WSSN Stories

Diana Wehbe

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) in conjunction with the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 1^st Community Wellness Event and Lupus Awareness Walk at the Community Medical Center Plaza Parking Lot located at 1800 Medical Center Drive in San Bernardino.

This is a FREE community. The theme for the day is “A Healthy Me” with special guest speaker Diana Wehbe, 99.1 KGGI Radio Personality and author. Other activities of the day include music, vendors, food, raffles, and community fun. There are also a limited number of Omnitrans Day Passes available. Free registration/sign-ups for teams can be completed by emailing ywefoundation@gmail.com.

BOTTOM LINE… Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

Water districts throughout California are reacting to the drought by offering a variety of rebates and incentives for residents to remove and replace the grass in their yards.  The goal is to replace grass with natural California desert loving plants that do not require as much water to survive.  Jennifer Aires, Water Resource Manager of the Yucaipa Valley Water District, was a guest on this past Sunday’s EMPIRE TALKS BACK radio program where she discussed the importance of saving water and some methods for doing so, which included removing grass from your yard.  She explained that some cities’ water districts are offering as much as $2.00 per square foot as incentive for residents to remove their grass.  The incentives must be arranged prior to the removal. Contact your water district to determine the process for qualifying to participate in the program.  Do not remove and replace your yard grass until your approval is made or you will probably not qualify for the rebate.

Jobs will be created by this program because of the fact that most people will not be able to do the yard work required for the removal and replacement.  Youth Build Inland Empire has a Landscape Training Program that is very capable of designing and completing a landscape that is water-friendly and that stays in the rebate-budget allowed by your water district.  Inland Empire residents have the opportunity to “save water and money while beautifying their yards and creating jobs and business opportunity at the same time,” by participating in state wide project to save water.

Call your water district to determine what incentives are offered to remove and replace your yard grass. Find out the process for qualifying for those incentives.  If you have the ability to remove and replace with your own resources, do so. If you are inclined to have someone else handle the project labor, I recommend you call I.E. Youth Build to help you at (909) 890-9106 and ask for Felix.

By Audrey Thompson

During this election season I have heard the Democratic Party telling African American voters why we have to get out the vote and vote for the Democrats, but here’s what I have to say about that.

Jobs, jobs, jobs! The unemployment rate for African Americans in the Inland Empire has always been the highest of all races and voting for some of the local Democrats have not changed that fact. Labor Unions and Trades certainly do not employ African Americans to the extent they can and they give the  most money to Democrats running for office. Yet, Democrats come to our community and expect us to vote for them, no questions asked. Democrats are owned by the Unions and will not speak out against the Unions and Labor on our behalf. For Democrats Union money is more important than our vote. Well let’s show them this election how powerful our vote is!

How many times have we had the conversation about driving down the freeway under construction and we see no African American working on that project? How many times have we drove by building and housing construction projects and did not see any African American working on that project?

Why is it that Labor Unions and Trades have Black Labor Unions and Trades divisions? No brainer, if the Unions and Trades were fair to our workers and black leadership representation, we certainly would not need a black division. It is almost impossible for Blacks to get apprenticeship positions in Labor and Trades. Yet again, Labor Union and Trades give the most money to Democrats locally, statewide and nationally. They are so bad out here in the Inland Empire that when it comes time for the Riverside/San Bernardino Central Labor Council Secretary/Treasurer, Laurie Stalnaker,  to interview candidates running for election, they don’t even invite African American candidates who have half a chance. She invites African American candidates who she knows will lose the race or have no competition in a race. CLC, Laurie Stalnaker, will not interview a viable black candidate in a significant powerful elected position. She has to be called on the carpet to interview certain African American candidates for the Union to interview for their endorsement.

And to add insult to injury, Miss Laurie is also a Delegate for the California Democratic party and a Delegate for Pete Aguilar. There have been several complaints against Laurie Stalnaker to the California State Democratic party for her racism and supporting the Republican candidate over the  Democrat candidate. The Democratic party has taken no action against her. Laurie Stalnaker has financed  Republican candidates that helped put the City of San Bernardino into Bankruptcy. However, if an African American Democratic candidate supports a Republican the same Democratic party will use their by-laws to not endorse the African American candidate.  I am telling you what God loves and that is the truth.

Black folk, please be informed. Let’s take a closer look at the candidates coming to our churches and community centers asking for our vote. Democrats know that 80% of African Americans who actually go to the polls and vote will vote for a Democrat no matter who the Democrat is and no questions asked! That is not the case with all other populations of voters. Be informed, hear what both parties have to say. Don’t just take for granted that the Democrat has your best interest at heart. Be informed!

What we need most are jobs and if the Unions Labor and Trades have the most invested in the Democrats who are asking for our vote maybe we should consider the other candidate. The only thing we have is our vote, and the only way to make the Democratic party understand we mean business is to vote for the other guy. How many times are we going to be hoodwinked, bamboozled and duped by our Democratic party?

NEW YORK, NY- The golf and beverage businesses will never be the same. The men behind DRIVEN Global, Mark Thierry and Greshaun Fulgham are single handedly shifting the landscape and trajectory of the world of golf and fine beverages. Under the DRIVEN Global umbrella lies the first ever African-American-owned golf brand, DRIVEN Golf and wine brand, DESTINY Moscato through Red Styxx Beverage.

It all began when Robert L. Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television and America’s first African-American billionaire, introduced the two self-made millionaires Mark Thierry and Greshaun Fulgham. What resulted from this pairing, not only is an inspiring business partnership, but an incredibly strong friendship. Mark Thierry is an award winning entrepreneur from Texas with a successful career in sales, medical diagnostics and federal contracting. Greshaun Fulgham, from Washington DC, is international financier and real estate mogul. Opposites attract, yet their synergy is contagious. Where Thierry thrives off risk-taking, Fulgham masters structure. When Thierry was thinking national, Fulgham was going global. What binds them together is the dream.

Both Thierry and Fulgham want to de-mystify the perception of black men, to show the world, that with hard work, drive and intellect, African-American men can succeed, be dedicated fathers and husbands, collaborate and build successful partnerships, uplift their communities and change the world. With DRIVEN Global, change comes with one golf club and wine glass at a time. Their mutual core values of family, diligence, sacrifice, social responsibility and sustainable leadership are evident in all aspects of DRIVEN Global. For the partners, it’s all about dreaming big. Thierry stated: “The Dream involves the awareness that everyone has more to this life that they can strive for. The Dream that a golf club, or anything for that matter, can be a metaphor for someone making the best of themselves.”

The launch of DRIVEN Golf this Fall 2014 will be the first minority-owned golf brand dedicated to inspiring first-time golfers of color and urban socialites to jump into the game. Destiny Moscato is their exquisite-tasting aspirational American Sparkling Moscato, of Red Styxx Beverage, a subsidiary of DRIVEN Global. The Destiny Moscato launch will be taking place in Houston, Texas from October 2-4, 2014.

The fearless, collaborative drive of Mark Thierry and Greshaun Fulgham is the foundation of DRIVEN Global’s, multi-platform taste making brands. The two best friends, brought together by the visionary Robert Johnson, plan to follow in their mentors footsteps. “Our goal is to build a billion dollar business,” states Thierry. “We are starting a new legacy.” They have the perfect tagline…“Are you driven?” For more information check out drivengroupllc.com, driven-golf.com and DestinyMoscato.com. For all press inquiries, contact Theodore Palmer of Creative Edge PR at tpalmer@creativeedgepr.com.

BOTTOM LINE…PUBLISHER’S COMMENTARY BY WALLACE J. ALLEN

Dr. Ahmses Maat (left)

Preventing death from the Ebola virus is possible if it is true that the Ebola virus lives about 20 to 29 days, and if it is true, the virus must have high fever heat in order to achieve the deadly stage where the blood erupts from the capillaries. We are not sure the virus needs high fever heat in order to reach this stage, but we do know that high fever heat has been present in each case that death has occurred. Therefore we say “if” the patient can be cooled, MAYBE death will be prevented.

The concept is to ward off the high fever temperature associated with the bleeding out stage. If the patient’s body temperature is kept at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, well below the temperature that accompanies the bleeding out stage, the life-cycle of the virus can possibly complete without killing the patient.

How can patients prevent high fever temperature? We know that modern cooling methods require power and supplies that are not available, nor deliverable to where needed; however, we also know that there is a cooling method that is available to most victims and that it is basically free.

My friend and associate, Dr. Ahmses Maat, (Doctorate of Metaphysics,  Registered Respiratory Therapist, Certified Clinical Perfusionist, President of TaMeri Inc.),  is prescribing a  “Mud Bath Series” that allows the patient to cool as needed, either with the assistance of an aide or without. The ability to determine body temperature during the process is the one thing that may be a problem, thermometers are needed.

Dr. Maat suggests that a hole, two to three feet deep by four feet wide by six to seven feet long, be dug out from the ground. Half of the dirt should be placed back in the hole along with water to make the mud. A plastic liner can be used but is not necessary.  The patient should lay in the mud bath and cool him/her self as needed. This process should be repeated until the fever no longer returns.

We are aware of the social disruption that makes servicing the Ebola victims almost impossible.  It would be great to have 5000 doctors and 20,000 beds and the vaccine and “best practice” procedure to fight this battle, but until that occurs we must submit that reasonable care that does no harm should be afforded the victims.

As usual your comments are important; however, if you are able to communicate this concept to someone on the ground in West Africa, please do so.  We are not trying to “get paid,” we want to save lives.

Ray Rice and Janay Rice

By Jameelah Medina, PhD

We have all heard about (former) NFL player, Ray Rice, receiving a 2-game suspension for a domestic altercation with his former fiancée. Janay Rice, who is now his wife, explained that she was partially at fault for the violence that led to being unconscious in an elevator; however, most did not know the extent of the violence. We all know that it takes a serious amount of force to render someone unconscious, but the recent release of the entire surveillance video showing how she lost consciousness set off a storm. In short, the video shows Mr. Rice reaching for her before they enter the elevator. Once in the elevator, he strikes her. She responds by pushing him, and he hits her again hard enough to knock her to the floor. On her way down, her head hits a handle bar in the elevator. Once on the floor, she does not move; she is unconscious. He is forced to drag her seemingly lifeless body from the elevator and out of the building.

While many were appalled at his violent actions, many chose to focus on  Mrs. Rice. They asked questions like, “Why did she stay with him?” “How could she marry him?” “Why would she lie for him?” “How could she sit at that press conference and support him so publicly?” While it is very easy to judge an abused woman, her behavior and choices; it is actually better to try to understand the psychological nature of abuse and the psychology of the abused and battered.

Relationships hardly ever start out abusive. There is a process of breaking in and breaking down a victim. This process involves possessiveness, isolation, verbal and emotional abuse, and other tactics. Women who have experienced physical, emotional, sexual or other forms of abuse as girls are at greater risk for entering into an abusive relationship. For many, become accustomed to seeing violence as a way in which love is shown. Others may have low self-esteem in general or at least when it comes to romantic relationships. While others see potential in the abuser and believe that they can help the abuser change.

Many women, especially in the African American community, also have an aversion to involving the authorities in domestic disputes; they would rather take the abuse than offer their abusive partner up to the criminal justice system. Within the African American community, there is also the stigma of being seen as weak and the stereotype of “the strong, black woman.” This often keeps African American women silent about the abuse they suffer.

Over 85 percent of domestic violence (DV) or intimate partner violence (IPV) is against women, and one in every three women will experience IPV in her lifetime. More than 33% of teenage girls already report experiencing violence in a dating relationship. Abused women are often killed by their abusive partners, and the most dangerous time is when she is leaving or has just left the relationship. Roughly 72% of all murder-suicides are the result of IPV. It also takes roughly 7-8 attempts at leaving before the woman leave for the final time. Many often wonder why these women stay and judge them harshly for doing so. Just because a woman stays with her abuser does not mean that she does not want to end the abuse or leave the relationship. Most times, she has carefully weighed her options and the safest one is remaining where she is. She may remain in hopes of changing the abuser or simply to buy herself more time to plan a safe exit. Most people think of leaving as a one-time event. However, leaving an abusive relationship is a process. Once a woman is committed to leaving the relationship, it may take her months or even years before the process is finalized. And, until the very end, she runs the risk of losing her life to the abuser. If there are children involved, the leaving process is further complicated.

I do not particularly care for the NFL nor do I think they deserve applause for ending Ray Rice’s contract. However, I believe that this case represents an excellent time for our community to openly and honestly discuss DV and IPV, especially with our pre-teen and teen population.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

In this life, if you choose to follow God’s assignment and God’s call on your life, know that it won’t be easy. It will not be a bed of roses. The reality is, there will come times in your life, rather than whining about how bad things are, you have to develop the resolve to square your shoulders and look the devil square in the eye and tell him, “It’s going to take more than that.”

In the Scripture, Paul tells about all the things he went through. It is a litany of experiences from one extreme to the next. Out of the context of this crisis, he talks about how he went through it all to help us understand that our assignment in the earth realm has to be GREATER than our assault in the earth realm. The Apostle Paul had to face all sorts of threats and dangers. The detailed plots on his life, angry crowds, and storms at sea, shipwrecks, all the forces of hell seemed to have been intensifying their efforts to keep him from reaching Rome.  But after two weeks of hurricane storm at sea, he survived the storm; he made it through the shipwreck; he made it through the rain. He survived the snake attack unharmed, and then he turned around and healed a number of sick people on the island. What the devil intended for evil, God turned into good.Tell the Devil, “It’s going to take more than that!”

What makes us who we are is our resolve to tell the Devil that we are not rookies at this thing. That it’s going to take more that that to break us.That it’s going to take more than that to make us walk away. That it’s going to take more than that to uproot us. For we have been at this thing too long and we have seen God turn situations around and we believe in our Spirit that God is able to sustain us. Tell him that you have chosen to look to the hills from which comes your help. The Preservation of God. He preserved Noah and his family. He preserved Abraham when he went down to Egypt. He preserved the children of Israel in Egypt and in the wilderness. He preserved Jonah in the fish’s belly. He preserved Joseph in prison and made him prince in the palace of Egypt. He preserved Peter in prison and from death and He will preserve me. I tell you, “It’s going to take more than that!”

Can I testify for a moment. The devil tried to take me out and the crowd was watching and waiting happily to see me drop dead so they could get a kick out of it and throw themselves a devil’s party. But God kept me; He preserved me, and I’M STILL HERE. I refuse to die! I’m never going to quit! “It’s going to take more than that!”

What’s the point of all this?  Don’t be ignorant. Make no mistake about it; the Devil wants to deprive you of love and of life. He wants to destroy and do away with the very reason you were created. He wants to muffle and neutralize your glory unto God the Father. He wants to get you to neglect your purpose by allowing things and situations in your life to become distractions. He will speak lies and say you have no purpose here. He will begin to make you feel as if your life is useless, that everything you do is ineffective. I tell you, The Devil is a liar!  Even though he is powerful and he is out to kill our purpose, by trying everything in his power to get us to neglect and turn away from our purpose, “It’s going to take more than that!” “Greater is He that is in us, than He that is in the world.”

Kelsey Scott

Feature film star Kelsey Scott has just joined the star-studded line up at the 12th Annual 168 Film festival, a red carpet awards show designed as an international celebration of faith in film. The event takes place Saturday, September 13, at the Aratani Japanese Theater in Downtown L.A., located at 244 S. San Pedro Street. (Red Carpet, 5:30pm-7pm; Awards Show: 7:30pm-9pm.)

Highlighting the power of story to change culture, the 168 Film Festival showcases the work of worldwide filmmakers competing for top honors and more than $25,000 in cash and prizes. The event is presented annually by 168 Film, an organization founded in 2003 to train and equip filmmakers in the how-to’s of making God-honoring films. The talented Scott will take the stage as a Presenter this year.

Before starring opposite Chiwetel Ejiofor as “Anne Northrop” in director Steve McQueen’s Academy Award-winning 12 Years A Slave, Scott’s credits spanned a wide range of projects, including; True Detective, Grey’s Anatomy, House M.D., NCIS, Treme, Army Wives, and The Young and the Restless.  On working with McQueen, Scott says: ”Up to that point, I don’t believe I’d ever felt so trusted as an actor. He has a way of placing the scene into your hands, folding your fingers around it, and stepping back.”

This year’s festival takes on additional importance as the press declared 2014 as “The Year of Christian Film” following a host of box-office hits that grossed record numbers while dealing with faith-based themes (“God’s Not Dead,” “Heaven Is For Real,” “Son of God,” “Noah”).

According to 168 Film Founder and Executive Director John David Ware, “We in the media are in the culture-changing business. With ten amazing scripts, we could sell them all in the current climate.”

Scott joins an already all-star line-up including four-time Emmy winner Michael Learned (The Waltons); Nathan Kress (iCarly, Into the Storm); this year’s Host, comedian Kerri Pomarolli (The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, Lifetime); Vincent Irizarry (All My Children, Heartbreak Ridge, Homeland); twice Emmy nominated actor Max Gail (Barney Miller); Writer, Director Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer); Melissa Biggs (Baywatch, Dreamz: The Movie); Allie McCulloch (Homeland, Finding Amanda); Kim Estes (NCIS, Law & Order: L.A.; The Closer, The Matador, Rake, How I Met Your Mother); Melissa Disney (As Told By Ginger; Superman: Unbound); and Bryan E. Miller (film composer America, American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, Next Top Model, Access Hollywood.)

The “168 Film Festival” is a two-day affair, Sept. 12-13. Special programming for Saturday, September 13, includes “168KIDS!,” where kids ages 5-15 are invited to walk the red carpet and mingle with celebrities including Nathan Kress (iCarly), Carmina Garay (React To That), Nay Nay Kirby (Who’s Watching the Kids), Noah Dahl (Mr. & Mrs. Smith), Mandalynn Carlson (Machine Gun Preacher), Kiana Lyz Rivera (Immigrant) and Tara-Nicole Azarian (It’s Supernatural). The “Pastors & Producers Media Forum,” will bring Southern California pastors together with Hollywood leaders to discuss “Capitalizing On The Year of Christian Film,” from 3pm-4pm.

For interviews with actors, filmmakers or 168 Film Founder, John David Ware; or to obtain press kits, B-roll, stills or film clips, contact the 168 Film offices at 818-557-8507. For the full schedule or more info, visit www.168film.com.

As of August 20,2014, residents of Villas at San Bernardino have been participating in a new on-site fitness program from Live 2 B Healthy® Senior Fitness of Minnetonka, MN.  The residents are able to attend a one-hour custom fitness class that supports The Villas at San Bernardino’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Classes are held every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 9:30am.

Each participant’s fitness is assessed every 4 months against a baseline test. Many studies have concluded that regular exercise allows senior citizens to improve balance and reduce falling; control weight and diabetes; lower risk of heart disease and stroke; improve sleeping and eating habits; improve cognitive skills and even reduce medication and agitation.

“I absolutely love the new fitness program! This program has improved how I feel. I have less cramping and stiffness in my legs. The deep breathing exercises have helped my bronchial problems immensely. The residents not participating don’t know what they are missing!” says Jim Krauser, Villas at San Bernardino Resident.

Live 2 B Healthy® Senior Fitness is an industry leader in senior fitness because of their age-specific exercises, nationally certified trainers, consistent on-site programs and class design that focuses on both results and enjoyable socialization.  As a SilverSneakers® Partner, we encourage outside area SilverSneakers® Members to participate in our classes.

The fitness program is offered at no charge to the residents of Villas at San Bernardino.

For more information please contact Jana at (909) 883-7703.

TAMPA, FL- Donald MacLaren, Ghostwriter and Screenwriter, has helped more than 30 books get published and his screenplays are being introduced to producers. He is looking to help those who want to write a book about their experiences or ideas.

Mr. MacLaren has a Master’s Degree from a seminary, so he is comfortable talking about spiritual matters and beliefs. In talking about his clients’ backgrounds, Mr. MacLaren keeps an open mind: “I don’t judge people when I hear their stories. I let God do the judging. After all, we have all sinned in different ways, made mistakes, and made wrong choices. My goal is to provide an excellent book or screenplay so that others can learn something from what is shared.”

Mr. MacLaren has worked on many projects with many different people from all walks of life. Some of his book and movie clients have included a doctor, former state senator, retired corporate lawyer, postal worker, restaurant manager, psychologist, entrepreneur, insurance broker, retired banker, retired teacher, retired librarian, and New York City chemist. As he often says, “I’m glad I can come in and help get people’s stories told which they would never have been able to do on their own. I’m on a mission to help write all kinds of stories that can be of value to others.”

The published books include all types of genres including memoirs, biographies, how-to stories; fiction, children’s books as well as inspirational self-help books. Mr. MacLaren, who prefers to be called Don, says, “I tell clients not to hold back, but just tell your stories or write about your ideas, and I can work to organize and structure what has to be done.”

Donald MacLaren has been able to help his clients in the following ways:

• Works with a Ph.D. associate who reviews and rereads, adding insight and suggestions.
• Helps with the design of the book covers.
• Makes the books available as paperbacks and eBooks internationally on the Internet.

Donald MacLaren can be seen on www.YouTube.com Search: Avoid Gangs and Ghostwriter Donald MacLaren. Please subscribe for updates.