working to provide housing for those living on the streets and are most vulnerable to COVID-19, determining how to accommodate a population of suddenly unemployed residents, and networking to ensure the food insecure are fed.

These are uncertain times filled with life and death considerations, as people are dying in unprecedented numbers due to complications from the virus. Governments at all levels are being asked to step-up to the plate and deliver for their constituents in ways rarely considered before the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this unparalleled moment, municipal leadership in the City of San Bernardino, continues to be distracted by multiple allegations against its mayor. These allegations are sucking up all the oxygen in the city that should be used to focus on seeking viable solutions to the many imminent and pressing concerns. However, to ignore such alleged boorish and licentious behavior by the mayor would be a disservice to his accusers and for the women who have claims against him, an insult not only to them but to the #MeToo movement as well.

After having served as the councilmember for the city’s 3rd Ward, Mayor John Valdivia was elected mayor in November 2018.

Since that time, however, the once popular politician is under increasing pressure to resign.

When former employee Jackie Aboud filed her claim against the mayor last week, her allegations were reflective of the other two sexual harassment

claims against the mayor, and a fourth individual— her former co-worker, Don Smith, who though not sexually harassed—like Aboud and the other women, has also claimed Valdivia created a hostile work environment.

Some will say because Aboud was fired in early January she may be a disgruntled employee; however, anyone who knows the history of sexual harassment in the workplace are all too familiar with this typical “blame the accuser” mentality.

The allegations against Valdivia are both serious and concerning. In light of the current public health pandemic, the economic concerns the city will soon grapple with, and the need for a clear thinking and focused leader to help navigate the municipality toward an uncertain future—it is selfish of him to drag the constituents of San Bernardino through his messy legal battles.

A mayor who is more focused on covering his own rear end is not what San Bernardino needs at this time—at any time, for that matter.

The City of San Bernardino deserves a leader focused on the city, not on himself. Someone who can lead it through one of the worst crises in the nation’s history while also laying a foundation to keep the city vibrant and viable when the crisis is over.

The founder of “#MeToo,” Tarana Burke, said she founded the movement because there was a void in the community. There is a void in the City of San Bernardino—it needs a leader who is respectful of women and who has the ability to create a work environment reflective of the continued on page 17

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Nation’s Economy is Shrinking

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, April 29, 2020 the financial information agency Market Watch, reported the deadly COVID-19 virus shrank the nation’s economy by -4.8 percent during the first quarter. Market Watch noted the drop represents the biggest contraction in the nation’s economy in 12 years. The decline was more than experts had anticipated.

“Economists polled by MarketWatch had forecast a 3.9 percent decrease,” of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

GDP measures the monetary value of all the finished goods and services made within the country during a specific period.

When the first quarter data was reported economic experts further cautioned—because reporting of the coronavirus did not begin until March—it is very probable the -4.8 percentage point decline is just the tip of the iceberg in relation to what is to come. The full scope of the virus’ impact on the nation’s economy will not be fully revealed until the second quarter.

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Second COVID-19 Inmate Related Death in Riverside County Riverside

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iverside County is under scrutiny by many who are concerned over the growing COVID-19 impact on inmates in their care.

As of Tuesday, April 28, 2020, more than 141 inmates had already tested positive for the illness and while some have recovered, others have died.

For the second time in a few days, the county lost an inmate on Tuesday, April 28, possibly due to COVID-19. The inmate—not identified by officials—was arrested March 27 on charges purportedly related to domestic violence.

On April 6th, ten days after the inmate’s arrest, he was admitted to a local hospital for treatment related to a pre-existing condition.

Reports indicate he developed flu-like symptoms while there and tested positive for COVID-19 on April 15, 2020.

Although COVID-19 is suspected in the inmate’s death, officials declared the exact cause of death has not yet been determined.

On March 28, when Sheriff Chad Bianco announced the county’s first inmate had tested

positive days earlier and that, “The inmate had very limited contact with other inmates.” He further stated, “They [the inmates] had been isolated and none of them are symptomatic at this time.”

According to Bianco, the Sheriffs’ Department has worked closely with Riverside University Health System (RUHS) since the first plane landed at March ARB in late January 2020 continued on page 17

San Bernardino Expands Testing, Organizes Local Efforts to Feed Those in Need San Bernardino

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eginning Thursday, April 30, 2020, county residents aged 65 and older, as well as healthcare and public safety workers, can now get tested even if they are not experiencing any symptoms.

These tests are being conducted in addition to the tests currently being offered to residents who are experiencing at least one COVID-19 symptom like a fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc. A list of available test sites and their hours of operation is available on the San Bernardino County website http://sbcovid19.com/.

In addition to testing, the county is also focused on addressing the issue of food insecurity within its jurisdiction. The need for support in this regard has reached unprecedented heights in the region due to the impact of COVID-19 on the economy resulting from the increasing number of those who are either working reduced hours, are furloughed or laid off.

In response, county officials have launched the Food Assistance Strike Force (Strike Force), a coordinated effort to feed county residents in need.

The Strike Force is working to help facilitate the efforts of charitable food providers across the county offering food to residents at no cost to those in need. continued on page 17

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Stay Connected During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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ike most of us, I’ve been sheltering in place since mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As I try to make sense of my new reality— balancing my indoor free time while working from home, managing medical video conferencing, daily walking, binging movies, and news media—I’ve been relieved to discover an unusual number of acquaintances coming out of the woodwork to check in. What a small mercy it is to receive a call from an old college roommate or long lost colleague, a kind text message, or hilarious meme from a friend.

While the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting our daily routines with changes here at home and around the globe such as; self-isolation, quarantine and physical distancing, it’s comforting to know that amid the uncertainty, there are still moments of strength and hope that showcase the resilience, or grit, that people share in times like these that will help us get through this together.

People are reaching out more, either by telephone, text messaging, email, social media or video-calling, due to a need for support, connection, and hope during this difficult time.

People can easily get lonely and crave a boost to their morale. Self-isolation can cause more anxiety, which in turn leads to weakened immune systems. Despite quarantines and

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physical distancing – connections are still being made all around the world.

During the lockdown, some of those quarantined are lifting their spirits through music or dance, another wonderful example of how community is showing resilience. Inspiring moments can help individuals feel a little less lonely and a little more hopeful.

To help people stay connected through this self-isolation period, some music artists and bands are offering fans free concerts on social media or online music lessons. COVID-19 is changing routines and it’s also an opportunity to reconnect in new ways.

Families can slow down and reflect on their relationships with each other. For family members living in the same house, assuming, no one is ill, there is now more time to do old-fashioned bonding through board games, talking, eating together, cooking or baking together, or sharing stories. One way of staying active together is going for a walk, but it’s important to keep a distance of six feet from others and to stay home when you’re sick.

A chance to get closer, connect, and see the good happening in these difficult times, and despite the uncertainty, know that there is hope and resilience in the world. This is a unique time in which we can slow down, reflect, listen, and show gratitude towards one another.

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Map to Food Resources in Riverside County

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n response to the growing need for support in the county, officials have launched a map of local food resources to connect residents in need to locations nearest them.

The Food Access program tool provides directions to local senior meal sites, school district meal sites and food pantries within a 10mile radius.

The Food Access tool not only provides location information, it includes additional pertinent details including hours of operation, contact information and special populations served.

As the local region continues to navigate through this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis which has displaced workers and produced immeasurable stress for families in the continued on page 17

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“Don’t Call Me Hero When I’m Forced to be a Martyr”

S.E. Williams Contributor

Photos courtesy of National Nurses United

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n Friday, May 1, 2020 nurses at the Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California held a protest in solidarity with nurses who have rallied in support of healthcare workers across the country in recent weeks.

Their goal—to bring attention to the tens of thousands of health care workers who continue to be infected and/or have succumbed to the deadly COVID-19.

One nurse held a sign which seemed to sum up the sentiments of the demonstrators. It read, “Don’t call me hero when I’m forced to be a martyr.”

Friday, May 1st was International Workers’ (May) Day, and the nurse rally at Desert Regional Medical Center was mirrored at 139 hospitals in 13 states according to the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU) which represents more than 95,540 nurses.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., more than 60 nurses across the country have died of COVID-19. These deaths highlight the nurses’ demand for optimum Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). continued on page 12

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Uncage Our Children

Corey Jackson Contributor

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nation has lost its soul when it begins to throw away its children.

Unfortunately, that is exactly what America has done since the war against drugs in the 1980s. So much so, we no longer think of them as fully human. Think about that. We no longer think about all our children as being entitled to their humanity.

In this rugged individualism the dominant culture takes pride in, we have come to believe that we have the right to determine who is worthy of humanity and who is not.

Leadership in Riverside County now touts its record-low child incarceration rate, but that was only due to the growing federal incarceration mandates to depopulate California’s prison system. not because these are children that must be nurtured and healed.

Although California is heading in the right direction, according to the Prison Policy Initiative, “California has an incarceration rate of 581 per 100,000 people (including prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile justice facilities), meaning that it locks up a higher percentage of its people than many wealthy democracies do.”

For such a progressive state, how can this be so? Because California

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still uses a ‘punishment and lock-up mentality’ to solve its problems. In short, when anyone does not conform or get in line when we ask them to, we will make them suffer.

Now, we are in a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic where people of all ages are dying from COVID-19, and society has determined that everyone must be protected except the lowest of our society—incarcerated adults, homeless individuals, and our children in juvenile hall.

Our government calls them juvenile offenders, they are OUR CHILDREN. Imagine hearing that a child was stuck in a room full of poisonous gas or engulfed in a fire and EVERYONE knew about it, but all we did was stood and watched. I don’t know about you, but I would be ashamed and should be locked up myself for allowing such a thing to happen.

Well, newsflash, that is what is happening with our CHILDREN who are locked up with the extremely high risk of being infected [with COVID-19] and possibly die. What is worse, you have county officials like Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is recorded saying that “they should continued on page 16

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A Listening Ear and the Power of Resilience Coping with Anxiety and Stress in the Age of COVID-19 S.E. Williams Contributor

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veryday there are more and more stories about the impact COVID-19 is having on people’s ability to cope with the crisis, the result of increased levels of stress and anxiety.

The “stay at home” order has left some individuals feeling isolated and others feeling overwhelmed as they work to juggle helping their children with schoolwork; their own work-at-home responsibilities; and in many instances while also being mindful and supportive of a partner who may also be working from home as well.

With COVID-19 touching nearly every aspect of one’s daily life, it is no wonder many are coping with feelings of increased anxiety and stress. KESQ recently reported on a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the non-profit Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services (DHMHS), based in Los Angeles.

The collaborative initiative, staffed in-part by DHMHS counselors, is titled the "Disaster Distress Helpline.” Those handling the calls are responding to an increased volume from individuals coping with feelings of anxiety and stress.

The agency’s Vice President of Clinical Operations Lyn Morris shared, “There is a feeling of helplessness right now and hopelessness because of the pandemic, noting how part of the anxiety is rooted in people not knowing when the pandemic is going to end.”

Morris’ team of trained counselors also take calls for a suicide prevention hotline that serves a five-county area which includes Riverside and San Bernardino. She explained although calls to their suicide prevention hotline have yet to increase, calls to the "Disaster Distress Helpline” have increased exponentially.

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F E A T U R E In addition to universal concerns regarding how the virus has temporarily changed the lives of everyday Americans, there are growing concerns about the grossly disproportionate impact COVID-19 is having on Black communities.

Here in California, for example, the COVID-19 related death rate for Blacks at nearly 12 percent and is almost double their six percent share of the state’s population.

“It was no surprise to anyone the AfricanAmerican Community is being impacted like it is,” explained Dr. Adwoa Osei during an interview with The IE Voice/Black Voice News.

“The whole system has been designed so that people of color are at a disadvantage initially.”

Osei, an MD, FAAP and Assistant Professor in UC Riverside’s School of Medicine, also serves as the school’s Pediatric Medical

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time,” Osei continued. “You face it once or twice.

But, if that bear is facing you every single time, after a while, you snap. Or, you become very numb. Or, you have an exaggerated response.

You're like, ‘Oh, no! I'm going to die any minute.’”

Osei advised, if one throws all that into the mix, plus the reality of so many people losing jobs and losing family members to death, “It's just a ticking time bomb,” she offered.

The doctor expressed her biggest concern right now, is in relation to African-American children. “Specifically,” she pointed out, “how they might be experiencing this crisis.”

Osei is an expert in Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs which can take many forms and includes everything from physical and/or mental abuse to neglect and household dysfunction.

“It is really wonderful how much resilience there is in human nature. Let any obstructing cause, no matter what, be removed in any way, even by death, and we fly back to first principles of hope and enjoyment.”

- Gram Stoker

Student Education Director and is a practicing pediatrician with UCR Health.

Elaborating on her comments, Osei added how people of color in this country are historically disadvantaged in terms of their access to healthcare including how to manage their chronic health conditions, access to quality education and gainful employment with reliable benefits. “These are all things we tend to be at a disadvantage with,” she stressed.

“So, if you start from there and compound it with the fact humanity, as a whole, is under a lot of stress right now—we are all in fight or survival mode. When the brain is in that condition,” she stressed, “You do not have time to analyze your decisions—It’s just, how can I get through to the next day? What is my survival mode?”

According to Osei, “When one is in the survival mode, they are very quick to lash out.

“You are very quick to make risky decisions.

You are very quick to do things you might regret later. It's Human Nature,” she informed.

“I describe it as facing an angry bear all the

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”

“We in the ACEs community are really, really, worried. In fact, when the stay-at-home order went into place, we were like, ‘Oh, my goodness.

What about all those children who have no safe places? Who have schools as their safe place?

Who have the Boys & Girls Clubs as their safe place?” Osei and her peers asked rhetorically.

“Now, they're stuck with people they probably shouldn't be stuck with, all day.”

Listing examples, she highlighted children who might be at home with parents who have no coping skills; or with parents who do not know how to manage their own stress levels, let alone help their children manage their stress levels.

“And then of course, there are the worstcase scenarios,” she continued. “There may be children who were being sexually abused, physically abused; and now, they're being lockedin, possibly with their abuser, the perpetrator of these crimes.”

Osei then pointed to concerns related to pregnant women. “We have studies that show when you are under enormous traumatic stress

during pregnancy, it can actually cause changes in the genetic composition of your unborn child. Your unborn child reacts differently to sudden stresses.

Dr. Osei then shared the importance of educating parents about ACEs as a good start in helping to shift the paradigm on this issue. “The second step,” she explained, “is to help people identify with these events

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or experiences. Thirdly, when ACEs are identified, the doctor acknowledged how important it is for parents to understand it does not mean this is the end.”

“Give them a way forward,” she shared describing her role in the process. “Equip them with tools to build resilience. I think that is the most important part.”

At times when these conversations are had with

parents the doctor explained how parents can be left thinking, “Well, you’ve given me all this information. What am I supposed to do now?”

Dr. Osei sees building resilience skills as the way forward. It starts with taking care of the next generation because they are the next generation of parents. According to Osei it is important for parents to build resilience for themselves and for their children.

Having ACEs conversations with parents requires walking a very fine line because the last thing one wants to do is make parents feel guilty.

“Nobody ever gets over that parental guilt,” Osei said. “It’s a burden we all carry [as parents]. We are always second-guessing ourselves. Asking ourselves, ‘Did I make the right decision? [How] is this going to affect my kid?”

Often parents themselves, can be victims of ACE’s and so if you come from a place of blame, Osei explained, it is possible to cause something she called ‘secondary trauma.’ In other words, casting blame on parents who themselves are victims of ACEs could traumatize them again.

“For people who have had Adverse Childhood Experiences and now they are adults, the last thing they need is to be blamed again. The last thing they need is for someone who has never walked in their shoes, to tell them what they could have, should have [or] would have done.”

Feelings of guilt that you may have made a wrong parenting decision is something most every parent has faced at one time or another.

Osei noted it is important for parents to understand how they think about things, as well as how they see and understand their child. She further explained how understanding one’s self is important to becoming a better parent.

At some point in the future, the nation is certain to evolve out of the COVID-19 crisis.

Osei expressed her optimism in this regard.

“Because I'm a pediatrician. I'm always looking at things from a child's perspective,” she began. “And what I see, is a whole generation of super-resilient children coming out of this.

I think we underestimate the resilience of our babies. They are amazing beings full of so much hope, quick to forgive, imaginations that can reinvent things, tell wonderful stories. I’m so hopeful for this.”

Osei went on to share how she believes the pandemic is forcing all of us to reassess what

Dr. Adwoa Osei

is important in our human relationships. “It is probably going to redefine how we serve people; how we lead; how we relate to each other; how we communicate. Those are good things.”

The doctor also noted however, it is because we are human beings, not everybody is going to go through this, unscratched. “We're not all as resilient as we want [to be] and so we're going to see a big rise in stress-related disorders because people have lost parents, they've lost jobs, they’ve lost siblings. Lives have been changed forever,” she acknowledged.

As a community Osei continued, “We're going to have to look for helpers and be prepared to become helpers as we move forward. This is the time to practice kindness.”

Increased calls to the "Disaster Distress Helpline," is an example of the growing need to practice kindness and extend a helping hand.

According to Morris, her staff received a total of 21 calls in February. In March, the calls increased to 1,800. In April, the number of calls continued on page 12

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A Listening Ear, continued from page 11

to the Helpline skyrocketed to 3,000.

Forty-three percent of the calls came from people experiencing anxiety or stress related to jobs or finances; 25 percent had health concerns; 21 percent admitted to having suicidal thoughts; and the remaining 21 percent of the calls resulted from relationship issues.

The counselors say they provide a listening ear, so callers know they are not alone. When required they refer callers to mental health agencies for additional support.

“It takes an incredible amount of courage and strength to be able to reach out for help,” Morris affirmed.

Readers can reach the Disaster Distress Hotline by calling (800) 985-5990 or you can visit their website at https://www.samhsa.gov/ find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/contact-us.

The telephone number to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is (800) 273-8255.

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“Nurses signed up to care for their patients.

They did not sign up to sacrifice their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained nurse Bonnie Castillo, Executive Director, CNA/ NNU. “On this day that celebrates the labor movement and working people, union nurses are standing up to demand the protections they need now!”

CNA/NNU members are calling on employers and the government to provide nurses and other health care workers with the highest level of protections, including powered air-purifying respirators, the single use of N95 masks, coveralls that incorporate head coverings, shoe coverings and gloves.

Otherwise, union officials contended, hospitals will remain breeding grounds for infection while nurses and health care workers continue to get sick and sidelined or worse, die, rendering them unable to care for patients.

The nurses’ union is critical of industries producing the equipment claiming it believes although the industry has produced an

acceptable solution to the PPE shortage by implementing widespread use of various N95 decontamination systems, it deems this approach as both, “unacceptable and unsafe.”

It believes the president should not only order the mass production of PPE but also push for the passage of an emergency, temporary standard, mandating healthcare employers provide the protections needed for COVID-19.

On Tuesday April 21, members of the NNU protested in front of the White House calling on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to implement the emergency temporary standard.

NNU reports it originally petitioned OSHA on March 4, 2020 for such a standard but never received a response.

Desert Regional Medical Center Nurse Lori Ruggiero, RN, expressed her sentiments about the issue stating, “Nurses should have the proper personal protective equipment to ensure our safety and the safety of our family and patients.”

For Advertising, please email inquiries to press@voicemediaventures.com or call 951.682.6070

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New Judge Appointed to San Bernardino Superior Court

Sacramento, CA - Shannon L. Faherty, of Rancho Cucamonga, was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve as a judge in the San Bernardino County Superior Court on Wednesday, April 28, 2020. Faherty has served as a commissioner at the San Bernardino County Superior Court since 2018. Previous to her appointment to the role of commissioner, she served as a deputy district attorney at the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office from 2006 to 2018. She fills the vacancy of a new position created on September 24, 2019. Faherty is registered without party preference.

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Building Better Communities TheIEVoice.com

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Riverside Clarifies Stay Home Order to Align With State Riverside, CA - The City of Riverside’s previous “stay at home” order which prohibited public gatherings outside, expired Thursday, April 30. Beginning May 1st, the county announced going forward, it will operate solely under the “stay at home” order related to outside gatherings as dictated by Governor Newsom. According to the governor’s current order, all California residents must stay home unless they are engaged in an essential business or activity, such as grocery shopping or visiting the doctor. At whatever point the governor releases or modifies the statewide “stay at home” order, Riverside health officials confirm the county will be ready to move into the governor’s second phase of reopening businesses. The county’s newly amended health order continues to allow for certain recreational activities.

Also, face coverings and social distancing requirements are expected to remain in effect countywide until June 19.

Commenting about the pandemic, County Health Director Dr. Cameron Kaiser declared, “We expect there to be sporadic outbreaks throughout the summer. And since there will still be virus in circulation, there is a decent chance that it will be back in the fall. And when it is, it will be very hard to get that genie back in the bottle.”

classifieds&publicnotices The 2020-21 Proposed Budget for the San Bernardino City Unified School District will be available for inspection from May 21, 2020 to June 1, 2020 at the San Bernardino City Unified School District, Board of Education Building, 777 N. F St., San Bernardino, CA 92410. Requests to view the proposed budget can be emailed to Janet.King@sbcusd.k12.ca.us to establish a teleconference meeting if the Board of Education Building remains closed.

The 2020-21-20 Proposed Budget Hearing for the San Bernardino City Unified School District will be held on June 2, 2020 at 5:30 p.m., at the San Bernardino City Unified School District, Board of Education Building, 777 N. F St., San Bernardino, CA 92410. The meeting will be held via teleconference which can be accessed via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/user/SanBdoCitySchools/ For FBN and Legal advertising, please call 951.682.6070 or visit online @ TheIEVoice.com theievoice.com | MAY 7, 2020 | VOICE 15

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Map to Food, continued from page 6

inland region, many local organizations have introduced temporary food pantries.

To help ensure the online tool is kept current and accurate, Riverside County employees keep in contact with local food providers. County officials encourage food providers to email their distribution information to EOCMassCare@ rivco.org to be included on the map.

In expressing the county’s appreciation for all of those participating in this effort, Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez stated, “Thank you to all the organizations that are making sure there is a safety net and our residents have food to eat. Resources such as this virtual map are important, so people are aware of services that are available and are able to access them.”

The online map is available by logging onto https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus and clicking on the Food Access button on the right hand side of the page.

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have thought about that.” This is shameful and anyone who shares this view should be thrown out in the next election.

We must transfer as many of our CHILDREN out of these cages, and into a monitored and safer environment, to keep them alive and healthy. For the few who will remain in detention, Riverside County Probation must ensure that youth can communicate regularly with their families, receive updates on the COVID-19 pandemic when requested through reliable sources, are not placed in solitary confinement except in accordance with state law (and then only for four hours or less, or when other interventions are exhausted), and receive health and mental health prevention and treatment.

Further, for the few students remaining, Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE), must develop instructional solutions that address the public health concerns and fulfills their obligation to provide youth with a meaningful and equitable education. In particular, in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights and the California Department of Education, RCOE must maintain services for students with disabilities in the camps and halls pursuant to their Individualized Education Programs.

There is more that we can do to protect these CHILDREN by getting them out of these incubators of disease. I hope that our county supervisors make this a priority. Because our CHILDREN deserve better.

Corey A. Jackson is a newly elected Riverside County Board of Education Member and the CEO, SBX Youth & Family Services.

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The mission of Sigma Beta Xi - Youth and Family Services is to break the cycle of poverty and violence through mentoring, education and organizing. We are a nonprofit organization providing research-based mentoring and development services to at risk youth. Today more than one in five children in California live in poverty. Poor students, young men of color, foster students, and English learners are over-represented among students scoring at the lowest levels and under-represented among the highest scoring. These achievement gaps between poor and non-poor and among various ethnic groups have over several decades been the catalyst for many laws and education reforms. In order to close these achievement gaps, Sigma Beta Xi Inc. seeks to assist school districts in providing additional educational, behavioral, and emotional services that meet the individual needs of Title I and Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) targeted populations.

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SB Expands, continued from page 5

The Strike Force is organized into five subgroups in alignment with the county supervisors’ districts. This helps the group facilitate and organize information to share with the public and to help assure the entire county is covered with programs directed to seniors, school children or the public at-large.

Officials are also working to further ensure all the content featured on the Food Assistance Strike Force website will also be shared through the websites and social platforms of all the county’s food assistance partners.

Among the programs included in this effort are “Grab and Go” meals which are distributed at over 30 sites across the county.

In addition this week, the county also announced plans to implement a “Home Delivered Meals” program as well as meals to unsheltered individuals through California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Project Room Key program which is sheltering high risk homeless individuals in hotel room during the COVID-19 pandemic. The county will announce more details when the “Home Delivered Meals” program is launched.

For more information about the Food Assistance site near you visit http://sbcovid19. com/ and click on the “Countywide Food Assistance” program button.

Second COVID-19, continued from page 5

with COVID-19 passengers. He further stated he was aware of the risks COVID-19 poses to a correctional facility.

It appears to critical observers, something must have gone terribly wrong with Bianco’s plan to protect local inmates. Since Bianco’s March 28 comments, the disease has spread in local jails and both inmates and deputies alike are paying with their lives.

To date the county has not provided detailed information regarding the number of positive COVID-19 cases per county jail facility.

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CDC Updates List of COVID-19 Symptoms Washington D.C.

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he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the list of COVID-19 symptoms published on its website. It did not however, issue a press release to raise awareness among the general public The agency reports people with COVID-19 continue to present with wide range of symptoms—ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Although an unknown percentage of people who test positive for the virus appear to remain asymptomatic, those that do become ill appear to show symptoms within two to four days after being exposed.

The CDC reports people exhibiting any of the following symptoms or combination of symptoms may have COVID-19.

Although such symptoms can include coughing and/or shortness of breath, the CDC also advises they may also include fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills. Muscle pain, headache, sore throat or a new loss of taste or smell.

It is important to remember however, that this list is not all inclusive.

You are encouraged to consult with our healthcare provider if you experience any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

There are, however, certain symptoms considered “warning signs” for COVID-19. Should you experience them you are encouraged to get medical attention immediately. They include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse and/or bluish lips or face.

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As always, call 911 if you have a medical emergency. Be sure to notify the operator that you have or think you might have COVID-19. Also, if possible, you are encouraged to put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

R E A L

professional and ethical style of leadership voters hoped he would bring.

When Valdivia ran for mayor maybe he thought the city was seeking to revive its own version of the now cancelled TV show, Mad Men. But, it was not!

The city can not continue to harbor a purported serial-sexual-harasser, who refuses to see he has lost credibility and support because he is so blinded by his own self-importance. It is time for the mayor to do the best thing he can do for the city and resign.

Of course, this is NOT just my opinion . . . although, I’m still keeping it real.

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