Local

First Sergeant Raymond Rincon

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The 16^th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade & Car Show will be held on E. Street in San Bernardino on Saturday, November 7.  The parade will begin at 10 a.m., beginning at San Bernardino High school and end at the Inland Empire Military Museum and McDonald’s Museum at 14^th and E. Street, which is historic Route 66.  In addition, the E Street Cruizers Car Club will hold a car show on E Street.  The street will be closed to through traffic from the high school down to Baseline. The parade is sponsored by Juan Pollo and the Inland Empire Military Museum. This family event of cars, food, and music will take place from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m.

This year’s Grand Marshall is First Sergeant Raymond Rincon.   “I joined the U.S. Army in 1966. I was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and assigned to the 101^st Airborne Division, 501^st Infantry. I went to Viet Nam in November 1967 with the 2^nd and 3^rd Brigade on C-141 Jets, not knowing if we were going to land or parachute in”, said Rincon.

Rincon was awarded The Purple Heart after being injured in the war. In addition to his Purple Heart, Rincon received a Bronze Star with “V” Device; Vietnam Service Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; Airborne Jump Wings; Air Assault Badge; and 18 other ribbons and badges from the U.S. Army, National Guard and the State Military Reserve. He served in the State Military Reserve for 20 years working with the National Guard. Rincon retired as a First Sergeant with 24 years of Military Service.

The day’s festivities also include special guest Richard Hanna, a World War II Marine Corps Veteran.

Participating Veteran’s organizations are Catholic War Veterans Post 762; I.E. Vietnam Veterans Chapter 47; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8737; I.E. Airborne Association; and the American legion Post 772.

For the last 4 years, muralist Phil Yeh has been painting a massive mural on the walls of the historic site of the first McDonald’s. Along with Rory Murray, Beth Winokur, Jan Windhausen, Sandy Cvar, and others, these murals show the history of San Bernardino on one side and California’s Route 66 on another wall. Now, Murray and Yeh have just about finished the front of the building. They have painted some noted cars and an image of the original 1948 McDonald’s. Sandy Cvar came out this year to do a portrait of Richard and Maurice McDonald.

The McDonald’s Museum is located at 1398 N. E. Street in San Bernardino and is open daily. The Inland Empire Military Museum is open on weekends. Admission to both museums is free.

By Dwaine Radden Jr. University of New Mexico Sports Blog

The season finale for the Semi-pro California Raiders (9-0) ended with a close battle Saturday night. The Raiders came off a two week break which included a forfeit by the So Cal Gladiators and a much needed bye week following that. They wrapped their perfect season up with a 27-20 victory over the Las Vegas Trojans who were also undefeated coming into Saturday’s big game. The Raider defense had another stout performance, while being led by veteran player Donte “Pacman” Turner’s three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. One of Turner’s interceptions was returned to the 20 yard line, which set up a California Raider touchdown and helped change the momentum of the game which was hard fought by the Vegas Trojans. The Raider’s Head Coach Antonio Marshall said,  “We didn’t perform well offensively, but the defense play well tonight.”

Offensively the Raiders were sparked by veteran quarterback Robert Fuller, who tossed two touchdown passes to veteran receiver Mikael “Melo” Bowden. Fuller finished with 150 yards passing and ran for a 15 yard touchdown, but it wasn’t only the veterans who made an impact. Newcomer Eric Marshall also had a great night rushing behind veteran lineman Kirk Fields, DeBron Jordan, Andrew Repena, and James Sears, who continued to dominate throughout the game.

Marshall had a 45 yard run which set up the go ahead touchdown for the Raiders. Owner Dwaine Radden was impressed by their effort stating, “These guys are the biggest and best offensive line in the history of the Franchise.”

Although the offense put up some points they had some costly turnovers that kept the Trojans in the game until the very end. The defense stepped up to save the day by keeping the Trojans from scoring offensively. Lamar Jones had an interception in the first quarter along with hard hitting from the Raider defense that held the Vegas Trojans to a goal line stand twice.      Coach Marshall had high praise for the visiting team stating, “They’re a great organization who came to play and played a real good solid game.” The California Raiders will have time to rest before they prepare for the playoffs. The Raiders are no strangers to this type of success having won multiple championships with playoff appearances for the last seven years.

LOS ANGELES, CA- On Monday, October 26, The Paley Center for Media hosted its Hollywood Tribute to African-American Achievements in Television, presented by JPMorgan Chase & Co., at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

With locations in LA and NY, The Paley Center for Media is the leading non-profit cultural institution that showcases the importance and impact of media’s role in our society. On this evening, the Paley Center highlighted the deserving accomplishments and illustrated the enormous impact of African-Americans across every genre of television, from news/talk and music to sports, drama, and comedy. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Paley Center’s programs and its ongoing efforts to expand and preserve the Paley Archive that includes an African-American collection chronicling seven decades of television content. Tonight’s event showcased critically acclaimed programs of historical importance, featured iconic Hollywood talent across generations, and paid homage to creative visionaries from the entertainment community.

The evening included a salute to Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) 35^th anniversary and also commemorates the 50^th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act and television’s role as a pivotal platform for addressing important issues, breaking down barriers, and creating social change.

The Paley Center for Media’s President & CEO, Maureen J. Reidy, & Frank Bennack, Chairman of the Board of the Paley Center and CEO of the Hearst Corporation were on hand for the celebration. Presenters included: Anthony Anderson, Ava DuVernay, Brandy Norwood, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Debra Martin Chase, Diahann Carroll, Don Cheadle, Jerrod Carmichael, Keegan-Michael Key, Quincy Jones, ReginaKing, Rick Fox, S. Epatha Merkerson, Terrence Howard, Tyler Perry, and Tyra Banks.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves as the Tribute’s Presenting Sponsor and event co-chairs include: 21st Century Fox / Fox Audience Strategy, Hearst Corporation, The Loreen Arbus Foundation, Starz, and Viacom / BET Networks. Patron supporters of this program include: AT&T; Carl Beverly, Timberman / Beverly Productions;CBS Corporation; Comcast NBCUniversal; Creative Artists Agency; Disney | ABC Television Group; Facebook; FTI Consulting, Inc.; HBO; Hulu, LLC; Lionsgate; Sony Pictures Television; true[X] / Fox Advanced Ad Products; Turner Broadcasting; and Warner Bros. Television Group. The Paley Center’s Tribute Committee members include: Chris Albrecht, Kevin Beggs, Peter Benedek, Carl Beverly, Steve Burke, Philippe Dauman, Stephen J. Davis, Clifford W. Gilbert-Lurie, Robert Greenblatt, Doug Herzog, Mike Hopkins, Steve Lafferty, Debra L. Lee, Paul Lee, Dick Lippin, Michael Lombardo, Leslie Moonves, Steve Mosko, James Murdoch, David Nevins, Gary Newman, Rick Rosen, Peter Roth, Philip Schuman, Ben Sherwood, and Nina Tassler.

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Black Student Union of J.W. North High School under the direction of BSU Advisor, Tamara Frazier, and principal Dr. Sheffield, welcomed over 200 middle and high school student from all over the Inland Empire to its inaugural Youth Uplift Leadership Conference on Saturday, October 17.  The purpose of the event was to provide inspiration and empowerment to students.  The conference’s theme was “the eyes are useless if the mind is blind.”

Students were treated to several workshops geared towards building character and integrity, developing self worth and a purpose in life.  The conference was sponsored by members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Eta Nu Omega Chapter as a part of its ASCEND program and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  Parents were invited to attend as well.  Both students and parents were pleased with the content of the program and are looking forward to next year.  The event was attended by several community leaders and was a demonstration that the Inland Empire is invested in its young people.   For more information about the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ASCEND program, please contact Linda Gaines Brooks at (909) 874- 7206

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Riverside Alumni Chapter (RAC) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity launched its Kappa League youth mentoring program on Saturday, September 26.  The leadership development program, although new for the Riverside Chapter, was originally founded in 1969 at Locke High School by the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter.

“This program is an important part of our fraternity’s mission,” says Martez Nix, Director of the RAC Kappa League.  “Young men need guidance and direction as they face the challenges of adolescence.”

During the orientation, Polemarch Demarius Carmichael and retired Navy Admiral Ed Moore provided an overview of the program curriculum and upcoming events, while tying them to the five phases of educational, occupational and social development. These include Self Identity, training in the areas of academics and career preparation, competition in sports, career advancement and politics, social endeavors, which include religion, the arts, communication and etiquette, and health education.

The program is open to male students in grades 9 through 12, with a minimum grade point average of 2.5.  For more information contact Martez Nix at MartezNix@gmail.com.

Wild ‘N’ Out Host Aarona Lopez

INGLEWOOD, CA-Bully Awareness Network will be presenting its “Move 2 Improve: Youth Empowerment Event” on Saturday, November 7 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Chuco Justice Center located at 1137 East Redondo Boulevard in Inglewood.

The day will include entertainment, giveaways, Norking, Food, and contests. There will also be special guest appearances from Grammy Award artist Kevin McCall, Wild ‘N’ Out Host Aarona Lopez, #1 BMX Rider in the World Daniel Sandoval, Noel G (Fast & The Furious, Training Day), Chris Lavrar (America’s Got Talent), Trae Ireland (Chocolate City), Brandon Larkins (Cougar Town), and Erica Abke (Miss California 2015).

If you would like to register for the Talent Showcase, please call (323) 301-2416. Also don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy for BAN’s toy giveaway for homeless children. Your toy is your token to be entered into the raffle. To purchase tickets, please visit www.move2improve.bpt.me.

Time for Change Staff

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Kim Carter overcame addiction, incarceration and homelessness, and founded Time for Change Foundation to help other homeless women and their children. She helps them to stand on their own and be independent, to raise their children with love and healthy boundaries, and break the cycle of helplessness.

There are 9 other outstanding CNN Heroes in the competition to be #1.
The winner of the top prize will receive $100,000. Kim Carter is the only Top 10 Hero in California. She is working with women and children who live in our communities.

How do you feel after a productive day at work? There is tremendous dignity that comes from being able to support your family; providing food, shelter, care, love and a future.

Can you imagine not having food for your children, a roof over their heads, enough money to make ends meet? Many of Time for Change’s families have never been in a positive home environment. They only know violence, hunger, addiction, pain and fear.

Kim Carter’s vision and life’s work changes that reality for countless women. Time for Change Foundation teaches them how to live, helps them to heal deep wounds and how to provide the kind of home life for their children that we all take for granted.

Your vote, every day, will mean the world to countless women and their children. Please vote and tell your friends to vote too. Voting will be open until November 1 at heroes.cnn.com.

REDLANDS, CA – This past Saturday, Music Changing Lives, (MCL) hosted their 8^th annual Lights on Afterschool celebration at the Redlands Community Center.  Lights on Afterschool is a national celebration recognizing the importance of after-school programs for children, parents and the greater community.

Music Changing Lives celebrated by hosting a musical performance competition, visual arts display and a fashion show!  MCL students worked for several months preparing for the fun and entertaining celebration.  First place in the vocal competition went to 9 year old singer Valeria Solis who sang “Stay” by Rhianna.

Trisha Sherman is the Art Director at the MCL Redlands location and she worked with her student artists on the visual artworks display, along with coordinating the very stylish fashion show.

Two students, Julian Amaro and Angela Pallares from the Art Institute of San Bernardino who intern with MCL showcased their Spring Bloom Collection for the show, while art instructor Eva Urbano, designed the tutu dress collection for the young female art students strut in during the fashion show.

Program Director and lead Audio Engineer for MCL, Steven L. Hernandez organized Saturday’s showcase and commented, “I started at MCL three years ago and when I started I thought this was crazy because I hadn’t heard about a program like this before. But when I started working with kids who had difficulties and problems, I realized this was one of the places they could come to not only be themselves, but could grow and escape from what they may have to deal with every day.”’

Music Changing Lives offers students at the Redlands Community Center recording sessions, vocal coaching, piano lessons, guitar lessons and art lessons Monday – Saturday from 2pm-9pm for only $20.00 a month.

Former student and guest judge for the event, Jose Mariscal of Moreno Valley discovered MCL during his senior year of high school.  Jose credits MCL to opening many doors for him musically and for giving him confidence to perform and audition.

He also enjoys giving back and helping other young artists who were like him a few years ago.

“I was in bad shape, you know, and music got me to focus on what I love doing. I love singing. I love playing the guitar, the piano, the drums. It’s one of my dreams,” he said.

“We plan to celebrate Lights on After School every year because it not only recognizes the important role afterschool programs play in our communities, it also celebrates the kids in our programs, the arts, the music and all of the achievements we’ve reached,” said CEO & Founder of Music Changing Lives Josiah Bruny.

Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. According to data from the Afterschool Alliance, 14.3 million children are without adult supervision in the afternoon hours.

Visit www.musicchanginglives.org to learn more about MCL or follow the movement on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MusicChangingLivesIE

SACRAMENTO – AB 914, a measure by Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino), has been signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. The bill authorizes the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) to implement an Express Lane program in San Bernardino County on the I-10 and the I-15 corridors.

“The Inland Empire is the fastest growing region in the state; and as result, we are subject to the worst traffic and air quality conditions,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “AB 914 gives SANBAG additional tools to reduce congestion and improve our air quality. Additionally, the project creates a significant number of new jobs.”

San Bernardino County is projected to have 3.4 million residents in 2060. The I-10 and I-15 corridors are among the most congested and urbanized in the state, seeing up to 483,000 vehicles per day.  By 2045, these numbers are expected to reach 668,500 vehicles per day, a 38 percent increase.

“AB 914 gives our region the ability to reduce congestion and improve mobility for those that travel within and through our county.  The projects being considered for the I-10 and I-15 corridors are anticipated to produce 11,000 jobs for our region and save $40 million annually in delay costs for travelers countywide by 2045,” said Raymond Wolfe, Executive Director of SANBAG. “AB 914 appropriately requires that we reinvest funds generated from any projects developed on these corridors on local street and road improvements, which means that all drivers would see benefits, even if they were to never use Express Lanes.”

Submitted by Angela Coggs

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Tuesday, October 20, parents, students, and community members in San Bernardino will demand that San Bernardino City Unified School District adopt the Progressive Discipline Policy to do more to reform the district’s discipline that funnel students of color through the school-to-prison pipeline.  The district has used the Progressive Discipline Matrix as a guide to help schools change their practices by adopting strategies such as School-wide Positive Behavior Support and Restorative Justice which has resulted in significant drops in overall student suspension rates from 11% in 2010-2011 school year to 6.4% in 2014-2015 school year.

The community believes that the criminalization of youth of color remains a threat, especially to African American students who continue to experience significantly disproportionate discipline for disruption/willful defiance and face higher rates of school related arrests and referrals to law enforcement than other subgroups of students. Research has shown that when committing the same or similar subjective behavior offenses, African American students are inclined to receive more severe disciplinary consequences (Noltemeyer & Mcloughlin, 2010a; Noltemeyer & Mcloughlin, 2010b; Skiba, et al., 2002).  African American and Latino students combined experience school-based arrests at higher rates than those who complete A-G course requirements and are prepared for college and career.

As California is home to a significant number of state and federal prisons consequently, schools in San Bernardino County experience higher rates of suspension, citations, and school-based arrests in comparison to other counties in the state making this region a direct feeder into the school-to-prison pipeline.  Parents, students, and the community members a new policy that will, among many things, end to willful defiance suspensions, define articulate the role of police on campus and the use of alternative strategies to reduce the use of citations and student arrests in disciplinary matters, and establish a structure for community oversight.

This is effort is being organized by Inland Congregations United for Change, Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement, Youth Action Project, American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, in solidarity with Pico California Network and the Statewide School Discipline Action Team, a coalition of community-based and advocacy groups working to reform school discipline practices across the state of California.