Local

By Lue Dowdy

All Female Youth rock band “Alive in the Lights” is WHAT IT DO WITH THE LUE this week. OMG! OMG! When you talk about talented youth right here in the Inland Empire, Richardson Prep High is bringing up contenders in a real way. I had the opportunity to hear and watch this group rock out at several community events. From the first time I saw them I was hooked. Each one can sing and play. The girls show no fear when performing, they bring the HEAT.

Alive in the Lights is a five piece all girl rock band with members ages 16 to 19. The group was originally a three-member group formed as a small project at Richardson Prep High in San Bernardino. This group originally performed primarily acoustic rock and featured Madelyn Porras (age 17) as a vocalist, guitarist and pianist; Simmy Grewal (age 16) on bass and vocals; and Amanda Martinez (age 16) on keyboards and vocals. After an extensive search, Alive in the Lights really came together when joined by local rockers, drummer Elita Barus (age 18) from Citrus Valley High, and lead guitarist, Alex Padilla (age 19).

Since their formation in 2013, Alive in the Lights has written and produced several original songs and has played numerous high energy shows at venues such as Knott’s Berry Farm, Disney California Adventure, the House of Blues, the Glass House, Chain Reaction, Raging Waters, Cal State San Bernardino and the Lake Arrowhead Summer Concert series. In addition to these professional shows, Alive in the Lights plays at 10 to 15 charity events per year.

Their first EP, “Contradictions,” was released in October 2015 and their first professional music video, “Tongue Tied,” was released just months later. The girls have their sights set on even bigger shows this year and are currently working on their second EP and music video.  This young and extremely talented group is one to watch in 2016.

The group is available for booking. So please do ya girl a favor and check out their music. I predict that these ladies are going to go all the way to the TOP. Until next week L’z and San Bernardino Strong!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- It was a night of glitz and glam as Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) held their 13th Annual Star Studded Awards Gala to recognize unsung community heroes, and to celebrate their success in helping over 850 homeless women and children reach self-sufficiency over the last 14 years.

The night began on the red carpet where guests stopped to strike a pose followed by comedic opening remarks from Mistress of Ceremonies Actress/Comedienne Kim Coles. “I thought Time for Change meant menopause.”

The room was filled with elected officials, law enforcement, school board members, local businesses, and community organizations throughout the region. Special guest celebrity Taylor Schilling, actress of the hit Netflix show Orange is the New Black, dazzled the room with her acceptance of TFCF’s first ever “Acting for Change” Award.

Other awe-inspiring community heroes recognized included: Kim & Tommy Morrow with the Hometown Media Heroes Award, Dr. Tomás D. Morales with the Community Education Champion Award, SB Strong First Responders with the Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award, the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire & the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with the Community Chamber Champions Award, Dr. Dale Marsden & Dr. Harold Vollkommer with the Public Education Dynamic Duo Award, Caliber Collision with the Community Business Leader of the Year Award, Senator Connie Leyva with the Public Service Champion Award, Manal Iskander with the Community Champion Award, and Alaina Mathews with the Humanitarian of the Year Award.

TFCF’s track record proves that consistent efforts, compassion and evidence based programs can transform the lives of homeless women and children and put an permanent end to their cycle of homelessness. However, they know that the work that they do is a community effort.

You can join in the efforts to end homelessness today by supporting the mission of TFCF  by making a financial contribution. For additional information, please visit our website www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org or call us at (909) 886-2994.

 

By Avis Thomas Lester, Urban News Service

‘Rest in purple,’ millions wish as pop master dies at 57.

As the world mourns the passing of the falsetto-voiced Prince – known for his sexual lyrics, sensual performances and steely determination to control his work  – the music industry is reeling over the loss of a peerless talent.

Prince Rogers Nelson died Thursday at his Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis where he was found unresponsive in an elevator. He was 57.

Local authorities announced Friday that an autopsy had been performed and a cause of death would be forthcoming. Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson said there were no signs of trauma at the scene and the case will remain “an open investigation” until autopsy results are returned. Authorities do not believe Prince took his own life.

News of his death stunned fans, inside and outside the music industry.

Prince was “one of a kind, the greatest musician ever,” Washington radio personality Donnie Simpson, a personal friend of the performer.

Stevie Wonder tearfully called him “incredible.”

The praise over the airwaves and on social media was effusive.

“Boys 4 Life…Ain’t nobody bad like Prince!” tweeted Morris Day, head of the Time, a Minneapolis-born funk group whose members worked with Prince and upstaged the star in his own celebrated 1984 movie “Purple Rain.”

“I have no words. The king is gone,” tweeted R&B singer Lalah Hathaway.

“Our GRAMMY family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of seven-time GRAMMY Award winner Prince. Today, we remember and celebrate him as one of the most uniquely gifted artists of all time. Never one to conform, he redefined and forever changed our musical landscape,” posted Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Prince’s death comes a little over two months after the passing of one of his protégés, Vanity, lead singer of the 1980s glam group Vanity 6. Vanity, whose real name was Denise K. Matthews, died Feb. 15 of renal failure; she was also 57. A few hours after her death, Prince remembered Matthews with a special rendition of his popular song “Little Red Corvette” while on tour in Australia, according to news reports.

His passing is the latest among several influential musicians in recent months. Rock legend David Bowie died Jan. 10 after battling cancer. And Earth, Wind & Fire founder and front man Maurice White died on Feb. 4 at age 74 of Parkinson’s disease.

Washington radio personality DJ Flexx said the deaths of Prince, White and Bowie will have a permanent impact on the music industry.  “We are losing innovators. We are losing trendsetters. We are losing leaders,” he said. “We are talking about people who changed the game, were responsible for trends that made people want to be like them. Who are we going to look to now to continue to lead?”

The son of a pianist father and a vocalist mother, Prince showed musical talent early in life. He taught himself to play the piano at age 7 and added guitar and drums to his repertoire by the time he reached high school.

According to statistics from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Prince has sold 20.5 million records.

Grammy-winning producers Terry Lewis and James “Jimmy Jam” Harris, who worked with Prince as musicians in the Time, told Simpson in an interview that Prince was already a talented musician when they met him in middle school in Minneapolis.

“He was gifted, just totally gifted,” Lewis said. “We’ll always be celebrating his life because we’ll be celebrating that music forever.”

Harris said that Prince, Lewis and he took a piano class in middle school that was beneath their skill level. While the teacher was attempting to teach them children’s ditties, they were playing sophisticated music.

“I just remember he could play waves around me, man,” Harris said. “I thought I was good, but I was like, ‘Damn, this dude is ridiculous.’ He was on a whole different level, man.”

Lewis, a bass player, said Prince’s attempts to help his classmates could prove painful.  “He could pick up the bass and give you fits,” he said. “And … he could do that same thing to any person who stepped on the stage because he was a student of music … We used to say, ‘He is music.’ ”

Harris said Prince auditioned for a high-school program playing a complicated guitar solo from Chicago’s “Make Me Smile” album. During a break, Harris heard someone in the music room playing a drum solo so well that he thought it was the teacher.  “I come out and it is Prince on the drums. I didn’t even want to get back behind the drums after that,” he said.

He said Prince’s work ethic was  unparalleled. “Prince would rehearse us for four hours. He’d go rehearse his band for four hours. And then he’d go work in the studio all night. Then, the next morning he’d come to our rehearsal with a cassette in his hand and he’d put the cassette in and all of a sudden “1999” would play. And I don’t mean a demo of ‘1999’ –  I mean ‘1999’. ‘Little Red Corvette’ would play. We’d be like, ‘Damn, when did you do that?’ He would say, ‘Like, last night.’ ”

While many entertainers of his day had faded away, Prince was never far from the spotlight. After a string of hits in the 1980s and 1990s, people around the world welcomed the new millennium partying to his dance anthem “1999”. His 2007 Super Bowl half-time performance, delivered in a driving rain, is considered by many to be the best such performance yet.

He stayed relevant even as he worked to stay out of the spotlight. His penchant for privacy, as well as his colorful outfits and trademark high-heeled boots earned a reputation for being eccentric.

“He wore high heels and makeup and I still thought he was the sexiest man alive,” said Dorina Roberts, who was listening to Prince songs on her iPhone at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument in Washington, on Friday. “I loved his music and I loved him.”

Prince was also an activist. He traveled to Baltimore in May, 2015, in the wake of the death of Freddie Gray, who died after allegedly suffering an injury while in police custody, and the unrest that resulted. His “Rally 4 Peace” concert sold out. He sang a song he wrote called “Baltimore.” He donated the proceeds to charitable causes in the city.

Robert Scott Adams, student services director at the Omega Studios in Rockville, Maryland, where Prince once worked, said he first heard Prince’s music in 1979 while working as a student deejay at Clark Atlanta University and at rock station WKLF 96.

“I heard the first single from his first album, Prince, called ‘Soft and Wet,’ ” Adams said. “That was back in the day when you would read the album cover. First, I noticed that he had produced it himself and that was a really big deal to produce your own music back then. Then, I saw that he played all of the instruments on the album. It said he played 27 instruments and he was only, like, 17 years old. That was the start, pretty much from then on, I’m a fan.”

Adams, who said he frequently encountered musicians as a deejay, said he found himself speechless when he met Prince while working for a record company in 1983.

“I feel a presence behind me and I turn around and it is Prince and I freeze and I turn into a child,” Adams said, laughing. “I mumble something like, ‘Wow, you’re Prince!’ He said, ‘Yes, I am.’ I wanted to ask him my questions, but I froze. He waited some more, then he just walked away.”

As he signed off from his Washington radio show Thursday, Donnie Simpson said he believes there may be more of Prince’s music to come.

“It’s hard to believe [his] life is over, but I thank God that he left us with so much music, man. You know how much stuff he released. Just imagine how much is in his vault, thousands of songs, man, guaranteed.”

Visit the Urban News Service for more stories like this one.

 

SAN BERNARDINO – In recognition of their contributions to public education in San Bernardino County, 35 nominees in six categories for this year’s Education Medal of Honor have been announced.

The nominees will compete to be chosen for the 25th annual awards, and six recipients of those nominated for the Education Medal of Honor will be announced at a banquet on April 28 in Fontana at the Sierra Lakes Country Club.

Nominations for the Education Medal of Honor were made in six categories: Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer; Volunteer in Action/Service Group; Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise; Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency; Excellence in Education/Education Professional; and Excellence in Education/Student Alumni.

The Education Medal of Honor program is sponsored by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, the County School Boards Association and the County Communicators Network. School public relations professionals in Riverside County are judging this year’s entries.

For more information, contact the County Schools’ Communications office at 909.386.2413.

San Bernardino County 2016 Education Medal of Honor Nominees

Alta Loma School District

Judith Bach, assistant principal at Vineyard Junior High, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Chaffey Joint Union High School District

Josh Atkinson, student at Los Osos High School, Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer

Jennifer Nicastro, English teacher and California Scholarship Federation advisor at Los Osos High, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Chino Valley Unified School District

Lisa Lista, teacher, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Robert Mount, teacher at Ruben Ayala High, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Kevin Russell, teacher at Ruben Ayala High, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Colton Joint Unified School District

Bertha Arreguin, director III of Language Support Services, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

City of Colton, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Mirza Andrade-Martinez, mental health specialist for Mental Health Systems Central Valley Prevention Program, Volunteer in Action/Service Group

Susie Garcia-Torres, parent volunteer at Walter Zimmerman Elementary, Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer

Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program

Laura Bowden, K16 coordinator for ESRI, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Conrad Calbes and David Jaffe, recreational coordinators for Redlands Community Center, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Anita Nava, office manager of Allstate Insurance Co., Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise

Cherie Towers, director of volunteer services at Redlands Community Hospital, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Ross Veckey, agency owner of Farmers Insurance, Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise

Etiwanda School District

Cucamonga Valley Water District, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Rialto Unified School District

Dr. Cuauhtemoc Avila, superintendent, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Lea Michelle Cash, president and CEO of The Brightest Star, Inc., Volunteer in Action/Service Group

San Bernardino City Unified School District

Assistance League of San Bernardino, Volunteer in Action/Service Group

Erin Freeman, program facilitator and ASB director at Serrano Middle, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Ray Gallardo, vice principal at Arroyo Valley High, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Dr. Richard Hart, president of Loma Linda University Health, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

James McGarry and CR Tetlock, teachers and coaches, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Elizabeth Resmi Kackery, program specialist, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Thinkwise Credit Union, Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise

Jesse Venegas, teacher at Arroyo Valley High School, Excellence in Education/Student Alumni

Dina Walker, president and CEO of BLU Foundation, Volunteer in Action/Service Group

Brian Willemse, program specialist and Common Core demonstration teacher, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

Keynasia Buffong, chair of Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators, Volunteer in Action/Service Group

Dr. Jane Guttman, librarian media specialist and teacher, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Silver Valley Unified School District

Cynthia Anderson, kindergarten teacher at Newberry Springs Elementary, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

Danica Darden, volunteer at Fort Irwin Middle School, Volunteer in Action/Community Volunteer

Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District

Angie Nett, human resources manager for Sorensen Engineering, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Travis Paye and team, captain of Cal Fire San Bernardino Unit-Station 552 – Crafton Hills, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency

Jane Smith, Board of Education member, Excellence in Education/Education Professional

 

 

By Lou Coleman

You see, there comes a point in all of our lives, when we need to clean house. We need to get rid of the junk in our trunk. We need to let go of some things. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and loose his soul?  So, whatever it is that prevents you from being the light in the darkness, you need to get rid of it! Whether it is a book, a thought, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a habit, a fantasy, a desire, whatever it is, you need to get rid of it. Listen, ignoring sin will not make it go away.  Sin is missing the mark, falling short of God’s ideal for us.  We are all guilty of sin and therefore headed to Eternal destruction.  However, God has provided a way out through the Gospel.  We need to obey the Gospel in order to escape the devastating effects of sin. So whatever minimizes your devotion to God, whatever hinders your faith, whatever pulls you away from Christ, whatever defiles the temple, get rid of it. That stuff doesn’t belong in your life. You are God’s temple. God’s Spirit dwells in you. Destroy the garbage before it destroys you. You know someone has said the favorite word of the devil is “Tomorrow.” If the devil has a favorite word, it’s Tomorrow. And a lot of people have died and gone to a devil’s hell with Tomorrow on their lips. But Jesus says, today!  Today is the day of salvation… So get rid of it! Get rid of any and every thing that is hindering your walk with Christ.

You know the last thing Hezekiah did in [2 Chronicles 29] was burn the garbage. He disposed of it.  Hezekiah made up his mind and said the Hell with this! I have had to clean house many times in my life. I encourage you to do the same. Carry the filth out of your life. Get rid of it! Burn the garbage! Dispose of it! If, and when you do, God’s praise will echo in your heart again. God’s glory will sparkle in and through your spirit. And God’s presence will return to your soul.  God says, “I will make a new covenant with you. I will place in you a new heart. I will give you a new spirit. I will give you a new name. You will sing a new song. I will give you new wine. I will restore you to the joy of your salvation.”

Think back to those times when you were really happy, when you woke up in the morning with a song in your heart and a prayer on your lips. When you felt like praising God in song. When you felt like whistling. Do you remember those times in your life where you weren’t so rushed and racing, when you weren’t so concentrated on the tasks before you, when you weren’t so sour and negative, when you were truly happy inside? I do. God says, “He want to restore you to the joy of your salvation.” Get Rid of It! Stop holding on! Stop sinning! Let Go and Let God! Oh, taste and see the goodness of God. Don’t wait another day! Get Rid of It!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Jaeden Alex, reigning SAL triple jump champion, a junior at Rialto High School, who won the San Andreas League Triple Jump title as a sophomore in 2015, has been working hard in the classroom as well as the track. She recently ranked as one of the top two jumpers in the league, and one of the best in the area. Her personal best came at SAL finals last year with a 35’ 6 jump, and a trip to CIF Prelims.

Emerald Taylor, a senior at Rialto High School, who won third place at the SAL finals last year as a junior and 4th in league as a sophomore, she’s set her sights on solidifying a 2016 league championship this year and going back to CIF prelims. Spending her whole off-season training and focusing, she recently jumped 36’ 4 against Indian Springs High School on April 13. She is college bound with a 1350 SAT and a 19 on her ACT. Colleges have already begun showing interest in her as a jumper.

UPLAND, CA- The days are counting down until the most illustrious event in the Inland Valley and Inland Empire. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend this event, buy your tickets today!  The Inland Valley News Inc. is thrilled to present its 19th Annual Celebration of Excellence Awards Gala and Scholarship Dinner, “Investing in the Next Generation of World Changers,” to be held on Friday, April 29, at Doubletree by Hilton located at 222 North Vineyard Avenue in Ontario.

The Celebration of Excellence Awards Gala and Scholarship Dinner is a community outreach program of the Inland Valley News, sponsored together with its affiliated not for- profit, public benefit 501(c)(3) corporation, Shining Glory Publications. The event is one of the few true celebrations of the achievements and contributions of people who help make this community the jewel of Southern California. Last year, hundreds of registered guests, including leaders in business, education, housing, transportation, health care, government, church and media as well as other key decision-makers participated in this annual celebration.

The Publisher’s Awards Recipients are: Tamara Weston, (Macy’s) –Publishers’ Choice; Eric Dickerson, (NFL Hall of Famer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist) –Lifetime Achievement Award; Dr. Lester J. Jones, (Western University) –Educational Innovation Award; Dr. Martha Melendez, (Arrowhead Regional Medical Center) –Excellence in Community Health Leadership Award; Laura Mancha, (San Bernardino County Board of Education) –Excellence in Educational Leadership; Dr. Felice Loverso, (Casa Colina) – Excellence in Corporate Leadership; Gilbert A. Holmes, JD. (University of La Verne) –Excellence in Jurisprudence Award; Richard E. Yochum (Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center) –Excellence in Hospital Administration Award.  The Community Awards Recipients are: Kenneth Gray, Excellence for being a Champion of Change; Linda Wright-Lee, Excellence in Community Activism; Antoine & Heather Dunham, Excellence in Youth Empowerment; A. Majadi, Excellence in Youth Advocacy; and Larry Ortega; Excellence in Technology Activism.

Congratulations to all our honorees and recipients of the 2016 Celebration of Excellence.

The proceeds from this event will provide scholarships and internships through the IVN Scholars program. The IVN Scholars Program was designed to provide Shining Glory Scholarship recipients who are pursuing education or careers in mass communications, the arts, as well as those who are pursuing careers in the STEM-related industries with more than just money for college.

“The goal was and still is to extend our reach as we work to prepare the next generation of global leaders who will work to make the world better. Students within the program are paired with highly trained mentors who support them throughout their entire undergraduate career. Additionally, participants receive ongoing comprehensive leadership development training, service learning opportunities and internships within their respective areas of interest. The intent is to use these different facets as a means to fostering the 21st century competencies and leadership capacities necessary for them to become powerful, thoughtful and engaged world changers. We at the IVN Scholars Program are excited to induct our second class of future world changers who will join our program this Fall” said, Ta Mia Morrow, Executive Director.

For more information tickets, sponsorships regarding the Celebration of Excellence Awards Gala and Scholarship Gala, please do not hesitate to contact the IVN office at (909) 985-0072 or visit www.coegala.org or www.inlandvalleynews.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Authors from throughout Southern California have been invited to discuss their works, sell, and sign books at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library on Saturday, April 23, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

This is a good opportunity to meet local authors and authors from around Southern California who represent many genres; including fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, fantasy, poetry, political cartoons, children’s books, young adult books, local history, and mystery. 

Over 30 authors, poets and cartoonists have confirmed their participation; including Al Ward, Alice Hall, Beth Winokur, Beverly D. Thomas, Carol Wright, David Brown, Elizabeth Briggs, Ernie Garcia, Fred Smith, Gary & Isabel Walbourne, Gina Rider,Herb Williams, Jeri Westerson, John Weeks, Judith Valles, Loralie Kay, Lynette Davis, Makeda Kumasi, Margaret Hill, Marilyn King, Mary Ruth Hughes, Michael Palmer, Mike Kennedy, Molly Jo Realy, Myron Portley, Nick Cataldo, Phil Yeh, Rhea Frances-Tetley, Robert Kirkconnell, Roberta Smith, T’ana Phelice, Terri Elders, and Victoria Taylor. Local non-profit group PoetrIE will have a table and will be doing readings in the Bing Wong Auditorium during the event.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the San Bernardino Library. For more information, contact Program Coordinator Linda Adams Yeh at (909) 381-8238 or visit www.sbpl.org or www.facebook.com/SBPLfriends.

 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The IECAAC would like to invite you to our Annual Unity Service event on Sunday April 24 at 4 p.m. IECAAC Annual Unity Service will be held at Immanual Praise Fellowship at 9592 7th Street, Rancho Cucamonga California.

This year’s keynote speaker is Pastor Jody Moore who is a native of California. Pastor Moore attended Texas Southern University majoring in Economics and Public Affairs. He was ordained to the Office of Pastor on December 2, 2001 and currently serves as Senior Pastor-Teacher of Praise Tabernacle Bible Church in the City of Chino. Pastor Moore earned a Master’s Degree from the Talbot School of Theology and has held executive leadership roles both in ministry and in several Fortune 500 companies. Pastor Moore specializes in leadership development and organizational assessment. He is the published author of ‘God’s Will is Greater Than Your Plan’. Pastor Moore resides in Chino, California with his wife and three lovely daughters.

For more information please contact Dr. Cummings at (909) 545 -7042.

By Diana L. McKee

There are a few outstanding STEM Plus schools in America which has a near 10 years track record of success with their methods of implementing STEM + concepts within their curriculum.  Whether it be STEM+ entrepreneurship, STEM + internships or SSTEM + Project based learning, these schools have proven to be very effective when implemented and executed correctly.  Good examples can be seen by three schools in Ohio: ·  MC²STEM High School, Cleveland, Ohio, Linden-McKinley Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics High
School, Columbus, Ohio and Metro Early College High School, Columbus, Ohio

At MC2 they focus on project based learning.  Linden McKinley focuses on the latest technology with upwards of 1000 registrants in their school.  Metro Early focuses on real life science experiences with an emphasis on personalized growth and support.

To my knowledge no one has ever successfully argued that STEM subjects are not necessary subjects for college and ultimate scholastic success.  The true scholastic issue is how to weave in the other elements of education in order for the Students to develop the greatest potential for success.

By using models from successful schools, A charter school which is poised to be in Rialto this August is destined to be the next great charter school which successfully combines business, volunteerism and internships to create a 360 degree educational experience for all of their graduates.

Prior to completing their high school education they will have the benefit of experiencing all three of these additional elements to their STEM education.  Then name of the school is Transforming Lives Charter School.  The Location Rialto.  Status-Now registering 7th and 8th grade students.  Be a part of this school, and register your children now.