Michael Ferrera (right), founder of Michael Ferrera Custom Clothing and finalist in the Cricket Community Stars: Salute to Solopreneurs contest is pictured with Monica Cevallos, Cricket Wireless Senior Marketing Manager during an in-store celebration on Small Business Saturday. As a finalist, Ferrera is eligible to receive the grand prize package of up to $5,000 in cash and mobility prizes. Photo provided courtesy of Steed Media Group

LOS ANGELES, CA- On Saturday, November 29, Cricket Wireless hosted an in-store celebration for its Cricket Community Stars: Salute to Solopreneurs contest. This year they selected Michael Ferrera of Los Angeles and owner of the Michael Ferrera Custom Apparel as one of the three finalists.

Family, friends, and the community were able to show their support as Ferrera competes for the grand prize package. Some of the prizes that he is eligible for include a cash prize of up to $5,000 and a free Samsung Galaxy S5 courtesy of Samsung along with a year of Cricket service.

At Saturday’s celebration, Ferrera recorded a video outlining his business story and community involvement. The video can be viewed on Cricket’s YouTube channel. To learn more about Michael Ferrera, please visit www.michaelferrera.com.

Founders of BrittCares Jamie and Shirell Henderson and Comedian and Actor Kevin Hart

LOS ANGELES, CA-BrittiCares International, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, hosted their 7th annual “Thanksgiving With My Family” at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on Thanksgiving Day. Comedian and actor Kevin Hart was a special guest and presented BrittiCares with $30,000 to continue in their mission of helping terminally ill children.

As children admitted to hospitals during the holidays don’t get to enjoy their families, BrittiCares’ “Thanksgiving With My Family” gave them the opportunity to dine together on a day meant to be spent with family and friends.

BrittiCares will host its annual, “Give Life For Christmas” Blood Drive, on Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The community is urged to donate blood as donations run low during the holidays, yet the need remains great. For more information and/or to donate visit www.britticares.org.

“Taylion also believes that it takes a talented, unique teacher to connect with today’s students on an educational level. Terry Trebilcock is a shining example of a teacher that connects with his students,” said Tim Smith president of Taylion Academy.

“I have actually been teaching since about 1975, I taught engineering classes at Henry Ford Community College in Michigan,” said Trebilcock. “I also taught business classes at Chaffey College for about three years.”

“I like the feeling you get when the light bulb goes on for these kids, and you see what they can do with it,” said Trebilcock. “For example, two kids I taught last year in engineering classes, they liked engineering so much they applied at Chaffey to get for their engineering program.  To me, that’s the biggest payoff.”

LOS ANGELES, CA- As California endures a historic drought and recovers from recent wildfires, residents need to prepare for the possibility of mudslides and flooding triggered by the current major rainstorm affecting the southland, the biggest of the year. Dangerous areas include zones previously affected by the #ColbyFire in the San Gabriel Mountains, near Los Angeles, where up to 6 inches of rain are expected, and sections of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), in Malibu. Various downed power lines and flooding problems have been reported and mandatory evacuations issued. As a reminder, flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, causing about $50 billion in economic losses each year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. State Farm encourages residents to take the following steps to protect:

A) YOUR LIVES:

• Listen to first responders and to the news – If a mandatory evacuation has been ordered in your area, gather your most important documents and key belongings and leave your house promptly.
• Drive in “defense mode” – In heavy rain and during flash floods seek high ground, turn on your lights, slow down, maintain more distance with other cars, and avoid driving on roads covered by water.
• Keep Tank Full and Change Wipers – Wipers should be replaced if the windshield view is smeared.
• Have a Road Survival Kit in the car– It should include a: tool set, spare tire, car jack, first aid kit, blanket, rain jacket, plastic tarp, jumper cables, flash light, gloves, spare cloths, water, non-perishable food, and road flares.

B) YOUR PROPERTY:

• Inspect Your Home – As the storm progresses, inspect your home and monitor rain gutters, roof, yard, out-buildings, and trees and shrubs for possible hazards.
• Make an Inventory – Create an inventory taking photos and short videos of your possessions in each room.
• Create an Emergency kit – Make sure you have plenty of emergency supplies like batteries, blankets, flashlights, water and non-perishable foods.
• Have an Evacuation plan – If you live close to a hillside area, have a disaster evacuation plan.

C) YOUR FINANCES:

• Flood damage and homes – damage due to floods is typically not covered by standard homeowners or renters insurance policies. Should you live in an area that is prone to floods or mudslides, consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program: Floodsmart.gov.
• Flood damage and cars – comprehensive coverage on a typical auto insurance policy will cover damage to a car caused by a flood.
• Talk to your agent – review your policies and discuss your insurance needs.

“While these weather conditions persist, if you can avoid driving unless necessary that would be best. And at home, monitor if the water is finding its way in and act,” said Jordi Ortega, spokesman for State Farm, who added: “Now is a good time to call your agent and review your home insurance policy.”

About State Farm

State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve almost 84 million policies and accounts – approximately 82 million auto, home, life, health and commercial policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 41 on the 2014 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visithttp://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.

By Carl Edwards, MBA, ChFC

Wow, what an amazing market ride over the last few years!  Running on tracks laid by an unprecedented Federal Reserve monetary easing program, the market has once again run to new all-time highs and appears to still have some steam. Or does it?

While no one really knows the answer to this, it is important to remember history as a guide, and to think about the future — your future.  It wasn’t all that long ago that the world’s financial system was shaken to its core, leaving many retirees running for shelter from the Ebola-like symptoms displayed by world financial systems.  Fear over which institution or country would next display the almost certain deadly symptoms ran rampant.

I am certainly not echoing the calls of the past and screaming it’s time to get your guns and gold.  I am, however, pointing out to consumers the recent and vivid reminders of the importance to get back to the basics with your financial planning this New Year.  If we fail to remember the past, we repeat it.  You have worked too hard preparing for this time in your life.

Let’s review three vital elements you should implement in your retirement plan this New Year.

1. Get your annual financial check-up.  How can we possibly forget to do this?  Annual check-ups are the number one preventative care tool at our disposal.  While many individuals should be meeting more regularly with their financial advisor, everyone should have at least the minimum of an annual visit.  Problems creep up and this is often the best way to catch them before it is too late.
2. Don’t forget to diversify.  Are you working with a broker who always wants to sell you mutual funds full of stocks and bonds?  Does your annuity guy think every dime you have should be stuffed into insurance products?  The reality is they are probably both wrong.  Find an advisor this year who knows the benefits of each of these products, but who also knows the value of how they work together.  Diversification is important and it may include each of these products along with other assets such as individual stocks and bonds, Certificates of Deposit (structured and fixed), Business Development Companies, Real Estate Investment Trusts, precious metals, and numerous other investments.
3. Rebalance, Rebalance, Rebalance.  With the great equity run up we have encountered since the lows of March 2009, it is vital to remember that we must continue to evaluate our investment portfolios.  While equity portfolios have risen significantly since that time, other areas of our portfolio may not have fared so well, leaving our risk levels in need of adjustment. It is often a good idea to capture some of those hard-earned gains.  You never know — the next major pullback could be just around the corner.  Be prudent, not greedy!

About Carl

Carl Edwards, MBA, ChFC®, is a Chartered Financial Consultant® and is the owner of C.E. Wealth Group,. He has passed the Series 7, Series 66 and Series 63 securities industry exams. In addition, he has passed the Series 24 principal exam. He represents High Street Asset Management as an Investment Adviser Representative and Calton & Associates, Inc. as a Registered Representative.  The views expressed in this article reflect the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of Calton & Associates, Inc. or High Street Asset Management. Information contained in this article is not a recommendation, solicitation, or offer to buy or sell securities.  Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Individuals should consult a financial professional before making investment decisions.  Edwards is also a licensed insurance agent in Life, Health, Medicare Supplement and Long Term Care insurances. Edwards received a master’s degree in business administration and is currently completing a second master’s degree in finance from Penn State University. He also is a member of the American MENSA.

Dean Hua and students

SAN BERNARDINO, CA? HSI STEM Pass-Go sponsored the Annual Men in Mathematics and Science Event on October 24 at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC).  Over 300 students from San Bernardino, Carter, Indian Springs, Arroyo Valley, and Middle College high schools and SBVC attended.  SBVC’s Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Haragewen Kinde, and Project Director Marc Donnhauser greeted the students who were then treated to an interactive presentation from Subzero Ice Cream.

Subzero demonstrated the math and science behind using liquid nitrogen to produce ice cream. Participants then engaged in a question and answer period with a panel of STEM professionals from various industries including healthcare, business, education, technology, and the U.S. military. Students then participated in break-out sessions with stimulating topics including: Is Your Girlfriend Crazy?: The Mathematics Behind Relationships; Nuclear Power in the US Navy; Chemistry in Action; Computer Coding, and; Mathematics in Your Bones.

A current SBVC student delivered an inspiring presentation on “How Anyone Can Succeed in Mathematics.”  The entire event emphasized how vital mathematics is to STEM careers and taught students how critical thinking skills obtained through STEM Education can lead to successful careers and lifestyles.

California State University, San Bernardino STEM Pass-Go staff were present to inform students of the STEM Educational opportunities at CSUSB, and reinforce the seamless transition for STEM Students as they progress in their education from SBVC to CSUSB.  Students enjoyed lunch from the Carl’s Jr. Food Truck and dessert from Subzero Ice Cream.

The Men in Mathematics and Science Event was a collaborative effort between the HSI STEM Pass-Go Program, SBVC faculty and staff, CSUSB, and the Alliance for Education.

If you would like more information on this topic, please visit www.sbvcstem.org.

WASHINGTON — On December 1, the global community observes and honors World AIDS Day, remembering all those affected by HIV and AIDS.  Since 2009, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) and 18 national black and Latino civil rights organizations have worked as Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI), a coalition funded by the Centers for Disease Control. AAALI partners have implemented 2,400 HIV/AIDS related events in collaboration with their 400 chapters and collaborative partners, which yielded more than 3.6 million attendees.

“World AIDS Day serves as an opportunity to educate the public on key issues driving this epidemic,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer, CBCF. “Unfortunately, African Americans represent the highest rate of new HIV infections. The CBCF and its partners will continue engaging the public to reinforce that knowledge is our strongest weapon against the disease.”

The CBCF has also been a key partner working with Howard University Hospital in organizing the International Stigma Conference, currently in its fifth year.  “Stigma is one of the leading causes of people not getting and staying in treatment,” stated Washington.  “In order to have an AIDS-Free generation, we must not only educate, but work on how to change behavior.”

ABOUT CBCF

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated, established in 1976, is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy, research and educational institute intended to broaden and elevate the influence of African Americans in the political, legislative and public policy arenas.

Publishers Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

Ferguson, Missouri… the past (the thought), the present (the word), and the future (the echo) cannot be nor do they belong in the same room, space, or thought! There must be distance between them or chaos and confusion will reign.

Even if the Ferguson Grand Jury had indicted Officer Wilson, that would not solve the problem. If Officer Wilson were tried and found guilty, that would not solve the problem! Ferguson is only a symptom.   The fact that the Grand Jury found no reason to even have a trial is in fact an example of the real problem. It is truly the merging of the thought, the word and of the echo. It says that “We, society, the instituters and shepherds of institutional racism, so fear retaliation from All Blacks (The Thought) that we, society prepare for All Blacks to act anti-socially by treating them or their children, or children who look like their children, as if they have all ready acted so (The Word) to the point where indeed some Blacks will follow the script and retaliate… (The Echo)!

As a result of Some Blacks retaliating against racism by burning down and looting businesses that serve their community, public safety officers’ respond by letting them do so. As if to say, “If you get mad because we shoot your bad-assed kids, we will get mad and let them burn your community down.”

Ferguson is a symptom of a much deeper problem in America. The problem stems from the lingering echoes of the good ole days of official and lawful racism; institutional racism that despite not being lawful, is still official and alive and well!

The statistics describing Black males not only prove that racism is alive but also represent an undeclared State of Emergency. Black males are disproportionately represented in school suspensions and expulsions, in arrests and sentence as well as being unemployed.  Black males are identified and branded early as potential trouble makers and taken through the process to guarantee that the prediction comes true.  History shows that Institutional Racism is indeed, “How to Get Away with Murder.”

Ferguson is a symptom!  The solution will come only after a real examination of the problem. Our institutions harbor racism and encourage racists! The only way to have change is to make change!

Candice

By Naomi K. Bonman

When people think of glitz and glam they think of Hollywood and Los Angeles. It becomes a dream of people from the East Coast to visit or live in California and see all of what Sunny L.A. has to offer. However, many forget about the hidden jewel that lies in Southern California. That jewel is about 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles between the 10 and 210 freeways, better known as San Bernardino, which sits in the heart of the Inland Empire (I.E.). Within the city, there is an array of talent and lately we have seen more people ‘make it’ that have come out of the good ol’ I.E, and rising songstress, Candice, is one of them that is well on her way.

Candice, like many, grew up singing in the church and was inspired to explore music from her father. He would have her sing melodies, mostly Gospel, while he would play the piano. As she began to get deeper into the realm of music, she was blessed with the opportunity to sing back up and tour with Grammy nominated Neo-Soul singer and songwriter, Eric Benet. Singing with Benet later led her to tour with Ne-yo.

“It was an amazing experience,” Candice explained. “I am very humbled.”

The rising R&B chanteuse looks forward to doing more tours and shows as the New Year emerges upon us. Also in store for 2015 will be an album, Candice’s first album, which she has been putting her sole focus on. She is currently working with Compound Entertainment.

In addition, Ms. Candice would love to collaborate with more artists. On her roaster of those that she would love to work with include Beyonce, Andre 3000, and Brandy. These are a few of the musicians who inspire her within the R&B genre. She also loves Neo-Soul artists and Gospel artists, such as Lauryn Hill, Tamia, andYolanda Adams. They are also currently in rotation in her music playlist.

“I love that music that you can vibe to. That feel good music,” she said.

This diamond from the Inland Empire has accomplished a few milestones within her career so far; however, she is just scratching the surface and is still reaching her ultimate goal. While she is in pursuit of it she knows that hard work definitely pays off, so when she is not in the studio she is doing something musically, such as writing or going over her vocals.

“I’m a hard worker. I’m true to my art,” Candice states. “I feel that the industry is missing [true] R&B right now, and I’m here to fill that void. I’m hoping that everyone else has been missing it just as much as I have.”

When she isn’t perfecting her craft, Candice loves to read. She also has a spontaneous side and is the “get up and go” type of girl. She enjoys going on the highest ride at the amusement park or going bungee jumping.

For more information and to stay updated on Candice, visit her website candicernb.com, and follow her Twitter and Instagram @candicernb.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Yeah, I said it! It’s Not about You Boo Boo… It’s About God! And one day you may really find that from God’s point-of-view, It Really Isn’t about You at All; It Is All About Loving Him. If you and I decide to put these puny little lives of our ahead of God then some day we may hear God declare, none of these shall taste of My supper. Radical? Perhaps. Scriptural? It is! And so, with that knowledge and understanding, remember this about your life. It’s not about you!  Yes, you are God’s beloved person, but in Ezekiel 36:22, God says, “I am not doing this for you, Israel; I am doing it for my own Name’s sake.” And, there are scriptures like that throughout the Bible to give us a hint that even though God delivers us, even though God gives us great things, He gives us grace, and He offers us salvation, He wants to give us glory in His kingdom, ultimately and predominately salvation is about God and His Glory. Don’t Get It Twisted!

Sometimes in life we get so caught up in doing things in order to achieve certain things that WE FORGET that God is in control. We need to recognize and accept that our purpose here on earth is to glorify God and that is not really done through our own achievements but rather through what God is able to achieve through us.  We must understand that as we come to the understanding of our place in the kingdom of God that we must be willing to decrease so that Jesus can increase, because it is so easy to get trapped in promoting self rather than God. Why do we not yet see all things submitted to Him? When Paul said, “No, I but Christ,” he was saying “He must increase, but I must decrease.”  Just as all things are working together towards God’s purpose of increasing Christ, so all things are working together towards decreasing us. It does not matter if we understand it or comprehend it. It does not matter if you believe in it or agree with it. You are being decreased just the same, and Christ is being increased. It MUST be so, therefore it IS so.

I tell you it is better to relinquish everything now, on a voluntary basis, and lose your life in order to gain your real Life. It is more glorious to enter the Kingdom out of a desire to give Christ the preeminence than to enter kicking and screaming and crying because you love yourself too much. Make no mistake, if it is the Kingdom you seek, the Kingdom you will find, but you must be changed in order to enter therein. If you seek power from God you will have to accept weakness in yourself. If you want to rule with Him you must suffer with Him; If you want His life you must give up your life. You can have either one you want, but you cannot have both. There is no increase without decrease, and there is no decrease without increase.  Don’t Get It Twisted!

It was with considerable grace and humility that John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). What can we learn from this statement? Like John we will always be inferiority to God.  John reminds us that the gospel is more important than any one person.  When you realize that people are talking more about you, than the God you serve, then you have increased and  God is decreasing, and that’s a big problem, and God is definitely not pleased with that. Don’t allow the wrath of God to come down on you, because of disobedience (Ephesians 5:6); it will get worse before it gets better.

Listen, we are in the last days, where scoffers are walking after their own lusts(2 Peter 3:2)  “See then that ye walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise redeeming the time because the days are evil, wherefore be not unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is(Ephesians 5:15-17). Besides, when you refuse to decrease so God can increase it shows that you are of the world and an enemy of God.

I don’t know who this message is for, but to God be the glory, praise, honor, and thanks for using me to write it. It is not bashing, it is truth. Don’t Get It Twisted!

May the Son be increased through these words.