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LOS ANGELES, CA- Macy’s ninth annual “Shop For A Cause” one-day shopping event has raised $60,000 in support of the March of Dimes mission to help moms in our community have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies, it was announced today. Programs for moms and babies in our area that will benefit from these vital funds raised include:

Supportive group prenatal education to teach pregnant women to have a healthy pregnancy and promote healthy behaviors and equip women to make better decisions about their health care.

Services to hospitals and health care providers to help them reduce the numbers of elective cesarean sections and inductions of labor between 37 and 39 weeks of pregnancy.  Reducing early elective deliveries is safer for mothers, reduces the risk of medical complications for babies, and results in lower health care costs.

The March of Dimes was the exclusive national beneficiary of in-store and online savings pass sales for Macy’s 2014 “Shop for A Cause.” For more information about “Shop For A Cause,” visit macys.com/magicofgiving.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Applications are being accepted to award diplomas to men and women whose high school education was interrupted due to military service or internment in a Japanese American camp.

In partnership with the County Department of Veterans Affairs, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools is offering an opportunity to provide veterans and internees who qualify for a high school diploma.

The deadline to apply for the sixth annual County Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project is September 26.Diplomas will be awarded to qualified applicants at a presentation in November. Applicants will be notified of their status and qualified applicants will be provided with the date, time, and location of the presentation.

Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project provides veterans and internees, who were unable to complete high school due to military service or internment, the opportunity to receive a high school diploma, according to the state education code. Veterans who served in and receivedan honorable discharge from World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War; or individuals who were interned in a Japanese American relocation camp and are San Bernardino County residents are eligible to participate. There is no charge to participate.

Applications can be downloaded from the County Schools’ website at vdp.sbcss.k12.ca.us. For assistance with verification of military service and/or discharge papers, contact the County Department of Veterans Affairs at (866) 472-8387 or (909) 387-5516.For more information, contact Stacie Diaz at County Schools at (909) 386-2412.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Arts professionals from throughout San Bernardino County and surrounding areas will convene for a full day of speakers, workshops, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities.

The Arts Connection Conference will be highlighted with a Keynote Address by Craig Watson, Executive Director of the California Arts Council, who will speak on the state of the arts in California and bringing economic and creative vitality to our region though the arts. Additionally, San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor, Janice Rutherford will show her support with the Welcome Address.

The conference is being organized by the non-profit organization, Arts Connection – The Arts Council of San Bernardino County in partnership with the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center and will be held on Saturday, September 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, located at 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739.

The conference is free to all members of Arts Connection. One-year membership starts at $25 (and $10 for students). The conference fee is $50 for non-members. Pre-registration for the conference is highly encouraged. Registration is available online at artsconnectionnetwork.org/event-reservation or by phone at (909) 537-5809.

For more information contact Julia Tilley, Interim Executive Director, Arts Connection, 909-537-5809 and info@artsconnectionnetwork.org.

Officer Coleman

NEWPORT NEWS, VA.- Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Coleman, a hospital corpsman from Rialto, California and 2002 graduate of Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

Gerald R. Ford is the first ship in its class and the successor to the Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carriers that have been in operation for the last half century. Gerald R. Ford’s 1000-sailor crew is slowly bringing the ship to life, a crew that will eventually grow to more than 4,500 when the ship is at sea.

When complete, the aircraft carrier, powered by two nuclear reactors, will measure more than three football fields long at 1,092 feet in length and will weigh more than 100,000 tons.  It will be capable of sailing at nearly 35 mph and will carry more than 75 Navy aircraft.

Like the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers that came before it, USS Gerald R. Ford’s mission is to protect and defend America on the world’s oceans.  When the ship deploys it will bring four-and-a-half acres of survivable, sovereign U.S. territory increasing the Navy’s strike capability and defending the country’s interests in any region of the world.  The ship is scheduled to commission in spring 2016. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joshua Treadwell)

Photo and Article by Naomi K. Bonman. 

REDLANDS, CA- To end the summer off right, Music Changing Lives partnered with Hip Hop Artists Against Drugs (HHAAD) and the Redlands Police Department to bring a fun filled event for the family. The event, “Ball 4 a Cause,” took place on Saturday, August 30 at the Redlands Community Center.

Retired NBA star Doug Christie, hip-hop artist Joe Moses, model/celebrity host Latricia Renee Price, Kartoon from the Ruff Ryders, and others battled the Music Changing Lives (MCL)team in the fundraising event to a final score of 59 to 58.

“Music Changing Lives staff and CEO were humbled and honored to see the turnout for our first celebrity basketball fundraiser ‘Ball 4 A Cause’,” Josiah Bruny, CEO of Music Changing Lives, stated. “Not only does it show our local community believes in our efforts but we now have the ear of Hollywood’s elite and one of the greatest NBA stars on our team to stand up for social equality and to help keep music and art alive in our region and beyond.”

He continues, “I want to thank our sponsors Jackie Christie Shiekh Shoes Vizard PR The Hotel San Bernardino, Q1047 Alynette & Chris Loos. I want to thank all the playersDoug Christie and Doug Christie Jr. KC, Joe Moses, Young Blacc, Dee Mac, Gregg, Kartoon, Glenn Summerall, Demtitrius, Latricia Price, Niko, and Josiah Bruny.”

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Photo caption: Pictured (L to R) is San Bernardino County Librarian Leonard Hernández; Executive Director Linda Jackson, NID Housing Agency; San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis; Assemblymember Brown; and San Bernardino County Deputy Superintendent Ted Alejandre.

MUSCOY, CA- Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) recently held a back to school symposium in the unincorporated area of Muscoy to give a legislative update on state education initiatives and to distribute over 400 backpacks stuffed with school supplies for students residing in the 47^th Assembly District.

The event was proudly sponsored by the San Bernardino County Library, NID Housing Agency, Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, Staples, Westech College, IEHP, Molina Healthcare, Incredible Edible Community Gardens, Stater Bros Markets, First 5 San Bernardino, Al-Shifa Clinic, and the San Bernardino Valley Links.

SAN BERNARDINO – Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) issued the following statement today on the shooting of San Bernardino Police Officer Gabriel Garcia:

“I am praying for a speedy and full recovery for San Bernardino Police Officer Gabriel Garcia.  As I stated at his vigil last Friday, we must control the violence rising in our communities.  We must begin to address the underlying factors, which create an atmosphere that breeds violence.  I call on every citizen to help us stop this steady increase of violent actions, which begins with all of us respecting and helping our law enforcement officers keep our communities and cities safe.

It is imperative that the community leaders, law enforcement and public safety officials come together to discuss and work on a comprehensive plan to stop the violence.  This is a problem that can only be solved by everyone respecting each other and working together for a common goal and purpose.”

Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown represents the 47th Assembly District, which includes Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy.

Website of Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown: http://www.asmdc.org/members/a47/       

Mr. Dwaine E. Radden, Sr. was appointed CEO of Provisional Educational  Services, Incorporated (PESI) at the July Corporate Board Meeting. Radden  served as Chief Operating Officer before his recent appointment as the second  CEO in the 29 year history of the organization. Mr. Radden, is also a  Businessman and long-time Community  Leader, which brings considerable  business knowledge to the position and the PAL Center.

Founded by Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry in December 1984, PESI, DBA The PAL  Center and Charter Academy, has continuously provided education, employment,  and social services since that time.  For additional information, call The PAL  Center,  909-887-7002.

PAL Center CEO Community Message:

“I am excited to be the Chief Executive Officer at the PAL Center, following in the footsteps of our founder, Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry with a torch established more than twenty-nine years ago.

As the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, it is my goal and my commitment to continue to provide the exceptional dedication and solutions our community has come to expect from our campus. I am fortunate to have worked my way up in the company and I look forward to the new challenges with a sense of excitement and resolve to continue, and expand, our founder’s vision, “Dare to do the impossible.”

As I settle into my new role, the PAL team and I are working on streamlining our processes to introduce new services and expand our abilities here on campus — but we will never lose sight of our responsibility to our youth and community.

As we move forward, we will be building on a tremendous foundation, built upon integrity, professionalism and pride in the caliber and tenure of the people we employ. With a history of consistent, reliable and convenient service, we’ve never been stronger than we are today. That strength comes not only from our exceptional knowledge of the areas we serve, but our strategic on-site location here in San Bernardino, which also plays a critical role in our past, present and continued success.

As we continue our quest to lead the education industry in developing and bringing new solutions and services to our community, I am very excited about the future of our company. It is my goal to exceed expectations through the continued execution of our vision and strategy.”

And as always, we thank you, our community and partners, for your on-going support and feedback.

Hey, Hey, Hey in my Dwayne Nelson voice! It’s me again, here to tell ya’ What It Do!Laughter is what it do! This Saturday, August 30 at the Sports Bar and Grill (25597 Main Street) in Barstow. I need you to come out and laugh out loud with upcoming Comedian Mac Rome and a host other hilarious comedians from all over. Barstow is doing it BIG yawl!

Founder and owner of the original “Wing It” restaurant in San Bernardino and owner of “Artistically Clean Cleaning Services”, Bennie Fredrick, along with Comedian Mac Rome have teamed up to bring laughter to the community. Unlike anger or sadness, comedy can be an escape from reality even if it’s for a short moment. In my opinion, laughter soothes the SOUL. It allows you to release and let go of the day to day hustle and bustle.

I’m so thankful for comedians such as Red Fox, Richard Prior, Rodney Dangerfield, George Lopez, Bill Cosby, Moms Mabley, Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldburg, and George Burns. That’s only a drop in the comedy bucket of GREATS. So with that being said, I hope you can make it to Barstow this Saturday. Remember a frown upside down turns into a smile. Have a blessed and safe holiday.

Brittany Evans

Just a couple of weeks ago we ran an article on Brittany Evans, a local Fontana teen who overcame bullying by following her God given potential who is not only a motivational speaker but is also a inventor with her patent pending innovation Sparkbudz. She has recently been promoting her invention, as well as sharing her testimony to teens and young adults in her community. Her latest endeavor includes a speaking engagement that she will participate in at her local church during their “Millionaire Boot Camp” on Saturday, September 13.

She says, “God has done many amazing things in my life, not only has he blessed me with an amazing supportive family, but he has brought people in my life to help promote the invention he has blessed me with. There have been times were I felt I have been tested but I allowed those tests to become my testimony”.

Brittany who balances school and work, also gives back by volunteering has a junior trainer for an organization called B.O.S.S The Movement. She motivates and inspires to tell teens to follow their path and be unique.

If you want to hear more about her story go to www.Sparkbudz.com.