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Maggie Clennon Reberg as Mother Superior, left, and Kerissa Arrington as Deloris Van Cartier in the musical number “Here Within These Walls” from “Sister Act,”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – “Sister Act,” Broadway’s feel good musical about a lounge singer who is put into protective custody by the police after witnessing a mob crime, is coming to the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts.

Presented by the Theatrical Arts International, the national touring show is being presented for one performance only at 8 p.m. March 28. Tickets are $38.50-$77.50 and are available through the box office at (909) 885-5152 or www.ticketmaster.com.

“We’re very fortunate and happy to be presenting this very funny and entertaining musical,” said Joseph Henson of Theatrical Arts International. “Everyone will love ‘Sister Act’.”

Produced by Whoopi Goldberg, Troika Entertainment and Sister Act on Tour, LLC, the Broadway show received five 2011 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical.

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put into protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won’t be found — a convent. Disguised as a nun, she soon finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an uptight Mother Superior.

Using her fabulous “disco-ness” and killer voice to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon it’s nun-on-the-run time but she finds salvation in the heavenly power of her newly found sisterhood.

“Sister Act” features original music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Little Mermaid” and “Little Shop of Horror”) and lyrics by Tony and Academy Award-nominee Glenn Slater (“The Little Mermaid”). Book is by multi-Emmy Award winners Cheri and Bill Steinkellner (“Cheers”) with additional material by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane (“Xanadu,” “The Little Dog Laughed”).

Based on the mega-hit 1992 film that starred Whoopi Goldberg in the title role and Maggie Smith as Mother Superior, the critically acclaimed show features musical styles from Motown, soul and funk to great disco anthems and Barry White inspired musical comedy.

“To hear people laugh and cheer the way they do at ‘Sister Act ‘— a show people think they know but are pleasantly surprised to discover is not what they are expecting — is a magical experience for a producer,” says Goldberg. “Happily, audiences across the country are able to get in on the fun as Deloris and her fabulous sisters spread the love nationwide.”

“Sister Act” is part of Theatrical Arts International’s 2014-2015 season at the California Theatre. Other shows in the season are “Starlight Express,” April 17-19; and “Calendar Girls,” May 15-17.

TAI has recently announced its lineup for the 2015-2016 season of shows. Productions include the powerful “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Oct. 23-25; the magical “Ghost – The Musical,” Feb. 19-21, 2016; the hit Broadway musical “Mary Poppins,” April 8-10, 2016; and the enchanting “The Snow Queen,” May 20-22, 2016.

Season subscriptions for all four shows are currently available from $99 to $235. For tickets, call (909) 885-5152 or go to www.theatricalarts.com

 ‘SISTER ACT’

WHEN: 8 p.m. March 28

WHERE: California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth St., San Bernardino.

TICKETS: $38.50-$77.50 and available through www.ticketmaster.com or theater box office

INFORMATION/BOX OFFICE: (909) 885-5152

ON THE WEB: www.californiatheatre.net

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hG7HzK16cd8

Chelsea Davis, 23, is a native from San Bernardino California. In May of 2013, she obtained her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA. She is currently attending the University of Southern California in pursuit of her Master’s in Social Work. In addition, she has been selected to represent the city of San Bernardino in the upcoming Miss California USA State Pageant on December 4, 2016 in Long Beach, CA.

She wants to introduce her self to the each reader and resident of the City as a community leader. Davis is currently working to implement a mentorship and community development program called “Limitless Heights” under Applied Principles for Service Non-Profit Organization in the city of San Bernardino. Her main objective is to begin to change the culture of San Bernardino in an effort to bring about positive change in the community.

However, she needs your help. As she competes for the title of Miss California USA, Davis needs to raise a total of $1,750 by May 1,  2015. A donation in any amount would be helpful and greatly appreciated. Please visit her website below:

Click here to visit Chelsea’s support page

LOMA LINDA, CA- The 22^nd Annual Foundation Gala, “Rhapsody in Gold,” presented by Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, benefiting Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) will present three awards during the program on Thursday, March 12 honoring those individuals and organizations that give back in a special way to the communities they serve.

“There are so many wonderful people who give back to the community in very special ways,” said Jillian Payne, executive director, LLUCH Foundation. “It is a gala tradition to take the opportunity to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in their own unique ways for the kids in the Inland Empire.”

The Shirley N. Pettis Award recognizes lifelong dedication and distinguished service by an organization to children. Through volunteering and community service, recipients demonstrate the desire and motivation to improve the lives of children. This year LLUCH will present the award to the Riverside Community Health Foundation, which was founded in 1977 to improve the health and well-being of its community. It has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children and youth through a number of services, and it has a longstanding commitment to its efforts in supporting programs that promote youth development.

Zareh Sarrafian, MBA, a passionate individual who has, through exemplary service, made sustained contributions benefiting children in our community and beyond, will be honored with The Gatsby Award. The award recognizes individuals who, through outstanding leadership, demonstrate a lifelong commitment to providing a beacon of hope to children and their families. Prior to his current role as CEO of Riverside County Regional Medical Center, Sarrafian played an integral role at Loma Linda University Health for 20 years, where he is perhaps best known for his leadership of LLUCH. There he helped the hospital become recognized for the quality of its services to children and their families.

Sarrafian has also served as chair of the board of the California Children’s Hospital Association and has championed children’s issues throughout the state.

Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is honored to recognize Tony and Sandy Cappelli of Steven’s Hope for Children as recipients of the 2014 Hometown Hero Award. Named after their late son, the couple started the organization in 2002. It provides housing and other essential needs to families of seriously ill or injured children during extended treatment. Because of the dedication of the Cappellis and the services provided by their charity, the lives of thousands of children in Southern California, across the nation and around the world have been enriched.

The 22^nd Annual Foundation Gala, “Rhapsody in Gold,” begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Riverside Convention Center on March 12. More information can be found on the event website,lomalindagala.org.

Supervisor Josie Gonzales joined Chairman James Ramos and Mayor Carey Davis to deliver opening remarks for an event last Thursday hosted by HOPE NOW, a nonprofit alliance between counselors, mortgage companies, investors, and other mortgage market participants.

The event aimed to bring leaders from housing industry together to discuss how to help keep local families in their homes and avoid foreclosures.

HOPE NOW will maximize outreach efforts to homeowners in distress to help them stay in their homes and will create a unified, coordinated plan to reach and help as many homeowners as possible.

Part of that plan includes a one-day mortgage help event in San Bernardino on March 16 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Arrowhead Event Center. Visit HOPENOW.com or see flier in events column in this email for details.

By La’Nae Norwood, CEO/ President, United Nations of Consciousness

Shots were fired into the crowd and chaos erupts. Many stared in shock as she took her last breath and her blood spilled across the pavement, another senseless act of violence, but why?

I’m left to wonder, how does an evening of frivolity turn into bloodshed? How does a parking lot turn into a war zone? These events are too familiar for San Bernardino residents, today as many family members and friends of the victims attempt to come together and pick up the pieces in mourning, sorrow and resentment.

With San Bernardino being bankrupt both morally and financially, violence is an expected symptom amongst economic despair and lack of representation. Tuesday night’s violent chain of events prompts a call for unity, education and peace

Due to pending investigations, we are unaware of what actually took place claiming the lives of 2 individuals and injuring 5, however this shows that our community is broken and immediate action needs to take place. As a member of the United Nations of Consciousness, we are making it our mission to be a resource for change in our community. In our attempt to make a direct impact, we must start with education. We need to educate our people on why violence is prevalent in our community. We must also, restore trust and focus within our communities. – Board Member, Natasha Lavera, United Nations of Consciousness

Consciousness is the ability to elevate from senseless violence. Consciousness creates the capacity to have understanding in the event you have been wronged, based on the sharing of one’s ancestry. A strive at the United Nations of Consciousness, is to foster unifying relationships between those of African ancestry to promote peace and prosperity, even at times of disagreement and conflict. Elevated and conscious minds can prevent the deadly incidents, like last night, that plague our communities. Too many African-Americans have suffered from these tragedies, and too many African-Americans have experienced these tragedies and have done nothing to unify the people amongst they have occurred. If ever there was a rallying cry it was last night, if ever there was a call to fight it was last night. A call to fight against lack of consciousness, lack of love and peace among our people. We shall rise up as we elevate our minds and our hearts, and the United Nations of Consciousness amongst African people is that start. I love you Black people, I love you San Bernardino.- Contributor, United Nations of Consciousness

United Nations of Consciousness will be hosting a Town Hall meeting to discuss the State of San Bernardino with community Leaders and members. If you are interested in participating, please contact us at uconsciousnations@gmail.com or you can find us on Facebook.

Question and Answer Session

Wallace Allen: Do you have specific plans? Are you recruiting help/volunteers from the community? Do you have regular meetings? Is there a rally or meeting being organized to get momentum from this shooting? How well do you know any of the dead, and injured? What qualifies you and other members of your group to lead a “stop the violence” campaign?

Were you able to get any photos?  Can you find a “person who was there and saw something”? I would like to hear from someone who was basically terrorized by what they heard and felt going on around them during the fight inside, outside in the parking lot or at the gas station…

La’Nae: We do have specific plans. We are a non profit organization that promotes unity, education and economic development with our priority and focus being the African/ American community. Our mission is to educate and empower as many as we can, starting right here in San Bernardino.

We are actively recruiting and fundraising to support our community programs. Our meetings are bi weekly at the 777 Community Center in San Bernardino. Our meetings require RSVP.

We also are in the process of contacting several community leaders, entertainers, influencers and political representatives to organize a town hall meeting and public protest.

In regards to the deceased and injured. I am very well acquainted with the family of one of the young men who was killed last night. I spoke to his sister briefly and she was really to upset to speak. I am very close friends with the Promoter of Stingers, Eugene Jones and he is very sad. When I spoke to him he was sobbing and mourning for those who were lost and injured last night. Eugene is a very jovial and outgoing person, that loves to make people smile and have a good time. He is filled with overwhelming remorse. I will meet with him later today to discuss the evenings events in more detail. I will encourage him to speak to you.

In regards to our qualifications,Natasha Lavera is a long standing employee at Cal State San Bernardino and Vice President of the 777 Community Center.  Daryl Pegram is an educator that works with the youth in San Bernardino.  All of us are community activist and volunteers. All College graduates and residents of this area since childhood. Now speaking directly about myself, I have over 12 years of organizational experience in the corporate setting and have worked with the business community and the youth throughout San Bernardino.

I have spoken to 3 people who were at the nightclub and the gas station, but I have not been able to acquire any photos, as of yet. The people I spoke to said the young lady who was shot at the club was breathing very hard and her blood was everywhere. One of my friends even stated, that “….it was apparent the young lady was not going to make it.” When they exited the nightclub there were injured people laying in the parking lot suffering form various injuries. There was pure chaos. There were a number of traffic accidents due to the pandemonium.

La’Nae Norwood will be a guest on this Sunday’s “Empire Talks Back” Radio talk Show. Hosted by WssNews Publisher, Wallace J. Allen, ETB broadcast each Sunday at 10:00AM on KCAA-1050 AM Radio. The program can be seen on your computer via www.kcaaradio.com and heard directly on your phone by dialing 832-999-1050.

ABOUT TUESDAY’S SHOOTING

A total of seven victims were located between the two scenes.

The two victims who died were described only as males. Police have not released their names yet.

Of the five people who were injured, two were in extremely critical condition.

A motive for the shooting was not immediately known, but the area was known for gang activity, according to Lawhead.

Read more at KTLA 5 News

What up my beautiful folks! This week nominations are WHAT IT DO! Inland Empire artist’s stand up, this is for you! LUE Productions presents, “MY MUSIC, MY MIC”, an Indie Artist Award Show! The show will be taking place on Saturday, June 6.

Are you a talented artist or know of a talented artist in the IE? If so, then nominate them for an award! Information and  Nomination form is located on the LUE Productions Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Lueproductions, or vote from your mobile device at www.jotform.us/form/43547972384164.

The nomination deadline is Sunday, March 15 and the announcement of nominees will be on Sunday, April 15. There are also plenty of opportunities to be a sponsor (affordable sponsorship packages available), a vendor, or a volunteer. For more information on volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, please leave voicemail message at (909) 567-1000, or send a text to (909) 495-0848, (909) 496-2151, (714) 833-3196, or (909) 556-7637.

The nomination categories include: R&B Best Mix Tape, R&B  Best Album, R&B  Best Song, R&B Best Male Performer, R&B Best Female Performer, R&B Best Group, R&B  Best Video, Rap/Hip-Hop Best Mix Tape, Rap/Hip-Hop Best Album, Rap/Hip-Hop Best Song, Rap/Hip-Hop Best Male Performer, Rap/Hip-Hop Best Female Performer, Rap/Hip-Hop Best Group, and Rap/Hip-Hop Best Video.

Other Categories are: Hottest Music Producer, Hottest Song Collaboration, Hottest Female Video/Model, Hottest Battle Rapper, Hottest Gospel Rapper, Hottest Dance Crew, Hottest DJ, Hottest Urban Designer, Hottest Internet Radio Show, Hottest Indie Artist Publication, Hottest Graffiti Artist, and Hottest Video Production.

(L to R) Sam Appiah-Kubi (AARP staff), Nancy McPherson (AARP Interim State Pres.), Assemblymemer Brown, and Antoine Cook (AARP staff). Photo by Jon Gaede

SACRAMENTO CA- Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino), chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care, was honored with The Capitol Caregiver Award by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) on Friday, February 27, at the Fontana Senior Center. The Capitol Caregiver Award recognizes elected officials who advance and support policies that make it possible for older Californians to live independently in their homes. Assemblymember Brown was selected for the award based on her leadership in introducing AB 1744, also known as the California Caregiver Act of 2014. The ceremony was attended by AARP staff, elected officials and community members.

By John Coleman    

RIVERSIDE, CA- Riverside Community Hospital presented its 6th Annual Red Dress Fashion Show and Health Expo on Saturday, February 28, at the Riverside Convention Center.   While there was no mistake that the hospital’s motivation for the event was on women’s health, the energy and excitement rippling through the crowded convention center hallways demonstrated that most who registered for the event came prepared to look good and have fun.  The fashion show began, hours earlier, when the doors opened and the guests arrived.

MR. ED LEWIS

LOS ANGELES, CA– The California African American Museum (CAAM) celebrates Women’s History Month by hosting a discussion with Mr. Edward Lewis, co-founder of EssenceMagazine, Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m.

Moderated by television writer Kathleen McGhee Anderson, Mr. Lewis will discuss how he and three men came together to ignite the importance of giving Black women a “voice” and highlight the beauty, intelligence, and passions of African American women often overlooked by mainstream media. Additionally, he will discuss the founding of Essence, his views on “beauty culture” as it relates to black women.

Mr. Edward Lewis, who grew up in the South Bronx, co-founded Essence Communications Inc. in 1970. Beginning as a novice in magazine publishing, his drive and ambition nurtured what eventually became a media powerhouse and what The New York Times calls “the pre-eminent voice for black women.” He has acquired many accolades during his tenure of 35 years as a Chairman, CEO, and publisher for Essence including becoming the first African American Chairman of Magazine Publishers of America, receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of New Mexico, and a receiving the Henry Johnson Fisher Award from Time, Inc.  In 2014, he was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame, and received the inaugural IPPIES Lifetime Achievement Award from City University of New York’s Journalism School’s Center for Community and Ethnic Media.  His admiration for civic responsibility and creating opportunities for the younger generations has provided him with many opportunities to speak at several known colleges, and serve on boards for President Obama and throughout the United States.

The following are other events taking place at CAAM in honor of Women’s History Month:

Sunday, March 8, 2015 12:30 pm-2:20 pm/ Film Screening

Things Never Said(2014,111 min.)

An aspiring poet, in an abusive marriage, reignites dreams deferred and gains confidence and a new love.  This film is suited for an adult audience 18 years and older.  Writer and director of Things Never Said, Charles Murray will be on-hand for a “talkback” and Q&A following the screening. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Sunday, March 8, 2015 2:30 pm-4:00 pm/ “Talkback” and Panel Discussion

Rejuvenation: Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence

Writer, director of Things Never Said, Charles Murray will join representatives from Peace Over Violence to discuss domestic violence and strategies for successful intervention. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Friday, March 13, 2015 9:00 am-2:00 pm/ Screening and Panel Discussion

Young Voices at CAAM: High School Symposium—Mirror Mirror on the Wall

One hundred high school students will spend the day at CAAM, connecting, touring the galleries and engaging in a documentary screening, The Beauty Culture. Also featured are excerpts from the short film, Rapunzel Jackson, followed by a discussion around beauty, media propaganda and how it impacts youth.  Teachers can contact Education Curator, Elise Woodson for participation and more information at ewoodson@caamuseum.org.

Sunday, March 22, 2015 2:00 pm/ Comedy Set

The Funny of Love and Romance

Four hilarious and critically acclaimed comedians will riff on love and romance: Yvonne Orji, Daheli Hall, Ayana Hampton, Kimrie Davis. RSVP at 213.744.2024

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS IN THE CAAM GALLERIES:

Light Catchers opening March 20 – June 7, 2015

Visibly Invisible ongoing through March 1, 2015

Curvature: Lines & Shapes ongoing through March 15, 2015

CAAM Courtyard Series: From Women’s Hands ongoing through May 3, 2015

Lookin’ Back in Front of Me: Selected works of Mark Steven Greenfield, 1974-2014 ongoing through July 5, 2015

The 50^th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965: A Photographic Remembrance From The Spider Martin Civil Rights Collection ongoing through August 9, 2015

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

The California African American Museum (CAAM) researches, collects, preserves and interprets for public enrichment the history, art and culture of African Americans. Chartered by the California State Legislature in 1977, CAAM is a state supported institution and a partner with the 501(c)(3) non- profit organization Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum. In addition to its permanent collection of over 3,000 objects of art, artifacts and historical documents, CAAM also houses a research library containing more than 20,000 volumes, employs and trains high school students through its Young Docents program, and hosts in-house curated exhibitions and traveling exhibitions on a regular basis.  The museum also tours CAAM exhibitions throughout California and the nation.

Photos by John Coleman

To celebrate Black History Month at Riverside’s Kansas Ave SDA Church, members and guests were invited to march into the church’s regular Sabbath service on February 18 with an Island twist. The church celebrated Black History in conjunction with giving recognition to the national Caribbean flag which symbolizes their birth and cultural identity. Participating members also wore Island colors, clothing, or something else symbolizing their cultural identity. It was a comfortable, joyful, and proud ceremony of recognition.