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A new task force made up of parents, educators, and community leaders has begun focusing on ways to boost the academic success of the San Bernardino City Unified’s nearly 8,000 African-American students.

Among the first goals of the Task Force for African American Student Achievement is surveying parents about the District’s parent and community engagement practices. The task force, headed by the Rev. Samuel Casey of Communities Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE), hopes to establish more community engagement opportunities that will help parents and guardians work with the District as it strives to increase the number of African-American high school graduates who are ready to succeed in college and careers.

Formed late last year, the task force represents a spectrum of grassroots community organizations, among them the Westside Action Group, Young Visionaries, BLU Educational Foundation, the San Bernardino chapter of the NAACP, Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino, Youth Action Project, Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, and the Black Voice Foundation. The task force’s mission is to ensure that the District’s Targeted Instructional Improvement Plan, known as TIIP, is implemented for the benefit of African-American students.

“We have a responsibility to hold the District accountable but also to work alongside the District,” Casey said. “Effective collaboration is essential to real change.”

This summer, the Task Force for African American Student Achievement will host a Parent Learning Institute to educate mothers, fathers, and guardians, so they can become better advocates for children. The institute will also focus on empowering parents and caregivers to participate in the decision-making process at the school, District, and community level.

Task force members will have a booth at the April 5 Day of King Celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, located at 1250 Medical Center Drive in San Bernardino. The parent survey will be available during the event.

Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden, who has long supported authentic parent engagement, welcomes the task force’s help.

“We have already begun a productive dialogue that I believe will be beneficial to the task force, the District, and, most importantly, our students,” Marsden said. “Educating students and ensuring their future success is the work of our entire community.”

For more information about the work of the new task force, please call COPE at (909) 915-1776.

Michael Gallo

Michael Gallo provides leadership to the commercial, civil, and military space community as a founding member and past chairman of the California Space Education and Workforce Institute, the California Space Authority and as section chairman of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.  He is a past chairman and current board member of the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County.  Michael serves as advisory board chairman of the Lewis Center for Educational Research, a k-12 charter school.

He founded Technical Employment Training, Inc., a non-profit established as a partnership between education and industry, to prepare a skilled and highly-qualified workforce for the manufacturing sector and place students into careers.

As the past chairman of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board, board member of several California State University initiatives and regional education collaboratives, he is focused on the implementation of key strategic education, workforce, and economic development objectives to enable our region to compete within targeted high-growth industry clusters and provide technology sectors with qualified workers.

Time for Change Foundation’s Annual Awards Luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2014 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Orange Show Events Center, located at 690 S. Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92408.  “Celebrating Life’s Precious Jewels” is this year’s theme.  The event will celebrate the life successes of Time for Change Foundation while awarding the members of the community who contribute to the success of those in need.

Other awardees at this year’s event include:  Dan and Melissa Carlone for the Community Champion Award; Penny Lilburn for the Community Pioneer Award; the Safety Employees’ Benefit Association for the Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award; Brenda Dowdy and Vicki Lee-Nichols for the Community Service Award; and Ron Cochran for the Public Safety Award.

The mission of Time for Change Foundation is to empower disenfranchised low income individuals and families by building leadership through evidenced-based programs and housing to create self-sufficiency and thriving communities.  Event sponsorship opportunities and seats are available.  Please call (909) 886-2994 or visit www.timeforchangefoundation.org for more information or to make a donation.

Position: Care Manager, Inland Empire
Provide consultation on dementia-related care management to families, staff and volunteers who work
with families. Provide individual and family consultation on clinical/family issues related to dementia.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct care consultations and home visits with families with dementia in the Inland Empire area.
• Develop care plans, provide referrals and follow up with caregivers according to approved policies and procedures.
• Educate caregivers on aging-related issues individually and at community events.
• Collect and monitor collection of statistical data for program evaluation
• Conduct a minimum of three community education presentations or outreach events per year
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required:

• M.A. in psychology, social work, gerontology, nursing, or related field
• In pursuit of professional licensure appropriate to graduate degree
• Three years of experience working in the dementia care field
• Dementia care, case management, assessment, counseling and support group experience
• One or more years supervisory and program management experience
• Computer literate
• Ability to train, supervise, recruit and organize staff, interns and volunteers.
• California driver license, proof of auto insurance, and reliable transportation
• Successful background screening

Send cover letter Alzheimer’s Association and resume to:

Attn: Human Resources – CM/IE
4221 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90010
E-mail: alzlajob@gmail.com (Word attachments only)
Fax: 323-938-1036
No telephone inquiries

Interview by Naomi K. Bonman

TEMECULA, CA- As women we are bombarded by how we “think” we should conduct ourselves by what’s portrayed in the media. The media has portrayed, Black women in particular, to as promiscuous and loud individuals with little to no class. This misjudgment often clouds ones thinking and alters decisions that lead to life mistakes.

I recently interviewed the author of ‘A Little Bit of Tail’. Miss Cherry wanted to make a difference in the lives of woman, so she decided to put together a format where young ladies can not only relate to what is going on through the pages of the book, but also learn as well. She wants other women to know that it is okay to make mistakes because we all do, but we have to learn from them and be able to move forward. Our mistakes should not hinder us, but they should give us that extra boost and strength to move on.

‘A Little Bit of Tale’ is a fast paced, page turning novel about what happens when love clouds judgments, alters decisions and leaves you hanging out to dry on a limb by your lonesome. Throughout the book the reader will witness powerful storylines that combines real life stories of the most humiliating and embarrassing mistakes women have made in love. It is full of secrets they would rather take to the grave out of shame and fear of being judged. The book is a tool to expose actual heartaches by giving women the chance to learn from other women’s mistakes in love so they do not make all the mistakes by themselves. The moral of the story is to never lose your head over ‘A Little Bit of Tail’.

One-on-One with Ms. Cherry:

What moved you to write the A Little Bit of Tale?

I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the lives of women. So I decided to put everything that I knew in a format that they could relate to and learn from.

What did you learn about yourself while writing the book?

I have seen and done a lot. While writing this book it opened up a new world to me and I have learned that I have a voice to make a positive impact in the lives of women.

What is or are some of the things that you want other young women to take from the book?

To know that it’s okay to make mistakes, but that they have to learn from them and make wiser choices. Don’t let yourself stay down; continue to move forward. Also there is much more to life than your body. Stay strong and be courageous!

What’s next? Is there another book on the way or are you planning any book signings?

I am in the process of writing part II of the book which should be released sometime in October (2014). Other than that I just want to continue to be a role model for other women and to do whatever God has in store for me.

Could you see turning your book into a movie? If so, who would you want to star in it?

That’s a good question! Let’s see, there’s for main characters in the book. For Mina it would be Jennifer Lopez, for Jasmine it would be Taraji B. Henson, for Chaundra it would be Tia Mowry-Hardrict and to play Rich it would be Mos Def. 6. What’s your advice for other authors as far as marketing their book?  Start early, be creative and think outside of the box. Target your audience by where they hang out, what they do and what their interests are. Believe in God and allow him to lead you to the sky because the sky is the limit.

What else should we know about you or your book? 

When it comes to the book I need readers to know that it is composed of real life situations from real people who experienced some hard lessons when it came to love. I want women to be able to read the devastating mistakes that could have avoided a lot of heartache and pain so that they don’t have to take the same road of destruction when it comes to loving someone. For example, if you’re dating a man who sits in the house more than the furniture, it’s time for an upgrade. You need a man who values you and knows that you’re worth working hard for, but first you have to value yourself and know that you deserve to be provided for. If you’re a single woman who’s just meeting and beginning to date a man, if you know nothing else about him know his license plate number and give it to someone you love and trust who you know has your best interest at hand. If you’ve been dating someone who’s house you’ve never been to, and who’s friends you’ve never met…he should not know your address and please don’t give him a key. This book is designed to make sure women know better so that they can do better.

For more information on Cherry and her novel, please visit www.tocherry.com.

Follow her on:

Instagram:@_tocherry_

Twitter: @_ToCherry_

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Assistant Sheriff Cochran

Assistant Sheriff Cochran began his career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 1984. He rose through the ranks over three decades, landing him in his current position. As an Assistant Sheriff, he is responsible for all support operations. He is the first African-American to hold the position of Assistant Sheriff in the history of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He will be awarded the Public Safety Award at Time for Change Foundation‘s Annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 10 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Orange Show Events Center, located at 690 S. Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92408. The theme of this year’s luncheon is “Celebrating Life’s Precious Jewels”.  The event will celebrate the life successes of Time for Change Foundation while awarding the members of the community who contribute to the success of those in need.

“Sherriff Cochran is one of those rare law enforcement officers who understand the issues in our community and believes in working together to ensure safety for all,” Kim Carter, Executive Director of Time for Change Foundation, said.

Cochran started his law enforcement career as a deputy at the West End Station and was transferred to Backgrounds and Recruitment. He was promoted to detective and served as a Community Liaison in Media Relations. As a sergeant, Cochran was assigned to Internal Affairs and the Highland Station; as lieutenant he worked at Employee Resources and the Rancho Station. Cochran held the position of Captain at the Highland Station and the Scientific Investigations Division. Prior to his appointment to Assistant Sheriff, Cochran was a Deputy Chief, responsible for directing, planning, coordinating, and managing all functions within the Field Support Services Bureau for the Sheriff’s Department.

Cochran is most recognized in the area of Ethics Training, Community Development Strategies and Community Oriented Policing. He combines his vast knowledge of law enforcement with his desire to help the community to foster an attitude of effective and accountable service to the residents of San Bernardino County.

His desire to better the community is evident in his personal life also, as he is involved with various service organizations. Cochran is active in Life Changing Mentoring and is a member of the Kiwanis Club in Highland and the NAACP of San Bernardino.

Other awardees at this year’s event include:  Dan and Melissa Carlone for the Community Champion Award; Safety Employees’ Benefit Association for the Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award; Michael Gallo for the Humanitarian Award; Brenda Dowdy and Vicki Lee-Nichols for the Community Service Award; and Ron Cochran for the Public Safety Award.

City of Fontana Mayor, Acquanetta Warren, will be emceeing the event;  while County of San Bernardino Supervisors Josie Gonzales and James Ramos are also listed as speaker on the programs.

The mission of Time for Change Foundation is to empower disenfranchised low income individuals and families by building leadership through evidenced-based programs and housing to create self-sufficiency and thriving communities.  Event sponsorship opportunities and seats are available.  Please call (909) 886-2994 or visit www.timeforchangefoundation.org for more information or to make a donation.

He’s been gone for a minute, but now he’s officially back in action. Acclaimed comedian, Katt Williams, made a comeback at the Los Angeles Forum this past New Years Eve. Now he is making his way to the Inland Empire and will be making people fall out of their seats in laughter on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 8 p.m. at the Citizens Bank Arena. Doors open at 7 p.m, and parking is included in ticket fees. Tickets range from $29 to $109. A group of four is $100 plus fees. This is a show you don’t want to miss! So get your tickets while you still can. Visit Citizens Bank Arena’s website to purchase your tickets today!

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., was presented with an award of participation and contribution at the 17^th Annual Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Youth Symposium. The theme was “Partners in Progress: Working Together to Build Bridges for Youth”. The award recognized the Chapter’s help in putting on the symposium this year. The recognition was made by Dana Young, Basileus of the Inland Empire Sigma Gamma Rho Alumnae Chapter and Joann Loveless, Immediate Past Grand Basileus. Polemarch Dr. Samuel Gibbs accepted the certificate for the Riverside Alumni Chapter members in attendance. The Chapter, through its Guide Right Program, awarded a ThinkPad laptop computer to 13 year old Long Beach student Samaiya Richardson. Other organizations who participated included the March of Dimes, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, The Girl Scouts, USA Swimming/Swim 1922, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Kappa’s NEA Priority Schools Coordinator Edward Moore, Jr. VADM USN (ret) stated the purpose of the symposium. “The youth symposium is a signature event for Sigma Gamma Rho…it is their major community engagement and social service project, and is primarily targeted toward middle school/junior high school youth. It was run as a series of youth oriented and age appropriate workshops that included presentations on self esteem, health issues, a ‘step show’, music, available community services, and interpretive dance performances. The symposium started at 10 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. this past Saturday (same day as the Kappa Black and White Ball, which made it a very busy day for the Chapter).” He went on to state that the “local Inland Empire Sigma Gamma Rho Alumnae Chapter (Theta Pi Sigma) has as one of their members, the Immediate Past Grand Basileus, so the focus is even sharper for the local membership to put on a successful event.” This year the Sigma symposium was conducted at Amos Temple CME Church of Riverside where Pastor Marrix Seymour, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, ministers.

In 2011 Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., celebrated its 100^th year. Through its Guide Right Program the fraternity continues to partner with other fraternities and sororities, schools, and community based organizations in mentoring youth.

Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr

SAN BERNARDINO, CA  – The Consumer Protection Unit of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed 12 counts of grand theft and 9 counts of the unauthorized practice of law against 76-year-old Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr., of Walnut Park.

The charges are pending in the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. Lopez was arrested on February 27, 2014, and is currently in custody with bail set at $360,000.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by district attorney investigators showing that Lopez presented himself as an attorney who could help individuals with bankruptcies, family law matters, immigration matters and civil and criminal representation.

According to investigators, Lopez took money for these services which he could not deliver. Lopez is not, and never has been a licensed attorney.

Further investigation revealed that Lopez specifically targeted Spanish-speaking individuals as his victims. Investigators believe that his fraudulent activities have occurred in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties.

A bail hearing is scheduled for March 24, 2014 in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.

Individuals who believe they have been victimized by Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr. should contact the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection unit at (909) 891-3330 or via the District Attorney website at http://www.sbcountyda.org

Hardy Brown Sr.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the Inland Empire as a publisher and philanthropist, Hardy Brown will be recognized by the California State University and California State University, San Bernardino with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

The ceremony will take place during the CSUSB College of Arts & Letters commencement on Saturday, June 14 at 11:45 a.m. in Coussoulis Arena.

“It is truly an honor to recognize Hardy Brown. He and his wife Cheryl are iconic members of our community, celebrating the contributions of our African American community through the Black Voice newspaper and their many community partnerships,” said CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales.

A true patriarch in the Inland Empire’s African American community, Hardy Brown Sr. co-founded Brown Publishing Company to produce a weekly community newspaper, Black Voice News, which focuses on local news in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The Browns, married for 50 years, have been recognized as the only living publishers to be included in the 175th anniversary of the Black Press of America. Their names were added to such historic publishers as Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Carlotta Bass – all of whom overcame great obstacles to publish the truth and to give a voice to the disenfranchised. Black Voice News now reaches over 10,000 readers per edition.

In 2001, Mr. Brown co-founded California Black Media (CBM), a network of African American media owners across the state of California. CBM has served as a statewide initiative to better inform and educate the African American community about key issues that affect their lives. California Black Media consists of 22 African American newspapers across the state. Hardy Brown Sr. was awarded the Alice F. Page Award for nonviolence in 2009.

Passionate about community service and education, the Browns founded the Black Voice Foundation in 1988, with a mission to train and educate individuals in print media. Due to the digital revolution, the rapid growth of technology in the world of communications and media, and the need to impact lives through a diverse set of media platforms, the foundation has expanded its mission to include digital and electronic media and professional development.

The Black Voice Foundation now runs programs in order to fulfill their commitment to educate and preserve the African American legacy in the community. They include the Black Voice Internship Program and the Califest Studio Workshop. The latter combines education with the arts. Its first project, Buck World One, fuses spoken word, interactive video projections and dance in telling the story of urban youth living in some of the Inland Empire’s most depressed communities.

For 15 years, the Black Voice Foundation Footsteps to Freedom Study Tour has partnered with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Riverside County Office of Education, and National Park Service to lead a unique study tour experience for Inland Empire educators and college students. For eight days each summer, tour participants learn first-hand about the incredible courage of the people who sought freedom or who helped others achieve it along the central and lesser-known route of the Underground Railroad from Kentucky to Canada. Some 500 area teachers and administrators have taken this summer course and helped excavate this unique African American tapestry.

In addition, the Black Voice News also initiated the “Building Better Communities” program, which works with local companies, organizations and agencies to improve neighborhoods.

Through its efforts with California Black Media, the Foundation is able to promote the merits of the Black Press across the state of California. The California Black Media project hosts annual issue forums that address concerns in African-American communities throughout the state.

Loretta Ross

Miss Loretta Ross began her reproductive rights and anti-violence activism after being sterilized by the use of the Dalkon Shield at the age of 23. Miss Ross has appeared on The Charlie Rose Show, Good Morning America and CNN. In addition, Loretta has been a consistent participant in International women and Health Meetings. Miss Ross helped organize the delegation of 1100 African American women to the International conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1984, and attended United Nations women’s Conferences in Copenhagen, Nairobi, and Beijing.

After meeting with U. S. Congressional Candidate Danny Tillman, Miss Ross gave her whole hearted endorsement, and adding “I look forward to the positive work Danny will do in Congress.”

“This endorsement really hits close to home. I am a father of three daughters and I am well aware of the fight that women have in every aspect of their lives. I am a lifelong advocate for women’s rights across the board. That is why this is such and honor for me to have the endorsement of Miss Loretta Ross. I am truly touched by her endorsement and support.”

Danny Tillman is a Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congress running in California’s 31st District Open-Seat. San Bernardino Board of Education Member Danny Tillman is known for getting people involved to fight injustices. Danny Tillman will be a progressive voice and a Congressman who will work hard to create family wage paying jobs and educational opportunities for the people of the Inland Empire.

Danny Tillman is running for U. S. Congress in California’s 31st Congressional District in 2014. The District includes the cities of San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Upland, Fontana Rialto, Colton, Loma Linda and Grand Terrace. For more information visit Danny Tillman for Congress at: www.dannytillmanforcongress.com