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Mother-daughter duo Veronica Loving, and Tahj Crockom hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening for their new business Waisted Laser Lipo Spa and Medical Weight Loss Boutique on March 23rd in the City of Pasadena. “Supporting women-owned businesses can help fight economic inequalities and bridge the gender wealth gap,” says Loving and Crockom.

The grand opening brought out City Officials from the City of Pasadena and local celebrities which included: Dominick Correy (District Rep for Senator Anthony J. Portantino), Savannah Moore (Assistant Field Deputy for Supervisor Kathryn Barger), Ann Marie Hickambottom (Field Rep for Assemblymember Chris Holden), Ed Blount (Former NFL SF 49er and CEO of FAST5), Actress Camille Calvin (Lifetime Movie “Deadly Cheers”), and many others.

Crockom (CEO) and Loving (COO) are both natives of the City of Pasadena. They decided to start Waisted Laser Lipo Spa and Medical Weight Loss Boutique because of their own personal struggles with weight loss and concerns with the many risks associated with plastic surgery.

Crockom has been a licensed vocational nurse for 4 years at a weight loss clinic in Pasadena and Loving has been a registered nurse for 33 years with St. Luke Hospital in Pasadena and Huntington Memorial Hospital. With a combined 40 year experience, these women bring their knowledge and expertise to give their customers a positive experience and outcome.

The non-invasive Laser Lipo Spa is designed to help anyone looking to accentuate their beauty safely and without invasive treatments. In addition, the Medical Weight Loss Boutique is designed to help those who desire to lose weight quickly and safely.

The spa and boutique features include:
· Laser Lipo
· Cavitation Sauna
· Comprehensive Medical Weight Loss Program

Waisted Laser Lipo Spa and Medical Weight Loss Boutique is located at 680 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 108, 2nd floor, Pasadena, CA 91101.

To make an individual appointment, call (626) 406-2850.

The Wonder Woman Virtual Conference presented by My Sister’s Keeper Ministries will take place Tuesday – May 10, 2022, through Friday – May 13, 2022, at 6:30 pm PST and on Saturday – May 14, 2022, at 7:30 am PST. The virtual conference will feature four dynamic speakers and six workshop speakers. Confirmed conference speakers include Dr. Medina Pullings, Prophetess Melissa Smith, Co-Pastor Tawanda Usher, Apostle Rahson Jordan, and hosted by My Sister’s Keeper Ministries CEO, Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt “The Global Strategist.” Confirmed workshop speakers include Attorney Michelle J. Miller, Apostle Gigi Palmer, Dee Edwards, Gisele Marcus, Elder Leandra Green, and Pastor Miki King.

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, we decided it would be better for attendees to participate from the safety of their own homes,” said Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt.

Registration is now open. Attendees who purchase their tickets early before Friday, April 22, 2022, will receive a complimentary copy of Dr. La Shawn Denise Witt’s e-book, “Multiple Streams” Don’t Limit Yourself.

Tickets are $47 for the 5-day virtual conference and can be purchased at: https://divinedivaevents.app/.

All conference sessions will be available for replay.

By Manny Otiko | IVN

Fontana Mayor Aquanetta Warren was recently featured on the CBS show “Undercover Boss.” The show features CEOs secretly working as entry-level jobs in their companies.

During the show, Warren donned a disguise and portrayed herself as a new transplant from Los Angeles. She worked alongside Fontana city workers in the sewer, fire, police and parks departments.

Warren was shown helping to unclog drains, picking up trash in city parks, going on a ride-along with a police officer and using a firehose.

During her adventures, Warren learned of some of the challenges the city was facing such as providing services to homeless people and the challenges facing parks workers who sometimes work in a dangerous environment.

She also learned about the personal stories of the workers such as the Black police officer, who joined the police department to make a difference, and the parks department employee who was challenged with dealing with trash left in the park including underwear and condoms.
Warren said she was moved by her experience.

“I have been touched by the stories,” she said. She also said the experience gave her a different perspective on the challenges that workers face.

At the end of the show, Warren rewarded some of the city workers she encountered with gifts such as a $10,000 donation to the Black police officer’s honeymoon and scholarships for his children.

“Undercover Boss” likes to feature heart-warming stories. But according to some comments on the city of Fontana’s Facebook page, some residents were more cynical about the experience.

“Did she go undercover at one of the many warehouses in Fontana, that offers no benefits and only hires through staff agencies?” said a Facebook poster named Karen Elizabeth.

By Lue Dowdy, LUE Productions

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. First 5 San Bernardino helps to celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month at the ballpark by giving away 500 free tickets!

Grab the kiddos and join Children’s Fund for their 8th Annual, “Children are our future” Night at the ballpark! The evening will consist of free resources from several local community organizations, games, and other cool activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Visit the First 5 San Bernardino Facebook page to access the registration link or email Luecrita Dowdy, Community Engagement Specialist at LDOWDY@CFC.SBCOUNTY.GOV or call (909) 386-7706.

All tickets come with the following: entry to game, 1 hot dog or popcorn, and 1 soda or water.

Tickets are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Please register by Friday, April 15. There must be at least one family member who is age five (5) or under. Tickets are limited to five (5) per household. Tickets must be picked up on Monday, April 18 between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and/or 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets must be picked up on scheduled day and time.

Please report any abuse to the San Bernardino County Child and Family Services – Child Protective Services by calling (909) 384-9233 (In or Out of County/24 hours) or call 211. The address is 150 S. Lena Rd., #D San Bernardino, CA 92415.

By Wallace J. Allen IV and C. Dixon

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- About 150 enthusiastic residents attended a Mayoral Candidate forum on April 11, 2022 at the Woodward Leadership Academy Campus, located on Baseline Ave. in the middle of San Bernardino’s 6th Ward. Of the (7) seven candidates running for office there were (5) five in attendance. Incumbent John Valdivia, Henry Nickel, James Penmen, Dr. Treasure Ortiz and Helen Tran. (Missing were Mohammad Khan and Gabriel Jarimilo)

The forum, moderated by Channing Hawkins, Esq. maxed out seating capacity leaving standing room only for a group of concerned citizens eager to hear and meet the candidates. The candidates were presented with a list of questions prior to the forum as well as questions generated at the event by the very vocal, but polite attendees… However, there were two notable short examples of emotional outbursts… One from past 6th Ward councilman Rikki Van Johnson and the other from the sitting 6th Ward councilwoman Kimberly Calvin. Both incidents were quickly and politely handled by the moderator, Channing Hawkins.

The Northwest Project Area Committee hosted the very smooth moving event, that lasted about two hours as planned. “We are happy with what we think was a successful event for our concerned voters”, said Charlene Dixon, the Chair of the organization.

The NWPAC team provided the community guests with water and chips as they left with a better understanding of who each candidate is and what they need to make an informed choice at the ballot box on June 7, 2022.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Four distinguished young men were presented to society on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the beautiful campus of California State University. The 55th Annual Beautillion Ball was no disappointment to a packed house of spectators as each young man was introduced along with their courts. Elegance, excitement, and suspense were thick in the air as the Knights and their courts performed dances with precession for their guests.

The Keynote speaker was Dr. Anthony Blacksher, faculty chair of sociology at San Bernardino Valley College with concentration in Africana Studies. He is the son of late Anthony and Lisa Blacksher, where he spoke truth, life and history into the young men as well as shared his spoken word through his poetry.

The evening concluded with the swearing in of our newest Sir Knight Kuzari Jelani Akinlana Osonduagwuike was dubbed Sir Knight, receiving over $10,000.00 in scholarships and awards for the prestigious title. Additionally, Kuzari received $6,000.00 for the Social Lites, Inc., Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leadership Memorial Award, and $1,500.00 for the Lisa Blacksher-Owens Memorial Award. Cumulatively, Sir Knight Kuzari was awarded over $18,000.00 and received countless gifts for college expenses to allow him to pursue his dream to become a Documentary Producer for the big screen.

Syrano Ware and Talmadges Hughes lll were both awarded 1st Runner – ups with receiving $2,000.00 each, MacBook laptops and accessories. Syrano Ware also won the Social Lites, Inc., Lisa Blacksher-Owens Social-Lites Memorial Awarded of over $1,500.00, in addition to other gifts of his choosing for his college education.

Talmadges Hughes lll was awarded 1st Runner up receiving an additional $1,000.00 for the Social Lites, Inc., Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leadership Award, and $500.00 for the Social Lites, Inc., Lisa Blacksher-Owens Social-Lites Memorial Award, in addition to other gifts of his choosing for college expenses.

Freddie Fletcher received over $1,000.00 for the Alumni Award and the Social Lites, Inc., Lisa Blacksher-Owens Memorial Award. Each young man received a host of Resolutions and Proclamations by local mayors and dignitaries.

As we conclude our ceremonial event, our work is NOT over. With your help, we are seeking our next black and brown young men to set on the path toward higher levels through their education. The Social Lites program is a non-profit (501c3) program that created the Beautillion Program. It was started in the Inland Empire out of concern for the future and survival of the young black and brown men in the community in which they live and serve. This program is designed to help young men who are seniors in high school prepare for college through the solicitation of ads, leadership development, accountability, responsibility, etiquette, attire for all occasions, spiritual growth, public speaking, and community service.

If you know any boys or young men 6 yrs old to 1st year in college who aspire to improve with their educational aspirations. Please reach out to us so that we can bring them into the program. If you would like to donate to our cause, we appreciate all contributions. To date, we have we have given out approximately 2.5 million dollars in scholarships to our college bound young men.

For more information, please call chairperson, Sheri Lewis at (909) 320-0799 or co-chairperson, Elsie Paulino (951) 205-8823 or publicity chairperson, Marlene Davis at (909) 709-5502.

Do you have a special talent you’d like to share with the community? The San Bernardino County Fair is seeking competitive entries for categories including fine arts, wood carving, photography, ceramics, cooking, and much more! Deadline to apply is April 15. The fair will run May 28-June 5 at the Fairgrounds in Victorville. Learn more and apply here.

HESPERIA, CA— Several law enforcement agencies, including Hesperia Police, Victorville Police and CHP Victorville attended Hesperia Christian School’s First Responder Day last week. It was so wonderful to see deputies interacting with the students and inspiring them to pursue careers in public safety!

Easter will be celebrated on April 17 this year, and the First District is planning several fun family activities to honor the occasion.

In Apple Valley, don’t miss the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Eggstravaganza on April 16 at the James Woody Community Center. The event will include an egg hunt, food, games and more. For more information, call (760) 240-7880.

Town of Apple Valley will host its Bunny Run 5K and 10K at 7 a.m. April 16. The event will kick off at the James Woody Park and Community Center at 13467 Navajo Road. For more information, call (760) 240-7880 or visit them online.

Burning Bush Church will host a community event in Victorville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16. All are welcome to enjoy free bounce houses, games, food, music, covid testing (with a free gift card for everyone who tests), vaccinations (with free food from a food truck), a photo booth, and vendors. For more information, please call (760) 241-6221 or visit them online.

Calico Ghost Town’s Easter Celebration returns to Yermo on Sunday, April 17. Guests can enjoy photos with the Easter Bunny and a special pancake breakfast with eggs and bacon at the Calico House Restaurant. Learn more by calling 760-254-1123 or visit them online.

City of Victorville will host its annual Spring Festival on April 16 at Hook Park. Visitors can enjoy egg hunts (for kids 3-9 and special needs families), a kids zone, carnival games, visits with the Easter Bunny, vendors and more. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 14973 Joshua Street. For more information, call (760) 245-5551 or visit them online.

Hesperia Recreation and Park District will host its Kids Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. April 16 at Hesperia Community Park, located at 10200 Datura Road. In addition to the egg hunt, guests can enjoy bounce houses, carnival games, car show, vendor booths, food trucks and photos with the Easter Bunny. For more information, call (760) 244-5488 or visit them online.

High Desert Second Chance is hosting its annual Easter celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16. Enjoy free family activities, giveaways and prizes, and a classic car show and contest. The event will take place at 16666 Smoke Tree Street, Building B4, Hesperia. Public parking is available on Chestnut, C Avenue and Smoke Tree streets. For more information, call 442-267-4444.

The San Bernardino County Workforce Development and Victor Valley College are teaming up to host an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Job Fair on April 14. Planned from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., the event will include the following employers: Mitsubishi, Rio Tinto, Arden Companies, Robertson’s Ready Mix, UFI, Tree Island Wire, Amazon, CEMEX and CalPortland. The event will take place at 13313 Sabre Boulevard, Suite 2, Victorville. Register here.