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SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The non-profit organization, Youth Action Project (YAP), has received a $5,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to help support YAP programs to provide work-based learning opportunities for local college students.

Some of the programs YAP provides include academic support, mentoring and positive youth development activities for high school students in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. YAP, which is based in San Bernardino, also provides work experience and professional development for more than 50 volunteers each year, most of them local college students.

“Bank of America is a valued community partner, as they have continuously supported the youth of our community,” said Joseph Williams, YAP Chief Executive Officer.

“Supporting Youth Action Project is an important part of strengthening our community by providing important resources critical for the next generation to succeed and thrive,” said Al Arguello, Inland Empire market president, Bank of America.

The Youth Action Project, which administers an AmeriCorps program in San Bernardino, works to help San Bernardino’s youth develop the skills and habits needed to experience economic and social success. The work is done primarily through tutoring, mentoring and other positive youth development activities for local high school students.

For more information, please visit www.youthactionproject.org.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Paul summarizes it in [Romans 7:15-16, 18], “My own behavior baffles me. For I find myself doing what I really hate, and not doing what I really want to do…” Can you relate to this? He’s saying all the things I don’t want to do I end up doing and all the things I do want to do I end up not doing. I want to do what’s right, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what’s bad, but I do. Even though I know what the right thing to do is, why can’t I bring myself to do it?

Struggling with sin is frustrating. You want to change. But you just can’t. You have the motivation. But you don’t have the determination. You have the desire to do what is right. But for some reason, you can’t do it. Paul says it’s because evil is right there alongside of us. Evil — not just bad choices, Evil itself. We live in that kind of world. A world where the force of Sin, the force of Evil has rubbed off on us. We’re affected by it, tainted by it and we can’t help it. We can’t avoid it, we can’t outwit it. No matter how much we may wish to serve God in our minds, we find ourselves sinning in our bodies. As Paul describes his frustration in [Romans 7], with his mind he desires to serve God. He wants to do what is right, but his body will not respond. He watches, almost as a third party, as sin sends a signal to his body and as his body responds, “What would you like to do?” Paul finds, as we do that while our fleshly bodies refuse to obey God and do that which we desire and which delights God, it quickly and eagerly respond to the impulses and desires aroused by sin. The interaction between the soul (mind, will, emotions) and our Spirit and our Body is where the decisive battles take place. It is a battle of rulership.

It is one thing to have our body not do what we tell it to and quite another to realize that our body is very obedient to something else. That is the frustration of Paul in [Romans 7]. Every Christian who reads [Romans 7:14-25] should immediately identify with Paul’s expression of frustration and agony due to the weakness of his fleshly body: “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” [Romans 7:24]. We are confronted with a dilemma as we try to live righteously. Thanks be to God though, there is a solution!

Jesus said in [Mark 14:38], “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” If you’ve felt this way, have I got good news for you! You can change. The power is there. The Bible makes the principles very clear. GOD’S PROMISE… “Jesus said, ‘When you know the Truth, the Truth will set you free. ’Set you free.” Jesus said that the way you break free from a hurt, from a hang up is by knowing the Truth. How? The way you think determines the way you feel. The way you feel determines the way you act. God says you start with the way you think. Bad beliefs cause bad behavior. Everything you do, good or bad, is based on a belief. If you want to change the way you act, you have to change the way you believe, the way you think. You’ve got to have the truth. And what is the Truth? Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father but by Me” [John 14:6]. Truth personified. He is the source of all truth, the embodiment of truth and therefore the reference point for evaluating all truth-claims. Who wants to be free? Jesus is on the mainline, tell Him what you want… You just call Him up and tell Him what you want!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino (BGCSB) will host San Bernardino’s Got Talent at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, to launch a new Teen Multimedia Program. This program is a collaboration between BGCSB and CHORDS Enrichment Youth Program.

This year, the city of San Bernardino has had 26 homicides, forcing the community, law enforcement and city officials to come together to address the increase of violence and to find solutions. The BGCSB has many programs for the youth however due to the escalation of violence in the city and the risk it poses to local teens the BGCSB decided to partner with CHORDS to provide programs that are engaging and appealing specifically to teens. CHORDS at the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino will provide the youth of San Bernardino a safe place to express themselves creatively. It also serves as an outlet to cope with social and economic challenges.

The talent show will begin with an open house. The open house starts at 2 p.m. BGCSB members and the community are encouraged to tour the Club and the newly renovated Teen Center. Club renovations were made possible by donations from Wells Fargo, Genesis Glass Installations and Lowe’s Home Improvement.

By Sarai Garrett

Elizabeth McSwain, Founder of Caramel Connections Foundation, (CCF) recently announced the launch and upcoming fundraiser for her non-profit foundation. Elizabeth will host ‘Bidding for Health’ a Quartermania fundraising event on Sunday, May 22 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 215 N. Laurel Avenue in Ontario. Quartermania is a fun event in which high quality items will be up for auction, participants bid up to eight quarters per item, once all bids are placed, and a randomly chosen number is called. Admission is $55 dollars per person, all proceeds benefit the CCF scholarship program.

Elizabeth’s vision for serving a community of underserved children has piqued the interest of key community partners. When asked why she started her nonprofit Elizabeth replied, “We all know that we are heading in a dangerous path when it comes to healthy eating habits. We have to come together as a community and understand that enough is not being done to educate, help and aid our children and their parents in making the right choices.”

Caramel Connections Foundation’s scholarship program is geared towards middle school aged children. The curriculum is designed to engage children in healthy eating habits by learning about food, kitchen safety, agriculture, and math which includes measuring, science and more. CCF’s mission is to make learning enjoyable by using food as a way to connect and build lasting relationships with their students and community.

The American Diabetes Association estimated that one out of every three children born after the year 2000 in the United States will be directly affected by diabetes.  Data collected from the American Heart association and the American Diabetes Foundation suggest that an estimated 35% of children in the Inland Empire are prediabetic.

“It is no longer a matter of knowing there is a problem, but a matter of acting to ensure the future we leave for our children and their health is a priority for generations to come,” said Elizabeth McSwain. CCF invites you to participate in their ‘Bidding for Health’ Quartermania event in an effort to raise awareness and funding for a healthier tomorrow.

For more information on CCF’s Launch Fundraiser, Sponsorship and or Volunteer Opportunities, or to make a Donation, contact Caramel Connections Foundation at www.CaramelConnectionsFoundation.org.

RIVERSIDE, CA-The Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. joined the San Bernardino Valley Chapter of the Links, Inc. at its 38th Annual Scholarship Ball to award scholarships to high achieving African-American male students. The awards ceremony, where the Fraternity was recognized as an Emerald Donor, took place on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA.

Community and educational leaders were in attendance to acknowledge the academic accomplishments of the high school seniors, who are among the top performers in their graduating classes. Superintendents Dr. Dale Marsden of the San Bernardino City

Unified School District and Dr. Judy White of the Moreno Valley Unified School District were on hand to celebrate as the Fraternity awarded a total of $4,000 in scholarships, $1,000 each to four Inland Empire students.

“Collaboration with the Links has allowed the Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity to combine resources and ensure that students attain a sufficient amount of support for their educational goals,” says Polemarch Demarius Carmichael, head of the Riverside Alumni Chapter of the Fraternity.

During their acceptance speeches, award recipients Christian Coston, Adetola Soyemi, Ryan Laudermilk and Halbert Beaver gave special thanks to the Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and the Links, Inc. for their academic scholarships. For more information about Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. visit www.rackapsi.com.

Ericca Cross

BIG BEAUTIFUL WOMEN (B.B.W.) What it Do I.E. and everybody! This week I would like to highlight the beautiful Ericca Cross, an aspiring full figure model here in the Inland Empire. With the modeling industry finally taking notice of plus size/full figure ladies, LUE Productions decided to put on the 1st B.B.W. Model Competition/Fundraiser here in the City of San Bernardino. The goal is to highlight beauty in all shapes and give back to the community at the same time. The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, June 11 at the San Bernardino Women’s Club located at 503 W. 31st Street in San Bernardino. Doors open at 2 p.m. Tickets are only $15 now and $20 after June 1.

Ericca Cross, born in Fontana, now resides in the beautiful City of Highland. She is pursuing her dream at the age of 35. Inspired by her mother, twin daughters, and other family members, Ericca hopes to gain the experience and exposure needed to help her further her desire to be a plus size model.

Appreciative of the opportunity provided by LUE Productions she comments, “In my eyes we are all winners.”

So major props to Ericca Cross for going after her dream and that $500.00 cash prize along with a crown. Good luck Ericca! Until next week folks L’z! For more information please visit our Face Book page under LUE Productions or our website at www.lueproductions.org.

Pictured from left to right, Elections Office staff members-Ashleigh Bachar, Roxana Castro, and Travis Weaver

SAN BERNARDINO CA- San Bernardino County voters can vote early for the June 7, 2016 Presidential Primary Election and while they’re at it, can share their experience with their friends and family by taking a ballot selfie in the Election Office’s “Ballot Selfie” booth and sharing it through social media.

Early Voting began at the Elections Office on Monday, May 9 and will continue until Election Day. Two additional satellite early voting sites will be open beginning Tuesday, May 31.

At the Early Voting sites, voters can take a ballot selfie with their un-voted ballots and their ‘I Voted’ stickers in front of a new Ballot Selfie poster.

“We’re hoping to generate excitement about voting in San Bernardino County by allowing voters to take a Ballot Selfie and sharing it on social media sites” said Registrar of Voters, Michael J. Scarpello.

In addition to Early Voting sites, the Ballot Selfie poster will be placed at every polling place on Election Day. California law currently prohibits a voter from revealing the contents of their voted ballot or taking pictures of other voters with the intent of dissuading a person from voting. However, the law does not prohibit a ballot selfie with an un-voted ballot.

Early voting hours for the Elections Office, 777 E. Rialto Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92415, are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and on Election Day, Tuesday, June 7 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information about this election, visit the Elections Office website, www.sbcountyelections.com, or call (909) 387-8300.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In an effort to offer a comprehensive educational program that meets both the interest and needs of its students, PAL Charter Academy is becoming a trailblazer for innovation. On Monday, May 16, PAL hosted Hip Hop legend, Money B, in its first ever of this caliber music assembly. The students participating in the music education class as an elective requirement for graduation worked together to create this phenomenal opportunity. Under the leadership of their teacher and motivation founder, Mr. Robert Bryant, this class successfully blended education and innovation creating an amazing opportunity for the students and staff.

The enthusiasm surrounding this innovative program offering is preparing PAL students for the tangible exploration of music related careers, including but not limited to marketing, journalism, management, and production. PAL Center CEO Dwaine Radden said, “Our music program at the PAL Academy is just the beginning of incredible advances for these students their linked learning environments provide relevance to education through innovative life applications.”

PAL Charter Academy is a free public school available to all students 9th to 12th grade. The independent study model allows flexibility to support most barriers to High School completion. PAL offers the benefit of A-G approved courses, small class sizes, a full athletic program, and much more. They are now enrolling for summer & fall sessions. Please contact the school at (909) 887-7002 for more information.

Inland Empire’s Mary Flowers is a Featured Speaker at World Conference of Mayors

Ms. Mary Flowers

By Adebiyi Adedapo

American investor and CEO of the Global Green Development Group, Ms. Mary Flowers, has committed efforts into finding practical solutions to poverty in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. Flowers, who is guest speaker at the 2016 edition of World Mayors conference, scheduled to hold between 23rd and 27th of May in Calabar, the capital city of Cross River state, is billed to speak on “Poverty Reduction Through Biofuel Production” and “Attracting Foreign Investors and Achieving Investment.”

The Executive Board member of the District Export Council of Southern California, is serving her fourth four-year term as a member of United States District Export Council appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

Flowers is the Chair for the African Global Economic & Development Summit that is held in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California has a major focus on empowering rural dwellers, and has invested quality time, energy, and genuine commitment to work with Africa.

She has prepared a blueprint on the development of housing infrastructure, workforce development, economic and the overall infrastructure development throughout the continent.

United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, Region 5 Endorse Cheryl Brown Campaign

Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – With early voting already commencing, Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown’s (D-San Bernardino) re-election campaign is announcing yet another Labor endorsement. The United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America endorse Cheryl Brown for Assembly District 47. The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America, with members in virtually every sector of the economy with more than 400,000 active members and more than 580,000 retired members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

“Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown’s voting record to improve working families’ lives and the communities we live in is deserving of another term,” said Victor Quiroz, International Union Representative, UAW Region 5. “Our members and working families in the district benefit when we have a legislator who is inclusive of all her constituency and the economic needs most important to them. Cheryl Brown is proudly supported by UAW Region 5 because she fights for working people.”

“I am honored to receive the support from the UAW and recommit my efforts on helping champion issues most important to working families in the Inland Empire,” said Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown.

UAW Region 5’s endorsement of Cheryl Brown’s re-election campaign joins a long list of union support already backing her campaign, which include:

• California Association of Highway Patrolmen
• California School Employees Association, AFL-CIO
• California Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO
• Union of American Physicians and Dentists, AFL-CIO
• Laborers’ International Union of North America
• Hod Carriers and Laborers Local Union No. 783
• AFSCME California PEOPLE, AFL-CIO
• CAL FIRE Local 2881
• California Faculty Association
• United Domestic Workers of America, AFL-CIO
• California Correctional Peace Officers Association
• Fontana Police Officers Association
• United Steel Workers L&E Committee
• California State Retirees
• Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters

Partial list. For a comprehensive endorsement list, click here.

Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown is the officially endorsed Democratic candidate of the California Democratic Party running for re-election in California’s 47th district.The election is scheduled for California’s Presidential Primary Election on June 7, 2016.