Local

Audrey Matthews

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board, which oversees the use of federal dollars to train local job seekers and support employers, has announced the appointment of two new members and a vice chair.

The Board has named Audrey Mathews as interim Vice Chair. Mathews was honored in 2013 for more than 35 years of work in local and state governments as a professor, budget director, planning commissioner and consultant. She received the American Society for Public Administration’s Elmer B. Staats Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition to serving on the Workforce Investment Board, Mathews works with the County’s Planning Commission and sits as a legislative advisor to the National Association of Workforce Boards, and the California Workforce Association.  She has written multiple workforce initiatives and testimony that was submitted to Senate and House subcommittees on workforce issues.

Audrey is CEO of Mathews and Associates, an organizational behavior and diversity management-consulting firm.  She will be Interim vice Chair until elections are held in March.

Dr. Dale Marsden, newly appointed member of the Board, is Superintendent of San Bernardino City Unified School District. He is well known for his work in engaging employers and community partners to help students graduate and pursue college and a successful career. With the Alliance for Education, a partnership between businesses and educators, he played an integral role in a national initiative, called STEAM, to ensure more students enter careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.  The father of four began his teaching career in 1985, working his way up to Superintendent of Victor Elementary School District before being appointed to his current role in 2012. He also served in the US Air Force, where he earned several awards.

Gary Watson, Deputy Director of the Employment Services Program (ESP) for the County of San Bernardino Transitional Assistance Department, was also appointed as a member of the Board.  The ESP helps clients receiving cash aid remove barriers to employment, develop self-esteem, and prepare to find and retain employment. Watson has more than 20 years of human services experience including programming, budget and operations to provide support to needy families in San Bernardino County.

“The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board has a national reputation for excellence due to the active leadership and team work of its members,” said San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chair Janice Rutherford. “These dedicated individuals, collectively representing business, government, and community organizations, bring their best to the table.”

The Workforce Investment Board partners with the County’s largest industry sectors to identify the needs of the workforce and employers and to support training programs that prepare residents to enter careers in growing industries.

“Our Workforce Investment Board has become a national model due to the efforts and creativity of our members,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the Board. “Their decisions impact the lives of thousands of at-risk youth through our Workforce Investment Act Youth program as well as adults and veterans who find career and training opportunities through our three America’s Job Centers of California.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office has completed its review of the fatal officer-involved incident involving Christopher Jordan Dorner, 33, of La Palma, on February 12, 2013.

Under the facts, circumstances and law applicable to this case, the use of deadly force and non-deadly force by law enforcement personnel was in response to an immediate threat of death and serious bodily injury to themselves and to members of the public posed by Christopher Dorner’s actions, and was therefore legally justified under the laws of self-defense, defense of others, and laws of arrest.

The report of the written case evaluation is available at www.sbcountyda.org by selecting Press Releases under the Newsroom tab at the top of the home page. The identities of the involved law enforcement officers are not included in this memo as a result of security concerns for the officers and their families.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  The San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) is offering free tax preparation and e-filing services for qualifying low to moderate income taxpayers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Services are available to those who earned less than $52,000 in 2013. Tax returns are filed electronically, for both California and federal taxes. Taxpayers can call to make appointments and there are extended hours and Saturday appointments available. Walk-ins are also welcome. Bilingual tax preparation services are available. Refunds are received in as few as 7 days after acceptance. In addition to locations at TAD offices, there are several  VITA Mobile Tax Locations for San Bernardino County residents to visit. It is the ninth year that TAD has partnered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to offer free, accurate, certified tax preparation services through the VITA program. The VITA campaign is focused on increasing awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, which most VITA qualified taxpayers are eligible to receive. This credit was developed to help assist those who are in financial need as well as to reward employment. Every year, thousands of families miss out on this tax credit; money that could be used to help meet their families’ basic needs. The additional money that taxpayers receive from the EITC has proven to help boost the local economy. In 2013, TAD provided tax preparation services to more than 7,700 taxpayers in our local communities and processed more than $15.2 million in combined federal and state refunds; of this, $7.2 million was a direct result of TAD’s efforts in increasing families’ access to the Earned Income Tax Credit and other refundable credits. “For those who are eligible to receive this free service, it can provide life changing outcomes,” said Nancy Swanson, Director of Transitional Assistance. “The earned income credit can be a much needed financial boost for taxpaying individuals and families in our local community and we are proud to be partnering, once again, with the IRS on the VITA program.” For further information regarding VITA program eligibility requirements, please visit our VITA website at hs.sbcounty.gov/VITA or call 909-252-4903.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA- The renowned Harlem Globetrotters will take fan interaction to a new level when the 2014 “Fans Rule” World Tour comes to the Southland for games at Honda Center in Anaheim on Saturday, February 15 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.;  the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 16 at 12:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.; and Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario on Monday, February 17 at 2 p.m. Online voting is now open at harlemglobetrotters.com/rule, where all fans can choose which new game-changing rules they want to see in their hometown.

The Globetrotters were the first organization in sports and entertainment to let fans vote on rules when the team introduced the concept last year.  Since the fan response was so overwhelming, the team is doing it again – but with a major twist. Tickets are also available at harlemglobetrotters.com and each respective arena box office.  Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at harlemglobetrotters.com. A collaboration with METRO allows riders to save $5 on select tickets by showing their valid TAP card, Metro employee ID at the box office, or use the promo code: METRO when purchasing tickets online.

2014 Mr Cardinal group07

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On April 5, thirteen young men from San Bernardino High School (SBHS) will attempt to demonstrate that they have the Cardinal City virtues of justice, fortitude, school spirit, and charity. The contestants, all SBHS juniors, will take to the Sturges Center for the Fine Arts, 780 North E Street in San Bernardino, stage at 6 p.m. to compete for the title of Mr. Cardinal City 2014-2015. Mr. Cardinal represents the high school at local events with co-royalty Miss Cardinal City. The pageants were named to honor San Bernardino High’s status as a chartered city, Cardinal City. Local businesses and community groups interested in supporting the event should contact Jamie Rios, bilingual school outreach worker, by phone at 909-881-8217 or by email at jamie.rios@sbcusd.com. Mr. Cardinal City 2013-2014 sponsors included Stater Bros. Markets, Trophy House, San Bernardino High Class of 1952, The Sun newspaper, Toyota of San Bernardino, D’Arca Formal Wear, Angel’s Closets, San Bernardino City Unified School District, Virginia Marquez, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hickey, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Arellano, Miss Corina Borsuk, and San Bernardino High School Associated Student Body. Tickets for the April 5 Mr. Cardinal City pageant are $7 pre-sale and $10 at the door. Tickets are available from any contestant and Jamie Rios.

Joe Smith

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- To promote awareness and education about mental awareness in the African American community, the Department of Behavioral Health’s African American sub-committee in partnership with the African American Coalition and San Bernardino Valley College will be presenting a day honoring African American Mental Health Awareness week on Tuesday, February 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Library of San Bernardino Valley College, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92410.

There will be a special message by guest speaker, Joseph Smith, former Los Angeles Lakers player. Smith, born and raised in Norfolk, Virgina, played power forward with the Lakers. He was the College Player of the Year at Maryland in 1996 and the umber 1 draft pick of that season;’s draft. Smith has created an Independent Record Label, novaunitrecords.com, signing his first Latino artist Dino Durand, Smith is intent with breaking boundaries, and bridging gaps between all nationalities. Alter ego “Joe Beast” enjoys writing, rapping, and performing, and has braced many stages through–?out the U.S. Joe Smith continues to participate in several charitable events per year, and enjoys motivational speaking to youth all across the country. For more info email: lynlaneliaison@gmail.com

Miss Black San Bernardino 2014, Noelle Lilley

The Westside Story would love to send out a congratulations to one of our interns, Noelle Lilley, who was crowned the 2014 Miss Black San Bernardino this past Saturday, January 25. She will also be graduating from Arroyo Valley High School this summer, and will be attending Arizona State University where she will major in Journalism.

Noelle Lilley, Queen (Left); Leanna Pollard, 1st Runner Up (middle); and Bobbie McFerson, 2nd Runner Up (right)

Davie Champagnie at Ronald McDonald House

LOMA LINDA, CA- Inland Empire Invaders are doing an amazing job on and off the court. They are currently ranked number 23 in the NATION. Not bad for their first season in the largest basketball association in the United States. While they are doing work on the court making the IE proud, they have had some very special moments. Coach Al Smith of the Novastars wrote a brief description capturing the emotions from a visit to Ronald McDonald House over the holidays.
Ronald McDonald house in Loma Linda Davie Champagnie, an ABA Basketball Player, made one lucky girl’s night the most amazing night ever! It will be a moment she will remember for the rest of her life. The basketball player spent time to speak with her that was staying at the home in Loma Linda, CA. He took the time to listen to her story and by the end of the night he felt in his heart that she would get more strength from having his ring and he gave it to her without blinking an eye. It was a moment where you could feel the blessings all around you and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
The ABA is MUCH MORE than just a game and Davie Champagnie is a perfect example of what we can do when we are in support of each other. He is coach Al’s new ‘Lord of the Ring’. To Contact Christy Lancaster with the Inland Empire Invaders  call 855-434-6823 Ext. 6, email clancaster@abaieinvaders.com or visit their website at www.abaieinvaders.com.

AKA Youth Summit

INLAND EMPIRE, CA-The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter of San Bernardino-Riverside, lead two signature events that started on the eve of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Jr.’s holiday and the other on the day of the national holiday observed nationwide in recognition of his birthday.
On Sunday, January 19, in collaboration with American Legion Post 14 and the Ivy Foundation, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority held their third Annual Sunday Supper at the American Legion Post 14, San Bernardino, CA.  The theme was “Honoring Our Peacemakers.”  The Sunday Supper created a forum to engage the community in promoting dialogue to address challenges that represent barriers to progress in the veteran community. Various speakers spoke on benefits and services available to veterans.  Topics included housing, education, health, jobs, female veteran concerns, and family counselling.  Bryant Taylor, student (Veteran, United States Navy) at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) and one of the guest speakers, encouraged attendees to visit the Veteran’s Success Center (VSC) at CSUSB and to meet the Director, Marci Danials to discuss additional services CSUSB VSC has to offer.  Mr. Taylor also referenced Melissa McQuead’s name as a resource to assist veterans for admission to the university.
Sunday supper was served by the AKA Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) students who had successfully enjoyed the AKA EYL Youth Summit the day before at Brandman University.  Three of the EYL students whose essay was selected among many, made an essay presentation to the guest of this event.  All three students who made presentations were provided with a savings bond for a job well done from the sorority.
Special recognition was given to all three organizations for organizing and communicating information to the veteran’s community from Lisa Blacksher, Field Representative for Assembly Member, Cheryl Brown of the 47th District.    Mayor Pat Morris, City of San Bernardino was an active participant of the program too who provided information on access for resources for the veteran’s community. The evening concluded with veterans in the audience to stand for recognition for their service in all branches within the United States Military.
The national holiday observed on Monday, January 20, in memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday “was a day on not a day off” for the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha.  Members continued performing community service by volunteering at various Blood Banks in the Inland Empire.  Life Stream of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino Catholics of African Descent and Ministry held its 14th Annual Blood of the Martyrs Blood Drive in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  All were encouraged to give the gift of life by donating and/or encouraging others to give blood. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”  For future programs and events, visit www.etanuomega.org

Senior King and Queen

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The  San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is happy to announce the 2014 Senior King and Queen, Heck and Barbara Thomas.  Barbara was born in Six, West Virginia and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and Sanford, North Carolina. Heck was born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi.  They have been residents of Highland since 1985 and Heck retired from the United States Air Force in 1988.  They are the proud parents of Yolanda, grandparents of Kristy and Kamari, and great-grandparents of Jaxson. The Thomas’ have been very active in San Bernardino.  They attend the Traditional Community Fellowship Chapel in Highland, a church started by the military men and women who were stationed at Norton Air Force Base. Barbara served as Women Auxiliary Chairperson, special events planner, and is in charge of social activities and raising funds to support the church ministry.  She also volunteered as a mentor for some of the adult students at the San Bernardino Adult School who did not have positive female influences in their lives.  She worked for ten years in the Army and Air Force Exchange Service at Norton and Malmstrom (Montana) until her medical retirement in 1989.  She was a member of the Non-Commissioned Officers Wives club and a member of the Radiant Rubies of Highland, a chapter of the Red Hat Society.
Heck was employed by the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health from 1988 to 1996 as a Mental Health Employment Specialist; a Teacher on Assignment for The San Bernardino City Unified School District and worked at the San Bernardino Adult School from 1996-2010.  He has been active in the community, serving as church executive board president, past president and board member of the Kiwanis Club of Highland, past president and board member of the Frazee Community Center, past San Bernardino chapter president of the California Council of Adult Educators and has worked and volunteered with programs to assist the homeless for over 25 years.  Heck has also served with the Highland Youth Accountability Board.  He has received the Black Rose Award from the San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation, several Kiwanian of the Year Awards, Hixson Fellow, Dunlap Fellow, and several Kiwanis Distinguished Service Awards.  He is also the recipient of the George McCune Collaborative Award.
They are both enjoying retirement, community service, and spending quality time with their great grandson, Jaxson.