Local

Edited by Naomi K. Bonman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is happy to announce the winners of the 26th Annual Humanitarian of the Year, Commitment to Community Service and Black Rose Awards, which will be held on Friday, September 11 at The National Orange Show, Valencia Ballroom located at 689 South “E” Street in San Bernardino. There will be a social hour at 6 p.m. with the dinner and awards starting at 7 p.m. Honorees for this year’s celebration include: Kim Evette Anthony, Humanitarian of the Year; David Clark, Community Service; Chief Joseph Paulino, Charles Chuck Burns Award; Officer Marcus Pesquera, Black Rose; and the Chino Valley Fire Foundation, Black Rose.

Kim has given tirelessly of herself, using her skills and abilities to help others.  Much of her work is on a pro bono basis because of her unrelenting commitment to serving her community.  She has provided countless number of volunteer hours providing services to nonprofit and community based organizations including Stop the Violence Foundation and the establishment of the Regional Violence Prevention Coalition.  She volunteered with the Red Cross in Houston, TX serving and supporting displaced Hurricane Katrina survivors. A product of the foster care system, Kim spent fourteen months during her reign as Ms. California delivering motivational speaking and raising funds and awareness for the plight of foster children and at-risk youth.

David, a retired military person, volunteers his time at March Air Force Base assisting retirees with their retirement and other benefits.  He also assist the families of the deceased, making sure they get the paperwork needed for proper burial.  In addition, he mentors students at San Gorgonio High School as well as the youth and young adults at his church.

Chief Joseph Paulino makes sure that over 50,000 students are safe each day and has implemented an explorer program for the middle and high school students in the district.  He still finds time to provide service to his community.  He is a member of 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire and recently, he hosted a Searching of Mentors Summit at California State University, San Bernardino.  He volunteers his time with the annual Christmas toy giveaway, safety fairs, and positive tickets program.

The Chino Fire Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the safety and welfare of the public through educational programs, direct assistance, and financial support of charitable organizations, victims of tragic events and injured firefighters.  Their Adopt a Family program makes funds available to families that have suffered personal tragedy such as an un-expected death or a fire-related loss.

Officer Pesquera was in training when early one morning, he and his fellow officer approach a few individuals who appeared to have suspicious behavior.  OfficerPesquera’s quick thinking saved the lives of both men.  Unfortunately, his fellow officer was critically wounded but Officer Pesquera was able to save both lives.  He volunteers in his community at the firing range and his skills enabled him to protect the citizens of San Bernardino.

For more information or for last minute tickets, please visit www.sbbcfoundation.com or call (909) 210-6373.

SAN BERNARDINO –More than 500 backpacks were gathered for distribution at Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown’s (D-San Bernardino) 3rd Annual Tools for Success Day on Saturday, August 22, at the Inland Empire Job Corps Center in San Bernardino.

To date, Assemblymember Brown and a number of her local partners have donated over 1,200 backpacks to students in the 47th Assembly District.

“I am proud to host this annual event to ensure that students have what they need for the start of school,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “I was very pleased with this year’s turnout and I want to thank all our donors for their continued support.”

During this year’s program, Assemblymember Brown focused her remarks on the greatest issue affecting student success, chronic absenteeism.

According to the California Department of Education, chronic absenteeism impacts one out of every four children in San Bernardino. Research shows that children who were chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade were significantly behind in reading skills by third grade.

Assemblymember Brown concluded her remarks by announcing that she would join parents and school district leaders in eliminated chronic absenteeism by emphasizing the importance of regular, on-time attendance in school.

“By coming together and working cooperatively, we can accomplish this goal and improve student success,” she said.

Additional program speakers included San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis; Supervisor Josie Gonzales, 5th District; Deputy Superintendent Harold Vollkommer, San Bernardino City Unified School District; Kit Alvarez, representing the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools; Suzanne Schaeffer, IE Job Corps; and Linda Jackson, NID Housing.

“It was a pleasure to be a part of this OUTSTANDING community event coordinated by Assembly Member Brown,” stated Deputy Superintendent Vollkommer. “The backpacks and other information available at the 3rd Annual Tools for Success event will go a long way toward helping us Make Hope Happen for our students. Additionally, the district wholeheartedly supports Assembly Member Brown’s emphasis on reducing truancy.  We have staff dedicated to this effort.  Several times per year our district office staff and community members participate in Operation Student Recovery.  This program is designed to bring missing students back to school and keep them there via alternative programs and/or academic support.”

Following the backpack distribution, nearly 30 organizations provided educational resources and free health screenings including:  Alinea Medical, Loma Linda University, Vernon Dental, San Bernardino County Library, Center for Employment Training (CET), San Bernardino County Fire, Consulado de Mexico, and Susan G. Komen.

The event also featured free lunch sponsored by Stater Bros and Rio Ranch Market, live music by Coyote Radio, a Pillowcase Project presentation by the American Red Cross, games, face painting, and interactive performances.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to help low-income children with much-needed back to school supplies.  Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) is proud of the tradition of supporting kids to do their best in school.  We are grateful to Kaiser Permanente Fontana and Ontario Medical Center staff for donating to CAPSBC school supplies and 31 back packs valued at $2,700.  Together with another 100 backpacks and supplies from our Food Bank, CAPSBC was able to help the kids who showed up seeking support at Assemblymember Brown’s Tools for Success event,”  stated Patricia L. Nickols-Butler, CEO of CAPSBC.

The Tools for Success Day is held annually in August to benefit children and their families in the 47th Assembly District.

This year’s donors included: Inland Empire Job Corps, Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, Farmdale Creamery, NID Housing, IEHP, San Bernardino County Library, San Bernardino City Parks, Recreation, & Community Services Department, Rio Ranch Market, Stater Bros., Coyote Radio at Cal State San Bernardino, Consulado de Guatemala, SEIU-ULTCW, San Bernardino County Fire, Alinea Medical, Loma Linda University, Incredible Edible Community Gardens, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, American Red Cross, Devry University, CAPE Consultants, Al-Shifa Clinic, Time Warner Cable, West Valley Water District, San Bernardino Valley Links, Arrowhead United Way, and First 5 San Bernardino.

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

LOS ANGELES, CA- LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS (LC), a multicultural integrated marketing communications firm, will celebrate 25 years in business on September 1, 2015. Since its opening in 1990, LC’s expertise and services have supported clients in developing culturally relevant and sensitive advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns that target the African American, Hispanic and LGBT Consumer Markets.

LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS was founded by President and CEO Mr. Kim L. Hunter. With more than three decades of experience in communications, Hunter realized there was a need to develop strategies and campaigns targeting multicultural markets. Hunter is also the Chairman and CEO of The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF), a nonprofit that provides scholarships, internships/entry-level jobs, career and professional development workshops, and mentors to African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian American/ Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students; and Managing Partner of KLH & Associates, a multicultural executive search firm.

“There are many factors that can attest to the firm’s sustainability, however the overarching theme is the unwavering commitment to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations,” said Hunter. “For the past 25 years, staying client focused has been the underlying thread that positively affects our clients and agency.”

The firm has had the pleasure of representing a variety of clients including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and non-profit. Establishing itself as a pioneer in multicultural marketing, LC has received numerous awards from organizations including PRWeek, SABRE Awards, Hermes Creative Awards, among others.

Since inception, LC has expanded from its foundation of developing award winning campaigns to raise awareness on social marketing and healthcare issues, such as HIV/AIDS, infant mortality, tobacco control and teen pregnancy, to include an overall six industries of focus: healthcare, social marketing, utilities, financial services, automotive and travel and tourism industries.  The Hispanic Practice also now targets the Brazilian Consumer Market and provides in-language Portuguese services. This led to the launch of Afro-Brazilian.com, a website owned by the firm devoted to educating African Americans on the diversity of the Afro-Brazilian culture.

The firm also recently introduced POLISH (Political, Opportunity, Leverage, Integrity, Strategy and Honest), the firm’s public affairs division that promotes and supports women seeking elected office at the local, regional and national levels, with a strong emphasis on women of color. Through POLISH, the firm has coordinated Senator Holly J. Mitchell’s community swearing in ceremony and fifth annual Christmas in July program along with providing support for California State Controller Betty Yee, 26^th State Senatorial candidate Betsy Butler and Carolyn Ramsay, candidate for Los Angeles City Council for District 4.

“LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS has been a key part of my communications efforts over the past 15 years,” said Roger Frizzell, senior vice president and chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation. “We are fortunate to have such great partners for our business.”

To celebrate LC’s milestone, the firm will host a series of cultural and educational events, both internally and externally, with past, current and potential clients and employees. The first event was on Tuesday, September 1, where staff visited Universal Studios Hollywood. Other activities include, but are not limited to, the LC team going on California Resources Corporation’s refinery tour, creating masterpieces at a private Paint Nite, touring USC Pacific Asia Museum and Japanese American National Museum, cruising the Pacific shoreline with Carnival Cruise Line,  attending The Pasadena Playhouse’s ‘Casa Valentina’ and ‘Real Women Have Curves’  productions. For the holidays, the firm will host its annual holiday celebration at entertainment complex L.A. Live, to include a reception and activities. Be sure to follow LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS’ Facebook and Twitter page for the firm’s latest news and upcoming events.

ABOUT LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS? 

LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS (LC) is an award-winning, full-service integrated marketing communications firm that specializes in African American, Hispanic and LGBT consumer markets.  Celebrating 25 years in business, the firm provides culturally relevant and sensitive counsel to corporate, government, and not-for-profit organizations that strive to reach ethnically diverse populations.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, LC offers clients a vast array of communication services, including advertising, marketing and public relations. The firm’s current client roster includes: California African American Museum (CAAM), Carnival Corporation, Covered California, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, L.A. Care Health Plan, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, The California Wellness Foundation, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and Verizon.  For more information on LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS, visit www.lagrantcommunications.com.

Shemar Moore and his mother, Marilyn Wilson-Moore, at last week’s Dinner of Champions event.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Shemar Moore, best known for his role as FBI Special Agent Derek Morgan on the hit CBS show, Criminal Minds, was honored at the 40th annual Dinner of Champions, sponsored by and benefiting the National MS Society, Southern California & Nevada Chapter. The gala event took place on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. The event raised funds that support the National MS Society’s vital programs and services to improve the quality of life for people living with MS, as well as cutting-edge research worldwide for better treatments and a cure.

Moore received the award in recognition of his incredible contributions in helping the National MS Society move closer toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. Moore has been a major supporter and ambassador to the National MS Society for ten years through the annual Bike MS: Coastal Challenge cycling event in honor of his mother, Marilyn, who lives with MS. Friends and colleagues from Criminal Minds, including Joe Mantegna, Kristen Vangsness, and Aisha Taylor, turned out to support Moore for this honor. Other celebrities in attendance included Kristoph St. John, Deborah Cox, Sheryl Underwood, and Guillermo Diaz. Actor and comedian Anthony Griffith performed at the dinner and Jillian Escoto, radio personality for Los Angeles-based station MyFM, served as master of ceremonies. Both Anthony and Jillian live with MS.

Shemar Moore’s mother, Marilyn Wilson-Moore was presented with the “Dorothy Corwin Spirit of Life” award for her relentless efforts to bring hope and awareness to people living with MS, like herself. Previous recipients of the Spirit of Life Award include Annette Funicello, Richard Pryor, Alan Osmond, David Lander, Michael Kamen, Teri Garr, and Rep. Henry A. and Janet Waxman. Previous Dinner of Champions honorees have included such distinguished individuals as Jeff Robinov, Sir Howard Stringer, Steven Hilton, Peter Chernin, Joe Roth, Amy Pascal, Jim Gianopulos, Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Tom Rothman, Michael Lynton, Rob Moore, Rob Friedman, Greg Dunn, and most recently Pam Kehaly of Anthem Blue Cross.

The Dinner of Champions makes an enormous contribution in the movement to end multiple sclerosis, not only in raising funds for research, programs and services, but also in raising awareness about MS itself. With the continuing commitment of its supporters the Chapter’s Dinner of Champions in Southern California has become the most successful dinner held by any chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Each year, the dinner honors a philanthropist who has made a significant contribution to the movement to end MS. Because of fundraising events such as the Dinner of Champions, the National MS Society is able to support more MS research and offer more services for people with MS than any other MS organization in the world, including educational and wellness programs, professional counseling and support, financial assistance and more.

REDLANDS, CA- Music Changing Lives, (MCL) is looking for talented young artists to compete in their Performing Arts Showcase on Saturday, October 17 during their annual celebration of “Lights On After-School”.

They are looking forward to receiving submissions from students across the Inland Empire, ages 8 to 24, in the following categories: dance, instrumental, vocal and visual arts.

The focus of the event is to highlight the importance of performing arts in after school programs, as well as in the lives of our youth.  MCL is proud to provide a safe, enriching and creative environment for children to grow and excel.

The performing arts competition is a great opportunity for students to gain recognition for their talents. There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes in each category. Be as creative as possible and help keep the arts alive in our community!

The deadline for submissions is Friday, September 25.   Event details and registration forms are available upon request to MusicChangingLives@Gmail.com.

The San Bernardino Transit Center is a LEED Gold designed facility which includes drought tolerant landscaping and public art. The mural banner, “Exploration” by Louie Solano, hangs from the north side of the building.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Touted as a tangible sign of transformation for both public transit and downtown, the San Bernardino Transit Center completion ceremony on August 24 featured the symbolic release of 200 butterflies. The Omnitrans multimodal hub, which opens to the public on September 8, is expected to serve 6,000 customers daily.

The $25 million facility connects 10 local and two freeway express Omnitrans bus routes, the sbX bus rapid transit line, and bus routes operated by neighboring Victor Valley Transit Authority and Mountain Transit. In 2017 Metrolink commuter rail service will be extended to the new transit center, with Redlands Passenger Rail service expected to arrive a few years later.

“Improving our public transit network is an important part of growing the Inland Empire economy. The San Bernardino Transit Center is a perfect example of the type of results we can achieve when communities work together to move our region forward,” said Representative Pete Aguilar. The U. S. Congressman pledged his support for a long-term surface transportation bill to increase funding levels for public transportation and highways, saying, “We need to stop kicking the can down the road.”

The existing MAP-21 surface transportation bill, which has been extended numerous times, is set to expire at the end of October. The Senate already has advanced a six-year authorization bill that increases investment in public transportation. The House of Representatives will take up the issue this fall. Fran Inman of the California Transportation Commission suggested going for a longer term bill. “Instead of six years, why not ten?” she said.

Located at the southwest corner of Rialto Avenue and E Street, the four acre site includes 22 bus bays and a 7,500 square foot building. Passengers will appreciate the enclosed climate-controlled lobby, interior and exterior seating, public restrooms, drinking fountains, bike racks, real time bus arrival signs, a customer service desk, ticket vending machine, and 24/7 on-site security. Two acres on the corner are available for future transit oriented development.

“We are proud that this facility was designed to meet LEED Gold standards,” said Sam Spagnolo, Omnitrans Board Chair and Mayor Pro Tem of Rancho Cucamonga. “This means it boasts the latest and greatest in energy efficiency design and systems. There are solar panels on the roof. Of course, all of the landscaping is drought tolerant.”

Public art elements at the center include a transportation-themed mural banner, “Exploration” by local artist Louie Solano, on the north side of the building. The bus turnaround features a 50-foot high, weathered steel plate sundial. Lobby walls are decorated with a mural featuring historic transit photos. A century ago, the same location was home to a car barn and tracks for the San Bernardino Valley Traction Company and Pacific Electric interurban rail services.

Project funding was provided by the Federal Transit Administration, Federal Highway Administration and the state of California through State Transit Assistance funds, Local Transportation Funds, and Proposition 1B funds. Omnitrans is the owner and operator of the San Bernardino Transit Center.

Federal Transportation Administration Regional Administrator Leslie Rogers applauded the “transformative potential” of the center and commended Omnitrans and San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) for their “perseverance in overcoming the challenges and hurdles” to take project from vision to reality. Omnitrans identified the property as an ideal location for a multimodal transit hub in the early 2000’s, but it was not until 2008 that the property was acquired from Union Pacific Railway Company. Construction of the center finally began in February 2014.

San Bernardino Mayor and Omnitrans Board Member R. Carey Davis lauded the transit center’s economic benefits as it relates to redevelopment of downtown and gave credit to former mayor, Pat Morris for pushing for the transit center project forward. SANBAG President and Victorville Councilmember Ryan McEachron said, “This multimodal approach to transportation, centered here in the hub of the county, is just the beginning of what is the future of transportation. At SANBAG we are proud of this investment.”

SANBAG, the council of governments and transportation planning agency for San Bernardino County, managed design and construction. HDR, Inc. is credited with facility design, Parsons Brinckerhoff handled construction management, and Kemp Bros Construction served as general contractor.

Board members and staff at Knotts Family Agency stand outside for a picture after their fundraising soiree that was held at Edwards Mansion on Saturday August 15 in Redlands. The evening consisted of Jazz, food, and wine. Pictured from left right are: James Knotts, founder/board member; Gwen Knotts, founder/CEO; and board members Danielle Mackey, Kay Fangerow and Ernestine Brown. Funds were raised support a cultural and educational enrichment program for youths in foster care.

LOS ANGELES, CA- The California African American Museum (CAAM) invites the community to attend CAAM’s fifth annual Shorts at CAAM Showcase and Industry Writers Panel on Sunday, August 30, from 11 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Shorts at CAAM Showcase will feature 15 short films created by independent filmmakers.  During the Industry Writers Panel we will hear from series creator, producer and director Issa Rae of the upcoming HBO comedy Insecure; actor, writer and executive producer Gary Lennon of the Starz series Power; and series creator, producer and director Diarra Kilpatrick of the NBC comedy-drama The Mysteries of Laura.  Dayna Lynne North, the writer and executive producer of VH1’s Single Ladies, will moderate the discussion. Each panelist will share their stories of how they were able to enter the Hollywood writer’s room. Additionally, they will discuss their experiences writing for projects that include film, television, online and stage.

This event is free and open to the public. CAAM is located at 600 State Drive, Exposition Park. Parking is $10 and located at 39th and Figueroa Streets. Take Los Angeles Metro’s Expo Line and exist the Expo Park/USC stop.  RSVP is encouraged at 213.744.2024.  For more information on CAAM visit www.caamuseum.org.

Kathleen and Carl Dameron

By Kathleen Dameron

Hello my name is Kathleen Dameron and I am initiating this fundraiser.  Carl is my little brother.  OK he is taller than me, but he is still my little brother.  In December of 2014, Carl was diagnosed with fourth stage cancer.  To be specific he has CLL Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia.

Carl has spent the majority of 2015 in the hospital.  In March of 2015 after his first round of chemotherapy Carl caught a wicked infection and became septic.  All of his organs shut down and he went into coma and almost died. Carl was put on a ventilator and had many IVs and dozens of medicines.

Through his long months of illness, Carl was put on dialysis, lost the ability to walk and to feed himself.  After weeks of rehabilitation he can feed himself and walk short distances again.

Carl has a huge heart and a strong sense of helping others. He has volunteered for the Salvation Army providing free public relations services for 11 years. He has been very active in his community helping  & serving on many boards and providing free PR services to dozens of non-profit organizations.   Carl is credited with helping to bring about positive changes in the Inland Empire.

Wife Malaika and Carl at Loma Linda Universiy Medical Center

Yet, it must be a man thing, he is reluctant to ask for help in his fight against cancer and lung infection.  It seems to be a challenge for his ego.

Carl had a near death experience.  In fact, Carl had several near death experiences between March and June.  He has prayed and battled to stay alive.   He is slowly healing and contemplating going back to work.

In addition to cancer, he has black mold in his lungs because toxic mold is in his house. It was discovered after he was back in the hospital with a critical lung infection.

I respectfully ask you to come together and assist me in creating a safe home environment conducive to healing for Carl.

He should not be living in his home because of the toxic mold.  No one should.  It is even more dangerous given that CARL has a very LOW IMMUNE system as he is on Chemotherapy and battles Stage 4 Cancer – Leukemia.

So Carl needs $20,000 to make his home safe to live in…. A home he can live in and not die in.  The family’s savings are gone and Carl hasn’t worked since February.  This means the family does not have the resources to fund this project themselves.

The black mold is in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, hall and bedroom ceiling.  So that’s what needs to be torn out, cleaned out, then redone.  The leak in the roof must be fixed, the carpets must be replaced and the walls painted.

To begin the process Carl and his family must move out all of their belongings and live somewhere else for a month. Volunteers with the Salvation Army will help with moving out. Tom Brickley, president of Brickley Environmental has agreed to help with the mold remediation.  He needs materials. Habitat for Humanity will help with rebuilding after the mold removed.

What does Carl need to create an environment conducive to building his health and vanquishing the cancer and lung infection?

1. Money – to cover the costs, which are lower due to already, agreed donations of work from Brickley Environmental and the Salvation Army.

2. Materials – for both of these organizations.

3. Lodging in the community – while work is being done on our home.
   (Carl’s 14-year daughter is in high school, his 21-year-old daughter is at Cal State and his wife works full time in the community.)

4.    Your continued prayers for Carl to return to full health. At Loma Linda University Medical Center they acknowledge the miracle that he is alive and walking.

To Donate Click here:http://www.gofundme.com/7d24xnfw

Every 4th Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. there will be a FREE community health and wellness fair at The Waterman Gardens in San Bernardino. Featured each Saturday there will be a mobile health care unit onsite from IEHP and Molina. There will also be groceries, food, and clothing giveaways. Mission 4Him Radio station will also be playing live music for your entertainment. The next event will be held this Saturday, August 22.