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RIVERSIDE, CA – The NAACP Riverside Branch’s annual fundraising gala, the “2015 Freedom Fund Celebration,” will recognize community leaders and organizations that have made significant contributions in their communities. This year’s theme: “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: One Nation, One Dream, United” commemorates the 50^th Anniversary of the March on Selma. This formal affair will take place on Wednesday, May 13 at the Riverside Convention Center located at 3637 Fifth Street in downtown Riverside. Doors open at 5 p.m. with social networking, followed by a strolling dinner and awards at 6 p.m. The evening will also include live entertainment, special performances, dancing and more.

This year’s honorees include: Judy White, PhD, Superintendent of Moreno Valley Unified School District (Education); Joan Roberts, PhD, Owner/CEO-Visiting Angels Riverside County (Business Entrepreneur); Victory Outreach Riverside (Community Service); The Honorable Rita Rogers, Councilwoman-City of Perris (Government/Political); Angela D. Martin, M.D., Physician in Charge-Kaiser Meridian Clinic (Health); Wallace J. Allen, Founder/Editor, West Side Newspaper (Media/Journalism); Rev. Marrix Seymore, Sr., PhD, Pastor-Amos Temple CME Church (Religion); Bruce Wilson, Sergeant, U.S. Army (Military); and William Kennedy, Esq., Attorney at Law-Law Firm of Kennedy and Jimenez (Law/Justice). Presidential Honorees include: William Chamberlain, V.P. Sales and Marketing for Raceway Ford (Roy Wilkins Award); Tanya Humphrey, Consultant-Non-profit management and funding (Griot Award); and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter (Stratton Award).

Tickets are $75 per person or $750 per table. Tickets can be purchased online at www.naacp-riverside.org. The RSVP deadline is April 29^th. For more information contact the event chair Dr. Regina Stell at 951-217-0055 or 951-324-9603. Email rivnaacp@gmail.com and visit www.facebook.com/RiversideNAACP.

Sir Knight Khari Bush featured center in picture with parents Dr. Edward Bush and Mrs. Jenise Bush as future Knights look on.

HIGHLAND, CA- On the evening of Saturday, April 18, seven outstanding young men were presented to society. The young men included Mr. Khari Bush who was crowned Sir Knight, Mr. Sir George Bernard Davis who was awarded 1^st place, Mr. Arlington Rogers III who was awarded 2^nd place, Mr. DeVon Clay, Mr. Myles Jones, Mr. Anthony Montgomery, and Mr. Brandon Watts at the 48^th Social Lites, Incorporated Beautillion Ball at the Hampton Inn & Suites Resort Event Center, Highland, California.

This affair celebrated the accomplishments and efforts of the Inland Empire young African American men.  In addition to saluting these young men for their accomplishments, two participants were recognized and awarded scholarships for their outstanding academic achievements which included Mr. Khari Bush and Mr. Brandon Watts. Mr. Watts was also awarded the “Mr. Congeniality” award.  Collectively these young men were awarded over $20,000 in scholarships and gifts.  Dr. Wil Greer, professor at California State University, San Bernardino College of Education was the keynote speaker who personalized his presentation to all seven participants with words of encouragement associated with their career aspirations. The Social Lites, Incorporated under the leadership of Mrs. Bettye Brewster, president expressed her appreciation to all for supporting the Beautillion program.

Back Row Left to Right: Sir Knight 2015 Mr. Khari Bush, Brandon Watts , Dr. Wil Greer (Keynote Speaker), Anthony Montgomery, Arlington Rogers III (2nd), Myles Jones
Front Row Left to Right: DeVon Clay and Sir Davis (1st)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- At a sold out event at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino on Friday night, Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) celebrated its 13^th year providing quality services (including evidence based programs) to homeless women and children while honoring community members and organizations for their collaboration in those efforts at their 2015 Annual Awards Dinner “Celebrating Life’s Precious Jewels”.

The Dinner’s emcee duties were shared by John Kunkel, former Time for Change Foundation Director of Communications and Fontana Mayor Aquanetta Warren.   Vanessa Perez, Civic Engagement Specialist provided the welcoming greeting and Senator Connie Leyva led the pledge of allegiance.  She introduced Pastor Hodari who led the invocation.

Time for Change Foundation proudly presented awards to the 2015 honorees for their outstanding community service and commitment:  Community Education Champion Award – Chancellor Bruce Baron; Humanitarian Award – The Race, Gender and Human Rights Giving Circle of the Women’s Foundation of California; Community Service Award – Santa Claus, Inc.; Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award – Mi Cocina Restaurant in Highland; Community Health Champion Award – June Collison; Community Health Advocate Award – Dr. Dora Barilla; Dynamic Duo Award – Angela and Victor Myles; Community Development Champion Award – National CORE; Community Business Leader of the Year Award – Premier Medical Transportation

Kim Carter with special guest, Dr. Robert K. Ross, President and CEO of the California Endowment presented the 2015 Community Development Champion Award to Steve PonTell, CEO of National CORE and Dawn Davison, Warden of California Institution for Women (retired) and current Time for Change Foundation Board member presented the Humanitarian award to the Race, Gender and Human Rights Giving Circle of the Women’s Foundation of California.

Dr. Nena Messina, Ph.D., a Criminologist at the UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs reported her 3 year findings as Lead Evaluator for the Time for Change Foundation’s Positive Futures project funded by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA).  The results of her evaluation yielded a zero percent recidivism rate for the 131 clients served.  “SAMHSA often looks for successful programs to hold as the “gold standard” – [The Time for Change Foundation] Positive Futures [program] is an example that other programs can emulate,” said Dr. Messina. “After years of being referred to as “Evidence Based Kim” because we are focused on doing what is best (evidence based) instead of what feels good, it feels good to be nationally recognized for our outcomes,” said Kim Carter, TFCF Executive Director.  Nicole Wolfe, TFCF Director of their Center for Advocacy and Leadership Training (CALT) was “excited for the community to see the results of our evidence based training programs.”

Family and friends of honorees, elected officials and supporters of Time for Change Foundation were in attendance, enjoying social hour, entertainment by Jazz saxophonist Vaughn Fahie, a viewing of the agency’s new video, participating in the silent auction and much more.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In support of the National Orange Show Fair’s 100th Anniversary, Omnitrans’ 1-year-old sbX bus rapid transit line will offer expanded weekend service April 24 – 26.
“The National Orange Show Fair is among the biggest annual events in our community. We are happy to make getting there a little easier by expanding our sbX service through the weekend,” explained Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams.

The sbX line normally operates on weekdays only from 6 am to 8 pm. National Orange Show Fair weekend service hours will be:

• Friday, April 24: 6 am to 11 pm
• Saturday, April 25: Noon to 11 pm
• Sunday, April 26: Noon to 8 pm

sbX vehicles will run at 15 to 30 minute frequencies during the weekend. A detailed weekend schedule is available online at sbX NOS Schedule. The station at Inland Center Mall (North Mall Way) is adjacent to the National Orange Show grounds.

In partnership with NOS, Omnitrans is distributing coupons on board sbX and regular Omnitrans buses that offer $2 off admission to the event. “We are excited to team up with Omnitrans and hope to see many sbX riders at our 100th fair,” said Alan Conrad, NOS Director of Production and Marketing. More information on the fair is at: http://nosevents.com/2015-national-orange-show-fair/

“The Inland Empire 66ers baseball team also has a home stand that weekend, so we invite fans to hop on sbX to take in a game,” said Williams. The sbX station at E and Rialto is a short walk from the ballpark. More information at: www.ie66ers.com

The one-way fare on sbX, and all Omnitrans bus routes, is $1.75; a 1-day pass is $5. Persons with disabilities, military veterans, seniors age 62 and up, and youth age 18 and under, qualify for discounts. 7-day and 31-day passes offer savings for frequent riders.

The sbX green line travels along Kendall Avenue, E Street and Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino and on Tippecanoe/Anderson and Barton Road in Loma Linda on a 16-mile route, with over 5 miles of dedicated bus lanes. Riders can enjoy free Wi-Fi and 110-outlet power outlets on board. Stations feature real-time arrival signs, ticket vending machines, emergency telephones, and public art. Regular sbX route and schedule information is at: http://www.omnitrans.org/schedules/sbx-green-line/ or 1-800-966-6428.

SAN BERNARDINO – – The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) welcomes Dr. Lisa Norman, the new Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, effective May 1, 2015. She will be taking on the responsibilities currently filled by consultant Dr. Jack Miyamoto. Dr. Matthew Isaac has been promoted from Executive Director to Associate Vice Chancellor, Economic Development & Corporate Training, effective April 10. Both are District appointments.

President of the SBCCD Board John Longville expressed his pleasure at the expertise both bring to their positions, saying, “We are so pleased to have been able to retain a Vice Chancellor of Human Resources with the capabilities and qualifications of Dr. Norman and the Board of Trustees was glad to have the opportunity to promote Dr. Isaac. Under his leadership, the Economic Development and Corporate Training Division has expanded to the level where it now has its own Foundation, is self-supporting, and has successfully provided services to more than 60,000 workers in our community.”

SBCCD Chancellor Bruce Baron said, “Dr. Lisa Norman is a welcome addition to head the Human Resources office, a position of substantial importance to the District community and I look forward to working with her. Dr. Matthew Isaac has been serving as the Executive Director of the EDCT for many years, but his new title and job description reflect the additional responsibilities and growth that have taken place within the EDCT. The SBCCD provides exceptional educational opportunities to our students and professional opportunities for our employees so it is vital that our team members bring an enthusiasm for the educational environment, are knowledgeable in their professions, and have a commitment to the success of the District and its divisions.”

Dr. Lisa Norman

Dr. Lisa Norman, Vice Chancellor, Human Resources, District

Dr. Norman joins the SBCCD from the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools where her storied service includes the position of Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources since 2012, the Director of Certificated Personnel for three years, the Principal of Special Education for five years, and as a teacher with the Mulberry School for five years. She served as the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services with the Beaumont Unified School District for two years in between positions with the Superintendent’s offices. Prior to working in the Inland Empire, she was a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District and with The Growing Place. Early in her professional life, she attended West Point United States Military Academy for two years and served as a police cadet with the Santa Monica Police Department.

Dr. Norman earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, her master’s degree and Credential in Educational Administration from CSU Los Angeles, her master’s degree in Child Development and Education Specialist Credential from CSU Los Angeles, and her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from CSU Los Angeles. She is currently enrolled at Taft Law School pursuing a Juris Doctor with an emphasis in Education Law.

Dr. Matthew Isaac, Associate Vice Chancellor, Economic Development and Corporate Training, District

Dr. Matthew Isaac

Dr. Isaac’s previous assignments at the District included serving as the Executive Director of EDCT, District Director of EDCT, Director of the Professional Development Center, Director of the Center for Business Excellence and Director of the Institute for Training and Development at San Bernardino Valley College. Before joining the District, he served as a faculty member of Humanities, Director of Health Care Programs, and the Director of the Division of Contract Education at the University of Toledo, Ohio.

Dr. Isaac holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration; three master’s degrees: a master of arts in education in English as Second Language; a master of arts in English Language with emphasis in American Literature; and a master of arts in English with an emphasis in British Literature; and a bachelor of science in Biology.

The California Community College (CCC) Association for Occupational Education named Dr. Isaac as the recipient of their 2012 Excellence in Leadership Award. He  received the 2003 Business Partner Award from the CCC Chancellor’s Office Economic Development Network; a1998 Program Excellence Award from the Ohio Continuing Higher Education Association; and the 1984 John J. Turin Memorial Service Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service to the Graduate School and the University Community, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio.

The author of numerous publications, he has taught humanities and expository writing and currently sits on three professional and industrial boards of directors.

About the San Bernardino Community College District:

The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) is one of 72 community college districts within the California Community College system, the largest educational system in the world, which encompasses 112 community colleges. The SBCCD has an 88 year history of providing its community and students with quality and affordable vocational certificates, associate’s degrees, and preparation for transfer to a four year college or university through San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) and Crafton Hills College (CHC). In addition, the Economic Development and Corporate Training Division (PDC) and KVCR TV-FM/FNX provide professional development and cultural and educational information to the community at large.

For additional information, please contact Alisa Sparkia Moore, Esq., Communications and Public Relations at 909.382.4012 (direct), 805-717-0347 (cell) or by email at asmoore@sbccd.edu

Chandler Brown, right, a senior at Silverado High School in Victorville, recently received a congratulatory hug from his father after learning he was named a 2015 Edison Scholar and the winner of a $40,000 scholarship from Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE).  He is one of 30 high school seniors awarded $40,000 scholarships that will be paid over four years.  All winners plan to pursue college studies in science, technology, engineering or math, also known as STEM.  Recipients may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college.

Chandler Brown, a senior at Silverado High School in Victorville, holds tight to his $40,000 Edison scholarship check that he recently received during a congratulatory surprise presentation at school.  Brown, who plans to major in environmental engineering, is one of 30 high school seniors named 2015 Edison Scholars and planning to pursue college studies in science, technology, engineering or math, also known as STEM.  The scholarships will be paid over four years and recipients may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college.

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino), announced today that $150,000 in tax credits was awarded to C.B. Nichols Egg Ranch in Colton and $480,000 in tax credits was awarded to Mulhauser Steel in Bloomington.  These companies qualified for these tax credits through the California Competes Tax Credit program.

“C.B. Nichols Egg Ranch and Mulhauser Steel collectively invested $20 million in the 47th Assembly District and I am extremely happy that GO-Biz has rewarded their contribution to California’s economy,” Assemblymember Brown said.

In addition to the tax credits for job creation, the new program offers sales tax relief on the purchase of research and development equipment for life sciences and manufacturing equipment.  The amount of credits available will increase each year until 2018. Twenty-five percent of the credits are reserved for small businesses. Businesses interested in the program can apply through the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz).

“It is extremely important that California continues to improve its business environment by helping small businesses that are willing to invest in our communities,” Assemblymember Brown concluded.

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.