Happily Divorced And After

Keep Literacy Alive, Come Out to the Leimert Park Book Fair

LOS ANGELES, CA- The Leimert Park Village Book Fair will celebrate its 11th anniversary on Saturday, August 19 in Los Angeles. The book fair will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the promenade of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza (BHCP), located at 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The family-oriented event is held in the heart of Leimert Park, which is considered the center of the African American arts/intellectual scene in LA. The book fair will be held outdoors, and luckily, it rarely rains in Southern California!

“Voted One of LA’s Five Best Annual Book Festivals,” the LPVBF has become a much-anticipated cultural tradition in the community.  It provides authors an opportunity to promote their newest work as well as meet some of their fans up close and personal. Meet some of LA’s favorite and best-selling authors like Pamela Samuels Young, Gary Phillips, Tananarive Due, plus Jodi Baker, the YA writer of the “Between Lions” series, which New York Times calls it ” … definitely the YA series to follow.” 

The LPVBF is produced by Exum and Associates in collaboration with Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, District 2; the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs; City of Los Angeles and Capri Capital Partners of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza mall. City leaders and philanthropists Dr. Bernard W. and Shirley Kinsey serve as the book fair’s chairperson.

San Bernardino Native Serves in Japan Aboard Forward-Deployed Ship

Janeth Delacruz Garcia 

Janeth Delacruz Garcia

By Chief Petty Officer Bill Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach 

A 2014 Los Altos High School graduate and San Bernardino, California native is serving in Japan in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Germantown.

Fireman Janeth Delacruz Garcia is an engineman aboard the ship operating out of Sasebo, Japan.

A Navy engine man is responsible for the maintenance of diesel engines, high pressure air compressors, lube oil purifiers and main reduction gears on the Germantown.

“Right now, I do a lot of testing of oil and fuel samples from the diesel engines,” said Delacruz Garcia. “I never would have thought I would be working in this field when I joined the Navy.”

With more than 50 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage and a third of the world’s crude oil passing through the region, the U.S. has historic and enduring interests in this part of the world.

“Our alliance is rooted in shared interests and shared values,” said Adm. Harry Harris, U.S. Pacific Command Commander. “It’s not hyperbole to say that the entire world has benefited from the U.S.-Japan alliance. While our alliance helped stabilize the region after the Second World War, it also enabled the Japanese people to bring about an era of unprecedented economic growth. And for the last six decades, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have worked side by side with the Japan Self Defense Force to protect and advance peace and freedom.”

Commissioned in 1986, Germantown is the second Navy ship named after the Revolutionary War Battle of Germantown. With a crew of more than 900 sailors and Marines, Germantown is 609 feet long and weighs approximately 16,000 tons. Designed specifically to operate landing craft air cushion small craft vessels, Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships have the largest capacity for these landing craft out of any U.S. Navy amphibious ship.

“This is my first command, the work environment is very respectful, they’re all very supportive and communicate well,” said Delacruz Garcia. “Serving in Japan is great, it’s one of my dream places to serve.” 

Sea duty is inherently arduous and challenging but it builds strong fellowship and esprit de corps among members of the crew. The crew is highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.

“I’m the first to serve in the Navy in my family,” said Delacruz Garcia. “It’s a huge commitment, I don’t think I could have done it without their support.”

The Navy’s presence in Sasebo is part a long-standing commitment.

“The U.S.-Japan alliance remains the cornerstone for peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Harris.

Fireman Janeth Delacruz Garcia is an engineman aboard the ship operating out of Sasebo, Japan.

A Navy engine man is responsible for the maintenance of diesel engines, high pressure air compressors, lube oil purifiers and main reduction gears on the Germantown.

“Right now I do a lot of testing of oil and fuel samples from the diesel engines,” said Delacruz Garcia. “I never would have thought I would be working in this field when I joined the Navy.”

With more than 50 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage and a third of the world’s crude oil passing through the region, the U.S. has historic and enduring interests in this part of the world.  

“Our alliance is rooted in shared interests and shared values,” said Adm. Harry Harris, U.S. Pacific Command Commander. “It’s not hyperbole to say that the entire world has benefited from the U.S.-Japan alliance. While our alliance helped stabilize the region after the Second World War, it also enabled the Japanese people to bring about an era of unprecedented economic growth. And for the last six decades, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have worked side by side with the Japan Self Defense Force to protect and advance peace and freedom.”

Commissioned in 1986, Germantown is the second Navy ship named after the Revolutionary War Battle of Germantown. With a crew of more than 900 sailors and Marines, Germantown is 609 feet long and weighs approximately 16,000 tons. Designed specifically to operate landing craft air cushion small craft vessels, Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships have the largest capacity for these landing craft out of any U.S. Navy amphibious ship.

“This is my first command, the work environment is very respectful, they’re all very supportive and communicate well,” said Delacruz Garcia. “Serving in Japan is great, it’s one of my dream places to serve.” 

Sea duty is inherently arduous and challenging but it builds strong fellowship and esprit de corps among members of the crew. The crew is highly motivated and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.

“I’m the first to serve in the Navy in my family,” said Delacruz Garcia. “It’s a huge commitment, I don’t think I could have done it without their support.”

The Navy’s presence in Sasebo is part a long-standing commitment.

“The U.S.-Japan alliance remains the cornerstone for peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Harris.

What It Do With the LUE: The Youth

By Lue Dowdy

The YOUTH IS WHAT IT DO!

It is going down Saturday, October 14 in the beautiful city of San Bernardino. Congratulations to the following individuals for making the I.E. Show It Off 2017 talent competition: Alaondraa Smith, Ty’Ren Tillet, Sheniya Jackson, Xager 8 Dance Crew, Elizabeth Estrella, LaTisha Williams, Moena Parker, Daharien Trotter, Jack Musgrove, and Jahzara and Djehuty (The Garbutt Siblings).

The contestants will be competing for a $500.00 cash prize. Good Luck! Until next time, L’z!

Time For Change Founder, Kim Carter, Pursues Governor’s Pardon

Kim Carter

Kim Carter

SACRAMENTO, CA- On Tuesday, August 15, Time For Change Foundation founder, Kim Carter, traveled to Sacramento for her Governor’s Pardon Review. It has been 24 years in the making. Time For Change’s mission is to empower disenfranchised, low-income individuals and families by building leadership through evidence-based programs and housing to create self-sufficiency and thriving communities.

Carter has led an extraordinary life. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, she overcame a dark past filled with addiction, abuse, homelessness, and imprisonment. During her battle, one choice would change the course of her life forever: she was chosen to participate in rehabilitative program and for the first time in her life she was offered treatment and a solution.

After treatment and counseling, Carter began working as an accountant. She had reintegrated back into society and was able to reunify with her daughter. Life was finally good, but she felt that there was still more for her.

“I knew that my life had meaning and that I had to go through the darkness to get to where I am today,” said Carter.

After starting Time for Change Foundation she knew she had found her purpose. Aside from providing homeless women and children with a place to call home, she became an advocate and started to develop leaders out of the women she was helping.

Over the last 15 years, Carter and TFCF have helped over 1,000 homeless women and children in San Bernardino County achieve self-sufficiency, 227 children have been reunified with their mothers, and in 2015 she was honored as one of CNN’s top 10 heroes of the year.

Her impact on society is evident through her advocacy work and history of awards and accolades from esteemed public figures and organizations. Through her work, she has empowered others to be the agent of change by using their voices and votes to make a difference. She is a published author, motivational speaker, and life coach and trainer. Carter is instrumental in making laws and creating programs that work to end homelessness, which includes emergency shelter, permanent supportive, and affordable housing services. 

When asked why she pursued a Governor’s Pardon, Carter responded, “I want my life to be a testimony and to break the generational cycle of incarceration. I want to leave a positive legacy for my family. This is something that I pray will have an everlasting impact for many generations to come. They will have the freedom and opportunities to make a far greater impact in the world than I.”

Olympic Athlete on the Rise: Jordyn Grady

Jordyn Grady displaying her medals and ring that she won in the AAU Junior National Olympics. (Photo Credit: Naomi K. Bonman)

Jordyn Grady displaying her medals and ring that she won in the AAU Junior National Olympics. (Photo Credit: Naomi K. Bonman)

By Naomi K. Bonman

Great athletes always start young and stay focus on perfecting their craft. Upland High School freshman, Jordyn Grady, is one of those athletes. In her course of running track for six years, her perfection of her craft has paid off in the AAU Junior Olympic Games which were held from July 30 to August 5 in Detroit, Michigan.

Grady, who regularly runs the 100 and 200 hurdles as well as the 100 and 200 meters, took first place in the 14-year-old girls division while running the 100 and 200 hurdles. Her time in the 100 hurdles was 14.26 seconds and 26.66 seconds in the 200 hurdles. She was the only San Bernardino and California native that competed in those races.

While being a stellar athlete, she is also able to maintain an A and B average in school. “I know that school comes first and then sports,” Grady states of how she manages to balance both sports and her studies.

After high school, she wants to continue to run track, as well as to study to become a Veterinarian because she loves animals.

“And You Wonder Why God Says… Judgment Will Begin in the House of the Lord…!”

Lou Coleman

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Well ain’t no need of wondering… You know as well as I know why… Truth has left the building…. Truth has been sliced, diced and chopped up. You hypocrite! I want you to know that God’s desire is that His church should no longer be tossed to and fro. When it comes to God’s Word there is no tolerance. There is no variation in God; He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  You ought to know that it is not enough to preach any message you might choose. Rather, the gospel is what you must preach. You must preach ONLY the gospel because IT ALONE is the power of God unto salvation. [Rom 1:16]. You must preach ONLY the gospel because IT ALONE is the means by which we are begotten of God [1 Corinthians 4:15].   You must preach ALL of the gospel, in the TRUE SPIRIT of the gospel. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” – that’s what preachers are charged to preach! Know that you are under the threat of judgment from God for failing your responsibility to do so.  [1 Corinthians 9:16-17]  [Galatians 1:7-9].

Truth itself does not need to be reinvented or retooled in order to make it suitable for the times in which we live. The problem is we got to many people pleasers and not enough God pleasers in the pulpit. The same truth Abraham, Moses, David, and the apostles believed is still truth for us today. Changing times do not change the truth. Scripture is as unchanging as God Himself [1 Peter 1:25]. You dare not soften it or sweeten it to appeal to the vanities and vices of men. The Word of God is alive—it is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword”—and it must be delivered AS IS. Woe unto you for taking verses out of context, manipulate Scripture to introduce a thought, never to return to it for the rest of the message! These things ought not to occur in Bible-believing churches. Warning comes before destruction.  So, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for [God] have not found your works perfect before Him. Remember, therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. If you will not, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you,” saith the Lord [Revelation 3: 2-3].

“I solemnly charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;  and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. [2 Timothy 4:1-5].

“And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, [Daughter] of man, speak to the sons of your people and say to them, If I bring a sword upon a land, and the people of the land take one man from among them and make him their watchman, and he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows on the trumpet and warns the people, then he who hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, and a sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet but did not take warning; his blood will be on himself. But had he taken warning, he would have delivered his life… Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered they soul.  Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord Gold, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?  [Ezekiel 33: 1-5; 9, 11]

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. [Galatians 1:10]

End the Summer off Right at the Inland Empire Family Reunion: Concert in the Park

UPLAND, CA- “Concert in the Park”, “Stone Soul Picnic”, and “Inland Empire Family Reunion”, are the three names to describe the community event to be held on Saturday, August 19 at Upland Memorial Park located at 1100 E. Foothill Blvd. in Upland.

There will be plenty of shade to relax under with your family, friends, and associates. The gates open at 11 a.m. and the part won’t stop until 5 p.m. Live entertainment will be provided by Phazze One Band from Los Angeles, along with Andre Ray formerly with LTD, Monique Renee will blow sounds from artists Teena Marie and Anita Baker. This event will have plenty of great food vendors Including J&J Soul food, Pomona. Not to mention other great entrees such as: gumbo, shrimp and grits, Brazilan soul food, kettle corn, shaved ice, taco mobile, Q’s waffles & Wings and much more.

The Kids Zone will have lots of games and freebies. Mommie Helens will have the kids decorating cupcakes, along with selling delicious pies. They will be judges for the dessert baking contest. There will also be plenty of vendor to shop at, which include: Mary Kay, Paparazzi Jewelry, Damsel Defense, Sports shirts/hats, Behavioral health and more. In addition to the vendors, there will be a raffle for a FREE 7-day cruise, tickets are $10 to participate. Heart2heart-4-You, a non-profit, will also be giving away back to school tennis shoes.

So, come on down and dance to some oldies, eat, relax, and just have a ball! Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, dancing shoes, and singing voices. It’s a meet up reunion, come and meet in the park people from your home town of Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Texas, Mississippi, New York, etc. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10. at the gate. Get your tickets online at www. HayesEvents.org or call (909) 437-3391 and ask for Kathy.

Obituary: Patricia Jeraldine Lovett Carthen

Patricia Jeraldine Lovett Carthen

Patricia Jeraldine Lovett Carthen

Patricia Jeraldine Lovett Carthen, 86, of San Bernardino, passed away August 3, 2017. She was born in Los Angeles on December 19, 1930.

Pat graduated from Chaffey High School in Ontario in 1947 and received her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degrees from Cal State San Bernardino. She was married to James C. Carthen, on November 23, 1952.

Pat had a long career in education, working for the San Bernardino Unified School District, first as a teacher, and then as a high school guidance counselor for over 30 years. She served on the Boards of the YWCA of San Bernardino and Inland Behavioral Clinic; a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Kappa Delta Sorority, Inc.; and a member of Ecclesia Christian Fellowship.

Pat had a passion for football, theatre, jazz, travel, and most of all children and their education.

She is survived by her children Kevin Carthen, Shelley Carthen Watson, and Tracy Carthen (Twillea); grandchildren Kendall Carthen, Megan Carthen Jackson (Marcus), Sarah Carthen Watson, Eric Carthen, and Kenneth Wilkes; and her great grandchildren Isaiah, Kya, Kendrick and Kobe Carthen, and Ireland Wilkes. Predeceased by her husband, James Carthen, parents Robert Sr. and Frances Lovett, brothers Theodore and Robert Lovett Jr., and grandson Evan Carthen.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 14, from 4 p.m. 8 p.m., at Mt View Mortuary & Cemetery, 570 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino. Homegoing Services will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, 1314 E. Date St., San Bernardino. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega Ceremony will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Funeral Service at 1:30 p.m. Repast immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1355, San Bernardino, CA 92402; Phi Delta Kappa Patricia Carthen Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 3147, San Bernardino, CA 92413; and Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties or the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Attn: Online Services, P.O. Box 96771, Washington, DC 20090-6771.

Local Schools Provide New Tools for Back-to-School Shopping

INLAND EMPIRE- Parents from local schools have a new tool in their back-to-school bag of tricks this year as all their school’s supply lists are now posted on TeacherLists.com.  

With just one or two clicks, parents can find their child’s exact supply list and then click right over to pre-filled shopping carts on Target, Walmart, Jet.com or Amazon to purchase their list and have it shipped right to their home.  Target and Walmart also offer in-store pick-up.  Super easy, super convenient.  

The site already includes lists for: Bloomington Christian Elementary School, Bloomington; Cajon High School, San Bernardino; Cooley Ranch Elementary, Colton; Dollahan Elementary School, Rialto; Excel Prep, San Bernardino; Grand Terrace High School, Grand Terrace; Lugonia Elementary School, Redlands; North Ridge Elementary, Moreno Valley; Packinghouse Christian Academy, Redlands; Palm Avenue Elementary School, San Bernardino; Reche Canyon Elementary School, Colton; Samuel W Simpson Elementary School, Rialto; Seneca Elementary, Moreno Valley; St Catherine Of Siena School, Rialto; and Valley Of Enchantment Elementary School, Crestline.

“For decades, the supply list process has been a frustration for parents,” points out TeacherLists President, John Driscoll.  “Where to find the lists?  When are they available?  Forgetting the list on the counter at home.  Hunting the isles for the specific items their teacher has requested.  All of those issues are solved with TeacherLists.”

More than 50,000 schools now have lists posted on TeacherLists.  Lists for more than 1 million classrooms are live on the site and include required and requested items as well as specific notes and clarifications from teachers and school staff. 

Complete details and all the lists are available at www.teacherlists.com/parents.

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Installs New Pastor, Dr. Michael Andrew Owens

Pastor Owens

Pastor Owens

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, a 106-year-old historic church in San Bernardino has selected Dr. Michael Andrew Owens as the new Pastor, who hails from Detroit Michigan. Beginning on Saturday August 12 at 6 p.m. there will be a festive musical celebration, featuring guest musicians, Evangelist Kimberly Whitsett and Minister of Music, Gregory Pearson from Bethel Baptist Church East.

On Sunday, August 13, “Installation services” will be conducted at the 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and commence with dinner and a formal 4 p.m. event.  Distinguished guest speakers will present during all services and the community and legislators are encouraged to join in sharing this exciting occasion.  Dr. Owens will continue a very proud, phenomenal, impactful leadership of spirituality and community service which New Hope Missionary Baptist Church has provided the Inland Empire.

Reverend Dr. Michael Andrews Owens accepted the call to preacher the age of fifteen and was licensed by the Bethany Baptist Church in his hometown of Chester, Pennsylvania.  In 1982, Rev. Owens was examined by the New Hope Baptist Association and ordained at the Calvary Baptist Church in Chester, Pennsylvania.  He now celebrates more than 40 years as a preacher of the gospel.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Dr. Owens further prepared himself for the ministry through secular and religious educational pursuits.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from West Chester State University, West Chester, PA. He completed his theological education at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA., earning both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry Degrees.

He was also a great asset to the community as he directed the Capital Area City-Wide Revival for 10 years as a part of his work with the Interdenominational Ministers Conference of Greater Harrisburg, PA.

Dr. Michael Andrew Owens formerly pastored Bethel Baptist Church-East in Detroit Michigan. Dr. Owens was called to serve as Pastor at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on May 3, 2017. Pastor Owens continues to faithfully minister the Gospel in word and deed as he leads the church family to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.