SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is partnering with faith-based organizations and community groups to provide no-cost mental health training designed to equip participants on how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

Since July 2015, DBH has conducted over 27 Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings for over 500 individuals ranging in age from 16 to 81. The 8-hour training provides participants with the skills to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, as of May 21, 2017, 1 million people nationwide have been trained in MHFA including former First Lady Michelle Obama, Patrick Kennedy, Dr. Oz and Lady Gaga.

Throughout San Bernardino County, DBH has provided MHFA trainings for the San Bernardino County Unified School District, the University of Redlands and students from Bloomington High School, California State University San Bernardino and Copper Mountain College. DBH has also trained county partners from the Housing Authority, Aging and Adult Services and the Transitional Assistance Department.

Churches who have hosted a MHFA Training include: Way World Outreach, First Baptist Church of Redlands, Congregation Emanu El, The Gate, First Assembly of God-Victorville and Mt. Zion Church of Ontario.

Jeffery and and LaDonya Milner began a mental health ministry at Mt. Zion Church of Ontario three years ago and to date, have held six MHFA trainings for over 100 people.

“Our goal is to educate people, reduce stigma and serve the community,” LaDonya stated. “The training is so helpful and has been well received by the attendees. We have an 87-year old church member who has never missed a training! The Lord has blessed this ministry!” 

“DBH applauds the hundreds of individuals throughout the County who’ve completed MHFA training,” DBH Director, Veronica Kelley, said. “DBH is proud to offer this training at no-cost to the community, made possible through funding provided by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).” 

The MHSA was passed by California voters in November 2014 and is funded by a 1 percent tax surcharge on personal income over $1 million per year. 

For more information on MHFA training, call (909) 388-0884 (7-1-1- for TTY users) or visit www.sbcounty.gov/dbh. 

YUCAPIA, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Inland Leaders Charter School in Yucaipa, California is taking a proactive approach to creating a positive school culture and preventing bullying behavior. For the second year now, teachers and staff members have organized an event they call “GOLD night,” the acronym stands for, ‘Girls Overnight for Leadership and Discovery’. The event provides an intensive and fun overnight workshop for the 6th-grade students who will be transitioning to the school’s middle school program in the fall.

The program was inspired by a need to equip the students with the skills to overcome social and emotional challenges which girls tend to face as they enter their teen years; the kinds of challenges, the teachers observed, that often breed negativity among peers. The event was fully funded and sponsored by the Inland Leaders Charter School Board. Products and services were sponsored by community partners: Parakaleo Crossfit, Jazzercise, Bic Bands, Ocampo’s Mexican Restaurant, Hair stylist, Shannon McVey and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Alyson Foote.

Workshops addressed relevant issues such as body image, conflict resolution, social media pitfalls, personal empowerment, and kindness. The students were also treated to nutritious late-night snacks and valuable information about health and nutrition. Wearing T-shirts which proclaimed, “Strong women LIFT each other up,” the student’s expressed appreciation for the event; one stating, “It is really amazing how we learned to connect with ourselves.I feel better prepared for middle school. I loved GOLD night; you should do this every year!”

A middle school teacher reflects, “It’s extraordinarily valuable for us teachers to be establishing a dialogue and connection with our girls regarding the social issues that impact our students and our school culture. I’m extremely grateful to be working with the caring and dedicated women on our faculty who came up with the idea for this event, and for the commitment of many others which brought it to fruition.”

The “GOLD night” program has been so successful that a “BOLD night” has been created for the school’s 6th-grade boys this year as well. The public charter school’s administration and staff are excited to see how these events will foster stronger leadership through empathy and positivity on the ILCS campus.

What is Inland Leaders?

We are a kindergarten (including TK) through 8th-grade public charter school dedicated to creating leaders for the 21st century. Learn more at www.InlandLeaders.com.

Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux, an internationally acclaimed and award-winning Gospel songwriter, will be the guest speaker at Temple MB Church for their Mother’s Day Service.  Dr. Douroux’s songs include “Give Me a Clean Heart” and “If It Has Not Been for the Lord on My Side.” Our service will begin at 10:30am, Sunday May 13, 2018. Come out and be blessed! Please invite your family and friends. Temple’s address is 1583 W. Union St. San Bernardino, CA. The church office number is (909) 888-2038. Raymond W. Turner, Senior Pastor

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- On Sunday, May 6, I had the pleasure of attending the last Los Angeles showing of ‘Feeding A Monster’, the stage play. ‘Feeding A Monster’ is the real-life story of Veronica Loving and her daughter Jazzmine Jackson. The stage play was derived from the book written by Loving and Jackson, and just as the book was in depth of the issue of sexual assault, the actors did an exceptional job of bringing the issue that has been swept under the rug for years, to the forefront.

The talent of this awe-inspiring production consisted of Fayley Patrice (Veronica Loving); DeJuan Christopher (Kenneth Crockom King); Doyin Domingo (Jazzmine Jackson); Conisha Wade-Dorsey (Rhea); and Andre K. Jefferson (Eli). Each cast member did a phenomenal job of bringing their character to life. The passion that they exhibited on stage made the audience feel the situation. You were able to visually see a reenactment of how Veronica and Jazzmine felt during the time that this experience occurred.

The way that the script was written, which was written by Loving and La Darrion Williams, kept us on the edge of the seats. Some scenes were so intense that they gave you chills because it seemed like everything was actually taking place right before your eyes. It made you feel like you had traveled the journey with Loving and Jackson. I commend the director, Art Evans, for bringing his vision of that to the stage.

Each scene in the play was thought out to a ‘T’, and in between the scenes the production crew were on que when it came time to get the stage ready for the next scene, whether it caused for moving furniture around or adding additional props to stage, they were on it.

If you did not get the chance to see this production, Veronica stated that they do plan on bringing it to a bigger stage and to more cities, so be on the lookout for that. But in the meantime, you can purchase the book at Amazon.com.

By Lue Dowdy

Sgt. Major Janie B. McCoy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- My mama, retired Sgt. Major, Janie B. McCoy, is WHAT IT DO!

Beautiful, Black, strong, fearless, kind, loving, giving and unapologetic are just a few words to describe the lady that gave birth to me. When I think of the quote, “She get it from her mama,” I can totally agree because I do. My Queen is everything to me.

Born in New York but raised in these Cali streets, my mother was no joke. At a young age she enlisted in the military where she served in the army for over 30 years, faithfully. My mother is the type pf person that will give you the shirt directly off her back. I love listening to her tell stories about my grandmother and great-grandmother. I come from good stock!

Mommy thank you so much for always loving me, supporting me and believing in me. You’re my hero, the real J.I. Jane. Happy Mother’s Day!

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

You can read in other places the details about the Rialto Police response to the neighborhood watcher’s 9-1-1 call about “Three Black People Stealing Stuff.” My focus is on the caller’s assumption of theft and more importantly, why that assumption and description.

The caller is described as a member of Neighborhood Watch, an organization of which most people speak with pride. I expect that people who are organized to watch would also be trained to report accurately.

 I could readily agree that she saw four people, one White and three Black, that she did not recognize who were removing “stuff” from a neighboring house. However, she assumed theft and reported it as such.

Is it a crime to make a sincere, but false police report? Is it a crime if that report ends in a tragic death? Responsible Neighborhood Watch members, as well as the rest of us, should want to be accurate when calling police.

The Rialto police responded in force as they should to a call describing an active burglary; however, thank goodness they did not arrive with guns blazing. They arrived and began investigating, asking questions, seeking the reality of the situation. That investigation took about 22 minutes according to Rialto police.

Why did the caller describe the “strangers” racially, if her concern was that she did not recognize them?

Donisha Prendergast, Bob Marley’s Granddaughter, was the focal point of the press coverage because of who she is.  The Rialto police have been notified of a possible lawsuit because of the incident. 

I think the Rialto Police Department has no need to apologize or worry about a suit. I cannot say the same about the Neighborhood Watch caller.

Donisha was in the Inland Empire attending the KAYA Fest, a concert tribute featuring Bob Marley’s sons and grandson. The performance was in San Bernardino at the National Orange Show. The event was a success that will hopefully become an annual affair.

Sandra V.

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Let’s face it, sometimes life is hard! Aside from prayer, sometimes we need that earthly guidance to help direct us in the path to take. Sandra V., founder and host of Vibrant Talk Show, created her outlet to do just that—guide people into their purpose.

Sandra is a life transition and success coach. Her show Vibrant Talk Show, based in Upland, California, was created to enhance the lives of individuals through specialist, experts, webinars and the like.

In addition to her show, Sandra is a nomadic presenter and conference speaker for organizations, conventions, schools, churches, as well as radio and television broadcasts. She holds a Doctorate in Religious Philosophy, along with her coaching certifications. She is passionate about touching lives and helping people to discover, design, transition and fulfill life’s purpose.

I recently chatted with Sandra V. where she chatted more about her mission and vision in life and for the show. Check out the interview below:

Can you briefly tell the readers who Sandra V. is?

I grew up in the Twin Cities, which is Minneapolis and St. Paul, and I’ve been her in Southern California since 1980. I have done public speaking for about 30 years and I’m also a life coach. I’ve authored a couple of books and I have a Ph.D in Religious Philosophy and an honorary doctorate from Next Dimension.

Wow, you do a lot! Let’s start off with the talk show first. What inspired you to launch the Vibrant Talk Show? And what is the mission and vision behind it?

I love success stories and I enjoy talking to people who have been what we consider the underdogs, that person who is least likely to make it or least likely to succeed. I love hearing their journey because sometimes we see the finished product, but we don’t always know what that person went through and the process that they went through to get to where they are. I like having them come on to share that and to inspire others. We also have experts who come on the show to inform the audience in different areas.

Awesome. So what prominent guests have you had on the show to date?

We had Raquel Herring (the first African American Mousekeeter), we’ve had professional athletes. We’ve had Ernest L Thomas. We’ve also had John Tarver (NFL professional). We’ve had celebrities on there, singers and authors, such as Romeo Johnson (The Voice). We’ve had quite a few.

When did you launch the show?

We launched it July 7, 2017.

Ooo awesome! So, you’re coming up on your one-year anniversary. Do you have anything planned?

Yes we do! We’re putting together a social event where we’ll have some of our guests that have previously been on the show, as well as people from the community, to come out and celebrate with us. We’re excited!

Where do you see the show going in the next three years?

We are hopeful to be picked up by a network. Right now, we do more like a webisode, but we’re also on HSBN.TV, which is available 24-hours a day. We’re hoping to go with some of the mainstream networks as well, so we can reach more audiences.

We want to shine a positive light on people and not necessarily bring up the mistakes they made. We want to show what they accomplished and how they’re impacting people in a positive way.

You’re also a life coach. What is your specialty and how long have you been doing that?

I’ve been a life coach since 2015 and I’m very passionate about it because it gives me an opportunity to sit down and provide a safe haven for people who just need an outlet to talk and also those who may have goals but don’t have the courage or the game plan.

I specialize in internal wellness because I believe as a Christian life coach the scripture lets us know that we prosper and we’re in health as our soul prospers, so I work with people to bring that wholeness and wellness to themselves and then they’re in a better position to produce the dreams and goals that they want.

You’re also an author…

I am!

So, what are some the books that you’ve written and what are they about?

I’ve written two and I’m working on one. The first one is called, “God’s Waiting Room”, and it has to do with conditioning yourself to be patient and wait on the perfect will of God for your life. You’re in preparation mode, but you’re not getting ahead of Him, but really allowing him to progress you forward in His timing and according to His purpose and plan for your life.

The second book is like a sequel to the first one and it is called, “I Don’t Mind Waiting, But I Refuse to be Denied”. That one has more to do with, ‘Ok, you’ve waited and prepped and now you’re at a time of launching what it is you want to do.’ So you have to have a determination and a tendency that says, “I’m not going to be denied what I’ve been promised. I’m not going to be denied what I prepared myself for.”

You also said you’re working on one. So, what will that one be about?

I’m working on one and this one is I think going to be very near and dear to my heart because this one is called, “The Renovation of a Signature Woman”, and it is birthed out of a period of my life where my life was basically dismantled and stripped down to the studs, and then being rebuilt again and being reinvented and reestablished, but also maintaining all of the experiences that was gained beforehand so that I can go to the level that I really need to be reaching.

When will that one be released?

That one I’m hoping to launch in 2019 because there’s a few chapters of it that are still being written if you know what I mean [laughs] by that. So, I would like to launch it in 2019.

You also do public speaking. Do you have any events coming up?

I don’t right now, mainly because we’re so focused on the show. The show is really taking off and it’s requiring a lot of time and energy right now, so we kind of ceased some of the speaking for now. But when the new book comes out, we’ll want to launch it again.

What are some things that you’re personally looking forward to? We’ve talked about the show’s vision, but what is Sandra’s own personal vision?

I envision myself being on those platforms that are going to take the show to the next level and also opening a gateway for other people who have been in the shadows preparing and putting in work who have a message that they need to share, whether it be a success story, a triumph. I want to be a Conduent for them. Some of them are doing grassroot work, but it’s not getting the type of attention that could really help them further their causes, so I’m excited and looking forward to that.

As a life coach, what is your piece of advice for those whether young or seasoned, who feel trapped and don’t know their purpose or trying to find their way but to no avail?

One of the things that I would say to them is that they may be if they’re stuck and been stuck for a while, they may need to search out someone who has tools of discovery that is put before the person for them to work through which makes them narrow down the things that are real true standards in their life. It makes them really narrow down what their true goals and aspirations are and then map out a way that they can actually maximize their time, energy and their resources to get them turning toward the direction that they discover that they really are interested and passionate about.

It also helps people to identify because sometimes you have people who have multiple gifts and talents and don’t know what to do with it all. It helps them to sort it out and organize the projects and set up timelines that are workable, doable and achievable. This allows people to come out of frustration because they can see progress. Even if it’s small steps, you’re now seeing progress.

If someone wanted to be a guest on the show, what are the requirements and how do they go about doing so?

Anyone who would be interested in being on the show can find us at VibrantTalkShow.com. We have a page there for people to fill out a form to submit to be on the show. We take on not just professional athletes, but community leaders and ordinary people who have overcome some really great obstacles and want to share and empower. We’ve had cancer survivors and we’re getting ready to a segment on domestic violence, suicide awareness. We also see the show us an intervention as well.

Donisha Prendergast, Granddaughter of the late Bob Marley, is taking legal action against Rialto Police Department for Burglary Accusation

RIALTO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Just weeks ago was the Kaya Reggae Fest, which took place at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino. Donisha Prendergast, 33, was in attendance. She is the granddaughter of the late Bob Marley and daughter of the Melody Makers’ member/dancer, Sharon Marley. Prendergast is suing the Rialto Police Department after false burglary accusation.

Prendergast has secured an Air BnB for herself and three friends, who were also Black, but while they were leaving the property for check-out, Prendergast says that they were greeted by four officers who were responding to a call from a neighbor on Neighborhood Watch about a burglary.

Prendergast captured the event that took place on film, which was posted to her Instagram page. She also called the property owner to explain what was going on.

Film director Kells Fyffe-Marshall who was also present detailed what happened in a Facebook post she uploaded last Tuesday.

She stated, “As you can see 3 of us were Black. About 10 seconds later we were surrounded by seven cop cars. The officers came out of their cars demanding us to put our hands in the air. They informed us that there was also a helicopter tracking us. They locked down the neighborhood and had us standing in the street. Why? A neighbor across the street saw three Black people packing luggage into their car and assumed we were stealing from the house. She then called the police. At first we joked about the misunderstanding and took photos and videos along the way.”

Not only was the group held up after checking out, but they were then detained at the airport.

“They were detained long enough to figure out if that was true [that they were renting an Airbnb],” Harden says. “They were allowed to move about [during the detention] and they filmed the whole thing… The officers figured out pretty quickly that this was probably an incident where they were renting a room, but they had to make sure.”

According to Prendergast’s legal team, they planned to announce an update on the lawsuit Wednesday, May 9. Rialto Police Department received notice on Monday, May 7 that there was “pending legal action,” although it was unsure of what action was being taken. 

My hand was made strong, by the hands of the Almighty. None of them can stop the time. We won’t stand aside and look. We are greater than they wanted us to believe. #belove #buildcomeunity #mightcannotdefeatright #eachoneteachone #standuplove #emancipateyourself #wehavetherighttoberight

A post shared by Donisha Prendergast (@iamdonisha) on Apr 30, 2018 at 2:52pm PDT

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Why want you, “First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye [Matthew 7:5]. That’s right, deal with your own sin, and then you can help someone else. Otherwise, don’t judge others because they sin differently than you do. For as [Romans 2] states, “Thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest does the same things.” YOU ARE A SINNER YOURSELF! How you going to call the kettle black? The next time you’re tempted to run down someone, remember James’ pointed question, “But who are you who judge your neighbor?” Judge yourself instead! [James 4:11-12]

I tell you, you remind me of the group of Pharisees and teachers of law, who brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. They use her as a test case to trap Jesus. It was a clever trap. Yet Jesus did not step into it. Instead, He turned the trap on them. He said to them, “If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” [John 8:1-11]. He makes them judge themselves. Imagine that! “If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone…” Can I tell you that after what Jesus said penetrated, one  by  one they  drop  their stones  and  walked away  until  Jesus was  left  alone with  the frightened and disheveled woman. That’s right. They were gone, “poof” nowhere to be found… And when they were all gone, Jesus straighten up from writing in the sand, looked at her and said, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she says. Then He went on to say, well there is one who is without sin.  There is one who has the right and authority to judge and condemn you. And then He pronounced His judgment: “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. ‘“Go and leave your life of sin,” he concluded.

 Understood rather than condemned. Saved rather than stoned. Sin exposed yet covered in His love. This story does not condemn the sinner, but calls the sinner to change, to be saved. Grace ushered in forgiveness.

So what’s the point? Jesus was above reproach in a way none of us could ever be, and yet He showed only compassion, not accepting sinful behavior but never rejecting the person who sinned.  Maybe if we showed that same kind of love toward other sinners, we’d have more power and influence for good in the world and appear less like the hypocritical Pharisees.  It’s His kindness that led us to repentance after all [Romans 2:4].  So, the next time you hear of someone struggling with sin, try resisting the urge to “pile on” and think to yourself, “There but for the grace of God go I.”  Ask the Lord to forgive him or her as [1 John 5:16] instructs us to do, and if you get a chance, offer a word of encouragement.  You don’t have to condemn the believer to prove that you don’t condone the behavior.

God’s grace, receive it and then go and sin no more. Frame these words and hang them on the wall. Read them.  Ponder them.  Bathe in them. Drink them.  Stand below them and let them wash over your soul. 

“Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls” [1 Cor. 10:12].

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- San Bernardino Valley College will host the 7th Annual Inland Empire Media Academy (IEMA) Student Film Festival from Friday, May 4 to Sunday, May 6. This weekend-long event is an opportunity for high school, community college, and university students to present their films and videos to a wider audience. Members of the campus and community are invited to enjoy the film screenings, guest speakers, and food vendors at this free event.

The event kicks off Friday, May 4 at 6 p.m. with a special discussion featuring Lalo Alcaraz, an acclaimed cartoonist who contributed to the Disney-Pixar hit “Coco.” This lecture will be followed by a screening of the film “Coco,” which will also be free and open to the public. 

Saturday’s activities include a university transfer fair, a media vendor fair, and more industry guest speakers, including H. Lee Peterson, whose credits include being an assistant editor for “The Little Mermaid” and lead film editor for “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas,” and more. 

Throughout the weekend, screenings of student-created films will take place in the Library Viewing Room on the SBVC campus. These films were submitted by local high school, community college, and university students, and were selected from numerous submissions by a film festival committee. From horror and suspense to action and drama, these films vary in genre and provide a rich pallet of unique concepts and perspectives. The goal of the film screening is to bring together a community of filmmakers who share the common goal of education and artistic expression.

The event culminates on Sunday with the awarding of prizes to participating filmmakers, including awards for best direction, actor and actress, cinematography, writing, editing, and more. Awards will be decided by a jury of industry professionals, and will be given to enhance student films by supplying added financial backing to their projects. These prizes, which vary from camera equipment to a cash award, are intended to decrease the financial burdens for students who are creating films while going to school. 

The IEMA Student Film Festival will give talented students a sound board from which to be heard and motivate them to further delve into their creative craft. Entry is open to the public and free of charge.

For more information on the event, participants, and films, visit www.valleycollege.edu/iema.