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    City Officials Take Steps to Improve Manteca Streets and Enhance Public Safety

    Carl Brown, Director of Public Works at City of Manteca\

    Carl Brown, Director of Public Works, City of Manteca.

    MANTECA, CALIF.  The City of Manteca created a Traffic Solutions Committee in 2022 to improve and create safety solutions on the City’s streets. This multi-departmental group is led by the City’s Director of Public Works, Carl Brown. Through various measures, the committee analyzes safety concerns and brings viable solutions to the City.

    As Director of Public Works, Brown has a multitude of responsibilities including streetlights, traffic signal operation, signs and markings, curbs and sidewalks, and environmental compliance. “We constantly work on improving efficiencies and effectiveness of processes and programs and ensure that all services continue to be performed as our citizens expect, he explains.

    “Improving traffic safety and reducing pedestrian injuries is the top priority of the Traffic Solutions Committee in Manteca,” Brown stresses. A few of the enhancements include the following.

    City traffic improvements such as flashing stop signs that increase visibility so people are more likely to stop. This also reduces right-angle crashes by alerting drivers of upcoming roadway changes, so they do not unintentionally run the stop sign. “Right-angle crashes are the most common type of crash that results in a fatality or serious injury at stop sign-controlled intersections,” Brown adds.

    Flashing Stop Sign

    Flashing Stop Sign

    New high-visibility crosswalks ensure that pedestrians and drivers have safer access when crossing the street. These alert pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to designated pedestrian crossing areas and help give drivers enough time to react to pedestrians on the road.

    New high-visibility crosswalks

    New high-visibility crosswalks

    Speed lumps (yes, lumps, not bumps or humps), are on Hacienda Ave. and North Walnut Ave. These lumps slow down speeding cars in the neighborhoods. The speed lump is a variation on the speed hump, adding two-wheel cut-outs designed to allow large vehicles, such as emergency vehicles and buses, to pass with minimal slowing.

    Speed Lumps

    Speed Lumps

    The Committee is updating and adding pavement markings, yield limit lines, warning signs, red curbs, and street parking markings to decrease traffic accidents. A yield line, also called shark’s teeth or give-way line, is a marking used to inform drivers of the point where they need to yield and give priority to the oncoming vehicle or pedestrian traffic at an intersection or roundabout controlled by a yield sign.

    Pavement Markings

    Pavement Markings

    For more information call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.

    About Manteca

    Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash, and sewer services.  For more information call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.

    Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 86,928. Manteca continues to grow at 4.1 percent a year. The City has 25,670 households with a median home price of $432,100. The median annual household income is $82,538.

    Southern California Gas Company Donates $100,000 to The Salvation Army to Give Free Food Boxes to Hungry Families

    Photo caption: Contents of an average food box, meat, vegetables, bread, beans, oil breakfast food, and more

    Photo caption: Contents of an average food box, meat, vegetables, bread, beans, oil breakfast food, and more

    “In 2022, the San Bernardino Corps provided groceries to 10,318 households. The donation from The Gas Company will allow us to serve another 2,000 people a month,” said The Salvation Army’s Major Isaias Braga.

    REDLANDS, CALIF. In 2022, the San Bernardino Corps provided groceries to 10,318 households. But food insecurity has dramatically increased in the San Bernadino Valley.

    To help ease the burden The Southern California Gas Company has made a $100,000 donation to The Salvation Army of the San Bernadino area to help provide meals to hungry families.

    “The donation allows us to expand our food disruption service from three Thursdays a month to four Thursdays a month beginning this June. Our extra distribution day will take place at the San Bernardino Airport on the fourth Thursday of each month,” said The Salvation Army’s Major Isaias Braga.

    Photo caption: Hungry people receiving meals at the 4:45 pm free dinner at the Hospitality House at 925 W. 10th St., San Bernardino CA 92411

    In The Salvation Army’s most recent food distribution, they were able to serve 144 families with 518 people.

    “This was just one day and thanks to SoCalGas we can continue to offer these services four weeks a month and help fight food insecurity to more than 2,000 individuals,” said Major Braga.

    “SoCalGas understands that many families and seniors are experiencing hardships. Food insecurity is a critical issue that is impacting many people in the communities we serve, said Kristine Scott, Senior Public Affairs Manager for SoCalGas.

    The “Fueling Our Communities” grant is one opportunity to demonstrate SoCalGas’ commitment to investing in our service area communities. We are proud to partner with The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps to help those in need.”

    The Salvation Army serves food for a family of five to last for a week, and if the family is larger than five the family receives two boxes. “We serve hungry families once a week, four weeks a month on the first week from The Redlands location and the other three Thursdays at our warehouse in San Bernardino,” said Major Braga.

    For more information or to sign up for the FREE food program please call (909) 792-6868.

    Donations can be made online at SBCSVA.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY, specifying that you want your donation applied to San Bernardino Corps in California.

    PHOTO CAPTION: Majors Isaias (left) and Adelma Braga.

    PHOTO CAPTION: Majors Isaias (left) and Adelma Braga.

    The Salvation Army serves Meals for the Hungry Sunday through Friday at 4:30 pm at 925 W. 10th St. in San Bernardino. Listen to the testimony of people who are served.

    People need your help. Please give today at SBCSVA.org.

     

    Listen to the testimony of people who are served by the food disruption service. 

    Mona: https://on.soundcloud.com/emvQr  

    Eric: https://on.soundcloud.com/HQ2Zh 

    Margie https://on.soundcloud.com/cLiyJ

    Watch videos of people who are served at the Hospitality House.

    Marlene and Lou

    https://youtu.be/h33Q1uHjH9k

    Dorthy and Javier 

    https://youtu.be/KFAp2sP9kss

    Rios 

    https://youtu.be/NK8NgTuoKCc

    B-Roll: Cars in line long Salvation Army B-Roll, https://youtu.be/mh8p1ZsQzwQ

    B-Roll: Cars in line long Salvation Army B-Roll, https://youtu.be/mh8p1ZsQzwQ

    B-Roll:
    Loading food boxes for the hungry

    About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps

    The Salvation Army may provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available.

    San Bernardino Corps Serves: San Bernardino, Redlands, Highland, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs

    The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers evangelical programs for boys, girls, and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 792-6868.

    Seriously Mentally Ill Seniors Are Loosing Their Housing 

    Homless senior sleeping on the handicapped ramp of the LA County Board of Supervisors Board room.

    Homeless senior sleeping on the handicapped ramp of the LA County Board of Supervisors Boardroom.

    “We are losing facilities that care for seriously mentally ill adults because the reimbursement rates are inadequate. Mentally ill adults have nowhere to go and end up homeless,” said Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA’s Executive Director.

    SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. Just $44 per day is all that the State of California budgets to provide seriously mentally ill adults with housing and food at a licensed Adult Residential-care Facility (ARF). It’s not enough.

    As a result, adult residential care facilities are closing, and mentally ill adults have nowhere to go. At a time when the State and the County have both announced funds being budgeted to create more residential care for seriously mentally ill homeless adults, ironically, they are failing to fix a problem that results in people who are now housed and cared for and putting them back on the streets.

    It seems the right-hand does not know what the left hand is doing. There is a clear failure to analyze the whole picture and come up with a solution that does not create new problems.

    Adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities get between $191 and $391 for care and housing. The Los Angeles Regional Caregivers Association (LARCA) is a nonprofit group that advocates for parity with facilities that work with the developmentally disabled.

    “We are losing facilities that care for seriously mentally ill adults because the reimbursement rates are inadequate. Mentally ill adults have nowhere to go and end up homeless,” said Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA’s Executive Director. “How can anyone think that $44 a day is enough to provide housing, food, and care for the mentally ill who cannot take care of themselves?”

    Adult Residential-care Facilities prevent homelessness and provide meals, housekeeping, laundry, and medication management. Failure to take medications is a key predictor of psychiatric relapse, which can lead to overuse of emergency services, incarceration, and homelessness.

    To prevent further facility closings, LARCA members and community supporters advocate for the following:

    1. Immediate infusion of $2,000 per bed for each state-licensed facility with 70% of their census on SSI and living with Serious Mental Illness with no supplemental
    2. Raise reimbursement rates to facilities that provide care and housing to low-income residents living with Serious Mental Illness that is on par with those living with Developmental Disabilities.
    Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA Executive Director.

    Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA Executive Director.

    “With proper funding, Adult Residential Facilities can take 936 homeless seniors off the streets right now,” said Tinson.

    According to the California State Commission on Aging people over 50 are more than half of all homeless and the fastest-growing segment of the homeless. They need proper care, provided by properly funded licensed care facilities.

    For more information, go to LARCALA.org, call (323) 536-4801 or email info@LARCALA.org.

    B-roll Bennie Tinson walks to LA County Board chambers: https://youtu.be/NUSgmi35wAQ 

    About The Licensed Adult Residential Care Association (LARCA)

    LARCA is a nonprofit membership association with an emphasis on serving the population of owner/operators of Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and their residents, who are reliant on public benefits and living with serious mental illness, formed with fiscal sponsorship from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Los Angeles Chapter (NAMI GLAC) and financial support from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

     

    LARCA-PR-106.3 Mentally Ill For

    More Information call

    Dr. Greg Zerovnik @ (909) 730-8428 or

    email Greg.Z@DameronCommunications.com

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 480 words

    LARCA Receives IRS Approval of Nonprofit Status

    Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA Executive Director.

    Bennie Tinson, MPP, LARCA Executive Director.

     

    “This is an important milestone for us, and it will enable us to keep moving forward as we continue to help homeless seniors and seriously mentally ill adults,” said a

    LOS ANGELES, CALIF. The Licensed Adult Residential Care Association (LARCA) recently obtained its official IRS recognition as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization.

    LARCA is a community-based membership association that represents more than 350 state-licensed Adult Residential Facilities and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, more commonly known as Board and care in the community. LARCA members provide housing and care for more than 15,000 low-income Angelenos living with Serious Mental Illness.

    LARCA champions resources for facilities and their residents building increased public awareness and support for housing and health solutions that serve vulnerable, low-income adults and elderly people living with mental illness, a population at risk of homelessness.

    LARCA Executive Director Bennie Tinson, MPP, says, “This is another important milestone for us, and it will enable us to keep moving forward as we continue to advocate for seniors and adults living with serious mental illness to ensure these individuals receive the care and housing to meet their needs.

    “LARCA members provide 24/7 care and housing in a residential-like setting, providing meals, medication management, and helping residents meet their basic daily needs. The low SSI rate residents receive makes it difficult for facilities to continue to provide quality care and housing. As a result, 27 Adult Residential Facilities that house and provide care for low-income residents living with Serious Mental Illness closed in the first quarter of 2023,” said Tinson.

    LARCA is a nonprofit membership association with an emphasis on serving the population of owner/operators of Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and their residents, who are reliant on public benefits and/or living with serious mental illness, formed with fiscal sponsorship from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Los Angeles Chapter (NAMI GLAC) and financial support from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

    LARCA is a nonprofit membership association with an emphasis on serving the population of owner/operators of Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and their residents, who are reliant on public benefits and/or living with serious mental illness, formed with fiscal sponsorship from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Los Angeles Chapter (NAMI GLAC) and financial support from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

    LARCA started to bring together owners and operators of licensed Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) based in Los Angeles County that provide vital, long-term housing and care services to vulnerable, low-income adults and the elderly, including people living with serious mental illness. Membership is currently being offered at no cost.

    For more information, go to LARCALA.org, call (323) 536-4801 or email info@LARCALA.org

    About The Licensed Adult Residential Care Association (LARCA)

    LARCA is a nonprofit membership association with an emphasis on serving the population of owner/operators of Adult Residential Facilities (ARFs) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and their residents, who are reliant on public benefits and/or living with serious mental illness, formed with fiscal sponsorship from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Los Angeles Chapter (NAMI GLAC) and financial support from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

     

    B-Roll:

    LARCA-PR-109.3 501 (c)(3) Approval

    For More Information call

    Dr. Greg Zerovnik @ (909) 730-8428

    or email Greg.Z@DameronCommunications.com

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 342 words

    LaSalle Clinics Are Ahead of the Curve in Ending Race-Based Medicine

    Dr. Albert and Maria Arteaga

    Dr. Albert and Maria Arteaga, Founders of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. dedicated to ending health care disparities.

    “People of color are tired of being treated differently by doctors because of their skin color. At LaSalle, we pride ourselves on treating all patients with respect and giving them the care, they need, regardless of their ethnicity,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, MD, founder and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.

    (Redlands, Calif.)  The American Academy of Pediatrics has announced that it is revising its policies and guidelines to do away with wording that implies or suggests “that races have underlying biological differences that should be factored in medical treatments.”

    In a new policy statement, “Eliminating Race-Based Medicine,” pre-published online May 2, 2022, in Pediatrics, the AAP observes that race is a historically derived social construct that has no place as a biologic proxy. Over the years, the medical field has inaccurately applied race correction or race adjustment factors in its work, resulting in differential approaches to disease management and disparate clinical outcomes.

    “The American Academy of Pediatrics is taking an important step toward dismantling race-based medicine. This effort calls for acknowledging the impact that differential lived experiences have on individual and population health outcomes through a race-conscious health equity lens rather than through approaches that have inappropriately identified skin color as an independent risk-adjusting variable,” Dr. Wright said.

    “Social determinants of health need to be carefully considered in the development of care delivery strategies including factors embedded in broad categories such as access, the physical environmental and community supports. Evidence informed incorporation of these factors is vital in all areas of medicine.”

    Dr. Albert Arteaga, MD, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., says, “As a Latino-owned organization, we have always treated every patient—adult or child—with the most conscientious and rigorous care.

    Many of our doctors and support staff are themselves minorities and they know very well how important it is to make all patients feel comfortable and to deliver to all patients the highest standard, the gold standard, of care.”

    The gold standard of care is a method, procedure or measurement that is widely accepted as being the best available to test for or treat a disease.

    Race-based care has been pervasive for decades. One example is how some pediatricians deal with Black children who may be suffering from a urinary tract infection. According to Dr. Joseph L. Wright, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, from American Academy of Pediatrics, rather than apply the gold standard test, they use a lesser procedure because they assume that Black children don’t get urinary tract infections as often as white children.

    But that is not the case at LaSalle. “When we interview prospective providers, we make sure that they are in sync with our values and standards,” says Dr. Arteaga. “The gold standard is the only standard we apply to the people under our care.”

    After two years of virtual doctor visits, all of LaSalle six clinics are open for person-to-person patient visits. Clinics are now open in San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Hesperia and Victorville.

    “The evolution of modern medicine has produced incredible advancements and accomplishments in health care,” Dr. Wright said. “But we must acknowledge and address the stark inequities that persist in leaving vulnerable populations behind. We are better than this. Now is the time for change.”

    For more information or to make an appointment at a LaSalle Medical Associates Clinic call 1-855-349-6019. Fontana, San Bernardino 17th Street, San Bernardino Mt. Vernon Ave., Rialto and Hesperia.

    About LaSalle Medical Associates

    LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest, independent, and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

    LaSalle operates six clinics employing more than 100 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net, and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) coverage.

    LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to approximately 365,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, and Tulare counties.

    LaSalle-PR-316.2 Gold Standard Care

    For More Information call

    Dr. Greg Zerovnik @ (909) 730-8428‬

    or email Greg.Z@DameronCommunications.com

    Attorney Timothy Prince Joins the City of San Bernardino Charter Review Committee

    “I am honored to be entrusted by the Mayor and City Council with this opportunity to make recommendations on how our City Charter can be improved so that our city government can operate more effectively. The current Charter recognizes that periodic review is necessary, and adjustments should be made to enable the city to return to its All-America City greatness,” said Prince.

    “I am honored to be entrusted by the Mayor and City Council with this opportunity to make recommendations on how our City Charter can be improved so that our city government can operate more effectively. The current Charter recognizes that periodic review is necessary, and adjustments should be made to enable the city to return to its All-America City greatness,” said Prince.

    SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. Attorney Timothy P. Prince, Esq., of Tomlinson & Prince has been named to the City of San Bernardino Charter Review Committee. Tim was recently approved unanimously by the City Council.

    “I am honored to be entrusted by the Mayor and City Council with this opportunity to make recommendations on how our City Charter can be improved so that our city government can operate more effectively. The current Charter recognizes that periodic review is necessary, and adjustments should be made to enable the city to return to its All-America City greatness,” said Prince.

    San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran

    San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran

    “I was pleased to make Timothy Prince one of my Mayoral appointments to the City Charter Review Commission,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “We appreciate his willingness to step up and serve the residents of San Bernardino.”

    The Charter Review Committee is a nine (9) member committee, established by Resolution No. 2017- 243, tasked with completing a periodic review of the City Charter to identify potential amendments that enhance clarity, efficiency, and the principles of the council-manager form of government. Each member must be a registered voter within the city and no member can be an employee of the city. The term of office coincides with the term of the nominating City Council member or Mayor.

    Other committee members are Rikke Van Johnson, 6th Ward Commissioner; Phil Savage, 7th Ward Commissioner, Chairperson; Rabbi Hillel Cohn, 4th Ward Commissioner, Vice Chairperson; Casey Dailey, 1st Ward Commissioner and Angela Torres, 3rd Ward Commissioner.

    Meetings for the Charter Review Committee are held the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 in the board room at 201 North E Street.

    For more information go to the city of San Bernardino website at: https://sanbernardino.primegov.com/public/committees?committee=5

    About Attorney Timothy P. Prince, Esq., of Tomlinson & Prince

    Timothy Prince is the lead attorney at Tomlinson & Prince. He was honored as San Bernardino’s Best Attorney for three consecutive years.

    At Tomlinson & Prince, he represents companies and individuals in a wide variety of cases, including Wrongful Termination, Business Litigation, Real Estate Wrongful Death, and Personal Injury. A winning philosophy guides the firm and delivers highly effective, cost-efficient representation that is designed to get optimal results. “Our clients always come first,” says Prince.

    TP-PR-202.2 Charter Appointment

    For more information call

    Carl Dameron @ (909) 534-9500 or email

    Carl@DameronCommunications.com

    For Immediate Release – 254 Words

    Prevent Covid, Measles and Other Disease Outbreaks—Get Your Children Immunized Now!

    Patient Jasmine Cruz of Fontana age 8 with Nurse Megan. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or is a senior in high school, visiting the pediatrician for immunizations should be an important part of back-to-school preparations. Many schools start in August, so it’s not too soon to make that appointment.

    Patient Jasmine Cruz of Fontana age 8 with Nurse Megan. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or is a senior in high school, visiting the pediatrician for immunizations should be an important part of back-to-school preparations. Many schools start in August, so it’s not too soon to make that appointment.

    “It is important not to wait until the last minute,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “As we get closer to August, more schools will be opening for a new year, and we will become even busier.”

    SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – Schools start their fall terms soon and that means it’s time to get your children’s annual checkup and vaccinations. From Covid to measles, it takes a concerted effort to prevent outbreaks and parents who care for their children and other people’s children need to make sure their kids’ vaccinations are up to date.

    Some social media posts have claimed that vaccines can cause autism spectrum disorder. This is false. Studies either done by or funded by the Centers for Disease Control have found “…no link between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder] in children.”

    The CDC goes on to say, “The COVID-19 vaccines for children have the same active ingredients as the vaccines given to adults. However, children receive a smaller and more age-appropriate dose that is right for them. The smaller doses were rigorously tested and found to create the needed immune response for each age group. Making it important for your child to get the vaccine made for their age group.”

    Whether your child is starting kindergarten or is a senior in high school, visiting the pediatrician for immunizations should be an important part of back-to-school preparations. Many schools start in August, so it’s not too soon to make that appointment.

    “It is important not to wait until the last minute,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga., president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “As we get closer to August, more schools will be opening for a new year, and we will become even busier.”

    There are four vaccinations all kindergarteners must have before entering school for the first time, said Dr. Cheryl Emoto, medical director for LaSalle Medical Associates. And, as they grow older, children need additional immunizations.

    “Children entering kindergarten should receive boosters for Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and Varicella (chicken pox),” she said.

    If parents have kept up with their child’s immunizations from birth, only booster immunizations for the above diseases are needed. However, they should have also received vaccinations for these and several other diseases prior to age 2, and as kindergarteners may need several doses of immunizations if not “caught up.”

    When children turn 11, they can and should receive the meningitis vaccine for the first time, Dr. Emoto said. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends children this age receive another Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) booster, she noted.

    Parents can schedule these vaccines shortly after the child’s 11th birthday, but they can also be part of a back-to-school immunization routine for any student, even those over 18.

    “Children older than 11 who have not received these vaccines should also come in to get them,” Dr. Emoto said. “And if you have a teenager who is enrolling in college, planning to live in a dormitory, and hasn’t been vaccinated for meningitis, Covid and other communicable diseases, they should be vaccinated now.”

    Girls aged 9 and older, and young women up to age 26 who have not had a sexual encounter, can receive the vaccine against the human papilloma (HPV) virus. While giving this vaccine to girls in elementary school is not without controversy, many doctors, including those at LaSalle Medical Associates, are highly in favor.

    “The HPV virus is the main cause of cervical cancer,” Emoto explained. “It is important that a girl receive three doses, which are given over a six-month period, before her first sexual encounter in order for the vaccine to be fully effective.”

    One vaccination not available during the back-to-school season is the flu shot. Flu shots are given in the fall when the vaccine becomes available from manufacturers. The CDC also points out, “Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines over the past 50 years, and there has been extensive research supporting the safety of flu vaccines.”

    “We depend on when the vaccine is shipped,” Emoto said. “We may have flu vaccines in September this year, but in past years it wasn’t until October that we received the vaccine. Once we receive it, we encourage all children six months to 18 years to receive an annual flu vaccine.”

    Children younger than 8 who are being immunized against flu for the first time receive a two-part vaccine, she said. The second dose is given four to six weeks after the first.

    “Healthy children 2 years of age and older have the option of receiving the vaccination as a nasal spray instead of as an injection, Emoto said. The nasal spray is just as effective.”

    LaSalle serves people covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare and Covered California. LaSalle staff have been trained to help people who come into a clinic without any insurance to get signed up for whatever coverage they qualify for.

    LaSalle also accepts patients covered by Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle cares and it shows.

    For clinic locations and more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go online to lasallemedicalassociates.com.

    B R I E F: 252 Words

    Prevent Covid, Measles and Other Disease Outbreaks—Get Your Children Immunized Now!

    SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – School starts soon and that means it’s time to get your children vaccinated. From Covid to measles, it takes a concerted effort to prevent outbreaks. Parents who care for their own and other peoples’ children need to make sure their kids’ vaccinations are up to date.

    Visiting the pediatrician for immunizations should be an important part of back-to-school preparations. “It is important not to wait until the last minute,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga., president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “As we get closer to August, more schools will be opening for a new year, and we will become even busier.”

    Four vaccinations all kindergarteners must have include boosters for Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and Varicella (chicken pox).

    When children turn 11, they should receive the meningitis vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends children this age receive another Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) booster, she noted.

    Girls aged 9 and older, and young women up to age 26 who have not had a sexual encounter, can receive the human papilloma (HPV) vaccine. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. Flu shots are given in the fall when the vaccine becomes available from manufacturers.

    LaSalle has clinics in San Bernardino, Victorville, Hesperia, Rialto, and Fontana. For more information call (909) 890-0407 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

    For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go online to lasallemedicalassociates.com.

     

    About LaSalle Medical Associates

    LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

    LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to approximately 365,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.

    Lao Family Community Development CEO, Kathy Chao Rothberg, to speak at Meet the Innovators on reuse of motels and vacant sites to achieve homeless self-sufficiency

    Photo Caption: Lao Family Community Development (LFCD) opened a residential campus, called the Care Community Center, CEO Kathy Chao Rothberg. The Campus supports the homeless and other vulnerable populations including justice-involved individuals; victims of domestic violence; elder abused survivors; secure safe interim and permanent housing for refugees; among other populations in need

    Oakland, Ca. — CEO Kathy Chao Rothberg of Lao Family Community Development (LFCD) has been chosen to share the spotlight with three other community leaders in an event entitled, Meet the Innovators, Richmond.  The other three honorees are: Kimberly Aceves-Iñiguez, Co-founder and Executive Director, RYSE Center; Wesley Alexander, CEO, CoBiz Richmond; and Fred Lucero, Program Manager, RichmondBUILD.  The discussion will be moderated by Ken Maxey, Director of Government Affairs, Comcast/NBCUniversal.  The event is being organized by the East Bay Economic Development Alliance. It will take place at the headquarters of CoBiz Richmond, Inc. (a 501c3), on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, from 5-7 p.m.

    Chao Rothberg’s presentation will focus on LFCD’s innovative and comprehensive approach to supporting the homeless and other vulnerable populations including justice-involved individuals; victims of domestic violence; elder abused survivors; secure safe interim and permanent housing for refugees; among other populations in need.

    The services provided through LFCD to those in need include securing gainful employment, education, and public benefits through a proven model comprised of a host of “green practices”, which has earned LFCD numerous awards in recent years.  These green practices include, for example, repurposing such motels as a vacant 285 room Motel 6 in Oakland and 107 room Vagabond Executive Inn in Downtown Sacramento into a co-located facility that provides housing, growth sector vocational training, earning a High School diploma for adults, job placement (including a earn and learn to career placement component), health-related services, among many other services for individuals who are facing a wide range of challenges.

    LFCD was formed as a non-profit 501(c)(3) in 1980.  Today the organization serves individuals from 40 nationalities, delivers specialized services to unique populations in 35 languages, and impacts the lives of over 31,000 diverse local residents annually in three northern California counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, and Sacramento).  Its mission is to advance the wellbeing of diverse communities through culturally-informed employment, housing, and education has served over 400,000 Californians.  LFCD concentrates on five core service areas: 1) adult education and vocational training, 2) youth education, leadership, and career exploration, 3) financial coaching/asset development, 4) work supports and health access, and 5) affordable housing, home ownership and economic development activities.

    For more information, contact: Kathy Chao Rothberg, CEO | KRothberg@lfcd.org | (510) 334-4826

     

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Donates 20 Tons of Food to The Salvation Army

    Left to right: Salvation Army officer, Sam Valdez, President Matthew Johnson of San Bernardino The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints. , Salvation Army Major Adelma Braga, Major Isais Braga,  Lonnie Gallaher, Stake Communication Director for the Church in San Bernardino, Salvation Army officer Mike Delgado.  In front of old donated by the church to serve the hungry in the san bernardino area.

    Left to right: Salvation Army officer, Sam Valdez, President Matthew Johnson of San Bernardino The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints. , Salvation Army Major Adelma Braga, Major Isais Braga, Lonnie Gallaher, Stake Communication Director for the Church in San Bernardino, Salvation Army officer Mike Delgado. In front of food donated by the church to serve the hungry in the san bernardino area.

    Major Isaias Braga, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army San Bernardino/Redlands Corp, said, “The Salvation Army is privileged to receive a substantial food donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints San Bernardino Stake. This partnership is essential for fulfilling the Salvation Army mission in our region.”

    REDLANDS CALIF. The San Bernardino Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints has donated a semi-truck full of nonperishable food to The Salvation Army San Bernardino Citadel summer food program. Nearly 40,000 pounds of canned and packaged foods will arrive at The Salvation Army warehouse Thursday morning, July 6.

    Lonnie Gallaher, Stake Communication Director for the Church in San Bernardino, said, “We are grateful to be able to support the good work the Salvation Army has been doing in the community for years.

    Many members of our Church serve as Salvation Army volunteers at the Food Distribution site. When we found out from one of them, that the food program needed a boost, we were ready to help,” said Gallaher.

    The partnership between the two churches strengthened noticeably two years ago when The Church of Jesus Christ members helped out with The Salvation Army’s annual toy drive.

    “The Bishops’ Central Storehouse in Salt Lake City over-produces nonperishable food as part of our ongoing effort to be prepared for any emergency. Canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, packaged cereals, pasta, and grains…everything is centrally processed and ready to meet any need that may arise,” said Gallaher.

    The Salvation Army’s Business Administrator, Steve Pinckney, said “Our partnership with the The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints has been a blessing. Like our own, the Church of Jesus Christ is dedicated to humanitarian needs, including feeding the hungry.”

    The Salvation Army food distribution program can provide a healthy meal for a hungry neighbor for just $1.28. “We can serve meals to 140 families a week,” says Pinckney, “and with an average of four people per family, the total is over 2,200 meals a month.”

    The San Bernardino Stake of the Church includes most of the City of San Bernardino, Crestline, Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, and a sizable portion of the City of Highland. This dovetails with The Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps, making the partnership a natural fit.

    Matthew Johnson, President of the San Bernardino Stake, said, “We, as a church, strive to follow the admonition of the Savior Jesus Christ, to feed the hungry, offer a drink to the thirsty, take in a stranger, to clothe the naked and to visit those who are sick and afflicted. Through the donations of Church members, we can offer assistance to those in need.

    Photo caption: Salvation Army Major Adelma Braga, Major Isais Braga, The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, Communications Director Lonnie Gallaher, Salvation Army officer Sam Valdez. In the truck Mike Delgado. In front of food donated by the church to serve the hungry in the San Bernardino area.

    Photo caption: Salvation Army Major Adelma Braga, Major Isais Braga, The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, Communications Director Lonnie Gallaher, Salvation Army officer Sam Valdez. In the truck Mike Delgado. In front of food donated by the church to serve the hungry in the San Bernardino area.

    “We believe in assisting with no regard to race, religious affiliation, or nationality. We strive to work with other organizations, faith, and community based, to offer relief and support in helping God’s children to meet basic needs as they strive to become self-reliant.”

    Major Isaias Braga, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army San Bernardino/Redlands Corp, said, “The Salvation Army is privileged to receive a substantial food donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints San Bernardino Stake. This partnership is essential for fulfilling the Salvation Army mission in our region.

    This initiative reveals the deep concern The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints has for the less privileged of our community, for which we are very grateful. Also, the volunteer support received from the church members is crucial and enables us to alleviate hundreds of families that come to us weekly experiencing food insecurity.”

    Salvation Army's Sam Valdez unloads food from the load.

    Salvation Army’s Sam Valdez unloads food from the load.

    For more information call (909) 792-6868. Donations can be made online at SanBernardino.SalvationArmy.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY, specifying that you want your donation applied to the San Bernardino Corps in California.

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    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Donates 20 Tons of Food to The Salvation Army

    REDLANDS CALIF. The San Bernardino Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints has donated a semi-truck full of nonperishable food to The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps summer food program. Nearly 40,000 pounds of canned and packaged foods will arrive at The Salvation Army warehouse Thursday morning, July 6.

    Lonnie Gallaher, Stake Communications Director for the Church in San Bernardino, said, “We have been working with The Salvation Army here for years. Many of our members serve as Salvation Army volunteers and we found out from one of them, that the food program needed a boost.”

    The Salvation Army’s Business Administrator, Steve Pinckney, said “Our partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints has been a blessing. The Church of Jesus Christ, like our own, is dedicated to humanitarian needs, including feeding the hungry.”

    Matthew Johnson, President of the San Bernardino Stake, said, “We, as a church, strive to follow the admonition of the Savior Jesus Christ, to feed the hungry, offer a drink to the thirsty, take in a stranger, to clothe the naked and to visit those who are sick and afflicted. Through the donations of Church members, we can offer assistance to those in need.”

    For more information call (909) 792-6868. Donations can be made online at SBCSVA.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY, specifying that you want your donation applied to the San Bernardino Corps in California.

    —30— 

    About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps

    The Salvation Army may provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available.

    The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers evangelical programs for boys, girls, and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 792-6868.

     

    SVA-PR-1235.4 Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints Food Donation

    For More Information Call

    Carl M. Dameron @ (909) 534-9500

    Or email Carl@DameronCommunications.com

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 647 words

    Summer Is Here—Time to Keep Kids Safe Around Pools

    “Small children can drown in only a few inches of water, so parents, grandparents and babysitters need to pay attention to children around any size swimming pool,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates Inc. on pool safety.

    “Small children can drown in only a few inches of water, so parents, grandparents, and babysitters need to pay attention to children around any size swimming pool,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates Inc. on pool safety.

     

    “The average 2-year-old is two-and-a-half to three feet tall, so while a wading pool seems safe to an adult, it is a danger to a small child,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates

    SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. Summer is here, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that more children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death, and for children ages 5–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.

    Hotter days are coming, motivating many youngsters to head for the pool to swim and play in the water. LaSalle Medical Associates is urging local residents to remain cautious and vigilant around swimming pools regardless of size, even small inflatable pools less than a foot deep.

    “The average 2-year-old is two-and-a-half to three feet tall, so while a wading pool seems safe to an adult, it is a danger to a small child,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president, and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates Inc. on pool safety. “Small children can drown in only a few inches of water, so parents, grandparents, and babysitters need to pay attention to children around any size swimming pool.”

    The CDC goes on to note that every year sees some 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings, an average of 11 deaths a day. Other nonfatal drownings add 4,000 more incidents and while the drowning victim survives, they may suffer long-term health problems and incur expensive hospital stays.

    “Swimming can be deceptive,” says Barbara Graber, the education and audit coordinator for LaSalle. “We, as adults, become complacent because children are having fun or we feel comfortable in our environment at the time. But swimming pools are potentially dangerous for children, and we have to keep this in mind all the time.”

    To prevent drowning, the recommendations are to:

    • Learn survival swimming skills.
    • Avoid using alcohol while swimming or supervising children near water.
    • Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while swimming or playing in or around water.
    • Never let older children be in charge of younger children in pool areas.
    • Place a fence around pools or spas with a gate that locks. Keep the gate closed and locked at all times.
    • Never swim alone.
    • Keep a cordless, water-resistant phone near the pool in the event of an emergency.

    Parents looking into buying small, portable pools such as a wading pool should consider those with sides rigid enough for children to grab. Also, the pool’s surface should be sturdy and not slick so as to avoid slipping.

    In each of its six clinics, LaSalle’s Clinic Safety Committee has posters on display with pool safety tips. These posters are available at no charge to the public, LaSalle officials say.

    “The idea is to keep parents aware of these safety tips in order to convey the message,” Arteaga says. “Drowning can become a tragedy, but it is one that is most avoidable.”

    In addition to pool safety, LaSalle also encourages local residents to protect their skin while enjoying time outside in the sun.

    “More time in the pool means more time in the sun and the sun can cause serious sunburns even possibly leading to various levels of skin cancer later in life,” Graber says.

    Graber suggests using sunblock with an SPF of at least 15, which will stop 93 percent of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

    Remember to reapply after swimming, she says.

    To download a free pool safety poster listing important safety tips for children and seniors, go to Free Pool Safety Poster.

    For more information or to make an appointment, call 1-855-349-6019.

    About LaSalle Medical Associates

    LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

    LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to approximately 365,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Tulare counties.

    “Small children can drown in only a few inches of water, so parents, grandparents and babysitters need to pay attention to children around any size swimming pool,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates Inc. on pool safety.

    “Small children can drown in only a few inches of water, so parents, grandparents and babysitters need to pay attention to children around any size swimming pool,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates Inc. on pool safety.