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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.

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- In honor of the start of their 90th concert season, the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra has scheduled an anniversary gala, a concert featuring world premier music, and a historical retrospective reception… all on Saturday, October 27.

The evening will begin with a black-tie anniversary dinner party to be held at 5 p.m. under the giant tent alongside the California Theatre. Guests will enjoy a delicious plated dinner and inspiring musical performances by some very special guests, chat with past conductors and performers, bid on silent auction items, and hear all about the up-coming concert.

Then at 7:30 p.m. immediately following the gala, the concert will begin.

This historic occasion will include the premiere of Emmy award-winning composer John Christopher Wineglass’ Voices of the West, a new work commissioned by the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the region whose name they proudly bear. This inspirational composition celebrates those things that most positively distinguish San Bernardino and the diverse peoples who established the region. With music inspired by the bird songs of the Serrano Indians, hymns of the Mormon pioneers, Spanish folk tunes, and African American spirituals, this beautiful piece of music will also pay tribute to the brave first responders, and to the region’s unique geography, from the majesty of the local mountains and vistas, to the built environment that provides homes and commerce to millions.

“Voices of the West fulfills a long-held dream,” said SBSO Board President Dean McVay. “We have hoped to be in the position to create something meaningful and important about the region for years and now, through the generosity of many civic-minded arts lovers* this dream is coming true.”

The widely renowned Los Robles Master Chorale, under the leadership of Dr. Lesley Leighton, will join the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra for Voices of the West. In addition to the new music, the concert will also include Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien, Op. 45, Respighi’s Pines of Rome, and Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini which will feature young piano virtuoso HyeJin Kim.

The October 27th concert will be performed under the baton of guest conductor Laura Jackson. With glowing reviews from across the country, Jackson was selected to lead this historic concert because of her dynamic stage presence and ability to connect with the audience. Maestra Jackson is one of the ten outstanding conductors currently being considered for the position of San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra Music Director, a decision which will be made following the final concert of this season.

Following the concert, the San Bernardino Symphony Guild will hold a reception for concert ticket holders in the California Theatre’s California Room complete with a retrospective of historical artifacts from the city and region.

December, February, March, and April Concerts

Four amazing concerts follow the October performance. December 1, we will present our annual Holiday Concert. Under the baton of guest conductor Dean Anderson, the Orchestra will premiere another new holiday work, this one by Nilo Alcala, alongside music from Vaughan-Williams, Rimsky-Korsakov, Anderson, and Tchaikovsky in the first half of this festive concert. In the second half, we will welcome popular singer David Archuleta to perform holiday favorites with the Orchestra.

February 9, 2019, audiences will enjoy A Night at the Pictures. Guest conductor Ming Luke will lead a family-friendly musical romp through beloved favorites from Rossini, Mussorgsky, Strauss, and Mozart… all selected from cartoons and movies! This is a perfect concert to introduce young music lovers to the Symphony!

March 16, 2019, the Orchestra will present An Evening with Melissa Manchester under the baton of our Maestra Sharon Lavery. The first half will be dedicated to the music of George Gershwin, including selections from Porgy and Bess, and pianist Bernadene Blaha will perform Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. In the second half, Grammy award-winning singer/actress Melissa Manchester will take the stage to perform her tribute to “The Fellas” and some of her own popular songs.

To complete the 90^th season, on April 13, 2019, the Orchestra will present Celestial Sounds. Guest conductor David Cubek will lead a space-age evening of music including Holst’s haunting The Planets, Ravel’s glorious Sunrise, and Williams’ soaring Star Wars Suite. To add to the fun, audience members are encouraged to dress as their favorite Star Wars character.

Ticket Availability

Tickets are available by calling the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra office at (909) 381-5388 or through our website: www.sanbernardinosymphony.org. Student and active military tickets are always $15; all other tickets are available at $30. $45. $55, and $65.

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN DIEGO, CA— A 1997 Mojave High School graduate and Hesperia, California, native is serving aboard an Avenger mine countermeasure ship designed to clear mines from vital waterways across the globe.

Chief Petty Officer Martin Benitez is a Navy damage controlman serving aboard USS Champion under the command of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

As a Navy damage controlman, Benitez is responsible for maintaining watertight integrity of the ship, ensuring that damage done to the ship is repaired properly, and training the crew on firefighting methods.

“There’s a lot of training that goes into being a damage controlman,” said Benitez.  “Overall my job is helping my shipmates move up into training positions and spreading knowledge.”

Mine countermeasure ships are designed as mine sweepers/hunter-killers capable of finding, classifying and destroying moored and bottom mines. These ships use sonar and video systems, cable cutters and a mine detonating device that can be released and detonated by remote control.

Hunting mines is a slow, laborious task that requires a ship to stay in a small area until it’s done, according to the Navy. Since 1945, mines have sunk almost four times more U.S. ships than all other threats combined, said Navy officials.

The worldwide threat, which today totals more than a million weapons of some 300 different types, comprises rudimentary but still-dangerous World War I-era contact mines to highly sophisticated, multiple-influence and programmable weapons, reports the Navy. These figures are for sea mines, proper; they do not include underwater-improvised explosive devices that can be fashioned from fuel bladders, 50-gallon drums, and even discarded refrigerators.

The ships deploy a remotely operated mine disposal system and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) mine neutralization system. The disposal system detects, locates, classifies and neutralizes moored mines and mines resting on the seabed. The vehicle uses high-frequency, high-resolution sonar, low light level television, cable cutters and explosive charges to detect and dispose of mines, while remaining tethered to the vessel by a cable and under control of the vessel. Each ship accommodates a crew of 80.

“Serving on a minesweeper, you form a small brotherhood and family,” Benitez said.

As part of the Navy, Benitez explained that sailors are helping to build a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, including helping to develop new war-fighting capabilities to continue the Navy’s success on the world’s oceans.

“The Navy has blessed me and my family. I’m trying to pay it forward by helping others get to the position that I’m in,” said Benitez. “It’s a privilege to serve.”

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA— October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is considered an epidemic that affects people from all walks of life. The NAACP-Riverside Chapter will be presenting, “Nowhere to Run” on Friday, October 12 to Sunday, October 14 at The Box Theater in Riverside.

Everyday sex trafficking victims, many of whom are simultaneously victims of domestic violence, appear in courtrooms throughout the United States. Rarely are they identified as victims of domestic violence and even less frequently are they recognized by judges and court personnel as the victims of sex or labor trafficking that they are.

The play “Nowhere to Run” gives you a look into the life of those suffering from mental and physical abuse. The play conception came about when some of the NAACP youth and college students became concern about the issue of sex trafficking. The production leaves you with an essential understanding that sexual exploitation can happen to anyone and that we must all work together to break the cycle of bullying, sex trafficking, and domestic violence.

PayPal is available on the NAACP website at www.naacp-riverside.org/news-and-events.

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— More than 700 individuals of all ages, enjoyed the entertainment and down home fun presented by Akoma Unity Center at the 1^st Annual Sunday Jazz in the Park on Sunday, September 30^.  hosted by Akoma Unity Center.

Sponsors for the event included: American Health Coalition, C.O.P.E, Del Valejo Middle School, Empire Management, Image Source USA, Plan B Printing, Westside Story Newspaper, and Sacred Sistahs.. Jazz in the Park unified and reignited a sense of community to over five generations on the West side of San Bernardino. Families enjoyed an evening full of joy, laughter, and love of good music. While continuing the legacy of Dr. Anne Shirrells

“The goal of this event was to deliver a sophisticated, family oriented community event that brought over five generations out to enjoy,” Jennifer Xicara, Operations Manager at Akoma Unity Center stated.

Akoma Unity Center has delivered! This event transformed Anne Shirrells Park into an oasis of premier music, election awareness, food, and fun, creating an ambiance like no other in the Inland Empire.

“Akoma Unity Center did a great job!”Jim Tickemyer, Director, Parks, Recreation and Community Services stated. “Seeing the community come together to just kick back and enjoy themselves was a great way to start the week. Please extend my gratitude to all of Akoma. Thank you for your vision and commitment to seeing it through to fruition.”

The stellar line up included genres for every jazz lover featuring: Inland Empire’s native, Amore the Songstress, who gave vibes of the amazing Anita Baker and Jill Scott intertwined in one; Johnny Meza and Company, whom had his original song Dirty Martini hit number 23 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz charts; and the closing performances by Gee Mack, a legendary guitar player and The Hottest Cats featuring Asia Raye. When musical groups were not on stage, DJ Wen provided old school music that inspired everyone to get up out their seats and dance.

Akoma Unity Center is a 501 C(3) Non-Profit organization committed to providing children with high quality, no-cost afterschool structured recreation, and development programs in a safe and supervised environment.

If you would like to learn more information about Akoma Unity Center, please visit our website at http://akomaunitycenter.org or call (909) 217-7956.

Dr. Margaret Hill

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) will be hosting a Piano Recital and Gala Event on Saturday, October 6 at the University of Redlands located at 1200 Colton Avenue in Redlands.

Master of Ceremonies will be Bryon Russell, former Lakers NBA Star who previously attended San Bernardino High School. The event will feature the Community Action Legacy Awards to honor individuals and organizations that have supported the mission and vision of CAPSBC of assisting low-income residents of San Bernardino County in achieving self-sufficiency.

The Board is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018

Assemblymember Eloise Gomez-Reyes

Community Action Legacy Awards. The Venny H. Newman Humanitarian Award will be presented to Dr. Margaret for her for her long-time, outstanding service to our communities and CAPSBC. Dr. Hill has been a distinguished educator, community supporter and advocate in our county since 1971. Her name is known throughout our county and we are grateful for her dedication to our communities and youth.

The Venny H. Newman Humanitarian Award is given as a tribute to Ms. Venny H. Newman who has dedicated her life to advocating for the poor and was a pioneer in the establishment of the Dependency Prevention Commission in 1965, now known as Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County.

Other award recipients include:

• Legislative Advocate Award: Assembly Member Eloise Gómez-Reyes
• Community Partner Award: San Bernardino Pastors United
• Helping People Changing Lives Volunteer Award: Dolores Armstead-Robinson
• Spirit of Hope Achievement Award: Francisca Tousely

Prior to the dinner, there will be a benefit concert for the CAPSBC Food Bank featuring “Two Piano Journey” with Michelle and Christopher Kuo, an incredible world-class piano ensemble team. They have performed in locations such as Carnegie Hall – NY, The Green Room – San Francisco, The Lighthouse Guild – NY, Rutgers University – NY, Friday Musicale – FL, Drew University – NJ, Old Dominion University – VA, and countless premier international sites.

For more information, call (909) 723-1523 or e-mail info@capsbc.org

School District Police officers reach out to community members during National Night Out in August 2018.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Paakuma’ K–8 School hosted an event for school staff, parents, and community members to share coffee and conversation with San Bernardino City Unified School District Police officers this past on Wednesday, October 3. Starbucks and Krispy Kreme doughnuts co-sponsored the event.

The October 3 event was the first in a series of community outreach meetings School District Police plan to hold at various SBCUSD schools.

“There are no agendas and no speeches,” said Sgt. John Guttierez. “It’s just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the District Police officers in your school community.”

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— FONTANA, CA—Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), local officials and business representatives today celebrated the opening of a new public compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station located at 16231 Valley Boulevard in Fontana. The ceremony was held during National Clean Energy Week, which was first conceived in 2017 with the goal of advancing support of our nation’s energy sector through new methods of market development, policy change, and technological innovation. The new station was designed to serve the needs of the local and regional trucking industry and is the largest SoCalGas CNG fueling station constructed to date. SoCalGas also recently announced it will soon begin using renewable natural gas for the first time at the 25 utility-owned natural gas vehicle fueling stations across its service territory, as well as at six fueling stations in the San Diego area. Photos are available here.

“The latest generation of natural gas trucks, fueled with renewable natural gas virtually eliminate air pollution and emissions linked to climate change,” said Rodger Schwecke, senior vice president of gas transmission, storage and engineering for SoCalGas. “By giving truck drivers and fleet operators more locations to fuel up, we can put more of these trucks on the road and deliver an immediate benefit to communities, especially those along our busy freeways.”

“Fontana is proud to welcome our first compressed natural gas station to the city,” said City of Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren. “As one of the most important regional hubs for the U.S. trucking industry, having this CNG fueling station in Fontana will help us reduce our carbon footprint one truck at a time. We want to thank our partners at Southern California Gas Company for bringing this valuable resource to our community.”

The new CNG station extends the network of CNG stations across a key regional goods movement corridor and will provide owners and operators of natural gas-fueled trucks and other vehicles with a new, convenient place to fuel. The location, which is just off Interstate 10 (I-10) in the Inland Empire, was selected to serve a major logistics transportation corridor. More than 20,000 trucks travel along the freeway each day.

The transportation sector is responsible for 41 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and 80 percent of smog forming pollution. The latest heavy-duty natural gas engines can cut smog-forming emissions by more than 90 percent compared to the cleanest heavy-duty diesel trucks on the road today. When these trucks are fueled with renewable natural gas (RNG), greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by at least 80 percent.

SoCalGas has worked with fleet owners to secure millions of dollars in incentive funding for the replacement of diesel trucks with cleaner, new near-zero natural gas trucks. Each new natural gas truck that replaces a traditional diesel truck is the equivalent of taking 57 passenger cars off the road.

Renewable natural gas is produced from the methane generated in landfills, wastewater treatment plants, food processing and dairies and depending on its source, can be low-carbon or in some cases, even carbon-negative. It can be used to fuel trucks and buses, to generate electricity, to heat homes and businesses, and to cook.

Capturing the methane from these waste sources and using it for fuel has two benefits: It keeps methane, a greenhouse gas, from entering the atmosphere and contributing to climate change, and it reduces the use of traditionally-sourced natural gas.

Already, close to 70 percent of natural gas fleets in California are fueled with renewable natural gas.

The Fontana location is the 13th public SoCalGas-operated CNG fueling station to open, and there are 3 more currently under construction – one in Pacoima, one in Bakersfield and one in Ramona.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education started its meetings for the year on Tuesday, October 2. Meetings are now held every first and third Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Indian Springs High School MU Room.

The Board has been holding its meetings at Indian Springs High School (ISHS) since renovations began on the Board of Education building earlier this year. The Board held its September 18, 2018, Board meeting in the new ISHS Performing Arts Center, following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Board meetings will continue to be held in the ISHS MU Room until the Board of Education building remodel is complete. Indian Springs High School is located at 650 North Del Rosa Drive in San Bernardino.

If you plan to attend Board of Education meetings and require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the SBCUSD Affirmative Action Office at (909) 381-1122 or mike.medina@sbcusd.com at least 10 business days before the meeting.