WSSN Stories

By Naomi K. Bonman

I love great energy and people that possess it. There were nothing but great and positive vibes during my recent interview with Ezina. Ezina is an author, musician, yogi, filmmaker, and a philanthropic humanitarian. She is also the great niece of the legendary Bobby Womack, and yes she is just as talented as her late great uncle. But as they say, talent sure does run the family.

When you listen to Ezina’s music, you can take it with you in just about any atmosphere because her melodies fuse together Neo Soul, Reggae, Alternative Rock, and Pop. You can vibe to it over a candle lit dinner with your honey, dance to it at a local bar with a group of friends, mediate to it during a yoga session, or simply just relax to it on a nice, sunny afternoon or gloomy, rainy day.

In addition to her music, she also has several books that she has written and one that she is currently working on. Her books, like her music, also provide healing as well as thought provoking messages. Thus, coinciding with her mission to use her music and books to inspire and bring people together and to use the tools of yoga to help others thrive.

To and learn more about Mrs. Ezina and her current projects and endeavors, please check out the interview below.

COMPTON, CA- Mayor Aja Brown, 35, Mayor for the City of Compton, was elected as the youngest mayor in history at the age of 31. She is now in the running for re-election to continue the work in making Compton a better city.

The first round of votes were held on Tuesday, April 18. After Tuesday’s election, Brown is leading the way with 2,435 votes. Over 1,700 ballots were counted this this week and the rest are expected to be counted on Thursday, April 27.

“Thank you for the love, support and prayers throughout this entire election process,” Brown stated. “For those who voted to finish the work with us, thank you. To every single person who picked up a phone and called someone on our behalf, knocked on doors, hung signs, helped in the campaign office, liked, shared and retweeted news about our campaign–thank you. To all of our supporters in Compton and beyond–thank you!”

All candidates must receive more than 50 percent of the votes to avoid the runoff election on June 6.

Krystal Yvonne

By Lou Coleman

A woman who is blessed with a daughter looks for ways to protect her. She says, “God, I offer you a prayer for my daughter. Father, let my daughter [Krystal] walk in confidence and in the power of your anointing. Let her be a woman of joy and laughter whose Christ-centered character is what makes her most beautiful. Give my daughter a deep desire to listen to You. Let her be humble. Allow her to be Godly. I pray for my daughter to speak carefully. To raise her voice in defense of the weak. To speak soothingly to those in need. To use words that is productive and kind.  Give my daughter an anointing of faith and to draw close to you and to overcome any challenge that may work against her. I prayer for her to trust You. Give her unprecedented favor and assurance that you will defend her. Give her knowledge of your power in her life. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Now….

Happy Birthday to the most beautiful person in [my] world, my daughter Ms. Krystal Yvonne, model, actress, entertainment host/moderator/interviewer, owner of MKY Petite Modeling Agency. This is another special day of thanking God for the wonderful gift He gave us. You have brought us immense joy since you came into this world. May you continue to be successful in all your life’s endeavors! Always and Forever!

If you would like more information as to how you can send a birthday greetings to your love one please inquire to mail@westsidestorynewspaper.com

LOS ANGELES, CA- Fashion Design Teacher Stormyweather Banks and students of Santee High School hosted their 11th annual fashion show to raise awareness during National Health Month. The event was packed with hundreds of students and parents. Hollywood celebrities, dignitaries, and members of the press were on hand for the runway fashion show held on Friday, April 7 at Los Angeles Trade Technical College in Los Angeles. 

Every year the event showcases emerging young fashion design students from Santee High School, grades 9-12, who compete for “FHA Heroes for College” scholarships and cash prizes. The students had their designs judged by fashion and entertainment industry leaders, which included Actor Melvin Jackson Jr. (BET’s The New Edition Story), Quynh Paris (International Fashion Designer), Dr. Sam Nguyen (Ms. National United States Women of Achievement 2016), Xavier Madera (Celebrity Jewelry Designer), Ali Levine (Celebrity Stylist/TV Personality), Thomas “TJ” Walker (Celebrity Fashion Designer/FIDM), Naomi Bonman(Journalist of CBSLocal.com/Westside Story Newspaper), Sylvia Tedford (Designer), Nurit Glass-Villalobos (LATTC Fashion Design Teacher), and Fanya Henderson (Stylist).

The event kicked-off with celebrity Red Carpet arrivals featuring actors, actresses, city leaders and entertainment professionals including Councilman Curren Price, Jr. (The New 9th District), Henry Brown (Veterans Administration), Mariah Quintana (Disney’s Million Dollar Arm & NBC’s Days Of Our Lives), Aspen Quintana (Lifetime’s The Wrong House), Jae’Lyn Ayauna Godoy (Nickelodeon’s Bella and the Bulldogs & Showtime’s Shameless), Aidan Miner (Nickelodeon’s School of Rock), Rory Ogden (ABC’s What Would You Do?), Victor Orlando(Grammy Nominated Artist Percussionist from The Gap Band), Ezina (Music Artist) and KeAnna Goodin (Actress). Other special guest included Christine Devine(FOX 11 News Anchor), Tracey Jackson (Keller Williams Beverly Hills), and De Veon Crystal (Actress).

This year’s youth designers included:

CG Fashion – 11th Grade (specializes in summer wear)

Mel-C Escobar – 9th Grade (specializes in separate wear)

Genesis Flores – 12th Grade (specializes in summer pop art)

Ariel Gutierrez – 12th Grade (specializes in evening wear)

Paige Harvey – 9th Grade (specializes in sports wear)

Jaeline Bustamante – 9th Grade (specializes in costume designs)

Cecilia Torres – 9th Grade (specializes in costume designs)

Jose Martinez – 9th Grade (specializes in evening wear)

Jennifer Delgado – 9th Grade (specializes in casual wear)

Arturo Natalio – 12h Grade (specializes in diametric designs inspired by Alexander McQueen)

Keyera Wallick – 11th Grade (specializes in plus size designs)

Jose Guline – 9th Grade (specializes in sleep wear)

Shari Valle – 11th Grade (specializes in casual wear)

Abdiel Sabillon – 12th Grade (specializes in business wear)

Shelly Rubio – 12th Grade (specializes in evening wear)

Returning designers included Roberto Uribe, Marlene Flores and a featured segment highlighting peewee designers Jaden Cleto, Analory Ramirez, and Izel Ramirez. This year’s sponsors included Coca Cola, Charles Drew Health Center, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Keller Williams Beverly Hills, Strictly Industry PR, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Kinfolks Country Store, and ABC Sewing Machine Company.

For more information visit http://www.santeefalcons.org. For media inquiries and interview opportunities with Fashion Design Teacher, Stormyweather Banks, contact Deborah Griffin, publicist by email at deborahmckj@yahoo.com. 

Photo credit: Kristina Dixon/11:One Visuals 

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“You know in the 70s and 80s, the brokerage firm of E. F. Hutton developed a series of successful television ads. The circumstances were always different, but the message was the same. In a crowded room, restaurant, or other location, a small group of people were busy talking about some financial investment. Generally, one individual was not saying much, but in the course of the conversation that person was finally asked what he or she thought. The person always responded in every ad by saying the same thing, “Well, my broker is E. F. Hutton, and E. F. Hutton says . . .” Immediately, the person stopped speaking as he realized that all the busy activity around him had stopped, everything had become silent, and ears were stretched to catch the next words out of his mouth. Everyone surrounding the speaker was straining to hear the latest financial tip or advice. At this point, an announcer broke in and said, “When E. F. Hutton speaks, people listen.” Of course, the implication was clear. E. F. Hutton was so successful in the investment business that people would stop everything they were doing just to listen to what the broker had to say.”

When you think about it, it seems sad that God doesn’t get the same respect as E. F. Hutton. It ought to be that when God speaks, people listen. Unfortunately, this is generally not the case. People are just too busy, too lazy, or too disobedient to stop and listen to God. But when we refuse to listen to God, we are the ones who lose out. God yearns to speak to us and to reveal Himself to us, but He insists that we have ears to hear and feet to respond with faith and obedience. The overarching theme of [1 Sam 3:1–4:1-2] is: When God speaks, we should listen.

I want you to know that, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last….” [Revelation 1:10-11]. Then I heard the Lord say, “[Daughter] of man, I have made you a watchman so hear the words I speak and give them warning from me. [Ezekiel 3:17-19]. Go to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them; thus says the Lord God; whether they hear or whether they refuse; “Rrepent and turn to God.” So I did as I was told, but [you] said [you] will not listen. [Jeremiah 6:17]. Having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place… “But, [you] said in a loud voice, “[Lou], you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” But [I] say to you, “I am not out of my mind… but I utter words of sober truth; “The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.”

I hear the Lord saying, “If they will give earnest heed to Me, and do what is right in My sight, and give ear to My commandments, and keep all My statutes, I will put none of the diseases on them which I put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer.” [Exodus 15: 26]. My friend, I ask you, what is your life? A mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. [James 4:4].  I want you to know that you are presently living in the day of God’s grace, your opportunity to accept God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus may be withdrawn at any moment.  Please don’t procrastinate!  If the Holy Spirit of God has revealed to you your need for Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please don’t let the Devil rob you of God’s gift of salvation. “For NOW is the acceptable time.” “NOW is the day of Salvation.” [2 Corinthians 6:2].

I want you to know that, “the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” [2Peter 3:9]. “And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. [Mark 4: 1-9]. The phrase, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear, is a bell ringer. It’s a wake-up call. It’s an urgent request to listen to God’s word and do as He has said.

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” [Micah 6:8]

 Ezek 33:6 but if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. ..

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life that both you and your descendants may live…” [Deuteronomy 30:19]

By Lue Dowdy

Rap Artist, D’ZYL If you missed it, you missed out! D’zyl did his thang at Katz Alley Music Store located in Riverside this past Friday. As a matter of fact, the entire line up did their thang. Major shout out to Rap Artists.

The release party was an all age event that included an open mic portion. Individuals that were not on the lineup had an opportunity to showcase their talent and a chance to win $50.00 in cash. We laughed out loud with the show host.

D’zyl’s album ‘The Delusions of a Commoner’ dropped March 31. The streets are buzzing about this one. On the project you can hear hits like, ‘Revenge Of The Nerds’ ft Thesis (Prod. by Teflon), ‘Delusions Of A Commoner’, ‘Lovin’ Myself’ (Prod. by Prime Intellects), ‘Man, I’d Tear It Up ft. Dirty Birdy’ (Prod. by Fat Finger, along with several more.

When finally completing a project that you’ve worked so hard on and to see it manifest is a beautiful thing. I’m happy for D’zyl. In my opinion, he has the formula to keep going in the rap game. Make sure to check out his music on all social media sites under D’zyl. Until next week L’z!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Sunday’s Empire Talks Back (ETB) radio show, hosted by Wallace Allen and produced by Tammy Martin-Ryles, featured three guest who each provided critical information. SBUSD Board Member Abigail Medina discussed the State and Federal Earned Income Tax Credit and how to access it. Mr. Cliff Le Blanc, representing a Solar installation Company, Grid Alternatives, which provides solar to low income home owners, he says, for no money! Host, Wallace Allen says, “Sounds too good, so we need to pull the trigger and see how well this works.” The final guest, Mrs. Tanea Eskridge, discussed an upcoming book release and expo celebrating Black America in Children’s Literature. She further discussed the importance of children ‘seeing themselves’ in literature.

You can listen to the podcast by following this link  http://podcasts.kcaastreaming.com/empire.

You can watch the podcast by following this link   http://www.ustream.tv/search?q=empire+talks+back.

ETB airs live each Sunday Morning at 10:00 on KCAA 1050-AM Radio. ETB will begin it 20th year anniversary of broadcasting in January.

Publishers Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

Some believe that we are defined not by the tragedies of life, but how we respond to them.  Tragedy is most often rendered quickly; however, its echo is multi-level and infinite to those directly and indirectly affected.  The response to tragedy is variable. It can range from numbness to heroic!

The beauty of living in San Bernardino Valley, ‘Beneath The Arrowhead’, is often challenged by the ugliness of tragedy… Steel Mill and Air Base Closing killing 20,000 jobs and uprooting families… fires destroying homes and businesses… City bankruptcy, terrorism and most recently, the school shooting!

The shooting at North Park Elementary School leaves a teacher and one of her students dead, another student wounded and a classroom of students traumatized for life based on what they directly witnessed.

The joy of the parents, who found that their children were not the shooting victims, was immediately replaced with pain, empathy and sympathy for the victims and their families.

The response from police agencies was only matched by the quick reaction of religious and community leaders, who quickly descended on the scene of the shooting, and dispersed with parents to CSUSB, and with students to Cajon High School where they were reunited with their parents.

The best medical and social resources for physical and mental recovery are available in the Inland Empire. The prospects for a family recovering from untimely and tragic death are very slim and we pray that it occurs. Our prospects of preventing or avoiding future tragedies, is even slimmer! Tragedy is going to occur. We must be prepared for it.

Our natural response is to sooth the pain, as best we can… I am suggesting that we improve our level of “best we can” to help in an emergency. Tragedies and emergencies are predictably unpredictable! We are all potential “first responders”! More critically, we are all subject to needing a “first responder”! I need for you to know how to help me just as you need me to know how to help you!

I am proposing that we, the residents, business owners, and visitors to the City of San Bernardino, take the leadership position in emergency preparedness! Our access to life in one of the most beautiful places on the planet demands that we meet the challenge to stay here! If not for the regular unexpected catastrophe, surely for the expected!  We know that we shall have an earthquake and that it will be inconvenient and unpredictable, but it will not be unexpected… So we should not be unprepared.

Becoming a certified emergency response team member is a highly-trained status that we all should aspire, but for practical reasons, cannot. But, becoming certified in CPR is attainable, and is one of the most important tools of a first responder.

I propose that we organize ourselves to reject the nation’s exposure to our tragedy as the symbol and image of our being… That we organize ourselves to demonstrate our resilience and determination to define and achieve the All-American Lifestyle that represents the beauty of “Living Beneath the Arrowhead” in beautiful San Bernardino Valley.

Our proposed campaign to learn CPR, though symbolic, is a very practical asset. CPR has value at home, work and play, in private and public places. Our campaign describes our passion and compassion for each other, as well as our arrogant love of life beneath the Arrowhead.

Will you join our campaign to learn and teach CPR?

By Naomi K. Bonman

In the March 30, 2017 edition of the Westside Story Newspaper there was an article that mentioned a motorcycle run to Las Vegas. It is our apologies for the misprint of information. The run was not a Las Vegas run, but a High Desert Unity Run that was inspired by a member of the “Free Style” Lady Riderz and Ladies, Debra Green. Ms. Green, a.k.a. Beautiful, invited the ladies to attend the church that she belongs to at Faith Ministries International Network of Churches Inc., in Apple Valley.

During the services, Apostle Rebecca Washington became aware of the Lady Riders Bike Club and was impressed that “pretty ladies” ride motorcycles and requested that the group visit the church. Yolondia Mayes a.k.a. Ms. Hannibal and President of Freestyle Lady Riderz & Freestyle Ladies, contacted other bike club presidents and formulated the “High Desert Unity Run” which included 29 clubs.  

The other clubs that were included in the High Desert Unity Run were Desert Brothers, Wolf Pack, 2^nd II None, Black Knightz, Chosen Few, High Desert Deuces, Buffalo Soldiers, Silver Star, Enlightened Ministries LV, No Rules-No Dues, LV, Road Queens, Hub City Ladies, Tru 2 Fact, Kin Folks, Elite, and Rare Pearls.

During the event there was a special presentation where Ms. Hannibal honored a few individuals.

“It is motor tradition to hand out trophies to the largest MC Club supporting the event,” Mayes explained. “Which in this case, the Desert Brothers were honored.”

Other honorees included: “True to the Fact”, largest social club; and “Kin Folk”, largest low rider club. An honorary new member of Free Style Lady Riderz was given to Apostle Rebecca Washington-Berry and E-Mac, President of Wolf Pack, was given an award for Best Supporter of Free Style Lady Riderz. After the awards, Pastor Greg gave a blessing over each biker and their bike.

The Free Style Lady Riderz was started after Mayes has lost her daughter Louise Wheeler-Jones on June 14, 2009 to a tragic shooting. The motorcycle sets showed her a lot of love and respect and because of their actions it prompted her to start her own motorcycle club. The name “Free Style Lady Riderz and Ladies” was picked out by Susan Carter (Sapphire), Vice President, and Yolondia Mayes. The purpose of the club is to promote and secure healthy relationships within all members surrounding communities and the cities they reside in, as well as other cities and or states. Their motto is, “Building a sisterhood pure at heart.” And the mission is, “Loyalty is law.”

The next upcoming bike event will be the Black Knightz Annual Picnic on Saturday, May 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Prado Regional Park located at 16700 Euclid Avenue in Chino. The community cam also assist in upcoming charity events that the ladies participate in which include: a backpack giveaway for the Back to School season, a Feed the Homeless event for the holiday season, a blanket giveaway for the winter season, and a host of other chairyt events. To keep up with the ladies, please follow them on Facebook under “Freestyle Club-Free Style Lady Riderz”.

Check Route 66 Newspaper and/or Westside Story on Facebook for information on where the scavenger hunt begins!

All Easter Hunt participants must download the Seek & Spot App from the Playstore or the Apple Store.

The app is completely free!

Once you’ve downloaded the app, enter the game code that will be posted on Route 66 Newspaper’s Facebook page at 6pm!

Remember to have fun and happy hunting!