Enrique Medina
By Lou Coleman
If you are looking for a mechanic, whether it is electrical or repairs for your car or truck, then look no further. Enrique Medina is his name. He is a very humble man who is honest, very reasonable, and gets the job done in a very timely manner. Call him up and tell him what you need. He will do it for you, and don’t forget to mention that you read about him in the Westside Story Newspaper. His telephone number is (909) 202-3512.
By Keith McCarter
I attended the ICUC forum on October 6, 2015 for the San Bernardino City Council candidates. I was shocked at some of their answers concerning the various topics. Let us take for instance the topic of homelessness. One of the candidates actually said, he would pay the police to round them up and send them to another city. This answer reeked of insensitivity.
Others said it should not be the cities responsibility. They suggested that it is a State and Federal problem. I can understand their rationale with this answer, even though this answer is a bit short sided.
I must say that I was particularly impressed with Mr. Damon Alexander’s answer. It was very simple. He suggested to do what other cities have done. Combine the services of the different social services departments, local, state and federal. Then we provide the services the homeless needs and help them get back on their feet again. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THIS CAME FROM THE MOUTH OF A REPUBLICAN. But I was completely fascinated with the simplicity of his answer.
In actuality, many of the bigger cities have done this. Also, Los Angeles city has just begun to combine these services as well. One of the major problems with providing services to people is that the people do not know how to access the available services. By lowering this barrier, Mr. Alexander suggests that the homelessness situation will be minimized if we follow the lead of the larger cities.
One last point I would like to mention. Politicians usually boast about what they have done to help other people. I was fortunate enough to speak with a few members from Damon Alexander’s camp. I was informed and witnessed him arranging an event to feed the homeless last Saturday on October 3rd.
So when a question arose about homelessness, he did not boast about him using his time, money and energy to feed the homeless at the park during the previous Saturday. He simply gave a professional answer to a serious concern of the city. Is this humbleness? I do not know what it is, but it is very refreshing to witness a candidate taking so much of their person to help alleviate the social impact of a dire concern without trying to use it for political gain. If elected this Damon Alexander will be a breath of fresh air to the City Council of San Bernardino.
Yolanda Adams will performing on the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour at this weekend’s Taste of Soul.
LOS ANGELES, CA- Southern California McDonald’s is bringing hope, inspiration and fellowship to the 10th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival by presenting the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage. In addition to the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, local gospel talent from Los Angeles and the Inland Empire will be hitting the stage to kick off the day. Taste of Soul attendees can expect to hear uplifting music from Donald Jones and the Los Angeles Mass Choir, Brent Jones with the KJLH Radio Free Performance Choir, the West Angeles Choir and Holman Quartet.
“We are overjoyed to present the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, in partnership with the Taste of Soul organization, to the community,” said Clay Paschen III, McDonald’s owner/operator and president of the McDonald’s Operators’ Association of Southern California (MOASC). “Bringing local talent to the stage is a show of commitment to the communities we serve across Southern California. The local gospel talent is icing on top of what is already slated to be an amazing event.”
The national Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour artists performing on the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage, presented by McDonald’s, will include: Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence, Tasha Page-Lockhart and DeWayne Woods. The event will be hosted by Lonnie Hunter and comedian Small Fire.
In addition, local talent that will grace the stage will include: Brent Jones with the KJLH Radio Free Performance Choir, Taylor and the Los Angeles Mass Choir, Karen Wiggins and the Inland Empire Explosion Choir, Jubilant Voices, Holman Quartet, Linda Broadous Miles, Episcopal Chorale, Ward African Methodist Episcopal Choir, Kevin Henderson, Jay Frazier/G-Rap, Echoes of Praise, Jackie Gouche and Joe Douglas.
“Extending the Taste of Soul Family Festival to include the Inland Empire is another special part of this partnership,” said Reggie Webb, McDonald’s owner/operator. “We are working with Pastor Mannie Brodie and Principles of Faith Christian Center to provide transportation for any community members who want to experience Taste of Soul and McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour for themselves.”
Transportation to Taste of Soul is available on a first come, first serve basis. The bus will depart from Webb Family Enterprises located at 3155 Sedona Court, Ontario, CA 91764. Those interested can secure a ticket for transportation by calling Ratibu Jacocks of Westside Action Group at (909) 820-4406.
McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is an extension of the brand’s 365Black platform, an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round. To learn more about the tour and the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com. For more information on local gospel acts gracing the stage and details, follow @McDonalds_SoCal on Twitter and join the conversation at #365BlackGospel.
Lou Coleman
By Lou Coleman
Pretentious people: Ugh… Always want to be seen to show out; can’t function unless they stand out. Always got to be on the program; can’t serve in the background. Always got to be about them. Then want to have the audacity to get mad when you say something. Listen, Jesus warned against this type of hypocrisy in Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. You know in the parable Matt 13:26 no one noticed the problem until the wheat began to reproduce, forming heads prior to the harvest. I want you to know that the key difference between wheat and weeds is not in what they do, but in what they are? Who am I talking too? Because pretentious people, act saved but are active sinners. How can you hold a position in God’s houses (the church) and yet the devil runs rapid in your own house? Paul says in Acts 17:22-23…..You need a word that is revelatory and relevant. Real people don’t come to church to be confused. Real people come to church to get a practical word and to come to understand what they don’t’ understand. I want you to know that the days of coming to church and not understanding the Word is over. Why sit in church just to die on the vine? This thing is personal.
Everything we are is because of God. Get over yourself! It’s not about you! Phil 2:3 says, “don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble…” Attitude is everything. As 1Peter 5:6 says, “… humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you.” I bet your Pastor would just assume you not tell anyone where you went to church! It brings a reproach upon every saint of God who does try to live for Jesus. Yet, I thank God that there is a place of repentance for those of us who are guilty of the backward look today. If you are just pretending to be saved, please be aware that you are not fooling the Lord! He knows your heart and will judge you. This was condemned by Jesus in Luke 9:62. This trend in the church today, professing Christians that want to dress, act, walk and talk like the world. People who say they know Jesus, but act like the unsaved around them. What you are doing is playing around with sin and treating sin too lightly! My friend, sin is a deceiver, it is a killer and it is dangerous! It must be dealt with early and radically. Do not let it get a foothold in your life, but root it out, whatever the cost or the pain, Eph. 4:27; Matt. 5:27-30.
Until we meet again… Jesus’ last public message before He dies on the cross. It is stunning…a scathing denunciation of false religion and hypocrisy. Jesus is speaking to three groups of people… a multitude; the disciples and the scribes and Pharisees. Talk about name calling, Jesus holds nothing back! Bold and courageous, He calls them fools, snakes, vipers, blind guides, and 7 different times He calls them hypocrites. They are wearing masks, and He pulls them off. They come to church appearing to be one thing, but at home they are entirely different. They are religious play actors. Jesus demanded sincerity and reality. I want you to know that you may walk in sin for years, but one day judgment will surely come. One day, time will run out! There will be no more opportunities and no more calls to repentance, Gen. 6:3. There will be nothing but judgment swift and sure! I challenge you to flee the wrath of God! There is but one shelter for the soul, Romans 5:6-9… Get Over Yourself! It’s not about you!
What up Inland Empire! What it do with the LUE this week, is the WINGS! In this industry I get a chance to meet many talented independent artists. A lot of them have similar stories and similar goals. I’d like to introduce the man himself, Justified Smith.
Justified Smith is one of the most prolific writers of our time. He has recorded and printed more than 6 independent albums over the last nine years and has reportedly moved thousands of units in the music game. Over his career he’s shared tracks with West Coast veterans E-40, Kokane, Spice 1, Bad Azz, Above the Law, and many other independent artists. Respected mostly for his passion to hustle and the heart to sell his own music out of the trunk, Justified is definitely an underground icon.
This talented artist is a jack of all trades. Not only is Mr. Smith a talented rap artist but a business owner, show host of “CALI LIVE”, CEO of “Justified” and “G.I.2.G Entertainment”, but most of all a loving and caring single father of two beautiful little girls and one handsome son. He goes hard for his family on a daily basis to ensure their provided for. You can always catch Mr. Smith doing good work within his community and beyond. His organization M.O.F.I.A. which stands for “Men Of Faith In Action”, puts on several events throughout the year blessing the folks with needed household products and materials. I can respect that all day long!
Follow the wings and please support Justified Smith. His music is available everywhere digital downloads are sold. For bookings please contact email Justfiedmuisc@net.com. Until next time l’zzz! Justified’s latest song titles include “Man On A Mission” and “Follow The Wings” featuring Suga Free Message.
By Naomi K. Bonman
To commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I recently interviewed the author of “A Survivors Celebration of Life Beyond Domestic Violence”, which is written by Tahirah Ogletree.
Olgletree is an African-American actress, print model, author, filmmaker and advocate for domestic violence. Originally from Cleveland, Tahirah moved to Phoenix, Arizona to pursue her passion for film and acting. Over the years, she has been featured as a commercial print model in nationwide magazines and catalogs, starred in Internet commercials, and landed a role in a 2008 SIS TV Production. In 2011, she was rated as America’s top-aspiring African American woman, and was featured on the prestigious cover of the Blow, Hair & Fashion magazine. In 2012, Tahirah established her own film company, O’Tahirah Films, LLC. She wrote, produced and starred in two short films, Battered But not Broken and Phoenix Finest in Blue. In “Battered But Not Broken,” Tahirah played a battered woman who finds the strength to take back her life from the deadly grips of her abuser. Tahirah wrote “Battered But not Broken” to raise awareness on domestic violence and how rapidly it’s becoming an epidemic in so many households across America.
A Survivors Celebration of Life Beyond Domestic Violence is dedicated to every victim and survivor of domestic violence with the purpose of empowering, inspiring, educating, and helping to save and change lives. It is intended as a celebration of the beauty that all survivors have within, and is a reminder to everyone that there is life beyond the deadly grips of domestic violence. This empowering coffee table book is filled with inspiring quotes, tips on how to detect the early warning signs of domestic violence, tear-jerking testimonials from survivors around the world, Tahirah’s own autobiography, and a list of domestic violence hotlines with 24/7 access to highly trained advocates for immediate support.
In conjunction with her book release, Tahirah’s clothing line debuted with the launch of two t-shirt designs. The first derives from her original art pieces called “ Power Beyond the Fist.” The striking image translates two powerful messages. On one hand, it’s a collection of 52 inspiring phrases that help domestic violence victims understand they can overcome through faith in God, encouragement, forgiveness and a great support system. On the other, it sends the message to males that real men don’t hit women. “The Nubian” shirt hits the positive message home to victims and survivors that there is no excuse in settling for a life that’s less than one is capable of living; that there is true purpose in life beyond domestic violence. It is necessary to rise above and become the best version of oneself. When worn, these high-quality shirts act as strong messages to society, supporting the theory that we can break the silence of domestic violence.
To listen to the audio interview, please visit http://bit.ly/1JAuQCr. For more information on the book and how you can get it, visit otahirah.com.
Lou Coleman
By Lou Coleman
Jesus was mistreated by Roman soldiers, Matthew 26:27-31. He was ridiculed by the Jewish leaders, Matt. 27:39-43. He was even ridiculed by the two thieves who were crucified with Him, Matthew 27:44. He endured all of this so that He might make a lavish purchase and redeem you from the slavery of your sins. If you stop and think about the price God paid to redeem you, how can you turn a deaf ear to His call? When you consider the price He paid, the shame He bore, and the lengths He went to, to make salvation possible, how can you not bow before Him in love, in obedience, and in gratitude? Oh I know… because you are selfish…. You are just like those who was in the days of Noah Matthew 24:37-39 eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage… selfishly going about life as usual, while ignoring the truth in the face of impending doom and judgment. How unfortunate! Wrapped up in you and not caring. Lost and on your way to Hell! You’ve forgotten your history. You’ve forgotten where you came from; you forgotten the blessings you have received along the way. And when that happens, you forget to be grateful to the One who has blessed you along the way. What tragedy! Psalms 81 tells that story and the results for Israel. There is a history lesson and a warning in this psalm for us. If we forget our history with God, we will forget God. We will forget the good things He has done for us, chief of which is saving us from sin. Why want you choose to remember!
Listen, sometimes, you only get one chance. And if you miss it, you never get the chance to do it again. God says, “Behold.” “Pay attention!” “Listen up!” Hear what is being said!” There will be no reprieve. There will be no second chances…” Amos 8:11-14. I want you to know that if you are going to survive and thrive, you must be able to get a word from the Lord. When you refuse to hear the Word of God, God will give you His silence in Judgment. That is a judgment greater than any other. Jesus said in Matthew 11:15, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” I want you to know that those who turned a deaf ear to the Gospel of Christ, they all went to Hell Psalm 9:17. It is interested that the Bible says those who perished in the flood knew not until destruction was upon them. They sincerely didn’t believe Noah’s message of coming judgment and doom. The rich man knew not until he awoke in the fires of Hell. I know that many people alive today will not wake up until they are burning in Hell with the rich man, because they refused to listen. While we are facing impending doom and destruction in this world, most people couldn’t care less. Just as the world didn’t care before the flood came and swept them away. Just as Sodom didn’t care before God reigned down fire and brimstone to consume them. Just as Jerusalem didn’t care before Babylon utterly destroyed them. Just as the rich man didn’t care before God cast him into the flames of Hell, so also is the wicked, who don’t care about the truth; but I want you to know… eternal judgment is coming!
I will leave you with food for thought…. the message in Hebrews 3:8-18 “Do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God, as they were that day in the desert when they put him to the test. There they put me to the test and tried me, says God, although they had seen what I did for forty years. And so I was angry with those people and said, “they are always disloyal and refuse to obey my commands.’ I was angry and made a solemn promise: “They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest! My friends, be careful that none of you have a heart so evil and unbelieving that you will turn away from the living God. Instead, in order that none of you be deceived by sin and become stubborn, you must help one another every day, as long as the word “Today” in the scripture applies to us. For we are all partners with Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning. This is what the scripture says: “If you hear God’s voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God.” Who were the people who heard God’s voice and rebelled against him? All those who were led out of Egypt by Moses. With whom was God angry for forty years? With the people who sinned, who fell down dead in the desert. When God made his solemn promise, “They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest” – of whom was he speaking? Of those who rebelled.
To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear?
Adrena Ifill Blagburn
Adrena Ifill Blagburn is the 2015 recipient of the J. Franklin Jameson Archival Advocacy Award given by the Society of American Archivists (SAA). The award was presented at a ceremony during the SAA Annual Meeting in Cleveland, August 16–22. The award honors an individual, institution, or organization that promotes greater public awareness, appreciation, or support of archival activities or programs.
Since founding the strategic communications firm, Ifill/DoubleBack Global Group in 2002, Ifill Blagburn has been a leading advocate for the preservation of archival records documenting African-American Congressional history. As a result of her efforts to educate Black lawmakers about record retention policies, Ifill Blagburn has increased public awareness on the importance of not only preserving these records, but of the benefits of utilizing them for educational and historic programs. As a consultant, she directs the Avoice Project of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. As Chief Strategist for DoubleBack, she has developed exhibits, videos and events for various organizations to reach diverse audiences and empower them “to take history off the shelf.” Ifill Blagburn’s many strategic partners include the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University, the Robert J. Terry Library at Texas State University, the DC Archives and the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives.
Ifill Blagburn is a graduate of Williams College and received her MBA from Howard University. With roots in the Caribbean and North Carolina, she learned firsthand the importance of preserving history and its global impact. Gaining access to “lost” collections and being able to double back with the descendants of unfamiliar historic figures to devise, creative ways to communicate these stories is one of Ifill Blagburn’s favorite things. Her advocacy is partly mission driven, tied closely to providing excellent customer service and assembling a team with in-depth knowledge of her clients’ specialty areas that produces innovative and timely results.
HAWTHRONE, CA— October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Richstone Family Center is hosting a community event honoring the victims, survivors, and advocates who inspire change on Tuesday, October 6 at 8:30 a.m. The event will be held at The Richstone Family Center located at 13634 Cordary Avenue in Hawthrone, and will include special guest speakers, such as: Victor Rivers the National Spokesperson for the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Along with Victor, speakers include Steve Tabor, Associate Superintendent of Pupil Services; Lieutenant Meehan LA County Sheriff’s Department; and Jenny True, Crisis Counselor of Centinela Valley Union High School District.
For over 40 years, the Richstone Family Center has been dedicated to preventing and treating child abuse and trauma; strengthening and educating families; and decreasing violence in families, schools and communities. Each year, Richstone serves thousands of children and families through programs including: Counseling, home visits, and case management. They also provide Early childhood education programs; an After-school enrichment program; Domestic violence support groups; Parent education; anger management classes; and Transitional housing for young women exiting from foster care.
Kim Carter
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) under the leadership of Kim Carter has been named a 2015 CNN Hero! The CNN Heroes initiative is a year-long initiative that honors everyday people for their selfless, creative efforts to help others. The campaign is now in its ninth year.
In the past eight years, CNN Heroes has received more than 50,000 nominations from more than 100 countries. Since 2007, the campaign has profiled more than 200 CNN Heroes. They‘re working in more than 80 countries around the world, helping hundreds of thousands of people. Follow CNN Heroes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. To view the CNN Hero Award video please visit www.Timeforchangefoundation.org and click on the CNN Heroes button.
“I’m happy that CNN is shining an International spotlight on our organization.” says Phyllis Scott, TFCF Case Manager. Kim Carter, Founder and Executive Director of TFCF stated, “I am so grateful that I answered God’s call on my life. My homelessness, substance abuse and incarceration experiences fuel my passion to help others succeed. It’s that calling that started Time for Change Foundation.”
To celebrate, the organization is hosting a “CNN Watch Party” to celebrate the success of the community. The event will be held at the Feldheym Library at 555 West 6th Street
in San Bernardino on October 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided by Kim Carter and the TFCF Team.
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