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(L-R) Terrell Wheeler, Damian Thompson and Brooks Brantly rehearse a scene in “FLY.”

PASADENA, CA- Preview performances of the West Coast Premiere of FLY begin tomorrow and play through Feb.21, 2016 at The Pasadena Playhouse. The production, which is presented in association with Crossroads Theatre Company, will officially open on Sunday, January 31, 2016 to usher in Black History Month. FLY tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and dramatizes the historic contributions made by the heroic men to desegregate the American military and further civil rights.

Co-written and directed by Ricardo Kahn, FLY explores themes in overcoming adversity and pursuing dreams. The story follows four main characters’ experiences through training in Tuskegee, Alabama, whose common goal was to defend their country despite the persistent racism they dealt with daily. Unable to express their emotions as military men, director Ricardo Kahn brought in the unique character Tap Griot played by Omar Edwards to express the airmen’s resentment toward racial inequality through the artistic output of tap dancing.

“Trey and Ricardo have conceived of a wonderfully theatrical and exciting way to approach this important chapter of American history,” says Sheldon Epps, artistic director of The Pasadena Playhouse. “Their work will be excitingly brought to life by this fine group of actors and the rest of the creative team.  I know that all of them will bring their artistry to the creation of our production in a way that will truly make the play soar.” The New York Times hailed the play as a “superior piece of theatrical synergy.”

FLY plays from January 26 through February 21, 2016.  Tickets start at $25 and are available by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529, online 24 hours a day at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.

Though young and in good health, Marcus Sesay of Riverside enrolled for health insurance in 2015 to fulfill the mandate of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Sesay, a 35-year-old native of Sierra Leone, was not motivated by free services like an annual checkup and other health screenings, but wanted to avoid the tax penalty consumers will face if they fail to get coverage in 2016.

“Having insurance is the law, and I obey the law,” said Sesay, a security guard who has a plan with Health Net and pays $65 a month for his coverage. “Insurance also gives me peace of mind. We don’t know what tomorrow might bring.”

Protecting your financial tomorrow is one of the many reasons to sign up for affordable, high-quality health care.

“It’s impossible to predict when or whether someone will get sick or have an accident, which makes purchasing health insurance a wise decision for anyone,” Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said. “Now there’s another reason to get insured — taxes.”

The “shared responsibility payment” is a new tax penalty that Americans have to pay this year if they can afford health insurance but choose not to buy it. It is called a shared responsibility payment because everyone in the United States is now required to be part of our health insurance system — buying health coverage for themselves and their families rather than relying on others to pay for their care.

Those who do not buy health insurance in 2016 may be subject to the penalty, which is $695 per person in a household or 2.5 percent of their income, whichever is greater. That’s the stick the law can whack you with, but Covered California prefers offering most consumers a helping hand —financial help paying for coverage.

Of those already enrolled, almost 90 percent got financial help to cover their premiums. In 2014, consumers who qualified received an average of $5,200 to pay for their insurance. For more information and to find local, no-cost assistance, visit CoveredCA.com and click the “Find Local Help to Enroll” button in the middle of the page.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Friday, January 15, 2016, Youth Action Project hosted YAP TALKS: A Martin Luther King Jr. event, to commemorate and honor Dr. King’s life and legacy. This event was held at the San Bernardino Valley College Library Viewing room.

YAP TALKS strongly resembled a TED Talks. Four speakers were invited to deliver 15-minute speeches that incorporated the philosophies, teachings and principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to current issues experienced by San Bernardino community members and its youth. Each speaker projected a positive message by bringing awareness to these issues and by sharing their insight on how we can resolve them. The speakers consisted of:

Enrique Murillo, Professor at California State San Bernardino and Executive Director of Latino Education Advocacy Days (LEAD); Johnathan Buffong, co-founder of Buffong Consulting and Mental Health Consultant with the County of San Bernardino; Raihanah Medlock (Grand Terrace High School, Junior), Sheba Jennings (Summit High School, Junior), & DeVon Clay (California State University, San Bernardino, Freshman); Lolita Lyles, Professor at California State Long Beach and University of La Verne; and Rev. Dennis Brown, influential speaker who is also known as the “Voice of King.”

The event also featured a special guest, R&B sensation, Abraham McDonald. You may have seen him on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Voice. He graced everyone with his humorous personality and beautiful voice.

Jonathan Buffong, a speaker for this event, said, “To see the community celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King life’s work and dreams is always a great thing. Youth Action Project went an extra step when they did YAP TALKS, as each speaker not only analyzed King’s memory, but also forced the audience to look at ways to actualize how they can implement Dr. King legacy in their daily life. That’s when you will see true change in the way we engage with each other”.

Eleven-year-old student, Alexis Gallarzo, simply said, “I loved listening to everyone’s speech, especially since I am learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in class right now. The best thing about this event were the girls who free-styled their poems. It was so cool!”

Carol Flores, one of the event coordinators, said, “It was an honor working on an event that served as an agent to promote social change. My goal was to construct an event that would make people think about their current predicament and take action by fighting for social justice and equality as Martin Luther King Jr. did.”

Youth Action Project had one purpose in mind when planning YAP TALKS and that was to host a community event that would impact a diverse audience. C.E.O Joseph Williams closed the night with a powerful quote stating: “Youth Action Project was pleased to host this event. Our aim was to see Dr. King’s dream implemented. I believe we did just that.”

Back row: Daniel Enz, Assemblymember Brown’s office; Garrett Dewhirst, Grand Terrace High School; Patrick Davis, Arroyo Valley High School; Ivan Gudino, Slover Mountain High School; Tatum DeMarco, W.A. Carter High School; Aastha Chaudhary, A.B. Miller High School; Michael Egiebor, W.A. Carter High School; Dominick Maiorca, Kaiser High School; and Ramses Jair Castro, Middle College High School. Front row: Lyzzette Martinez, Arroyo Valley High School; Johanna Silva, Alta Vista Public Charter; Rebecca Egiebor, W.A. Carter High School; Assemblymember Brown; Kalynne Brantley, W.A. Carter High School; Maria Mendoza, Kaiser High School; and Ashley Jones, Assemblymember Brown’s office. Not pictured: Josue Marin, Kaiser High School; Jordan Brown, Middle College High School; and Omar Moreno, A.B. Miller High School.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) held her first meeting with the 47^th Assembly District Youth Academy on Saturday, January 23.  The Youth Academy, comprised of local high school students, will work together to create a legislative proposal and organize a community outreach activity. Additionally, they will participate in professional development classes and district field trips.

“The intended goal of the Youth Academy is to improve the quality of life in our communities, while enhancing our students’ leadership skills,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “Our students are very insightful and passionate about making a difference in their community. I’m so honored to work with them, and I look forward to a successful outcome.”

During the first meeting, students were given an overview of the program; learned about the legislative process; and participated in an open discussion about issues affecting youth in the 47^th District.

“It was really great to understand the legislative process and know that I, along with other really brilliant minds, will be creating a piece of legislation that will hopefully impact our community,” said Johanna Silva of Alta Vista Public Charter in San Bernardino. “I really look forward to growing with the group, and helping solve some of the problems that face the 47^th District.”

“I’m very thankful for this wonderful opportunity to work alongside peers from the 47^th District, as well as our state Assemblywoman, Ms. Brown,” said Dominick Maiorca of Kaiser High School in Fontana. “I’m looking forward to helping the community through public policy and our outreach event. I cannot wait to begin our mission to gain leadership experience and to better the community we live in.”

This year’s Youth Academy members include: Garrett Dewhirst, Grand Terrace High School; Lyzzette Martinez, Arroyo Valley High School; Patrick Davis, Arroyo Valley High School; Ivan Gudino, Slover Mountain High School; Johanna Silva, Alta Vista Public Charter; Tatum DeMarco, W.A. Carter High School; Rebecca Egiebor, W.A. Carter High School; Michael Egiebor, W.A. Carter High School; Kalynne Brantley, W.A. Carter High School; Aastha Chaudhary, A.B. Miller High School; Omar Moreno, A.B. Miller High School; Dominick Maiorca, Kaiser High School; Maria Mendoza, Kaiser High School; Josue Marin, Kaiser High School; Ramses Jair Castro, Middle College High School; and Jordan Brown, Middle College High School.

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

LOS ANGELES, CA-Celebrating 90 years of providing smiles, sportsmanship and service to millions of people worldwide, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters will bring their unrivaled family show to the Los Angeles area, during their 90^th Anniversary World Tour. The Globetrotters’ Southland game schedule follows:

Anaheim at Honda Center on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 1 p.m., and 7 p.m., and on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, at 2 p.m.; Mission Viejo at the Saddleback College Gym on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., and Monday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m.; Santa Barbara at the UCSB Events Center on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 7pm.; Ontario at Citizens Business Bank Arena on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, at 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.; and  Los Angeles at the Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, at 12:30 p.m., and 5:45 p.m.

On the court, the Globetrotters’ 90-year celebration will feature some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet. With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm– plus female stars TNT Maddox and Sweet J Ekworomadu* – the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans.

Tickets for the southland shows can be accessed at harlemglobetrotters.com.

Wiz Khalifa

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- HIGH TIMES is returning for the 2016 HIGH TIMES SoCal Medical Cannabis Cup—and this time, they’re  bringing you TWO weekends of amazing music, cultural and lifestyle exhibitors, exclusive VIP experiences, and tons of seminars—all surrounded by high-quality cannabis products.  The cup will take place on Saturday, January 30 to Sunday, February 7 from 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the National Orange Show Events Center (NOS) in San Bernardino. The line-up will consist of high-flying global music sensations, which include The Roots and De La Soul on January 30, Wiz Khalifa on February 5, and Method and Redman on February 6.

The HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup is the world’s leading marijuana trade show, celebrating the world of ganja through competitions, instructional seminars, expositions, celebrity appearances, concerts and product showcases. Hosted in states that have legalized medical and recreational marijuana, the Cannabis Cup stands as the foremost gathering place for the cannabis community to network and celebrate.

Going strong for nearly three decades, the HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup is the most established and trusted cannabis competition in the marijuana industry, continually fighting for political liberation, equality and patient’s rights for cultivators and consumers of the plant.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit hightimes.com.

SAN BERNARDINIO, CA- Yes that is Michelle Obama’s voice passengers hear when riding on Omnitrans buses.  Her public service announcement is among messages delivered through an onboard GPS-based audio advertising service recently implemented by Omnitrans.

Through a contract with Commuter Advertising, based in Dayton, Ohio, Omnitrans buses play short audio advertisements which can be delivered at specified times or locations.  For example, a restaurant could advertise a breakfast special between 6 and 8 a.m., or a book store could let passengers know they are located near the next bus stop.  A scrolling onboard LED text message supports the audio advertisement.

This month, Omnitrans audio advertising includes a public service announcement from First Lady Michelle Obama called “Better Make Room.” It’s part of the First Lady’s Reach Higher initiative to inspire every student in America to continue their education past high school.  “You’re about to arrive,” she tells young people. “And the world better make room.” Listen to the PSA.

Omnitrans shares in the revenue generated by paid advertising. “But a greater value to Omnitrans is the ability to use the system to deliver key information to our own customers,” said spokesperson Wendy Williams. “We can inform riders of upcoming service changes, promote our online store, or offer travel tips.  It’s really the most effective way to reach all our customers.”

Since the system taps into Omnitrans existing GPS technology, there is no cost to Omnitrans other than staff time to upload the latest batch of messages.  Commuter Advertising produces the audio files, which are typically 15 seconds long.

Omnitrans is the first transit system on the west coast to offer onboard advertising. Commuter Advertising operates in 11 media markets in the United States.  Founded in 2008, Commuter Advertising sends hyper-targeted digital messages over bus notification systems that inform passengers of products, services and sales at nearby businesses using the vehicles’ GPS technology and software created by the company.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Select Committee on the Status of Girls and Women of Color, co-chaired by Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino), will host a hearing on Friday, January 22 featuring minority business owners and corporate executives in an effort to create a pipeline to corporate America and entrepreneurship for young women of color in California.

“The focus of this Select Committee hearing is to highlight women of color who work in business and corporate America,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “Our speakers will reflect on the paths they have taken and the obstacles they have overcome in their various professions. Our goal is to improve opportunities for women of color.”

Several panelists ranging from California universities to corporate businesses are scheduled to appear and discuss what California can do to increase entrepreneurship and corporate participation among women of color.  

Featured guests include executive administrators from Webb Family Enterprises, Boeing, Lyft, Wells Fargo, AT&T, and Starbucks. Additional panelists include Kimberly Freeman, Assistant Dean for Diversity Initiatives and Community Relations, UCLA; Dr. Adina Sterling, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Stanford University; Dr. Michele Turner, Executive Director of the Black Alumni Association, USC; and more.

Members of the public are welcome to testify during public comment. Those who cannot attend may submit their written testimony by email toShannon.McKinley@asm.ca.gov.

The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers at Fontana City Hall, located at 8353 Sierra Avenue.

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

RIVERSIDE, CA —”It takes a village to raise a child” is a wise African American proverb and the premise behind the upcoming summit taking place this month. The Riverside Branch NAACP and the 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire are joining forces to unite the Black social, professional, faith-based, and fraternal organizations in Riverside County to answer the call of addressing the needs of young Black girls and boys. The Riverside African American Village Summit will take place Saturday, January 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cross Word Christian Church, located at 21401 Box Springs Road in Moreno Valley.

The Riverside African American Village Summit will address nine important priorities:

Advocate for state and local policy (advocacy); Develop youth leaders in Moreno Valley, Perris and Riverside; Groom young men of color for entrepreneurship/circulating Black dollars; Reform school discipline policies; Expose young men of color to professional, technology, and trade careers; Work to fully implement Proposition 47; Teach the importance of the church in addressing issues; Create stable and consistent mentoring programs; and Black parenting.

The Riverside African American Village Summit is the first of a series of summits launched to address these pertinent issues. Partners and sponsors include: Boys and Men of Color Alliance, Moreno Valley Sons and Brothers Coalition, NAACP Riverside Branch #1059, 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire Inc., Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce, Moreno Valley Islamic Center, Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, C.O.P.E., and African American Coalition.

The Riverside African American Village Summit is free and open to the public. Join the discussion! All African American’s in Riverside County are encouraged to come. Please register at villagesummit.eventbrite.com.

Enrique Murillo

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Friday, January 15, Youth Action Project (YAP) will host “YAP TALKS” in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at San Bernardino Valley College in the Library Viewing room. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Rev. Dennis Brown (Rachel Luna / Staff Photographer)

“YAP TALKS” is a TED Talks style event where four speakers each captivate the audience in 18 minutes or less with powerful monologues.  According to Youth Action Project Founder and CEO, Joseph Williams, the goal for this YAP TALKS is to talk about Dr. King’s philosophies and principles in the context of what can be done today.

The lineup includes: Enrique Murillo, Professor at California State San Bernardino and Director of Latino Education Advocacy Days; Johnathan Buffong, co-founder of Buffong Consulting and Mental Health Consultant with the County of San Bernardino; Lolita Lyles, Professor at California State Long Beach; and Rev. Dennis Brown, as the “Voice of King.”

The event will also feature a special performance by R&B sensation, as seen on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Voice, Abraham McDonald. The aim of the event is to inspire community members young and old to take positive action toward building a healthy and vibrant San Bernardino. The YAP TALKS will be like no other event in honor of Dr. King’s legacy says YAP CEO Joseph Williams.

For more information about the Youth Action Project and/or if you are interested in making a financial donation, please visit YAP’s website at www.youthactionproject.org