Reverend Godfrey R. Patterson Appointed as New Senior Pastor at St Paul AME Church

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 1355 W. 21st Street, San Bernardino, CA, is pleased to announce and welcome the Reverend Godfrey R. Patterson as the church’s new senior pastor.  He was appointed by the Rt. Rev. Clement W. Fugh, Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the AME Church, at the 94th Session of the Southern California Conference on October 21, 2018. 

Reverend Godfrey R. Patterson

Rev. Patterson has more than 40 years of a successful pastoral experience where he has served congregations in Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, California and Kansas.   His most recent pastoral assignment was at St. Paul AME Church, Wichita, Kansas. 

A native of Chicago, IL, he graduated from Northside High School, attended and graduated from Lambuth College in Jackson, TN; after which he responded to the “call of Gospel ministry” and enrolled at the Howard University School of Religion.  At Howard, he distinguished himself as both a campus leader and community organizer, co-founding the Howard University Student Aid to Political Prisoners and becoming a coordinator with the Wilmington 10 Defense Committee.   He is also the founder of InFocus Ministries, an “evangelistic social gospel workshop” and has traveled extensively throughout the nation winning souls to Christ and organizing these converts to become agents of positive change in the black community.

His credits as an author include: The Ten Black Commandments (Principles of Survival); two books, The Autobiography of a Stranger; Just Trusting in God; and a screenplay, “Framed.”  He is currently working on his third book, Meditations from the Heart of a Stranger, as well as video project connected with his book, Just Trusting in God.  His personal motto is taken from the words of Hale, “I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  What I can do, I ought to do.  And what I ought to do, by the grace of
God, I will do.”

Annual EBONY Power 100 Gala Celebrates the Nation’s Agents of Change

Hollywood’s elite join invited guests to honor today’s heroes shaping society

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- LOSANGELES, CA— Some of Hollywood’s biggest names from film and televisionjoined more than 600 guests to celebrate today’s community champions andindustry titans from across the country at the annual EBONY Power 100Gala, presented by Nationwide, at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles onFriday, November 30.

The annual EBONY Power 100List recognizes the most influential and inspiring individuals from abroad spectrum of industry genres, across eight categories: CommunityCrusaders, Disruptors, Entertainment & Arts, Entrepreneurs, Innovators,MVPs, Power Players and the coveted Women Up category. Hundreds of guests descended on Beverly Hills for the EBONY Power 100 Gala, honoring those recognized in each category, for the star-studded spectacle attended by the who’s who in sports, entertainment, business, philanthropy, politics and social activism—hosted by internationally acclaimed actor and comedian ChrisTucker. Guests were encouraged to share their experience using #EBONYPower100.

Before the start ofthe gala, the world’s media lined a jam-packed red carpet, eagerly awaiting thearrival of some of today’s biggest names. A hand-picked selection of EBONYPower 100 industry honorees rubbed shoulders with acclaimed Hollywood celebritiesduring the red carpet arrivals ceremony, while dozens of guests registered fortheir table seating. Notable celebrities and high-profile personalities whoattended the gala, some of whom adorned the red carpet in effervescent gownsand bold tuxedos, included DavidOyelowo(Selma), Kat Graham (Vampire Diaries), Ne-Yo (singer), Chris Tucker (actor/comedian),Susan Kelechi Watson (This Is Us), Melanie Liburd (This Is Us), Bianca Lawson and KofiSiriboe (Queen Sugar)Dyllón Burnside,Hailie Sahar,Indya Moore and Steven Canals (Pose),Debra Lee (former CEO of BET), Ethiopia Habtemariam (Motown president), J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Sugar Ray Leonard (legendary boxer), Cedric Yarborough (actor), Ernie Hudson (actor), Cari Champion (ESPN), Mayor Andrew Gillum (Tallahassee, Florida), Mayor London Breed (San Francisco) and Mayor Stephen Benjamin (Columbia, South Carolina), Saweetie (singer), Hayley Law (actress), Marque Richardson (Dear White People), Israel Houghton (singer) and Adrienne Houghton (TV personality) Mehgan James (actress), Don Benjamin(model/musician), Amin Joseph (actor), Eva Marcille (actress/model), Deborah Ayorinde (actress), Courtney Kemp (co-creator, Power), and Symone Sanders (CNN), among others. Celebrity couplesin attendance included YolandaAdams (gospel singer), whoattended on the arm of honoree TitusO’Neil(WWE star), and CynthiaBailey (actress/model) joinedbeau Mike Hill (Fox Sports).

“This year’s EBONYPower 100 Gala was the most memorable to-date,” says EBONY Media OperationsCEO Michael Gibson. “This year wehonored the most eclectic group of outstanding individuals and prolific leaderswho represent excellence in their respective fields. The excitement on the redcarpet, leading up to the electrifying atmosphere in the ballroom reflected thetremendous attendance we had by Hollywood, professional athletes, politiciansand business leaders, not to mention the heroic community activists, all ofwhom have made a significant impact on our lives. I would like to thank each ofour 2018 Power 100 honorees, as well as our sponsors and readers for makingthis year’s event such a success.”

Following the introduction of actor ChrisTucker as the evening’s host, opening remarks were given by EBONY Media Operations Chairman Emeritus Linda Johnson RiceAngela Bretz from Nationwide proceeded to introduce a heartfelt video about the legacy of EBONY Power 100. EBONY Media OperationsChairman and CEO MichaelGibson presented the inaugural EBONY Chairman’sAward to former BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee for her contribution to the broadcast industry. Susan Kelechi Watson and Melanie Liburd, actors from the hit TV show “This Is Us,” presented the honorees in the Women Up category, the first for the night, after which Motown Records President Ethiopia Habtemariam proudly introduced the first label performance by JAMES DAVIS that struck a musical chord with the capacity crowd, who enjoyed their first dinner course while listening to the soul-rock fusion tracks performed by the three siblings.

The evening progressed with highly anticipated presentations of the remaining honorees in each of the eight categories that form the EBONY Power 100 List. GatheringSpot’s Ryan Wilson and TKPetersen presented the honorees video for the Disruptors category; Senior Vice President,Retirement Plans Distribution at Nationwide EricStevenson presented the honorees video for the CommunityCrusaders category; actor and comedian J.B. Smoove presented the honorees video for the Entrepreneurs category; Managing Director of LaborRelations & Legal Strategy for United Airlines Jessica Kimbrough presented the honorees video for theInnovators category; Vice Chairman of Ebony MediaOperations Willard Jackson presented the honorees video for the MVPs category; Lexus Advertising Manager Bruce Hines presented the honorees video for the Entertainment and Arts category, and EBONY Media OperationsChairman and CEO Michael Gibson returned to the stage to present the honorees video for the Power Players category. Linda Johnson Rice made a second appearance on stage to give a warm welcome speech for Motown Records President Ethiopia Habtemariam, who was presented with the prestigious EBONYIcon Award to commemorate the label’s diverse and historic artistry.

Motown RecordsGeneral Manager Marc Byers appeared on stage to give an introduction to recording artist Ne-Yo, who graced the stage in a purple suit, complete with a foot brace that didn’t seem to hinder his exhilarating and unexpected four-track performance of his most popular tracks, including the hit single “Time of Our Lives.” The acclaimed artist was seen to weave among the seated gala guests, who stood and danced alongside his unrehearsed personal encounter. Following Chris Tucker’s closing remarks, guests made their way to the Nationwide Lounge to enjoy after-hours cocktails and classic beats by DJClark Kent. Chris Tucker was seen to be in a celebratory mood in theTerrace Room, while singing aloud to classic Motown tracks, as guests and celebrities alike danced with each other into the early hours. 

In celebration of those whose work and heroism continue to inspire and influence society, the publication announced its 2018 EBONY Power 100 List in October. For more than30 years, the EBONY Power 100 List has been curated by the editors of EBONY magazine and its staff, and is determined by the work, accomplishments and influential reach of each of the honorees. The complete 2018 EBONY Power 100List can be viewed by visiting www.ebony.com/power100-2018.

The EBONY Power 100Gala was hosted by EBONYFoundation and benefited theSickle Cell Disease Association of America. Learn more about sickle cell disease and donate by texting “EBONY” to 91011 and using #SCDHOPEWINS. Follow#EBONYPower100 on Instagram and Facebook. 





What It Do With The LUE: ‘Fire’ Album From Mack Pepperboy

By Lou Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Fireis WHAT IT DO!
Rapper Mack Pepperboy is an artist with Cali Swagg Mixed with that Down SouthNew Orleans flavor who’s HOT.

It’s finally here! New music from this talented artist drops next week. His project, ‘It’s The Pepperboy’ showcases dope songs such as, “Fire” featuring Rock Singer/Rapper, Chase Enriquez and “Phone” featuring R&B Singer Zodi Wallace member of R&B Group Section III and “Change” featuring pop singer Bernice Celeste.

“A lot of heart and soul went into making this music,” Mack Pepperboy explained. “I wanted to move different with this project. I was able to link with other talented artists in order to create a new sound. I think my fans will dig where my head is and where I’m going with it.”

Currently under management with LUE Productions, this artist is one to watch for. Check him out yourself next week as he interviews and promotes his EP. All information and links below. Full project drops in the NEW YEAR! Appreciate the support! Until next week L’z!

On Sunday, December 9 at 3 p.m. Promo Video Drop for promo song, “Right There” featuring R&B Singer Yung Muusik, produced by Chef Music Studio’s. Video shot by Nycce Dreams. Special thanks to all the models and entities that helped to make it happen. Link https://www.facebook.com/Itsthepepperboy/notifications.

Also om Sunday, December 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. interview with L’s of ‘SouthSundayzRadio’. New Song Alert off new project, “It’s the Pepperboy”. “Fire” featuring Rock Singer/Rapper, Chase Enriquez and “Phone” featuring R&B Singer, Zodi Wallace member of R&B ‘Group Section lll’. The link www.SouthSundayzRadio.com

On Wednesday, December 12 at 7 p.m. live on Cali Best Radio with Lady Impress pushing tune in at NBC/CNBC KCAA 102.3FM &106.5FM.

County Board of Education Elects Hardy Brown II as President

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—The San Bernardino County Board of Education unanimously elected Hardy Brown II as president of the five-member governing body for one year during its monthly meeting on Monday, December 3.

Brown, who was just elected to a new term in November, represents Trustee Area D, which includes the districts of Rialto, San Bernardino and Snowline.

In addition to the presidency, Laura Mancha was elected vice president of the Board. Mancha represents Trustee Area C, which includes the school districts of Chaffey Joint Union, Chino Valley, Cucamonga, Fontana, Mountain View and portions of Ontario-Montclair. Board members are elected to four-year terms.

Prior to the meeting, Brown, along with newly elected Board members Ken Larson of Trustee Area A and Rita Fernandez-Loof of Trustee Area B, were sworn into office.

The Board establishes policy, adopts an annual budget, approves building plans and hears 

student expulsion, inter-district transfer and charter school appeals. The Board meets monthly, regularly the first Monday of the month.

Know Your History Beautillion Knights!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Learning about African American History on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at the Center for Youth & Community Development was engaging for all Beautillion Knights and their support group. Dr. N. Lawson Bush, V, Professor of Educational Leadership and Administration and Pan African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles and the former director of the University California Irvine and Cal State Los Angeles Joint-Doctoral Program in Urban Educational Leadership spent time educating Social Lites, Inc.  Beautillion Knights on African American History.  

Alumni Beautillion Knights are encouraged to contact Mrs. Tina Darling or Mrs. Bettye Brewster before the end of December 2018.  All Alumni Knights are welcome to attend Sunday meetings with the 2018 Knights every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center for Youth & Community Development (formerly Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino) located at 1180 W. 9th Street in San Bernardino.

The Social Lites, Inc. 52nd Beautillion program will commence on March 30, 2019 at the National Orange Show of San Bernardino. 

For more information, please telephone chairperson, Mrs. Tina Darling at knight.beautillion@gmail.com or Ms. Joyce Smith, President at (909) 881-5841 or Ms. Bettye Brewster, Business Manager, (951) 204-0022.

“Romancing the Devil!”

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— You got to be kidding right? Tell me, it is not so…? Because don’t you know that you cannot dance with the devil without paying the devils’ price? Don’t you know that you can’t sleep in the sewer without getting dirty…? Don’t you know that you can’t compromise with evil and come away clean. Don’t you know…? You can’t hold hands with God and walk with the devil. Listen, Satan is the enemy of our soul, yet he comes to you as a romancing lover. He entices your emotions, serenades your senses, lures your lovesick heart and woos you in your weakness… he is after you. Make no mistake about it, he knows your desires and your passions and he will play on them to get what he wants… he promises everything and leaves you with nothing. He may love you and please you for a season; he ultimately will destroy you for eternity. Satan doesn’t give a cramp about you. He is not your friend and if you dance with the devil you will pay the piper. You better know that you know!

The truth about the devil is that he does not play fair. Satan is a liar! He will trick you into believing him! You gotta be on guard at all times. Satan is very sophisticated and specialized. He is the greatest under-cover agent of all times. Biblical descriptions of him include everything from an angel of light to a ravenous beast. Anyone is a welcome challenge to him, from Adam to Jesus himself. Nobody is too good or powerful for his advances. He can provoke, tempt, enter into, transform himself, and vex. He is a cunning trap-setter, and his prey is man. The bounty he collects is eternal damnation. You better know that you know!

Satan has been seducing for years and the results have always been the same. He seduced Adam and Eve and the result was the fall of mankind [Genesis 3: 1-6]. He seduced King David and the result was the death of his son and the division of his kingdom [2 Samuel 11-12]. He seduced Judas Iscariot and the result was the betrayal of Jesus and Judas committing suicide [John 13:21-30; Matthew 27:3-5]. He seduced Ananias and Sapphira and the result was that they dropped dead [Acts 5:1-11]. He tried to seduce Jesus and the result was the destruction of the Devil himself. Jesus forever proved that Satan could be defeated and that man did not have to bow down to his seduction. You can be victorious against the seduction of Satan…. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Stop cuddling with the devil. Because, sooner or later, sin’s consequences will catch up with you. You better know that you know!

 

California Black Chamber Of Commerce Mourns Passing Of Founder Aubry L. Stone

Aubry L. Stone

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—He fought tirelessly to secure economic opportunities for African Americans throughout the state and beyond and now, after a long battle with cancer, he’s at rest.

Aubry Stone, founder and CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce died Wednesday. He was 74 years old.

Stone, affectionately referred to by many as “Stoney,” was a formidable champion for Black entrepreneurs and was considered to be a giant in the small business community. While he was a native of Brooklyn, New York, his name was synonymous with California and was a familiar face — and voice — at the State Capitol.

“He was a pioneer and fierce advocate for minority business enterprise and for the Black community. He championed equal opportunities in the private and public sectors, and always talked about the need for better access to capital,” shared Los Angeles City Councilmember and former Assemblymember Curren Price.

“Aubry Stone was a fierce unapologetic supporter of all things Black,” shared former California Assemblymember Cheryl Brown.

“He was our champion,” Ms. Brown continued.

Stone and five others created the California Black Chamber of Commerce in 1995 with the mission of providing programs and services to strengthen Black ownership  and business opportunities throughout the state. The California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation also operates radio station KDEE FM 97.5.

Stone served on the California Regional Community Utilities Diversity Council, the Citibank Regional Community Board, the California Small Business Advisory Board, the CalTrans Small Business Board, and the Greenlining Coalition. He served on the Boards of the NAACP, the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor’s Economic Development Council, the District Attorney’s Community Relations Board, and the State Fair Minority Council.

He was also the founder and president of A. Stone & Associates, a corporate diversity-training firm designed to improve communications for increased productivity and break down stereotypes.

He also took on national leadership roles, at a time serving on the Pfizer National Minority Business Board and as Chairman of the United States Black Chamber of Commerce. He recently travelled to Africa to explore and promote business opportunities for Black business owners.

Upon his passing, many are reflecting on the legacy Stone leaves behind.

“He will be remembered as an outstanding force for economic and social justice,” shared California Hawaii State NAACP President Alice Huffman.

“Under Aubry’s leadership the CBCC has become not only a pillar of the community, but an invaluable resource for so many. Aubry will be greatly missed and we hope his family can find some comfort in the legacy he has left us all,” said Elk Grove Assemblymember Jim Cooper.

Stone championed issues ranging from redlining practices to African American procurement of contracts and recently spoke out about the inequities of legalized marijuana as it relates to African Americans and African American business owners.

“In America, economics are critical. It is incumbent upon us to connect small business development to the larger cause of improving the economic outlook of Black communities,” Stone told the Sacramento OBSERVER in 2003, when he was named one of the city’s most influential African Americans.

Throughout the years, Stone stacked up countess accolades and awards, including being recognized by several California governors, the California Legislature and most recently, the California Legislative Black Caucus, who honored him in June.

Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced. He is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

$1.28 Million Awarded to UCR’s Native American Student Programs

The 10-year grant is a gift from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

By Tess Eyrich

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- RIVERSIDE, CA— Over the past 13 years, more than 500 Native American high school students from across the country have gotten a taste of college life courtesy of a one-of-a-kind summer experience held at the University of California, Riverside.

Known as the Gathering of the Tribes Summer Residential Program, the eight-day initiative is organized by UCR’s Native American Student Programs, or NASP. According to NASP Director Joshua Gonzales, between 30 and 50 students attend each year, with about 30 percent of them coming from out of state. With the exception of transportation to and from UCR, most costs associated with attending are covered by NASP.

Over the past 13 years, more than 500 Native American high school students from across the country have gotten a taste of college life courtesy of a one-of-a-kind summer experience held at the University of California, Riverside.

Known as the Gathering of the Tribes Summer Residential Program, the eight-day initiative is organized by UCR’s Native American Student Programs, or NASP. According to NASP Director Joshua Gonzales, between 30 and 50 students attend each year, with about 30 percent of them coming from out of state. With the exception of transportation to and from UCR, most costs associated with attending are covered by NASP.

The program was designed to help American Indian youth get acclimated to a university setting by living in on-campus residence halls and immersing themselves in a variety of academic, cultural, and personal development workshops. During their time at UCR, participants attend daily writing sessions geared toward responding to essay prompts on the University of California’s standard undergraduate application. They also hear from UCR-affiliated guest speakers — including faculty — and tour research hubs like the School of Medicine.

So far, Gonzales’s approach has been a fruitful one. A UCR alumnus, he first came to campus on a cross country/track and field scholarship. He was active as a student in the NASP office and became a program assistant there in 2005 — the same year the Gathering of the Tribes initiative was activated by former NASP Director Earl Dean Sisto. Since then, Gonzales said, 93 percent of the summer program’s participants have gone on to attend community colleges or four-year universities, with many later receiving master’s and doctoral degrees.

In recent years, the success of the initiative caught the attention of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized American Indian tribe located near the city of Highland, at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena said San Manuel targets four key areas to support through charitable giving, with education-related causes comprising one of those areas.

“The tribe is aware that the number of Native American high school graduates across the country who go on to college is relatively small, and we intend to increase that number both regionally and nationally,” Valbuena said.

With addressing those concerns a top priority, in June the San Manuel Band of Missions Indians awarded $1.28 million to NASP. Gonzales said the grant is the largest NASP has received in its 38-year history. It will be used to support the office’s long-term goal of expanding efforts to reach college-going Native American students and better serve them as they earn their degrees. Over the next 10 years, the grant will fund:

  • Hiring a full-time staffer to support Gonzales’s student and community outreach efforts, further develop NASP’s educational programming, and create a roadmap for a larger initiative called the Native Pathway to College Program.
  • The continuation and growth of the Gathering of the Tribes Summer Residential Program.

A series of 40 academic scholarships — four per year, at $6,000 each — reserved primarily for Native American students in need.

Gonzales, who serves as NASP’s sole permanent, full-time staffer, likened the grant to a life-giving element.

“Our office is like a plant; if you give us enough resources, like sunlight and water, we’ll be able to grow and flourish,” he said. The addition of a second full-time staffer, in particular, he said, will allow NASP to dedicate as many of its resources to student retention as it currently does to recruitment.

He also plans to devise new means of drawing applicants to the Gathering of the Tribes Summer Residential Program and tracking and building relationships with students who have attended in the past. By doing so, NASP hopes to play an integral role in guiding students through the more challenging aspects of tasks like choosing a university, applying for financial aid, and selecting a course of study.

“Here at UCR, we’re surrounded by more than 30 different tribes in the Southern California region, and many indigenous peoples who are affiliated with tribes throughout North America,” Gonzales said. “There’s so much potential to reach more American Indian students in this region — so much opportunity we look forward to developing.”

This Former Cop Wants to Build Trust Between Communities and Police

Fulbright Scholar Roberto Rivera looks to Jamaica as a model of restorative justice

By Tess Eyrich

Roberto “Bobby” Rivera

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- RIVERSIDE, CA—- Roberto “Bobby” Rivera spent 20 years as a police officer in Southern California before a medical injury prompted his early retirement in 2011. What he couldn’t have predicted at the time was that the injury that ended one career would also open a door to global research.

Now a doctoral candidate in the sociology department at the University of California, Riverside, Rivera channeled his prior experience in law enforcement into studying criminology. Through his research, he seeks to build a framework for more holistic approaches to policing that consider the larger environments in which crimes occur rather than just the crimes themselves.

“I had numerous Ph.D. offers around the country,” Rivera said of his academic journey. “As a scholar, I wanted to move away from traditional theories of criminology, such as the broken windows theory. I had read Alfredo Mirandé’s book ‘Gringo Justice’ and was influenced by his critical examination of criminology. He, along with other professors from the Department of Sociology, made it quite easy for me to choose UCR to pursue researching alternative policing methods.”

Rivera described holistic policing as a process in which law enforcement perceives and engages those policed with respect and understanding, noting that such a model is an ideal method to focus on human potential and achievement rather than social disorder.

In January 2019, he’ll begin a 10-month term as the Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Jamaica. With the University of the West Indies at Mona as his base, Rivera will conduct in-depth ethnographic research geared toward better understanding Jamaica’s success as a model of restorative justice.

Restorative justice differs from retributive justice in that it views crime as a violation of relationships between individuals rather than as a violation of the law or the state. Communal in nature, it emphasizes rehabilitation through personal accountability and encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions by seeking reconciliation with both victims and communities, usually in mediated discussion sessions.

Rivera said that although criminal justice practices in the U.S. traditionally have skewed toward retributive, police departments are increasingly starting to examine and incorporate alternative methods used around the world.

In Jamaica, restorative justice techniques have been in practice since 1994. The country has historically had high levels of violence, resulting in a “traumatized population with lower levels of trust in the criminal justice system,” Rivera said.

In response, the country’s Ministry of Justice piloted its National Restorative Justice Programme in 2012 and formally passed the Restorative Justice Act in 2016. As of this year, the ministry announced that more than 200 restorative justice sessions had taken place across the island, with 1,662 people benefiting from the sessions and plans in place to expand the system to schools, among other environments.

“Restorative justice, for me, is a system where everyone has an equal opportunity to access a criminal justice system that’s fair and impartial,” Rivera said. “To go to Jamaica gives me the opportunity to research and advance areas that I’m concerned with, and to see if we can bring back any of Jamaica’s more successful methods to the U.S.”

During his time in the country, Rivera plans to interview at least 30 Jamaican criminal justice practitioners as well as 30 community members, including local representatives from social services and mental health, alcohol, and substance abuse programs.

His main aim is to return to the U.S. with the foundation for a new methodology of holistic policing that prioritizes improving trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. In the future, he hopes to use his Fulbright research to influence policymaking that could see restorative justice practices become more common stateside.

Underscoring his research is a belief that current tensions between police officers and marginalized communities in the U.S. could be greatly improved by increasing trust between the two parties.

We now have issues of higher arrest rates, higher sentencing rates, and mass incarceration of people of color,” Rivera said. “We have the highest rate of incarceration of any other country in the world. How did we do that? Who benefits from it?

“For many in law enforcement, the prototype of a good police officer is someone who goes out and makes a lot of arrests,” he added. “But the reality is that mindset — and associated behaviors — isn’t working for communities of color, and profound changes are needed within police practice.”

Rivera said fostering trust between police forces and racial minority communities, in particular, will help ensure the safety of those communities for years to come.

“When people who live in communities of color lack trust, they become much less likely to report crimes or to come forward and communicate with law enforcement,” he said. “Maybe they’re afraid of being deported, maybe they have a loved one who’s incarcerated, or maybe they’ve experienced police brutality in their communities or against them personally. But once that trust is eroded it usually never comes back, and the effects become generational.”

Firefighters Who Battled Cranston Blaze Honored in Idyllwild Heroes Mural

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— IDYLLWILD, CA—- Call it an early Christmas present, or a Thanksgiving blessing, but Idyllwild residents have a beautiful new mural to visit.

Third District County Supervisor Chuck Washington, joined by firefighters and law enforcement, presided over the unveiling on Tuesday, November 20 of the community’s newest piece of art at the Idyllwild Public Library. The “Heroes Mural” pays tribute to firefighters, notably those who protected the Idyllwild community after a fire broke out in July along State Route 74.

The Cranston Fire, as it was called, ultimately blackened more than 13,000 acres in the San Jacinto Mountains, burning homes and structures and forcing the evacuation of Idyllwild, Lake Hemet, Mountain Center and Pine Cove. The scars of the fire remain visible.

“The mural represents the hard work that both law enforcement and the firefighters do to keep the community safe,” said Supervisor Washington, who was joined by Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Leonard Purvis of the Valle Vista station and members of CalFire.

The mural by artist Keith Blum spans the back-exterior wall of the library, which is part of the Riverside County Library System. The painting depicts firefighters from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, CalFire and Idyllwild Fire. Blum was originally inspired to paint a mural while attending an art show in Idyllwild. When the Cranston Fire broke out, Blum watched the fire and smoke from his home in Palm Springs.

“I saw the smoke coming off the mountain, thick and dark, often blocking out the sun and dropping ash on us,” he said, adding that he was moved to donate his mural after seeing the “valiant efforts of the firefighters” to protect homes in Idyllwild.

Blum spent a month painting the tribute with local businesses donating supplies, meals and lodging. He included a special thank you to his supporters in the mural.

“We are so excited to have this. We are so blessed to have this in our town,” Chief Reitz said. “We all come together for a common cause and that is to help our fellow human beings.”

The Idyllwild Branch Library is located at 54401 Village Center Drive.

The Third Supervisorial District includes the cities of Hemet, Murrieta, San Jacinto and Temecula. It also includes the unincorporated communities of Aguanga, Anza, Cottonwood Canyon, French Valley, Gilman Hot Springs, Green Acres, Homeland, Idyllwild, Lake Riverside, Mountain Center, Murrieta Hot Springs, Pine Cove, Pinyon Pines, Poppet Flats, Rancho California, Soboba Hot Springs, Twin Pines, Valle Vista and Winchester.

Visit www.supervisorchuckwashington.com for more information.