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Community residents gather in San Bernardino during a previous candle light vigil for the victims of last Wednesday’s attack. (Photo courtesy of NBC News).

By Lue Dowdy, of LUE Productions

SAN BERNARDINIO, CA- This Sunday, December 13, local music artists and community members will come together for a candle light vigil and prayer in honor of the victims that were gunned down in the horrific terrorist attack that occurred on Wednesday, December 2 in San Bernardino at the Inland Regional Behavioral Center.

Don’t be afraid to show your love and support openly. There will be several prominent guest speakers and elected officials that will be present and speaking. They include, but are not limited to Benito J. Barrios, 2^nd Ward Councilmember; Gwen Dowdy-Rogers, newly elected San Bernardino County School Board Member; and Tammy Martin-Ryles, President of the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire.

The Vigil will begin promptly at 5 p.m. on the corner of Waterman Avenue and Orange Show Road. Please feel free to share your thoughts via social media with the hashtag #sanbernardinostrong.

Did You Know One of The Victims That Were Assassinated ? Please Honor Your Loved Ones by Sharing Your Stories or Pictures with

Covered California Canvassing Neighborhoods – In an effort to enroll eligible African Americans in affordable health coverage, Covered California is launching an aggressive neighborhood canvassing initiative that includes door-to-door outreach, enrollment events at churches, branded outreach vans and educational materials at barbershops and hair salons in high-priority African American

Submitted by Covered California

An important deadline approaches for Californians who want to start the New Year with the protection of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Open enrollment is underway and consumers who want to be covered on January 1, need to enroll by December 15.

Covered California, the agency that administers the ACA in California, has made African American outreach a priority for the year three of the historic program. Since 2014, more than two million people have gotten insurance through Covered California, including African Americans who make up 5 percent of the state’s population that is eligible to receive financial assistance to help them pay for coverage and medical care. African Americans though have been slow to enroll at a rate that matches their share of the population.

“While we have all worked together to dramatically raise awareness about the new law, we have more work to do,” Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said. “We estimate there are still more than two million uninsured people in California who are either eligible for Covered California or qualify for Medi-Cal.”

Through Covered California, consumers can get financial help, or tax subsidy, that can be worth hundreds of dollars per month and bring health care within reach.

They are spotlighting the fact that more than half of those who have enrolled in Covered California — almost 700,000 — pay less than $100 a month, with the balance being covered by the federal tax credit. That is real affordability.

“You can find out if you qualify for financial help, and examine your plan options, by using the “Shop and Compare Tool” at CoveredCA.com,” Lee said.

Going forward Covered California will be spotlighting enrollment events at storefronts, insurance agent offices, community events and other locations. Go to the agency’s website to “find local help.”

This year’s open enrollment period is three months long, and runs until January 31. However, if you qualify for Medi-Cal, you can enroll at any point during the year. If you or someone you know doesn’t have health care coverage right now, this is the opportunity to enroll in Covered California.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches invites the community to the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast. The Prayer Breakfast will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016 at 7:30 a.m. at California State University San Bernardino Coussoulis Arena. Tickets are $25 per person and parking is free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.iecaac.com/events.

There is still time to be a sponsor of this historic event and to buy an ad in the souvenir book. Your support is very much appreciated. For more information, please contact the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches at (909) 474-7036 or by email at IECAAC1998@gmail.com. You may also visit their website www.iecaac.com.

IECAAC membership includes more than 20 churches throughout the Inland Empire. They are committed to addressing the needs, leading change and improving our communities. Their mission is community self-sufficiency and sustainability in spiritually, education, community development and economic development through faith-based efforts.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Brandon Mason attributes his career in healthcare to the opportunities provided to him by the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board (WIB).

The shy, gentle-natured 21-year-old man was raised by a single mother and completed high school with aspirations of becoming a physician.  He enrolled in San Bernardino Valley College where he soon changed course and decided to pursue nursing.

It was the devastating diagnosis of his mother’s breast cancer that compelled Mason to step away from the Certified Nursing Assistant program and find employment to support his mother and two younger siblings.

During his tenure as janitor at a local amusement park, his hopes of pursuing the nursing degree began to fade until he learned of the WIB Youth Program.  This program is designed to help youth ages 16 to 24 enhance job skills, develop leadership qualities, explore career options and take advantage of paid internships available to help them build experience.

He enrolled in the program through Provisional Accelerated Learning Center in San Bernardino in December 2014 and took the opportunity to complete vocational training at Summit College.  Today, Mason is a Certified Nursing Assistant and employed full-time at Hacienda Heights Healthcare and Wellness.

“The Youth Program helped get me to where I am now,” Mason said.  “I don’t know what I’d be doing today, honestly, if it wasn’t for the program, and I am grateful for all the things people involved did to help me.”

Mason intends to reach out to the WIB in the near future to seek assistance in pursuing a Licensed Vocational Nurse degree back at Summit College.

“We strive to achieve success stories like Mason’s in San Bernardino County, as it reflects our Countywide Vision of a vibrant economy with a skilled workforce,” said James Ramos, Chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. “This Youth Program is just one of the innumerable services available to San Bernardino County residents that provide resources and support to realize long-term success.”

Other services provided at no cost include skills assessment, career counseling, job training and placement, resume assistance and interview training, and access to computers, printers, faxes and telephones.

“We have seen a high success rate of participants in our Youth Program securing employment after completing the program,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board.  “The program takes a comprehensive approach in helping youth ages 16 to 24 enhance their job skills, develop leadership qualities, explore career options and take advantage of work experience opportunities.”

By Dwaine Radden Jr. (University of New Mexico Sports Blog) 

The California Raiders captured their fourth Championship in ten years Saturday night with a 24-14 victory over the Las Vegas Trojans. The Raiders started the opening drive with their prolific rushing attack led by running back Eric Marshall who had 15 carries for 105 yards and 1 touchdown. The Raider offense struggled the previous two weeks and had key injuries coming into the Championship game but still managed to put points on the board.

Former Utah State commit Quarterback Robert Fuller threw a 15 yard touchdown pass to Mikael Bowden to put the Raiders up 7-0. The Raider defense came into the game with high expectations and continued to create turnovers against the Trojans. Defensive back Lamar Jones picked off the Trojans quarterback to give the Raiders offense another opportunity to score.

The Raiders who are currently ranked #2 in the Western Rankings according to Amateur Football Power rankings continue to drive the ball down the field with a pass from Robert Fuller to veteran wide receiver Kiyron Brokendough which led to a touchdown, but the Raiders failed to convert the PAT.

The Trojans would not go down without a fight, they continued to move the ball down the field after halftime taking the lead 14-13. Former San Bernardino High school football standout Mike Fields forced a huge fumble giving the Raiders a chance to regain the lead. Running back Eric Marshall who has been a torture for opposing defenses during the playoffs had a huge 60 yard touchdown run to lift the Raiders ahead 21-14. The Raider defense played tough hardnose football to hold the Trojans to 14 points. Kicker/punter Tim Parker put his foot on display again

Saturday night with a field goal to put the Raiders up 24-14 with 2 minutes left for the Trojans to score.

In those classic football movies it’s always that last drive that tells the ultimate comeback story. The Trojans had one last shot to create that comeback story. Raider defensive back Damien Hale created a moment of his own with an interception to seal the deal. Owner Dwaine Radden Sr. said, “I’m proud of the players and the staff for believing and buying into our Franchise and team code, “Discipline, Determination, Dedication Equals Winner always on and off the field.” Raider Head Coach Antonio Marshall said, “We played great, it was a close battled but in the second half we made adjustments.” He also talked about winning the coveted NDPFL Championship, “I feel like a 1200 lb gorilla is off my back, having to follow in the footsteps of Owner and former Head coach Dwaine Radden Sr.”

The California Raiders are ranked #2 only behind the #1 Colorado Greyhawks and will have an opportunity to play for a National championship. Coach Marshall talked about the ranking after the game stating, “It’s a blessing to even be ranked, we could be ranked #1 but we’ll take #2 for now.” The Vegas Trojans finished ranked # 8 but still had a very good season and showed signs of promise. The Raiders have been one of the most dominant semi-pro teams in the state of California, and in the country.

Misty Copeland

The first African American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Misty Copeland, will visit UC Riverside to present a free public lecture on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the University Theatre. Admission will be based on a first come, first served basis. Line-up begins at 5 p.m., doors will open at 6 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7 p.m. Free parking will be available in Lot 6.

Copeland’s appearance has been more than a year in the making, said Ken Simons, the director of African Student Programs, who reached out to the dancer’s agent in September 2014.

“I have been looking forward to bringing Misty to UCR for quite some time. It’s great to have our co-sponsors share this epic moment in timewith our campus and community,” said Simons. “Not often do we witness something that is a global first, and the UCR community will have that rare opportunity to see an international icon at the top of her profession. Misty drew a line in her own sand, leaped over insurmountable adversity and landed on greatness!”

A rising star in the ballet world, Copeland gained notice in 2007 when she became ABT’s first African American female soloist (a rank below principal dancer) in 20 years. In 2014, she was featured in an Under Armour ad that went viral, gaining over 9 million views to date, and in April 2015 Time Magazine named her one of the “100 most influential people.” But perhaps she is best known for being the first African American female promoted to principal dancer at ABT this past June. Even as her promotion was celebrated, it raised all-too-familiar questions about why African American dancers, particularly women, remain so underrepresented at top ballet companies in the 21st century, despite the work of pioneering black dancers who broke racial barriers in the past, said Anthea Kraut, chair of the dance department at UCR.

“Misty Copeland is a role model to many, not only because of her phenomenal dancing but also for overcoming so many obstacles and for challenging ideas about what a ballerina should look like,” said Kraut. “Her presence at UCR will energize all dancers to pursue their dreams and to speak out against racial stereotypes.”

Xiomora Forbes, a Ph.D. student in critical dance studies, agreed.

“I’m excited to have Misty Copeland come to UCR and share her experiences with navigating the ballet world. I’ve always looked up to her because she started ballet late and because she never let anyone stop her from reaching her goals. It is an honor to have her on campus with us,” Forbes explained.

The visit is being coordinated by UCR’s African Student Programs and supported by the Highlander Empowerment Referendum. Co-sponsors of the event include the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Dance, Department of Athletics, Department of Theatre, Film and Digital Production, and the Voice News.

The trailer of “A Ballerina’s Tale,” a documentary about Copeland, will be played prior to the talk, and there will be a performance by Bre Dance Studio in Riverside. Copeland will perform in “The Nutcracker” at Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Hall on December 16 and 19.

Participants attended workshops, listened to motivational speakers, shared stories of personal struggles

A resource fair was arranged during the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s Y4 event to provide youth the opportunity to learn more about industries such as healthcare, education and public service and inquire about the necessary steps they should take in order to obtain a career in that particular field.

Over 600 youth who participate in San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s youth programs throughout the county came together for a day of networking, listening to motivational speakers and attending career workshops on Friday, Nov. 20 at the Ontario Convention Center. Pictured from left are Carlos Vasquez, 17, Academic Coach Ivan Lumba, and Shane Hoffman, 23, of Operation New Hope.

Entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker Arel Moodie acted as the emcee during the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s annual Y4 event. Moodie also presented workshops on workplace success and networking. His dynamic sessions engaged youth who sat and listened intently to his advice that included the importance of working hard, taking the initiative, being the “best employee ever,” and taking pride in even the most menial tasks.

Dr. Alex Ellis, nationally renowned motivational speaker and author, was the keynote speaker during the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s Y4 event. Personal presentation was this year’s theme, and youth were dressed in professional attire procured from Goodwill. Dr. Ellis underscored that one’s outfit should compliment their true nature. “I don’t want you wearing a shirt and tie, and you’re at home beating your girlfriend. Be the best person you can be on the inside and express it through clothing on the outside in order to get the respect and reputation you deserve.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education has joined the growing number of governing boards and agencies that live stream public meetings.

Starting with the November 17 session, the Board of Education will now broadcast its meetings live twice a month, offering stakeholders an opportunity to watch from any device with Internet access. In addition, meetings will be recorded and archived online.

Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden championed the live broadcasts as a way to improve civic participation.

“This makes our meetings accessible to a larger audience, improving transparency and accountability to our community,” Marsden said. “So much of our work is focused on engaging the public and making sure they’re a part of important decisions and conversations that will shape the future of our community.”

Board of Education meetings will be aired live on the District’s YouTube channel, SanBdoCitySchools. Regularly scheduled school board meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month.

From left- Anderson Cooper and the 2015 Top 10 CNN Heroes

Submitted by the Time for Change Foundation

Kim Carter and actress Taylor Schilling

On November 17, 2015 at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan, New York, Inland Empire’s own Kim Carter of the Time for Change Foundation was being honored as one of CNN’s Top 10 Heroes in the world. The event was filled with the ambiance of excitement and joy as each honoree was given the celebrity treatment for the day.

According to Kim Carter, Founder and Executive Director, of Time for Change Foundation, “This experience was so surreal! Walking the Red Carpet and riding in luxury with hair and make-up glam squads at my disposal was definitely overwhelming, and all I could think about was I wish the women from my shelters could be here.”

Many celebrities were on hand such as Sharon Stone, Kelly Rippa and her husband, Neil Patrick Harris, and Andra Day, to name a few. The highlight of the evening came when Actress Taylor Schilling from the show Orange is the New Black, presented Kim Carter with the Top 10 Hero Award. Kim reminded everyone that her motivation to help women reclaim their children is directly attributed to the pain that she carries from being absent in her daughter Missy’s early years of life.

As anticipation mounted during the night, Anderson Cooper received the honor of opening the envelope and

Kim Carter with daughter Missy Tate

announcing the CNN Hero of the Year. While all of the top 10 heroes are doing amazing work, the world was asked to go online and vote for one to become CNN Hero of the Year. Maggie Doyne, who traveled the world at 16-years-old after graduating high school, found herself compelled to help the war torn country of Nepal and started an orphanage and later co-founded a school was selected as the winner.

Each honoree will be awarded $10,000 and the Hero of the Year receives an additional $100,000. Like Kim Carter stated, “We are grateful that we made it this far,” she likened this experience as going to the non-profit Olympics and bringing home the silver. “My life will be forever changed because of this experience and I’m so elated that Subaru has pledged $500,000 in matching funds to all 10 of our organizations.” This means that if people want to donate to Time for Change through the CNN online portal, their money will be matched 100% with no processing fees for them or the organization. It’s doubling whatever someone wants to donate up to $50,000 per agency through December 31, 2015. The website to donate is www.cnn.com/donations/kim-carter.html. To watch the CNN Heroes Tribute Show tune in to CNN on December 6 at 5 p.m. PST.

Time for Change Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Southern California that provides housing and supportive services to homeless women and children. Since its inception, they have helped over 850 homeless families make the transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. For more information visit their website at www.timeforchangefoundation.org or call (909) 886-2994.