By Manny Otiko | California Black Media 

Civil rights groups took to a conference call to strategize on how to breathe life into AB 284, a law that would have forced all police shootings to be investigated by independent prosecutors assigned by the California Attorney General’s office. 

AB 284 was introduced by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) earlier this year. But sources on the call suggested that McCarty has done little to advance the bill and criticized concessions he made to make it a five-million-dollar research bill, a day before many people were getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July. 

One of the main arguments for AB 284 is that local district attorneys, who are assigned to prosecute police shootings, are too close to the cases and reluctant to charge officers.  This is one of the reasons why prosecutors often fail to win convictions if the cases are even brought to trial. Philando Castile, a Minnesota motorist, was gunned down by a police officer while he was carrying a licensed weapon. But prosecutors failed to win a conviction, even though the incident was captured on tape and broadcast on Facebook Live. 

However, California has its own share of questionable police shootings, such as Alfred Olango, an unarmed black man shot dead by El Cajon police, Oscar Grant shot by a Bart transit officer in Oakland and Joseph Mann a mentally ill unarmed man shot 16 times by Sacramento police. According to the Guardian, last year the Los Angeles Police Department recorded the highest number of police shootings in the nation. 

AB 284 is supported by several organizations such as the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) and Sacramento NAACP. In May, Sharpton held a press conference at the State Capitol alongside the Rev K.W. Tulloss, NAN western regional director, and the Rev. Shane Harris, San Diego president of NAN, to urge legislators to pass AB 284. 

Sharpton said although California claimed to be a progressive state, it leads the nation in police shootings. 

“California has this image of progressivism but is not up to par with other states in the union, like New York, like Wisconsin, who have made toward a special prosecutor,” said Sharpton. He also pointed out that district attorneys often depend on the support of police unions during local elections. 

AB 284 was opposed by several law enforcement organizations such as the Fraternal Order of Police and the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association. The Police Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) dismissed AB 284 as a “waste of taxpayers dollars.”

Civil rights groups are expected to speak at the hearing room 3191 and hold a press conference after the hearing Tuesday, July 11, on the West steps of the Capitol.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — U-Haul Company of California is pleased to announce that Rancho Car Wash & Lube has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Rancho Cucamonga community.

Rancho Car Wash & Lube at 10075 Arrow Route will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, support rental items and in-store pick-up for boxes.

Hours of operation for U-Haul rentals are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. After-hours drop-off is available for customer convenience.

Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling (909) 532-8729 or visiting www.uhaul.com.

Rancho Car Wash & Lube owner Victor Kieth is proud to team with the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage to better meet the demands of San Bernardino County.

U-Haul and Rancho Car Wash & Lube are striving to benefit the environment through sustainability initiatives. Truck sharing is a core U-Haul sustainability business practice that allows individuals to access a fleet of trucks that is larger than what they could access on an individual basis.

Every U-Haul truck placed in a community helps keep 19 personally owned large-capacity vehicles, pickups, SUVs and vans off the road. Fewer vehicles means less traffic congestion, less pollution, less fuel burned and cleaner air.

Rancho Car Wash & Lube is a great place to become U-Haul Famous®. Take your picture in front of a U-Haul product, send it in and your face could land on the side of a U-Haul truck. Upload your photo through Instagram using #uhaulfamous, or go to www.uhaulfamous.com to submit photos and learn more.

MORENO VALLEY, CA- Construction of a new culvert on Pigeon Pass Road is proceeding on schedule. The project is part of continuing development of the Meadow Creek Community. Pigeon Pass remains closed to traffic from Old Lake Road to Meadow Lark Avenue.

Pigeon Pass is scheduled to be partially reopened August 8, a day before school resumes.

Construction was scheduled to coincide with the school district’s summer break to limit the closure’s impact on neighboring school traffic. Homebuilder Lennar has worked closely with area residents to inform them of the construction schedule as well as alternate routes.

Roadway improvements will include completing the East side of Pigeon Pass Road along the Meadow Creek Community.

The City appreciates your patience.  If you have any questions or comments regarding this project, please contact the City of Moreno Valley Land Development Division at (951) 413-3120.

MORENO VALLEY, CA- Thousands of Moreno Valley residents came together to celebrate the Fourth of July at the City’s parade and Family Fun Fest.

Crowds lined Frederick Street to cheer on a variety of musical ensembles, community groups, floats, Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez, members of the City Council and other local dignitaries as they made their way down the parade route.

Live bands So Rad, Latin Fusion, and MVP provided the entertainment at Family Fun Fest while attendees browsed the vendor and food offerings. 

Bounce houses and a petting zoo in the KidZone kept children busy until the Fireworks Spectacular lit up the sky with an impressive firework display. Radio Station KOLA 99.9 played patriotic music synched to the fireworks show.

The City’s Fourth of July events were generously sponsored by Skechers, Waste Management, Les Schwab Tire Center, Duke Realty and The Sares-Regis Group.  

San Gorgonio High Girls’ Softball Team (Photo courtesy of SBCUSD)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino High School is offering $10 sports physicals to any middle or high school student on Friday, July 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education policy requires all students participating in organized, competitive sports to undergo a medical examination, also known as a sports physical.

The $10 sports physicals are available to all high school and middle school students, regardless of their health-insurance status or family income levels. A parent or guardian signature is required for students to be examined. Cash payments must be made at the time of the physical exam.

San Bernardino High School is located at 1850 North E Street, south of Highland Avenue in San Bernardino. Physicals will be held in room N-3. For more information about the low-cost sports physicals, call Jamie Rios, bilingual school outreach worker, at (909) 881-8217.

By Lue Dowdy

Alfred Parker, Maurice Cunningham, Daniel Fromm, Michael Angelo, and Clyde Gatewood is WHAT IT DO! Competing for a $500.00 cash prize, get ready for this one of a kind event happing right here in the Inland Empire. LUE Productions presents its 1st ‘Big Sexy Men Competition’ and BBW Fashion Show.

The event host will be Comedian Tamiko Kirkland with special appearances by BBW Queen Dee Dela Cruz and Queen Krystal Yvonne. There will be a special performance from LUE Productions’ rap group GWAAP FAM.

The evening will consist of the following: red carpet, BBW Fashion Show, live performances, and raffles and prizes. Featured designers include Diva’s Outlaw and Babydoll Couture. The pabel of judges this year are Lia Freeman, 2015 Miss California Plus; Jamie Lopez, VIC Camp of VIC Camp Entertainment, Brittany Sheraz ‘Just so Jazzy’, Jamila Choyce of Choyce TV, and Tonya Marie, Fashion Consultant and Radio Host. Vendors that will be in attendance are Pitstop BBQ, Lula Roe, It Works, FW Photography, JH Boutique and Thrift, Joshua Home, MKY Petite Modeling Agency, and Paparazzi Jewelry.

The show will be on Sunday, October 27 at the Women’s Club of San Bernardino located at 503 W 31^st Street in San Bernardino. Don’t wait, get your tickets now! Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For tickets, text (909) 567-1000 or (909) 566-7637 or email LUE.INFO@yahoo.com.

POMONA, CA- God is enlarging and expanding the territory of Covenant Sisters International from Coast to Coast. They recently launched their new Phoenix, Arizona chapter last month under the leadership of Apostle Dr. Regina Lindsey, The Overseer. In addition to their recent accomplishment, the West Coast chapter is inviting all ladies to join them for fellowship and an anointed evening of divine impartation and prophetic revelation. The conference will be taking place on Friday, July 14 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 15 at 8 a.m. at New Life Word of Faith located at 607 N. Towne Avenue in Pomona.

These two days will be hours filled with empowerment to strengthen, refresh, and undergird the body of Christ. On Friday, Apostle Dr. Joyce Thornton will be the keynote speaker with Lady Sharon Ann as the special musical act for the evening. On Saturday, there will be a Morning Glory Session with Apostle R. Lindsey at 8 a.m. followed by workshops hosted by Pastor Davis and Foundress, Apostle Dr. Joyce Thornton. The theme for the conference is “Empowering Women to ARISE for Purpose and Destiny.”

For more information, please visit www.covenantsisters.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Positive Women Meet Up, a networking platform for women of color in the Inland Empire, recently hosted the melanin rich, cultural event, “Natural Beauty”, at the Garcia Center for Arts in San Bernardino. Keona Anntionette, the founder of Positive Women Meet Up, has been loc’d for 5 years and natural all her life. As a firm believer that natural hair is beautiful, Keona facilitated the Inland Empire’s first Loc Appreciation Day. With the help of co-producers, Cleo Upshaw, Susan Henderson, and RayVaughn Upshaw, Natural Beauty encouraged the community to celebrate natural hair, out loud.

“Natural Beauty” included a question and answer session with dynamic speakers: Niketa Calame (actress), C.A. Henderson (Realtor, Author, and Educator), Tynesia Evans (Holistic Health and Wellness Coach), James Woods also known as “Dat Yoga Dude” (Author and Health Educator), Wentrelle Damarr (Artist), and Sebrena Thurton (Blogger). Sponsors of the event included Taliah Waajid, Jane Carter for Men, Brilliant Like Me, Alaffia, Dr. O’s Skin and Hair Care, Harmless Harvest, KIND Snacks, Los Angeles Urban League of Young Professionals, and Dr. Lakieta “Dr. Elle” McMurray-Emanuel. Natural Beauty event vendors included Totally Jaz’d, Bold Look Head Wraps, Kreatiewe World, Bundlez N Beauty Hair Salon of Bloomington, Artsy Black Fam, Brilliant Like Me, and Mama’s Tea Cakes. “Natural Beauty” also included a live head wrap tutorial from Juanita Morris of Bold Look Head Wraps, a live hair show produced by Hairstory Natural Hair Salon of Upland, live spoken word from artists: JT Sweet, Brittany Abraham, and Lasia Lynnai, as well as delicious, custom made, desserts from CupKaekes by Chef Kae.

“Natural Beauty” was a celebration of melanin, natural hair, entrepreneurship, natural beauty, and our rich culture. With a bonus of live music from Fingerprint IE, Natural Beauty was simply beautiful.

“Producing this event in San Bernardino was necessary because not only did it bring the community together, it opened a safe space to discuss necessary topics in the African American community: the beauty of our natural hair, best natural hair practices, and to instill confidence and culture into our children and our community. We are proud that the growth of Positive Women Meet Up has allowed us to expand and bring new events to the community,” Keona Anntionette, founder of Positive Women Meet Up, stated.

Announcing the success of Positive Women Meet Up’s special event, “Natural Beauty” will bring awareness to the efforts of Positive Women Meet Up, and create value in the community, as well as inspire art, collaborative efforts, and celebration of African American culture in the city of San Bernardino.

“The city of San Bernardino has suffered tragic losses within the past two years,” Porsche Bowie, creator of the upcoming blog BlackAboutItQueerAbout It.com, lamented. “The terror attack of 2015 and the Northpark Elementary school shooting in April of this year has given the city a lot to mourn about. Events like Positive Women Meet Up and Natural Beauty gives residents and visitors a better view of the city and creates value for the community. This is very important work.”

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Keona Anntionette at info@positivewomenmeetup.com.

By Lou Coleman

Pretending to be a Christian! Pretending to love Me! You don’t love Me! [John 5:42]. You profess to know Me, but you deny Me by your works. You are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good works.” [Titus 1:16]. Admirably and truly did Isaiah prophesy of you when he said: You hypocrite! You honor Me with [your] lips, but [your] heart is far from Me [Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 33:31-33; Matthew 15:7-8]. You Pharisees, “brood of vipers” and “evil.” Sons of Hell, fools, blind guides, white sepulchers, murderers, a generation of snakes [Matthew 23] imitating righteousness but as evil as all get up [2 Corinthians 11:13-15]. I want you to know that you will be sent to Hell [Matthew 23: 13-29; John 3:5; Hebrew 6:8; Luke 20: 45-47] if you do not repent and serve Me with your whole heart. [Matthew 23:27]. If you don’t believe anything else about me, you better believe that! I will whoosh your behind straight to Hell! Say something…. I dare you! I will gather you, and blow upon you in the FIRE of My wrath, and ye shall be melted in the midst thereof…, and ye shall know that I the Lord have poured out My fury upon you” [Ezekiel 22:18-22].

I want you to know that Jesus didn’t pull any punches. He didn’t mince His words. He spoke harshly, demeaningly, and with great anger in His voice to the scribes and Pharisees when it came to the sins and hypocrisy of their lives. Snakes hiding in the garden known as the Church, apostates whose doctrines are poisonous, you better learn what their markings are because there are many in the church today that are running neck to neck with Judas Iscariot who was the most successful hypocrite of all time. He played his part so well that no one but Jesus Himself knew that Judas was a fraud and a pretender. He was as common and as ordinary as the rest of the disciples. He was so ordinary that he never stood out from the rest. He hid behind the camouflage of hypocrisy. To who am talking too; running neck to neck with Judas; keeping a low profile and camouflaging your hypocrisy. If you pretend to know God when you don’t… the penalty for that makes every other form of punishment man can come up with seem like a walk in the park.   It will be worse than any other from the beginning of the world until now, says the Lord [Matthew 23; Matthew 24]. I want you to know that the story of Ananias and Sapphira warns us of the danger of the sin of hypocrisy [Acts 4:36-5:11] It was literally deadly for this couple.  [Acts 5:1-11]. This couple, who put on the mask of hypocrisy, was struck dead by God. You better get some get right quick and in a hurry!

You see the Bible calls hypocrisy a sin and clearly indicates that those who practice it will be sent to Hell. You must repent while “it is still day: while there is still time; while the doors remain open.  I urge you today to stop trifling with the patience and mercy of God, and allow God’s Word to confront your life. If you’re playing the religion game, quit now! Get real with the living God. Spend time each day with Him. Judge your sins and turn from them. Seek to grow in godly character. If you don’t know that one day the storm of GOD’s wrath will come sweeping down upon you and you will know then what your sinful stubborn heart will not let you understand now.  May God pit you in that day!

“Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.” [Luke 13:3]

FONTANA, CA- On June 16, The California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) awarded the City of Fontana $1,000,000 to construct an artificial turf soccer field, field lighting and water conservation measures at Fontana Central City Soccer Park.

The Youth Soccer and Recreation Development (YS) Program provides one-time financial assistance for recreational projects that target low-income and heavily populated urban areas with high crime and unemployment rates.

“I applaud the City of Fontana for working with State Agencies to building quality of life amenities for our communities. Building adequate recreational facilities are an important component to developing a sustainable community where people choose to live, work and play,” said Assemblymember Reyes.

When completed the newly constructed artificial turf soccer field equipped with lighting and water conservation measures will provide sustainable, year around recreational opportunities for the residents of Fontana.  

To learn more about OGALS grant programs, go to the State Parks website at www.parks.ca.gov/grants.