Local

Summer is here, complete with bored children who don’t know what to do now that school is out. If you are looking for free ways to entertain your children or grandchildren, check out these three recommendations from the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Each activity is free and a great way to keep your mind active during the summer.

#1 – Library: Books and More

In addition to books and e-books, the San Bernardino Public Library offers free computer classes, free Internet access, and Brainfuse. Brainfuse is a free tutoring program available in English and Spanish for students of all ages, including adults. Subjects include English, math, science, and SAT and GED test preparation. Monday through Thursday and Saturday, (909) 381-8201 http://www.sbcity.org/cityhall/library/default.asp

The Highland Branch Library offers Storytime for younger children, featuring songs, rhymes, and puppets. It also offers variety shows and musical performances on select days. Monday through Saturday, (909) 425-4700 http://www.sbclib.org/LibraryLocations/HighlandSamJRacadioLibrary.aspx

#2 – Ancient Egyptian Treasures and Contemporary Art

The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art on the campus of California State University, San Bernardino has one of the largest collections of Egyptian antiquities west of the Mississippi River. The museum also features a variety of temporary, contemporary art exhibits. General admission is free. Free tours are available with advance request. Parking at CSUSB is $5 per day. Monday through Thursday and Saturday, (909) 537-7373 http://raffma.csusb.edu/index.html

#3 – Local History and Art

The Unofficial McDonald’s Museum is located at 1398 N. E Street in San Bernardino, the site of the original McDonald’s restaurant. The museum has the largest collection of pre-Ray Kroc McDonald’s memorabilia. The outside of the building has two murals painted by local and visiting artists. The murals feature important events and people in the history of San Bernardino. Admission is free. Guided tours are available on the weekends. Daily, (909) 885-6324 http://juanpollo.com/route-66-attractions/mcdonalds-museum/

SAN BERNARDINO – Districts, charter and private schools, as well as professional organizations from San Bernardino County, are encouraged to submit applications for the annual California Teachers of the Year program for 2015, which is organized through the California Department of Education. The deadline for applications is August 8, 2014.

The program highlights educational innovation, student learning and the rewards of teaching for the more than 17,000 teachers who work in the county’s 33 school districts with more than 411,000 students.Program information, including the application form and instructions, can be downloaded at www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/ct/.

Completed application materials should include one original, printed on single-sided paper, as well as an additional 25 copies that are printed double-sided. Applications should be sent to Nancy Johnson, staff development specialist in Human Resources for San Bernardino County Superintendent at Schools, at 760 E. Brier Dr. in San Bernardino, 92408. For more information, call (909) 386-9570.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino High School is offering $10 sports physicals for middle and high school students, regardless of family income, on Wednesday, July 16 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cash payment, student immunization records, and a parent or guardian signature are required at the time of the physical. Call Jamie Rios at (909) 881-8217 for more information.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The 2014 Youth Awards presented by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is coming to you this fall.  The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards offers educational grants in several categories to qualified Hispanic/Latino high school seniors. Recipients are eligible to receive an educational grant ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. Students are also eligible to be selected as a national recipient and receive a laptop computer and an all expense paid trip to attend the National Youth Awards ceremony!

Categories for scholarships include Business and Entrepreneurship, Education & Math, Healthcare Science, and Innovation & Technology. If you’re looking for scholarship money, be sure to apply online at www.hispanicheritage.org by September 15, 2014. (By Noelle Lilley)

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA- You are cordially invited to the Pastoral Installation and Community Celebration of Pastors Samuel and Tamika Casey on Sunday, August 3 at 4 p.m. The theme is “Pastors Given from the Heart of God”, coming from Jeremiah 3:15. Join New Life Christian Church of Fontana at Immanuel Praise Fellowship in Rancho Cucamonga to commemorate and celebrate the Lord’s doing. Attendees are also encouraged to purchase an advertisement, sharing a message to the Pastors or promoting their business and service. Enjoy a time of fellowship and worship! (By Noelle Lilley)

ALTADENA, CA- Get ready this summer for the annual Socal HBCU Reunion on Saturday, July 12. Hosted by the California HBCU Alliance and the County of LA Parks and Recreation, the Socal HBCU Reunion is an event created to share the culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and to build networking opportunities for students and alumni.

The reunion will have incoming HBCU students, current HBCU students and of course HBCU Alumni. There will be multiple activities throughout the day including food trucks, vendors, HBCU competitions and more. Be sure to bring blankets, chairs, and umbrellas. The reunion will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Loma Alta Park located at 3330 Lincoln Avenue in Altadena (91001). For more information, you can contact the committee chair, Nicole F. Calvery, at (626) 676-7309. (By Noelle Lilley)

By Naomi Bonman 

LOS ANGELES, CA- We all have that one big dream that we wish to accomplish. That dream that will change lives. This is what Creative Director of Fashion Speaks, Joshua Washington, envisioned in his dream, and it came to reality on Tuesday, July 8 with the help of the Los Angeles Urban League of Young Professionals and Cricket Wireless. This was the 3^rd Annual fashion show that Washington has hosted entitled, “LA-In-A-Day”, held at the Los Angeles Supper Club in Hollywood.

“With the production of this third installment, we remain firm in our commitment to provide a prominent stage for young designers to showcase their talents”, LAULYP President Abby Harris stated.

‘From the Beach, to the streets, to the office suites’ fashion show is all about giving back. Partial proceeds from the show are donated to support the youth empowerment programs of LA-based non-profit, C.L.I.M.B., Inc. Cosmetics of the show were donated by Ashley Reed of Mary Kay and hair creations were by Hair Republic located in Hesperia, California.

The hosts for the evening were fashion blogger and LAULYP member, Sharick LaMay, and actor Leo Brecken-Ridge. The two vibed well together as they introduced top designer brands which included Zalez Studio, Nour Amini Haute Couture, Drobe, J. Loren, Merlin Castell, Diamond Doll Collection, Krammer & Stoudt, Candy Coated Swimwear, and Nikki Kouture. Prior to the fashion show, celebrity and special guests walked down the red carpet for photo and press opportunities.

For more information on how you can become involved with the Los Angeles Urban League of Young Professionals, please visit www.laulyp.org.

WSS News Editor and interns with Diana Wehbe

Interview by Noelle Lilley and Ernest Carter 

RIVERSIDE, CA- One of the greatest gifts that you can give someone through the career of communications is giving them an inspiring message that will help them live out their purpose to fulfill their life in a positive way.

Since undergoing a battle with a cancerous Ovarian Cyst and Type 2 Diabetes in 2012, Radio Personality and Author Diana Wehbe used her outlet iHeartRadio and 99.1 KGGI as a platform to carry her message to the masses. Through prayer and patience, she fought her battle by changing her diet, along with her surroundings, and was able to lose 100 pounds in a span of 10 months. This then led her to launch her foundation, The Purpose Foundation, which has inspired and educated students and families alike to change the way they are living and the way they look at Faith, Food and Fitness.

On Wednesday, July 2, WSS News interns had the pleasure of interviewing and speaking with Wehbe about her career, her battle with her illness and her foundation. To view the interview, click here. For more information on The Purpose Foundation, visit www.PurposeTeam.org.

Lia Freeman, Miss California Plus 2014

By Naomi Bonman 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In the majority of National Beauty Pageants it’s rare that we see a curvy or plus size woman being represented, and as a result we then see a decline in the self-esteem of young girls who don’t feel pretty because they cannot identify with what is being represented. This why Lia Freeman, San Bernardino resident, decided to get involved and run for Miss California Plus America 2014, in which she was crowned.

“I decided to compete for my community”, Freeman stated. “I see girls with low esteem and I wanted to give them someone to look up to and inspire them.”

Freeman flew to Atlanta on Monday, June 30 to compete in Nationals where she hopes to bring the crown home; however, with or without the National crown, she will still promote her platform of empowering inner city youth between the ages of 10 and 24 through the promotion of physical, mental and emotional well-being within them. Through her organization, ‘Lia’s Got Good Cense’, located in San Bernardino, Freeman educates youth in the areas of health, education, and finances. She has dedicated her life to working with children, as well as volunteering with those with special needs, veterans, and senior citizens. She is also a advocate of literacy, which she was inspired to promote being that her Grandmother has been a librarian in San Bernardino County for over 25 years.

In addition to her philanthropic activities, Miss Freeman is a standout contestant in the competition because she is a mixed breed being Latina and African American. Not only is she bi-racial, but she is one of the first who has decided to wear her hair natural despite some of the judges stating that she should straighten her hair.

“I am honored to represent California and all of what the Miss Plus American pageant systems stand for, celebrating the inner beauty of each contestant and commitment to our community. With a Latin and African American background, I love that California embraces all. I am an Afro wearing, salsa dancing girl with love for country music, a true diverse Californian!” Freeman said.

Miss Freeman is definitely breaking barriers and providing an inspiring outlet to our youth that if they dream it, they can achieve it by going out there and making things happen. She encourages other young adult mentors to assist youth in finding their passions and bettering their community by finding activities that youth are interested in; such as a dance party, bowling night, skate night, etc., led by a young mentor that they feel comfortable with.

For more information on Lia Freeman and to keep up with her endeavors, please visit www.californiaplusamerica.com or www.facebook.com/MissCAPlusAmerica.

Noelle Lilley along with her Youth Pastor, San Bernardino Superintendent, her mother and her sister

The San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education honored 17 students with an Outstanding Student Award at the April 15 Board meeting.

Outstanding Student Award winners are recognized for achievement in academics, athletics, fine arts, or citizenship or for showing significant improvement in these areas.

Arroyo Valley High School Outstanding Student
Twelfth-grader Noelle Lilley excels in English and currently hosts a segment of the District’s talk show, Education Round Table. She plans to major in journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

Rodriguez PREP Academy Outstanding Student
Eighth-grader Daniela Ramirez-Rivera is outstanding in math, science, and the humanities. Her future plans are to attend college and major in engineering or architecture.

Palm Avenue Elementary School Outstanding Students
Sixth-grader Blaise Kaylah Austin is an advanced reader and has great problem-solving skills. She wants to attend college in San Francisco or Oregon and become a singer or fashion designer.

Second-grader Michael Kemp is a role model to his peers and volunteers to help his classmates after completing his own work. He wants to become a teacher, a firefighter, or a police officer.

First-grader Esteban Reyes reads at a second-grade level and is the class computer expert. He wants to become a police officer so he can help people.

Serrano Middle School Outstanding Students
Eighth-grader Angel Avila is a hardworking, thoughtful, respectful, and caring person. He wants to attend a local high school and enter a career pathway that will let him help others.

Eighth-grader Teresa Sanchez is a phenomenal writer and an excellent critical thinker. She wants to attend the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego and practice law in Southern California.

Eighth-grader Jose Valdez has excellent attendance and behavior and won a Principal Award. He wants to study criminal justice and join the FBI or CIA.

Middle College High School Outstanding Students
Twelfth-grader Carlos Cervantes volunteers with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Inland Empire and maintains a 3.85 G.P.A. He has been accepted to UCR, and he plans to dual major in history and English.

Twelfth-grader Marissa Eich is optimistic, creative, and thoughtful. She will graduate high school with more than 300 credits. She plans to attend the University of Redlands or Cal State San Bernardino.

Twelfth-grader Kwasi Hill has a great sense of humor, loves sports, and excels academically. Kwasi plans to earn a degree in biology or physiology from Oakwood University.

San Bernardino High School Outstanding Students
Eleventh-grader Thyara Z. Juarez has shown improvement in her academics and extra-curricular participation. She plans to attend San Bernardino Valley College before transferring to UC Davis and becoming a veterinarian.

Twelfth-grader Estevan Lozoya excels in his graphic design and silk screening classes. He plans to major in business and eventually open his own printing company.

Eleventh-grader Jordan D. Sartorio is improving his grades and his writing skills so he can attend the college of his choice. His goal is to someday design educational technology.

San Gorgonio High School Outstanding Students
Twelfth-grader David Tamayo has challenged himself by taking more advanced elective and academic courses than he previously had. His goal is to attend San Bernardino Valley College and become a certified machinist.

Tenth-grader Phillip Lopez’s grades and attendance have improved significantly. He also joined the track team. Phillip wants to join the U.S. Army and serve his country before becoming an architect.

Twelfth-grader Roberta Salgado has contributed to the positive atmosphere on campus through her involvement in orchestra, student council, and other extra-curricular activities. She has been accepted to several colleges, but hasn’t yet decided which she will attend. She knows she wants to major in psychology or criminal psychology.