LOS ANGELES, CA—- The NAACP recently announced that global music and fashion icon, business entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Rihanna, will receive the prestigious President’s Award during the 51st NAACP Image Awards. The President’s Award is presented in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service, with previous recipients including last year’s recipient Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, Jesse Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Soledad O’Brien, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Muhammad Ali among others. NAACP President Derrick Johnson will present the award to Rihanna during a LIVE TV special on BET on Saturday, February 22, 2020, from Pasadena, California.

“Rihanna has not only enjoyed a groundbreaking career as an artist and musician but has also distinguished herself as a stellar public servant,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “From her business achievements through Fenty to her tremendous record as an activist and philanthropist, Rihanna epitomizes the type of character, grace, and devotion to justice that we seek to highlight in our President’s Award.”

Alongside her incredible musical achievements, which include nine GRAMMY awards, Rihanna continues to add more credits to her burgeoning resume: executive producer, fashion designer, actress, business entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Rihanna never stops breaking barriers and has built beauty and fashion empires with global beauty brand FE?TY Beauty, lingerie brand SAVAGE x FENTY, and the recently launched luxury fashion brand FE?TY, which saw her become the first woman of color to partner with LVMH and the first woman to start an original brand for the world’s largest luxury group. 

Rihanna has also used her influence for good through philanthropic efforts. Chief among these is her own Clara Lionel Foundation. The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) was founded in 2012 by Rihanna in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. CLF supports and funds groundbreaking and effective education and emergency response programs around the world. With the voices of Rihanna and her fans, CLF also engages in global advocacy with the goal of improving the quality of life for young people everywhere.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- In celebration of Black History Month, San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) will offer a variety of events throughout February to educate, engage, and inspire students and the public.

The Black History Month Breakfast will take place February 21 at 9 a.m. in the SBVC Sunroom, Campus Center. Attendees will celebrate the cultural contributions and deep history of the African American community by hearing guest speaker La Quette Bush-Simmons and recognizing the contributions of honorees Jerry Mason, Kim Epps, Pat Nichols and James Ramos. This annual event is hosted by SBVC, San Bernardino Community College District’s Black Faculty and Staff Association, and the SBVC Arts, Lectures, and Diversity Committee. Parking and admission are FREE.

SBVC Arts, Lectures and Diversity Committee will partner with the Precinct Reporter Newspaper to present a dance performance of Black Butterfly, featuring Project21Dance on February 27 in the SBVC Auditorium. A community reception will begin at 6 p.m., and the performance will follow at 7 p.m. This event will prove to be an evening of eclectic modern dance, profound spoken word and exquisite Songs of the African Journey. Parking and admission are FREE.

Wrapped in Royalty is a workshop on traditional African head wraps and will be offered February 28 at 1 p.m. in the SBVC Business Building, Room 100.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/sbvcartsandlectures.

ONTARIO, CA— Redlands High School is back on top in the San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon competition, winning its first title since 2011, after results were announced tonight at the banquet for the 37th annual event.

With 45,395 points, Redlands (White) slipped past defending champion Rancho Cucamonga (Purple), which had 44,463.1 points. It was the second-closest finish in the competition in the past 12 years. For Redlands, which is coached by Donna St. George, this was the school’s record 14th Academic Decathlon crown, but first since the 2010-11 school year when it defeated Chaffey High School.

By winning the county title, Redlands advances to the state championships for the sixth consecutive year. The state championships will be held March 27-28 in Sacramento.

In this year’s county competition, the rest of the top five finishing schools behind Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga included Etiwanda (42,173.2 points), Chaffey (41,860.1 points) and Rialto (38,647.7 points). Joining Redlands in qualifying for the state competition will be Rancho Cucamonga, Etiwanda and Chaffey.

In this year’s county competition, there were 43 teams representing 25 high schools that participated. Teams, as well as about 330 individuals that participated in the competition, were recognized with certificates, trophies and gold, silver or bronze medals at the awards ceremony tonight that was held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario.

The academic competition took place on two consecutive Saturdays on Jan. 25 and Feb. 1 at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga. The scholastic contest pitted students against one another in 10 subject areas.

By Lue Dowdy, LUE Productions

Sugar and Spice and Everything nice is WHAT IT DO Folks. Girls rule the world in my- Beyonce Voice. 

Congratulations to Kimberly Woods and the entire team of ‘I’m A Diva And Fabulous Youth Foundation’ for hosting the very first  ‘Miss Teen Rialto Scholarship Pageant ’ that took place this past Saturday on February 1.

I had the pleasure of participating on the judges panel, which wasn’t an easy task. All of the young ladies looked so beautiful and did such an amazing job. The contestants had to go through intensive training which prepared them for the competition.

It was a beautiful evening! The pageant took place in the City of Rialto at Wilmer Amina Carter High School, Hosted by the beautiful ‘Melinda A. Clarkson’, former Mrs. Utah International 2003-04. The competition consisted of three different divisions (Princess Diva ages 2-4 , Jr. Pre-Teen Diva ages 8-9, and Miss Teen Rialto Diva ages 10-18). 

Pageant Director and Founder of ‘I’m A Diva and Fabulous Youth Foundation’, Kimberly Woods, explains her reason for putting on the pageant, “I did this event because I love our young girls and want to see them successful in life and to know that they can achieve anything they put their minds too”.

I salute all the young ladies and their support team. Competition in any field of life can be stressful and hard but as we all know, there can only be one Queen Crowned. Congratulations to all! 

For more information on how you can support the pageant or get involved, please call (909) 200-7591.

Crowned:

• Princess Diva: Daleyza Romirez # 36
• Jr. Pre-Teen Diva: Brooklyn Dorado # 30
• Miss Teen Rialto: Autumn DeVila # 37

Other Awards: 

• Academic Achievement Award: Hannah Romero # 32
• Community Service Award: Brooklyn Dorado # 30
• Community Service Award: Katelynn Shepard
• Viewers Choice Award: Brooklyn Dorado # 30

SAN BERNARDINO, CA. – Thanks to a generous donation, San Bernardino Valley College students studying aviation maintenance and pilot training have a new aircraft to work with during classes. Dr. Javed Siddiqi, a local pilot and neurosurgeon, recently donated a Beechcraft B60 Duke, a twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft, to SBVC because he wanted it to go to a good facility.

The aircraft, which was parked in a hangar at the Redlands Municipal Airport, will replace a 1940s/1950s Beechcraft B50 that SBVC has had for decades. Because of the age of that plane, it has been difficult to find parts for it, and that won’t be a problem with the new Beechcraft B60.

The $200,000 aircraft was towed 11 miles from the Redlands airport, then hoisted by crane over the fence of the SBVC Technical Building.

Ted Gablin, an instructor with the college’s Applied Technology Department who has been managing the donation, said to the Redlands Daily Facts that the plane will be used to train future aviation maintenance technicians and pilots in the aeronautics programs. The plane, he said, “will be a valued teaching aid.”

To learn more about San Bernardino Valley College, visit www.valleycollege.edu.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Twenty-eight K-12 schools and districts, as well as institutes of higher education, are scheduled to participate in the annual San Bernardino Countywide Teacher Recruitment Fair that will be held on February 29 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.

The event is a collaboration among the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools California Teachers Association and district superintendents with 23 K-12 schools and districts participating. In addition, five local colleges and universities will have representatives at the event, which will be held in the Valencia Room at the National Orange Show (930 S. Arrowhead Ave.) from 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 29.      

Recruitment for applicant teachers is for all grade levels — as well as subject areas — of K-12 education, and districts may hold interviews on site. For applicants to register online for the event, go to: https://sbcss.k12oms.org/66-182092. The deadline for applicants to register is February 28.      

Among the K-12 local educational agencies scheduled to have representatives at the event include: Adelanto; Apple Valley; Barstow; Chaffey; Chino Valley; Colton; Etiwanda; Fontana; Hesperia; Morongo; Mountain View; Ontario-Montclair; Oro Grande; Redlands; Rialto; Rim of the World; San Bernardino City; San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and its Norton Science and Language Academy; Silver Valley; Snowline; Upland; and Victor Elementary.      

Among higher education institutions participating: Barstow Community College, Brandman University, Cal State San Bernardino, Claremont Graduate and the University of Redlands.      

For more information about the Teacher Recruitment Fair, call 909-386-9561.

Voter Information Guidesto be received by voters soon

For the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election, vote-by-mail ballots were scheduled to mail from the Registrar of Voters office between February 3 to February 5.  The authorized shipping schedule was not followed by a county vendor; however, and the vote-by-mail ballots were delivered to the U.S. Postal Service on February 1, instead of Febraury 5 as intended. 

The Riverside County Registrar of Voters schedules the mailing of voter information guides prior to the mailing of vote-by-mail ballots by design. This is to ensure that voters have a chance to review candidate statements and measure material before they receive their official ballot. 

This early mailing of the vote-by-mail ballots has caused some voters to receive their vote-by-mail ballot before their voter information guide. All voters should receive both their vote-by-mail ballot and County Voter Information Guide by the end of this week. If a voter receives their vote-by-mail ballot and has not yet received their voter information guide, they can view all candidate statements and measure material on our website at www.voteinfo.net. 

To be counted, completed ballots must be received at the Registrar of Voters office, or any polling place within Riverside County, no later than the close of polls on Election Day, or be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than three days after Election Day.

Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned through the postal service or deposited in vote-by-mail drop-off boxes at participating city clerks’ offices. City clerk drop-off locations and hours of operation can be found on the registrar’s website at www.voteinfo.net.  A 24-hour drop box is available outside the main entrance of the registrar’s office at 2720 Gateway Drive in Riverside. Vote-by-mail ballots also may be dropped off at any polling place within Riverside County before 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters have until February 25 to request a vote-by-mail ballot by completing the request form on the back of their voter information guide, or by using the application form on the Registrar of Voters website at www.voteinfo.net.  The request forms may be returned by mail or by facsimile to (951) 486-7272.

Early voting at the Registrar of Voters office began on February 3 and continues Monday through Friday (excluding county holidays), from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 22 and February 29.  The registrar’s office will be open to voters on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting also will be offered February 21 – 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Galleria at Tyler, 1299 Galleria at Tyler in Riverside; at Westfield Palm Desert, 72-840 Highway 111 in Palm Desert; and the Promenade in Temecula, 40820 Winchester Road.

If you have any questions about your eligibility to vote, please contact the registrar’s office at (951) 486-7200.

Important information regarding the presidential primary election:

• Your voting right in the presidential primary depends on the political party in which you are registered. If you are registered with a political party, you can only vote for a candidate running for president in that party.  A “No Party Preference” voter will automatically receive a non-partisan ballot, which will have no presidential candidates listed. However, upon request, a “No Party Preference” voter can instead receive a ballot to vote the presidential ballot of the following parties:
  • American Independent Party
  • Democratic Party
  • Libertarian Party

If you want to register, update your address or change your political party preference, you must complete a voter registration application and submit it by February 18. You can register online at registertovote.ca.gov or request a paper application by calling (951) 486-7200.

By Lou Yeboah

“… Wash me through and through. Create in me a clean heart so that I may worship You.  Do it for me, Lord ¬ Change me!” [Change Me – Tamela Mann].

I tell you, we all have to make this our sincere, daily prayer: Oh God, Change me! Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Dig deep in me; show me where I’ve failed and gone astray. Expose my pride, anger, stubbornness and sin. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Transform me into the image of Jesus. For Your name’s sake, Lord,  do in me what has to be done. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen. [Psalm 51:10-12; Psalms 139: 23-24;  1 John 1:9, Hebrews 13:8, 2 Corinthians 13:8].

I tell you, when you become aware of how great your sin is, you quickly realize that you are in desperate need of a God who is greater than those sins. A God who can remove your guilt and forgive you for all of eternity. There may be some of you reading this and you’ve never really considered how much sin there may be in your life. And I get that, because if you haven’t had an encounter with the presence of God, how would you even know? But I believe that the people who are most likely to pray this prayer like Isaiah did are the people who live with an awareness of their sin and an understanding of His grace. If that’s where you’re at, then you won’t be afraid to pray this dangerous prayer, “Change Me Oh, Lord….Make me whole Jesus! Make me over I pray! I’m ready for change. I’m so sick and tired of being sick and tired. I am a mass of contradictions; I don’t want to be, but I am. I preach a gospel of peace, but my life isn’t always driven by peace. I talk about a Jesus who alone can fully satisfy the soul, but I am often not satisfied. I celebrate a theology of amazing grace, but I often react in ungratefulness. And if I rest in God’s control, why do I seek it for myself? Even in moments when I think I am prepared, I end up doing what I didn’t want to do. There is this law operating inside of me. When I step out with a desire to do good, evil follows me wherever I go.  There are times when I feel like a prisoner, held against my will. So, have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love, according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me. I embrace the rescue that could only be found in You.” [Romans 7].

“The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt – a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. [Jeremiah 31:31-34].

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” [Romans 8:1-4].

Praise be to Him always that though we were once “dead in the trespasses and sins; God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ” [Ephesians 2:1-5].

Praise be to Him and to Jesus our deliverer always.

Singing: “I know I’ve been changed, the angels in Heaven done signed my name…”  [I Know I’ve Been Changed -La Shun Pace]. “…I’ve been healed, freed, delivered, and right now is the moment, today, I’ve been changed, and I have waited for this moment to come, and I won’t let it pass me by; so I say, I won’t go back, can’t go back, to the way it used to be. No more chains, fear, my past is over…!” [I Won’t Go Back – William McDowell].

For many sports fans, February means one thing: the Super Bowl. It’s the biggest sporting holiday and the most-watched TV event almost every single year. In fact, last year’s game drew more than 100 million viewers across TV and streaming services combined. With the Super Bowl less than a week away, football fans across the country are making plans for where and how they’ll watch it.

With wireless technology, streaming services have given fans a new way to watch and engage without a ticket to the big game. According to a study by Google, 30 percent of sports fans say they stream live sports on their smartphone or tablet and 80 percent of sports viewers say they use a computer or smartphone while watching live sports on TV to search for player stats, live scores, to message other fans or watch related videos. That means, wireless technologies can make sure you don’t miss any of the action.

Here are some helpful tips from T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile for catching the best of this year’s Super Bowl between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs:

1. Know your video streaming options
This year, the Super Bowl will air on the Fox network, which means fans with a basic cable package will be able to watch it. For cord-cutters, there are several streaming services like Hulu, YouTubeTV and FuboTV that offer Fox as well as other channels like CBS, NBC and ESPN. Fans can also stream the game on the Fox Sports app via a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV.

Don’t forget – Super Bowl LIV airs at 6:30 PM Eastern / 3:30 PM Pacific this Sunday, February 2.

2. Video is only part of the experience
Whether you’re glued to the couch or on the go, you’ll want audio that’s worthy of the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to complement the most exciting in-game moments. If you’re not sure where to start, UE, JBL and even LG make popular Bluetooth speakers. And if you want to watch or listen to the game while out and about, look into Bluetooth earbuds like the new Apple Airpods Pro or the Samsung Galaxy Buds.

3. Don’t let a poor internet connection and/or data overage charges drive you crazy
Android Central reports that 4K video streams use an average of 7.2 gigabites (GB) per hour. That data use adds up quickly, especially if you’re not on an unlimited plan or are part of the 80 percent of viewers who use multiple devices to stream content.

For an optimal streaming experience, log in to a Wi-Fi connection or get unlimited data for your mobile devices and utilize a reliable, fast and high-quality connection.

4. Going to the game? Charge up!
If you’re one of the lucky few to have tickets to the Super Bowl, make sure you’re prepared. Remember to fully charge your devices pre-game and/or bring a portable battery so you can charge up if needed. Also, be familiar with your wireless rate plan’s data limits if you plan to share pictures or videos during the game. For aspiring sports photographers, consider a smartphone camera accessory like the Miggo Pictar, which turns your smartphone into a high-end DSLR camera to help you get the best live-action snaps.

And if you have a 5G device—bring it! T-Mobile has 5G service in Miami so fans can share and stream highlights in near-real-time.

Prepare yourself for the full wireless experience—video, audio and a great internet connection—and you feel a part of the Super Bowl, even from your home.

SAN BERNARDINO,CA—- Akoma Unity Center/Anne Shirrells Park beautification project located in the heart of San Bernardino City’s Westside, is set to begin mid-March 2020 following the San Bernardino City Council’s vote to award the remaining $83,308 towards the project.  

The beautification project has been in process for several months with Akoma, More Attractive Communities (MAC) Foundation and the City of San Bernardino. In August of 2019, Akoma was granted $135,000 from the MAC Foundation towards the beautification of Anne Shirrells Park. This beautification project aims to inspire and revitalize the community’s spirit, while boosting the financial resilience of this neighborhood —giving residents a sense of pride and ownership.

“It gives me great joy to support and represent the community of Ward 6 along with other collaborative stakeholders such as; San Bernardino City, MAC Foundation, and San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD). We will continue to bring forth economic development, community entertainment, and other vital resources in order to promote family and community engagement” says Kimberly Calvin, Akoma’s Executive Director.

Revitalization plans include: the redesigning of the Anne Shirrells Community Garden, Zen Garden, and a multi-use volleyball court. Akoma’s vision for the dormant garden is that it will become an outdoor learning center for Scholars of Rio Vista Elementary and all of SBCUSD to expand their knowledge of environmental sustainability while growing food to share with the community. Akoma desires to make this grow space a hands on community project. In addition, the Zen Garden will be created for Scholars to practice mindfulness while enjoying nature and a multi-use volleyball court to provide a safe place for children to play.

Akoma will be partnering with home grown muralist Brittney Price to bring forth a vibrant mural to create a welcoming art scape that encompasses the culture and values of this neighborhood. Honoring several Ancestors who gave of themselves for the benefit of a greater Ward 6 community, Vivian Nash-Dukes, Bobby Vega, Francis Grice, Valerie Pope, John Griffin, Ratibu Jackcocks, and legendary Dr. Anne Shirrells.

Unfortunately, there continues to be a shortfall of funds to refurbish the basketball court. The basketball court needs a new surface, basket-ball poles, and lights with a projected cost of another $90,000. Akoma is seeking additional support from stakeholders to contribute to the Basketball court portion of this Beautification Project. Akoma would like to thank Pastor Raymond Turner with Temple Missionary Baptist Church and their Congregation for leading the way to the completion of this magnificent Beautification project with their community collaboration and donation of $1,000.

Akoma Unity Center is a 501 C(3) Non-Profit organization committed to providing children with high quality, no-cost afterschool structured recreation, and developmental programs in a safe and supervised environment. If you would like to learn more information about Akoma Unity Center or be a part of the beautification effort please visit our website at www.akomaunitycenter.org or call (909) 217-7956.