Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Contractor RS&E and NAMI California will facilitate an art exhibition in Orange County titled, “See and Be Seen,” which features art created during hands-on arts workshops for persons facing mental health challenges. The Los Angeles County exhibition begins May 7 and ends May 20 at the Bleicher/Golightly Gallery, 1431 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica (90740). The gallery will be open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday-Sunday from noon until 10 p.m. For more information, please contact (310) 451-9983.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – In honor of Nurses Week, the Global Nursing Program will be showing the new film “The American Nurse” in the ASU Fox Theater in San Bernardino on Friday, May 9th at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 at the door or online at www.gNp193.com. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The American Nurse is a heart-warming documentary that gives a voice to nurses who are on the front lines of the biggest issues facing America, such as aging, war, poverty, prisons through the work and lives of five nurses. It is an examination of real people that will change how we think about nurses and how we wrestle with the challenges of healing America. The American Nurse is an important contribution to America’s ongoing conversation about what it means to care.

Professionals that see the documentary can earn 1.5 CE credits through an arrangement with www.nurse.com. A portion of the proceeds from The American Nurse Project have been earmarked to a new scholarship program under the auspices of the American Nurses Foundation.

The historic ASU Fox Theater was originally opened in 1929 and was the site for the West Coast premiere of the original “King Kong” film in 1933. It is located at 374 West Court Street in downtown San Bernardino, just a block from City Hall across the street from the Bank of America.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is hosting the inaugural Law Enforcement Appreciation Basketball Game on Monday, May 5. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Indian Springs High School, students from all 10 District middle schools will play basketball against San Bernardino City Police and SBCUSD Police officers. Indian Springs High is located at 650 North Del Rosa Drive in San Bernardino. The District’s Youth Services Department and Creative Before- and Afterschool Programs for Success (CAPS) are hosting the event to help bring the community together and create stronger relationships between families and law enforcement. Community groups are invited to host free, interactive and informational booths at the event. Organizations that want to operate an interactive booth should contact Youth Services Specialists Susann Hazen or Elena Acevedo at (909) 880-6807. For more information regarding CAPS, visit www.sbcusd.com/CAPS.

MONTCLAIR, CA – Last week, Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Montclair) held the 2014 “Outstanding Teen of the Year” awards luncheon to honor teens from throughout the 35th Congressional District who were nominated by school superintendents for their exemplary academic work and civic participation.

A total of 12 teens were selected from cities within the 35^th Congressional District.

“It was a pleasure to recognize students who serve in their communities while maintaining excellent grades,” said Rep. Negrete McLeod. “I am confident they will be successful in their future endeavors.”

Students receiving the 2014 “Outstanding Teen of the Year” award were:

• Shaddy Viste, Bloomington
• Eric Barajas, Bloomington
• Kimberly Goodwin, Chino
• Donald Hall III, Chino
• Jacqueline Cornejo, Fontana
• Antonio Flores, Fontana
• Angelica Benitez, Montclair
• Fernando Fernandez, Montclair
• Sabrina Sedano, Ontario
• Edgar Ibarra, Ontario
• Ivon Pena, Pomona
• Joseph Orosco, Pomona

(l-r) From AMR – Shalon W., TFCF clients Lisa, Jen, Crystal, Jeanine, Amanda, Ariel, Mrs. Carter- Exec. Director of TFCF, From AMR Diana McCafferty and Andy S.

American Medical Response (AMR) Is Responding in Action to Assist The Time for Change Foundation. An AMR Ambulance came rolling into the Time for Change parking lot on Wednesday in order to respond to the overwhelming need for women’s clothing. AMR drivers and manager staff spent weeks collecting lightly used quality clothing to ensure that the clients at Time for Change have the required daily clothing needed and also professional clothing that will enable them to put their best foot forward when on a job interview.

Diana McCafferty, Manager of AMR Administration San Bernardino County came to Time for Change and asked, “How can we help Time for Change as a support partner?” Time for Change is grateful any time a company or individual asks the question, “How can we help your mission.” We thank the entire team that AMR brought to engage in the delivery of the gifted clothing and hygiene items. AMR is looking forward to expanding the engagement opportunities with Time for Change throughout the year. Diane McCafferty said, “AMR is honored to assist the residents of San Bernardino. Time for Change is making a direct impact in assisting those in need.”

About Time for Change Foundation

Time for Change Foundation’s mission is to empower disenfranchised low-income individuals and families by building leadership through evidence-based programs and housing to create self-sufficiency and thriving communities. AMR shares Time for Change Foundation dedication to solutions that are ending homelessness and providing a pathway for women who are looking to gain self-sufficiency for themselves and their children.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Pastor Owusu Hodari and Pastor Ray Turner of San Bernardino, along with several Inland Empire Pastors have endorsed candidate Danny Tillman for U. S. Congress in the 31st District.

Pastor Hodari, out of Fontana, announced his endorsement and support for Danny Tillman.  “Danny has done a tremendous job as a Board Member for San Bernardino City Unified School District. He has been a constant voice of reason and is not afraid of change.  I support Danny Tillman for Congress in District 31 completely and I know he is the best candidate.”

Pastor Raymond Turner, out of San Bernardino, also pledged his support and endorsement for Danny Tillman. “Danny is the most qualified and experienced candidate among the choices for Congressional District 31. He has proven himself to be deeply concerned with the community at large, even before he was an elected official. Danny has my vote and I am happy to endorse such a qualified candidate.”

In addition to Pastor Hodari and Pastor Turner, Danny Tillman’s Pastor Dr. R. Fairly of San Bernardino, Pastor Joshua Beckley of San Bernardino, Pastor Larry Campbell of San Bernardino, Bishop Henry Shields of San Bernardino, Bishop Emory James of Fontana, Pastor Mannie Brodie of Fontana and Pastor Anthony Green of Redlands all have endorsed Danny for Congress as well.

Danny Tillman’s response to the endorsements was,

“I can remember when I was three years old, my mother walked me and my four brothers and sisters to church every Sunday. I was born and raised in the church. To have Pastors of such caliber who are committed community leaders endorse me is very humbling.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Derrel Thomas Foundation and the Dodgers Alumni MLB would like to give Thanks for the warm welcome and hospitality.  They are looking forward to great things from the community and Youth Power Community Solutions (Youth Build inland Empire).  They also give a special And a Special thanks to YPCS Staff, YCSC, YouthBuild USA, The Students, Empire Talks Back host Wallace Allen, Project Fighting Chance, RDG Consultants and the Los Angeles Dodgers Association for making this opportunity happen.

VICTORVILLE, CA- Spring Valley Lake Country Club will be hosting a Sheriff’s Department Community Awareness Day for all High Desert residents and the Spring Valle Lake Community on Sunday, May 8 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Activities for the day will include CSI Truck, S.W.A.T, kids face painting, bloodhounds, Lady Be Aware Program, raffle drawings, and more. The country club is located at 13229 Spring Valley Lake Parkway in Victorville. For more information call (760) 245-5356.

COLTON, CA- The Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Foundation will recognize five honorees at its Inaugural Gala and Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 8. The event, which will be held at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, will benefit Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. This year gala committee and members of the community were asked for nominations in five categories that consists of Honorary Chair; Arrowhead of the Year; Physician of the Year; Partnership of the Year; and Philanthropist of the Year. The Gala’s nominating subcommittee based its selections on support for the medical facility and the community.

The award winners for the Inaugural Gala are: County of San Bernardino Fifth District Supervisor, Josie Gonzales, Honorary Chair; Dr. Dev GnanaDev, Arrowhead of the Year; Dr. Steven M. Beutler, Physician of the Year; Professional Hospital Supply, Partnership of the Year; and Anne Hirschman Cress, Philanthropist of the Year.

The award winners will be recognized at the Gala and receive a distinctive plaque. The theme for this year is, ‘What I love about ARMC,’ which reflects the appreciation that the community has for the great care the hospital provides,” said Reyes. “The funds raised from the Gala will help purchase much-needed equipment for the hospital.”

The Gala will feature keynote speaker Sam Cunningham, a former USC running back, who also played nine seasons in the NFL for the New England Patriots. For more information about the ARMC Foundation Inaugural Gala and Awards Dinner, call Event Coordinator, Patty Holohan at (909) 518-4612 or email PSHoloha@aol.com. For more information about the ARMC Foundation, visit www.arrowheadmedcenter.org/foundation

BOTTOM-LINE…Commentary By WallaceJ.Allen 

A billionaire, White man’s response to seeing his Black girlfriend with a Black man has caused more references to the “horror of racism” than the disproportionate number of Blacks kicked out of school, the disproportionate number of Blacks that are poorly educated when in school, the disproportionate number of Blacks that are unemployed, the disproportionate number of Blacks that are jailed, that live in poverty, that are without health insurance, the disproportionate number of Blacks that are homeless veterans, and the list goes on.

We cannot transfer America’s race relations problem and remedy to the Donald Sterling saga. Can everyone that is condemning Sterling pass the Michael Jackson test? The test that requires one to “look at the man in the mirror”? America’s racism is documented in our institutions. The reality of the race-problem is trivialized by the concept that an illegal tape recording is needed in order for the problem to be seen. Do we need to destroy our privacy rights to justify punishing acts of racism?

An illegal taping was used, again, to give us information that no matter how incriminating, is not new. How exclusive are the feelings expressed by Sterling? Are we satisfied that he is the only “rich White man in charge” that has made racist remarks or even performed racist acts?  As we place cell phone cameras and recording devices throughout society, do we want to simply trust that our privacy is respected?   So, as we joyously embrace the illegally taped “redundant evidence” of Donald Sterling’s racist views, do we also tighten the noose that is chocking the life out of our privacy rights?

The “last straw” concept is valid but how many straws do we ignore before one qualifies as the last? There were enough straws polluted in public by Sterling to have done something about him long ago. I am among the elated regarding Donald Sterling’s come-up pence, however, I think we all should be concerned about the tendency to sneak up and record a person in their private moment. WHAT DO YOU THINK?  Respond to walleniv@yahoo.com.