Happily Divorced And After

ICLS Hosts Panel Discussion on Child Custody and Visitation Rights in California on April 21

Empire News Network

Join ICLS’ panel of distinguished speakers featuring attorney and author, Shauna Albright-Austin as they discuss helpful information about child custody and visitation, restraining orders, and how to maneuver in family law court. The panel will he held via Zoom on Wednesday, April 21 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will also be a Book Giveaway.

ICLS is a non-profit 501c(3) corporation serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and receives federal, state, and local county funding. Funders are the Legal Services Corporation, State Bar of California Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts, State Bar of California Equal Access Fund, San Bernardino County Department of Aging and AdultServices, Riverside County Office on Aging and Department of Housing & Urban Development.

Rap artist and Entrepreneur Reggie Webb is What it Do!

By Lue Dowdy

Reggie Webb is a man that wears many hats in this entertainment industry. He’s an emcee, ghost writer, media personality, and an author. 

Born and raised in Baltimore City, the edginess and grit of his hometown influenced his style of rap and entrepreneurial attitude. A few years ago, he released a project called, “A Mic & A Dream”. This project gained a lot of traction and caught the attention of music executive, Kevin Black. This led to Reggie signing a recording contract with a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Unfortunately, nothing materialized from this deal because Reggie had to step away from his contractual obligations to attend to the health of his daughter. His daughter has sickle cell anemia and her crisis became so intense she was hospitalized for months at a time. 

Recently, Reggie stepped back into the industry and, his buzzed resurfaced when he created a movement called, “Red Cup Nights”. This movement consist of feel good party music, merchandise for men and women, and a signature red cup backpack. He’s also co-owner of Hip Hop on Phonics, a company that creates educational Hip Hop songs and books that teach children a variety of things from different aspects of speech, math, and valuable everyday life lessons. 

In today’s industry you must be multi-faceted to stay ahead of the curve and Reggie Webb has his hands in many pots cooking up great content for the masses to enjoy. Make sure you check this talented artist out on all social media platforms. With my RED CUP in hand and waiving it in the air like I just don’t care, I’ll catch you all next week. L’s!

Tis’ the Season of Black Women in Power: Congratulations to Tishaura Jones on Her Historic St. Louis Mayoral Victory

Washington, DC—Following the news that Tishaura Jones, former St. Louis City treasurer and a member of People For’s Young Elected Officials Network, has been elected as next mayor of St. Louis, Missouri, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“The news that Tishaura Jones was elected mayor of St. Louis makes this a great and historic day for the city and the nation. With this victory, Jones becomes the first Black woman mayor in the history of the city. As a member of our Young Elected Officials Network for nearly a decade, dating back to her time in the Missouri House of Representatives and as the first woman treasurer of St. Louis, we know firsthand the work she has done and the progress she can make for the people of St. Louis. Jones is exactly the type of leader America needs—bold, compassionate, progressive and ready to lead. We look forward to seeing the advances she makes during her tenure as mayor, especially on issues related to racial justice and criminal justice reform, two issues she has long advocated for. We are so proud to call Jones a member of our People For family and wish her the best.”

SBCUSD Names Harry “Doc” Ervin as Superintendent

Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Harry “Doc” Ervin as Superintendent during today’s Board of Education meeting. Ervin will assume the leadership post on July 1, officially filling the seat vacated by Dr. Dale Marsden.

Ervin joins SBCUSD from Bakersfield City School District, where he has served as superintendent since 2016. He was selected during a nationwide search that resulted in more than 20 highly qualified applicants.

“The Board of Education listened closely to our SBCUSD community about the qualities we should look for in a new superintendent, and Doc Ervin stood out for his passionate commitment to equity and excellence,” said Board President Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers. “We are confident we have found a transformational leader as his experience at all levels of the educational system will help us effectively navigate the opportunities and challenges that come as we recover and grow from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Ervin, who is fluent in English and Spanish, has dedicated his career to bringing equity and access to economically disadvantaged students from culturally diverse backgrounds, setting high expectations for their success. He brings more than 25 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, school principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in districts across the state, serving areas that include Kern County, Monterey County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County. 

“I am pleased to accept the position of Superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and I look forward to ensuring every SBCUSD student has the support they need to be successful,” said Ervin, who was present for the Board of Education’s virtual meeting. “SBCUSD has a lot of great programs in place for students, and I look forward to taking what they have to the next level.”

The SBCUSD Board of Education selected Ervin through a locally driven process where the public was offered multiple opportunities for input. Preparation began a year ago with community listening sessions and surveys to capture stakeholder thoughts about the qualities most important for the new district leader. Among these desired characteristics was a successful track record working in a socioeconomically diverse, multicultural community with similar demographics to San Bernardino. Recruitment was disrupted by COVID-19 and resumed in January of this year where community members were again invited to participate by submitting questions for the Board to consider in their interview process.

Ervin is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and Master of Science in Education Administration from Alliant International University and his Administrative Credential from California State University, Fullerton. He is married with three sons and one daughter.

The SBCUSD Board of Education will formally approve Ervin’s contract at its April 6 meeting. Between now and July 1, Ervin will work with now Interim Superintendent Dr. Harold Vollkommer to ensure a smooth transition.

“Don’t You Do It!

By Lou Yeboah

Don’t you fall for Satan lies! The Devil is a liar! Telling you that you can wait to get save. Telling you that you can serve God tomorrow. Satan is “a liar and the father of all liars! [John 8:44].  He is deceptive, cunning, crafty, and sneaky. [Genesis 3:1-6].” Don’t you fall for Satan lies! Don’t you do it! “Be sober-minded; be watchful, because your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”[1 Peter 5:8]. Satan’s default mode is deception [2 Corinthians 11:14]. He pretends to have our best interest in mind, but in reality, he comes to seek, kill, and destroy. [John 10:10].  “Oh, I say and I say it again, Ya been had! Ya been took! Ya been hoodwink! Bamboozled! Led astray! Run amok!” [Malcolm X 1992]. Stop believing the Devil lies. The bounty he collects is eternal damnation. Don’t you do it! Don’t you fall for Satan lies. The Devil is a liar!

Biblical descriptions of him include everything from an angel of light to a ravenous beast. Anyone is a welcome challenge to him, from Adam to Jesus himself. Nobody is too good or powerful for his advances. He can provoke, tempt, enter into, transform himself, and vex. He is a cunning trap-setter, and his prey is man. He loves to manipulate and control, and his most dreaded weapon is death. Don’t you do it! Don’t you fall for Satan lies! You must learn to recognize the devil’s lies, reject those lies and replace them with the Truth of God’s Word. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” [John 8:32]. Satan has been seducing for years and the results have always been the same. He seduced Adam and Eve and the result was the fall of mankind [Genesis 3: 1-6]. He seduced King David and the result was the death of his son and the division of his kingdom [2 Samuel 11-12]. He seduced Judas Iscariot and the result was the betrayal of Jesus and Judas committing suicide [John 13:21-30; Matthew 27:3-5]. He seduced Ananias and Sapphira and the result was that they dropped dead [Acts 5:1-11]. He tried to seduce Jesus and the result was the destruction of the Devil himself. Jesus forever proved that Satan could be defeated and that man did not have to bow down to his seduction. Stop cuddling with the devil, and submit yourself, to God.  Because, sooner or later, sin’s consequences will catch up with you. [Luke 8:17; 12:2-3; Numbers 32:23].  Realize that you have an enemy and his number one weapon against you is a lie. Stop believing the Devil lies and REPENT NOW! If you don’t, how shall you escape? [Hebrews 2:3].

Jesus says in [Revelation 3:3] remember then, what you were taught and what you heard, obey it and turn from your sins. If you do not… I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not even know the time when I will come.” Unless you repent, you too will perish. [Luke 13:3]. “Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” [Isaiah 1:18]. My Spirit shall not always strive with man.” [Genesis 6:3].

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Realize that we are still living in a time where Grace and Mercy is being extended. Run to His Mercy while there is still time. [Psalms 2:8]. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near” [Isaiah 55:6]. God has conveyed that He is finished with our disobedience and hard hearts. Enough is Enough! And He is ready to judge and punish His people for their rebellious spirit and actions.

I want you to know that God gave Ezekiel three specific prophecies regarding how the people will be punished—one-third will die by plagues or famine; one-third will fall by the sword; one-third will be scatted to every wind. Ezekiel was told to denounce idolatry and tell the people of upcoming famines and diseases. He was obedient although up against calloused people who had no interest in hearing the word of God or prophecies of disaster even though he reminded them that God will leave a remnant of His people. The people could not believe God would punish or hurt them. The people of Judah were so involved in their own pursuits they ignored the prophecies which instructed them to repent. Ezekiel message went in one ear and out the other. Because of it, God’s patience was all used up and the penalty for their disobedience was coming NO MATTER WHAT. He was ready to unleash his anger and judge them for their conduct. [Ezekiel 5:10].  God was not going to spare the people or look at them with pity. God was going to withdraw from them. He was not going to have any more pity on them. [Isaiah 1:11;Ezekiel 23:35; Daniel 5:1-31]. Don’t take the Grace of God in vain. Repent and live. Because I tell you the Devil is a liar!

To you who are believing Satan lies and delaying the time of repentance. To those of you who have backslidden, and those of you who are opposing the gospel, I want you to know that, “The Word of the Lord is against you.” For thus saith the Lord, “I will destroy you, and none will be left.” [Zephaniah 2:5]. There it stands, bearing testimony against you, who, in due time, unless you become partakers of the grace of the Lord, shall be overwhelmed, and destroyed without remedy.

As the Bible record, one day, the Son is going to look over at His Father and say, “Let me have them Father.” The Father will grant the request of His Son. Judgment will be unleashed on the Earth. Sin will be dealt with. [Deuteronomy 32:41; Isaiah 47:3; Ezekiel 25:17; and Micah 5:15]. Stop believing the Devil lies! Repent and live! [James 4:13-15].

Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” [Acts 24:25]. So far as the Bible records and early history go, Felix never called for Paul. Felix is suffering the torments of Hell, not because he wanted to go there, but because he waited for “a convenient season.” Don’t you do it. The times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. [Acts 17:30].

FREE Informational Seminar: What Would You Do If You Were the Victim of a Crime?

Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Council Member Damon L. Alexanderin conjunction with the San Bernardino District Attorney’sOffice presents, “Victim/Witness Informational Seminar”, on Tuesday, April 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

If you have ever wondered what would happen if you were a victim of a crime and what you would do or where you would go, then this seminar is for you. The guest speaker of the event will be Victim Advocate, Ryan Isenburg. Resources will be provided during the presentation with a Q&A session immediately following.

Please visit https://zoom.us/j/92336058076 to register.

VIDEO: River Chancer: Kayaker Rescued After Falling Out Of His Boat 

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Firefighters from the Franklin Fire department acted swiftly to rescue a kayaker from a flooded river after his kayak capsized. The incident took place at Harpeth River in the city of Franklin, Tennessee.

In a press release shared on March 28 from the City of Franklin, authorities reported that the Franklin Fire department received an emergency call alerting them to a sportsman who was desperately trying to re-enter his overturned kayak.

Emergency crews responded immediately, but it took them around 15 minutes to find the man. In their search assisted by the police, they used a drone and a thermal camera.

“With high water levels, strong currents, trees, and debris, it’s hazardous to enter flooded rivers and water. These individuals were fortunate,” said the fire department’s spokesperson.

They finally spotted the man holding onto a tree, surrounded by floodwaters, close to the Lewisburg Pike canoe launch. Using a boat, the firefighters successfully reached the man, who climbed from the three into the boat on his own.

Back on dry ground, he was examined by medics from Williamson Medical Center EMS.

The man, aged 60, who was not named, did not suffer any severe injuries but was shaken up, cold, and had a few scratches.

Along with this kayaker, there were three others, including a man whose kayak also capsized.

He also took shelter on a tree but somehow managed to get back to shore that emergency services. He then spoke to a local homeowner to raise the alarm.

The man, aged 60, who was not named, did not suffer any severe injuries. (FranklinFire/Zenger News)

None of the other three kayakers were injured, the fire department informed.

Accidents involving a kayak or a canoe are common in the U.S. As per a report by American Canoe Association states that “75 percent of the paddling-related fatalities involved canoeing and 25 percent involved kayaking.”

The report further states that “83 percent of the victims who died while canoeing was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident. Occupant movement/weight shift plays a significant role in approximately half of all canoeing accidents. Roughly 50 percent of the victims in a canoe- and kayak-related fatalities were fishing at the accident.

At least 25 percent of the victims in fatal canoeing accidents are believed to have consumed alcohol immediately before the accident.”

In 2019, a total of 556 fatal recreational boating accidents took place in the U.S. as per recreational boating statistics. There were 3612 non-fatal boating accidents; the total percentage of recreational boating accidents resulting in death is 13 percent, as per data from 2019.

(Edited by Ojaswin Kathuria and Vaibhav Vishwanath Pawar.)



The post VIDEO: River Chancer: Kayaker Rescued After Falling Out Of His Boat  appeared first on Zenger News.

April 8: Time for Change Annual Gala Presents “She Is…”

Empire News Network

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Thursday, April 8 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Time for Change Foundation will be presenting their 19th Annual “She Is…” Virtual Awards and Gala. If you have not registered, there is still time, but it is running out!

The 19th Annual “SHE IS…” Virtual Awards Gala, will pay homage to the amazing women who have rebuilt their lives, reunified their families and regained their voices for change. COVID-19 has brought with it a dizzying amount of fear, uncertainty, and change. Homelessness has increased, safety net programs have been torn through, and our childcare system is buckling under its own weight. Yet, in the face of future uncertainty, SHE IS…

“SHE IS…” still standing up for racial justice.

“SHE IS…” still working to advance causes that benefit children.

“SHE IS…” still ensuring that no woman is released from incarceration without the protection and support of her sisters.

SHE IS… trailblazing, conquering, surviving.

SHE IS… an example of the most relentless of spirits.

To learn more about Time For Change Foundation and the work we do visit us at www.timeforchangefoundation.org.

The Singer Merrion Morey is What it Do!

By Lue Dowdy

What up I.E., and everybody! I’m a firm believer that without music the world would be blah! Allow me to introduce a good friend of mine, the talented Merrion Morey. I’ve had the honor of working with Mr. Morey in the past on a community music project. I love his work ethic and commitment to his craft.

Music has been part of Mr. Morey’s DNA ever since he learned how to sing in church. He enjoys writing music, composing songs, and to some degree, collaborating with other artists. Having the pleasure of meeting some of the industries poignant artists and composers throughout the years, he has made a well know presence in the music industry. Mr. Morey has shared the stage with notables such as: Stanley Clarke, Jeffrey Osborne, and he has also sung for The Delfonics Review.

Giving back to the community is very important to Mr. Morey. He has a passion for youth. Utilizing his musical gift, he was able to contribute to a youth boxing program by creating an album in which a portion of the proceeds was used to help provide equipment for their gym.

He continues to write and compose songs as an outward expression of his inner thoughts. Mr. Morey’s music can be accessed through all music stream outlets as well as social media. He’s also available for booking! So, the next time you need a smooth R&B singer please think about Merrion Morey. Until next week ya’ll, L’s!