SACRAMENTO, CA—- The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has announced it will administer a $378,000 grant involving Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) California. The grant will boost community outreach efforts by MADD to help reduce impaired driving and lower the number of Californians killed or injured in DUI crashes.

The grant was awarded to ABC by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). Through this grant, ABC and MADD California will partner together to reduce impaired driving in California. Additionally, MADD will educate the public about impaired driving in the effort to reduce driving deaths and injuries.

“MADD California is happy to work in collaboration with ABC and OTS to help end impaired driving, prevent underage drinking, and educate California communities about the perils of drunk and drugged driving says Patricia Rillera, MADD California State Executive Director.  We appreciate the confidence ABC and OTS bestows upon MADD California to carry out its vision.”

MADD California brings awareness to students and DUI offenders about the consequences and impact of impaired driving through collaboration with educational leaders and institutions, public forums for students, and parents. MADD California also facilitates volunteer speakers who share their personal stories to a variety of audiences. They also use other tools to enhance educational efforts such as distributing educational materials to the community at public venues, and providing information to the public. 

“ABC is committed to this educational effort by MADD to make the highways, roads, and streets safer in California,’ said ABC Director Jacob Appelsmith.

MADD California works closely with safety groups whose mission can assist in the battle to eliminate impaired driving. The grant program activities will run through September 30, 2020. 

ABC’s mission is to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of the State through licensing, education, and enforcement. ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.

RIVERSIDE, CA—- A new television series for FX billed as “The Old Man,” starring Jeff Bridges, filmed in Idyllwild on Oct. 30.

The show is based on the Thomas Perry novel about a former CIA agent who has been living off-the-grid, until an assassin enters the picture.

“The Old Man” marks the first starring role on TV for the Academy Award winning actor Bridges.

The Film Commission was able to meet the needs of the film production in downtown Idyllwild, while taking into account the impact to the local businesses.

“The Film Commission attracts productions to our unincorporated communities, such as Idyllwild, where they create a strong, positive economic impact to local businesses,” explained Riverside County Film Commissioner Bettina Breckenfeld. “It leaves us with interesting movie stars and productions to tout for future projects.”

The Film Commission works with county partners to coordinate traffic and pedestrian flow around the production to ensure safety and minimize delays.

“The Old Man” wrapped up filming in downtown Idyllwild on the eve of the community’s annual Halloween Parade and Carnival on Oct. 31.

“Come on up to Idyllwild for a good ol’ fashion, down-home Halloween,” said event organizer Chris Singer. “We’ll even have a costume contest for humans and dogs.”

Idyllwild’s Halloween Parade kicks-off at 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the top of North Circle Drive, followed by a carnival at 7 p.m.

There will be trick-or-treating at local businesses, a dunk tank, face painting and cake walk. With a $5 wristband, carnival goers can also enjoy other games and jump houses.

The Riverside County Film Commission assists with easy online permits, incentives and locations for films, TV shows, commercials and music videos in Riverside County. The office provides professional, expedited concierge services from start to finish. Go to www.FilmRiversideCounty.com  for more information.

Family members and advocates to hold vigil for Vickie Lee Hammonds, who died in custody at the California Institution for Women (CIW) 

CORONA, CA—- The family of Vickie Lee Hammonds and California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP) will hold a vigil and peaceful demonstration on November 9th, 3pm PST at the California Institution for Women (CIW) state prison in protest of her preventable death while incarcerated. 

Vickie Lee Hammonds’ death on June 5th was one in a long series of avoidable injuries, suicides and preventable deaths caused by a culture of negligence that persists throughout the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and at CIW in particular, despite years of public scrutiny. In the weeks leading up to her death, Vickie––diagnosed with COPD and diabetes––had repeatedly informed CIW staff that it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to breathe. Multiple witnesses report that her repeated requests for emergency care were sidelined or ignored. 

“Our sister Vickie was not just an inmate with a CDCR number, she was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,” said Alma Hammonds, sister of the victim, from a statement on behalf of Vickie’s family. “We all want to know why she was so neglected and allowed to die.” 

Advocates for prisoners held in CIW, which was once identified as having a suicide rate 8x the national average, report a wide range of troubling issues plaguing the facility: refusal to provide emergency medical care by custody and medical staff; incredibly long wait times to have medical needs met; botched surgeries; and extreme medical indifference to people suffering with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes. 

“The State of California, the CDCR and CIW have to take responsibility for in-custody deaths, the neglect that allows them to continue, and the callousness of their collective response when they occur,” said CCWP organizer Eva Nagao.  “We’re here to support Vickie’s family in their demand for justice, and to make sure others in the prisons know we are watching––that we’re fighting alongside them for their survival.”

TIME: 3pm PST 

DATE: Saturday, Nov 9th, 2019 

LOCATION:  In front of CIW Prison (16756 Chino Corona Rd, Corona, CA 92880) 

This Veteran’s Day, Black Angus Steakhouse is taking some time to stop and salute the brave men and women who have served in the United States armed forces.

To honor our veterans and active-duty military this year, on November 11, Black Angus will be offering an “All American Steak Plate” for only $9.99.

The All American Steak plate includes an 8 oz. Certified Angus Beef® Top Sirloin steak with mashed potatoes, fresh broccoli with garlic butter, and a non-alcoholic beverage for only $9.99. 

OFFER DETAILS:

• Valid on November 11, 2019 only for all veterans and active-duty military
• No coupon necessary
• Offer valid one per veteran or active duty military personnel
• Military Guest must display valid Military ID or other proof of service
• Spouse and other military dependents are not eligible
• Offer is valid with coupons other party members would like to use
• Offer includes non-alcoholic beverages only (coffee, milk, tea and soda)
• Offer good throughout the entire restaurant, including BullsEye Bar
• Dine-in Only not valid for takeout or delivery
• No Substitutions
• $15 Be Our Guest may not be used for this promotion

By Dustin Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach

OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Eve Symonett, a native of Loma Linda, California, joined the Navy to be able to travel and be a part of a community that’s bigger than a single person.

Now, 10 years later, Symonett serves as a yeoman with the “The Grey Knights” of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron 46, working with the Navy’s cutting-edge maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

“This command has a high tempo and alleviates complacency when there is always something going on,” said Symonett.

Symonett, a 1998 graduate of Monterey Bay Academy, with VP-46, a high-tech maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadron, is tasked with monitoring the world’s oceans in the state-of-the-art P-8A “Poseidon.”

Symonett is also currently enrolled at Brandman University seeking a degree in applied studies.

“I’m responsible for administration procedures, office management and customer service,” said Symonett.

Symonett credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Loma Linda.

“Growing up in my hometown taught me the love of life and appreciation of everything,” said Symonett. “It’s all about balance and if you don’t have that you can’t be successful.”

VP-46’s primary mission is to conduct maritime patrol and reconnaissance as well as long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence gathering missions. They deploy around the world to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.

The P-8A Poseidon, the Navy’s newest maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, is a replacement aircraft for the legacy P-3C “Orion”. According to Navy officials, leveraging the experience and technology of the successful P-3C “Orion” with the needs of the fleet, the P-8A is designed to be combat-capable, and to improve an operator’s ability to efficiently conduct anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

As the Navy transitions to the full capacity with the P-8A “Poseidon”, the aircraft continues the work- horse tradition established by the P-3C “Orion”. The P-8A has a planned state-of-the-art open architecture mission system and next-generation sensors. These capabilities give warfighters added protection. The aircraft empowers the fleet with more combat capability, responsiveness, and interoperability with traditional manned forces and evolving unmanned sensors. The P-8A “Poseidon” has significant growth potential, with planned, phased-in technological improvements that extend global reach, payload capacity and higher-operating altitude.

“The mission overall for the Navy is to bring peace and allow free movement in the sea, so what we do is vital to the mission,” said Symonett.

Serving in the Navy means Symonett is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Symonett is most proud of earning a volunteer achievement medal.

“The community I was raised in was very outreach oriented,” said Symonett. “We were service oriented and we all learned to love others well.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Symonett and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy means being a part of a sub-culture that aims to push the bar higher,” said Symonett.

By Lou Yeboah

Ain’t that ’bout a pickle! The point being that a dog is no more revolted by its own vomit than a fool by his own folly; they both go back to that which is vile and disgusting.  Why? Because the dog doesn’t have any sense and neither does the fool. The point Solomon makes is simple: Fools keep on returning to their dirty old habits, no matter how disgusting they are. [Proverbs 26:11].  I urge you though, to hear the warning of the Lord to a lame man that He healed, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” [John 5:14]. I tell you, it’s time to stop going around and around the “mountain” in your life and be the “overcomer” God has created you to be. Choose to “put off your old self” and “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God …” [Ephesians 4:22, 24].

Granted, so many times people, not knowing any better, just live the way they have always lived…  suffering from the outcome of broken lives and wounded souls.  Overwhelmed by the sins of their past and the sins committed against them. The truth is though, you do not have to be broken anymore!  You don’t have to be overcome by those sins that have so easily ensnared you. Instead you can be the overcomer God wants you to be.  I assure you: If you would say to your mountain that continue to ensare you, “Be lifted up and thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will happen, it will be done for you. Can you believe today?  Are you ready to be an overcomer?

I’m telling you, you don’t have to go around that mountain anymore. You don’t have to continue in sin.   Whatever the mountain is today is your day to cast it into the sea.  If only you would face your mountain by faith in the name of Jesus and declare, “Get behind me, Satan!” It is finish! No more, in the name of Jesus! For there is absolutely nothing that the power and grace of God cannot set you completely free from. So declare and decree that, “sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God’s grace.”

For “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [[Matthew 6:14-15]

 “What shall you say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” [Romans 6:14-15]. Don’t let the power of sin hold you hostage. Realize sin’s power is broken and you are free in Jesus Name. No more bondage. Amen and Amen.

YUCAIPA, CA – Nominations for the 2020 Outstanding Alumni Award from Crafton Hills College are being accepted through November 25. This prestigious award recognizes and honors the exceptional individuals whose attendance at Crafton helped them achieve their educational and professional goals, enabling great service to their communities. Each year, the Crafton Hills College Foundation recognizes a former student who exemplifies the dynamic and positive qualities the Crafton experience strives to produce. The Crafton Hills College Foundation Gala Committee reviews nominations and makes a final selection.  Nominees are judged on their accomplishments in their chosen fields and for their community service. The selected recipient is presented with the award as an honored guest at the Annual Foundation Gala, Dinner and Auction each spring.

Nominees can self-nominate or be nominated by someone else. Nomination forms can be found online at www.craftonhills.edu/alumni. For more information, contact the CHC Foundation at 909-389-3245.

Criteria for Nomination:

• Candidate attended Crafton Hills College and completed credit courses.
• The candidate demonstrates achievement of an exceptional nature and shows professional growth within their chosen field.
• Through leadership or active volunteering, the candidate has made a positive impact on their respective community.
• If selected, the candidate agrees to be present at the Foundation Gala on April 18, 2020, to accept the award.

Past recipients:

• 2019 – David Avila
• 2018 – Steve Leverette
• 2017 – Troy Mondragon
• 2016 – Lea Deesing
• 2015 – Scott McNaul Hernandez
• 2014 – Michael J. Smith
• 2013 – Raquel Prieto

By Corey Jackson

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—- Our Society Is Sick. It’s infected with Hate. This is the reality I came to after the death of Diego at Landmark Middle School and while watching the DC movie JOKER (I should get paid for the plug), it broke my heart to see adults pushing and threatening for the incarceration of the students involved. It was disappointing to see the tragedy being laid at the feet of their parents. What was even more disgusting to see adults using hate and violence to deal with this issue.

This is but a reflection of our society as a whole. You see, violence and hate is taught. It is modeled so perfectly by the actions and words of you and me. No one is innocent.

We saw the sickness again when Brandt Jean hugged his brother’s killer Amber Guyger. Throughout this nation, we saw our friends, family, and self-proclaimed Christians attack a young man in mourning, for showing LOVE to a fellow human being who will receive consequences for her crime. Yes, she is a murderer.  Yes, racism was probably involved. However, true LOVE has nothing to do with the actions of the other person. It is not based on how we feel about someone else. Instead of responding with hate, he chose to respond with love. Love doesn’t mean no consequences. Love doesn’t mean support injustice. Love means challenging you to be your better self. Love means a commitment to social justice in the face of hate and oppression.  Love means, leave hate and join me. That is BEAUTIFUL.

Hate is on the rise all over the world. After a study by the European Union, they concluded that “Racist and intolerant hate speech in public discourse is escalating; the main targets are asylum-seekers and Muslims,” the council’s Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) said in the report.

We are witnessing a global sickness that possesses a greater threat than Ebola, AIDS, or the Bird Flu. And we all have it. What is the cure? We must reach down deep in our soul to see what is causing it. Is this who we want to be? We must stop being silent when racism and hate is around us. We must call it out.

We must turn hate into love. It is easier to hate. It is easier to blame. It is harder to love. Let us choose the harder road.

---

Corey Jackson is the Director of the Center Against Racism & Trama (CART) and Chairman/CEO of SBX Youth & Family Services

By Naomi K. Bonman

The last weekend of October was kicked off in an empowering and fulfilling way! It was definitely a great way to wrap up Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the 3^rd Annual Queens Brunch held Saturday, October 26 at the Ontario Gateway Hotel in Ontario, CA.

The day started at 9 a.m. with a social hour as ladies checked in. After checking in, as you entered into the doors into the ballroom, you were welcomed by pink decorations and ladies of all nationalities decked out in their ‘Sunday’s Best’ hats. You immediately knew that you were about to be blessed.

Since the inception of the brunch in 2017, the event has successful grew from 30 women in the founder, Adrienne Braxton’s backyard, to over 200 women in a hotel ballroom. The Queen’s Brunch is definitely a life changing event filled with empowerment, encouragement and support.

The event kicked off at 10 a.m. with a prayer and ice breaker. The ladies were able to get to know one another with selfies. This period of the event is the perfect way to kick the event off because it allows guests to get a little comfortable, especially for those who come to the brunch solo. They get to feel like they know some people.

Brunch was then served immediately after the ice breaker with the program starting shortly after. Each year the highlight of the event is remembering those who received their wings by calling out their names during a tribute and moment of silence.

A week prior to the brunch, the community lost a shero, Wyteria Musgrove, to breast cancer. In her honor, a special table was decorated in gold and red towards the front of the stage.

Although those who have passed are remembered at the event, the event was all filled with empowerment, encouragement and support through powerful testimonies of survivors, poetry and song selections of inspiration.

If you missed the brunch this year, mark your calendars for October 10-11, 2020. The brunch will be two-day event. Stay tuned!

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

Two African-American women, both Democrats, are among Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 11 new appointees to California superior court judgeships in seven counties. 

Newsom announced the appointments last Friday, his first batch of Superior Court nominations since becoming governor in January.

Eight of the 11 appointees are women. All of them are filling vacancies left open by retired justices.

Black women only make up around 5 percent of California’s more than 1,500 trial court judges. And only 19 out of the state’s 58 counties have ever had Black women superior court justices. 

“Thus in 39 counties, no African-American woman’s experiences have brought life to the law,” writes Alameda County Judge Brenda F. Harbin-Forte in the Daily Journal. Harbin-Forte, who is Black, researches and writes about the history of African Americans in the state’s judiciary.

“Gov. Gavin Newsom follows the hard act of Gov. Jerry Brown,” she added. Former Gov. Brown, Harbin-Forte says, “made many historic appointments and created the most diverse court system in the history of our great state.”

One of the two new African-American judges, Terrie E. Roberts, 54, lives in Chula Vista. She will now serve as a San Diego County Superior Court Judge. 

The other, Tricia J. Taylor, 39, who lives in the city of Los Angeles, is joining two others the governor appointed to serve as Los Angeles County Superior Court judges. 

“Roberts and Taylor’s appointments are significant, said Dezie Woods-Jones, state president of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).  “These appointments speak volumes. I am extremely pleased and excited that there are two new highly professional and qualified African-American Women judges appointed to the California Superior Court.” 

Roberts, a former prosecutor and public defender, and Taylor, a former deputy district attorney, both bring broad experience in private law – as well as public law – to their new roles as justices.  

Since 2008, Roberts served as a commissioner at the San Diego County Superior Court. Before that, she was deputy district attorney at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Roberts has also worked in private practice and served as a deputy public defender in San Diego County.

Before becoming deputy D.A. in Los Angeles County, Taylor also worked in private practice and at the Children’s Law Center, a public interest law firm and advocacy group. 

In California, all of the state’s 58 counties have now voted to have a single superior court in each of their jurisdictions. That county superior court serves as the main trial court for each county. In June 1998, California voters approved Proposition 220, a constitutional ammendment that allowed the counties to fold their municipal and superior courts into one unified county superior court.  Annually, county superior court justices earn $213,833 and they serve nearly 34 million people across the state, according to the Judicial Council of California.