SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino City Unified School District students who attend Program Improvement (PI) schools may be eligible for special services or school transfers. A school is designated Program Improvement if it has not made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in the same category for two consecutive years. A school exits PI if it meets its AYP targets for two consecutive years. AYP data for all California public schools is available at www.ed-data.k12.ca.us/welcome.asp. This week the District is mailing letters to parents whose children may qualify for Public School Choice or free Supplemental Educational Services under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. Public School Choice gives parents the option to transfer their child from a PI school to a non-PI school. Supplemental Educational Services provide low-income, low-achieving students with the opportunity to receive free tutoring from state-approved providers. Parents interested in either program must complete the application form they receive with their letter. Completed applications must be received by the District’s Categorical Programs Department by Friday, October 11. Only students who meet the necessary qualifications will be accepted into each program. Parents of students who qualify for Supplemental Educational Services are encouraged to attend a Provider Fair. The Provider Fairs are Friday, October 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, October 5, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the San Bernardino Adult School. For more information, please call 909-381-1200.

Fashion show model

ONTARIO, CA- Eta Nu Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., San Bernardino-Riverside chapter, will present a new, different and diverse fashion show production on Sunday, October 13 at 5 p.m., at Ontario’s Radisson Hotel Grand Ballroom, 2200 East Holt Blvd.  The show entitled “SophistAKAed  Fashions with Timeless Service,” combines the experienced fashion and beauty expertise of  Franzine Beauty, Onlave Signature Productions and Nikol Talent Group, all of whom represent Los Angeles’ best in the fashion entertainment  industry.  The model casting will showcase a group of talented children, youth, male, female, full-figured and mature models.   The audience should be prepared to “expect the unexpected” as the models grace the runway in an array of beauty featuring all shapes, sizes and colors.  The featured commentators are the dynamic duo of Lauren Venise LaGrone and David Briggs.
This fashion event is a benefit for the sorority’s scholarship and community service programs.  In addition to the show, guest will be served Hor D’oeuvres, a chance to win a vast selection of door and raffle prizes, and enjoy shopping at a variety of vendors.  Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased online at www.etanuomegafashionshow.eventbrite.com.

Lou Coleman

Recently I got back from one of the most life-changing experience of my life. Ghana, a beautiful place on the West Coast of Africa. It was eye opening, enriching, challenging, and amazing all in one.
As I traveled out of the United States for the first time in my life, I had no idea what to expect, but I was not expecting the gift I was about to receive.
When I first arrived, the scenery wasn’t what I first pictured. It was indeed a culture shock!  It wasn’t America. The city was busy. People were selling all kinds of goods on the streets. Traffic was overly crowded, but there was much freedom. Some parts of the city were underdeveloped. Roads were poor, and it was hard considering that the City was growing so fast generally. There were electricity and water in some areas, not all areas. But every day brought something new. It was as if the whole world had changed for me. Actually it was the other way around, as I started to see things differently.
The Ghanaians celebrate life. They appreciate life. There is so much beauty and peace in the day-to-day lives of the people. From the start I was welcomed with open arms and became very spoiled by the kindness of the people, their attention and appreciative present-tense way of living. It’s just an entirely different mindset than what I am used to, and it was a breath of fresh air.
I went to Ghana with the Founder of Behind the Veil Intercessory Prayer, Ms. Eva Appenteng. Our mission was to provide a borehole/water pump system that would provide clean water to the people who lived in the Fawoman Village outside of Kumasi. I am happy to announce, mission accomplished!  Not only did we complete the water project, but electricity was installed. The laying of foundation to build a school was also being poured. (Special thanks to Pastor Jim Colye and the entire Sunrise Church family in Rialto, CA who provided the resources to be a blessing to God’s people). We are excited about what God has done and continue to do. Our next project is to begin construction for the school. If you would like to be a part of this great ministry for God and His people, please call (909) 649-8148.

Ghana

Of course, I can’t conclude without mentioning my experience at the “Beautiful Gate Church” where Pastor Richard Yeboah is Senior Pastor. Talking about praising and worshiping God, as I stood in the sanctuary I felt like I was standing on sacred ground. Often times we can sense the Spirit’s presence. On some occasions His presence is so real, so obvious, it’s almost as though we can touch Him. We become sensitive, motivated, and spiritually alive. We find ourselves lost in wonder, love and praise. We catch a glimpse of the Lord as Isaiah saw Him: “high and exalted”. This extra glimpse of God we crave; we want it, we need to feel it, to sense it, to experience it, to taste it, and to touch it. And when we do, like the paralytic, we will forever be changed. The Beautiful Gate Church, God inhabited their praise, and the dedication was marvelous! It’s time to bring back this God-given expression of adoration.
I could go on and on, but really to understand what I am trying to say you would really need to experience Ghana first hand. It’s a beautiful place that has not forgotten its roots; one of the oldest and most traditional cultures is still in its most pure form even in these very modern times. My experience in Ghana will never be forgotten!

BUENA PARK, CA- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) will host its annual ‘Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes’ on Saturday, October 5 at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park. The walk will be 2.5 miles through the scenic grounds of the theme park. Walkers will be able to get a behind the scenes look as they pass through the park grounds and Soak City. There will also be a shorter walk for participants who are not ready for the full walk. Check-in time for the event is at 6:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 7:45 a.m. at Independence Hall.
Step Out is the signature fundraising walk of the ADA. Each year participants come together to walk and raise funds in order to aid the organization in its mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all those affected by diabetes. There is no cost to participate in this event, but participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $125 to get the official 2013 Step Out t-shirt on the day of the event. All registered walkers will receive 50 percent off a regularly priced adult admission to Knott’s Berry Farm and free parking the day of the event. This event would not be possible without the generous support from sponsors, which include United Health Care, Knott’s Berry Farm, Hoag Mary & Dick Diabetes Center, Sweet Leaf, Walgreens, Sela, Stock Cross, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital & Medical Center, Jackson Hewitt, Orange County Breeze, and Corner Bakery.
For more information and to sign up for the event visit diabetes.org/stepoutoc or contact Step Out Event Manager Tiffany Updike at tupdike@diabetes.org or (714) 662-7940 x7517.

VICTORVILLE, CA- If you are an active military service member or an honorably discharged Veteran you can enter to win a newly, renovated 1,489 square foot home in Victorville. The home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. HomeStrong USA is donating this home to honor military members. The winner of the home must occupy the home as their primary residence. To enter the contest, please fill out an application at www.HomeStrongUSA.org or call 877-647-8764 and write an essay to describe your time serving the Country.
All entries must be received by October 25. The winner will be announced on Saturday, November 9-Veterns Day. If you have any questions, please contact Marisa Valenzuela at the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency at 909-387-4389.

Chastity

RIVERSIDE, CA- OneNation Media Services, Inc., a producing partner with the Independent Television Service (leader in independent public media), is pleased to announce the return of Community Cinema to the Inland Empire. The largest public interest outreach program in public or commercial television, Community Cinema features sneak peeks of documentaries set to broadcast on the award-winning PBS series ‘Independent Lens.’ OneNation Media Services will launch the 2013-14 season with the free public screening of “The Graduates/Los Graduados.”      Independently produced by Bernardo Ruiz, “The Graduates/Los Graduados” explores pressing issues in education today through the eyes of a diverse array of Latino and Latina adolescents from across the United States in an eye-opening documentary on the challenges facing both, the students, their families, educators and community leaders.  The screening will be held Sunday, September 29 at 2 p.m. at the Riverside Public Library. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring community-based organizations and special guest speakers.  The screening is free to attend; however, registration is encouraged as seating is limited.  To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/event/7858851035.
OneNation Media Services will screen six different films this season, including “The Trials of Muhammad Ali,” which tells the story of the famed boxer’s toughest bout of all: his battle to overturn the prison sentence he received for refusing U.S. military service. The complete list of films scheduled for screening during 2013-14 season may be downloaded from www.onenationmedia.org. To inquire about a particular film or appear as a guest speaker, contact OneNation Media Services at 909-657-0578, ext. 1.

Miss Cardinal group

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- This past weekend, Saturday, September 6, 22 young women competed for the honor of representing San Bernardino High School, Cardinal City and the City of San Bernardino. During the pageant, Miss Cardinal City contestants were ranked by a panel of judges in on-stage categories ranging from sportswear, evening gown and an on-stage question. Off-stage categories included grades, attendance and personal interviews.
According to pageant director and Bilingual School Outreach Worker Jamie Rios, two of the goals for Miss Cardinal City and related pageant Mr. Cardinal City are to develop students’ confidence and raise community awareness and pride in San Bernardino High and the city.
“San Bernardino High is the oldest public high school in the entire county,” she states.  “It is also part of two cities. Many people don’t realize the high school itself is a chartered city, Cardinal City.  With that kind of history and community significance, I felt we needed ambassadors, young people who could represent all these different and note-worthy aspects of San Bernardino High School.”
Sponsors that helped to make the pageant a success were Stater Bros. Markets, D’Arca Formal Wear, Angel’s Closet, Fairview Ford, The Way World Outreach, Marinello Schools of Beauty, San Bernardino Sun newspaper, San Bernardino High School Class of 1961, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hickey, Mrs. Pat Williams, First Ward Councilwoman Virginia Marquez, Mr. Jim Smith, Mr. Anyabwile Naazir, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Noble, Ms. Charlene Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Arellano, Mr. Richard Carlos, San Bernardino City Unified School District, and San Bernardino High School Associated Student Body (ASB).

A friend of mine thought you’d be interested in my letter to the Editor. I’ve become aware of a book on the history of World War II written by Robert Welch who founded the John Birch Society in 1958. This book is based largely on the explosive allegations; it contains the alleged crimes of General Dwight Eisenhower in the war in Europe, which have never been properly investigated.
To stop the treason of today, which will continue unless we stop the modern-day traitors destroying our country now by economic and political means, we should read the book, “The Politician,” (see the Internet and JBS.org). We need to understand such critical history exposing the treason against the U.S., including the thousands of our prisoners of war that Eisenhower allowed Joseph Stalin to kidnap to the Soviet Union for forced labor.
Eisenhower stood on Lenin’s tomb and was given the highest honor of the Soviet Union, that reportedly came with an annual monetary payment. We must use historical understanding to stop the current treason now upon us, wake up people! Sincerely, Ed Nemecheck, Landers, CA

MAZE-Featuring-Frankie-Beverly

ONTARIO, CA- While millions of Americans will celebrate Veteran’s Day with parties, barbeques and a day of rest, the Marcus Heart Foundation will charge the communities of Southern California to “get up, remember, give thanks and to love a veteran!” The “Give Love Tour” 2013 is a three day star studded, celebrity filled, politically honored and community supported weekend from November 9th to 11th. The event will start at the Citizens Bank Arena, 4000 E. Ontario Center Parkway (Lot F) in Ontario, with the Free Family Fun Festival taking place on November 9 from 10 a.m. to  p.m. The festival will include over 100 vendors, live performances, kid zones, a food drive, giveaways and more. All veterans who attend will be honored with a meal and special notes of love from the community on the “wall of love” and they will also receive special thanks from city, state and government officials.
The food drive is a city-wide call to the communities of Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties to bring non-perishable food to various business locations from now until the festival. Those who attend the festival are encouraged to bring their food items on the day as well. The donated food will be given to the families of deployed, wounded and fallen heroes, as well as Veterans in need. A list of locations to drop of food will be available at www.givelovetour.com.
The festivities will continue at the same location with a night of remembrance Mega Concert with R&B Songstress Ledisi. The Mega Concert is a charity fundraiser through Marcus Heart  Foundation and a portion of the proceeds go towards various Veterans organizations servicing local areas. Doors to the concert will open at 7 p.m.
The finale concert will take place at the Valley View Casino in San Diego where Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, The Whispers, Howard Hewett and many others will be performing. The closing night performance concert is also a charity fundraiser sponsored by the Marcus Heart Foundation. Once again, portions of the proceeds will benefit area Veterans. Doors open at 7pm.
In between the festival and concerts is a Veterans Appreciation Motorcycle Run, which begins Saturday, November 9 in Los Angeles and will travel to the festival at Citizens Bank Arena. On Sunday, November 10, the riders will continue from Ontario to San Diego ending their salute at the Valley View Casino Center.
For more information on how to attend, volunteer opportunities and more visit www.givelovetour.com.

Photo Caption: From Left to Right: Michael Van Schoick, The National Theatre for Children; Beverly Powell, Region Manager-Public Affairs-Southern California Edison; and Wendi West, The National Theatre for Children, take a photo after the production of ‘A Bug’s Light’ at Rio Vista Elementary School in San Bernardino.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Last week, a superhero insect toured 10 under-served elementary schools across Southern California Edison’s (SCE) service area to teach students about electrical safety through a live theatre production of ‘A Bug’s Light.’ Among those elementary schools, Rio Vista Elementary School in San Bernardino was one of the schools where students received the treat of watching the production.
The production was produced by The National Theatre for Children (NTC), a production company that engages students in learning what they and their families can do to stay safe around electricity. Approximately 5,400 students seen the production during the week of September 16 to 20, as part of National Preparedness Month.
Edison International, parent company of SCE, donated $25,000 to NTC to produce the play to educate children in schools in Southern California, which included Compton, Alhambra, Santa Ana, Moreno Valley, San Bernardino and Oxnard.
“Safety is our number one priority and we want children, as well as adults, to know how to safe around electricity,” said Janet Clayton, senior vice president, Corporate Communications for Edison International and Southern California Edison. “When we saw how well students and teachers reacted to ‘A Bug’s Light!” last year, we were excited to bring it back again to continue educating children about electrical safety in a way that makes learning fun.”
For more information about SCE, follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SCE and Facebook, www.Facebook.com/SCE. (Photo by Naomi Bonman).