WSSN Stories

Captain Mark Wood Jr.

By Naomi Riggins

Captain Mark Wood Jr. of Lakeside played his way through New Year’s Eve 2015/16 for Lynn Paul’s 50^th Birthday Bash. The birthday was held at the newly renovated Elks Lodge located at 1073 Mt Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. To book your next event at the Elks Lodge call (909) 258-0254 and ask for Lynn.

The legendary band repertoire of feel-good fusion of soul/disco and funk transported us back to 1980’s when Lakeside was at their height of their game. As the intro to “Fantastic Voyage” came through the speakers it seemed to flick a switch which electrified the crowd into high gear. Mark Wood Jr. and Lakeside was definitely “All the way live”!

For more information on how to book Lakeside, please go to lakesidecaptnmarkwood.com.

What It Do Inland Empire. It’s the first article of 2016. Let me just say thank you Lord for allowing me to make it. Now moving on I’m totally excited about this year and all its new opportunities we have for Indie Artist.

On Friday, January 22 in Santa Monica at the Dragon Fly Night Club, LUE Productions will be involved in the UNTIY JAM sponsored by Involved Records.  We have rapper Knoc Turn’ AL and sexy R&B singer Marques Houston starring and our very own Gwaap Fam opening up. The event will be a blast as we celebrate UNITY.

LUE Productions is always about being positive within the community and giving back. We have performance slots available for artists wanting to perform. Please contact us at via Facebook under “LUE Productions” or text (909) 567-1000. The same applies for tickets. Until next week folks L’s. San Bernardino Strong!

About LUE Productions: 

LUE PRODUCTIONS is an entertainment/management/production company established in 2005 with the mission of offering a safe and productive environment for artists of all ages to display their talents. Based out of the Inland Empire, we pride ourselves in bringing forth unique and entertaining shows. Specializing in Community, Corporate, and Private Events, we are strongly focused on the ARTS, the YOUTH, and the COMMUNITY. We work hard in our community and spend time giving back.

Please help us by checking out our page on FACEBOOK and clicking the like button. We hope you share with your family and friends! Thank you!- LUCRETIA DOWDY, CEO and Founder.

Donations in support of our efforts is appreciated and can be made via PayPal at
Lue.info@yahoo.com or (909) 567-1000.

Publisher’s Commentary   By Wallace J. Allen

Less than fourteen percent of San Bernardino’s eligible voters bothered to vote in the past November elections. Elections that selected five City Council Members who will make the major policy decisions to lead the city out of bankruptcy!

Sixth Ward voters get a chance for a ‘do over’! They will get a second opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice. There is a special run-off election scheduled for Tuesday February 2. The special election will decide the occupant of the 6^th Ward Seat.  In the November’ general election, only 3 of every 20 people registered to vote in San Bernardino’s 6^th ward, did so.

Is it correct to assume that the other seventeen people who didn’t vote don’t really care who is “in charge” in City Hall? Or maybe they just trust the judgment of the three who decided to vote.

Anyone that holds elected position for a constituency that votes at a less than fifteen percent rate knows the people they represent “don’t really give a hoot”! How the elected official responds to that fact is a demonstration of their integrity… But we have to admit, it is probably difficult to drive a hard negotiation for your constituency when the elected official that is being negotiated with knows that the people that you are representing, “don’t really give a hoot”!

A Sixth Ward Candidates Forum & Debate is scheduled for 6 PM Monday January 11. Sixth Ward voters can see, hear and question the two wonderful women who are candidates for the right to represent the Sixth Ward.  The Forum is at the Ingrahm Community center, 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue.

If you are eligible to be a voter, you should care about the condition of your streets and street lights, about garbage and blight, about fire protection and police services, about parks and activities for children and senior citizens. You should care about business and job development! The list goes on and so does government that probably doesn’t serve you, but it appears that 17 out of 20 of you “don’t really give a hoot”! There is too much at stake to not vote!

“You will probably lose more by not voting than you gain by voting. It is kind of like treading water, you don’t get far doing it, but you can lose everything if you don’t! “- Wha-Lee.

Natalie Cole

By Billy Gee

Like millions of others, I was shocked to learn of the demise of vocalist par excellence, Natalie Cole.  She was close to the heart of many Baby Boomers, like myself, who not only thrilled at the sound of her mellifluous voice, but who also associate her with her legendary father Nat “King” Cole.  I had the privilege of meeting her when she spoke at the commencement exercise for the Berkley College of Music when I graduated in 1995.  She shook my hand and smiled as she congratulated me.  Her smile was the kind that could melt your heart from across the street.  The experience was truly “unforgettable.”  (Pun intended.)

Even if you never had the occasion to meet her in person, chances are that you felt that she was someone that you knew personally.  Each fabulous note she sang would find its way to your heart–to the depth of your being, as was the case with her inimitable dad.

Natalie may be gone, but rest assured that she will never be forgotten; for I know she will live on in the hearts of admirers the world over who knew and loved her through her music.  Rest in peace, “Sweetie.”

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“…  A fresh anointing is flowing my way; It’s a season of power and prosperity; The devil’s time is up, no longer can he bother me; ‘Cause the Creator of the universe, He fathers me; And it’s transferable, my children’s children shall be free; If you don’t know by now, you need to know it’s Jubilee; Where debts are canceled and your children walk in victory; … A new horizon; And no greater time for you to make a choice and take a stand; … All that was stolen is returned a hundred fold; Tried in the fire but coming out gold; …To every promise take a hold; It’s a New Season, It’s a New Day” [Israel Houghton Lyrics].

I don’t know about you, but today marks the beginning of a “New Season” for me. Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters… I am about to do a new thing… forget the former things”[Isaiah 43:18-19].  Now you can say what you want to say, but I say Amen to new things! You see if you are ever going to move on to new things in Christ, you must learn that you cannot depend upon past victories to sustain you. You cannot allow your past failures to possess you… In the book of [Habakkuk 1:5] the prophet was told: ‘Look around you, Habakkuk, among the nations, and see and be astonished, astounded, for I am putting into effect a work in your days, such that you would not believe it though you were told it!” I want you to know that God did a new thing in Isaiah’s day, He did a new thing in Messiah’s day, He did a new thing in the days of Pentecost, He did a new thing in the days of the Apostles, He did a new thing in the days of historical revival and He is going to do a new thing in Lou days. He said it, I believe it! – Oh, I tell you “It’s a New Season, It’s a New Day”… A year full of possibilities… A year full of opportunities! You hear what I’m saying to you, “A New Season, a New Day!”

But wait a minute; the Spirit is saying “That some of you are stuck in a rut, stumbling through life. You’re living off manna instead of feasting on God’s abundance. You’re wandering through the wilderness instead of inhabiting the Holy Land.” The Spirit says, “That it’s time now to make your move. It’s time now to receive what God has for you. It’s time now to enter the Promised Land.” For a place of promise awaits you: of contentment and joy and peace and abundance and satisfaction. It’s a land flowing with milk and honey; and God is waiting for you to enter. The Spirit says, “Don’t dwell on the pass; Turn the page.  Look ahead to what God will do in your life, today and tomorrow. Stake your claim on your territory. Begin to expect God to give you dominion in every area of your life.”

“Soon in your hand will be placed a priceless gift… Look at it closely.  There is no price maker stamped on it.  It cannot be weighed, because no scale can balance its value.  A king’s ransom in comparison is as nothing, yet it is given to beggar and prince alike.  The giver asks only that it be used wisely and well. This jewel, rare and unique, is not displayed in any shop window. It cannot be purchased, cannot be sold. No other treasure holds the possibilities this gift offers — none can surpass its golden splendor.  Of all gifts, this is one of the most precious. It has been offered many times before; today, from the depths of a limitless love it will be given again. It will be left to you to find the golden thread running through it. Only with great care will the jewel retain its luster.  Carelessness, ingratitude and selfishness will tarnish the brilliance, break the unspoiled thread, and mar the perfection.  Guard it closely, lest through weak fingers it slips from the hand.  Look often at its faultless beauty. Accept it as it is offered from the heart of the giver. Consider it as the most treasured of possessions, for of all gifts it is by far the greatest. It is the gift of the New Year.” I tell you, “It’s a New Season… It’s a New Day!”

By Josh Dreiband

 Rock Blackwell, The World Boxing Union (WBU) novice world champion who has gone 15-0 as a pro internationally in the IBL (Spain, Great Britian, Scotland) and is now currently ranked with the WBU and IBU. Over the summer, Blackwell announced that he would be using his skill in the ring for good. Rock Blackwell has teamed up with The My Sister Cares Foundation, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to giving food, shelter and clothing to orphans in Africa, to rebuild orphanages in Cameroon.

On June 5, 2016 the WBU and IBU ranked boxer and the My Sister Cares Foundation will travel to Cameroon to break ground on their first orphanage. Blackwell, who was born and raised in Baltimore with heritage from  Yehuda, Israel. The champion of the Hebrews believes it is his calling to help restore his people, and he’s going to begin with Cameroon.

Upon their arrival on June 5th, Rock Blackwell and My Sister Cares will supply $65,000 worth of food, gas, clothes, shoes, toys and books to the children and families of Cameroon. Rock Blackwell will also be holding a boxing seminar for the kids in Cameroon’s capitol, where the Cameroon Boxing Federation will honor him for his charitable efforts

Rock Blackwell’s first trip to Africa will be one with a warm welcome. The first lady of Cameroon will be in attendance at Cameroon’s capital to receive the champ and do a traditional royal dressing, in honor of his charity.

2016 Blackwell will return to boxing under the traditional ABC, a year filled with Tv fights, championship bouts, guest star appearances and more.

WHAT IT DO you beautiful people, WHAT IT DO! So as the year comes to an end, I would like to end my column with the talented artist from the Inland Empire known as rapper, “Fitz Taylor.” Right now this talented artist is riding the wave of success as he pushes forward towards his DREAM. I met Fitz almost two years ago and of course his looks captured me at first, but once I heard his music, it was all over. I became an instant fan of “The Puerto Rican Papi.”

This artist has been headlining shows such as the “South by Southwest” concert in Austin Texas, and rocking mics and stages all over Southern California. He was featured on the front page of The Source due to his record, “6 in the Morning” featuring “AD The Pen.”

Fitz’ fan base is increasing daily. Numbers don’t lie! Ending the year on a high, he recently released his second album titled, “NO DAYS OFF.” The project went viral and can be found on major music outlets and also banging in the streets. He is currently signed to “Lalow Entertainment,” and has become Vevo certified. Fitz’ project landed in the hands of the man himself, “DJ Enuff,” from Hot 97 radio, which is major. Fitz also gives back by providing free shows for community members and the youth.

Young, Talented, Gifted, and Sexy he is! You can view his work at www.FITZTAYLOR.com. Also catch him performing live in San Bernardino at the Tamale Festival January 9th and 10th at Perris Hill Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Until next year I.E. – San Bernardino Strong. L’z!

Torrey Adams with some of the attending children at the Music is a Part of Everyday Life Toy Drive, Tues., Dec. 22, 2015. (Photograph courtesy of Robert Byrd of BE-Radical Productions).

LOS ANGELES, CA- KhyKel Music Enterprises and The Beat Series, in conjunction with Underground PR, hosted the first annual Music is a Part of Everyday Life Toy Drive, Tuesday, December 22 at the Carson Community Center.  With sponsors and supporters such as Taxx Pros and Jan’s Christian Academy, the Music is a Part of Everyday Life Toy Drive successfully gathered a number of toys to be distributed to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carson and House Full of Toys; used instruments were donated to the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center, in Los Angeles.

The children in attendance enjoyed arts and crafts like making bracelets, customizing photo frames and coloring pictures.  Attendees also enjoyed an open photo booth provided by Fotos on the Go, gift bags and live performances from upcoming musical artists.  KJLH was present during the first half of the event, where Bigg Pwee did Block Hits to encourage the community to donate new, unwrapped toys and used instruments.

Performers graced the stage by delivering musical performances throughout the event.  These performers included a 10-year-old female emcee by the name of Charlee Hines; R&B recording artist, Auree “Honey Blu” Edmundson; R&B recording artist, Ashley Manley (shown in the picture to the left; photographed by Robert Byrd of BE-Radical Productions); and a dance performance by creative artist Lamont Easter, Jr.  DJ BaD provided sounds on the turntables during the second half of the toy drive and aided in playing soundtracks for the performers.

Toward the close of the toy drive, a raffle was conducted raffling off items at $1 per ticket.  Some of the items included: gift baskets, tickets to the R&B Rewind Fest and an autographed basketball from Los Angeles Lakers’ Power Forward, Julius Randle.  All proceeds were donated to Christ Centered Community Church.

Torrey “Tact Boogie” Adams, founder of KhyKel Music Enterprises and The Beat Series gave a short speech, at the end of the event, about the importance of music, philanthropy and the passion behind his creativity.  “Often times my passion gets mistaken [for other emotions].  I just love what I do…music is a part of everyday life.”   His ultimate goal, as a music producer and engineer, is to expose and involve more children in the art of making music.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

It’s time for you to wholeheartedly give yourself to the will of the Lord. I tell you time is running out! Paul said that it is closer than when we first believed. The night is just about to be over and it is day time. Wake up! You can’t continue to live like you have been living. Wake up! It is time to do what God has called you to do. Yeah, the world’s philosophy says, “Live for self”… but God’s Word says, “Die to self!”   Don’t you know that being in God’s will is far better than being outside His will? The problem is that most of us as believers today is committed to this world and not the things of God – everything is about “what we want” and not about “what God wants.” The flesh is running rampant in the Christian world today and I tell you that ought not to be. My purpose is to challenge you to understand that Jesus came to give us something new in our spiritual life. According to Christ, it is absolutely imperative and important for us to be transformed if we desire to enter into God’s Kingdom. Remember what God told His people Israel, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chron 7:14). Scripture is very clear on our need to direct our hearts toward God –Remember, “Dying to self” isn’t the goal – “Life” is the goal!

This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart…” [Ephesians 4:17-19]. I want you to know that Paul gets very specific, describing those things which we as Christian must put off and those which we must put on [Ephesians 4:25]. We got to lay aside the old self he says, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and we must be renewed in the spirit of our mind…”[Ephesians 4:22-24]. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be! For sin shall not be master over us, for we are not under law, but under grace (Romans 6: 1-14). As you therefore have received Christ, so walk in Him, (Colossians 2:6).

Decide today to give yourself over to the will of God, letting each day count for eternity. Allow God to have His way with you. “Whereas ye know not what shall be on tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanishes away. [James 4:14].  Paul realized he had to fulfill the call of God upon his life. He said, “Woe is me if I preach not the gospel…” [I Corinthians 9:16-17]. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” [Romans 12:1-2].  Understand that God has called you to live a separated life, to be a peculiar people unto Him.  “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” [ 2 Corinthians 6:17-18].

I want you to know that there are two consequences in life. You can either attend the feast were wisdom spreads her table for those who enter her house. She strengthens them, she satisfies them, and she sustains them. She gives them all they need for now and for the future. [1 Cor. 2:9] [John 14:1-3].  Or you can attend the funeral – The context and the contrast. While the wise man goes off to enjoy the feast, the fool goes off to endure his funeral [Proverbs 7:5-27]. 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]. The alarm has been sounded. What will you do?

“Medical cannabis advocates need tools and training to talk with their local lawmakers about medical marijuana,” said ASA California Director Don Duncan. “This project is all about supporting and empowering those local advocates to make a difference in their hometown.” ASA’s new Local Access Project (LAP) is a web portal with links to documents and online training that medical marijuana supporters can use to talk with their representatives on the City Council or County Board of Supervisors.

Credit: EarthMed.com

While California voters led the nation in legalizing medical marijuana in 1996, the state has lagged behind other medical marijuana states in adopting a statewide regulatory scheme. Cities and counties have adopted a patchwork of regulations and bans in the nineteen years since voters approved Proposition 215.  Governor Brown signed a historic trio of bills known as the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA) to license and regulate commercial medical marijuana at the state level on October 9.

“The deadline for local licensing of commercial medical cannabis in March has caused some cities to overreact,” said Duncan. “In some cases, local governments are even banning marijuana cultivation by individual patients. That was never the intent of the law.” ASA hopes the LAP will give patients and other advocates tools to talk to lawmakers about alternative to banning medical marijuana cultivation. “I believe that, given the choice, some cities and counties will opt to protect legal patient and the community at large by adopting a local licensing ordinance instead of a ban.”