【《We Chinese in America》Media Editor Tang Zhao, December 26, 2022】Per he death of Stephen “tWitch” Boss’ by suicide last week was a shock and heartbreaking to millions. It also serves as a sad and poignant reminder many people struggle with mental health challenges, but often suffer in silence.(Photo credit: County of San Diego Communications Office)
The acclaimed dancer, choreographer, actor, and producer is well-known for his time on the popular television series So You Think You Can Dance and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, as well as for his roles in high-profile films and shows, including Step Up All In, Magic Mike XXL, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, and Modern Family. Boss, 40, is survived by his wife Allison Holker Boss and his three children Zaia, Maddox and Weslie.
“The tragedy of Boss’ death brings visibility and attention to mental health and suicide, which are subjects that can be difficult to talk about, especially within communities of color, and particularly amongst Black Americans,” said Andrew Strong, director of the County of San Diego Office of Equity and Racial Justice.
“Although members of the Black community are at an increased risk of developing mental health issues due to numerous historical, economic, social, and political factors [that systemically expose Blacks to factors known to be damaging to psychological and physical health], many do not get connected to the mental health services they need,” Strong added.
The statistics are startling.
“Research indicates Black men who experience feelings of anxiety or depression are about half as likely to seek counseling as their non-Black peers,” said Dr. Luke Bergmann, director of Behavioral Health Services at the County Health and Human Services Agency.
In 2019, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found suicide was the leading cause of death for African Americans between the ages of 15 and 24 and the death rate was four times greater for Black men than Black women. They are also more likely to experience symptoms:
- African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious psychological distress, such as major depressive disorder, than other racial groups, according to the National Institute on Minority Health and Disparities.
- Black adults are more likely than white adults to experience persistent symptoms of emotional distress, such as sadness, hopelessness and feeling that they must dedicate extra effort to everything they do, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.
- Between 2015 and 2018, rates of major depressive disorder in young Black adults—ages 18 to 25—increased by more than 3%, yet Black Americans of all age groups were less likely to seek treatment than white Americans, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Psychologists and other behavioral health professionals are making great strides towards developing more tailored programming to support the mental health of Black men specifically, but there is still much work to be done. Dr. Howard Stevenson, Director of the Racial Empowerment Collaborative at the University of Pennsylvania and a national expert on racial stress and racial trauma, perhaps discussed this best.
“We should place less emphasis on whether Black men are resistant to therapy and more on understanding the contexts in which they already feel comfortable talking about their feelings and traumas. If a Black man is able to find a treatment that is culturally responsive, that he understands, and that embraces the uniqueness of his difference, he is more likely to use that service,” Stevenson shared.
Mental Health Treatment is Available
“Mental health conditions are deeply stigmatized, and sometimes seen as personal weakness or even moral failing,” said Bergmann. “And the persistent stigma that surrounds behavioral and mental health issues can make it challenging for people to seek out and get help. But culturally responsive treatment and supports are available and can be life-saving.”
It’s important to recognize everyone responds differently to suicide and that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to coping in the wake of a tragedy.
It is also vital to remember that suicide is preventable, and there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of suicide.
These steps may include:
- Increasing access to mental health resources
- Promoting a culture of openness and acceptance around mental health
- Knowing the signs of suicide and how to get help
If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 or 888-724-7240 to speak with an experienced counselor who can help. They are available seven days per week, 24 hours per day.
(Source: County of San Diego Communications Office)
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【《We Chinese in America》Media Editor Tang Zhao, December 25, 2022】As an ongoing effort to enhance our valuable service to We Chinese in America website readers, We Chinese in America website posts English and Chinese versions of “IRS News Release” ， “IRS Fact Sheets”， and “tax tips” directly received from IRS Media Relations Office in Washington, D.C.. We are pleased to take on this important role partnering with IRS to better inform the public.
Treasury, IRS provide transitional guidance for broker reporting on digital assets
WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced today that brokers are not required to report additional information with respect to dispositions of digital assets until final regulations are issued under sections 6045 and 6045A.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Infrastructure Act), enacted in 2021, amended provisions in sections 6045 and 6045A to clarify and expand the rules regarding the reporting of information on digital assets by brokers. Brokers are still required to comply with existing laws and regulations. Further details are in Announcement 2023-2, posted today on IRS.gov.
This transitional guidance applies only to information returns filed or furnished by brokers. In contrast, taxpayers are still required to report any income they receive from transactions involving digital assets. They are also required to answer the digital asset question on page 1 of either Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. See the instructions to these forms for details.
For more information, including a set of frequently-asked questions, visit the Digital Assets page on IRS.gov.
Internal Resource Service
Media Relation Office
Washington, D. C
Media Contact: 202 317 4000
Public Contact: 800 829 1040
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【《We Chinese in America》Media Editor Tang Zhao, December 23, 2022】Per n observance of the New Year’s Day holiday, County offices, family resource centers, libraries and animal shelters will be closed to the public Sunday, Jan. 1 and Monday, Jan. 2. (Photo credit: County of San Diego Communications Office)
County-operated COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites will be closed Dec. 31-Jan. 2 and will resume normal hours Tuesday, Jan. 3.
Partner test sites will be affected as follows:
- Dec. 30: The Border View YMCA will be closed. Chula Vista City Hall will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Dec 31: Cal State San Marcos and the Lemon Grove Senior Center will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The former Boys and Girls Club. Heart Revolution Church, the Assessors Recorder County Clerk building and the North Inland Live Well Center will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. only.
- Jan. 1: Cal State San Marcos, Lemon Grove Senior Center and the Border View YMCA will be closed.
- Jan. 2: Chula Vista City Hall will be closed. The Imperial Beach Sports Park, North Coastal Live Well Center and the former University of San Diego Recycling Center sites will be closed.
All essential services, such as Sheriff’s Department patrols and animal control emergency response, will continue during the holiday.
County parks, preserves and campgrounds will be open during normal business hours on Jan. 1. However, there will be no public vehicle access or restroom availability with the exception of campgrounds and neighborhood day-use parks.
Facilities at several County Parks will be closed on the dates below.
- The Valley Center Community Hall will be closed Jan. 2.
- The Fallbrook Community Center will be closed Jan. 2.
- The Lakeside Community Center will be closed Dec. 26 through Jan. 2.
- The Lakeside Teen Center/REC Club will be closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 6.
- The Spring Valley Community Center will be closed Jan. 2.
- The Spring Valley Teen Center will be closed Dec. 22 through Jan. 6.
- The Spring Valley Gym will be closed Dec. 31 through Jan. 6.
- The 4S Ranch Recreation Office will be closed Jan. 1-2.
County offices will resume normal hours on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
(Source: County of San Diego Communications Office)
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The updated bivalent COVID-19 boosters that provide the greatest protection against COVID-19 were recently made available to everyone six months of age and older.
COVID-19 and the flu are circulating at high levels this winter and vaccinations for both are widely available at local pharmacies and medical providers. The County will also be offering vaccinations throughout the holidays at its vaccination sites. Check online here for the days and hours sites will be open.
“Many San Diegans have taken advantage of the ability to get vaccinated,” said County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H. “But we can still vaccinate and protect more people. COVID-19 remains highly prevalent in San Diego County, and we’re entering January, the month historically when we’ve had our highest peak number of cases. So please take advantage and complete your vaccinations to protect yourself, your family, and others.”
County officials report that through this week, 80.5% of eligible San Diegans have received their two-shot primary vaccinations, 60.8% have received the primary vaccinations and a booster. They also report that one in five, 20%, of all eligible San Diego residents 5 years and older have received the new bivalent booster. In addition, 40% of people 65 years of age and older have received the new bivalent booster.
People across the country and here in San Diego County continue to deal with multiple respiratory diseases this winter season, including COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Public Health officials still strongly urge people to get vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu.
The bivalent COVID-19 booster and flu vaccinations are separate shots, but they can be given at the same visit. They decrease the chances of getting infected, but more importantly, they effectively reduce the risk of severe illness and complications like hospitalization and death. Boosters are available through local participating pharmacies and healthcare providers. People can visit the state’s My Turn website to schedule an appointment. Booster dose availability is listed on the County’s COVID-19 vaccinations schedule webpage.
Holiday Prevention Measures
County officials also recommend wearing a mask if you are able, particularly during indoor public gatherings, to protect yourself and those around you.
In addition to vaccination and masking, San Diegans can take other precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19, as well as seasonal illnesses like the flu. These measures include:
- Cleaning hands thoroughly and often
- Staying away from sick people
- Staying home and avoiding contact with others when sick
- Regularly cleaning commonly touched surfaces
- Home testing when exposed or when ill. The federal government is providing free at-home COVID-19 tests available again through the winter for a limited time. Households can order one pack of four free tests through the U.S. Postal Service. For more information about testing, go to the County of San Diego COVID-19 testing webpage.
COVID-19 Vaccination Progress:
- More than 2.69 million or 80.5% of San Diegans received the primary series of one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines.
- Bivalent boosters administered: 497,928 or 20% of 2,494,948 eligible San Diegans.
- More vaccination information can be found at coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine.
COVID-19 Deaths:
- 18 additional deaths were reported since the last report on Dec. 15, 2022. The region’s total is 5,626.
- Of the 18 additional deaths, nine were women and nine were men. They died between March 8, 2022, and Dec. 14, 2022. Thirteen of the newly reported deaths occurred in the past two weeks.
- Thirteen of the people who died 80 or older, three were in their 70s and two were in their 60s.
- 14 of these people had been vaccinated and four had not received any COVID-19 vaccines.
- 18 had underlying medical conditions.
COVID-19 Cases, Case Rates and Testing:
- 4,764 COVID-19 cases were reported to the County in the past seven days (Dec. 13, 2022, to Dec. 19, 2022). The region’s total is now 957,586.
- The 4,764 cases reported in the past week were lower compared to the 4,821 infections identified the previous week (Dec. 6, 2022 through Dec. 12, 2022).
- 4,730 tests were reported to the County on Dec. 17, and the percentage of new positive cases was 11.4% (Data through Dec. 17).
- The 14-day rolling percentage of positive cases, among tests reported through Dec. 17, is 9.8%.
Influenza Activity
The County Health and Human Services Agency now publishes the Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report weekly. The report is published each Thursday and tracks key respiratory illness indicators, including flu cases and deaths.
For the week ending Dec. 17, 2022, the report shows the following:
- Seven additional flu deaths; the season’s total is now 27.
- Four of the additional flu deaths were women and three were men. They died between Nov. 30, 2022, and Dec. 13, 2022.
- One of them had received a flu shot this season and six had not.
- Six of the seven had underlying medical conditions; one had no underlying medical conditions. None of the newly reported deaths were coinfected with COVID-19.
- Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 6% of all visits (compared with 7% the previous week).
- Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 1,141 (compared to 1,609 the previous week).
- Total lab-confirmed cases to date: 18,439 (compared to 888 at the same time last season and a 1,201 prior 5-year average during the same week).
(Source: County of San Diego Communications Office)
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DINING WITH ASIAN FOOD AND WINE
Part 1 of 8-part series of foods and wines featured in
“A TASTE OF ASIA, A WINE AND ASIAN FOOD PAIRING”
by
Ronald Jan, M.D.
On a cool autumn evening in November 100 people gathered to celebrate another successful year of serving the community by the Paul Hom Asian (Free) Clinic and to enjoy a pairing of fine wine with Asian foods prepared by local Asian restaurants in and around Sacramento, California. This principal fundraiser for the clinic was called, “A TASTE OF ASIA, A WINE AND ASIAN FOOD PAIRING.” [A TASTE OF ASIA, A WINE AND ASIAN FOOD PAIRING table Setting. Photo Courtesy: Ronald Jan, M.D.]
One of the dishes presented was a Thai dish created by an award-winning Chef Wong Jankheun at THAI (The House of Authentic Ingredients).
[ THAI restaurant’s deep fried pork belly. Photo Courtesy: Ronald Jan, M.D.]
Pieces of Pork Belly - lightly battered and then deep fried giving it a crispy outer layer with a layer of fat and then chewiness of the pork. This pork belly has been so enjoyed even in the Qing Dynasty noting the very popular stone (jasper) carving in the Imperial collection at Taipei’s National Museum.
[The Imperial Collection of the popular stone carving. Photo is from Asian Art Museum Exhibition catalog]
At the TASTE OF ASIA this was paired with Clarksburg Wine Company’s 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon.
[ Clarksburg Wine Company’s 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. Photo Courtesy: Ronald Jan, M.D.]
“Pairing Asian food with a red wine?” you may ask. Here is what famed restaurant, food, and wine writer, Mike Dunne had to say.
“Battered and deep-fried pork belly: The pork belly is a delightful dish, all direct and spirited flavor, calling for a wine of equal weight, frankness, and animation. The Clarksburg Wine Company Clarksburg Cabernet Sauvignon is a refreshing Delta breeze all on its own, sweeping across the palate with bright red-fruit flavors – cherries, raspberries, strawberries. It is dry and warm, with uncommonly uplifting acidity for a Cabernet Sauvignon, giving it a finely honed edge for cutting through the savory meat of the pork belly."
Of note is that Clarksburg Wine Company also makes a 2017 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This Reserve wine to me had more pronounced flavors, body, and complexity coupled with a longer pleasant finish, but the nose (aroma) was less pronounced making it slightly less balanced. Mike pointed out that he felt the increased acid in the wine brought a freshness to the pairing which made the pairing ideal.
And so, pairing Asian food with red wine? A resounding YES! Why not try this combination during this beautiful holiday season! You may be very pleasantly surprised.
Bon Appetite!!!
About the author: Dr. Ronald G. Jan who specializes in Vascular Surgery is a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of California at Davis School of Medicine. Since 2005, Dr. Jan has been serving as the Director of the Paul Hom Asian (Free) Clinic. As a hobby, he holds WSET level 3 certification in wines and has been writing and publishing wine commentaries attracting lots of readers.
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