Local

VICTOR VALLEY, CA- Options for Youth (OFY) Victor Valley Region received the Barona Band of Mission Indians Educational Grant Award on November 1 at the Holiday Inn Victorville.  During the Senior Breakfast, Rebecca Tennison from the 21^stDistrict presented Charles Pak, OFY Director of Instructional Operations, with the grant.

On behalf of the 21^st Senate District, the late state Senator Sharon Runner nominated OFY shortly before her death.  It was the only school Runner’s office recommended for the award this year.  The $5,000 grant is given to help selected schools provide materials, including books and computers, and to promote the academic improvement of students statewide.

“Barona has sought after my recommendation for a deserving school in our district; consequently, we have numerous outstanding schools in need in our district,” Runner, R-Lancaster, said in an official letter to OFY. “However, OFY stood out above the many due to the dedication and commitment displayed by OFY leadership, faculty, and staff, as well as the undeniable challenges overcome by your amazing students.”

Runner said that she and her staff “worked diligently with local schools” this past spring semester to ensure high school seniors were informed of state and federal funds available to them through the Cash for College program.  “This is where we witnessed first-hand the genuine great works and remarkable results of OFY.”

Pak said, “OFY is very grateful for the late Senator Sharon Runner’s nomination for the grant.   We are also thankful for the continued support from loyal community members such as the Barona Band of Mission Indians. This generous grant will be used to help fund materials that promote academic improvement and that will benefit current and future students, including books and computers.”

Submitted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Riverside-San Bernardino Area Alumni Chapter

RIVERSIDE, CA- In the wake of the police shooting of Michael Brown in August 2014, as well as the subsequent protests in Ferguson, Missouri and around the country, there has been a call to mandate the use of body-worn cameras to promote accountability and transparency in police civilian interactions. Their widespread use has the potential to be a win-win, helping protect the public against police misconduct, and at the same time helping protect police against false accusations of abuse.

We, the undersigned African American organizations praise the actions of the Riverside County Sheriff and County Board of Supervisors for securing and committing the resources necessary for additional Sheriff officers to wear a body camera. We now ask that a citizen review committee be established to help in the review of the policies that will govern the use of the cameras and the public availability of its footage. There is no doubt in our minds that working together, the implementation of these cameras will strengthen the trust between the African American community and law enforcement.

We further urge other law enforcement agencies throughout the Inland Empire to follow suit.

This course is an intense 4 hour per day airmen knowledge base training for students wishing to earn their FAA Certified Airmen Certificate with a sUAS rating and become Professional UAS Pilots.  The training will be held each Saturday for eight weeks.

This sUAS Student Pilot Prep course is designed to provide a skill set necessary to safely and effectively operate as the Pilot in Command (PIC) of a small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) in the national airspace; and to provide sUAS student pilots with a better than working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 107;preparing them to take and pass the Airmen Knowledge Base Test necessary to earn the FAA Certified Pilots Certificate with a sUAS rating.

The course will include both simulated and practical applications and 16 additional hours of hands on flight training; a total of 56 Training Hours.

This is a high paying career of the future. Become a professional Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot and earn big. Don’t procrastinate and Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. If you enjoy flying drone or are the least bit curious and, looking for a career of the future.

Call them today at (909) 353-2477 to request more info and to register. Your future in UAS Aviation  is waiting for you.

By Lou Coleman

It can be very difficult to work with a Scorpio as a co-worker. Ain’t that right Mr. Allen? LOL… The Scorpio needs to be in charge professionally and does better in those jobs that will allow them flexibility and freedom to be in control. I’m talking about Naomi “The Marketer” Riggins; Lou Coleman, “The Whatever”, Naomi “The Editor” Bonman, and Lucretia “Ain’t No Stopping Me” Dowdy, strong, commanding, intense, passionate and zealous. Driven, dedicated and loyal. Ambitious and security-loving Scorpio women independent and determined individuals. We will only strive to reach high goals, and we will let nothing get in our way of accomplishing these goals. We will do whatever is necessary to meet goals and don’t care whose feet we must step on in order to accomplish those goals. Watch out now!   Even though we as one celebrate our birthday’s this month, we want to send a shout out to all who are November born. Happy Birthday to You! Now as we go and cut the cake be good to yourselves and one another….Leaving the stage singing….Happy Birthday to Us! Happy Birthday!

By Wallace Allen IV

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Experts say that reading to babies and toddlers improves their learning potential. San Bernardino County’s First 5 Program added talking and singing to the formula at last Saturday’s “Talk, Read, Sing Fest” at the Highland Library. At least 100 children visited the event and received access to a variety of activities.

They received free books and piggy banks (No they were not full of money). There was also face painting, a magic show, plus a short concert! In addition to the fun stuff, there was a resource fair that provided valuable information to the many parents in attendance.

The free event was from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call First 5 for information regarding upcoming events being scheduled for young children at (909) 386-7706.

By Lue Dowdy

What up IEeeeeeeeeeee! Well feeding those in need is what it DO in a real way! LUE Productions, along with several other community organizations, artists, and community members that come together every year to deliver hot meals to the homeless in downtown San Bernardino are getting together again. Giving back is such a rewarding feeling. Mobilize with us to feed over 400 individuals in the Inland Empire.

Last year we made 477 hot meals and passed out socks, sleeping bags and more. This year we’re doing it bigger and better. Please join in!!!

Items that are still needed include: Rolls, Corn, Dressing Mix, Gravy packages, Cranberry Sauce and Cakes and Pies.

Drop off Days for food donations are Friday, November 18th at Starbucks in Colton located at1181 S Mount Vernon Avenue in Colton at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. We must have ALL Turkey’s donated by this date in order to get it our cooks; and on November 20 located at 254 Carousel Mall in San Bernardino from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, please call (909) 567-1000 or email Lue.info@yahoo.com.

Publisher’s Commentary By Wallace Allen IV

Today, and every new day presents an opportunity to choose to attempt to go forward or to quit or possibly do something in between. The President Elect, Donald Trump, said things that some will find encouraging. He will rebuild the inner city and African American Community, build bridges and highways and create jobs, and he has not at this writing, mentioned building a wall!

However, many people are disappointed and possibly afraid of the Trump Presidency. I suggest that depending on government action is risky business even when you feel good about who is elected. Life is surely stressful if you feel disrespected by them. I suggest that the election of Donald Trump can and must become a good thing, and to assure our community’s success, we must play our “Trump” card!

Economic issues confronting our community require that concerned and talented community members visualize and effect plans that acknowledge our resources. Demonstrating respect for our resources and potential is a big but very achievable step. Consider that our churches deposit a estimated $500,000,000 per Monday. That deposit is not being levered. Additionally, our trillion dollar annual buying- power is promptly diluted by our propensity to immediately spend it outside of our community. Correcting that bad habit will change things very quickly. Circulating money is how a community grows itself. There can be safety and security in numbers. A community that successfully utilizes its member resources will find that others outside their community will respect that accomplishment and want to work with them also. Whether the President Elect is somehow able to do something for us or not, controlling our resources can be more beneficial than any government program.    

That a group of people can spend a trillion dollars a year and not be economically viable is a demonstration of inappropriate behavior. The fact is, behavior is something that can be corrected. In the ‘games of life’ we know that doing the unexpected, the unusual, can lead to triumph. Our community will find economic triumph by doing the unexpected, the unusual. Focusing on levering our resources and ‘vesting our money in developing our community’ is indeed, an unexpected change and definitely appropriate behavior!

In this game of economics, changing from a random, suicidal spending attitude to a focused buying/spending strategy is in effect, “playing our Trump card”!

By Naomi K. Bonman

Despite the harsh reality of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, there is still a little praise to cheer about. California showed up and showed out in electing the state’s first new U.S. Senator in 24 years. State Atty. General Kamala Harris has become the first black politician in history to represent California in the Senate. This the start that we need in turning over the House of Representatives and Senate from the Republicans. Not only is Harris the states first new U.S. Senator in years, but she is only the second black woman ever to be selected to the Senate since 1999. 

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the Harris-Sanchez Senate race was the first major test of California’s “top-two” primary system, an experiment in democracy that California voters approved in 2010 in an effort to reduce the highly partisan influence of the Democratic and Republican parties and give independents and moderates more clout in the political process. 

Like many Californians, I voted for Harris, and not just because she was a Black woman but because I believed in and loved her vision that she has for not only for the our state but for the Nation. I admired her speeches and I feel a little comfort knowing that she will be representing us in the Senate. Even after the news of our 45th President selection, she gave us even more comfort and perseverance through her words. 

“Our ideals are at stake right now, and we all have to fight for who we are,” she said in a speech far more somber than most victory addresses. “I believe this is that moment in time for our country, where we are collectively being required to look in the mirror, and with furrowed brow, we are asking a question: Who are we? In California, I believe the answer is a good one: We are a great country.”

The country has survived horrible presidents in the past and this one is no different. We can still preserve and achieve our greatness. Let’s not let fear hinder us, but to push us further into achieving what we need to achieve. 

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA- On Friday, November 4, Lifeway Church in Rancho Cucamonga held a well-attended public meeting. The meeting was scheduled in order to publicize and offer involvement in a planned effort to bring Inland Empire residents together to discuss Economic Empowerment within the Black community.

McDonalds Restaurant franchisee and community leader, Reggie Webb and Lifeway Church Pastor, Chris Esteves presented and co-led the discussion. The proposed solution that the Economic Empowerment Movement came up with was business acquisition, ownership and operation.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“Though the storms keep on raging in my life, and sometimes it’s hard to tell my night from day, still that hope that lies within is reassured, as I keep my eyes upon the distant shore; I know He’ll lead me safely to that blessed place He has prepared. But if the storms don’t cease, and if the wind keeps on blowing, my soul has been anchored in the Lord. [My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord.” Lyrics, by Douglas Miller]

Regardless of the storm that tosses your life and mine, if we have the same confidence that Paul had in his relationship to the Lord, then we can have faith in His promise to be with us always – [Matthews 28:20; Hebrews 13:5 Psalm 23:4]. What an encouragement it is to know that we will never face an instant of life on our own. Every step, every valley, every mountain will be graced by God’s presence. [Psalms 23:6] – Goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. I tell you just having a word from God is enough to anchor us and give us blessed assurance. Why? Because God is as good as His Word [Romans 4:21] His promises are steadfast and true [Roman 3:4; Hebrew 6:18]. Promises of….. Brighter Days – [Psalms 30:5] Deliverance – [Psalms 34:19] Everything is for our Good – [Romans 8:18; 28;32] Divine Grace – [2 Corinthians. 12:9] Ultimate Glory – [Revelations. 21:4] promises based in and on His Word. So go ahead and claim the promises of God as an anchor for your soul as you sail the seas of life. You see if ever there was a time when we need to heed Paul’s warning not to be “…tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” [Ephesians 4: 14] it is today. Because what we all need if we are to withstand the spiritual winds, which are howling about us, is a real sense of stability. We need spiritual mooring. We need something solid and firm to hold on to. 

I don’t know about you, but I still believe that God is Sovereign! This just means that He is in absolute control of everything that happens in life. He is a Sovereign Lord – [Isaiah 45:7]. Listen to the testimony of James concerning this sovereign Lord – [James 1:17]. “If I didn’t know God was on His throne I would not want to live in this world another second, but as long as I know He orders the storms – [Mark 6:45-50] I can weather them. He knows what is best and that is all He sends into your life and mine [Romans 8:28]. So the best thing we can do when the storms rage about us is run to Him for refuge and cling to Him until the storm passes” [Psalms. 57:1; Isaiah 25:4].

I want you to know that I’ve faced more storms than I care to recount, but my anchor of faith holds. God rides the storms with me as Jesus did with the disciples [Matthew 8:23]. Storms of change, tragedy, disillusionment, depression, financial meltdown, loss, and turmoil come, but I’m at peace because -the anchor- holds. It’s secured to an immovable Rock who knows all, controls all, sees all and loves me unconditionally. My ship may bruise and the winds tear the sails. It may even rub up against a few rocks, but I’ll never be blown beyond God’s perimeter or sink beneath His reach. Nor will you. So when storms test your anchor, remember it’s anchored to an all powerful unchangeable God. Let me say I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time.”That is the kind of confidence that will let you shout in the devil’s face, even while the storm still rages, [Job 1:20-21]. So as we go through life’s storms, may we always have this song in our hearts. Let the winds blow. Let the waves surge. Let the questions fly. Let the threats come. Let the world speed on.  We have an anchor! We have a hope! We have stability here and now and eternity guaranteed in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love. “My soul’s been anchored in the Lord!”