Local

In partnership with Metro, this year marks Metrolink’s 24^th year of providing Southern California residents with a special stop at the Los Angeles County Fair. Starting Sept. 3, San Bernardino Line weekend trains will stop at the Pomona Fairplex platform except for trains 351, 352 and 353.  A free shuttle service is offered to the yellow gate entrance. The Fairplex Station is located just west of the Pomona Station on the San Bernardino Line.

Travel with ease with your family and friends by skipping traffic while avoiding the hassle and cost of parking. Riders can purchase Metrolink’s $10 Weekend Day Pass and take the train to the fair on Saturday or Sunday ONLY. The L.A. County Fair is offering Metrolink riders a special online price of only $12 for a single day admission ticket. Those interested in purchasing these tickets in advance should visit www.lacf.com.

Metrolink is also adding a train to provide later service from the fair back to Los Angeles. The train, 391, will depart the Fairplex stop at 8:30 p.m. and make all stops into Los Angeles Union Station.

As a result of the modified schedule to support the L.A. County Fair, Metrolink trains may operate late into other stops along the San Bernardino Line on weekends in September.

For real-time service updates or to get more information please visitwww.metrolinktrains.com or follow @Metrolink on Twitter.

 On September 6th, Omnitrans will begin offering direct bus service to Ontario International Airport (ONT), via Route 80 making stops at both passenger terminals. Due to customer demand, the transit agency also will increase hours of service on its Route 290 Freeway Express.

Route 80 will be realigned from its current path to continue south on Vineyard to Airport Drive then head east to the airport, instead of traveling on Holt to the Ontario Civic Center Transfer Center. Holt Blvd. between Vineyard and Euclid will continue to be served by Omnitrans Route 61.

“We are pleased to partner with the airport to provide a more convenient transit connection for air travelers,” said agency spokesperson Wendy Williams. “For the future, we are pursuing development of a high-frequency circulator route that would serve the airport, nearby hotels, shopping centers and the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink station.”

Omnitrans is also planning an sbX bus rapid transit line for the cities of Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Montclair and Pomona that would include a stop at ONT passenger terminals.

Route 290, a freeway express route launched a year ago, will add early morning and mid-day trips in response to customer requests. The route will begin running at 4:30 am, an hour earlier, and operate throughout the midday, instead of just at morning and afternoon peak times. Route 290 travels on the I-10 and I-215 freeways with stops at Montclair Transit Center, Ontario Mills, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and the San Bernardino Transit Center.

Another transit agency will be arriving at the San Bernardino Transit Center next month. On September 14, the city of Beaumont’s Pass Transit bus route 120 will begin service to the regional hub, joining Omnitrans, Mountain Transit and Victor Valley Transit Authority. More information at: Pass Transit

Personalized routing assistance available at 800-9-OMNIBUS (800-966-6428) or online at www.omnitrans.org.

LOS ANGELES, CA- In the height of the #BlackLivesMatter and #BuyBlack movements, it is becoming more pivotal than ever to support Black owned businesses. On Saturday, September 3 at The Reef in Downtown Los Angeles, LaTanya Alexander, founder of Afrowear, will be presenting the First Annual End of Summer Fashion Show. It will be a day filled with plenty of entertainment, food, and fashion as some of the latest designers from the L.A. area showcase their lines.

“I am extremely excited for the fashion show, as well as all the activities we have planned for the day,” Alexander states. “Growing up in Watts with a burning passion for fashion and no real outlet, this event is very near and dear to my heart.”

She continues, “I want to create a space for designers, performers and small businesses to come together, support one another and enjoy what I have been working so hard to plan. I am taking a huge risk and have devoted much of my personal funds so I am really counting on my community to support me and help the Black dollar circulate in the Black community. I cannot wait until September 3rd!”

Some of the designers that you can catch on the stage include Afrowear, Styled by Jay Taylor, CT Montgomery of Pearl Girl, and Janell of Power of Pretty. Sponsors include Poise Cosmetics, Stephanie Danine Hair, Universal Beauty Products, and Jay Taylor.

The festivities are scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. and will go into the early evening of 7 p.m. This is family friendly event that will also feature food vendors, retail vendors, musical performances, and much more. Think of it as an End of the Summer Block Party infused with fashion.

The Reef is located at 1933 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased via Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/afrowear-presents-end-of-the-summer-fashion-showexpo-tickets-19992308533

LOMA LINDA, CA- Officers from Colton Police Department assisted D.A.R.E. with a distribution of toys to young patients to the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital’s Hematology/Oncology Outpatient Clinic on Friday, August 26.  

Isaiah Cooper

By Ellen Turner

Isaiah Cooper, the 16-year-old World Record breaking pilot from Compton, CA will visit Fontana at the Fontana Park/ Jessie Turner Center on Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The City of Fontana and the Concerned Citizens   for the Development of North Fontana will hold their 1st ‘Unity in Community Day’ and The “Chillin’ and Grillin” Bar-BQ Cook-off.

Isaiah Cooper and Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum’s (TAM), Executive       Director Robin Petgrave, will attend this event and speak about the record     breaking flight around the continental United States. Isaiah is the youngest African American to ever make this flight. It was an Epic journey and he had to overcome a serious challenge and became a real-life hero.   He is now   preparing to break the Guinness World Record as the first African American to fly solo around the world when he turns eighteen.

Robin Petgrave is the founder and Executive Director of Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum (TAM) and has helped Cooper through this process. His program helps inner city youth expand their vision and dreams. Despite running a busy flight school and tour company, he made time to bring kids from around South Los Angeles to his hangar at Torrance Airport to teach them about flying.

Recognizing the positive effects of learning aviation on kids considered at-risk, Robin felt he could have more of an impact. So in 1998, he established Torrance Aeronautical Museum and made it his personal mission to engage at-risk youth in aviation as an alternative to the negative influences in their          environment. TAM is now operated out of the Compton Airport.

Robin first started by reaching out directly to students at their schools. Instead of just guest speaking at school functions, he did something unheard of at the time: landing his Robinson R44 helicopter directly on school grounds. He    would speak to students about the importance of their education in becoming    successful in life and achieving their dreams.

The Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana invited these   pilots to the Unity in Community event because of the positive impact that it  can bring to young people in Fontana.  Isaiah will have an opportunity to     speak to the people in attendance and share his 8,000 miles and fourteen day journey around the continental United States.

There will be lots of activity at the Chillin’ and Grillin’ BarBQ Cook-off. Several community organizations will compete to see who cooks the best BarBQ Ribs and Chicken. There will also be live entertainment and fun for the kids. The   event will be held at Jessie Turner Center and tasting starts at 10am. Ticket are $10 and are available by calling (909) 333-9950.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – This week’s “Empire Talks Back” (ETB) radio show features Wallace’s interview of Dr. Denise Fleming, candidate for Moreno Valley Mayor, and a conversation with Debbie Forte, a Paralegal, who explains the importance and difference between a Trust and a Will (read her column inside).

ETB is broadcast and video recorded each Sunday morning at 10 a.m. on KCAA-1050 AM radio. The program streams live video via www.kcaaradio.com  and can be heard on the phone by dialing (832) 999-1050.

See the recording of Sunday’s show on the web at www.ustream.tv/recorded/90868983.

Funds will go toward supportive care services that are typically unfunded

LOMA LINDA, CA – August 19, 2016 – Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer made a special delivery to Loma Linda University Cancer Center (LLUCC) Wednesday, Aug. 17. They presented a check for $175,000 to the center, which is a portion of the funds raised at the 8th annual Believe Walk in October 2015.

Judy Chatigny, MSN, RN, executive director, LLUCC, expressed her gratitude to those present. “These gifts are what afford us the ability to provide services to the patients that are otherwise unfunded,” she said.

The $175,000 will be dedicated toward supportive care services for cancer patients, which are typically not covered by insurance companies.

“This donation gives us the means to provide whole person care to our patients – not just treating the cancer but the emotional and spiritual well-being of them as well,” Chatigny added.

Supportive care services are those that address challenges with adjusting to the illness; the stresses of medical treatment; emotional needs; spiritual needs, relationships and caregiving; and coping with pain, insomnia and other symptoms. Because these are services typically not covered by insurance, they can cause additional stress for patients with a cancer diagnosis. 

During the check presentation, Mark Reeves, MD, PhD, director of the Cancer Center, also gave an update on the success of funds that were donated the previous year, which were used for the implementation of a genetic risk assessment program.

“Over the last year, we have been able to fully implement a technology that systematically assesses patients’ risk for various types of cancers,” Reeves said. “This is an enormously powerful tool for patients that allows us to treat and care for them individually.”

Pete Van Helden, CEO of Stater Bros. Markets, highlighted the importance of the annual Believe Walk, which started in 2008.

“Loma Linda University Cancer Center has a reputation of giving back and we try to do the same thing,” he said. “One way is through the Believe Walk.”

Van Helden stated the first walk had 1,500 walkers, which was unexpected for the inaugural event. The walk has now grown exponentially to roughly 12,000 participants and has raised $3 million for cancer research in the Inland Empire.

The 9th annual Believe Walk will take place in Redlands, Sunday, Oct. 2.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Young Women Empowerment Foundation will host their fourth Annual Women’s Wellness Conference at San Bernardino Community Hospital Henderson Auditorium, 1800 Western Avenue in San Bernardino, on Saturday, September 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. YWE invites family, friends, faith base, students and community supporters to this augural event that focuses on emotional and physical health and wellness. This is a free event for all women in the Inland Empire

This year’s theme is Double D’s. Double D’s refers to diabetes and depression. Both of these diseases plague all people but especially minority women. The conference will focus on the prevention of diabetes and depression as well as learning to live with and maintain if one is diagnosed with either. The women in attendance will have the opportunity to participate in interactive demonstrations and hear life changing testimonials from other women on diabetes and depression.  There will also be a free continental breakfast, lunch, entertainment, giveaways, and opportunity drawings.

The two keynote speakers for the wellness conference will focus on issues that are important and relevant to diabetes and depression. The keynote and guest testimonial speakers are as follows: Dee De La Cruz (Diabetes Keynote), Lue Productions 2016 1st Big Beautiful Woman Modeling Queen Winner; Pasha Fruman, PA-C (Depression Keynote), Health Educator and Community Health Activist; Deborah Smith (Depression Testimony), Community/Business Relationship Specialist-Personal Banker WFAW; Gloria Dowdy (Diabetes Testimony), Retired IT Specialist (Programmer)-Department of Veterans Affairs; and Lea Michelle Cash (Depression Informational), President/CEO of The Brightest Star, Inc.

In addition to providing useful health and wellness information at the conference, the attendees will also be presented with the opportunity to get physical during the live dance/exercise demonstrations and have their funny bone exercised as comedian Amber Thorney-Croft  explore the humorous side of life. Please come dressed to participate. Workout clothes are highly encouraged and recommended. 

Please register on Eventbrite under “Free Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) 4^th Annual Women’s Wellness Conference.  Also, please encourage and invite family and friends to register and attend this noteworthy opportunity focused on empowering women to live mentally and physically healthy lives. Space is limited, sign up today.

All inquiries, pre-register individual or groups, please email Devona Robertson or Tiffany James at ywefoundation@gmail.com. Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/youngwomenempowermentfoundation or visit www.youngwomenempowerment.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The elegant women of The Social Lites, Inc. from past to present enjoyed celebrating 60 years in the Inland Empire with over 200 guests in attendance on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.  Among the guests were Beautillion Alumni and former participants of the program, community leaders, and various community organizations.  Awards presented included a financial donation towards The Social Lites, Inc. 501© 3 scholarship foundation from Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. (Riverside Chapter), recognition certificate from Assemblymember Cheryl Brown, 47^th District, Councilwoman Bessine Littlefield Richard, 6^th Ward, presentation plaque from The Swans Club to name a few. The celebration Master of Ceremonies included both Hon. Rikke Van Johnson, Former City Councilman, San Bernardino, Beautillion Knight 1973, and Anthony S. Blacksher, Professor of Sociology, Sir Knight 1999.  Dr. Regional Woods, Senior Pastor, Life Changing Ministries of San Bernardino, Sir Knight 1976 provided the invocation followed by entertainers Edwonda White and Soul Brothers Band. 

Be It Blue, Lavender, Or Lace, These Are the Women of Style and Grace was the theme for this elegant celebration in which Beautillion Sir Knight 1978 Robert Grace, Deputy District Attorney, Los Angeles County was the keynote speaker.  Attorney Grace stated as a young man growing up on the West Side of San Bernardino he reflected on how women in The Social Lites, Inc. inspired him to go to college.  Education continues to be a road map to meaningful employment.  Moreover, the Beautillion program provided not only him but a group of young men meaningful, lifelong experiences, including a trip out of the community in which they stayed in a nice hotel, attended cultural events, performed community service, and awarded scholarships to help finance their education beyond high school. Attorney Grace reminded attendees all lives matter, however, we need to know how important it is in the spirit of all lives matter, to remind others “Black Lives Matter!”  

Over 30 years this organization raised funds by bringing The Ebony Fashion Show annually to the community. This organization was one of the first organization to donate a sizeable scholarship to California State University, San Bernardino, contributed to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. statue located in downtown San Bernardino, holding membership with the NAACP, Chamber of Commerce and was recognized earlier this year by The San Bernardino League of Women Voters. 

The 50^th Beautillion Season will start the second weekend in October, 2016.  Mentoring young men towards a better future is their mission.  For additional information for the upcoming Beautillion season, please contact Mrs. Bettye Brewster, President at 951-204-0022 or Mrs. Helen Thomas, Correspondence 909-854-7730.  Application available via e-mail: Sociallites2@msn.com or www.socialitesinc.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In an effort to prepare parents and students for the upcoming school year, Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) hosted her 4^thAnnual Tools for Success Day in partnership with the Inland Empire Job Corp Center and a number of local businesses and non-profit organizations. This year, more than 500 students received a backpack stuffed with pencils, crayons, notebook paper, books, rulers and more.

“I’m so proud to host this annual event to provide students with the tools they need to be successful in the classroom,” said Assemblymember Brown. “It also gives me an opportunity to discuss our Legislature’s educational plans and accomplishments.” 

This year, Assemblymember Brown reported that our Legislature voted to increase funding for California schools by billions of dollars.  This year’s budget package provides additional funding for college readiness programs; counseling services; early education and child care programs; teacher recruitment; competitive matching grants to continue the Career Technical Education Incentive Grant Program (CTEIG); and grants to improve the quality of drinking water in public schools, preschools and day care centers.

Other local educational agencies such as the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools represented by Carolyn Tillman and the San Bernardino City Unified School District represented by Dr. Harold Vollkommer, made appearances to greet parents and students and highlight their accomplishments as well.

The 4^th Annual Tools for Success Day, emceed by KCAA Radio host Paul Rasso, was packed with information, giveaways, activities and included a special guest appearance by Speaker of the Assembly, Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount). “Attending Assemblymember Brown’s annual backpack giveaway was yet another reminder of her endless passion for public service. During the week, she’s in Sacramento fighting for her constituents. On weekends, she’s there for the families of San Bernardino – in last week’s case, providing students with the school supplies they need to succeed,” said Speaker Rendon. 

Also at the event, live entertainment was provided by Alive in the Lights and Flora Fauna from the San Bernardino Teen Music Workshop, and a host of vendors offered community resources such as housing assistance, Prop 47 information, Medi-Cal insurance sign-ups, services for undocumented citizens and nutrition education.

Other program speakers and participants included Mayor Carey Davis, City of San Bernardino; Dan Flores representing Supervisor Josie Gonzales, 5^th District; Board Member Gwendolyn Rodgers, San Bernardino School Board; Board Member BarBara Chavez, Fontana School Board; Board Member Randall Ceniceros, Colton School Board; Commissioner Kareem Gongora, Fontana Planning Commission; and Jorge Leyva representing the Mexican Consulate.

“It was a great event; especially because it’s about learning and getting an education,” said Claudia Lopez, Inland Empire Job Corps. “The Inland Empire Job Corps is honored to host this event every year and happy to help! The need for backpacks and supplies was evident by the number of families who attended the event. It was wonderful to see children with big smiles, walking away with their backpacks.”

The event concluded with a raffle and awards presentation. Raffle winners took home a 32 inch flat screen TV and bicycles donated by Assemblymember Brown and fruit trees donated by the Incredible Edible Community Gardens.

This year’s event was proudly sponsored by: Farmdale Creamery; Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP); Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County; KCAA Radio; City of San Bernardino Parks & Recreation; S.B. County Superintendent of Schools; Stater Bros.; Incredible Edible Community Gardens; Niagara Bottling; Home Depot; Pinnacle Medical Group; San Bernardino County Department of Public Health; First 5 San Bernardino; Mother’s Nutritional Center; Molina Healthcare of CA; Loma Linda University; TODEC Legal Center; Consulado of Guatemala in San Bernardino; San Bernardino County Fire; United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire; Inland Behavioral & Health Services, Inc.; Consulado of Mexico in San Bernardino; Target; and the San Bernardino Valley Chapter of the Links.

For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.