WSSNews | Volume 39 No. 40

• THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025
• First Ladies
• Health Initiative:

A Healthcare Q&A with Co-Chair and Pastor Dr. Shalonda "Sunshine" Crawford age year-round. Connecting Communities to Coverage highlights how real people like Dr. Crawford review their options, select plans that fit their needs, and stay protected through every stage of life with a Cov- ered California health plan.

Q&A with Dr. Shalonda "Sunshine" Crawford

1. What motivated you to enroll in Covered California, and what were you looking for in a plan?

When I transitioned into private practice, I no longer had employer- sponsored insurance, but I still needed a plan that offered the level of quality and choice I was accustomed to. As a professional and entre- preneur, I wanted options that supported my family's health needs and aligned with the standards we expected. Covered California provided access to reputable plans and gave me the flexibility to choose coverage that fit both my lifestyle and my responsibilities, including access to mental health care, which is essential in both my personal life and my work as a psychotherapist.

2. What was your experience comparing plans and choosing cov- erage?

I completed my application online and also spoke with a representative who helped walk me through the different plan options. Comparing plans showed me what benefits mattered most for my family and reas- sured me that Covered California offers high-quality choices, including plans similar to those provided by employers. It was empowering to make a well-informed decision about coverage that truly fits our needs,

Connecting Com- munities to Cover- age Through Personal Experience

As an entrepreneur, psychotherapist, and community leader, Dr. Shalonda "Sun- shine" Crawford un- derstands the value of having high-quality health coverage that supports her work, her wellness, and her family's needs. Her experience reflects thousands of Califor- nians who balance careers, caregiving, and community com- mitments and who rely on trusted cover-

• WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER
• San Bernardino
• Appoints Glover- McNamara New Animal

Services Director

SAN BERNARDINO, CA--- The City of San Bernardino has announced that Jasmine Glover- McNamara has been named the Director of Animal Services. Glover-McNamara takes over a department that not only serves the City of San Bernardino, but the cities of Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, Rialto, and Fontana.

"Jasmine has a passion for the animals at the shelter, is a team- oriented leader with an excellent department that has experienced significant growth in recent years. Due to its expanded service to neighboring cities, the shelter took in 11,213 dogs and cats last fiscal year, a 45% increase over the previous year. In that time, the Animal Services Department has grown its staffing, including res- cue coordinators, and in commu- nity outreach.

She has already mapped a course of action in the coming months. "As Director, my focus will be on working relationship with the staff strengthening collaboration with department to serve our shelter and has a vision to help grow the our rescue partners, increasing access to spay/neuter and rabies vaccination support, and continu- ing to build trust through transpar- ency and open communication,"

partners and the residents of San Bernardino," said City Manager Eric Levitt.

Glover-McNamara, who grew up she said. and has lived in the area for her entire life, has been serving as acting director of the department for the past four months. She joined the City of San Bernardino Ani- mal Services Department in 2023, The Department has expanded its programs in partnership with the pet microchipping and scanning San Bernardino County Fire De- partment.

Capacity at the animal shelter, especially knowing that mental health services such as counseling, serving most recently as deputy located at 333 Chandler Place, therapy, and behavioral health care are included as core benefits across all plans.

3. How has your coverage supported your family's health needs? My family and I rely on our coverage for routine checkups, free preven- tive visits, and everyday health concerns. Having dependable coverdirector. For nearly ten years, Glover-McNamara worked for the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, including as its Chief of Shelter Operations. She holds a master's in organizacontinues to increase with the on- going addition of new kennels.

"San Bernardino's animals, and the people who love them, deserve a shelter system rooted in team- work, accountability, and hope,"

age means I don't hesitate to schedule an appointment when something tional leadership from Cal Baptist added Glover-McNamara. "I'm comes up, whether for myself or my children. Knowing we can access the care we need gives us stability and allows us to stay focused on our work, our health, and our commitments to the community.

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.

University, a bachelor's from Bel- levue University, and an associ- ate's degree from San Bernardino Valley College.

Glover-McNamara takes over a excited to continue this journey alongside our community, part- ners, and everyone who shares in this mission."