The Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators (IEABSE) Presents Inland Empire High School Black Graduate Recognition, Scholarship Ceremony

Black GRAD

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators (IEABSE) is proud to announce the 5th annual “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child”, High School Black Graduate Recognition and Scholarship Ceremony. The event will take place at the Santos Manuel Student Union Event Center on the campus of California State University of San Bernardino at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 16.

IEABSE will present over 15 scholarships in the amounts of $500 and $1000 to African American graduating seniors from the Inland Empire. The evening will be filled with cultural celebration, community connectedness, and will end with a mantra from the students who pledge to support each other, be responsible family members, and become leaders within the Inland Empire. San Bernardino native Professor Anthony Blacksher will be the keynote speaker and will be challenging the students to analyze the role education has played in African American history and leverage present opportunities as tools to achieve their desired hopes and dreams.

Over 1000 supportive family members are expected to be in attendance to watch these graduates receive their Kente Stoles. The Kente Stoles symbolize academic accomplishment, community leadership, and personal responsibility. The Dorothy Ingram Award will be given to an educator from the Inland Empire that has inspired students to achieve at high levels. This individual is a drum major for student achievement and is being acknowledged for going the extra mile to ensure the success of our Inland Empire students.

“One of the most pressing issues facing San Bernardino and Riverside Counties is the college going rate and college readiness, events like the IE Black Graduation go a long way in celebrating high school students that will be attending our local colleges and universities,” Dr. Thomas Morales, President of California State University San Bernardino, said.

A special thanks to the Inland Empire High School Black Graduate Recognition Ceremony Planning Committee, San Bernardino City Unified School District and their Communications Department Director Linda Bardere, President of California State University of San Bernardino Dr. Tomas Morales, and San Bernardino Pacesetters. For any additional information please contact Keynasia Buffong at (909) 838-6131 or by email at ieabse@gmail.com

Roundtable Meeting Led by Assemblymember Brown Discusses Vital Transportation Concerns

Assemblymember Brown and Colton Mayor Richard DeLaRosa

Assemblymember Brown and Colton Mayor Richard DeLaRosa

Arlan White shares his concerns about transportation issues facing the Inland Empire

Arlan White shares his concerns about transportation issues facing the Inland Empire

SAN BERNARDINO – Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) recently convened a roundtable meeting at the Gonzales Center in Colton to discuss transportation challenges facing transport, freight and logistics industry professionals in the 47th Assembly District.

Participating agencies included: C.R. England, Patriot Towing, the California Trucking Association, Union Pacific, A-2-Z Emissions Solutions, Colton Planning Dept., Center for Employment Training, Rail and Delivery Service, IE Corridor Transport Inc., The Complete Logistics Company, and Ashley Furniture.

The meeting began with a warm welcome by Mayor Richard DeLaRosa on behalf of the Colton City Council. Thereafter, Assemblymember Brown provided an introduction.

“Trucking and logistics is the most important component of our local economy,” said Assemblymember Brown. “According to recent news reports, the logistics sector, which is warehousing, distribution and trucking, produced one out of every five jobs last year in the Inland Empire. It’s really important that it remains robust because that’s where the majority of jobs are created.”

Following introductions, Assemblymember Brown presented a legislative update on various bills that she introduced to address transportation issues and promote job growth.

She mentioned AB 914, a bill that would allow Caltrans to construct a toll lane on the I-10 and I-15 freeways. “As you know, our roads need to be repaired. One of the ways that we can repair our roads is by considering High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes. The funds obtained by the tolls would go directly toward maintaining, repairing and creating new lanes in the Inland area on the I-10 and I-15 freeways in San Bernardino County,” she said.

Last week, AB 914 passed out of the Assembly Committee on Transportation and now moves to the Appropriations Committee.

Mayor Pro Tem Frank Navarro shares his concerns regarding transportation in the Inland Empire. He's seated next to Colton Planning Commissioner Rosa Granado-Dominguez and Terrill Grant, a

Mayor Pro Tem Frank Navarro shares his concerns regarding transportation in the Inland Empire. He’s seated next to Colton Planning Commissioner Rosa Granado-Dominguez and Terrill Grant, a

She also spoke about AB 1445 and AB 1302, which seek to improve economic opportunities for small businesses and disabled veteran-owned businesses relevant to contracting with the state.

Following her legislative address, various industry professionals spoke about the impact of AB 32 on their individual companies.

According to several participants, retrofitting the trucks to make them compliant with AB 32’s standards presents a great challenge.  “Having to put their money into their trucks to make them efficient for the emissions requirements is going to increase the price of goods and services, which is really going to hurt the Inland Empire,” said Colton Planning Commissioner Rosa Granado-Dominguez.

Arlan White, a member of the Towing Regulatory Oversight Council and past board member of the California Tow Truck Association explained that upgrading the trucks are extremely expensive. “The typical cost of a California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliant retrofit is $10,000 to $20,000 per truck. The purchase price of a new CARB compliant truck typically ranges between $100,000 up to half a million dollars,” he said.

Most trucking companies have to change their equipment every few years to stay compliant in California. On top of that, lack of personnel makes it very difficult to enforce the law, which creates unfair competition, according to a number of participants.

“Truckers are spending millions of dollars to keep up with CARB, but there’s minimal enforcement for those are who are not compliant with the law. They’re coming in and undercutting local businesses that have spent the money to retrofit their trucks,” said Tiffany Gallaway, a representative of the California Trucking Association.

“On average, drivers are on the road for 7-14 days. However, to make up for the cost of retrofitting their trucks, drivers are out there 20-25 days, which takes away time from their families. For a lot of people, trucking is their livelihood; it’s what puts dinner on the table. The cost of overreaching regulations is restricting the productivity and income that a single driver can make,” said

Glen Taylor, C.R. England Global Transportation; Melvin Maclin, C.R. England Global Transportation; Lupe Valdez, Union Pacific

Glen Taylor, C.R. England Global Transportation; Melvin Maclin, C.R. England Global Transportation; Lupe Valdez, Union Pacific

Arthur Jones, owner of IE Corridor Transport, Inc.

Also in attendance was Colton Mayor Pro Tem Frank Navarro, a board member of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). He said, “I think what we need to do is go back to Washington and Sacramento and look at this over-regulation. How can we soften these regulations to allow, not only the big corporations, but also the little guy to become compliant.”

“In partnership with the trucking community, Union Pacific sees the impact of AB 32’s regulations on our partners,” said Lupe Valdez, a representative of Union Pacific. “It’s important for trucking companies to be involved in the policy making process to avoid unintended consequences.”

Other topics raised during the discussion included freight movement at the LA and Long Beach Ports, adjusting to diesel fuel prices and increased taxes for truck drivers.

A follow up to this roundtable will be a Trucking Summit held by Assemblymember Brown in September 2015. The Summit will focus on solutions to the challenges outlined during the roundtable. Details are forthcoming.

For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.

 

 

“All Rise… Hear Ye, Hear Ye… Court is Now in Session!”

Lou Coleman

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

The Honorable Judge, God the Father, is presiding. All persons having business before the court, come to order. Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to God’s Ultimate Supreme Court. We will hear the case as scheduled. First case on the courts calendar is {insert your name}. Counselors, are you ready to proceed?

Man… Have you ever wondered what it will be like to stand in God’s courtroom? “Well today, you will have the privilege of actually going into God’s courtroom kinda like court TV and seeing how at least one sinner fared in his trial…“ Believe it or not, one of these days we will ALL stand in the Ultimate Supreme Court of God. No one will be left out! The preachers, deacons, church members, popes, priest, nuns, choir members, drunks, whoremongers, drug addicts, pimps, pushers, homosexuals, liars, thieves, murderers, idol worshipers, fornicators, adulterous, brothers, sisters, grandmothers, grandfathers, moms and dads. The king, the pauper, the general, the president, the foot soldier, the master, the slave, the borrower and the lender we will all stand before God. There will be no escape and there will be no exceptions! {Hebrew 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Acts 17:31}

On that day the Judge will make no mistakes. His verdict will be true and accurate. His decision will be final!  There will be no negotiating. There will be no second chances. There will be no appeals.  Before the judgment begins, the earth and sky will be destroyed by fire {Revelation 20:11-12} {2 Peter 3:10} after that destruction we will then be judged accordingly. (2 Corinthians 5:10} {Revelation 20:12-13}.  The Books will be opened. {Romans 2:6-7} {2 Corinthians 5:10} {Matthew. 25:31}. We will be reviewed and examined. After the judgment period, we will witness the greatest separation that the world has ever seen. {Matthew 25:31; Matthew. 5:22; Mark 9:43 2Kings 23:10; 2 Chronicles 28:3}.  Are you prepared for the Final Judgment Day?  If you are not a Christian, you ought to be, and you can be one right now. Your eternal destination depends on it. Maybe you are a Christian, and lately you have not been living a faithful and fruitful life for the Lord. Possibly, there may be someone who needs to confess their sins before God. You may have been living in secret sin, trying to hide it from God and your brethren. But God’s hand has been heavy upon you and you are ready to confess. I just want to remind you that we still live in the day of grace. During this time in history, a sinner can come before God and cry out for forgiveness and the Lord will receive them and save them by His grace. Today is the day of grace. Today is the day of forgiveness. Today is the day of repentance. Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day of mercy. There will be none of those things given out on that Final Day. Only judgment, swift and sure, will be issued from the Great White Throne and from the Lord. Please don’t do a foolish thing and die without Jesus! Come to Him while the door is open.

Allow me to give you a glimpse of events that might take place on that day. In Zechariah chapter 3, it gives us a look at the guilt of the sinner. This drama is in the setting of a courtroom.  It is in the Ultimate Supreme Court.  God is the Judge; Joshua the High Priest the defendant and Satan is the Prosecuting Attorney. Satan, bringing his case against Joshua before the Lord.  He is standing at Joshua’s right hand opposing him. Satan’s says to the Lord, He is dirty. He says to the Almighty, He is guilty. He is a sinner whose righteousness is as filthy rags. The audacity of Satan: In the Ultimate Supreme Court of God standing around accusing God’s people of their sins. Image that! Talking about, “Drama in the Courtroom,” Ole Satan; the Accuser of the brethren… See how subtle and merciless Satan really is. Bringing up past sins, things that God has already forgiven us for. Bringing up things we did yesterday and even five seconds ago, accusing us, pointing a finger in our face. Bringing accusations to God that we deserve to die in Hell. Satan, the Accuser of the brethren! Accusing us before God; accusing us before men, and accusing us before ourselves… Truth be told though, Satan was right.  Joshua was dirty, sinful, and guilty.  Satan knew it, God knew it, and Joshua knew it.  But thank God that in the court of Heaven we have an Advocate – a Defense Attorney who has never lost a case. His name is Jesus. His plea on our behalf is always the same. Your Honour, the defendant is indeed guilty, but the penalty has been paid. I myself paid the ultimate penalty for his sin and died in his place. The DEBT is paid in full!  Thank God for Jesus! We are not only forgiven; we are justified. We are declared righteous.

Listen, you may be a guilty sinner or a backslidden saint.  Either way I want you to know that you have an Advocate in Heaven.  So no matter what you’ve done, if you will bring your guilt and your sin to God, He will take your case, plead your case, win your case, and commute your sentence from death to life.  I tell you the most indispensable requirement for knowing the Word of God is to understand our predicament – the fact of our sinfulness before God. I am guilty. You are guilty. Everybody in your family is guilty. We are all guilty before God.  Hold on to this truth. Let it make you wise. I don’t want you to perish. If God is opening your mind to understand His truth, now is the time to act! For there will be no second chances on that Day. I want you to know that on that Day, Witnesses will be called forth and they will testify either for you or against you. The first witness will be the Word of God itself- (John 12:48}. Jesus says, “Every word I have spoken to you will judge you on that day. My Word will be the witness!” Also, witnesses shall arise such as the men of Nineveh, the men of Sodom and the Queen of Sheba. {Matthew 12:41-42}. When you stand before the Judge and your book is opened, the vast multitudes of Ninevites will step forward. Those who died in the holocaust of Sodom and Gomorrah will come forth, as will those of Tyre and Sidon. These wicked ones will gather round, incredulous as they hear the list of all the opportunities you had to receive the Word of God: Bibles, radio, and TV, teachers, witnesses, and friends, family. They will cry out, “This man’s judgment ought to be worse than ours! How could he reject so many opportunities and deny such powerful light? We had no Bible, no constant reminders, and no second opportunity. But he had all this!” Jesus says Sodom would have repented if they had heard what you’ve heard – {Matthew 11:23; Matthew 24:14}. If you know in your heart you’re not ready to stand before Jesus –Act Now! If you don’t I want you to know that this one message is enough to damn you to eternal hell if you reject it. It will stand as a witness on Judgment Day… I want you to know that the Judge is keeping an account right now! Are you going to pass the test?

Elementary and High School Students Will Rock the Stage at UCR

Changing Lives Showcase

Changing Lives Showcase

RIVERSIDE, CA – On Saturday, May 16, elementary and high school students will have an opportunity to rock the stage at University California of Riverside in the 4th annual Changing Lives Showcase.  The red carpet extravaganza is presented by Music Changing Lives, (MCL) a non-profit music and art after-school program for at-risk children and youth, which works to inspire kids through performing arts programs to keep them focused on their education and their futures.

This year the competition will be fierce. Students from four schools in the Moreno Valley Unified School District, where MCL offers its after-school programs will go toe-to-toe to see who has the most talent.  Teens from Vista Del Lago High and Moreno Valley High will battle it out, while younger students from Butterfield Elementary and Edgemont Elementary will compete against each other.

There are three categories students can enter in: lyrical, dance and visual arts. The winners will be selected by a panel of celebrity guest judges. As students prepared to compete in the showcase they also fought to increase their school performance and volunteered for a minimum of five hours in their community.  Participants are instilled with the message, “Together we can be the change we would like to see in our community.”

The Changing Lives Showcase is sponsored by Music Changing Lives, MVUSD, Wells Fargo Foundation, UC Riverside, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Target, Edison International, Goliath Graffix and Clothes the Deal.  Through their support, The Changing Lives Showcase helps spread a positive message about the benefits of expressing yourself through the arts while making school “cool.”

For more information about Music Changing Lives or to become a sponsor for the event, please contact Josiah Bruny at jbruny@musicchanginglives.com or visit them on the web at www.musicchanginglives.org.

Peace Officer Memorial video nominated for 2015 Regional Emmy Award

2014 PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL

2014 PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL

SAN BERNARDINO, CA.  – The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s video “Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony” has received a nomination for the 2015 Regional Emmy Awards.

The announcement was made Monday by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Pacific Southwest Chapter at a nomination event held in Palm Springs. The film was nominated in the Special Events Coverage category for excellence in coverage of a one-time-only, anticipated community or entertainment event, live or edited.

“I am thankful to the Academy for our nomination and honored that the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and our other local law enforcement agencies allowed me the chance to go behind the scenes while they paid tribute to their fallen brothers and sisters,” said Public Affairs Officer Christopher Lee, who directed and edited the segment.

The video is a 4-minute segment covering the San Bernardino County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony hosted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department May 22, 2014, at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. During the event law enforcement agencies from all throughout San Bernardino County were in attendance to pay tribute to their fellow officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“Given the recent attacks on our peace officers nationwide, this nomination is especially timely,” District Attorney Mike Ramos said. “As we approach this year’s Peace Officers Memorial Day, let’s not forget our law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our communities in the line of duty. And let’s not forget about those still on the front lines, risking their lives every day to make sure that our families and communities are safe.”

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls is known as Police Week.

The 41st Annual NATAS-Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards will be presented Saturday June 20, 2014, in Palm Springs.

Conversations at CAAM Presents a Community Hero and Legend, “Sweet” Alice Harris

Sweet Alice Harris

Sweet Alice Harris

LOS ANGELES, CA-The California African American Museum (CAAM) is pleased to announce the next Conversations at CAAM with Watts community activist “Sweet” Alice Harris, Saturday, May 16, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., The discussion will highlight Sweet Alice’s unwavering commitment to the community of Watts and will be moderated by CAAM’s History Council Member Ruby Quallsgray.

A local hero and legend, Sweet Alice has dedicated her life to servicing residents in the community of Watts.   As the executive director and founder of Parents of Watts (POW), she has organized many programs for the community that focus on education, job training, voter registration, counseling, drug abuse and prevention on behalf of the organization.  Additionally, through POW she provides residents with necessities such as food, clothes and shelter.  During Christmas, Sweet Alice gives away free bikes to disadvantaged youth. She is also known to give the community’s youth five dollars each, under the condition that they place the money into a savings account.

Having founded POW in 1979, Sweet Alice’s drive for change comes from a life of struggle.  She was a mother by the age of 14, homeless by 16 and moved from Detroit to Los Angeles to care for her ailing mother.  It was then, she realized her calling for community activism.  Sweet Alice has received an honorary doctorate from USC and many awards including awards from Essence magazine and former President George W. Bush.

This event is free and open to the public. CAAM is located at 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, 90037. RSVP is encouraged by calling (213) 744-2024.  For more information visit www.caamuseum.org.  Follow CAAM on social media: Facebook/Twitter @caaminLA and Instagram @caaminlosangeles.

 

Banning resident, Derron Smith, drafted to the NFL

Derron Smith

Derron Smith

By Naomi K. Bonman

The NFL Draft took place this past weekend from Thursday, April 30 to Saturday, May 2. Young men from all across the Nation seen their dreams of playing for the NFL unfold before their eyes, including Banning resident and Fresno State alumni, Derron Smith, 23. Smith was included in the third day of draft picks where he was picked to join the Cincinnati Bengals as Starting Safety.

Smith finished his college football career with 297 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 33 passes defensed—15 of which he intercepted. He was also the 11th player in school history at Fresno State to be named to the all-conference team three times. Smith is the cousin to the editor of the Westside Story Newspaper, Naomi K. Bonman.

 

Immediate Family Hosts Star Studded Opening Night

Immediate Family cast and crew

Immediate Family cast and crew

LOS ANGELES, CA- On Sunday, May 3, “Immediate Family” written by Paul Oakley Stovall and directed by Phylicia Rashad debuted at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. Several celebrity guests arrived to the theater via red carpet. They included: Debbie Allen, Ava DuVernay, Jackée Harry, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Vanessa Williams, and a countless number of others.

“Immediate Family” is a biting new comedy which explores evolving ideas of marriage and family. When the Bryant siblings come together for the first time in five years to attend a wedding, the family reunion quickly becomes a hilarious family showdown. Secrets are revealed and long-held beliefs are challenged as a spirited game of cards brings all of the family dysfunctions to the table. Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune said the play is “highly entertaining … [it] just bursts with life.”

The Mark Taper Forum at the Music Center is located at 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. The play will run through June 7. Tickets are available in person at the CTG box office, by phone (213) 628-2772 or online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.

Come Get Your BBQ Fix for Fight Night!

Photo by Jay Parnell

Photo by Jay Parnell

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Just in time for fight night, Willing Winn Association and Mission (WWAM) Inc., will be hosting their second BBQ Fundraiser of the year. They will be barbecuing it up behind the Family Dollar at 146 West Baseline Street in San Bernardino from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For the fight there will be a special “Fight Fix” at just $30 which includes 1 slab of pork ribs, 1 pint of potato salad, and 1 loaf of bread. Regular menu items and price includes: a beef brisket, $14; hot link plate, $11; chicken plate, $11; pork rib plate, $13; combo plate (3 meats), $17; and peach cobbler, $4. Each plate comes with two sides of cabbage, red rice, baked beans, or potato salad.

For more information, please contact (909) 890-8674.

WWAM BBQ 2

Photos by Jay Parnell

 

“Get Off Your High Horse!”

Lou Coleman

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Listen; if you want to get off to a good start, you need to begin in the right place.  And it begins with a very frank admission. “Not that I have already obtained all this…” You see, the Word of God in Proverbs 16:18 tell us that, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” That tells me that in and of ourselves we have absolutely nothing to brag or be prideful about. Now if there was anyone who had reason to brag about his accomplishments, I would think it would have been the Apostle Paul. But he doesn’t do that. Despite having met the Lord on the Damascus Road, despite having preached across the eastern Mediterranean region, despite being an apostle called by God, despite writing letters inspired by the Holy Spirit, despite all that he had endured, he did not brag about anything he said or did. None of that mattered to him. He knew that he was a sinner saved by grace. In fact in 1Timothy 1:15, he even called himself the “Chief of sinners.” He made no claim of being perfect or having arrived in his own spiritual journey. Now Simon Peter, that’s a whole different story. Simon Peter had made an assumption, and it’s the same assumption that we all make from time to time. He assumed that he had reached a place in his relationship with Jesus where he would never forsake Jesus and would never fail in his faithfulness to God again. I tell you, we must never assume that we can’t miss the mark, for the moment we do, we are headed for a fall. Paul said, although we are perfect through sanctification, through our salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ, many of us – in fact all of us – still have a long way to go.

I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing that bothers me more than someone trying to claim to be all that when the Bible says that, “There is none good, no not one!” But some folks believe that they are the exception. My message to all of us today is this: Like it or not, whether we want to believe it or not, we’re not as good as we think we are. We’re not as smart as we think we are. We’re not as clever as we think we are. We’re not as wise as we think we are; and we are not as strong as we think we are. The only thing that keeps us going is Jesus our wonderful Savior, and He is everything we are not. Don’t get it twisted! It has never been about us and it is not about us! It is about Him; the Alpha and Omega; the Beginning and End; the First and Last; the Wonderful Counselor. We have absolutely nothing to boast about, other than Jesus Christ… Throwing ourselves a party! Self-congratulations! Boasting! This is human temptation and human tendency; and a dangerous one at that. Careful! You are threading on dangerous grounds! Boasting is a growing cancer, an infectious disease, an intoxicating behavior.

Sadly, we live in a very proud and egotistical generation where it is now considered acceptable and even normal for people to promote themselves, to praise themselves, and to put themselves first. Pride is considered a virtue by many. Humility, on the other hand, is considered a weakness. Everyone, it seems, is screaming for his or her own rights and seeking to be recognized as someone important. The preoccupation with self-esteem, self-love, and self-glory is destroying the very foundations upon which our society was built. What’s worst of all, the preoccupation with self has found its way into the Church.  Jesus repeatedly taught against pride, and with His life and teaching He constantly exalted the virtue of humility. Nowhere is that more clear than in John 13. I tell you, there is no better garment to clothe yourself with than to be clothed with humility. A humble person is a child of God; but a proud and haughty person is a child of Satan. Who’s your daddy? Pride should not be a problem to us; for according to God’s Word even our own righteousness is as filthy rags (Is 64:6). Get off your High Horse!

Don’t misunderstand me. It’s not wrong to brag. It’s wrong to brag about trivial things. When you brag and you should brag, brag on the Lord, that’s all I’m saying. Besides, if it had not been for the Lord… Hello somebody! The message is simply: Pride is the sin that made the devil the devil, pride makes us like the devil, and pride can prevent us from entering heaven and lead us to hell. Clothe yourself with humility –Boast only in the Cross!