Singer, Elizabeth Estrella from the City of Rialto is What It DO!
Elizabeth Estrella lives in Rialto, California. She is sixteen-years-old and attends Etiwanda High School where she is currently a junior. Estrella is a 4.0 student and has received several awards for her academic achievements. She dreams of one day being a professional performer. Elizabeth attended The Musicians Institute Summer Shot Program where she composed an original song entitled,” I’m Yours.”
Elizabeth won the 99.1KGGI IE Salsa Festival and IE Taco Festival 2015 competitions, as well as the San Gabriel’s Got Talent competition at the age of 13. She is currently a member of an all-girl rock band named “Alive in the Lights” who performed at this year’s Riverside Festival of Lights. She wants to thank her family and friends for their support. Her mentors are her vocal coach JC Bentley and past teacher Charon Aldredge. Make sure you keep an eye out for this talent young lady.
“Hidden Figures” came in almost $2 million above expectations for its wide-release debut. The film has taken the top spot at the box office, slightly edging out “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”
“Hidden Figures” sold $22.8 million in ticket sales at North American theaters this past weekend. The Walt Disney Company’s (No. 38 on the DiversityInc 2016 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list) “Rogue One” earned $22.1 million in its fourth weekend, according to Friday-to-Sunday box office revenue tallies released on Monday.
The film is based on the true story of a team of African American women, Katherine Johnson (played by Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), who provided NASA with important mathematical data at the start of the Cold War. The women computed trajectories needed to launch the program’s first successful space missions, including John Glenn’s famous 1962 voyage.
“Hidden Figures” had a limited release on Christmas Day but expanded by more than 2,400 locations on Friday. It received an A-plus grade from ticket buyers in CinemaScore exit polls. Forty-three percent of viewers were white, 37 percent were Black and 13 percent were Latino. Women made up 64 percent of the audience, while 56 percent of all ticket buyers were age 35 or older, according to The Hollywood Reporter. To date, the film has earned a total of $24.7 million against a $25 million budget.
Civil rights attorney Steve Phillips, keynote speaker at DiversityInc’s conference in September and author of the New York Times bestselling book “Brown Is the New White,” used the entertainment industry as an example of how highly talented people of color are often “hiding in plain sight” in the workplace.
He said the now widely famous Lee Daniels, co-creator of Fox’s “Empire,” and Taraji P. Henson, a star of the show, “were there all along, hiding in plain sight waiting to be believed in, invested in, promoted and empowered.”
From a Book Proposal to the Big Screen
The No. 1 film was inspired by the nonfiction book “Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race,” written by Margot Lee Shetterly. The Sloan Foundation awarded Shetterly a writing grant to complete the book.
FOX 2000 optioned the rights to the book based on her 55-page proposal. So, Shetterly was writing her book as screenwriters Theodore Melfi and Allison Schroeder wrote the screenplay at the same time. Melfi is also the director of the film. Pharrell Williams is a producer of “Hidden Figures” and a composer of its score.
During a discussion session in August at the joint convention of the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists in Washington, D.C., Shetterly said it was essential to support the film during opening weekend.
“Go to the movie theaters when it first comes out,” Shetterly told journalists.
She said it would make a powerful statement if people were to support the film and it became successful.
Actor Aldis Hodge, who plays Levi Jackson in the film, said “Hidden Figures” is about American triumph.
“Why do people go to those superhero films?” Hodge said. “We see the hero being that stand out guy or that girl who’s saving the world. This is nothing different.
“At the root of its core, this is about American triumph. The entire country benefited and still benefits from this accomplishment. So, this is a hero story for the country.”
For “It was you who practice ungodliness; but now you want to turn around and spread error concerning the LORD…” [Isaiah 32:6] Quit blaming God for your problems! You ruined your own life by your own foolishness, not God! [Proverbs 19:3]. Man up and take responsibility for your actions and stop playing the blame game!
I tell you every time things go bad for us the first thing we want to do is blame someone else; just like Adam did. Adam explained his sin to God by saying, “It was the woman you gave me she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate,” forgetting all along that no one made him eat the fruit. He did not eat because his wife handed him the fruit. He ate because he chose to eat. He knew and understood what was expected of him and what he was not to do. He knew the consequences of his choice and he did it anyway. [Genesis 3:12] And Eve, she blamed the whole calamity on the serpent. “The serpent deceived me, and I ate” [Verse 13]. Instead of manning up neither one of them took responsibility for their own actions. I tell you holding God accountable for Satan’s work and your choice is simplistic and naive. Quit blaming God for your problems! The revelation of God being your solution, not your problem, is one that the people of the Old Testament did not have. However, we do have it today and we are responsible for it. So stop playing the blame game! Face up to your wrongdoing! “If you confess your sins, he is faithful and just to forgive your sins, and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1: 9]
I tell you, if you don’t have the revelation that God is not the source of your problems, the Bible is a locked book to you. Although God does at times test us in order to strengthen us and teach us to stand; the idea that God would be the source of our sin is warped and antithetical to his nature. I want you to know that David path to forgiveness began when he admitted his sin to God. He didn’t try to evade responsibility; he didn’t blame it on Bathsheba or anyone else. He said, “I have sinned against the Lord.” This is exactly what you need to do: ACCEPT PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY! Even though it is our human nature to blame others, our circumstances or even to blame God, there is no need for us to do so! God knows our sinful condition. He knows every sinful thing that we have done. And He is still willing to forgive us. If you want God to become a more powerful, helpful force in your life, learn to stop holding God responsible for Satan’s work and your choices. Wise indeed is the person who makes no attempt to either hide his sins or to blame others for them. There is great victory in honest and forthright confessing your sins and in accepting full personal responsibility for them. Doing this, you have the assurance [1 John 1:9].
Wisdom has sent out her invitation; will you heed the call and attend the feast? “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live…. “[Deuteronomy 30:19]
Lisa Donavon of West Virginia was on hand to work on the Donor’s Float her daughter Nicole was a donor.
By Earl Heath
Before the drive down Colorado Blvd., Tamara Henderson put the final touches on the Rotary float. “I see the fun people are having and the joy the colors bring to them and it all worth it,” said the veteran who teaches at Bassett High in La Puente.
There are some 935 volunteer members of the Tournament of Roses Association. Each volunteer is assigned to one of 31 committees, with responsibilities ranging from selecting parade participants to directing visitors on New Year’s Day,
Gay Norris is known as “White Suitors” because of her distinctive white uniform that she and every volunteer wears. It’s been a part of her life for some 20 years. She has no intentions of letting go.
Not even her move to Tyler Texas six years ago stops her from returning to Pasadena annually to put in her volunteer time. “It’s a joy to be here and be part of something this special“, said Norris. “ People really appreciate us and its gives me a warm feeling whining you get things done and it brings a wide smile to some faces.”
Norris is one of several community-spirited men and women give up their evenings, weekends and holidays to ensure the success of the Parade and Game.
She has a great philosophy for those who wear the suites.” We are all equal, we all make decisions. You make a mistake you get teased, one motto is under promise and over deliver.”
The 128th Edition of the Tournament of Roses was a rare on in that it took place on Monday January 2 and the temperature (40 degrees) were closer to that of New England ‘s winter Day than that of a Pasadena afternoon. Some million or so peopled lined the streets of Pasadena
“Never on Sunday” was the call by the for this year New Year’s day fell on a Sunday and with keeping with Tradition of the Founding Fathers. They believed Sunday to be a day for family and worship. Its theme “Echos of Success “ found a way through some 41 floats, 19 marching Bands and 20 equestrian units.
The three Grand Marshalls Olympians Allyson Felix, Greg Louganis and Janet Evans all had success during their careers. Thus there could not be a better trio for the theme.
Awwwwwwwwwww shucks the NEW YEAR and the YOUTH is WHAT IT DO! Aniya Randall born on December 9, 2005 and born and raised in the Inland Empire is known for her many talents.
As a young child Aniya was no stranger to the entertainment world. She began dancing and singing along aside her talented dad R&B Singer, Yung Muusik.
Giving her the name, Princess Aniya, Yung Muusik has booked this talent young star in shows from the Inland Empire to Hollywood. Princess Aniya also was an act on the X-factor TV show. Performing, spending time with her dad playing with her friends and Lil brother is extremely important to this Lil Diva. I’m certain that she’ll make her way up the entertainment ladder.
Remember to always support the YOUTH. Until next week folks! L’z!
It will not be God’s fault. It will not be the church’s fault. You will not be able to blame your family nor your friends. If you go to hell you will have no one to blame but yourself! For every single person who ends up in Hell can blame only themselves for being there. And no passage makes this clearer than [John Chapter 8]… Don’t be like the Pharisees. Jesus in His great love, sent the Pharisees men like the Apostle Paul, all His disciples, and James and Jude, to be huge obstacles to the unbelief of the Pharisees. Yet, the Pharisees climbed over those obstacles and continued on their way to Hell. Don’t you do it! For it is a dreadful thing to die in the very act of sin—to be caught away by the justice of God even while the transgression is being perpetrated! Jesus boldly told the Pharisees they were “serpents”, and a “generation of vipers”, and that they were going to Hell. Like the angels told Lot, you better “Flee for your life! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away.” Because make no mistake about it, if you perish in your sin, you will go to Hell and you will have no one to blame but yourself!
For years now God had shown such longsuffering towards you, just as he did Sodom. Restraining his anger, giving you much time to repent and change your ways. Truly, God is love, so much so that He somberly declares, “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die…Repent and live!” For God says, “His Spirit shall not always strive with man…” Don’t be one of the multitudes of people who will lift up their eyes from Hell, crying out as they remember the “random” incidences where the Holy Spirit tried to reach them. Don’t let that be said about you.
You know Jesus told the Pharisees that He was going to send prophets, wise men, and scribes who would follow Him, and who would attempt to tell them the truth [Ezekiel 33:7] “As for you, son of man [woman], I have made you a watchman… whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from Me…” and that is what I am doing today. If you do not turn from your sins and repent you will go to hell and you will have no one to blame but yourself. Remember the issue is between you and God and no one else. You must account to Him for yourself. It will be no one’s fault but your own if you deliberately seal your own doom. Don’t do it! What do you have to look forward to if Christ is not your Saviour? At best, you have only a few more years in this world with its pleasures, its troubles and sorrows. Then come death without hope and nothing beyond but everlasting doom. What folly to go on without Christ and miss heaven. Jesus says, “Come NOW, and let us reason together: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” [Isaiah 1:18]. If you go to Hell, you’ve got no one to blame except yourself. I am preaching the truth to you. Will you take heed? Hell is a horrible place of torment, pain and misery, please don’t end up there!
“Now I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” [Deuteronomy 30:19]
RIALTO, CA – The San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees elected officers for its 2017-18 academic year at its annual organizational meeting last week. Representing District 2 (Rialto and Muscoy) Trustee Joseph Williams was elected to serve his first term as President of the Board of Trustees.
“It is an honor to be selected by fellow Governing Board Members to serve as President and I’m humbled of the opportunity to help continue fostering a community college that embraces diversity and provides a world-class education to prepare our future Inland Empire workforce,” said Joseph Williams. “I am excited about this opportunity and I am most interested increasing student success. It’s my desire to see textbooks become more affordable; increase the number of people with at least a middle skill credential and ensuring our tax dollars are spent on academic initiatives and infrastructure that will continue making our colleges the jewel of the Inland Empire.”
?Joseph Williams was appointed to fill a Board of Trustees vacancy in 2013 and then elected to the position in November, 2014.
As Founder and CEO of the Youth Action Project (YAP), Joseph Williams has served youth and adults of the Inland Empire for nearly two decades. YAP empowers youth and young adults in development of the skills and habits needed for economic and social success. YAP integrates youth popular culture in its program to engage positive dialogue, decision-making, and actions that will improve educational and workforce outcomes.
?Prior to founding YAP, Joseph Williams was employed with the County of San Bernardino for nine years, working for the Department of Behavioral Health, the Workforce Development Department and the Sheriff’s Department.
He currently serves as a Executive member of the California Workforce Develop Board and the California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board.
Joseph served as the SBCCD Student Trustee when he was a college student, has Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and is currently completing a Masters of Arts in Social Impact from Claremont Lincoln University.
To learn more about Joseph Williams, visit www.josephrwilliams.com
Another year gone is WHAT IT DO! Having people that truly believe in you and support you is the best feeling in the world. Sometimes you have to be your own cheerleader or roaring squad. Don’t be afraid to encourage and motivate yourself to higher heights. This year I’ve had the pleasure to feature and highlight several talented artists in the Inland Empire. I count it a blessing to be able to provide a platform and share their stories.
I’d like to thank Mr. Wallace Allen, one of my mentors, for allowing me to be a part of his amazing team at the Westside Story Newspaper; for believing in my vision. Until next year L’zzz high in the air and Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
I’ve had enough; Jesus says….The Charade… Pretending to Love Me… No More! It’s Over Now! Depart from Me, you worker of iniquity.”
Can you imagine those words falling from Jesus lips? “You don’t know what to say. You close your eyes to hide the pain you feel inside because you know that truly, it’s over now.” No More Charades! No More Pretending! For some people, this will come as the shock of their lives. They had expected to be in the kingdom, but they will be forced to walk away into the judgment. I tell you, it’s a good thing though, that none of us “church going “Christians” will ever have to hear those words. I mean, there‘s no way that Jesus would turn you away is there? You do serve Him, right? You do love him right? You do worship Him as the one and only true God, right? You do understand the necessity of being sincere and faithful in one’s worship and service to God, right?” Because of all the scripture that comes to mind, perhaps the saddest one of all is found in [Matthew 7: 23.] Here Jesus tells us that at the second coming, there will be some people who will fully expect to ascend to heaven with Him in the clouds of glory, but He will have to tell them; “….depart from Me, I never knew you.”
How terrible is this warning to the false prophets, apostles, pastors, teachers, bishops, elders and evangelist, who have prophesied, who have really preached and taught and who expect to go to heaven, but yet, will wake up in Hell, Jesus says; because everything they do is done for men to see [Matthew 23:5]. They are like whitewashed tombs which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside is full of dead men’s bones… On the outside [they] appear to people as righteous but on the inside [they] are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. Hypocrites! Their primary concern is projecting the right image. They make sure they walk right, dress right, and talk right. But oh, on that great day, the Day of Judgment, they will be commanded to depart into everlasting shame and torment! Multitudes of people who expect to go to Heaven will go to Hell. Thousands of “good” people, “moral” people, church members, even church workers, will find themselves lost when they expected to be saved, condemned when they expected approval, cast out of Heaven when they expected to be received into eternal bliss. Jesus’ words cut to the quick. “I never knew you.” Can you imagine…. It’s Over Now!
“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” [Deuteronomy 30:19]
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