Happily Divorced And After

CASTING CALL IS WHAT IT DO WITH THE LUE!!! LUE Productions is looking for 10 models to be a part of the first Inland Empire “BIG, BEAUTIFUL, WOMEN – BBW Fashion Show and Model Competition.” Ladies, this is YOUR OPPORTUNITY to rip the runway and show what you got in front of modeling agents seeking models.

We’re looking for you! So here’s what’s required: Plus Size/Full Figured/BBW, No Experience Needed and Must be over 18. The crowning model will receive a prize package worth over $2000, including $500 in cash and a one day workshop. The competition will consist of four categories in which each model will have to capture the theme and wow our panel of highly qualified judges.

The actual event is to be held Saturday, June 11 in the city of San Bernardino. Registration is $50 to enter the competition. All information regarding the event can be located on the LUE Productions Facebook page

LUE Productions is always about giving back to its community. This event will highlight the need to focus on the health and well-being of young women. Gwen Rogers, founder of Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE), will be our keynote event speaker. A percentage from each ticket sold will be donated to YWE.

You can also become a vendor or a sponsor for the low rate of $50; all logos will be added to promotional materials.

For more information text (909) 567-1000 or contact Deeveatva Foy at (909) 556-7637 or Freddie Washington at (714) 833-3196.

Until next week L’z and San Bernardino Strong!

LOS ANGELES, CA- In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the California African American Museum (CAAM) will host their annual Cake for King Community Celebration, sponsored by Target Corporation, on Monday, January 18, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

In celebration of Dr. King and his legacy, guests are encouraged to visit CAAM to experience his dream through art, culture and history. Event activities will include Storytime with Babe Evans who will read, “My Brother Martin,” written by Christine King Farris; a gospel performance by the Fernando Pullum Youth Ensemble; historical documentary film screenings on Dr. King’s legacy and historic speeches; an art workshop where guests can create a linocut image on tile of Dr. King; dance and drum performances; and two giveaways of an acrylic painted portrait of Dr. King, created throughout the day by speed painter Zachery Brown.  Lastly, enjoy a slice of homemade birthday cake while the treat lasts.

In addition to the holiday activities, enjoy the art, culture and history created by some of the most dynamic artists in several ongoing exhibitions on view at CAAM.  This annual celebration at CAAM is free and open to the public.  Parking is $12 in the lot at 39th and Figueroa Streets or take the Los Angeles Expo Line and exit the USC/Expo Park station.  For more information visit www.caamuseum.org. RSVP is encouraged at (213) 744-2024.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“That was then but this is now, I’m starting all over again. I need a miracle in my life today, ‘Cause I’m tired of walking in the same old way…” [Lyrics Shirley Caesar – Starting All Over Again]

I wonder is there anyone who has been in a situation in which you really wanted something to work out but it didn’t. You felt like if you just had a second chance, you could make it work. I wonder am I talking to anybody today. When you look back over your life, at some of the situations that you have been involved in and some of the choices that you have made, you think, if only I had a second chance. If only I had a second chance, I wouldn’t have married who I married. If only I had a second chance, I wouldn’t have moved where I moved. If only I had a second chance, what might have been? The fact is we all fail. We do things we regret. We say things we deplore. And we hurt people we love. Even the Apostle Paul was no stranger to failure. He said in [Romans 7:15] “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” I tell you; sometimes we are on our “A” game, and other times we fail. Reminding us in our human state how imperfect we are. Yet, because of the LORD’S loving kindnesses, His compassions never fail; they are new every morning… [Lamentations 3:22-23]

I want you to know that today God is giving you another chance to get your life right with Him. The Bible is full of people who received not only second chances, but third and fourth chances: Peter, Jonah, Mark, Samson, David, and others. All trophies of God’s Grace… I tell you, my list of “if only” moans could go on at length, but the common denominator of all the incidents is that when we are given a second chance, we need to make sure that we do not squander the precious opportunity. We have to come to realize that we cause tomorrow’s “if only” regrets by today’s neglects. I tell you, God is willing and able to give us a second, a third, a fourth, and a fifth chance; but we need to soberly reflect on the caveats that accompany these plaintive requests.

As the apostle Peter issued a stern warning in [Luke 19] when you ask for a second chance, you need to commit yourself soberly to following through by truly repenting and changing the outcome to a positive, godly result.” In other words, when you cry out, “If I only had a second chance… “Make sure the sentence ends, “. . . I would not squander it!” Know that if you deliberately keep on sinning after you have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Think about it, if anyone who rejected the Law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses, how much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?  I tell you, it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

You see, Jesus made it clear that the gift of another day is not to be taken lightly.  Take the gift of another day and don’t squander it. You know David, Jonah and Peter, were three great men of God, yet imperfect like you and me, and they had to hit rock bottom before the scales came off their eyes, and they saw clearly. God wants to bring victory in your life, but you have to make the conscience choice and decision to follow after Him. I am enormously grateful for an opportunity to start all over again… What about you?

Captain Mark Wood Jr.

By Naomi Riggins

Captain Mark Wood Jr. of Lakeside played his way through New Year’s Eve 2015/16 for Lynn Paul’s 50^th Birthday Bash. The birthday was held at the newly renovated Elks Lodge located at 1073 Mt Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. To book your next event at the Elks Lodge call (909) 258-0254 and ask for Lynn.

The legendary band repertoire of feel-good fusion of soul/disco and funk transported us back to 1980’s when Lakeside was at their height of their game. As the intro to “Fantastic Voyage” came through the speakers it seemed to flick a switch which electrified the crowd into high gear. Mark Wood Jr. and Lakeside was definitely “All the way live”!

For more information on how to book Lakeside, please go to lakesidecaptnmarkwood.com.

Judge Asberry

FONTANA, CA- The Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana and the North Fontana Black Awareness Parade Committee cordially invite you to the Charlotte Ray Award Ceremony and Recognition Dinner.   The honoree for the evening is Superior Court Judge Irma Poole Asberry.

Judge Asberry is the first African American to serve as the Presiding Judge of the Riverside Superior Court.  Asberry was the first African American Supervising Judge of the County’s Family Law Department from 2009 to 2012. She currently has an assignment in the Criminal Law Department. On June 4, 2009, she was honored by her sorority with the Outstanding Leadership and Service to All Mankind Award at the 80th Far Western Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  The Riverside African-American Historical Society Inc. recognized Judge Asberry for her Outstanding Community Service in October 2013.  The Inland Valley News presented Judge Asberry with its Excellence with the Juris Prudence Award in June 2014. The R.T. Fields Bar Association honored Judge Asberry as Judicial Officer of the Year in 2015.

On January 23 at 7 p.m. at Bethel A.M.E.  Church of Fontana located at 16262  Baseline Avenue, you are welcomed to join in showing her your  appreciation for the value contributions this Fontana resident has made.  The tickets are $35.00 per person or $200.00 a table (six at table).

Mail check or money order to: 16666 Baseline Rd.  Fontana, Ca 92336 c/o The Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana, or phone your payment  to (909)333-9950. Please RSVP by January 15.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Monday, January 18, 2016, the Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.  Restoration and Maintenance Committee will have its annual Recognition Ceremony at Dr. King’s statue which is located at San Bernardino City Hall, 300 North D Street in San Bernardino.  The ceremony begins at 10 a.m.

The committee will place its annual wreath at the foot of his statue in recognition of our national hero.  All community members are invited to participate in this special recognition ceremony. For more information, please contact France Grice, Committee Member at (909) 534-6567.

Lula McMorris Thomas

Lula McMorris Thomas, a native of Columbus, Ohio and a resident of San Bernardino County for 55 years, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2015 at St. Bernardine’s Hospital in San Bernardino, CA. She was 89-years-old.

Funeral services will be held at Harrison Ross Mortuary located at 738 E. Highland Avenue in San Bernardino on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 11 a.m., with visitation on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at the same address.

She leaves to cherish her memory to her children: Marcus Thomas, Philip-Michael Thomas, Michelle Roby, Karen Thomas Robinson, Anita Haynes, George Thomas, Crystal Thomas, and her Grandson, Forrest Darnell Thomas she raised as a son; thirty-five (35) grandchildren, thirty-seven (37) great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

Burial will be Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery located at 22495 Van Buren Blvd., in Riverside, CA.

What It Do Inland Empire. It’s the first article of 2016. Let me just say thank you Lord for allowing me to make it. Now moving on I’m totally excited about this year and all its new opportunities we have for Indie Artist.

On Friday, January 22 in Santa Monica at the Dragon Fly Night Club, LUE Productions will be involved in the UNTIY JAM sponsored by Involved Records.  We have rapper Knoc Turn’ AL and sexy R&B singer Marques Houston starring and our very own Gwaap Fam opening up. The event will be a blast as we celebrate UNITY.

LUE Productions is always about being positive within the community and giving back. We have performance slots available for artists wanting to perform. Please contact us at via Facebook under “LUE Productions” or text (909) 567-1000. The same applies for tickets. Until next week folks L’s. San Bernardino Strong!

About LUE Productions: 

LUE PRODUCTIONS is an entertainment/management/production company established in 2005 with the mission of offering a safe and productive environment for artists of all ages to display their talents. Based out of the Inland Empire, we pride ourselves in bringing forth unique and entertaining shows. Specializing in Community, Corporate, and Private Events, we are strongly focused on the ARTS, the YOUTH, and the COMMUNITY. We work hard in our community and spend time giving back.

Please help us by checking out our page on FACEBOOK and clicking the like button. We hope you share with your family and friends! Thank you!- LUCRETIA DOWDY, CEO and Founder.

Donations in support of our efforts is appreciated and can be made via PayPal at
Lue.info@yahoo.com or (909) 567-1000.

Publisher’s Commentary   By Wallace J. Allen

Less than fourteen percent of San Bernardino’s eligible voters bothered to vote in the past November elections. Elections that selected five City Council Members who will make the major policy decisions to lead the city out of bankruptcy!

Sixth Ward voters get a chance for a ‘do over’! They will get a second opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice. There is a special run-off election scheduled for Tuesday February 2. The special election will decide the occupant of the 6^th Ward Seat.  In the November’ general election, only 3 of every 20 people registered to vote in San Bernardino’s 6^th ward, did so.

Is it correct to assume that the other seventeen people who didn’t vote don’t really care who is “in charge” in City Hall? Or maybe they just trust the judgment of the three who decided to vote.

Anyone that holds elected position for a constituency that votes at a less than fifteen percent rate knows the people they represent “don’t really give a hoot”! How the elected official responds to that fact is a demonstration of their integrity… But we have to admit, it is probably difficult to drive a hard negotiation for your constituency when the elected official that is being negotiated with knows that the people that you are representing, “don’t really give a hoot”!

A Sixth Ward Candidates Forum & Debate is scheduled for 6 PM Monday January 11. Sixth Ward voters can see, hear and question the two wonderful women who are candidates for the right to represent the Sixth Ward.  The Forum is at the Ingrahm Community center, 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue.

If you are eligible to be a voter, you should care about the condition of your streets and street lights, about garbage and blight, about fire protection and police services, about parks and activities for children and senior citizens. You should care about business and job development! The list goes on and so does government that probably doesn’t serve you, but it appears that 17 out of 20 of you “don’t really give a hoot”! There is too much at stake to not vote!

“You will probably lose more by not voting than you gain by voting. It is kind of like treading water, you don’t get far doing it, but you can lose everything if you don’t! “- Wha-Lee.

Natalie Cole

By Billy Gee

Like millions of others, I was shocked to learn of the demise of vocalist par excellence, Natalie Cole.  She was close to the heart of many Baby Boomers, like myself, who not only thrilled at the sound of her mellifluous voice, but who also associate her with her legendary father Nat “King” Cole.  I had the privilege of meeting her when she spoke at the commencement exercise for the Berkley College of Music when I graduated in 1995.  She shook my hand and smiled as she congratulated me.  Her smile was the kind that could melt your heart from across the street.  The experience was truly “unforgettable.”  (Pun intended.)

Even if you never had the occasion to meet her in person, chances are that you felt that she was someone that you knew personally.  Each fabulous note she sang would find its way to your heart–to the depth of your being, as was the case with her inimitable dad.

Natalie may be gone, but rest assured that she will never be forgotten; for I know she will live on in the hearts of admirers the world over who knew and loved her through her music.  Rest in peace, “Sweetie.”