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This Weekend: Covenant Sisters Host Women’s Empowerment Conference

POMONA, CA- God is enlarging and expanding the territory of Covenant Sisters International from Coast to Coast. They recently launched their new Phoenix, Arizona chapter last month under the leadership of Apostle Dr. Regina Lindsey, The Overseer. In addition to their recent accomplishment, the West Coast chapter is inviting all ladies to join them for fellowship and an anointed evening of divine impartation and prophetic revelation. The conference will be taking place on Friday, July 14 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 15 at 8 a.m. at New Life Word of Faith located at 607 N. Towne Avenue in Pomona.

These two days will be hours filled with empowerment to strengthen, refresh, and undergird the body of Christ. On Friday, Apostle Dr. Joyce Thornton will be the keynote speaker with Lady Sharon Ann as the special musical act for the evening. On Saturday, there will be a Morning Glory Session with Apostle R. Lindsey at 8 a.m. followed by workshops hosted by Pastor Davis and Foundress, Apostle Dr. Joyce Thornton. The theme for the conference is “Empowering Women to ARISE for Purpose and Destiny.”

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

Positive Women Meet Up Celebrates the Beauty of Loc’d, Loose Naturals at 1ST Loc Appreciation Day

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Positive Women Meet Up, a networking platform for women of color in the Inland Empire, recently hosted the melanin rich, cultural event, “Natural Beauty”, at the Garcia Center for Arts in San Bernardino. Keona Anntionette, the founder of Positive Women Meet Up, has been loc’d for 5 years and natural all her life. As a firm believer that natural hair is beautiful, Keona facilitated the Inland Empire’s first Loc Appreciation Day. With the help of co-producers, Cleo Upshaw, Susan Henderson, and RayVaughn Upshaw, Natural Beauty encouraged the community to celebrate natural hair, out loud.

“Natural Beauty” included a question and answer session with dynamic speakers: Niketa Calame (actress), C.A. Henderson (Realtor, Author, and Educator), Tynesia Evans (Holistic Health and Wellness Coach), James Woods also known as “Dat Yoga Dude” (Author and Health Educator), Wentrelle Damarr (Artist), and Sebrena Thurton (Blogger). Sponsors of the event included Taliah Waajid, Jane Carter for Men, Brilliant Like Me, Alaffia, Dr. O’s Skin and Hair Care, Harmless Harvest, KIND Snacks, Los Angeles Urban League of Young Professionals, and Dr. Lakieta “Dr. Elle” McMurray-Emanuel. Natural Beauty event vendors included Totally Jaz’d, Bold Look Head Wraps, Kreatiewe World, Bundlez N Beauty Hair Salon of Bloomington, Artsy Black Fam, Brilliant Like Me, and Mama’s Tea Cakes. “Natural Beauty” also included a live head wrap tutorial from Juanita Morris of Bold Look Head Wraps, a live hair show produced by Hairstory Natural Hair Salon of Upland, live spoken word from artists: JT Sweet, Brittany Abraham, and Lasia Lynnai, as well as delicious, custom made, desserts from CupKaekes by Chef Kae.

“Natural Beauty” was a celebration of melanin, natural hair, entrepreneurship, natural beauty, and our rich culture. With a bonus of live music from Fingerprint IE, Natural Beauty was simply beautiful.

“Producing this event in San Bernardino was necessary because not only did it bring the community together, it opened a safe space to discuss necessary topics in the African American community: the beauty of our natural hair, best natural hair practices, and to instill confidence and culture into our children and our community. We are proud that the growth of Positive Women Meet Up has allowed us to expand and bring new events to the community,” Keona Anntionette, founder of Positive Women Meet Up, stated.

Announcing the success of Positive Women Meet Up’s special event, “Natural Beauty” will bring awareness to the efforts of Positive Women Meet Up, and create value in the community, as well as inspire art, collaborative efforts, and celebration of African American culture in the city of San Bernardino.

“The city of San Bernardino has suffered tragic losses within the past two years,” Porsche Bowie, creator of the upcoming blog BlackAboutItQueerAbout It.com, lamented. “The terror attack of 2015 and the Northpark Elementary school shooting in April of this year has given the city a lot to mourn about. Events like Positive Women Meet Up and Natural Beauty gives residents and visitors a better view of the city and creates value for the community. This is very important work.”

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Keona Anntionette at info@positivewomenmeetup.com.

California Issues City of Fontana $1,000,000 Grant

FONTANA, CA- On June 16, The California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) awarded the City of Fontana $1,000,000 to construct an artificial turf soccer field, field lighting and water conservation measures at Fontana Central City Soccer Park.

The Youth Soccer and Recreation Development (YS) Program provides one-time financial assistance for recreational projects that target low-income and heavily populated urban areas with high crime and unemployment rates.

“I applaud the City of Fontana for working with State Agencies to building quality of life amenities for our communities. Building adequate recreational facilities are an important component to developing a sustainable community where people choose to live, work and play,” said Assemblymember Reyes.

When completed the newly constructed artificial turf soccer field equipped with lighting and water conservation measures will provide sustainable, year around recreational opportunities for the residents of Fontana.  

To learn more about OGALS grant programs, go to the State Parks website at www.parks.ca.gov/grants.

 

 

SBCUSD Students Earn More Than $8.1 Million In Scholarships

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Each of five San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) high schools awarded students more than $1 million in college scholarships, with the total scholarships awarded to all SBCUSD graduates totaling $8,134,645.

Students at San Bernardino High School (SBHS) earned $1,856,489 in scholarships, the most of any SBCUSD high school. Cajon High School students earned the second largest amount, $1,680,014, which included $646,000 in military academy appointments and scholarships for the U.S. Army, Marines, and Coast Guard.

“I’m not surprised that San Bernardino High students earned so many scholarship dollars,” said Corina Borsuk, whose family funds an annual scholarship for SBHS graduates. “As the oldest high school in the area, many famous and successful people have graduated from the school, and they often give back by establishing scholarships specifically for Cardinal City graduates. Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal.”

The San Bernardino High School mascot is a cardinal, and the school is a chartered city known as Cardinal City.

With 481 scholarship recipients, Cajon High School boasted the largest number of students earning scholarships. Arroyo Valley High School had the next largest group of scholarship recipients, totaling 293 deserving students.

Cajon and Arroyo Valley High Schools both offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (I.B.) program, which awards both a California diploma and an internationally recognized diploma to students who successfully complete the rigorous coursework. Earning top grades in these classes is often a sign that students will do well in college and attracts scholarship donors.

Of Middle College High School’s 79 graduates, 72 earned scholarships. That’s 91 percent of the graduating class. More than 87 percent of San Bernardino High School’s graduating class of 287 students received scholarships.

Unlike other SBCUSD high schools, Middle College High does not have attendance boundaries. Interested students must apply to attend, and those who are accepted are enrolled in high school classes on the Middle College campus and college classes at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC). SBCUSD covers the cost of attending SBVC, including text books.

While Middle College High serves high school students who want to get a jump on their college education, Inland Career Education Center (formerly San Bernardino Adult School) serves adults who are returning to school to earn a G.E.D. or high school diploma. The 197 members of the ICEC class of 2017 earned $22,450 in scholarships.

Rounding out SBCUSD high schools, Indian Springs High School graduates earned $540,001 in scholarships, Pacific High School graduates earned $424,511, San Gorgonio High School graduates earned $1,156,858, San Andreas High School graduates earned $23,700, and Sierra High School graduates earned $43,322 in scholarships.

SBCUSD graduates received scholarships from a variety of public and private donors, but a large share of the scholarship money came from the Making Hope Happen Foundation and the San Bernardino Community Scholarship Association.

The Making Hope Happen Foundation is a non-profit foundation that supports the educational mission of the San Bernardino City Unified School District. For more information about the Foundation or to make a donation, visit makinghopehappenfoundation.org or call (909) 381-1294.

The San Bernardino Community Scholarship Association coordinates the contributions of groups and individuals who wish to give scholarships to SBCUSD graduates. Donors may contribute to an existing scholarship or create a new scholarship of their own based on criteria that is important to them. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.sbcusd.com/SBCSA or call (909) 381-1250.

Life On The Line Captures Six Regional Emmy Awards

LOMA LINDA, CA- Loma Linda University Health featured prominently during the 47th annual Emmy Awards presented by the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Saturday, June 24, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. 

“Life on the Line,” a documentary TV series that highlights Loma Linda’s stories of transforming lives, won Emmy Awards in six of its seven nominated categories.  

Mound City Films produces “Life on the Line,” contracting with Loma Linda University Health’s Department of Advancement Films. 

The show tells stories of hope and courage arising from Loma Linda University Health. Cosmin Cosma, MA, director of advancement films at Loma Linda University Health, said he is thankful for the talent and dedication the team has put into producing the series. “Receiving television’s highest award is a testament to their commitment to professionalism,” he said. “It’s our privilege to share stories of hope and courage arising from Loma Linda University Health’s medical work.”

The team has previously received a total of 13 regional Emmys, one of which was for “Life on the Line.” 

This year “San Bernardino Strong” was nominated in the documentary category, while episodes or a season of “Life on the Line” were nominated and received Emmy Awards in the following categories:

  • Sports – Daily or Weekly Program or Special
  • Director – Non Live (Post Produced)
  • Editor (No time limit) – Program (Non-news)
  • Photographer – Program (Non-news)
  • Editor (No time limit) ­– Short ForM 
  • Graphic Arts – Graphics: Life on the Line: Show Open

Cosma said the documentary film form is a lengthy process, with filmmakers often spending a year or more experiencing the journey side by side with the individuals who are sharing their stories.

“Receiving recognition from the members of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences boosts our morale and gives us the energy and drive to tell more stories,” Cosma said.

Receiving 2017 Emmy Awards were Cosmin Cosma, Erik Edstrom, Patricia Kelikani, James Pendorf and Michael Wolcott.

“By bringing their artistry and technical skill into the difficult moments of our patients lives, these filmmakers craft powerful stories that hearten all involved and create meaning out of what are some of life’s darkest points,” said Garrett Caldwell, DMin, executive director of public affairs at Loma Linda University Health. “Their work beautifully illustrates the faithfulness of our employees to fulfill our mission to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Pacific Southwest Chapter serves television professionals in San Diego, Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. 

The chapter received over 900 entries for the 47th show, 217 of which were nominated. From those, more than 100 Emmy Awards were given.

Assessor Bob Dutton Signs 2017 Assessment Roll Showing Steady Growth in San Bernardino County

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk Bob Dutton is pleased to announce the signing of the 2017 Annual Property Assessment Roll showcasing steady property value growth in the region. The assessment roll contains 810,304 taxable parcels valued at $206,576,804,207, which is a 6.1% net increase as compared to the 2016 assessment roll. Notably, this is the first time in the county’s history that total valuation of property surpasses the $200 billion mark.

Upon his signature, Assessor-Recorder-Clerk Dutton delivered the 2017 Assessment Roll to San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector Oscar Valdez.

“Throughout the year, Assessor staff worked diligently to fairly and accurately assess property in San Bernardino County. I am pleased to report steady growth in property valuations,” said San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk Bob Dutton.

Taxpayers wishing to see their personal assessed values may visit the Assessor’s website at www.sbcounty.gov/assessor and click on the Online Services, Property Information Management System link. The public can also call the Assessor’s toll-free number at 1-877-885-7654.

To view the 2017 Assessment Roll which includes all 24 cities and unincorporated areas, please click here.

JOB OPENING: SECURITY GUARD POSITIONS

NEW HOPE CHURCH is accepting applications to fill two Security Guard positions at the Family Life Center and the New Hope Church. Applications are available at the New Hope Church Office. For additional information, please contact the Church Office at (909) 887-2526.

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

  • Ability to read, listen and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Must have strong security knowledge
  • Ability to work independently and complete duties and projects with little direct supervision
  • Ability to accurately work under pressure in meeting deadlines
  • At least some security experience

California Health Collaborative of San Bernardino County Raises Awareness on Third-Hand Smoke

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Where there’s no smoke, there’s a firestorm.

Many know that smoking and secondhand smoke are harmful to their health but very few are aware about the dangers of “third-hand smoke” exposure.

Third-hand smoke is the residue from tobacco smoke that accumulates on surfaces. It sticks to walls, windows and furniture or can settle as toxic dust in homes and cars. It even sticks to clothing and hair. The residue builds up in the environment, becoming more toxic over time, according to TobaccoFreeCA.com.

In San Bernardino County, the California Health Collaborative (CHC) has been crusading for tobacco-free apartment units since 2015. Through voluntary tobacco-free housing policies, CHC touts the benefits for renters, property managers and owners, said Roberto A. Terrones, Program Coordinator for San Bernardino County’s Tobacco Control Program.

Terrones said that many in the housing industry expect for tenants of apartment buildings to be against these types of tobacco free policies, but that is not the local nor state-wide sentiment when it comes to these changes. While there has been some blowback, he said, many tenants appreciate the new rules.

“We survey the tenants before we go smoke free. Some people think these smoking policies aren’t popular but we’ve seen that a lot of people are for it,” Terrones said. “People that were opposed don’t always smoke but they see it as a right being taken away. We’re not telling you that you can’t smoke but you have to smoke somewhere else outside of the property.”

One-third of Californians live in multi-unit housing, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Units share common walls, floors or a ceiling, which means that millions may be exposed to secondhand smoke even if they do not allow smoking in their home.

Nine out of 10 people do not smoke in their homes, Terrones said. About seven out of ten people who want tobacco free-housing are people that don’t smoke.

The importance of having tobacco-free housing is to protect the health of tenants, said Evi Hernandez, CHC Director of Program Services. Many times, Hernandez said, they are protecting people that cannot afford to live in single-family homes and those at highest risk for serious illness caused by tobacco smoke exposure, including children and the elderly.

“Among other things, any contact with third-hand smoke can cause skin irritation, trigger asthma attacks and lead to respiratory illnesses,” Hernandez said.” You don’t really see it in the form of smoke and if you’re not aware that it’s there, you can’t avoid it.”

Terrones said the county has been successful with subsidized housing because while many of the tenants’ love where they live, the smoke is killing them, he said. And for financial reasons, they are unable to move. “It’s essentially a trap,” Terrones said. “They can’t just pick up and leave because of their financial situation.”

Some have agreed to set aside a certain percentage of smoke-free units, but as Terrones said, “If you can smell what your neighbor is cooking, you can smell if they’re smoking.”

Long considered a health hazard, secondhand smoke seeps through doors, open windows, outlets and ventilation systems. The health benefits may be obvious, but decreasing the hidden financial costs are a bonus as well. Estimates to ready a unit for rent after a smoker has lived there could be in the thousands of dollars, Hernandez said.

“I’ve gone to these multi-complex houses and their blinds are completely yellow. You can’t get rid of the smell in the carpet. Sometimes the smoke is so pervasive it penetrates the walls and a treatment/paint plan can take weeks,” Terrones said. “It’s (another) benefit of multi-unit apartments to go smoke free.”

When an apartment complex goes tobacco-free, CHC offers a resource directory for tenants that includes local tobacco cessation resources and information about the California Smokers’ Helpline (1-800-NO-BUTTS). 

For further information, contact the County of San Bernardino Tobacco Control Program at (909) 647-4532 or go to sbctcp.blogspot.com

About The San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Program (SBCTCP)

The SBCTCP serves in the capacity of local lead agency for tobacco prevention, education and control efforts in San Bernardino County. With funding support from the California Department of Public Health – Tobacco Control Program, SBCTCP is administered by the California Health Collaborative to implement a comprehensive tobacco control plan that includes the following objectives: 

1) Retain and engage community members representing diverse/priority populations and non-traditional partner agencies in the San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Coalition; 

2) Partner with apartment managers/owners, apartment management companies, the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, and tobacco control stakeholders to guide efforts that result in the adoption of smoke-free policies at multi-unit housing complexes; and 

3) Coordinate efforts by incorporated cities in San Bernardino County to adopt a policy that eliminates sales and distribution of tobacco and/or electronic nicotine delivery devices (ENDD) products in pharmacies where licensed professionals provide health care services. 

Program plan strategies were developed based on results of a community needs assessment and prioritization process and adhere to priority areas and guidelines set forth by the California Tobacco Control Program. 

United Nations of Consciousness honored at Second Annual California Non-Profits Day Celebration

San Bernardino, CA– On Wednesday, June 28, United Nations of Consciousness was honored as a Nonprofit of the Year at a celebration of California Nonprofits Day at the State Capitol in Sacramento.
 
United Nations of Consciousness (U.N.C) was selected by Assemblywoman Eloise Gomez Reyes as an exceptional nonprofit organization in her 47th district community. U.N.C joined nearly one hundred other nonprofit leaders from across the state being honored at the annual California Nonprofits Day event, formally recognized by Assembly Concurrent Resolution 54, authored by the chair of the new Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector Assemblywoman Monique Limon (D-Santa Barbara).
 
United Nations of Consciousness is a grassroots, non-profit organization established in 2015, founded by Executive Director La’Nae Norwood. U.N.C provides direct services and resources to the community such as: cultural enrichment, education, entrepreneurship programs, awareness, advocacy, and youth programs like the U.N.C Youth Afterschool Program, and Summer Camp for disadvantaged, at-risk youth. U.N.C is also one of the leading San Bernardino partners in the #schoolsnotprisons campaign, which brings awareness to the community and leadership about harsh policies that incriminate youth of color through suspensions, expulsions, and citations in public schools. Since its inception, U.N.C has served over 3,000 families and is projected to expand and double in 2017.
 
“Recognition and support of this kind is an inspiration to grassroot organizations who sacrifice and work tirelessly to serve as positive change agents. Congratulations to all the other nonprofits who were recognized, we are honored to be esteemed with such distinguished organizations across the state of California. Assemblymember Reyes has shown genuine concern and has been a savvy partner with the willingness to tackle real issues and the concerns of her constituents.
 
A little over three years ago, l had a vision and started this organization with some of my childhood friends, knowing we would make a positive impact. Growing up in the Inland Empire, we were very familiar with the challenges. We jumped right in and started working in the neighborhoods with the most need. The rapid growth and success of United Nations of Consciousness is largely in part to dedication, collaboration and responding to the needs of the community. We are more committed than ever to unity, youth, social change and creating economic opportunities, while being a voice for African Americans. Courageous and honest perspectives are necessary for progression. We are unapologetic in our pursuit of cultivating equitable communities. United Nations of Consciousness is putting the unity back into the community, while expanding resources, reach and results.” – La’Nae Norwood, Founder and Executive Director.
 
The award recipients were honored at a luncheon held at Sacramento’s Convention Center, welcomed by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Assemblymember Limon, and Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits). California Attorney General Xavier Becerra had also shared words of appreciation to the gathered honorees and their legislators.
 
“Nonprofit organizations are vitally important to the economy and well-being of California. But too often nonprofits are ‘hidden in plain sight.’ We are thrilled that the State Assembly has passed a resolution for the second year in a row that puts the spotlight on nonprofits as an economic power that uses that power for the common good. We congratulate all of the award recipients on being honored for the great work they do every day to make California a better place,” said Jan Masaoka, CEO of California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits), a statewide alliance of over 10,000 organizations, representing and promoting California’s growing nonprofit sector and working to bring the full power of nonprofits to strengthening communities.

Inland Empire Powerhouse Vocalist Nachaka Returns with Concert Featuring Hi Lyfe Band

HiLyfe

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- For those of you who remember Inland Empire Powerhouse Vocalist Nachaka, she is back and now performing with her band mates called Hi Lyfe.  The band consists of musicians from various areas surrounding the Inland Empire and will be a part of the Summer Concert Series held at Cal State San Bernardino. Hi Lyfe will be performing on Wednesday, July 12 and will promptly hit the stage at 7 p.m. This event is free, so bring your lawn chairs and your family to enjoy an evening with Hi Lyfe.