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SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at Cal State San Bernardino has announced the finalists for the 2015 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards program. Award winners will be announced on November 10 at the black-tie gala at the Riverside Convention Center.  Now in its 13^th year, the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards event has honored the top business leaders of the Inland region since its inception in 2003.

“We continue to be amazed at the truly unique entrepreneurial success stories in the Inland Empire,” said Mike Stull, founder of the event and director of IECE. “This year’s finalists are another group of advanced companies that represent the type of innovation and risk taking that this event celebrates.”

The program will feature awards given out in nine categories, and also presentation of the 2015 “Best of the Best” award to one of the nine (9) award recipients that best exemplifies what it means to be an entrepreneur in terms of taking risks and building a successful enterprise that creates jobs and value where none existed before.

Entrepreneurial finalists for 2015 include: Consulting Entrepreneur: Mary Barnett, Another Brilliant Idea, Inc. – Corona; Patti Drinville – The PLD Group Inc. – Thousand Palms; and Virgal Woolfolk – VIRTEK Company – Menifee. The Corporate Entrepreneur includes Kathy Griset, Cibaria International, Inc. – Riverside; David J. Greiner, Greiner Buick GMC – Victorville; Antonio Myrell, Premier Medical Transportation, Inc.- Colton; and David Hsu & Ching Liu, SolarMax Technology, Inc. – Riverside.

In the Family Business category is Bud Luppino, Bud’s Tire Pros – Riverside; Mark Peabody and Larry Peabody, Peabody Engineering & Supply, Inc. – Corona; and Wesley L. Golay, Redlands Prosthetic & Orthotic Group, Inc.  – Redlands.

The General Entrepreneur section includes Angela Weymar & Tony Di Guglielmo, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, LLC – Riverside; DeAnne Stidham – LuLaRoe – Corona; and Jeff Van Dam, That Solar Guy – Murrieta.

The Innovator/Technology Entrepreneur includes Shahriar “Nick” Niakan, Advanced Flow Engineering, Inc.   – Corona; David Bertolini – HotelRSV – Murrieta; and Eddie Rowland – Nexbelt LLC – Rancho Cucamonga. The Manufacturing Entrepreneur includes Taylor Hale, Crown Paper Converting, Inc.  – Ontario; Dave Grimes, Edge Plastics Inc. / ODI Grips – Riverside; and Jack Fovell, Southwest Sign Co. – Corona.

The Service Based Entrepreneur includes Daniel Hallisey, Artic Mechanical, Inc. – Rancho Cucamonga; Cory Chalmers, Crime Scene Steri-Clean, LLC – Rancho Cucamonga; and Manuel Acosta, Pepe’s Towing Service – Moreno Valley. The Small/Emerging Enterprise consists of Don Gilmartin, APRIS Fire & Water Restoration – Corona; Nathan Greenberg, Arkside Marketing, Inc. – Riverside; and Gene Sherman – Vocademy – The Makerspace – Riverside. Lastly the Social Entrepreneur consists of Jed Davis, HomeStrong USA – Rancho Cucamonga; Dr. Temetry A. Lindsey, Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Inc. – San Bernardino; Damien O’Farrell, Path of Life Ministries – Riverside; and Karen DiCarlo, Santa Claus, Inc. of Greater San Bernardino – San Bernardino.

The finalists and award recipients are selected by an independent panel of judges consisting of past Spirit Award recipients.  The 29 finalists represent the culmination of a nomination and evaluation process that included more than 130 nominees.

Individual tickets for the Nov. 10 event are $110 per person and tables of 10 can be purchased for $1,000. Special Premier VIP experience ticket packages are also available. For more information or to make reservations, call (909) 537-3708 or visit www.spiritawardsie.com

Commencing at 5:30 p.m., the gala includes a cocktail reception, dinner, special entertainment guests and the awards presentation. All proceeds benefit the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship at Cal State San Bernardino.

Rev. “J” Edgar Boyd

LOS ANGELES, CA- More than 5,000 members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will convene at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, 5711 W. Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, October 19 thru 25, for the 91st Session of the Southern California Conference (SCAC) and the Planning Meeting which will follow, October 26 to 27.

Both sessions will be led by the Right Reverend Theodore Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District, with First AME Church of Los Angeles (FAME), pastored by the Rev. “J” Edgar Boyd,  serving as host. This will be the last annual conference led Bishop Kirkland as head of the 5th District, prior to his scheduled retirement in the summer of 2016.

Under the theme, “Rebuilding the Walls,” the schedule features day and evening worship services, business meetings and educational sessions for conference delegates, clergy, laity, youth, young adults, and missionaries.

Prior to the official conference opening, the Young People’s Division will hold their annual convention and the SCAC Women’s Missionary Society will also begin their sessions.  The annual pre-conference musical will be held on Sunday, October 18, 4 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 7900 Western Avenue, Los Angeles.  Additional activities at the Hilton include:  Opening Night Worship Service, Wednesday, October 21, 7 p.m., with the Rev. John Cager, Senior Minister, Ward AME Church, delivering the Word.  Mayor Eric Garcetti, along with other elected officials, will bring greetings from the City of Los Angeles; Men’s Witness Night Worship, Thursday, 7 p.m.; Consecration & Ordination Service, Saturday, 10:30 a.m.; and Closing Worship and Commissioning Service, Sunday, October 25 at 3 p.m.

“We are honored to serve as host of this conference session,” said Pastor Boyd.  We are thankful to our Bishop and Presiding Elders who continue to encourage us in the building of our churches and our communities.”

The public is invited to attend the pre-conference musical as well as the noon and evening worship services.

REDLANDS, CA- The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter (serving San Bernardino/Riverside) are serious about health education and eradicating cancer.  The “Pink and Green Divas”  of Eta Nu Omega participated in the 8th Annual Stater Bros. Believe Walk on Sunday, October 4, which benefits cancer fighting organizations in the Inland Empire.  The walk raised over $350,000.

The members of Eta Nu Omega, do not just participate in walks, they take time during their meetings to educate one another about how to conduct self- breast examinations and to be advocates for your own health.  Through various community activities, the ladies conduct youth development programs, provide scholarships and attempt to make a difference in the lives of others.  For future events, please contact President, Linda Gaines Brooks at (909)874-7206 or Ivy Leaf Reporter, Kimberly Isaac at (626) 319-1390.

ONTARIO, CA- The 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire, Inc. will hold its Inaugural Gala on Saturday, October 10 at the Ontario Double Tree Hotel from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. During this event, the 100 Black Men will honor exceptional black professionals throughout the Inland Empire who have made significant contributions in their fields.

The following professionals will be honored at the event: Admiral Edward Moore, Jr. (Ret.), for his historic contributions to the United States Navy rising to the rank of Vice Admiral as an African American; Judge Richard T. Fields, for his historic contributions as the first African American presiding judge in Riverside County; and Dr. Ernest Levister, M.D., for his significant contributions in the field of medicine in the Inland Empire and to the formation of the J. W. Vines Medical Society.

Tickets can be purchased at www.100bBlackMenIE.com. The 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire, a chapter of the 100 Black Men of America, is committed to intellectual development of youth and the economic empowerment of the African American community based on the following precepts: respect for family, spirituality, justice and integrity.

Dr. Tim Hougen, Jennifer Pacheco, DBH Director CaSonya Thomas, Douglas Fazekas, Imo Momoh.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Board of Supervisors was recently recognized and commended the County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) for winning six Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents.

NACo recognized the following DBH projects in their respective categories: Mountain Breeze Villas in Community & Economic Development; Remote Group Supervision for Rural Intern Placements in the Employment and Training for County Residents; Culture Specific Subcommittees in Civic Education and Public Information; Child and Adolescent Needs Strengths (CANS), Homeless Outreach Support Team (HOST) and Access, Coordination and Enhancement (ACE) in Human Services.

DBH’s Culture-specific Subcommittees are community-driven advisory groups that engage in policy advocacy, outreach activities and program planning.  Feedback provided by members assist the department in designing programs and services that are culturally informed.

DBH, through these NACo award winning programs, is supporting the Countywide Vision by creating a county in which those who reside and invest can prosper and achieve well-being.  Information on the Countywide Vision and the Department of Behavioral Health can be found at www.sbcounty.gov.

LA VERNE, CA- Garrett Management Group, LLC presents “An Experience Under the Stars”, a captivating dinner show featuring soul stirring music performances by Men of Motown and world renowned saxophonist/vocalist, j.dee. Relive the spirit of classic Motown Saturday, October 24 at the beautiful Hafif Estate located at 4742 Live Canyon Road, in La Verne. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a 3-course dinner at 5:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, which includes parking, dinner and show.  Patrons will be shuttled from the parking area to the amphitheater.

Alphonso Boyd’s, Men of Motown, are a legendary culmination of Motown vocalists and songwriters. Consisting of four gentlemen, the Men of Motown continue to keep one of the greatest sounds in music alive and kicking. Group members Al Boyd, Kevin Carroll, Russell Watts and Ron Preyer each have a unique story that helped shape the history of Motown Music. Singing professionally for over 50 years, Al Boyd has performed with The Calvanes, The Elgins, The Sixteens, The Olympics, Dennis Edwards, David Ruffin and toured with the The O’Jays. Boyd later became a staff writer for Motown and penned the tune “Shakey Ground” originally recorded by the Temptations and made famous by Elton John. From the Doo Wop era, Kevin Carroll is most known for as the lead singer of The Platters. “When we sing the songs of Motown, people remember where they were and what they were doing when those songs came out,” says Carroll. Russell Watts began his music career with the soul group Imperial Wonders and he continued singing with The Drifters, and toured with the O’Jays alongside fellow group member Al Boyd. Fourth member Ron Preyer also sang and toured with the greats of Motown, including the Temptations, Mary Wilson and the Supremes.

j.dee, a phenomenal soprano saxophonist, adds elements of sultry, funky and smooth jazz sounds guaranteed to put the audience in a cool groove.   A natural born writer, producer and arranger, j.dee has worked with the great Grover Washington, Jr., Lalah Hathaway, Doc Powell, James Brown, Cherrelle, and WAR, just to name a few. j.dee wrote the theme song and several tunes for the motion picture, “Original Gangtas”, and produced the hit song, “12-15-22-5 (LOVE)”, which was placed in the film, “Losing Isaiah”.

Experience Under the Stars is an amazing mix of soul and jazz, under a gorgeous starry night. For event information and tickets for this great show, call 1-866-514-3391. Tickets are available for advanced purchase online at, www.gmgevents.net and at Hafif Family Foundation, 265 W. Bonita Avenue, Claremont, CA, 909-625-7971.

LOS ANGELES, CA- McDonald’s is bringing its Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour to the 10th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, October 17. Southern California McDonald’s will join local gospel choirs with today’s biggest names in gospel music for a day of fellowship and fun during the community festival.

Hosting the tour is Stellar-nominated artist and radio personality Lonnie Hunter. Joining him on stage will be music director and songwriter Donald Lawrence, vocal powerhouse Yolanda Adams, the “Rose of Gospel” Dorinda Clark-Cole, the incomparable choral-master Ricky Dillard, urban inspirational artist DeWayne Woods, Stellar Award nominee and BET’s Sunday Best season six winner Tasha Page-Lockhart and Christian comedienne Small Fire.

“In L.A. McDonald’s has a long history with gospel,” said McDonald’s franchise owner/operator Reggie Webb, former chair of the Southern California Black McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association and currently serves on the Board of Directors.

“We’ve put on a gospel fest for 19 consecutive years. Lindsay Hughes, an operator here, ran it for 19 years. And then, we started the Inspiration Gospel Celebration, [which] has grown every year.”

Back for its ninth year, McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour focuses on the importance of giving back to the community by supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). In recognition of the Charity’s 41st anniversary, this year concertgoers will have the opportunity to learn about RMHC and the important role it plays in helping families heal and thrive in their local community and worldwide.

“African Americans use all of the McDonald houses in Metropolitan Los Angeles to a greater percentage than we are a percentage of the population,” Webb explained.

“Our kids are more sick than the general population so more of our families are able to take advantage of the Ronald McDonald houses they can stay close to, to support their children while their children are being treated at children’s hospitals around the area for these very debilitating diseases…”

Attendees will also be encouraged to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California by donating to help local families served by the Charity.

To learn more about the tour and the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com. For more information on local gospel acts gracing the stage and details, follow @McDonalds_SoCal on Twitter and join the conversation at #365BlackGospel.

Claudell Curry

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Music Ministry of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church is sponsoring a live recorded concert featuring Claudell Curry and the church’s mass choir.  Mr. Curry, who is “Celebrating Eighty Years of Joy for the Lord in Song,” will be rendering “Music with a Message” as he shares his God given bass vocal talents with resonance and clarity. He has been featured as a frequent soloist in the church’s choirs during his 54 years as a member of St. Paul as well as churches in the Los Angeles Districts of the AME Church.

This will also be an opportunity to preserve the church’s history by having a live recorded concert of the artist and mass choir by a professional recording company. The concert will be held on Saturday, October 10 at 3 p.m., at the Inghram Community Center located at 2050 North Mt. Vernon in San Bernardino.

Tickets for the concert are $10 and $25 for the concert and a copy of the CD.  For further information and to purchase tickets, please contact St. Paul AMEC at 1355 W. 21^st Street, San Bernardino or call 909-887-1718.

By Naomi Bonman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Balling for a cause to take back our youth by bringing awareness to the affects that bullying has among our kids is the reason why several of the Inland Empire’s finest in the music industry will be coming together. On Saturday, October 17 at Arroyo Valley High School in San Bernardino AV Lmkr, The Finatticz, Audio Push, The Rejects, and Dirty Birdy will be battling it out in the court for the young ones.

According to the National Education Association, an estimated 160,000 students skip school every day in hopes to avoid their aggressors. Bullying statistics also report that 1 out of every 10 students that drop out of school does so because of repeated bullying, and an estimated 64% of students have been bullied but do not report it.

Our community will not just be entertained through sports, but they will also be gaining knowledge in a fun and interactive way by getting up close and personal with each celebrity throughout the day. Other special guests include Vvs Vision and 99.1 KGGI.

The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door. Arroyo Valley High School is located at 1881 W. Base Line Street in San Bernardino.

Victorville rapper, Justified, with his two daughters at “Daughters Lives Matter”.

By Sheri Stuart  

COLTON, CA- Award-Winning Street Positive, a division of 4Positive Knowledge, has launched a national social engagement campaign promoting the importance of healthy father/daughter relationships. The “Daughters Lives Matter” campaign is dedicated to helping young girls avoid the destructive effects associated with child maltreatment, including sex trafficking, dating violence, and drug and alcohol abuse.  Individuals and families from both Riverside and San Bernardino County gathered at Fiesta Village Family Fun Park in Colton to take part in the Sept. 19 kick-off, which included remarks from civic leaders and elected officials who expressed the importance of family/community involvement in the lives of all children.

“The dialogue was powerful and helped raise community consciousness in terms of safety,” said Joe Paulino, chief of police for the San Bernardino City Unified School District. “We’re mindful that our daughters’ lives matter and their safety is important.”

Founder and CEO of Street Positive Terry Boykins

More than 400 people attended the campaign launch, which included the recognition of six distinguished women for their proactive efforts to support fathers and daughters throughout Southern California’s Inland Empire Region. Award recipients included: Acquanetta Warren – Mayor of Fontana; Josie Gonzales –

Individuals and families from the Inland Empire Region

San Bernardino County Supervisor, 5^th District; Pastor Karen Sykes – Cross Word Christian Church; Cheyenne English – Women Who Hide; Susana Zamudio-Riverside Unified School District; and Patricia Nichols-Butler-Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County.

“It was a great event and we are so grateful to have been a part of it,” said Michelle Kapuscinski, owner of Fiesta Village Family Fun Park. “We’ve worked with Terry Boykins and Street Positive over the last eight years. It’s been incredible to watch the programs expand.  We look forward to an even bigger event next year.”

Carolyn Tillman, Special Assistant to the Superintendent of San Bernardino County Schools

Colton Mayor Richard A. DeLaRosa

Kenneth Young, Riverside Superintendent of Schools