Local

By Lawrence Carey, III

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— UPLAND, CA— On behalf of the men of Victory Community Church and Pastor Tommy Morrow, I’d like to personally invite you to share in our upcoming 2^nd Annual Men’s Forum and Youth Leadership Summit.  This one-day empowerment for men and youth boys will take place on Saturday, July 21 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Victory Community Church and the Inland Valley News Conference Center located at 2009 Porterfield Way, Suites C, D, E & F in Upland.

The theme for this year’s Forum is “Men Pressing for the Prize”, Philippians 3:13-14. Attending this Forum can be beneficial, considering our current social and political climate toward African American Men and Youth. This Forum will empower, encourage and strengthen the Men and Youth Boys in our communities.

We will have experts leading workshops in the areas of Family, Health, Wealth, Mental Health, Business and Faith. The workshops for teenagers will be on Social Responsibility, Decision Making, Manhood and Respect. One of the highlights will be our panel discussion on What It Means to Be a Man. Our keynote speaker will be Mr. Ed Taylor, CIF Hall of Fame Coach and community leader.

Come and meet other Brothers who will be recharged, refreshed and renewed. This one-day of workshops, panel discussions and fellowship will go a long way in the lives of those who participate. The cost is $45 for Adults and $25 for Junior High & High school students. The cost is all inclusive and includes catered lunch, workshop materials, panel discussions, the keynote address and other amazing activities. 

Also, new this year, we’re proud to present a special Women’s panel discussion entitled, “What We Really Wish the Men in Our Lives Knew about Women.”  This frank and candid discussion is designed to explore issues that are at the very heart of women at various stages of life and how they wish to be loved and respected. You don’t want to miss it!

Take a moment to look at the website www.vccmensforum.org . Please be kind enough to come and be a part of this extraordinary day for Adult Men and Young Men. Please encourage the men in your experience, friends and family to join with you in attending.

For more information and to RSVP please contact Joann Washington at Victory Community Church at (909) 981-1195 or email info@vccupland.org.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Hundreds of children all across the Inland Empire are starting their Summer Break with brand new books to enjoy! They are having fun reading with their families and friends while keeping their academic skills sharp during the school break.

Children from San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda and other regions of the county attended the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) Summer Book Fest 2018 and Resource Fair on June 9 at CAPSBC.

Assemblymember Elois Gòmez-Reyes stopped by to support the event and presented a certificate of appreciation stating, “This event celebrates the joy of reading and reinforces important skills that will prepare our students for successful futures.”

Thousands of new, colorful children’s storybooks and activity workbooks were given to kids for pleasure reading and family learning time during the Summer break from school. The books feature fun Disney themes and characters, including “Frozen,” “Star Wars” and “Snow White.”

10,000 new books ? enough to fill a library shelf the length of two football fields ? were granted by the Molina Foundation to CAPSBC as part of their “Launch into Learning” campaign. The books, valued at $84,000, provide free educational resources to help children, parents, and caregivers create word-filled homes this summer through reading and learning together.

CAPSBC Board Chairwoman, Dr. Margaret Hill stated, “With this wonderful donation from Molina Foundation, we were able to provide books to children in families for whom a book purchase would otherwise not be financially feasible. These books go a long way in helping children in our disadvantaged communities to learn and read with their families.” 

The Molina Foundation, based in Southern California, believes that book distributions can be an effective way to reinforce storytelling at home and create opportunities to build home libraries.

“We care deeply about helping children in their academic and personal achievement,” said Foundation President and Founder Dr. Martha Bernadett about the Launch into Learning initiative. “We know that giving out books and learning materials can have a wonderfully positive impact on the kids and their families.”

At the event, children were able to choose free age appropriate books and parents received a free Thermos travel mug. A resource fair with over 30 agencies were on site to give goods, services and information to help families. Kids were entertained by reading butterflies, got their faces painted, did crafts with Home Depot, and participated in the Super Raffle of prizes. There were lots of smiles and fun which can be seen on both CAPSBC and Molina Foundation Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/capsbc and www.facebook.com/MolinaFoundation

The event was designed to fight the “Summer Slide” when children are out of school for summer break, and are not as academically active. According to Oxford Learning, students lose 2 months of reading skills over the summer and 2-3 hours of reading per week is needed to prevent any learning loss.  CAPSBC wants parents to have the resources to help their kids achieve success.

Research shows that there continues to be significant academic achievement differences between children in poverty and their more affluent peers. In San Bernardino County, 26% of children under 18 years of age live in poverty. 

The Molina Foundation is dedicated to the mission of reducing disparities in access to education and health. Since its inception in 2004, the Foundation has partnered with more than 2,000 organizations and schools around the country to promote literacy and wellness. In addition, it has donated more than 5 million new children’s books in English and Spanish, and hosted hundreds of free workshops and programs for educators, families, and children.

CAPSBC, which was established in 1965, works with our low-income communities to address barriers to economic stability. This is accomplished under an array of services and assistance including food/nutrition, home energy and family development.  For more information about CAPSBC, visit www.capsbc.org

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— REDLANDS, CA— On Saturday, June 16, the City of Redlands held its first annual Juneteenth celebration at Israel Beal Park. To commemorate the momentous occasion, the city unveiled the memorial honoring the late Israel Beal, who was an African American who helped in founding the city.

Publishers Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- JUNTEENTH BLUES… America became great because of slave labor! The Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery and America became the beacon of opportunity for people all over the world!

People have come from all over the planet, migrating to the “land of the free and home of the brave”! Taking their lumps and squeezing through any crack leading to an opportunity for advancement!

The heat in America’s melting-pot, easily blended the white-skinned European, but could not generate enough heat to meet the challenge of accepting and absorbing the people wrapped in the hues of red, black or yellow.

Racism is a prominent member of the same family as slavery. However, racism is more efficient if not as blatant, an expression of hate! The language of racism is guised in, ‘We need to build boarder walls!” The idea of racism occurs when we hear where the wall is to be built. When we hear the POTUS say that we need more immigrants like Norwegians or that Nazis are good people!

Racism is a dehumanizing tool that allows people to rationalize that separating children from their parents is OK! Racism encouraged slavery to capitalize by selling children!  Racism is separating Brown babies/children from their parents at America’s Southern boarder today!

We are experiencing the same brand of racism that allowed slavery to flourish as an American beauty mark, instead of the hideous cancerous sore that it is! A birthmark that still defies makeup!

It is obvious racism when Black professional athletes are distained by POTUS for taking a knee in protest. Distained for protesting the lack of equal protection for young Black men! Distained for protesting police shootings of Young Black men! Shooting young Black men, the descendants of the same enslaved Black men whose unpaid labor-built America! 

The unpaid labor from forced immigrants that made America great, did create a debt! Protest is a simple reminder!

America owes itself and world observers an explanation for the obvious hypocrisy that finds Black Americans in a “State of Emergency” in the country that was made great by the labor of their ancestors! That same explanation just might expose why the POTUS is so determined to keep Brown migrants from crossing our borders.

“Walk together children, and don’t you get weary!”

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Industry Connections is WHAT IT DO! Tonight, come see what it do with ya’ girl in L.A. as we get it in.

It ain’t nothing like a networking party to kick things off for the BET weekend extravaganza. The event is sponsored by DRS Da Radio Show (LA 10510 AM) and will be hosted by ‘DJ 6PAC’ and ‘Dundee’.

The evening will consist of performances from artists all over. There will be a special guest performance by international recording artist ‘Iakopo’. Performing live out of the LUE Productions camp we have ‘Mack Pepperboy’. Doors open at 7 p.m. The show will be held at Habesha Lounge located at 5066 W Pico Blvd in Los Angeles. For tickets please visit www.daradioshow.com. Tickets are $15. Attendees must be 18 and older to enter.

Hope to see you there. Until next week L’s!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA —- In March 2018, San Bernardino Valley College was awarded 17 silver and bronze “Strong Workforce Stars” by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to recognize it for increasing graduate earnings by up to 551%, as well as for helping students to attain a regional living wage and find employment in their field of study.

“Strong Workforce Stars” is an annual recognition for career education programs within the California Community Colleges system whose graduates show significant gains in factors important for advancing social mobility: a substantial increase in earnings, attainment of a living wage and a job closely matched with the field of study. The 2018 Strong Workforce Stars were given to programs throughout the state that met one or more of the following thresholds:

• An increase in earnings by 50 percent or more, based on a match to the state wage file, for students who earned a certificate or degree and were last enrolled in 2015-16.
• Attainment of the regional living wage by 70 percent or more, based on a match to the state wage file, for students who earned a certificate or degree and were last enrolled in 2015-16.
• 90 percent or more are employed in a job similar to their field of study, according to the Career Technical Education Outcomes Survey, for students who earned a certificate or degree and were last enrolled in 2014-15.

Among the stars awarded, SBVC’s psychiatric technology program was lauded for increasing student earnings by 551%, with 96% of graduates attaining the regional living wage. SBVC’s nursing program increased earnings by 53%, with 83% of graduates attaining the regional living wage.

Graduates of San Bernardino Valley College’s Psychiatric Technology Class of 2017 attend a graduation celebration on campus.

Other SBVC programs recognized included:

• Electronics and Electric Technology: 54% increase in earnings.
• Welding Technology: 53% increase in earnings.
• Diesel Technology: 56% increase in earnings.
• Automotive Technology: 137% increase in earnings.
• Automotive Collision Repair: 162% increase in earnings.
• Real Estate: 66% increase in earnings.
• Child Development (Early Care and Education): 58% increase in earnings.
• Environmental Control Technology: 79% of students attained the regional living wage.
• Construction Inspection: 73% of students attained the regional living wage.
• Water and Wastewater Technology: 79% of students attained the regional living wage.
• Pharmacy Technology: 207% increase in earnings.
• Alcohol and Controlled Substances: 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study.
• Radio and Television: 84% increase in earnings.
• Graphic Art and Design: 107% increase in earnings.
• Administration of Justice: 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study.

San Bernardino Valley College graduates prepare to participate in the college’s 91st Commencement procession on May 25, 2018.

For more information on the Strong Workforce Program and the California community colleges that have been recognized statewide, visit http://doingwhatmatters.cccco.edu/StrongWorkforce.aspx.

By Deborah Griffin and Ed Johnson

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— LOS ANGELES, CA— New disruptive creative technologies to SHAPE the new upcoming tech world that will catapult these next and current young generations to a world we never experienced before. The world and the industry are heavily investing in the new and upcoming minds to give access to the creators, innovators, film and sound producers.

Shape .. Saturday   … media … executive round table ….

There were many people from all over coming together to experience and contribute to this expo! The first order of business on Saturday June 2, was the executive round table panel with AT&T executives David Christopher (Pres, AT&T Mobility & Entertainment), Kevin Petersen (SVP, Device, Network & Services Marketing), Val Vargas (SVP, Advertising & Creative Services), and Wayne Purboo (SVP Video & Internet Product Management) to field questions from the media pool and comment on what’s next and how AT&T will play a role.

A question asked that came from the media audience regarding T Mobil inroads in the industry, with their impressive 2018 results from an industry mobile experience reporting site OpenSignal. The site measures data speeds and wireless coverage mapping side by side unbiased comparisons of the major carriers.

One of the panelist stated that ATT is including and innovating new services to be more diverse and strengthening infrastructure to close the speed gap. Also Introducing innovative content not exclusivity to lead the market in the development of the upcoming 5g (evolution) protocol now live in more than 100 markets.

Another question, how are you going to take advantage of the opportunities that 5g brings?  The response was, through advertising, marketing, transparency guiding principles of authentic customer experience. 5G and VR& AR will bring a whole new dimension to the market and how we experience our near future.

The different areas that will become common place with the advent of 5G, customer space, virtualized networking, how you will interact with your content. New platforms for businesses to gain effectiveness efficiency utilizing mix reality, a new computerized platform with less or no latency, content everywhere. AT&T is assisting with development of creators and the content creation and delivery for new customer experiences…Linear tv now is that limitation to be address … eliminate the satellite. dependency vs content download …

An issue was mentioned regarding concerns over use of phones and tech addiction? By giving consumers controls so that they can better manage their lives and use them as tools for productivity and resources of entertainment. By giving consumers a choice of controls and a set of assets to choose from, while not removing consumer choice.

Some technologies that are being put in place such as anti-bullying software, monitoring data consumption, and presenting messaging and notices specific to the user and their data consumption.

Check out additional photos from the event below:

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— The California Senate has approved an almost $200 billion budget which set asides money for several issues that progressive groups deem important such as education, homelessness and transportation. The budget also approves $300 million for schools to boost the academic performance of underachieving students.

This was an issue that black voters and legislators had lobbied for. However, it is a compromise with Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) who had requested ongoing funding for this project. The $300 million is a one-time funding allocation.

“We cannot look the other way anymore. African-American kids in California persistently fall behind academically,” said Weber when she was lobbying for the funding.  “And this problem is not limited to low-income students either. Parents have been patiently waiting for something to change, but it has not. Providing additional resources for the lowest-performing students is now no longer an option, but a necessity.” Other takeaways from the budget include:

• K-14 education received $78.4 billion in Proposition 56 funding.
• Higher education also received a share of the budget. The University of California system received an additional $210 million, while the California State University System received an additional $260 million. 
• $15.9 billion was set aside to protect against an economic downturn.
• $500 million has been allocated for emergency aid to deal with the homelessness crisis
• The budget allocated $5 billion in Proposition 1 transportation funds to repair and maintain highways.

State Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) was pleased with the areas the budget addressed. “With this budget, we continue our efforts to strengthen the state’s commitment to human infrastructure, with much needed additional resources for childcare, targeted resources for higher education and financial aid, additional funds for the courts and diversion and rehabilitative services, and significant ongoing increases to K-14 education,” she said.  In a Facebook post-Mitchell wrote,

“Happiness is: (1) when the budget bill has your name on it (2) includes major investments for California’s children and (3) it’s done!”

Assembly Budget Committee Member Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore) criticized the budget, which was passed by a Democratic majority. Shequestioned if taxpayers were getting their money’s worth. 

“California has the highest poverty rate in the nation, is ranked lowest for quality of life out of all 50 states and has become so unaffordable that one million more residents have left the state than have moved here in the last decade,” said Melendez. “At some point, you have to wonder what taxpayers have gotten for the money they send to government. It doesn’t appear to be much.” 

She added the budget didn’t address pressing issues such as rental costs and rising utility bills.  

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- RIVERSIDE, CA- A four-year cancer survivor who works to help reduce the mortality rate among African-American breast cancer patients in Inland Southern California was named one of the nation’s top “40 Under 40 in Cancer” this month.

Kamesha Miles, 34, of Riverside, was honored at a cocktail reception on Saturday, June 2 in Chicago designed to celebrate the contributions of 40 people under the age of 40 who are working to improve the lives of those affected by cancer. She started as a volunteer for Susan G. Komen Inland Empire, which serves all of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and was hired three years ago.

Miles serves as Mission Program Coordinator for the affiliate and has been instrumental in leading an initiative called Circle of Promise that focuses on cultural breast health disparities among African-American women and helps women overcome those disparities through education, awareness and preventative care in pursuit of health equity. 

“It’s such an honor to be nominated and selected for this award,” Miles said. “Empowering people and advocating on behalf of breast health in San Bernardino and Riverside counties has been both rewarding and eye-opening as a mission coordinator and survivor.”

Nominations for the 40 Under 40 in Cancer award came from across the country and represented the following categories: clinical and patient care; biopharma, diagnostics and devices; research, science and technology; government, regulatory and payer; and patient, advocacy and policy. Members of the 2018 inaugural class were selected by a panel of judges. 

Miles holds the Oncology Patient Navigator–Certified Generalist Certification” (OPN-CG), working with an oncology nurse navigator to help women access community resources. Miles was nominated by fellow breast cancer survivor Deborah Lefkowitz, a doctoral student at UC Irvine; Michelle Melancon, the oncology nurse navigator at Dignity Health St. Bernardine in San Bernardino; and Gwendolyn Limon, the physician relations liaison for City of Hope.

The award was created by McGivney Global Advisors, an expert consulting firm for biopharma companies, and The Lynx Group, a global strategic alliance of medical communications and education companies.

“Early-career leaders in oncology — clinicians, researchers, business people, advocates — are making an enormous impact on patients and the cancer community, but many of these individuals have not had the opportunity to be widely recognized,” says McGivney Global Advisors partner and cancer survivor Jennifer Hinkel. “’40 under 40 in Cancer’ is an effort to highlight the contributions of these rising stars.”

“These individuals are tomorrow’s driving force in innovation,” said Brian Tyburski, president and chief executive officer of The Lynx Group. “Their achievements are crucial, well deserved, and should be applauded by all.” 

More information about the award, nomination process and the “40 Under 40 in Cancer” awards ceremony and recipients can be found at 40under40incancer.com. 

Follow the Susan G. Komen Inland Empire affiliate on Facebook Susan G. Komen Inland Empire and or Twitter. 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA—On Saturday, June 16, women of the Social Lites, Inc., were in the community at the San Bernardino Juneteenth Annual Festival held at Anne Shirrells Park to promote and educate the community on Healthy Living.  The weather was beautiful, and it was a pleasure to see the community come together for a wonderful event.  There was music, dancing, food and several other vendors. 

The Social Lites Scholarship Foundation is a 501© 3 non-profit organization that has provided services to the local community for the Inland Empire since 1956. Efforts are to perform community service and encourage and support college bound youths as they succeed in college, with the hopes of paying it forward in their communities as professionals and entrepreneurs. 

Tina Darling, Chair of the Healthy Living Social Lites, Inc. sub-committee stated, “The Social Lites Scholarship Foundation is promoting healthy living because our bodies are the temple that God has granted us. Our bodies need nutrients by eating a variety of nutrient-packed foods such as whole grains, lean protein, fruits and vegetables for the soul.”  

We look forward to next year!