Local

1 st Anniversary celebration includes free rides, giveaways, prize drawing

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  Over half a million riders have climbed aboard the sbX rapid transit line serving Loma Linda and San Bernardino since it launched a year ago. Omnitrans is marking the anniversary with free rides, daily giveaways at sbX stations and a sweepstakes drawing that would provide a year of free rides to the winner, among other things.

sbX launched on April 28, 2014 with a free week that attracted over 3,000 riders per day on average. Since fare collection began on May 5th , average daily ridership has grown from about 1,325 to 2,375, an increase of 79 percent. “We expect sbX ridership to grow by another 30 percent by next year, mostly due to the opening of San Bernardino Transit Center in September,” said Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams. The sbX station on E Street at Rialto Avenue is adjacent to the new transit center which will be the hub for 13 Omnitrans bus routes, making for easier connections.

As part of the anniversary celebration, sbX free ride coupons good any day from April 27 through May 1 are available online at http://www.omnitrans.org/services/sbx/promotions/. Contest entry forms are available on board buses or online. Daily giveaways focus on the many destinations along the sbX line.

• April 27 – Take sbX shopping. 1,000 shopping bags giveaway on board and at stations all day.
• April 28 – Take sbX to the game. 100 IE66ers baseball tickets at the Rialto St. Station, 11 am to 1 pm.
• April 29 – Take sbX to lunch. Restaurant coupon giveaways at all Hospitality Lane stations, 11 am to 1 pm.
• April 30 – Take sbX to work. Free sbX travel mug when boarding at Loma Linda or Palm & Kendall Park-and-Ride Stations, 6 am to 9 am.
• May 1 – Take sbX to the Movies. 100 Regal Cinema tickets at Court Street Station, 1pm to 3pm. The one-way fare on sbX, and all Omnitrans bus routes, is $1.75; a 1-day pass is $5. 7-day and 31-day passes offer savings for frequent riders. Persons with disabilities, seniors age 62 and up, US military veterans and youth age 18 and under, qualify for discounts.

George Davis

LOS ANGELES CA- The California African American Museum (CAAM) has named George Davis as interim executive director.  Davis will assume responsibility for strategic planning, budget development and management, as well as cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships and relationships on behalf of the museum.

“My goals for CAAM are to provide strong leadership, improve relationships in the community among elected officials and other entities in Exposition Park, and increase financial support from foundations, corporations and individuals,” says Davis. “Additionally, I will strive to improve CAAM’s brand and relevancy among millennials, as well as improve visitors’ experience at the museum.”

In 2001, Davis founded Davis Broadband Group, a consulting firm that offers expertise to international media and entertainment companies on the distribution of digital content.

Davis was also a senior executive at Sony Pictures Entertainment and Technicolor.

“We look forward to Davis’ governance at CAAM,” says CAAM’s Board President Todd Hawkins. “Given his leadership roles at other corporations and organizations, we are confident Davis will elevate CAAM in our community and beyond.”

Throughout his career, Davis has been heavily active in the community and public sector. In 1999, Davis was appointed to the State board at CAAM and in 2007 was   appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the California State Bar Board of Governors.  He also served on the board of New Directions, a non-profit whose mission is to empower veterans and their families to help them live productive and fulfilling lives.   From 2012-14, he served as volunteer state president at California AARP.  In this role he represented the 3.5 million members in California and supported state and national legislative initiatives.

Davis received his MBA from the University of Southern California.

Kash Doll and Charlie Baltimore

BEVERLY HILLS, CA- B.M.B Records, one of the fastest rising empires in the urban music industry will present an exclusive press meet and greet for Charli Baltimore premiering her new video “Bed Full of Money” and introducing Detroit’s fast-rising superstar Kash Doll on Tuesday, April 21st hosted by Luxe Hotel in Beverly Hills at 360 N Rodeo Dr. 7:30pm – 9:30pm.

Each B.M.B artist offers unique styles and perspectives based on real life experience in their music and videos. While Baltimore draws on her creativity to deliver highly regarded, brain pleasing metaphors, Kash Doll is a straight shooter and takes a direct, boss-up approach to communicate her ambitions and bankable talent. They will greet media, DJs, promoters, and entertainment VIPS to discuss their current projects and future plans.

Directed by Jeff Reyes of Echosworld Entertainment, the “Bed Full of Money” video is being serviced to top domestic, international and local outlets as part of a full scale promotion and publicity campaign to promote Baltimore’s anticipated album ETHOS which will follow the success of her Hard 2 Kill mixtape that reintroduced her to the mainstream and earned her a 2014 BET Awards Best Female Hip Hop Artist nomination. The Philly native is thrilled for the opportunity to reveal her latest visual offering. According to the Grammy nominated writer and artist, “We shot for 12 hours in LA in November… by the time we filmed the underwater scene it was 45 degrees, Jeff was such a trooper. After he got in to set up, I just summoned the courage to jump right in.” Baltimore adds “The true divas of the set were the wolves, they had to be pacified because we were running behind their call time!”

Described by Reyes as a visual interpretation of her lyrical wealth; “Bed Full of Money” is much sexier in comparison to Charli’s previous music videos. Reyes’ tapped into his edgy, yet luminous cinematic aesthetic to present an off the grid imagery; a refreshing departure from typical paint by numbers or scenes synced with lyrics.

B.M.B will continue the collaboration with Echosworld Entertainment on its new rap princess Kash Doll’s “Accurate” video. The melodic banger, is a follow up to her popular AV Compton remake of “Run Me My Money”. On Monday, April 20, 2015, Reyes will commandeer another high end production in Los Angeles that will show the world what Detroit already knows about the living doll who sold out St. Andrew concert hall at her 1st concert and regularly sparks frenzy among hundreds of thousands of social media super fans who she affectionately calls her ‘Baes’.

“The creative goal of the ‘Accurate’ video is simple-lay to rest any doubt of her validity,” explains B.M.B CEO, Brian M Brown. “From modeling, to exotic dancing and her transition into acting and rapping, Kash Doll is on point and accurate at everything and anything she aspires.”

Invited media and tastemakers will be treated to a special screening of the “Bed Full of Money” video and have to opportunity to interview and meet Charli and Kash Doll.

To secure VIP credentials, contact Event Producer B.M.B. Entertainment, Trea Davenport, CEO of Trea Day Management & Publicity at trea@treaday.com or 678-327-8281.

(First row) Dr. Deborah Winn, founder of WWAM; Allen Harris, Father of Watts; Sweet Alice Harris (Mother of Watts); and Aubrey Winn. (second row): Terry Boykins (white tee, second left) and Mama’s Boys (M.O.M.).

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, April 11, Sweet Alice Harris, mother of Watts, came to visit and meet with Dr. Deborah, founder of Willing Winn Association and Mission (WWAM Inc.). Men on a Mission and Terry Boykins, Executive Director of Street Positive, was also in attendance at Saturday’s meeting. M.O.M. have been volunteers with W.W.A.M. for about 2 and half years and most of them live on Wall Street in San Bernardino.

During the meeting and lunch discussions and plans were formulated on how start making the streets of San Bernardino safer and to stop some of the violence and prostitution that has been going on in the city for far too long.

The first plan of action will be an I.S.A.H. (It Starts At Home) Juneteenth Block Party, which will be held on the Wall Street, where the home of WWAM sits. Wall Street is one of the most scare streets in the City of San Bernardino. The celebration will start from Baseline and Wall to 16^th and Wall. During the event there will be voter registration booths, a local college fair, and much more to assist in getting the lives of San Bernardino’s people back on track to success. In addition, Wall Street of New York will also be making an appearance to Wall Street in San Bernardino. There will also be scholarships available for youth in the neighborhood.

The “I.S.A.H. Juneteenth Celebration” will be a joint effort between WWAM, Street Positive (Terry Boykins), and Sweet Alice. Sweet Alice Harris and her husband Allen Harris are both the parents of Watts.  For more information or to be a vendor, please email Deborah Winn at wwaminc92@yahoo.com.

Picture reflects those who attended the “Welcome to South Africa” trip including coordinator of the trip Ms. Shalimar Horsely, front row, and 9th person in black top.

Following a presentation to chapter members and two years of prayer and planning, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Nu Omega San Bernardino/Riverside Chapter, completed its pilgrimage to the Motherland during the month of March 2015 with an itinerary started in London, England, and continued to Cape Town, South Africa, Chobe Safari Lodge, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Johannesburg, South Africa, along with thirty-nine member group included eighteen Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members, representing chapters from California, Maryland, Illinois, and North Carolina.

The development of the trip began as a vision of local chapter members, Annette Weathington, Immediate Past President, and Shalimar Horsley, Global Poverty Chairman, both of Eta Nu Omega Chapter who had visited South Africa in 2011 and 2013, respectively, with tour group, Mahogany Vacations, an African American owned travel company. While touring in Africa, the ladies easily noted the beauty and rich culture of the people, but the deprivation in countries where the economies boast some of the world’s highest levels of unemployment, poverty, and medical challenges had a much greater impact. The deplorable conditions were a reminder of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s commitment to address the issues of global poverty; Eta Nu Omega Chapter members eagerly embraced the challenge that Shalimar proposed with the cooperation of Mahogany Vacations owner, Perez Melhado a life changing “vacation with a purpose” was organized by the pair.

Visits to Baphumelele children’s home, founded by Rosalie “Mama Rosa” Mashale in 1989, for orphaned children ages 0-18, and the Iliso Care Society, a soup kitchen founded by activist Vivian Zilo in 2005, provide services to underserved children. Both organizations are located in the Khaylitsha Township where they provide services to underserved children.   The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members, the members of the Mahogany Vacation staff, and the other tour guests collectively donated food, clothing, diapers, personal hygiene items, toys and other supplies, as well as monetary donations.

Other highlights of the trip included a visit to Robben Island where President Mandela and other political activists were imprisoned, participation in several African safaris, a tour of Cape Town vineyards, a walking tour through the glorious Victoria Falls, and a visit to District Six, a former inner-city residential area in Cape Town, South Africa, where over 60,000 inhabitants were forcibly removed during the 1970’s by the apartheid regime.  Tours of Nelson Mandela’s presidential home, as well as his Soweto home, the Apartheid Museum, and the Iziko Museums Slave Lodge was additional highlights that contributed to the experiences of the group.

Local presiding Eta Nu Omega Chapter president, Tiena Johnson-Hall stated, “Our objective was to do more than tour different African countries, we wanted to witness and better understand the history of the countries we visited and to provide support for two grass-roots projects that were actively making a difference in the lives of the people in those communities.  Service to mankind is a key component of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s principle goals, so participating in a cultural tour that included a giving back element is quite rewarding on many levels.”

GLAACCC Chair Angela Gibson and UB Todd Hollander photo

Union Bank was recently honored by the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) with the Banking and Financial Institution of the Year award.  The award was presented to Union Bank Managing Director Todd Hollander, who heads the bank’s Business Banking Group, during GLAAACC’s 22^nd Annual Economic Awards Dinner.  The award recognizes the banking institution that has shown the highest level of responsiveness to the African American and small business community.

The GLAAACC’s 22^nd Annual Economic Awards Dinner, held at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live, honored the accomplishments of individuals, small businesses and corporations who are working for the greater good of African American businesses.  U.S. Small Business Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet delivered the keynote address

“Union Bank is humbled to be the recipient of such a prestigious award,” said Hollander.  “We are committed to the success of diverse business communities throughout our geographies, including in and around Los Angeles, and we are committed to the needs of business owners who are helping drive California’s economy.”

L/R Back Row Debutantes: Jordan Brown, Diamond Tabron, Rachel Harris, Sabrina Cook, Alexis Hoxie, Lakaya Hodge, Klarke Scott Cierra Gilmore,, Sydni McKinley-Parson, Makayla Marshall. L/R Front Row Escorts: Andrew Daniels, Kyron Frazier, Erin Owens, Nathaniel Byron, Donjae Owens, Antonio Crosby, Cody Tucker, Jordan Underwood, Jhaen Haynes, and Terrance Robinson.

ONTARIO, CA- The 2015 AKA Debutantes Nubian Pearls of Distinction of Eta Nu Omega Chapter in partnership with the Inland Ivy Foundation were presented to society in a formal presentation on Saturday, April 4, at the Double Tree Hotel, Ontario California.  The Debutantes under the training of Ms. Nancy Ross, Chairman and Mrs. Elizabeth Macon, Co-Chairman of the Debutante program and committee experienced nine (9) months of various activities, workshops and programs to prepare them for social grace, community service, high scholastic achievement, foster cultural awareness and training to dance formally.  The Debutante Ball is a culmination of the debutante program.  Congratulations to the 2014/2015 AKA Eta Nu Omega Chapter Debutantes!

MORENO VALLEY, CA- Holidays are all about giving rather than receiving. The greatest fift that you can give is to show the ones in need that you recognize them and you want to help them. On Easter Sunday, the Navy’s Master Chef Andre L. Harris; Le Cordon Alumni and Executive Chief Basil; and the Chef Nancy from Salvation Army came together to feed over 3,600 Moreno Valley residents.

(L to R) General Manager Butch Araiza, West Valley Water District; General Manager Stacey Aldstadt, San Bernardino City Municipal Water Depart.; Deputy General Manager Robin Ohama, San Bernardino City Municipal Water Dept.; Principal Management Analyst Bob Page, San Bernardino County Administrative Office; Government Relations Director Josh Candelaria, San Bernardino County Administrative Office; Assemblymember Brown; Amanda Saechao, staff to Assemblymember Brown; Division Chief Kenneth Eke, San Bernardino County Department of Public Works; Principal Management Analyst Eric Grubb, Cucamonga Valley Water District; General Manager Robert Young, Fontana Water Company; and Asst. General Manager Josh Swift, Fontana Water Company.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Key water district leaders assembled for a meeting hosted by Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) on Thursday, April 2, to discuss top priorities and funding opportunities following the passage of AB 91 and AB 92, the emergency drought relief package signed by Governor Brown on Friday, March 27.

These new laws were drafted and expedited because of the increasing severity of drought conditions.  The law will allocate over $1 billion, which will fund various water projects in the most impacted areas.

“As a region, we need to work together to secure the dedicated funding to protect our water supply,” said Assemblymember Brown. “If we don’t start looking at how we’re going to maximize that funding across the state, we’re going to be left behind.”

Currently, the legislation will add $72 million to the General Fund, $272 million to Prop 1, $660 million to Prop 1E, and $57 million to various other projects.

“Although this funding is just a fraction of what’s needed, it should help stabilize our existing supplies,” said Assemblymember Brown.

The meeting, attended by county administrative and district leaders from San Bernardino Water Dept., Fontana Water Company, West Valley Water District, Colton Public Utilities, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, and San Bernardino County Public Works, also discussed water storage, groundwater replenishment, water efficiency campaigns, water quality for fish and wildlife, and the Bay Delta Conservation Plan.

“The water agencies have been meeting monthly to go over groundwater levels and talk about strategies for groundwater management,” said General Manager Stacey Aldstadt, San Bernardino City Municipal Water Dept. “We’re going to package together a regional request for phasing in a variety of different projects to supplement the water supply. For us in this region, the critical issue is getting water back into the ground and how we find that water to put in the ground. We’re moving forward with a grant proposal that we’re packaging as a regional approach.”

“Concerning the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, we’ve lost about 20 percent from the State Water Project because of the environmental restrictions in the Delta,” said Water Resources Manager Robert Tincher, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District. “Basically, the Bay Delta Conservation Plan just finishes the State Project and moves the intake north.”

“The Bay Delta Conservation Plan is a local benefit to us,” said Aldstadt. “Groundwater has to be replenished, otherwise we have to start lowering groundwater levels. Normally we would get snow melt from Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead, but we’re not getting that. We’re all connected to the Delta so if we can’t get water supplies and we don’t have natural recharge, we have to rely on artificial recharge, which is recycled water or the State Project.”

Water conservation efforts continue to be a critical component of water management. On Tuesday, Governor Brown issued an Executive Order mandating restrictive water use. In his document, he directed the State Water Resources Control Board to impose a mandatory 25 percent reduction in state water resources.

“For the past several years, our region has been an innovator in water conservation, turf replacement programs, water efficient products, and the use of recycled water. We need to continue to conserve as much water as possible and address our water needs,” said Assemblymember Brown. “Our future depends on the decisions we make today.”

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