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MORENO VALLEY, CA- On Saturday, May 13 join Music Changing Lives for an incredible night of student performances at the 6th annual Changing Lives Showcase.  Guests will enjoy an evening filled with fantastic vocal, instrumental and dance performances, a remarkable display of beautiful artworks, great food and more.  The Showcase will be held at the Moreno Valley Conference Center, located at 14075 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Changing Lives Showcase features talented students from Moreno Valley Unified who have worked passionately for 21 weeks on their performance to see ‘Who is the Best at Music and Art.’  The Showcase is no ordinary school competition; this event rolls out the red carpet for its talented performers and artists who will be judged by celebrity guests from the EDMHipHopRebels group ZupaNova.

Music Changing Lives, (MCL) created the Showcase six years ago for youth in Moreno Valley, and since then they have produced several musicians, artists, fashion designers and more.  The program was designed to ignite passion through performance by using music and art as a motivation for students to stay focused on their education and their future.

The Showcase is sponsored by Moreno Valley Unified School District, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Edison International, Wells Fargo Foundation, Niagara Cares Foundation, Kaiser Family Foundation and more.  Visit MusicChangingLives.org today to learn more.

To request tickets or for more information about Music Changing Lives, please contact Josiah Bruny at MusicChangingLives@gmail.com or call (951) 992-0721.  For media or sponsorship opportunities please contact Vanessa Vizard at vanessa@vizardpr.com or (951) 533-6180.  You can also visit them on the web at www.musicchanginglives.org.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!” [Rev. 8:13].  Repent while there is still time! “Come out of her, lest you share in her sins, and receive of her plagues.” [Rev.18:4]. “For He swore by him who lives forever and, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be NO MORE DELAY!” [Rev.10:6]. Turn away from your sin and turn to God NOW. Desire to have nothing to do with sin! “…God is not wishing that [you] should perish, but that [you] should reach repentance.” [2Petr 3:9] I tell you, I can think of only one thing worse than going to Hell, and that will be going to Hell with Heaven on your mind! You see the Bible gives us several vivid examples of this phenomenon.  Judas Iscariot – He kissed the gates of Heaven and went to Hell – [Matt. 26:49; Acts 1:25].  Felix – He looked into salvation, but he wanted to wait to a more convenient time – [Acts 24:25]. Herod Agrippa – He stepped up to the very door of Heaven and turned away – [Acts 26:28]. Festus – He heard the claims of the Gospel and called them the ravings of a mad man – [Acts 26:24].

I want you to know that Lot had been told destruction would come in the morning, but he was lingering. God’s message to Lot was, “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed,” [Genesis 19:17]. He was to detach himself from everything in his former life and flee. “Understand the present time.”The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber; because salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”[Roman 13:11]. Maybe I need to remind you of what God said Hell was like:  Unquenchable Fire – [Mark 9:43; Luke 16:24].  Memory and remorse – [Parable of Rich man].  Intense, unsatisfied thirst – [Luke 16:24-25]. Misery and pain – [Luke 16:24-26; Rev. 14:10-11] Frustration and anger – [Luke. 13:28; Matt. 24:51]. Eternal separation [Rev. 21:8] In Hell, God’s fury will be unleashed!  I tell you if for nothing else, this ought to make you want to be saved! [2Corinthians 6:2] says, “Right now is the acceptable time…”  “…therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.  And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” [Joshua 24:14-15].

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” [Deuteronomy 30:19].

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Omnitrans will launch a new freeway express bus route on Monday, May 1, 2017.  Route 208 will operate at peak commute hours on weekdays traveling between the Yucaipa Transit Center, downtown Redlands and the San Bernardino Transit Center.

“Route 208 will cut travel time in half compared to taking local bus routes,” said Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams. “Express buses also have free Wi-Fi on board to help make commuting time more productive.”

At the San Bernardino Transit Center, passengers can connect with 12 other Omnitrans bus routes, the sbX rapid transit line, and routes operated by Victor Valley Transit Authority, Mountain Transit and Pass Transit.  Metrolink commuter rail service will be extended to the San Bernardino Transit Center in fall 2017.

Omnitrans is offering free rides on Route 208 during the first week of service, May 1 – 5.  Regular fares are $1.75 one-way or $5 for a 1-day pass. Discounts are available for youth 18 and under, senior citizens age 62 and up, military veterans and people with disabilities.

Omnitrans operates two other freeway express routes: Route 290 travels the 10 freeway connecting San Bernardino, Colton, Ontario Mills and Montclair; Route 215 travels the 215/91 corridor connecting San Bernardino, south Colton and Riverside.  Ridership on Omnitrans freeway express service is growing with passenger boardings up about 5% year to date.

Personalized routing assistance is available at 800-9-OMNIBUS (800-966-6428) or online at www.omnitrans.org.

Links:

Route 208 map and schedule: http://www.omnitrans.org/schedules/route208/

Trip planner: http://www.omnitrans.org/getting-around/plan-a-trip/trip-planner/

COMPTON, CA- Compton Mayor Aja Brown’s statement on final election results from the April 18 Compton Primary Nominating Election.

“This is already a victory for progress in Compton.  We led the way with 3,248 votes or 47 percent of votes cast in Tuesday’s election. Compton voters made it clear that they want to move forward and not backward and on June 6 we’re sure that message will hold true.

“Throughout this campaign, we witnessed the love that Compton residents have for their city and the interest they have in our shared vision for Compton’s future.  Working families across Compton rallied around our message ‘Let’s Finish the Work’ and demonstrated their desire to stay the course, as we continue to build a better Compton by empowering and restoring our community. Over the last several years, I’ve made it a priority to ensure new internal controls, improve our fiscal accountability and root out corruption and wasteful spending at every opportunity to be good custodians of our resident’s tax dollars. I’ve also led the way with new economic development to strengthen our local economy through new investment and new jobs for Compton residents.

“We’re at an exciting time in Compton as we are prepare to roll out the largest street reconstruction project in our city’s history.  Thanks to Compton voters, we finally have the funds in place to reconstruct Compton streets and ensure that our investment is maintained for years to come.

“I’m also preparing a city reform package for the voters to consider which will include modernizing city government and long-term property tax reform.

“Progress is a process and on June 6 we’re confident that Compton residents will choose to keep up the momentum and finish the work that we’ve started together!”

Mayor Brown led the vote in both vote by mail and with voters at the polls.

Citywide voter registration in Compton is 45,135.  With all precincts reporting and vote-by-mail and provisional ballots counted, the overall voter turnout in Tuesday’s election was 6,977 or 15.4  percent.

Because no candidate for mayor emerged with over 50 percent of votes cast on April 18, a runoff election will be held on Tuesday, June 6.

At 31, Aja L. Brown made history as Compton’s youngest elected Mayor in 2013. A national trailblazer, Mayor Brown’s New Vision for Compton platform is a revitalization strategy centered on 12-key principles that focus on family values, quality of life, economic development and infrastructural growth.

For more information on Mayor Aja Brown’s campaign, please visit ajabrown.com.

LOMA LINDA, CA- Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) doesn’t just treat kids, it also teaches them. The 32^nd annual Children’s Day, sponsored by Farmer Boys, will offer hands-on learning and fun Wednesday, May 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dorothy Brooks from LLUCH’s child life department, which coordinates the event, said Children’s Day focuses on educating children about healthy and safe living choices.

Recommended for kids ages 3 to 8, the free event will provide children with non-threatening exposure to a health care setting with activities such as a teddy bear clinic, pretend finger casting, and a dental health clinic. Other interactive activities include fire safety, Dr. Hayes’s venomous animals, and many other booths and activities aimed at kids.

SafeKids Inland Empire will have a booth demonstrating crosswalk safety and the dangers of leaving kids alone in a hot car. 

All children must be accompanied by an adult, and large groups are encouraged to register in advance.

Parking will be available in the parking structure on Campus Street. For more information or to register call 1-800-825-KIDS (5437).

By John Coleman, Community Photographer

The UC Riverside School of Medicine held it’s 2017 Spring Community Open House in and around the School of Medicine Education Building on Saturday, April 8.  Members of the Administration, professors, staff, and med school students were present to provide answers to questions, demonstrations, and interactive learning-participation experiences.

The program began at 8 a.m. and ran until noon. The public appeared to include a high percent of parents with their children who want to become doctors.  Many were there, waiting before the doors opened.  The public were given handout material including a map listing time and place, activity, and they were invited to start where they wanted, and “float” at will.

The program menu was divided into two sections, English or Spanish &and/or scheduled to repeat.  Although a lot was going on, by noon a visitor could have visited the Simulation Laboratories and observed a skeleton; observed and/or practiced the newly revised method of performing CPR; used a stethoscope to hear their own, or their friend’s heart; observed an advanced med student perform a simulated clinical examination; or (group) participated in a problem-based learning activity in which they learned the process the doctor follows to make a diagnosis. They also learned about latest research in Biomedical Sciences or Clinical Sciences or suggestions for “Preparing Your Child for Success.”

A planned activity program for children was able to be held outside, in the ‘Kid’s Zone, as the weather had warmed up.

RIVERSIDE, CA- The 17th Annual Riverside Juneteenth Celebration will be held, on Saturday, June 3, 2017, at Bordwell Park-Stratton Community Center, 2008 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Riverside, CA, from 12 Noon to 6 p.m. 

This FREE family festival will feature live entertainment, health and historical information, along with great food, merchandise and community service vendors. All are Welcome to this Great Family and Community Celebration.

For additional information please call (888) 752-1619 or visit www.JuneteenthSoCal.org or email info@ juneteenthsocal.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Tuesday, April 25, PAL Charter Academy students participated in a Youth and Law Enforcement Listening Session held at the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino.  Hosted by Young Visionaries, the event provided excellent dialog about relations between law enforcement and the community. 

Students voiced their concerns and gave personal accounts of their experiences with the law: good and bad.  The mediator inquired how relations can be improved and one student replied, “I’ll never trust the police.”  

The listening session allowed for real discussion on real issues, and helped change perceptions.  We can improve relations by opening this type of dialog with the community and law enforcement.  This event and the Live 2 Learn community forums are part of a national push in improving these efforts and utilizing the information gathered to create change.

By Lue Dowdy

Funk! Soul! R&B and Angel Babys “Oldies 4Ever Concert” is WHAT IT DO! Do you miss that old-school, feel good type of music? That make ya’ wanna grab ya’ girl and sway with her on the dance floor type of music? I do and I’ m sure I have several others with me.

Well, it went down in Ontario last weekend! I had an opportunity to attend the “Oldies Forever” concert put on by the talented Angel Baby Rodriguez, Round 2 Entertainment, and a few other entities. The vibe was on point from the moment I stepped into the building.

The night consisted of vendors and live performances from a few legends in the game. I jumped to my feet soon as Sly Slick took the stage and performed “Thin Line Between Love and Hate.” The Delfonics came in singing “Didn’t I,” and the beautiful and talented Janice Marie Johnson, member of the group A Taste of Honey, gave a memorable performance as well as Garland Green a.k.a “Jealous Kind” of Fella and Jimmy Sterling.

The energy level was off the roof. I was absolutely amazed by what I saw, so poised and professional! The event was packed with folks enjoying themselves. I can tell memory lane was in full effect. I appreciate the efforts of Angle Baby and his team. Make sure you follow Angel Baby Rodriquez on all social media sites for upcoming shows. Now go and put on your favorite oldie.

Until next week Lz!

With Juneteenth being next month, many still do not know what it is and why we celebrate within the African American community. Below is just a quick lesson for beginners on what Juneteenth is.

When did slavery end in the United States? The answer to that question isn’t as clear-cut as it seems. While most slaves received their freedom after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves in Texas had to wait more than two-and-a-half years later to receive their freedom. That’s when the Union Army arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865, and ordered that slavery in the Lone Star State end.

Ever since, African Americans have celebrated that date as Juneteenth Independence Day. Juneteenth is an official state holiday in Texas. It’s also recognized by 40 states and the District of Columbia. Juneteenth advocates have worked for years worked for the federal government to institute a national day of recognition.

Abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth worked tirelessly to free blacks from bondage in the United States. And when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, it appeared that the peculiar institution known as slavery had met its end. For many African Americans, life remained the same, however. That’s because fierce racial discrimination prevented them from living autonomous lives.

More shockingly, some enslaved African Americans had no idea that President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which mandated that they be set free. In Texas, more than two-and-a-half years passed before slaves received their freedom. The holiday known as Juneteenth Independence Day honors these slaves as well as African-American heritage and the contributions blacks have made to the United States.

HISTORY OF JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth marks the date of June 19, 1865, when Gen. Gordon Granger of the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas, to demand that the slaves there be set free. Texas was one of the last states where slavery endured. Although President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, African Americans remained in bondage in the Lone Star State. When Gen. Granger arrived in Texas, he read General Order No. 3 to Galveston residents:

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.

This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages.”

Following Granger’s announcement, the formerly enslaved African Americans broke into celebration.

Today that celebration, said to be the oldest black American holiday, is known as Juneteenth. African Americans not only celebrated their freedom, they exercised their new rights by buying land across Texas, namely Emancipation Park in Houston, Booker T. Washington Park in Mexia and Emancipation Park in Austin.

PAST AND PRESENT JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS

The first massive Juneteenth celebrations kicked off the year after Gen. Granger appeared in Galveston. Historic Juneteenth celebrations included religious services, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, inspirational speakers, stories from former slaves and games and contests, including rodeo events. Many African Americans celebrated Juneteenth in the same way that Americans generally celebrate the Fourth of July.

Today, Juneteenth celebrations feature similar activities. As of 2012, 40 states and the District of Columbia recognize the Juneteenth holiday. Since 1980, the state of Texas has observed Juneteenth as an official holiday known as Emancipation Day. Contemporary celebrations of Juneteenth in Texas and elsewhere include parades and street fairs, dancing, picnics and cookouts, family reunions and historical reenactments. Moreover, President Barack Obama pointed out in his 2009 proclamation of the holiday that Juneteenth “also serves as a time for reflection and appreciation, and an opportunity for many people to trace their family’s lineage.”

While African Americans widely celebrate Juneteenth today, the popularity of the holiday has waned during certain periods, such as World War II. Holiday celebrations of Juneteenth resurrected in 1950, but by the last years of that decade and in the 1960s, Juneteenth celebrations declined once more. Juneteenth became a popular holiday again in a variety of regions during the 1970s. In the early 21st century, Juneteenth is not only a well celebrated holiday, there’s a push to have the 19th of June become a National Day of Recognition for slavery.

CALL FOR NATIONAL DAY OF RECOGNITION

The Rev. Ronald V. Myers Sr., founder and chairman of the National Juneteenth Holiday Campaign and the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, has asked President Barack Obama to “issue a presidential proclamation to establish Juneteenth Independence Day as a National Day of Observance in America, similar to Flag Day or Patriot Day.” As an elected official in Illinois, Barack Obama supported legislation for his state to recognize Juneteenth, but the president has yet to make a move that would make Juneteenth a National Day of Recognition.

Only time will tell if Juneteenth and the slavery of African Americans is ever acknowledged by the federal government in such an official capacity