Local

Photo Caption: From Left to Right: Michael Van Schoick, The National Theatre for Children; Beverly Powell, Region Manager-Public Affairs-Southern California Edison; and Wendi West, The National Theatre for Children, take a photo after the production of ‘A Bug’s Light’ at Rio Vista Elementary School in San Bernardino.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Last week, a superhero insect toured 10 under-served elementary schools across Southern California Edison’s (SCE) service area to teach students about electrical safety through a live theatre production of ‘A Bug’s Light.’ Among those elementary schools, Rio Vista Elementary School in San Bernardino was one of the schools where students received the treat of watching the production.
The production was produced by The National Theatre for Children (NTC), a production company that engages students in learning what they and their families can do to stay safe around electricity. Approximately 5,400 students seen the production during the week of September 16 to 20, as part of National Preparedness Month.
Edison International, parent company of SCE, donated $25,000 to NTC to produce the play to educate children in schools in Southern California, which included Compton, Alhambra, Santa Ana, Moreno Valley, San Bernardino and Oxnard.
“Safety is our number one priority and we want children, as well as adults, to know how to safe around electricity,” said Janet Clayton, senior vice president, Corporate Communications for Edison International and Southern California Edison. “When we saw how well students and teachers reacted to ‘A Bug’s Light!” last year, we were excited to bring it back again to continue educating children about electrical safety in a way that makes learning fun.”
For more information about SCE, follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SCE and Facebook, www.Facebook.com/SCE. (Photo by Naomi Bonman).

Photo of Sunrise taken in Loreto, BCS Mexico

This week I am highlighting Freddie Washington, photographer extraordinaire. Some may not realize that photography is an art and hard work.  I can’t stand it when I see a photo of myself and I look a hot mess because the photographer didn’t care or fully understand that photography is more than just pointing and clicking a camera.
Currently working with Nikon Pro staff, I first met Mr. Washington at an event in the Inland Empire where he was taking photos of artists performing. I noticed how professional and serious he was about his craft, due to the sweat pouring down his face and the expensive equipment used. Once finished, I approached Mr. Washington and asked if he could do some work for our production company, LUE Productions. I was so impressed with the finished product that I knew at that moment he had to be a part of our LUE Productions team. Mr. Washington is now our full-time photographer. Some of his photos have already appeared in the Westside Story Newspaper. When I go out on location on behalf of the paper, Mr. Washington is with me.
Photography is the result of combining several technical discoveries. His ability to choose a subject and compose it effectively is amazing. He’s worked with several models, venues and organizations throughout the Inland Empire and surrounding cities. When you’re in need of a professional photographer for your next photo shoot or special event, please contact FWPhotography at 714-833-3196 or email fw4photo@yahoo.com .You can also look his work up on Facebook under FWPhotography. He provides Quality work at affordable rates. Mention this article and receive a discount. Remember photographs can say a thousand words. Until next week! (By Lue Dowdy) Photo of Sunrise taken in Loreto, BCS Mexico

Retreat 2013

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, September 7, the California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB) and Student African American Sisterhood (SAAS) chapters convened their second annual retreat for incoming and continuing students. SAAS and SAAB are a part of national organizations which offer an evidenced based model for student retention and success. This year the retreat opened with Chief Jimmie Brown and remarks from Dr. Mildred Henry, Professor Emeritus, who shared her story, facts about African American History and called for students to persist and succeed in college and beyond. During breakout sessions, students, faculty and staff facilitated workshops which allowed students to explore the meanings of sisterhood and brotherhood, understand campus data, discuss “who we are”, and prepare to be successful students at CSUSB. This event kicked off a year of powerful programming that will be facilitated collaboratively by students, faculty and staff. In addition, SAAS and SAAB also plan to be more visible on campus and in the community as the school year goes on by engaging in community service and serving as accountability partners to their peers to ensure that as their sister ad brother’s keeper they shall and will rise together.

WAG Retreat

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Since 1972, the Westside Action Group (WAG) has been advancing the dream week by week. A group of men on the West side of San Bernardino came together in 1972 and formed the Black Father’s organization to work together to advocate for youth in the community.  This event was the forerunner of WAG. WAG is a proactive organization for African Americans in San Bernardino County in general, but its primary focus is within the city of San Bernardino.

As part of WAG’s recognition of the 50th anniversary March on Washington, they sponsored a two-day retreat to develop a unified community action plan. The participants agreed on a set of goals that will be put into action through four committees. The committees are Economics and Community Development, Education, Health and Leadership and Professional Development. Community members or organizations that would like to participate in the ongoing development and implementation of the action plan are invited to attend the weekly meetings held each Monday at 12 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino, 1180 W 9th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92411.

Misfit

This week’s artist’s review is a true talent. I’m featuring the man himself, Mi$fit. Phillip Quadir Bailey, better known as Mi$fit: The Born Hustler, is making noise in the entertainment game. His single “Where They Do That At” is most definitely a banger, a project put out by Sity Counsil Entertainment. I met Mi$fit through a contact a few months ago. I was told by this individual, “Wait until you hear and see this dude in action”. I must confess, I was not disappointed. Mi$fit came to our studio ready. I asked him to perform in front of the folks that were there, and he did just that with no hesitation.

This past Sunday, I had a chance interview and see him perform in Los Angeles for LaTrina Blackberry’s, 6^th Annual Western Conference. Mi$fit is definitely no stranger to the stage or the MIC. He commanded the crowd. I love to watch the reaction of the audience whenever a performer performs. The expression and body language tells it all. The crowd was hyped and well engaged. I give Mi$fit two thumbs up for a great performance.

This entertainer has a little more to him than just music. He has a love for the kids. Mi$fit has created a foundation entitled Misfit for the Kids. Misfit coaches Eastvale Pop Warner, and is involved in community services. He has also created the anthem for Eastvale Pop Warner and will be shooting a video to the anthem within the next month. He has raised more than $500.00 for the Eastvale community and is currently working with the Mayor of Eastvale. He is also the owner of, PAC Entertainment, which stands for, “People And Creativity”, for trouble kids to help channel their energy into a positive manner. For more information on this foundation, please contact Phillip Quadir Bailey at 951-454-0489 or 909-437-9318.

I predict a bright future for this talented artist. For more information on upcoming shows and music, please check out his face book page and Soundcloud under ‘Mi$fit- The Born Hustler’ or you can find him on all Sity Council Entertainment social media sites.

Once again it’s ya girl LUE keeping you informed of the talent in the IE and surrounding cities. Until next week, TTFN!

ICPA Dancer

UPLAND, CA- The Inland Conservatory for the Performing Arts School (ICPA) will be hosting auditions for youth ages 8 to 16 to be a part of its Acting Ensemble. Youth will be auditioning to be a part of the school’s theater department where they will participate in classes lead by Professor Bianca Swan. Classes include plays, musicals, scene study and monologue study. Auditions will be held at the ICPA Headquarters, 814 Alpine Street, Upland, CA 91786, on Saturday, August 17 at 10 a.m. For more information or to register online, visit www.icpa-ca.com/auditions.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Experience the rematch in the 2013 2^nd Annual softball game! This year’s theme is “Field of Dreams”. The competing teams are Joe’s Thugs and Ray’s Wild Band. The event will take place Thursday August 15, 2013, from 5:30-9:00 p.m. in the Inland Empire’s 66ers San Manuel stadium. There will also be a special tribute and jersey retirement presented by Anne Mayer RCTC Executive Director, to honor former CTC Executive Director Bimla Rhinehart. Who will dominate the field? Who will come out victorious? Come and find out!

Michelle Myers-Heard and Pastor Artis Glass, Jr.

Leap of Faith Community Baptist Church, Inc. is a small congregation that has rejoiced in the money it has saved on its electric bill.  Established in 1997, the Inglewood, Calif., church has saved about $3,500 in less than two years by simply changing 91 of its lights to compact fluorescent ones as part of Southern California Edison’s (SCE) energy-efficiency program.

The arrival of summer and high temperatures brings higher electric bills, and Pastor Glass believes it is important that organizations, businesses and individuals take advantage of money-and-energy-saving programs.

Pastor Glass learned about SCE’s Energy Efficient Express Solutions program from a church member. Brother Rutherford is a contractor who mentioned that the church lighting was very dim and that a simple solution would be programs offered by SCE to increase lighting and generate savings.

“Signing up for the program was easy,” said Pastor Glass. “The program was free and it is paying for itself.”

The pastor of the congregation of 50 admitted that he did not know much about other programs offered by SCE, but that he was interested in learning more.

Michele Myers-Heard is an SCE account executive who focuses on helping faith-based organizations use energy wisely.  In addition to switching the lights, Myers-Heard also discussed other energy solutions with Pastor Glass, such as the Summer Discount Plan.

“Get the information and make a decision on whether or not a program would work for you or your business,” said Pastor Glass. “The program we have at Leap of Faith is working for us and that is something that I can stand behind.”

But the savings aren’t limited to places of worship, according to Myers-Heard.

“Whether you are a business or a resident, we want to help our customers save money on their bills by helping them partner with us,” she said. “We want to help our customers be a part of the solution by making sure we have enough safe and affordable energy for all of us.”

For more information on ways to conserve energy and save money, go to SCE.com/save.

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Programs save employer almost $7,000 in hiring and training expenses

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (June 28, 2013)—Recently, Desert Cities Dialysis needed to hire new employees; however all of its applicants were recent graduates who required extensive training. Manager Zabelle Cosson recognized that the County of San Bernardino’s recruitment services and On-The-Job Training program could offset costs of finding and training the right people.

The County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board (WIB) screened all applicants and referred the most qualified to Desert City Dialysis. The WIB’s On-The-Job Training program provided partial wage reimbursement for the first 90 days of employment, the designated training period. Through these no-cost programs, Desert City Dialysis hired and trained two employees saving almost $7,000.

Assistance from the County of San Bernardino WIB made it possible for Desert City to grow quickly and hire locally. “The Workforce Investment Board helped us find and train the right employees,” shares Cosson. “Both employees are still with our company and are excelling in their positions.”

Desert City Dialysis is one of many high desert businesses served by the County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board.

“On-the-Job Training helps relieve a business’ growing pains by providing the resources to grow without the financial burden of recruitment and training,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board.  “The Workforce Investment Board’s goal is to help create permanent jobs through these no-cost programs.”

The Workforce Investment Board offers free services and programs to local businesses through its Business Resource Team.  The Business Resource team assists local companies with services such as layoff aversion programs and process improvement assistance that save and create jobs. Additionally the Business Resource Team provides business workshops, access to the On-the-Job Training programs and recruitment services.

“In one year, the Workforce Investment Board trained more than 3,300 job seekers for high-demand industries and built relationships with 2,800 businesses,” stated Chair and Second District Supervisor, Janice Rutherford. “This work is critical to the continued growth of our local economy.”

Businesses interested in learning more about or enrolling in the no-cost services provided by the County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board can visit www.csb-win.org or call 1—800-451-JOBS.

About Desert Cities Dialysis, High Desert Nephrology

Desert Cities Dialysis, with offices in both Victorville and Barstow, specialize in the evaluation and treatment of patients with kidney disease and kidney disorders. Their staff is composed of licensed physicians, social workers, registered dieticians, registered nurses, and certified dialysis technicians who provide care and support for our patients and their families.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County

The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County (WIB) is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors.  The Workforce Investment Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources, which generate jobs and investment.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

Employers and job seekers who are interested in the Workforce Investment Board programs may call: (800) 451-JOBS or visit www.csb-win.org . Also follow us on: Facebook www. facebook.com/SBWIB Twitter @InlandEmpireJob; and YouTube http://www.youtube.com/SBCountyWIB

The Street Magazine crew are pretty busy with a world-wide circulation.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— What’s going on IE and neighboring cities! It’s ya girl, Ms. LUE once again. This week, I’m honored to feature the multi-talented – Ms. Sharon Perrin, Mother/Rapper/Magazine Owner.

You may have seen a large van traveling through your neighborhood with the décor on the sides of Hip Hop Moguls such as Snoop Dog, Ice Cube, E-40, indie recording artist Lo’Key Tha YG that reads “Street Motivation Mag” along the side designed by staff member and owner of 120designs.net, and you may have wondered to yourself “Who are they?” or “What do they do?”.

Well this person is no other than my good friend and extended Big Sister, Ms. Sharon Perrin and her son De’Andre Brown. Sharon and De’Andre

(aka Lo’Key tha YG) started Street Motivation Magazine in 2005 and since then, many artists credit the magazine as “The missing link to many independent artists to not only gain more exposure, but a stage to be advertised in a more professional light.”

How did this come about? Well in the early 80’s Sharon aka “Miz Tasti” was a female hip hop artist herself, and the first signed female rapper from Pomona, CA. Through her unique stylings, Miz Tasti encapsulated a roughness vocal sound of the west coast that everyone came to love, but with a style of her own that ranged to a “Dirty Down South touch” with the intoxicating lyricism of her own. She performed at countless on-and off-campus events and showcases, and had quickly become a popular local entertainer, and acquired since 1985 her own following of screaming teens, adolescent fans and adult admirers.

Miz Tasti began to give back because she understands the power of music, and wants everyone to be touched by her expression and love of Hip-Hop. This beautiful lady has been featured in various magazines and newspapers from Urban Smarts Mag., Low-Life UK hip hop Mag., the World Wide Westside Mag., and The Hip Hop Core Mag and more.

De’Andre Brown and his mother Sharon Perrin founded Street Motivation Magazine eight years ago.

As an artist, herer performances earned the respect of critics, who wrote:  “One female Rapper I find myself playing quite often. Miz Tasti is likable, Lyrics are head nodding material and the beats have movement”, Much props —Africa’s Gateway Mag. “Tonos Entertainment top-pick for Female Rapper for major indie label distribution—Head of A&R Simon Gillies. “Tast i has always had the ability to make others stop, look and gather around her, to hear this Hip-Hop Diva do her on the microphone is pure fire”—- Slip N Slide Records..

In 2000 she founded FEAA Camp (Feline Entertainment Artist Association) to provide female performers encouragement and the opportunity to collaborate with one another ,in a male dominated industry. In 2005 she and De’Andre founded Street Motivation Magazine, and continue to educate, inspire and motivate artists that wish to promote and advertise themselves in a professional and affordable way.

The magazine is a quarterly print publication with readers and subscribers from throughout Southern California and the world including Texas, New York, Japan, Slovakia, England, Bangladesh, Germany and more. Designed to meet the needs of indie artists, Street Motivation Magazine meshes together the city’s urban society with local and national updates on music, the latest in news, and events, and seeks a wide and diverse market including men, women, and children with a vision to appeal to a diverse readership of people of all ethnic and racial groups, and to attract both professionals and simple music lovers. .

Street Motivation Magazine has featured and interviewed not only artist, entrepreneurs, and business owners, but was also the first magazine to feature on the cover not one, but two men featured in the TV series “American Gangsters:” “Freeway” Ricky Ross and New York’s Chaz “Slim” Williams. Several top artists that have graced its pages include King T, Above The Law, Kurupt, Kokane, Suga Free, Soulful Ricky Jones, DJ Battle Cat, Jayo Felony, Medusa, C-BO, Brotha Lynch Hung, SlyBoogy, RBX, Dresta Da Gangsta, BG Knock-Out, Chill (Compton’s Most Wanted) Crooked I, Graph, Snoop Doggs artist The Hustle Boys and Dubb Union, and the list goes on.

Contact information for this Entrepreneur, Mother, Manager, Owner, and Motivator, who founded this magazine on a mother and son’s sweat, tears and a dream, is: Street Motivation Magazine, P.O. Box 90254, San Bernardino, Ca. 92427

909-804-2029 or 323-642-7702, info@sm-mag.com, or visit www.sm-mag.com.