Happily Divorced And After

The 7th Annual Chillin’ N Grillin’ UNITY in commUNITY barbecue competition will be Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fontana Park Sports Pavilion located at 15556 Summit Avenue.

The event is sponsored by the Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana, Fontana Police Officers Association, and the City of Fontana. This years’ theme is “We will never forget” in recognition of 9/11.

Local official police tow company Armada Tow will provide transportation for the mobile 9-11 Memorial Beam, which was recovered from the Twin Towers and donated to the people of San Bernardino County. Expertly grilled ribs and chicken will be served for a suggested $10 donation. Entertainment will be provided by the Summit High Band, The Tim’s Family Praise Dancers, Route 66 Hip Hop dancers, Route 66 Jazz dancers, Ballet Folklorico, and Heart and Soul group dancers.

There will be information booths, a car show, and displays of police, fire and other emergency response equipment including the Fontana PD helicopter. In the Kid’s Zones, young people will make greeting cards for children who are in hospital with long term illnesses.

The voice of the Agua Caliente Clipper basketball team and local sports talk show host, Coach “B” Brian Arrington, will once again serve as the emcee. Come out an enjoy the fun.

By Lue Dowdy | LUE Productions

Calling all lovers of theater and burlesque. LUE Productions’ all ebony burlesque dinner theater shows is coming back to San Bernardino on Sunday, October 30th, and Sunday, December 11th. There will be two amazing shows with two different storylines. Both shows will be fun, exciting, breath taking, and mind-blowing. Lue Productions Ebony Burlesque shows feature a collective of beautiful African American woman expressing themselves through song, dance, comedy and acting.

Make it a date night with your partner or you friends. There will be plenty to do as the evening will consist of vendors, art-walk, and special performances by aerialist, Lanice Jackson from L.A., the crooner Maurice Howard, and poet Johnny Frost.

Cast and crew members include Comedian Mac Rome, Comedian Here is Larry Joe, Kymedienne Jackson, Lue Dowdy, Deeveatva Bourne, Porsche Dillard, Deandre Jackson, Nycce Blingsly, Joy Martin, Lakyshia Reddick, Sherrelle Johnson, Tiffany Picou, Shaman Newell, Krystal Yvonne, Debra Mcglothurn, Erwin Cheri, Ronecia Miller, Yankeka Laster, Dorian Mack, Donte Mack, Kimberly Woods, Robin Mckinnon, Imani Travis and many more.

Our mission: providing platforms for African American woman in artistry to display their gifts and talents, while incorporating live entertainment within the City of San Bernardino for community members to enjoy.

Our vision: to continually showcasing the importance of black theater and why its presence is needed within the performing arts community and throughout the word.

Both productions are fundraisers to help raise proceeds for our nonprofit (LUE Productions community umbrella services) annual community stocking stuffer event for children during the holiday within the City of San Bernardino. Our goal is to giveaway 500 or more stockings filled with goodies.

LUE Productions is a entertainment company based out of the inland empire with over 20 years’ experience in coordinating events, promotions, along with management throughout Southern California and beyond for aspiring artists. We pride ourselves in supporting the performing arts.

Our goal is to provide platforms for the talented while bringing forth quality shows and events for the entire community and our clients to enjoy.

For more information we can be reached at 909.567.1000 or 909.495.0848 email lue.info@yahoo.com lueproductions.org

Where: ASU Fox Theater, 373 W. Court Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401

Ticket info:

Dinner & show – $60.00 each

Show only – $40.00 each

$80 VIP tickets (includes 1 dinner ticket, additional seating in front of stage, souvenir booklet, and event poster

Vendors wanted:

Food – $75

Merch only – 50.00

Information only – $40

MONTCLAIR, CA—- Christian Gonzalez, a senior at Montclair High School, had never seen anything like it – not just the racks and rows of designer clothes and shoes, but the display of generosity toward students in foster care or whose families were struggling to make ends meet.

“We grew up in Compton, and we didn’t have this. It’s really nice,” Gonzalez said as he and his mother eagerly sorted through the thousands of jackets, shirts, pants, shoes and accessories donated by movie studios and advertising agencies.

Montclair High was the first high school selected by The Wrapped Project, a new Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization started by Nichole Lumpkin, a wardrobe stylist, and Lizz Roberts. Lumpkin, whose sister teaches at Montclair, got the idea to start The Wrapped Project while wrapping up a commercial during the pandemic.

“So many of these items go back to the advertising agencies or the studio after a shoot. They become inventory. We saw this as another way for Hollywood productions to give directly back to the community,” she said.

At Montclair, the school sponsored 100 students and two guests each to participate in the clothing giveaway on a recent Saturday. The students were selected based on need, and each could select four clothing items and two accessories.

Donated items were practically new, or gently used, and included custom-made items on up through high-end designer brands such as Prada.

“It’s such a wonderful community event, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help provide this to students who need it most,” said Joshua Cho, Principal at Montclair High School.

Said Dr. Mathew Holton, Superintendent of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District: “We appreciate the partnership with The Wrapped Project and its founders’ commitment to giving back to the community. This kind of collaboration and generosity can help transform lives and provide hope for those students and families who see nothing but obstacles.”

To learn more about The Wrapped Project, visit thewrappedproject.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Recently, 23 high school graduates from various regions throughout San Bernardino County were honored at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center for completing the Community Health Worker Jumpstart Summer Training Program.

“I applaud these young adults who chose to continue their education in the summer weeks and fuel their passion for helping others in the community,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Through collaboration with our dedicated partners, this program connected aspiring healthcare workers with the professional skills and competencies needed for their future careers.”

The Community Health Worker Training Program is one of three jumpstart programs San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) Alliance for Education and San Bernardino County Regional Occupational Program (ROP) have piloted this summer with recent high school graduates.

“Overall, being in this training program opened up my mindset of a world of possibilities I can do. I have the power not only to help my community but other communities as well,” said student Liyah Belvins. “It sparked more of an initiative to change, and to just help people.”

The four-week intensive training program provides students with industry-specific skills, certifications and employer networking to prepare them for the healthcare industry.

El Sol Neighborhood Center provided training to students with several industry and community partners facilitating and supporting the free classes, which took place from June 20 to July 15.

Healthcare partners had the chance to engage in lunchtime collaboration, provide real-world work experience and interview students. The program connected talented students with access to regional employers who are looking to build their future workforce.

Selected students submitted applications to participate in the program, and after completing the training they received a $500 stipend and certificate of completion.

SBCSS Alliance for Education and San Bernardino County ROP piloted two other jumpstart training programs this summer for drone operation and advanced manufacturing.

From June 20 to July 15, eight students participated in the Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Certification and Training program at the Technical Employment Training, Inc. building in San Bernardino.

All eight students received a Robotics Operator Certification from Yaskawa and a Vision Sensors Certification from Cognex. Three of the students received the Gene HAAS Foundation Scholarship, which provided them full tuition to a 630-hour Introduction to Manufacturing Course.

Throughout the months of June, July and August, 14 students graduated the Drone Pilot Certification and Training program.

This jumpstart program was created in partnership with the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center at San Bernardino International Airport.

Students completed three levels of courses, from obtaining their drone pilot license to flight line training. Ten of the 14 students passed their FAA Part 107 exams and are now certified drone pilots.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.

Students participate in the Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Certification and Training program at the Technical Employment Training, Inc. building in San Bernardino.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— First 5 San Bernardino is looking to add to its 2022-2023 AmeriCorps team! Team members will work with children ages 2 to 5 in San Bernardino County to increase social-emotional, literacy and mathematic skills to prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.

In addition to the opportunity to begin working in early childhood education and development, First 5 AmeriCorps members will positively impact the San Bernardino County community for years to come. They provide 1:1 support to economically disadvantaged children, assisting with developing learning skills to set them up for lifelong success.

Program Benefits:

• Living allowance
• Education award
• Student loan deferment
• Paid childcare
• Health benefits

To apply, visit https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do

For more information, contact Traci Homan at (909) 386-7706.

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media

After Brandon N. Smith was imprisoned for the ninth time, he found himself at a crossroads. That’s when he learned about the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) conservation campfire crews, which allows inmates to train as firefighters.

Smith initially joined the program to get out of his cell, but something changed after working alongside firefighters and saving lives and homes. Smith said he found direction and realized he gained satisfaction fighting forest fires.

Smith is no longer incarcerated and now serves as executive director of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, a nonprofit organization that supports formerly incarcerated firefighters, and those currently incarcerated in California’s Conservation Camps.

He said, “This work changed my life.”

Inmates who participated in one of the 44 California Conservation Camps received the same training from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or CAL-FIRE as it gives to seasonal firefighters but inmates are paid $2 to $5 a day in camp and an additional $1 to $2 an hour when they’re on a fire line. But once they were out of custody, former inmates couldn’t get hired on with fire crews despite their training and experience because of their criminal backgrounds.

That changed in 2020 when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 2147. The law changes the penal code so that formerly incarcerated firefighters can file a petition to request their records to be expunged of convictions and gain early termination of probation or parole. This opened the door for their employment in firefighting.

“This legislation rights a historic wrong and recognizes the sacrifice of thousands of incarcerated people who have helped battle wildfires in our state, and I would like to thank the Legislature for passing this bill,” said Newsom in a press release.

Smith says AB 2147 opens opportunities in the fire protection field to formerly incarcerated people.

“Signing AB 2147 into law is about giving second chances. To correct is to right a wrong; to rehabilitate is to restore,” said Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes, the bill’s author.

According to Smith, finding employment continues to be a challenge for people with criminal backgrounds. But it’s not just finding work; it’s finding well-paying jobs too. He was looking at minimum-wage jobs when he got out of prison, but now he could find a good job because of his firefighter training.

It’s not just about financial compensation for Smith. He genuinely loves his job and finds the work meaningful.

“The first fire I did, we saved 10,000 lives,” said Smith.

Smith credits retired Chief Betty Ashe for giving him a chance when he got out of prison. He had tried to get a job in the fire protection field but ran into obstacles because of his record.

Professional firefighters initially hesitated to work alongside former inmates, but eventually, they were glad for the help.

“They want to find a way to get more people into the program,” said Smith

Forest fires continue to be a major problem in California. The situation has been exacerbated for several reasons, such as climate change, hotter temperatures, drought, and mismanagement of forests.

Current climate conditions have created a perfect storm for forest fires, and there is a great need for people with the skills to work in fire protection and prevention.

“There are not enough people to do the work,” said Smith.
Smith admits that fighting fires is dangerous and scary. He said the first time he fought a fire, “I have never been that scared in my life.”

However, for Smith, being a firefighter allows him to “be a good citizen for the state of California.”

Being a firefighter has allowed Smith’s family to improve their situation. Now his daughter wants to be a wildland firefighter. And members of his church are interested in getting their family members into the program.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta is urging Californians to take advantage of recent changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Temporary Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness (TEPSLF) programs.

Bonta’s announcement coincides with a CNBC survey that reports 31% of Black women are disproportionately impacted by student debt. Also, four years after graduation, 48% of Black students owe an average of 12.5% more than they borrowed, according to the Educational Data Initiative (EDI).

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) shared her own struggles with paying back student debt she owed.

“I graduated with over $150,000 in student debt. I was in my 20s then,” she said. “I didn’t make my final payment until almost 20 years later, just in time to send my oldest daughter to college.”

According to Bonta, a Black woman owes 112% of the loan amount she takes out 12 years after starting college. For a Latina, 12 years after starting college, she will owe 86% of that loan.

“Black and Latino students, coming from low-income communities take on a disproportionately amount of school debt,” Bonta said. “I witness this every single day.”

The PSLF and TEPSLF programs are entirely different from President Joe Biden’s plan for targeted student debt cancellation to borrowers with loans held by the Department of Education. Qualifying borrowers must have “annual income of under $125,000 (for individuals) or under $250,000 (for married couples or heads of households). Borrowers who qualify can have up to $10,000 worth of eligible debt canceled. If the borrower received a Pell Grant, the borrower could have up to a total of $20,000 of debt canceled.

Biden also extended the pause on student loan repayment, interest, and collections through December 31, 2022.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) launched a limited-time PSLF Waiver opportunity that runs through Oct. 31. It allows eligible borrowers to receive credit for past student loan payments that would otherwise not qualify under the PSLF program.

ED improved the PSLF program in response to a lawsuit and years-long advocacy by a number of state attorneys general and others urging ED to fix the broken program.

Following resolution of the lawsuit, AG Bonta has continued to advocate for changes to the PSLF program. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) is taking part in the California Student Loan Debt Challenge to raise awareness about the PSLF program to help DOJ employees’ access loan forgiveness.

“On behalf of the more than 5,000 public servants at the California Department of Justice, I’m proud to take the California Student Debt Challenge,” AG Bonta said. “Our public servants work day-in and day-out on behalf of the people of California as our nurses, teachers, first responders, state workers, and more. I urge you to take advantage of the new PSLF Limited Waiver Opportunity before the Oct.31 deadline.”

California ranks No. 13 among states on student loan debt with borrowers owing an average of $37,084. California’s student loan debt adds up to $141.8 billion, the largest amount of any state.

According to EDI, student loan debt statistics show tremendous disparities among racial and ethnic groups.

African American college graduates owe an average of $25,000 more debt than White graduates. Four years after graduation, 48% of Black students owe an average of 12.5% more than they borrowed.

Black student borrowers are the most likely to struggle financially due to student loan debt, with 29% making monthly payments of $350 or more. About 3% of California borrowers owe more than $200,000 and nearly 10% of the state’s population have student loan debt.

The moratorium on federal student loan payments expires on Aug. 31. A total of 43 million Americans owe student loan debt — worth $1.6 trillion, federal data shows.

“Thankfully now, there are federal and state programs that can play a critical role in reducing or eliminating student debt altogether,” Mia Bonta said. “Now we have this last opportunity to spread awareness about these programs. Beyond that, we have to simplify the application process and create a better coordinated, outreach program between institutions of higher learning, the government, and the private sector.”

Under the limited PSLF waiver rules, any past periods of repayment count as a qualifying payment, regardless of loan type, repayment plan, or whether or not the borrower made a payment, or if the payment was made in full or on time.

Each borrower needs to work for a qualifying employer, private or non-profit. The Temporary change applies to borrowers with Direct Loans, those who have already consolidated into the Direct Loan Program, and those who consolidate into the Direct Loan Program by Oct. 31, 2022.

There are two requirements in order to receive additional qualifying payments:

Full-time employment – Borrowers must have worked full-time for a qualifying employer during the prior periods of repayment. They receive credit only for periods of repayment after Oct. 1, 2007, which is when the PSLF program began.

Loan consolidation – Borrowers with Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans, Federal Perkins Loans, or other types of federal student loans that are not Direct Loans must consolidate those loans into the Direct Loan program by Oct. 31, 2022.

If the borrower had Direct Loans and had PSLF employment certified, ED will award additional payments without further action. If necessary, Federal Student Aid may contact the borrower to certify additional months of employment.

An employer needs to be a governmental organization, a 501(c)(3) organization, or a not-for-profit organization that provides a designated public service in order to qualify for PSLF under normal rules and the Limited PSLF Waiver.

“My team has advocated for years for the Department of Education to fix this broken program, and with the recent changes under the Biden Administration, Californians are finally beginning to receive relief,” AG Bonta stated.

Get more information on the loan forgiveness program.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Better known as the “ATC Disaster Master,” Jai Prasad, CPA is a Supervising Accountant III for San Bernardino County’s Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (ATC) with more than 20 years of experience managing disasters.

When it comes to disaster management, Prasad handles disaster incident cost tracking and disaster recovery budget estimates. The most recent disasters for which Prasad sought cost recovery were the 2019 Trona earthquakes and the countywide COVID-19 emergency response. Prasad created a system called the “Disaster Public Assistance Overview” for County departments to help them understand claiming eligibility, types of assistance, and criteria for more timely reimbursement of disaster costs. In addition, Prasad is the liaison between County departments and California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CALOES) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

During his County career, Prasad and ATC Disaster Team have recovered more than $55 million in disaster response and recovery costs on behalf of San Bernardino County taxpayers.
Prasad attended college at California State University, San Bernardino where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He participated in the Beta Alpha Psi Program where he was encouraged by then-ATC Larry Walker to apply for the Summer Student Internship Program that ATC hosts annually. Prasad was accepted as an ATC intern and through hard work, dedication, and continued education he was promoted to his current position.

Born in the Fiji Islands, Prasad migrated to the United States through the diversity lottery. He lives in San Bernardino County. Jai is married to Kaveeta Prasad, and they have a daughter, Jaya Prasad, who attends Cajon High School. The ATC-Controller Division is very lucky to have Prasad as a mentor and a leader.

RIVERSIDE, CA—- For the thousands of children and teenagers in the foster care system, there are many hurdles that limit their chance of graduation. In 2021 the California Department of Education reported that the statewide average high school graduation rate for students in foster care is an alarming 55 percent and only 10 percent will go onto college.

As a part of its mission to address poverty, hunger, and health disparities throughout communities in the Inland Empire, Family Service Association developed a scholarship opportunity to help graduating high school students, cared for in the foster care system, pursue a post-secondary degree. The pilot program was funded by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for students in Riverside County.

Lesslie Cuevas (middle) celebrates this achievement with her younger sister and school guidance counselor (right).

Seventeen students were awarded a scholarship of $1,250 to help offset the cost of attending a community college, trade school, or university. The winners shared their stories about the challenges of being in foster care and the impact that trusted adult supporters made in their lives.

One of the scholarship awardees, Lesslie Cuevas, shared the impact that her high-school counselor had on her life. “My school’s administrator was a true blessing in disguise. She made me a part of her family and helped changed my life’s trajectory for the best”.

Another scholarship winner, Lilith Barajas, shared the impact that her aunt made in her life by taking her in and supporting her since childhood. “Although being in foster care is hard mentally, my aunt manages to make me laugh… I know taking care of four children is hard, especially when two of them aren’t yours biologically. Despite all of the court and social worker visits, she still manages to stay on track and keep us happy and healthy. I don’t know how different my life would’ve been had she not made the choice to care for me, and I’m happy I don’t have to find out.”

“We are so proud of these students who overcame immeasurable barriers to graduate and pursue a college degree”, said Cheryl-Marie Hansberger, CEO of Family Service Association. “Trusted relationships and connections are the key to helping children in foster care, which requires full community involvement. Through the H.O.P.E. Collaborative, Family Service Association is proud to collaborate alongside dozens of organizations, schools, faith-based communities, and parents to improve preventative services in Riverside County.

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Vice-Chairman Johnny Hernandez, who is also Chairman for the Tribe’s Education Board, says there is a deep commitment to education that is embedded in the Tribe’s beliefs.

Scholarship winner, Jadyn Jimenez (middle), is seen with her family and FSA Staff.

“We are honored to support Family Services Association’s Fostering Hope initiative, which makes attaining a post-high school education a more achievable goal for foster youth in our community,” expressed Vice-Chairman Johnny Hernandez. “The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians truly believes that education is the key to a better future and FSA is facilitating a path to success with their Fostering Hope program.

Although the scholarship winners come from different schools and walks of life, they shared mutual gratitude and appreciation. One of the awardees, Wasinee Nugsiang, plans to attend UC San Diego in the Fall with a major in Computer Engineering. “Thank you, FSA, San Manuel, and the HOPE Collaborative for all your work in making this possible.”

In 2013 Family Service Association was appointed to lead Riverside County’s Child Abuse Prevention Council, known as the H.O.P.E Collaborative. The mission of the H.O.P.E. Collaborative is to promote the safety of children and prevent abuse and neglect in Riverside County. A range of education, outreach events, and trainings are held throughout the County by members who are passionate about securing a safe environment for all children.

According to the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), approximately 4,500 children have been removed from their families because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. If you would like to learn more about becoming a resource family for a foster child or if you are interested in volunteer opportunities with Family Service Association, you can contact the agency at 951-369-8036 or via email at Selene.Orozco@fsaca.org. Donations are being accepted to increase awareness for child abuse prevention and provide greater support for foster kids; donations can be made at https://www.fsaca.org/donate or by calling 951-686-1096.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Families—complete with fathers, mothers, grandparents, and lots of daughters—attended the first American Girl Doll Tea Party in three years at Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry Elementary School in San Bernardino. The Girl Scouts was there, and they signed up enough girls to start a new troop.

“Another great success of the American Girl Tea Party included the Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio obtaining enough interest to start a new Girl Scout Troop in the Mt. Vernon area,” says Knea Hawley, Vice President of Development for Girls Scouts of San Gorgonio.

“Girl Scouts is a great way to help girls learn new skills and make friends, but the pandemic has made it difficult for some troops to meet,” says Hawley.  “I am thrilled to see the outpouring of support for girls and scouting.  We’re grateful to have Girl Scout alumna Ivana Wright, who led a troop before the pandemic, and will lead this new one.

“I am really excited to work with a new group of girls and help them gain life skills, develop their interest in community and champion girls who will make the world a better place,” said Ivana Wright, Girl Scout of the Year 2017.

Foundation President Arlington Rodgers, Jr. says, “The mission of the San Bernardino City Library Foundation is to make sure that our public libraries continue to be places where everyone in the community can gather, learn, grow, and interact. The joining of local girls with The Girl Scouts at a Foundation-sponsored event, is a fine example of how the Library Foundation helps our community do just that.”

The doll collection and the multi-generational American Girl Doll Tea Party are both made possible thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations of San Bernardino including the San Bernardino City Library Foundation.

“The San Bernardino City Library allows children to check out an American Girl Doll kit.  It includes ethnically diverse dolls, a carrying case, accessories, a book about the doll and a journal. Children checking out the dolls are encouraged to write about their playing with the dolls in a journal,” said Angela Encinas, Children’s Librarian.

For more information on how to join the new San Bernardino Troop or to start a new Girl Scout troop contact Concetta Miller cmiller@gssgc.org.

For more information on the San Bernardino City Library Foundation go to SBCLF.com