SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Rehearsals for the Assistance League of San Bernardino’s 53^RD Annual Signature Headdress Ball are in full swing and coming to the final weeks of practice for the 10 headdress models and the volunteer dancers that will be performing with them. The National Orange Show will play host to this year’s Headdress Ball on Saturday, April 12. There will be a matinee performance at 10 a.m. that will include lunch and the presentation of the headdresses.  The cost to attend the matinee is $75 per person.   The evening gala celebration will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. sponsored by the Signature Club.  Tickets for the evening black-tie performance are $150 per person.  The tables seat 10 for the evening dinner performance. This year’s headdress models will include Assistance League members: Lillian Vasquez-Wisegarver (Colton), Nancy Gutierrez (Rancho Cucamonga), Margaret Ortiz (San Bernardino), and Marsha Scott (Redlands).  Representing Les Confreres, an auxiliary organization of the Assistance League are Louise Hummel (San Bernardino) and Danielle Hilder (LakeArrowhead). Special guest models that will be representing community interests include: Tammy Martin-Ryles (San Bernardino) representing Inland Empire Black Chamber of Commerce; Geri Jure (San Bernardino) representing Friends of Assistance League; Maria Saenz (San Bernardino) representing San Bernardino Sinfonia Mexicana; and Mary Ann Quiggle (San Bernardino) representing the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce.

All proceeds from the matinee and the evening performances will go to benefit the children of San Bernardino through the support and funding of the Dr. Earl R. Crane Children’s Dental Health Center and Operation School Bell, a program that provides clothing for needy children. To purchase tickets contact Bobbi Simenton at (909) 862-0732 or you may send your reservations to 3344 Parkside Drive, San Bernardino, CA  92404.  Make checks payable to the Assistance League of San Bernardino.  Tickets and donations to Assistance League are available online at http://headdressball2014.eventbrite.com.

Brian (left), land lord of the office suites, welcomes in Renea Wickman (right) into the office building on behalf of Danny Tillman. Reginald Young (center) is a stronger supporter of Tillman and is helping to move the campaign forward.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Danny Tillman and his team will be having a grand opening of his campaign headquarters on Sunday, April 6 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 577 North ‘D’ Street, Suites 103 & 104 in San Bernardino. An additional open house will be on Monday, April 7 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The office will be open Monday thru Friday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

“We are so thankful for the community members who made this happen, without your support and donations we could not have done it,” Renea Wickman stated.

Danny Tillman is a Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congress running in California’s 31st District Open-Seat. He is also a San Bernardino Board of Education Member and is known for getting people involved to fight injustices. Mr. Tillman will be a progressive voice and a Congressman who will work hard to create family wage paying jobs and educational opportunities for the people of the Inland Empire. The District 31^st District includes the cities of San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Upland, Fontana Rialto, Colton, Loma Linda and Grand Terrace.       Donations of cash, reams of white paper, envelopes, stamps and office supplies will be greatly appreciated. For more information visit Danny Tillman for Congress at www.dannytillmanforcongress.com or call (909) 567-0222 or (909) 800-0318. Also be sure to follow Danny Tillman’s campaign on Twitter @Tillman4House and Facebook at DannyTillmanForCongress.

Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr

SAN BERNARDINO, CA  – The Consumer Protection Unit of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed 12 counts of grand theft and 9 counts of the unauthorized practice of law against 76-year-old Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr., of Walnut Park.

The charges are pending in the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. Lopez was arrested on February 27, 2014, and is currently in custody with bail set at $360,000.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by district attorney investigators showing that Lopez presented himself as an attorney who could help individuals with bankruptcies, family law matters, immigration matters and civil and criminal representation.

According to investigators, Lopez took money for these services which he could not deliver. Lopez is not, and never has been a licensed attorney.

Further investigation revealed that Lopez specifically targeted Spanish-speaking individuals as his victims. Investigators believe that his fraudulent activities have occurred in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties.

A bail hearing is scheduled for March 24, 2014 in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.

Individuals who believe they have been victimized by Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr. should contact the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection unit at (909) 891-3330 or via the District Attorney website at http://www.sbcountyda.org

Loretta Ross

Miss Loretta Ross began her reproductive rights and anti-violence activism after being sterilized by the use of the Dalkon Shield at the age of 23. Miss Ross has appeared on The Charlie Rose Show, Good Morning America and CNN. In addition, Loretta has been a consistent participant in International women and Health Meetings. Miss Ross helped organize the delegation of 1100 African American women to the International conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1984, and attended United Nations women’s Conferences in Copenhagen, Nairobi, and Beijing.

After meeting with U. S. Congressional Candidate Danny Tillman, Miss Ross gave her whole hearted endorsement, and adding “I look forward to the positive work Danny will do in Congress.”

“This endorsement really hits close to home. I am a father of three daughters and I am well aware of the fight that women have in every aspect of their lives. I am a lifelong advocate for women’s rights across the board. That is why this is such and honor for me to have the endorsement of Miss Loretta Ross. I am truly touched by her endorsement and support.”

Danny Tillman is a Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congress running in California’s 31st District Open-Seat. San Bernardino Board of Education Member Danny Tillman is known for getting people involved to fight injustices. Danny Tillman will be a progressive voice and a Congressman who will work hard to create family wage paying jobs and educational opportunities for the people of the Inland Empire.

Danny Tillman is running for U. S. Congress in California’s 31st Congressional District in 2014. The District includes the cities of San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Upland, Fontana Rialto, Colton, Loma Linda and Grand Terrace. For more information visit Danny Tillman for Congress at: www.dannytillmanforcongress.com

Lesli Gooch

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — Lesli Gooch, candidate for California’s 31st Congressional District, announced the official endorsement of long time Inland Empire resident and current Mayor of the City of Fontana, Acquanetta Warren.

“Inland Empire residents need a Member of Congress who will fight for us. I’m proud to support Lesli Gooch because she is the only candidate in the 31st District with the experience necessary to navigate the Washington bureaucracy and fight for our small businesses. I know she’ll be relentless when it comes to advocating for the Inland Empire,” said Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of Mayor Warren. I look forward to working with her to ensure the Inland Empire is open for business, modeling her success in Fontana. Our residents deserve good paying jobs and real economic opportunities,” said Congressional candidate Lesli Gooch.

Mayor Warren was first appointed to the Fontana City Council in 2002 where she was re-elected in 2004 and 2008. In 2010, Warren became the first female and the first African American Mayor of Fontana. She has dedicated her service to Fontana by promoting a business friendly city with her “Fontana is open for business” campaign which has escalated Fontana to being ranked 4th in California for its consistent growth in retail sales in the past 5 years. Apart from her elected office in Fontana, Warren has worked for over 20 years for the City of Upland, currently as their Deputy Director for Public Works, managing the city’s infrastructure maintenance, landscaping, streets, parks, sidewalks, facilities, and much more.

After officially announcing her candidacy to fill Congressman Gary Miller’s seat on February 19, Lesli Gooch has quickly developed momentum in endorsements and fundraising strength. Mayor Warren’s endorsement adds to a growing list of respected leaders including 31^st District Congressman Gary Miller, San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary C. Ovitt, and Frank Williams who currently serves as Chairman of the Housing Authority of San Bernardino County.

Inland Empire native Lesli Gooch, a former Senior Policy Director in the U.S. House of Representatives, is a transportation, infrastructure and financial services policy expert.  She has spent the past 15 years representing the residents of San Bernardino County at our Nation’s Capital, fighting for the resources necessary to stabilize the housing market and put Inland Empire families back to work.

Lois Carson Former San Bernardino Valley College Trustee Endorses Danny Tillman for Congress

It takes courage and a history of independence  to run for elective office, especially if you are African American because you must work so much harder and stand up to the detractors whose first words are “you cannot win”. I know; I have been there.

I am sure Danny Tillman went through the discernment required to make such a decision long before declaring his intention; he did not come to the decision lightly or quickly. So, nothing can stop him now—not organized party power, not “doubting Thomas’” nor those seeking favours from the eventual winner.

I first met Danny as a teenage student at Valley College and I was a member of the Board of Trustees; he was already exhibiting  attributes of a leader then and now at age 50, he is a proven leader as demonstrated by his front-runner and top vote getter school board elections and very effective Board governance. His business and technical acumen led to his successful investigation of the district finances where he found 40 million dollars in school funding in his first year as a school board member. Much of the responses to meet the needs of a changed community can be attributed to Danny who spends a great amount of time in the community. He is now ready to serve at the national level.

One of his major priorities is children, those in the district and those outside the district. He currently serves as president of the non-profit Black Future Leaders, Inc (BFL) which promotes high achievement for high school youth across the Inland Empire; the students participate for four years as long as they maintain a 3.0 GPA and perform 50 hours of community service per academic year. They are offered a summer residence program at Cal State every year. With a goal of academic excellence and community service, BFL is now in its 28^th year. He cares about people, especially the young.

Danny was not recruited by the establishment but saw a need as Bobby Kennedy once said, and  “sought to fill it”. While Danny clearly understands and values the concept of compromise so necessary in politics, he will never capitulate because he thinks for himself. He is an open book, candid and honest. What you see with Danny Tillman is what you get. More than that he is prepared to serve at any level of government and he has chosen the Congress. I support his choice and hope the readers will too.

Lois J. Carson

“Of course I am so honored to have such an esteemed and ranking member of the Inland Empire endorse me for U. S. Congress, words can never express my gratitude. I will continue to work hard for the Inland Empire when I am in Congress.”

Danny Tillman is running for U. S. Congress in California’s 31st Congressional District in 2014. The District includes the cities of San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Upland, Fontana Rialto, Colton, Loma Linda and Grand Terrace. For more information visit Danny Tillman for Congress at: www.dannytillmanforcongress.com

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA- On target to delivering a carefully crafted taste of African culture and pride several African American community organizations are gathering for a Day of the African Community and Family: Cultural Faire & Celebration.  The event, which brings together local African storytellers, dancers, musicians and poets is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 15, at Immanuel Praise Fellowship, 9592 7th Street in Rancho Cucamonga, from 11:30 am to 4 p.m. The fair will culminate with two lectures beginning at 5 p.m. from internationally recognized ancient African Egyptian historians and lecturers Merira and Ashra Kwesi. Entrance to both lectures is $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door and $10 for students with valid I.D. Another community favorite is the multifaceted performer and dancer, Makeda Kumasi, who will be featured with her group the Umoja Ensemble of the Inland Empire. Kumasi who is known for her one- woman shows has captured the hearts of audiences both young and old.This is an event that is offering fun for all ages the program also promises African drumming, dancing, poetry and a host of other activities. General admission to the cultural faire is free and open to the community. For more information or to become a vendor call 951-552-3923.  Tickets can be purchased as www.blackdotcommittee.com or www.5ontheblackhandside.com.

Linda L. Smith

A Profile of Courage: Linda L. Smith. On Saturday, December 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Hour Glass Wine and Art Gallery, 8200 Haven Avenue, Suite 103, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730; the screening of independent filmmaker, Reginald D. Brown’s documentary “A Profile of Courage: Linda L Smith” will be screened. Smith is the Founder and CEO of Four-D College, a vocational nursing school in Colton and Victorville.  Today, she remains the only African American to have a fully accredited career college offering vocational nursing and other allied health programs in the State of California. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. For tickets please visit www.eventbrite.com/e/a-profile-in-courage-linda-l-smith-tickets-9251474409.

www.josephfilippiwinery.com

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA- With the holiday season in full effect, it’s that perfect time to acknowledge some of the local wineries that are in and around Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The first winery that I would like to highlight is Joseph Filippi Vintner’s Wine Club, 12467 Base Line Road, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739. Since 1995, the winery has expanded to several new acres of vineyard plantings and revitalization projects in the Etiwanda area of Rancho Cucamonga. These vineyards include premium red grape vines such as Petite Sirah, Grenache Noir, Tannat, Mourvedre, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante, Tempranillo and Syrah.

Adult guests who visit the winery may partake in the winery’s tasting areas where they can sample reserve barrel-aged releases and award winners that are available for purchase exclusively at the winery.

On Thursday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m. winery staff will be hosting a wine pairing event with their very own award winning wine maker, Kristina Filippi. She will be sampling several special wines paired with light appetizers to compliment each wine. The event is limited to an eight person capacity. Those who are interested are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. The cost is $55 for wine club members and $70 for the general public.

The winery is closed on Mondays, open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, please visit www.josephfilippiwinery.com. (Written by Naomi Bonman, editor).

ONTARIO, CA- An estimated 5,000 Inland Empire residents will lace up their sneakers and make lifesaving strides at this year’s Inland Empire Heart and Stroke Walk. The event aims to build awareness of heart disease and stroke by raising $242,000 to support the American Heart Association’s 2020 goal of improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease by 20 percent. Participants include 4-year-old Ian Atencio, Menifee, whose ongoing battle with heart disease started even before he was born; Anthony Richardson, Riverside, who made changes to improve his health after losing his father to a heart attack; Linda Lawson, Riverside, who beat diabetes and lost 128 pounds by changing her lifestyle and; Steve Irigoyen, Rancho Cucamonga, who’s had seven heart attacks, a stroke and multiple cardiac procedures over the past 10 years.
The Walk will take place on Saturday, September 21 at 8 a.m. at Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4000 E. Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764. Registration starts at 7 a.m. For more info, visit www.IEHeartWalk.org.