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INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Easter Seals Southern California (ESSC) Head Start Child Development Centers (CDCs) and Home-Based Head Start Programs in Montclair, Upland, Ontario and Valley View are now enrolling for fall 2015. These Head Start programs are free for children from three to five years old from income-eligible families.

Easter Seals’ CDCs and Home-Based Programs provide hands-on learning that promotes a child’s natural development, preparing them for success in Kindergarten and beyond. Featuring state-of-the-art tools and programs, nutritional services, individualized learning plans and highly qualified teachers, these programs are for children with or without disabilities.

Enrollment for fall 2015 is now open and slots are available until filled.

To learn more about the new Head Start programs in the Inland Empire, please visit http://www.easterseals.com/southerncal/our-programs/childrens-services/ or call the Easter Seals Child Development Services administrative office at (909) 605-2709.

LOS ANGELES, CA- The California African American Museum (CAAM) will host a free event for children with special celebrity book readings, writing workshops, art and more. Heads Are Turning, Children Are Learning Literacy Day will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at CAAM from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Actor Donis Leonard Jr. from Showtime’s House of Lies will serve as the host.

The youth literary event will feature local Los Angeles authors including Valerie Woods author of Katrin’s Chronicles: The Canon of Jacqulene Dyanne Vol. 1, a young adult mystery novel set in 1968 Southside Chicago. Dawn Comer Jefferson and Rosanne Welch will present their book The Promise, a 1850s slave narrative based on a true story. Amiekoleh Usafi will be reading her children’s parable Gladstone. Yasmeen Christian is bringing Ava Had a Bad Hair Day, a children’s book with fun illustrations.

Heads Are Turning, Children Are Learning will have writing workshops for children lead by featured authors. Youth and chaperones can also have their books signed by their favorite authors, participate in arts and crafts activities, listen to kid-friendly music and receive free books.  Food will also be available for purchase from a delicious food truck.

“Literacy Day will be a refreshing break for children and families from recent news and civil unrest.” said Program Organizer Babe Evans. “Attendees will create positive, creative and fun memories with CAAM and leave with a renewed appreciation for literary art.”

Adults and children of all ages are encouraged to join CAAM for Literacy Day. CAAM’s events, programs and exhibitions are free for the public to attend. CAAM is located at 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA 90037. Hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed Mondays.  Parking is $10 in the lot adjacent to CAAM at 39^th and Figueroa streets.  For more information about CAAM and its exhibitions, programs and events, please visit: http://www.caamuseum.org or call (213) 744-7432.  Follow CAAM on Twitter and Facebook: @CAAMinLA.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Gang Resistance Intervention Partnership (GRIP), in partnership with the San Bernardino City Unified School District, hosted a graduation ceremony for second and fifth grade students from Hunt Elementary School in San Bernardino today.

“This is a proactive partnership between our educators and students that allows us to make a positive impact in the lives our children,” District Attorney Ramos said. “By effectively using time and resources today to teach our students, we can steer them away from the dangers and influences of gangs tomorrow.”

During the graduation celebration, 200 students received certificates and a GRIP backpack filled with supplies. After the graduation, students were treated to a surprise visit and photo session with Inland Empire 66ers mascot Bernie. Each graduating student received two complimentary baseball tickets donated by the Inland Empire 66ers organization.

The second grade students who participated in the program successfully completed a 7-week course, while the fifth grade students completed a 9-week course. Both curriculums—which focus on the dangers of gangs and drugs, positive choices and respect for others and property—were instructed by school security officers with the San Bernardino Unified School District.

“We are pleased to partner with the San Bernardino County District Attorney and San Bernardino City Unified School District in preventive efforts that focus students on positive behaviors and keep them engaged in school and their communities,” County Superintendent Ted Alejandre said. “The GRIP program has had great success and is making a positive impact in the lives of students and families.”

The GRIP Program is now in its fifth year and has graduated over 4,500 students.

“We need to be proactive, and intervention and prevention is the best way to get the job done,” District Attorney Ramos said.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA. – Rikke Van Johnson, City of San Bernardino, Mayor Pro Tempore/6th Ward Council Member, would like to notify the public that there are vacancies in the 6th Ward to the following Boards, Commissions and/or Committees for Animal Control Commission, Historical Preservation Commission, and Volunteer Citizen-Based Charter Committee

The City of San Bernardino has Boards, Commissions and Committees which advise and assist the Council in dealing with specific issues. Prospective members are nominated by Council Members and appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Common Council.

If you are interested in applying for consideration for an opportunity to serve the 6th Ward on a Board, Commission or Committee, please feel free to contact the Council Office or visit the City of San Bernardino website’s City Clerk’s page for an application at www.sbcity.org. For additional information please call (909) 384-5378.

PALM DESERT, CA – The City of Rialto has received an Achievement Award for Sustainability from the Southern California Association of Governments for its Rails to Trails project – the final section of the Pacific Electric Trail.

Rails to Trails promotes linkages to active transportation and transit networks throughout the region, establishing a 21-mile east-west walking, running and bicycling route between Rialto and Claremont that is separated from vehicular traffic.

“Rialto is committed to healthy living, and Rails to Trails is a wonderful example of how active transportation and careful planning can make that happen,” said Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson, who also serves on the SCAG Regional Council.

Mayor Robertson received the award during a ceremony Thursday as part of SCAG’s 50^th Anniversary Regional Conference & General Assembly. Each year, SCAG recognizes initiatives that promote sustainability in its six-county region.

“Promoting sustainability is essential to preserving a quality of life we treasure in Southern California,” said Carl Morehouse, President of SCAG and a Ventura Council Member. “Projects such as Rails to Trails show how far we’ve come in terms environmental awareness and integrated planning.”

SCAG is the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, representing 191 cities and more than 18 million residents. This year, in addition to commemorating its 50^th anniversary, the association is developing its 2016-2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy in collaboration with transportation authorities and stakeholders throughout the region.

Featured in picture from left to right: Mrs. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated International Supreme President, Mrs. Candra Loftis, Dr. Barbara Denson Trotter, Far Western Regional Director

COSTA MESA, CA – Mrs. Candra Loftis was honored at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 86^th Far Western Regional Conference held on Saturday, May 2 at the Hilton Hotel in Costa Mesa, CA in which she received the Far Western Regional Director Leadership Award.  Prior to the event, Mrs. Loftis received her second honorary service award from the California Congress of Parents, Teachers, and Students, Inc. on April 2.  Ms. Loftis was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award because of her leadership of the Emerging Young Leaders program for the past four years.  Additionally her chapter, Eta Nu Omega received accolades from the Etiwanda School District and Fontana Mayor Aquanetta Warren.

On December 16, Mrs.  Loftis attended the 35th California School Board Association Golden Bell Awards Luncheon in which she accepted the prestigious Golden Bell Award on the behalf of the Etiwanda School District, Heritage Intermediate School and Eta Nu Omega Chapter for Parental/Community Involvement.  Because of this honor, Mrs. Loftis and the program was also recognized by the Fontana City Council.  Congratulations Mrs. Loftis for a job well done!

For future Eta Nu Omega Chapter events and activities, please contact Twillea Evans-Carthen, Ivy Leaf Reporter at tevanscarthen@yahoo.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators (IEABSE) is proud to announce the 5th annual “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child”, High School Black Graduate Recognition and Scholarship Ceremony. The event will take place at the Santos Manuel Student Union Event Center on the campus of California State University of San Bernardino at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 16.

IEABSE will present over 15 scholarships in the amounts of $500 and $1000 to African American graduating seniors from the Inland Empire. The evening will be filled with cultural celebration, community connectedness, and will end with a mantra from the students who pledge to support each other, be responsible family members, and become leaders within the Inland Empire. San Bernardino native Professor Anthony Blacksher will be the keynote speaker and will be challenging the students to analyze the role education has played in African American history and leverage present opportunities as tools to achieve their desired hopes and dreams.

Over 1000 supportive family members are expected to be in attendance to watch these graduates receive their Kente Stoles. The Kente Stoles symbolize academic accomplishment, community leadership, and personal responsibility. The Dorothy Ingram Award will be given to an educator from the Inland Empire that has inspired students to achieve at high levels. This individual is a drum major for student achievement and is being acknowledged for going the extra mile to ensure the success of our Inland Empire students.

“One of the most pressing issues facing San Bernardino and Riverside Counties is the college going rate and college readiness, events like the IE Black Graduation go a long way in celebrating high school students that will be attending our local colleges and universities,” Dr. Thomas Morales, President of California State University San Bernardino, said.

A special thanks to the Inland Empire High School Black Graduate Recognition Ceremony Planning Committee, San Bernardino City Unified School District and their Communications Department Director Linda Bardere, President of California State University of San Bernardino Dr. Tomas Morales, and San Bernardino Pacesetters. For any additional information please contact Keynasia Buffong at (909) 838-6131 or by email at ieabse@gmail.com

Assemblymember Brown and Colton Mayor Richard DeLaRosa

Arlan White shares his concerns about transportation issues facing the Inland Empire

SAN BERNARDINO – Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) recently convened a roundtable meeting at the Gonzales Center in Colton to discuss transportation challenges facing transport, freight and logistics industry professionals in the 47^th Assembly District.

Participating agencies included: C.R. England, Patriot Towing, the California Trucking Association, Union Pacific, A-2-Z Emissions Solutions, Colton Planning Dept., Center for Employment Training, Rail and Delivery Service, IE Corridor Transport Inc., The Complete Logistics Company, and Ashley Furniture.

The meeting began with a warm welcome by Mayor Richard DeLaRosa on behalf of the Colton City Council. Thereafter, Assemblymember Brown provided an introduction.

“Trucking and logistics is the most important component of our local economy,” said Assemblymember Brown. “According to recent news reports, the logistics sector, which is warehousing, distribution and trucking, produced one out of every five jobs last year in the Inland Empire. It’s really important that it remains robust because that’s where the majority of jobs are created.”

Following introductions, Assemblymember Brown presented a legislative update on various bills that she introduced to address transportation issues and promote job growth.

She mentioned AB 914, a bill that would allow Caltrans to construct a toll lane on the I-10 and I-15 freeways. “As you know, our roads need to be repaired. One of the ways that we can repair our roads is by considering High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes. The funds obtained by the tolls would go directly toward maintaining, repairing and creating new lanes in the Inland area on the I-10 and I-15 freeways in San Bernardino County,” she said.

Last week, AB 914 passed out of the Assembly Committee on Transportation and now moves to the Appropriations Committee.

Mayor Pro Tem Frank Navarro shares his concerns regarding transportation in the Inland Empire. He’s seated next to Colton Planning Commissioner Rosa Granado-Dominguez and Terrill Grant, a

She also spoke about AB 1445 and AB 1302, which seek to improve economic opportunities for small businesses and disabled veteran-owned businesses relevant to contracting with the state.

Following her legislative address, various industry professionals spoke about the impact of AB 32 on their individual companies.

According to several participants, retrofitting the trucks to make them compliant with AB 32’s standards presents a great challenge.  “Having to put their money into their trucks to make them efficient for the emissions requirements is going to increase the price of goods and services, which is really going to hurt the Inland Empire,” said Colton Planning Commissioner Rosa Granado-Dominguez.

Arlan White, a member of the Towing Regulatory Oversight Council and past board member of the California Tow Truck Association explained that upgrading the trucks are extremely expensive. “The typical cost of a California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliant retrofit is $10,000 to $20,000 per truck. The purchase price of a new CARB compliant truck typically ranges between $100,000 up to half a million dollars,” he said.

Most trucking companies have to change their equipment every few years to stay compliant in California. On top of that, lack of personnel makes it very difficult to enforce the law, which creates unfair competition, according to a number of participants.

“Truckers are spending millions of dollars to keep up with CARB, but there’s minimal enforcement for those are who are not compliant with the law. They’re coming in and undercutting local businesses that have spent the money to retrofit their trucks,” said Tiffany Gallaway, a representative of the California Trucking Association.

“On average, drivers are on the road for 7-14 days. However, to make up for the cost of retrofitting their trucks, drivers are out there 20-25 days, which takes away time from their families. For a lot of people, trucking is their livelihood; it’s what puts dinner on the table. The cost of overreaching regulations is restricting the productivity and income that a single driver can make,” said

Glen Taylor, C.R. England Global Transportation; Melvin Maclin, C.R. England Global Transportation; Lupe Valdez, Union Pacific

Arthur Jones, owner of IE Corridor Transport, Inc.

Also in attendance was Colton Mayor Pro Tem Frank Navarro, a board member of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). He said, “I think what we need to do is go back to Washington and Sacramento and look at this over-regulation. How can we soften these regulations to allow, not only the big corporations, but also the little guy to become compliant.”

“In partnership with the trucking community, Union Pacific sees the impact of AB 32’s regulations on our partners,” said Lupe Valdez, a representative of Union Pacific. “It’s important for trucking companies to be involved in the policy making process to avoid unintended consequences.”

Other topics raised during the discussion included freight movement at the LA and Long Beach Ports, adjusting to diesel fuel prices and increased taxes for truck drivers.

A follow up to this roundtable will be a Trucking Summit held by Assemblymember Brown in September 2015. The Summit will focus on solutions to the challenges outlined during the roundtable. Details are forthcoming.

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

Changing Lives Showcase

RIVERSIDE, CA – On Saturday, May 16, elementary and high school students will have an opportunity to rock the stage at University California of Riverside in the 4^th annual Changing Lives Showcase.  The red carpet extravaganza is presented by Music Changing Lives, (MCL) a non-profit music and art after-school program for at-risk children and youth, which works to inspire kids through performing arts programs to keep them focused on their education and their futures.

This year the competition will be fierce. Students from four schools in the Moreno Valley Unified School District, where MCL offers its after-school programs will go toe-to-toe to see who has the most talent.  Teens from Vista Del Lago High and Moreno Valley High will battle it out, while younger students from Butterfield Elementary and Edgemont Elementary will compete against each other.

There are three categories students can enter in: lyrical, dance and visual arts. The winners will be selected by a panel of celebrity guest judges. As students prepared to compete in the showcase they also fought to increase their school performance and volunteered for a minimum of five hours in their community.  Participants are instilled with the message, “Together we can be the change we would like to see in our community.”

The Changing Lives Showcase is sponsored by Music Changing Lives, MVUSD, Wells Fargo Foundation, UC Riverside, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Target, Edison International, Goliath Graffix and Clothes the Deal.  Through their support, The Changing Lives Showcase helps spread a positive message about the benefits of expressing yourself through the arts while making school “cool.”

For more information about Music Changing Lives or to become a sponsor for the event, please contact Josiah Bruny at jbruny@musicchanginglives.com or visit them on the web at www.musicchanginglives.org.

2014 PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL

SAN BERNARDINO, CA.  – The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s video “Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony” has received a nomination for the 2015 Regional Emmy Awards.

The announcement was made Monday by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Pacific Southwest Chapter at a nomination event held in Palm Springs. The film was nominated in the Special Events Coverage category for excellence in coverage of a one-time-only, anticipated community or entertainment event, live or edited.

“I am thankful to the Academy for our nomination and honored that the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and our other local law enforcement agencies allowed me the chance to go behind the scenes while they paid tribute to their fallen brothers and sisters,” said Public Affairs Officer Christopher Lee, who directed and edited the segment.

The video is a 4-minute segment covering the San Bernardino County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony hosted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department May 22, 2014, at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. During the event law enforcement agencies from all throughout San Bernardino County were in attendance to pay tribute to their fellow officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“Given the recent attacks on our peace officers nationwide, this nomination is especially timely,” District Attorney Mike Ramos said. “As we approach this year’s Peace Officers Memorial Day, let’s not forget our law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our communities in the line of duty. And let’s not forget about those still on the front lines, risking their lives every day to make sure that our families and communities are safe.”

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15^th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls is known as Police Week.

The 41^st Annual NATAS-Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards will be presented Saturday June 20, 2014, in Palm Springs.