Local

Alejandre taking Administration of Oath led by Mr Mark Sumpter, President, S B County Board of Education
(Photo by John Coleman)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Ted Alejandre took the oath of office becoming San Bernardino County’s 34^th superintendent during a ceremony today at the National Orange Show. Alejandre pledged to form a team among educators, stakeholders, community members and education partners to further academic opportunities for the more than 411,000 students who attend public school in San Bernardino County.

“Together, we will transform lives through education in our county,” Alejandre said.

About 500 community members, family, staff and dignitaries attended the oath of office ceremony. Alejandre was sworn into office by Mark Sumpter, president of the County Board of Education. Starting his career with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools office in 2008 as the assistant superintendent of Business Services, Alejandre brings more than 25 years of experience in public education to his new role as county superintendent. Alejandre is the first-ever Hispanic to serve in the position. Alejandre, who is a native of San Bernardino County, has worked in the Rialto, San Bernardino and Yucaipa-Calimesa school districts as a teacher, principal and administrator, prior to his stint with County Schools.

SPEAKERS

Michael & Regina Winans

Men ‘Only’ Session:
Facilitator:
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Eta Alpha Alpha Chapter

Women ‘Only’ Session:
Facilitator:
Nekisha-Michelle Kee, MSW
(Relationship Expert & Urban Matchmaker and TV Personality)

‘Work family balance and healthy conflict resolution for Married and Couples’:
Facilitator:
Letitia Clark, MPP

‘Depression among Divorced and Widowed’:
Facilitator:
Dr. La Grande Mason

‘Stigma around being Single’:
Facilitator:
Dr. Aesha Roberts

‘Minority Owned Business (e.g. funding, programs, etc.)’:
Facilitator:
Baron Kevyn Jerome Nelson

‘Debt Reduction Strategies’:
Facilitator:
Coach Chris

‘Community Awareness: State of Black America’:
Moderator:
Bert Wright

Panelists:
Dr. E. Lance McCarthy
Kareem Muhammad
Juanita Hamilton

Jewel Diamond Taylor, Jewel aka “The Self-esteem Dr.” is a multi faceted messenger shining her light into the lives of countless men and women.   Men and women are encouraged to grow beyond their obstacles, procrastination, past adversity, addictions and fears.   Jewel’s keynote and workshop presentations trains, transforms and teaches others how to be emotionally resilient — to excel, enjoy and endure life changes.

Taylor speaks to the relevant themes of life (e.g. leadership, time/stress management, parenting, strategies for goal setting success, resiliency, coping with change, spiritual strength) with a fresh voice and perspective blending spiritual principles, wisdom, wit, depth and compassion for our human struggle to achieve success and balanced living. Taylor’s message inspires her audience to learn how to cope, survive and thrive in this ever changing world. Jewel has facilitated countless women’s retreats across the nation.

Taylor received her education in Psychology from California State University Dominguez

This Washington D. C. native, born to a gemologist, is an author, and radio personality with a passion to inspire men and women to grow outside their life box of limitation, fear, socio- economic challenges and personal setbacks.

Taylor has been an invited speaker in 35 of the 50 United States, London, Brazil, Cancun, St. Kitts, Virgin Islands, Jamaica, St. Croix, the Bahamas, the U. S. Pentagon, U. S. Secret Service, NASA Research Center, Naval Research Lab, the EPA, the U. S. Mint, National Archives, CIA, USDA Graduate School, DEA, IRS, Coast Guard, U. S. Army Staff College, AARP, colleges, churches, workplace training and a very popular women’s ministry conference and retreat speaker. Jewel was a speaker for 12 years with the African American Women on Tour Conferences. Jewel’s articles have been published in Essence, JET, Black Enterprise Magazine, Upscale, countless newspaper and on her 15 year old web site www.DoNotGiveUp.net   As a Life Coach, Jewel has female clients across the country and she is a frequent guest taking calls and sharing advice to listeners on the Front Page show in the mornings on KJLH.

The titles of her books are:

1. Sisterfriends

2. Success Gems

3. You Are Too Blessed to Be Stressed

4. Shift Happens: The Main Thing is to Keep the Main Thing…the MAIN THING

5. I’m Tired But Still Inspired to Press On

6. I Am Resilient

7. Love Smart With Your Heart: Desperation is a Terrible Perfume to Wear

8. T.L.C. – Tender Loving Care for a Woman’s Heart and Soul

She will be speaking on Friday January 9th,  2015 at the Inland Empire Minority Led Resource Development Coalition from 10: 30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The address is 303 E. Vanderbilt Way, San Bernardino, CA 92415 , right behind T.G.I. Fridays.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) was officially sworn-in as U.S. Representative for California’s 35^th district.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve in the United States Congress,” Torres stated.   “I am humbled by the opportunity to represent the residents of California’s 35^th district and am ready to get to work on their behalf.

The problems facing the Inland Empire are no different than those most Americans face: keeping a roof over their heads, putting their kids through college, affording quality healthcare, and finding a good-paying job,” Torres continued.  “I am committed to doing my part to break through the gridlock by working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move our nation forward and do what is right for the voters who sent us here.”

Rep. Torres was elected to Congress on November 4, 2014 and succeeds former Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod.

WHO: Omnitrans, the public transit agency serving the San Bernardino Valley Event Partners: VA Loma Linda Healthcare System (host), San Bernardino County Department of Veterans Affairs, 211-Vetlink

WHAT: New Veterans Fare offers a 50% discount to US retired military personnel with ID. This includes those who served in the US Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. Approximately 79,000 Veterans live in the San Bernardino Valley served by Omnitrans. Additionally Omnitrans will offer FREE rides to uniformed active duty military members, police and firefighters. Veteran Opportunities at Event:

• FREE 1-day Veteran Bus Pass for anyone with San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs ID.
• Contest Drawing for a 31-day Veteran bus pass for any Veteran with ID from San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs.
• Veteran ID Applications taken on site by San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs, FREE.
• Information on Veterans resources from event partners.

WHEN: Monday, January 5, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Ceremony approximately 30 minutes; event continues until 4 pm with information and giveaways.

WHERE: Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center, Loma Linda, California 11201 Benton Street, Loma Linda, CA 92354 (map link) Main entrance; Parking on site.

The Anaheim Ducks Donate $20,000 to Loma Linda University Health to Support Cancer Services. Pictured (L to R) from the Anaheim Ducks organization are Christian Young, Corporate Partnership Activation Coordinator, and Graham Siderius, Corporate Partnership Director. Joining them from the Loma Linda University Cancer Center are Judy Chatigny, Executive Director; Dr. Mark Reeves, Medical Director; and Lexine Thall, Director of Patient Care.

LOMA LINDA, CA- As part of an ongoing partnership, the Anaheim Ducks presented Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) with a $20,000 donation on Dec. 17 to support patient services provided by the Loma Linda University Cancer Center (LLUCC).  The funds were raised by the National Hockey League (NHL) club, Anaheim Ducks players, and fans through “Hockey Fights Cancer” night on Oct. 22, which included the sale of miniature hockey sticks signed by players and an in-game auction of Ducks memorabilia.

“We are thankful to the Anaheim Ducks for its continuing help in raising cancer awareness and providing valuable funding that will augment our efforts to provide quality and compassionate care to our cancer patients,” said Judy Chatigny, Executive Director of the LLUCC.  “We value our partnership with the Ducks and hope it will continue for many more years.”

The “Hockey Fights Cancer” night is part of the NHL’s ongoing initiative to raise support and awareness for one of hockey’s most important fights.

With lavender serving as the official “Hockey Fights Cancer” color (representing awareness for all types of cancers), the first 3,000 fans that arrived at the Oct. 22 game received lavender ribbons to wear for the game.  Fans also had the opportunity to obtain “I Fight For” cards, which they used to fill in the name of loved ones who have been affected by cancer.  During the game, there was a special moment of recognition, in which attendees held up their “I Fight For” cards to honor the person they knew battling the disease.

“Virtually everyone has been touched by cancer or knows someone who has been affected by it,” said Graham Siderius, Corporate Partnership Director for the Anaheim Ducks.  “We know about the outstanding clinical and support services delivered by the Loma Linda University Cancer Center.  The center has challenging work, and it is an indispensible resource for stricken patients.  The Ducks and its fans are pleased to do our part to assist the effort.”

COLTON, CA- As part of its commitment to creating a healthy environment for patients, visitors and employees, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) becomes tobacco free January 2, 2015. The tobacco-free initiative will be implemented throughout the entire campus including parking lots, sidewalks, and streets.

The policy prohibits tobacco use of any kind as well as e-cigarettes, and will apply to employees, volunteers, students, patients, visitors, vendors, contractors and other individuals who visit the hospital campus.

“We are in the business of providing quality health care and have a special responsibility to take a leadership role on this major health issue,” said ARMC Director, William T. Foley. “As health care professionals we are committed to setting a positive example in the community.”

The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors approved the non-smoking ordinance in November, and a task force was created at ARMC to help plan and implement the new tobacco-free policy.

Worldwide, tobacco use causes more than five million deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than non-smokers.

Kicking the habit can be challenging, but ARMC has smoking cessation classes and other resources already in place. Call the hospital’s Quit Clinic at 909-580-6167, or visit ARMC’s website at www.arrowheadmedcenter.org and click on the  “Let’s Clear the Air” link to learn more about what you can do to be tobacco free.

Together let’s clear the air!

ARMC, a university-affiliated teaching hospital, is a state-of-the-art acute care facility with a full range of inpatient and outpatient services including a Level II trauma center, mobile medical clinic, primary stroke center, and a regional burn center. For more information about ARMC, go to: www.arrowheadmedcenter.org.

Hakim Hazim

“Justice is nothing more than the advantage of the stronger.” -Thrasymachus

 By Hakim Hazim

The grand jury decisions in Ferguson and New York should not surprise us. Justice is in the eyes of the beholder and the criminal justice system is not blind. It derives its power from the larger societal framework that simply has many preconceived ideas about Black males. We must work relentlessly to change this and hold the system accountable. We must also support the people who are doing that and exercise patience in the process. Keep in mind the two chief law enforcement officers in this nation are Black: Barack Obama and Eric Holder, and racial tensions are at an all time high. To their credit they are doing quite a bit, but they face an uphill struggle. We should follow their lead on criminal justice reform and we should do everything we can for the young Black men around us before and after tragedy strikes. We should also consistently deplore what we are doing to one another; it’s senseless not too. All of these things reinforce the notion, “Black Blood is cheap.”

Current law enforcement approaches toward us as a people and the tacit societal approval behind it must change. Society inherently nurtures the belief that justice is nothing more than the interest and the sustained advantage of the stronger, and it has played out that way for centuries. The rationale is, “If they did things the right way, they would get what I have and so would their children.”  Such self-righteousness obscures reality.  The fact is people do all they can to give their descendants an advantage in the system and they tilt the scales to their advantage. It’s true with race, power and wealth and gender. It’s simply a human trait of passing the best of your efforts, lessons and acquisitions to your children, but you also pass your biases on as well.

When we first arrived, justice was never considered for us as a people. It was an elusive concept for which we prayed, fought, bled and died for. To this very day, she seems a distant stranger to many of our people still in terms of access, resources, familial ties and fair treatment in terms of the criminal justice system. Although all black people have felt the sting of injustice, poor black folks feel it the most. Having little to bargain with or offer they are viewed as inferior, unworthy and an unnecessary, troublesome burden by many—even middle class and upper class blacks. Our inner cities are filled with Black-on-Black crime, fatherlessness and substandard schools. This fertile ground of dysfunction produces young men who think that they or their peers have little value. Feeling powerless, they prey on one another and lash out at the larger system. This crab in a bucket mentality is celebrated in the music of popular culture. The sad fact is this, many of us have not learn to value one another the way we should and King’s Dream falls on deaf ears to many of the younger generation.

Let’s face the facts: statistics show young people who do well often succeed because of the systems and programs that strengthen them. Things like a solid family structure and access to education, faith-based organizations, mentoring agencies, activity, athletic and interest development organizations and employment services, give young people a fighting chance. If not, their doomed from the womb. The deaths of so many young black males or own the hands of many. The Black-on- Black gang wars, stand your ground advocates and law enforcement officers have all contributed to this. Passivity is not an option. Let your voice be heard, or remain entrenched in hypocrisy. The choice is yours.

Hakim Hazim is the founder of Relevant Now and co-founder of Freedom Squared. He is a nationally recognized expert in decision analysis, criminality and security.