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(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The 37th annual San Bernardino County Mock Trial competition starts on Thursday, October 30 with the first of four preliminary rounds, and 32 teams from 28 high schools are scheduled to take part in this year’s event.

The Mock Trial competition simulates a criminal case where students portray the principal courtroom characters on the defense and prosecution sides of a case before a real judge. This year’s trial is People v. Klein, a cyberbullying case.

The preliminary rounds of the competition will be held at the county courthouse in Victorville, the Foothill Law and Justice Center in Rancho Cucamonga and the San Bernardino Justice Center. All four rounds of the preliminaries will be held at 5 p.m. on October 30 and November 7, 13 and 27.

The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office are co-sponsors of the competition.

After the prelims, the top four teams will advance to the semifinals on Dec. 4 and 5 at 5 p.m. The semifinals will be held at the San Bernardino Justice Center at 247 W. Third St.

The finals are scheduled for 9 a.m. on Dec. 8 at the Foothill Law and Justice Center in Rancho Cucamonga (8303 N. Haven Ave.).

The winner of the county competition will advance to the state finals in March.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-VICTORVILLE, CA—- In his regional State of Education Address for the High Desert, San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre applauded local school districts for their collaborative spirit and highlighted student performances and programs that spur innovation and create educational opportunities.

“Preparing a rising generation for the new global economic and civic environment is a shared responsibility,” Alejandre said during his fourth annual State of Education Address. “In the county, we have joined together to create a countywide vision where all sectors of the community support the success of every child from cradle-to-career.”

Delivering his address entitled, “Impact the Present. Transform the Future,” at the High Desert Church, Alejandre was introduced by Caroll Yule, owner of Shear Realty in Apple Valley. This was the second of two regional addresses made by Alejandre, who also presented in San Bernardino on September 27.

Focusing on collective impact in the High Desert, Alejandre touted the Mountain/Desert Career Pathways Joint Powers Authority (JPA), which brings together the school districts of Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Silver Valley, Snowline, Victor and Victor Valley. The JPA is designed to develop higher education and skill levels that benefit students and the region’s workforce.

“The Mountain/Desert Career Pathways JPA is an outstanding example of providing students with the opportunity to earn credit for college coursework while completing their high school education,” Alejandre said.

For the more than 403,000 students who attend public school in the county, Alejandre sited the need to develop a more highly skilled and educated workforce. Right now, more than 700 county school students and 50 teachers are taking part in an AP Readiness program through the University of California, Riverside. The program is made possible through a Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) innovation grant and will offer supplemental teaching and support for Advanced Placement (AP) students countywide, joining Riverside County students and teachers who have participated in the program during the past two academic years.

“GIA is geared toward improving educational attainment rates throughout the larger Inland Empire region as a means of furthering economic progress,” Alejandre said.

In an effort to boost literacy rates among early learners, county preschoolers have read more than 895 million words and more than 2.8 million books with a 79 percent reading comprehension level since the inception of Footsteps2Brilliance, a collaborative among County Schools, County Preschool Services, Children’s Fund and First 5 San Bernardino.

“Footsteps2Brilliance is impacting an entire generation of county preschoolers who will begin kindergarten prepared with literacy skills to jump-start their success,” Alejandre said.

Another countywide effort, Vision4Safety, aims to bring county residents together to create safer neighborhoods, schools and workplaces.

“Often when we think about safety, the first thing that comes to mind is crime and violence, including the unfortunate reality of violence on school campuses,” Alejandre said.

This past year, County Schools brought on board a highly experienced safety officer to support our classrooms and school districts in school safety planning, including equipping school communities for active shooter response should such an emergency arise.

In the area of students’ social and emotional wellness, there is a countywide focus on multi-tiered systems of support and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which debuted in the county in the High Desert in 2009.

“Mental and emotional health are extremely complex issues, so it’s all the more critical that we are prepared to respond to the needs of students, so they can look to our schools as safe harbors,” Alejandre said.

The State of Education Address also featured several student performances from county school districts including:

• The Serrano High School Cadet Corps from the Snowline Joint Unified School District, which presented the flag colors;
• Xavier Padilla, a student at Victorville Education Center, who led the Pledge of Allegiance;
• The Serrano High School marching band, under the director of Mathew Fell, played a patriotic medley;
• Scarlett Brigham, a student at Big Bear High School in the Bear Valley Unified School District, delivered a spoken word performance;
• Granite Hills High School choir from the Apple Valley Unified sang;
• Encore School of the Arts dance group from Hesperia Unified also performed.

In conclusion, Alejandre called for public education not to just reform, but be transformative as it provides opportunities for all students. “Choose each day to make an impact … and transform lives through education,” he said.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— This weekend marks the last weekend of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And to end things off on a bang, the 2018 Queens Brunch will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shandin Hills Golf Course located at 3380 Little Mountain Drive in San Bernardino.

The Queens Brunch is an annual event where women come together in fellowship to empower one another. At this year’s event the ladies will be celebrating those who are Breast Cancer Survivors and those who have left their legacy.

The day will consist of brunch, speakers and vendors. Some of this year’s vendors include: Beauty and the Busy Life with Hannah Cook; Royalty Wells Hair; Many Hats with Lady Sharon Square; Paparazzi Jewelry; Aiyeloja Davis with her artwork; RCM Photobooth; Breast Cancer Awareness with Rusty; Purses by Gwen Russell; Jewelry by Francais Foster; and many more.

This year’s speakers include: Lady Edna Herring Young; Lady Nichelle Gage; Lasy Queen Esther; Lady Gina Negrete; Lady Adrienne Braxton; and Lady LaNette Davis.

For tickets, please visit 2018queensbrunch.eventbrite.com. Don’t forget you hats ladies!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— ONTARIO, CA—This Saturday, October 20, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., join Stephanie Wiltz Events located at 215 N Laurel Avenue in Ontario. Please join them for this year’s Cancer Awareness Photoshoot. If you attended last year, you will be blown away this year.

There will be photographers, music, Horderves, raffles, a Real men wear pink booth operated by Ava Hooks. Men are welcomed to take photos and encouraged to wear pink. Dress in what makes you feel beautiful, although jeans and heels work just fine.

There is a minimum of a $25 donation at the door or online. You’ll be supporting the work of Knock Knock Angels, Community Makeover. They are raising money to further their work in the community. If you can’t attend and would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please do so by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/knock-knock-angels-annual-cancer-awareness-photoshoot-fundraiser-tickets-51226605155.

By Tracey Ritchie 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— One of the most successful and bipartisan programs in United States history is the National School Lunch program – and today as we celebrate National School Lunch Week this October 15 – 19, it’s important to reflect on the millions and millions of children who have benefited from this program over the years.

This year schools will celebrate National School Lunch Week with the theme “Lots 2 Love”, intended to encourage students and school nutrition professionals to share what they love most about school lunches.

For many kids, school food is the main source of nutrition they receive on a daily basis. In fact, 30 million children are served lunches daily and more than 5 billion meals are served annually according to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

The school lunch program has evolved over the years. The program was set into place by Gen. Lewis B. Hershey in 1945 when he testified before the House Agriculture Committee that as many as 40 percent of draftees were rejected due to poor nutrition. The National School Lunch Act in 1945 called for a national subsidized school lunch program to ensure that students during their developmental years receive lunch regardless of their ability to pay.

Since then, our knowledge of nutritional needs and healthy lunches has evolved from an emphasis on meats and grains to a more balanced approach emphasizing fruits and vegetables. Even our definition of protein has grown from meat, to lean meats, and now to plant-based options that provide nutritional value and variety.

For decades, Earth Day Network has worked to make school lunches healthier. In 2010, Earth Day Network was part of a coalition to fund the DC Healthy Foods Act, which became a model for the federal Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, passed with bi-partisan support to increase access to healthier food especially for low-income kids. Administered by USDA this legislation encourages schools to increase servings of fruits and vegetables offered as part of their lunch program by imposing weekly caps on grains and proteins.

Since the introduction of the Healthy-Hunger Free Kids Act kids are now eating healthier than ever in schools eating more fruits and vegetables, more salad bars and smoothie bars opening in schools as well as revenue from lunches being up due to more kids eating cafeteria food as opposed to bringing in lunch.

Our whole way of thinking about nutrition has changed. The USDA has issued new guidelines replacing the old food pyramid with new recommendations that focus on increasing servings of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and moderate portions of protein and dairy while limiting salt, fat and sugar. These food changes are now reflected in meals students receive at their local schools.

But there is more to do.

Food choices can have a big impact on the planet, too. By increasing plant-based foods and decreasing animal protein we can cut our ecological footprints dramatically. Even small steps, like Meatless Mondays which encourage school cafeterias to serve plant-based meals one or more days per week, can help the environment and at the same time introduce kids to new healthy food options.

For many kids across the country school lunch (and breakfast) may be the most nutritional meal they get each day. By promoting healthy eating and providing kids with more choices not only can we create lifelong habits of healthy eating, we can also show our kids that what they eat impacts their health and their planet.

There’s really “Lots 2 Love” about this new approach that recognizes the importance of providing plant-based foods and instilling nutritional practices that will lead to healthier children and a healthier world now and in the future.

Tracey Ritchie is director of education at Earth Day Network.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-RIVERSIDE, CA—- At its Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 21, 2018, the Riverside African American Historical Society, Inc. (RAAHS) will be honoring several individuals who have impacted the development of the African American community in the Inland Empire.  Susan Strickland, native born Riverside and retired educator will receive the Distinguished Citizen recognition for her achievements and significant contributions to the betterment of the community.

Unsung Heroes Troy Adams, Adams Motorsports Park; Mariko Anderson, retired educator and volunteer extraordinaire; and Shawnte Johnson, humanitarian; have all made a positive difference in the lives of others and have not received nor sought recognition for their service.

The RAAHS salute these individuals who advocate for and promote a strong visible presence in the community to hold fast to the moral standards of our heritage. The Annual Meeting will be held at the Marriott Riverside, 3400 Market street, Downtown Riverside, beginning at 2:30 p.m.  Donation $55 per person.

Free Concert Series Visits Los Angeles to Continue Support for Ronald McDonald House Charities, Introduces New Scholarship for one HBCU Student

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— LOS ANGELES, CA— – McDonald’s USA announced the return of one of its staple events, the 12th annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour. The longest-running, brand-owned gospel tour of its kind is back with an award-winning talent line-up sure to please fans nationwide. This free concert tour began May 17 and runs until October 20, culminating in Los Angeles.

The 2018 nationwide concert series appeals to a wide range of gospel music lovers with its lineup of award-winning talent, including urban contemporary gospel artist and preacher Deitrick Haddon, choir master Ricky Dillard, contemporary artists, JJ Hairston, and Todd Dulaney, as well as hip-hop gospel artist Canton Jones. The tour is set to stop in Los Angeles on October 20th at the 13th annual Taste of Soul festival.

The concert will take place on the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, located on the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The concert kicks off at 10 a.m.

The tour is just one way that McDonald’s displays its commitment to changing for the better. In fact, for nearly 50 years, the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association (NBMOA) has given back to the communities they serve by providing scholarships, donating time and money to local schools and hiring minority youth.

As with previous years, the tour will celebrate McDonald’s continued devotion to Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®). At each stop, the national tour will raise a love offering to support families served by the Charity. In just the last five years, the love offering has raised nearly $800,000 to aid in helping families stay close when their children are ill, raising nearly a quarter of a million dollars in 2017 alone. Attendees will be encouraged to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California (RMHCSC®) during the show.

“Southern California McDonald’s operators look forward to the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour every year, as it gives us the opportunity to connect with our community through our shared love of gospel music,” states Kiana Webb, President of the Southern California Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA). “We’re excited to celebrate another year of uplifting music, food and fun with our Southern California family.”

As a new part of the tour, McDonald’s will award one HBCU college student with a $10,000 Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship at a select tour stop during the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour. This is one of five scholarships McDonald’s is sponsoring throughout the year. More information regarding the scholarships will be available on www.mcdonalds.com.

“It’s a privilege to be apart of the tour I’ve watched and admired over the years. McDonald’s is doing something incredible by giving back to the community through a dynamic gospel tour. Getting behind this was a must,” said JJ Hairston, an award-winning, first-time artist on McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour.

Legendary singer, songwriter, and producer, Donald Lawrence will return as the tour’s music director. Tour favorite, contemporary gospel artist and radio personality Lonnie Hunter resumes hosting duties.

As always, all concerts are free of charge. Tour dates and locations have included the below, with the final stop set for Los Angeles:

• May 17 – Chicago, Jones Convocation Center
• May 18 – Detroit, Greater Grace Temple
• May 31 – Philadelphia, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church East
• June 1 – Washington, DC, City of Praise Family Ministries
• June 8 – Raleigh, Wake Chapel Church
• July 12 – Birmingham, Bill Harris Arena
• July 13 – Atlanta, Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral
• August 9 – Memphis, Brown Baptist Church
• August 10 – Jackson, Jackson Convention Complex
• August 18 – New Orleans, TBD
• August 31 – Dallas, The Potter’s House
• October 20 – Los Angeles, Taste of Soul Family Festival

McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is an extension of the brand’s 365Black platform, an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage, and achievements of African-Americans year-round. Dr. Pepper® also returns as the tour’s sponsor, showing its appreciation and commitment to the African-American community.

Visit www.365Black.com to learn more about the 12th annual tour and McDonald’s scholarship opportunities. Follow @365Black on Twitter for tour updates and join the conversation using #365BlackGospel.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Saturday, October 20 at 11 a.m., Loveland Church in collaboration with Mission Africa presents: Uniting and Igniting Inland Empire Youth for Missions. The founders of Mission Africa have traveled from Ghana, West Africa to recruit Pastors and Youth to come back to Africa.

There will be a special Missions & Awards ceremony presented by Dr. Kodjoe Sumney, PH D and Dr. Akosuah Sumney PH D; founders of Mission Africa, Incorporated. Dr Chuck Singleton, Senior Pastor will be one of the award recipients, along with Apostle David Cunningham, Dr. Reginald Woods, Rev. Reginald Young, Dr. Joseph Gueste, Bishop Philip Powell, Dr Michael Edwards, Dr. Joshua Beckley, Dr. Raymond TTurner; special guest speakers will be Reggie Webb, Evangelist Jerry Musgrove, Stella Wiggins, and Sisters of Soul Youth Foundation.

Mission Africa is a 21^st Century Global Humanitarian and Missions Work founded by Dr. and Mrs. Sumney. They have mobilized over 1,000 volunteers from the USA to undertake various humanitarian projects in Ghana and other parts of the world. We are inviting you to join with us, on this day to help us to recognize our honorees, and to be a part of this next move of God. For more information visit us at www.missionafricainc.org or call 951-500-2609 or 909-356-5683.

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- Assemblymember Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) recently held a media call with members of the Black press to discuss his plans for California’s education system. Thurmond is competing against Marshall Tuck for the post of state superintendent of public instruction.

Thurmond served as a West Contra Costa School Board member, Richmond City Council member and social worker before he was elected to the legislature.

He takes a more grassroots approach to educational problems.  He believes early-childhood education and reading programs are the solutions to producing better students.

As a legislator, Thurmond has also sponsored Assembly Bill 43 that wanted to levy taxes on the state’s private prisons and direct the money to the K-12 education system.  (The bill died.)

Thurmond said that, as a former school board member, he is aware of some of the problems black students face. Many of the reporters asked how Thurmond would solve the problem of high suspension rates of black students. He said we need to strengthen teaching training programs. Thurmond added that schools need to review their suspension rates because many students were being suspended for “willful defiance.”

He added that teachers need to look into their “implicit bias,” when dealing with African-American students. He also plans to create a pipeline to produce more minority teachers.

“Over the last year, I have spent time studying successful programs in other states to provide a model for California.  I am encouraged by the results of these recruitment programs and look forward to introducing this pilot program that will provide teachers of color with the tools they need to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders,” said Thurmond.

Several other states, such as Illinois and South Carolina, have implemented similar programs. According to a press release, minority representation among the teaching field is fairly low in California. Only 4 percent of educators are black and 20 percent are Latino. The numbers drop even lower when you look at male educators.

Thurmond said he was also concerned about the high number of black students who are being put in special education programs or diagnosed with ADHD. He said that in some cases they are just being normal children. Thurmond added that not all students fit in a traditional lecture-based class.

He said education needs to be more interactive and hands on. That is why he authored a bill that added $150 million for career technical education.  Other issues Thurmond wants to focus on are students learning a second language and STEM courses.

“We need to prepare our kids to compete in a global market,” he said.

Tuck, Thurmond’s opponent in the superintendent’s race, is former CEO of Green Dot Public Schools, a charter chain that has schools in the Los Angeles area.  According to Thurmond, Tuck has millionaire backers and a $30 million campaign fund.

Thurmond said he wants to serve students in all schools, but he’s not convinced that charter schools are always a success.

“The data I have seen shows most charter schools experiences are similar to public schools,” said Thurmond. “It’s not any better, not any worse.”

However, charter schools do benefit from smaller classes and the ability to expel students.

One of the worries about charter schools is that they operate as for-profit businesses that transfer money out of the local school system. Thurmond said he had co-sponsored legislation (AB 406) this year that was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown. The legislation prevents for-profit charter schools in California.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- JCPenney has partnered with the career service center at California State University San Bernardino for a college Suit Up event designed to help students dress for success and jump start their careers.

This private event will take place at the JCPenney in Inland Center on Sunday, October 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., to accommodate hundreds of students looking for advice on what to wear for job interviews. Faculty, staff and alumni from the California State University San Bernardino, along with members of the JCPenney team, will be on-hand to offer insights into the latest career fashion trends, how a suit should fit, what size to buy, how to tie a tie and more.

JCPenney will offer a special 40 percent discount to all California State University San Bernardino students with a valid ID during this event. Through this substantial discount, men can easily purchase a Stafford suit jacket and pants, shirts, ties, belts and shoes for under $200. Women can buy a Worthington suit jacket, skirt, shirt and shoes for under $100.

The Inland Center is located at 300 Inland Center in San Bernardino.