Thursday – May 16

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – This “Mind Your Own Business” Small Business Forum will include topics: ‘Managing a Small Business,’ ‘Conventional Business Loans,’ and ‘Micro Business Loans,’ with Loan Officers on Site. Sponsored by WELLS FARGO, a bank that understands that in order to successfully do Business within the African American/Black community, it must engage Small Businesses, the Black Media, and Faith-based Organizations. Wells Fargo has been continually working across the state and investing in African American/Black Communities. New Focus Community Development Outreach Corporation and the San Bernardino American News are co-sponsoring this event to help Black Business gain access to capital and “Learn How To Mind Your Own Business!” On Thursday, May 16, 2013, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ingram Community Center, 2050 N. Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92411(next to St. Paul AME).  Attire: Business/Casual. If you cannot, attend please send a representative; Light Dinner Served. Please RSVP by Monday, May 13, 2013. RSVP/Information: John E. Banks 909-804-8012, 504-450-1815, or Email to morganjeb1@gmail.com

By Lita Pezant, Special to the Westside Story — Linda Hudson-Smith the bestselling author of dozens of romance novels and inspirational books, died last Tuesday April 30, 2013.  Linda had struggled with lupus for many years, even serving as the national spokesperson for the Lupus Foundation of America.

Linda Hudson-Smith was a regular guest on the “Empire Talks Back” radio show prior to leaving her home in Rialto to join her husband Rudy in League City, Texas where he worked as a weatherman. Linda’s son, Gospel and Inspirational rapper Scott Smith (A.k.a. Justified) will join host Wallace Allen on the “Empire Talks Back” this Sunday, May 5, 2013 for a special tribute to this very special lady. Justified will share music from the companion CD soundtrack to his mother’s bestseller “Ladies in Waiting,” that was written and produced by Los Souls, and performed by him and Costie Payne.

A successful marketing and public relations professional, Linda turned to writing as a way of keeping productive and positive, after being diagnosed with the disease in 2000. She not only stayed positive and productive, she thrived, writing over 30 books, starting with her first “Ice Under Fire” (Arabesque/BET Books), which garnered great reviews and honors including Best New Author by the Black Writer’s Alliance, the 2000 Gold Pen Award, two Shades of Romance Magazine awards for New Romance Author of the Year and Multicultural New Fiction Author of the Year 2001.

As she continued to write and widen her genre, her reputation grew, and she traveled to Europe with her Lupus Awareness campaign. In 2003 Linda Hudson-Smith was named Best New Christian Fiction author by Shades of Romance Magazine, and in 2004 she won the African American Literary Show Romance Award. In 2006 the anthology novel “Thicker Than Water” (Kimani Press/New Spirit) was published featuring Linda’s short story, The Devil’s Advocate, and the book ranked #7 on Essence Magazine’s Best Seller’s list.  She continued writing until very recently, with a string of both romance novels and inspirational books, including “Forsaking All Others,” “This Far By Faith,” “Honor Thy Heart”, “Indiscriminate Attraction” and “Romancing the Runway.”

Linda Hudson-Smith was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and raised in Washington, D.C. Linda’s husband brought her ashes back to California, and she requested that there be no funeral service.  Her survivors include her husband Rudy Smith, her sons Gregory Lewis Smith and Scott Smith, and her grandchildren.  She will be missed by all who loved her and benefited from her kindness and uplifting spiritualism, as well as by the many fans of her books (lindahudsonsith.com).

Linda Hudson Smith met the challenges presented to her with a special grace and insight that was highly cherished and appreciated.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– SHAD CLUB # 62 hosted its 6st Annual Oratorical and Essay

Contest on Sunday April 21, 2013 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. The contest featured four young men competing for a top prize of $500. This year’s theme was “Do Not Judge Each Day by the Crops you Reap, But by the Seeds you Sow.”                 The contest is sponsored to give young men in the community an opportunity to showcase their talents in research, composition and public speaking. The contest allows participants to deliver their own words on the chosen theme, and then to recite an original or famous literary piece. In addition to the cash prizes, the winner of the contest received the Samuel Jackson Memorial Plaque. Mr. Jackson was a noted businessman and community activist in the San Bernardino Area.

SHAD Club # 62 is affiliated with the Gamma Omega Chapter of Eta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. SHADS are the husbands of active members of the sorority. The stated mission of the SHADS is to “be positive role models to young men” in our area. During the year, the SHADS sponsor or support other civic organizations outreach to youth in our area. (Photos and story courtesy A. Bell)

Westside Story Newspaper – Calendar and Services

SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday – May 18
URBAN FASHION SHOW AND ART FAIR PRESENTED BY LUE PRODUCTIONS AND THE JAZZ AND ART EXCHANGE – COME SHOW YOUR TALENTS!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Lue Productions and The Jazz and Art Exchange will host the Urban Fashion Show and Art Fair Saturday May 18 starting a

t 2 p.m. that mixes an urban fashion show with hip hop/R&B, art and live performances by local talented youth and adults. All local talent, live performers, art and artists, entertainers of all ages, and fashion designers, are welcome to participate in the show and art exhibit which will be held at The Jazz and Art Exchange, located at 132 South Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino.  The public should come out an show their support for the creative energy in the Inland Empire! Fashion Designers can also compete for a cash prize, and artists will have an Urban Art Factory exhibit.  Vendor products and services and Volunteers are both welcome! With award-winning designers Me’ Shaun D. Holmes (www.meshaundenise.com), male models Young Skatez and Bernard Skatez Borser, and toddler model Nevaeha Alford. Performances by R&B singer Yung Muusik, Hip Hop artist Paul Douglas aka P Hustle the Beast, and special guest judge DJ 5 Cents. Sponsors include CCM Entertainment, Rising Star Music Awards, Island Def Jam Recordings, the Westside Story Newspaper, Chef Music, AM Inc., Swag Models, Believe and Achieve Foundation, Artist Haus Records, Steene’s Southern Kitchen and the Jazz and Art Exchange Academy. Information: 909-567-1000.

 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Audrey Mathews, professor emerita at California State University, San Bernardino, received the Elmer B. Staats Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Public Service by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) during their annual conference in New Orleans in March.  The organization honored Mathews for dedicating more than 35 years to public service in local and state governments as a professor, budget director, planning commissioner and consultant.

“Professor Mathews is a role model for all of us for her outstanding commitment to public service through higher education and government,” said CSUSB President Tomás Morales. “The university community is proud of her accomplishments and remarkable dedication.”

“I am grateful and humbled that I would even be considered in the same category of those who have been recognized for this award before me,” Mathews said.

“I have dedicated my life to helping those in need in the communities where I live, work and play, never thinking my life’s dedication to the public service as something remarkable,” she said. “I’m just doing what I was born to do: mentor and provide a helping hand to those in need of my services.”

Mathews taught full time in CSUSB’s College of Business and Public Administration from 1996 to 2006, developing curriculum on diversity management, economic development, and budget and finance. She currently teaches courses on diversity in public organizations and organizational roles in multicultural societies as the CEO of Mathews and Associates, her consulting firm based in Los Angeles.

A 2007 National Academy of Public Administration Fellow, Matthews has also written numerous chapters in textbooks, journal articles and technical reports on topics of diversity, mentoring and urban governance. Professor Mathews received her doctor of public administration from the University of Southern California and a master of public administration from California State University, Northridge.

“I am so impressed with the ongoing dedication and commitment of Dr. Mathews to public service,” said Jonathan Anderson, chair of CSUSB’s public administration department.  “From her years of service as CSUSB faculty, including chair of the department of public administration, to her ongoing positions as a member of the San Bernardino County’s Planning Commission and Workforce Investment Board, Audrey is an outstanding public manager who continues to contribute to the San Bernardino community,” he added.

<h2>By Lue Dowdy,SAN BERNARDINO, CA— What a busy week – so much is happening in the community.  Please check out this week’s featured artist and entertainment happenings. I hope you’ll enjoy!</h2>

Artist Review: I’ve been blessed to work with all walks of life when it comes to artists. I’m happy to featu

re in this week’s artist review, Jayavana Rose Herbert an anointed young lady that’s blessed with the gift of dance. I’ve watched this talented teen grow into an amazing dancer for the LORD. The way she’s able to tell a story and deliver a message through dance, is truly a site to behold.

Jayavana Rose Sarai Herbert was born to the parents of Bishop Wallace and Dr. Janice Herbert on July 18, 1995, at St. Bernardine Hospital. She was born premature, 1 lb. 15 oz. Her parents were told she would not be able to live a normal life. She had club feet and a heart murmur. Her parents were informed that she would not be able to walk or do the things that most normal children do, through the faith of her parents, by leaning and depending on God. God supernaturally healed her “for such a time as this” to dance for His Glory in Jesus Name.

Never looking back or caring what her peers thought, Jayavana has managed to keep her focus on her calling. This young lady has performed at several community churches and community events throughout San Bernardino. Be on the lookout for Praise Dancer, Jayavana Rose Herbert, member of Servant Branch Ministries.

Psalms 107:20-21 says: “He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!”       

Entertainment Happenings: This is for all my art and wine lovers. You must check out The HourGlass Art & Wine Gallery located in the beautiful city of Rancho Cucamonga. At this eye catching venue you are able to purchase exquisite art, and sip on your favorite wine, while enjoying a show. The ambiance is warm and friendly.

The mission of The HourGlass Art Gallery is to promote the understanding and appreciation of the Arts through educational and exceptional exhibition which engage and educate the community within a unique network and cultural partnership. The Gallery is committed to inspire, inform and exhibit local, national, and international artists through showcasing their works of art throughout the year. The HourGlass Art Gallery, located at 8200 Haven Ave # 103 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, is also available for benefit events, lectures, readings and exhibits by non-profit organizations whose mission reflects the objectives of the gallery, along with gallery talks, panel discussions, workshops, and art demonstrations. For more information on events at The HourGlass Art & Wine Gallery, visit online at www.hourglassartgallery.com, or call 909-941-9300.

By Dedrick Muhammad, Sr. — Economic recovery is evading our most struggling populations with African American and Latino unemployment still nearly twice the national average. But, with the recent anniversary of Earth Day, now is a fitting time to highlight how the emerging green sector can bridge our communities to economic opportunity.

Green jobs help improve the environment and lessen the destructive impact that we have on our planet, and are steadily on the rise.  Nearly 3 million people are employed in the green sector ranging from manufacturing and construction to research, design, planning and development.

Green jobs are located in many of our communities, and urban centers account for 64 percent of all green jobs, and are highly concentrated in the West and Southern regions of the U.S. The vast amount of opportunities in the green sector explains the popular phrase, “green jobs equals good jobs.”  Green economy workers’ wages are 13 percent higher than average median wages; and green economy workers are more likely to report greater career mobility and advancement.

For those who want the right skills to qualify for a green job, training opportunities are endless with hundreds of programs available that provide green certifications and licenses.

Budding entrepreneurs should also consider starting a green business. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the sustainability of our environment. In one study, near half of the respondents wanted to see finance companies provide monetary or investment incentives to businesses that are creating new clean energy technologies or promoting innovative environmental policies and practices. The study highlights a growing trend of consumers employing more social responsibility when deciding where and how they spend their money.

So, if you never thought about securing a green job and/or starting a green business, now is the time. There are a variety of resources available to assist you in a green career, green training, or a green business.

Career One Stop (www.careeronestop.org) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and it’s Green Careers section provides an outline of green careers in today’s changing workplaces, and offers a job database to search for green jobs nationwide.

Green Programs, Certificates, & Workforce Development Training: The Advanced Technology and Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC) created a database to help you identify listings of environmental and energy technology programs in the nation’s two-year colleges, high schools, and workforce training organizations at http://ateec.org.

The Small Business Administration (sba.gov) provides numerous resources for entrepreneurs interested in starting a green business. Resources range from how to find your niche in the green economy to how to become certified and differentiate your product or service as environmentally sound.

(Dedrick Muhammad, Sr. is the Director of the NAACP Economic Department.  The complete column was originally published on BET.com)

Over 70% of California’s Small Businesses are Eligible for Health Care Tax Credits

By Herb K. Schultz and Elizabeth Echols — For years, we had a health insurance market that was broken for small businesses. With less bargaining power, small businesses paid an average of 18% more for the same health insurance plan offered to bigger businesses, and their premiums could skyrocket if a single employee got sick.

But because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), California’s small businesses and their employees are getting better choices, with new protections that limit the outrageous rate hikes small business owners faced in the past.

Beginning in 2014, California’s small business owners will have access to a new Health Insurance Marketplace, Connect for Health California—which opens for enrollment on October 1,2013. This allows them to make side-by-side comparisons to find a plan that fits their budget and is right for their businesses and employees.

Small businesses also save with new tax credits that help them cover their employees. Many small businesses with 25 or fewer employees have already received a tax credit of up to 35% of their health insurance costs. And beginning in 2014, this tax credit will go up to 50%. According to the Small Business Majority, 375,310 small businesses in California which employ 2.5 million people will be eligible for an average credit of $752 per worker.

Additionally, insurance companies must now also publicly justify every rate increase of 10% or more, leading to a sharp decline in double-digit rate hikes.  Insurers must also spend at least 80% of small employer premium dollars on employees’ actual health benefits. These limits have already resulted in over $1 billion being returned to small business owners and other consumers.

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and create two-thirds of jobs. Owners and employers deserve a health insurance market with fairer prices, better choices and greater certainty.

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees – that’s 96% of small businesses – are not required to purchase insurance, but qualify for tax credits if they do. Most small businesses over 50 employees (4%) already provide insurance. So the number of businesses that will have to begin offering employee health insurance or pay a penalty is minimal.

No business owner wants to drop coverage for their employees, and health insurance is critical to attracting the kind of workers they need to succeed. By making the health insurance market work better for California’s small businesses, the law is letting them focus on what they do best: delivering great products and services, creating jobs, and growing our economy.

To receive information and sign up for updates, California small business owners can visit healthcare.gov. (Herb K. Schultz is the Regional Director of U.S. Health and Human Service and Elizabeth Echols is the Regional Administrator for the Small Business Administration)

 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Third Annual Inland Empire Reggae Festival will take place on Saturday, May 11.  The festival will feature the Fully Fullwood Band, Hawaii Native Marty Dread Marty Dread, Dave Monaco & Friends (feat. Shinehead, Aalon, and Leroy Osbourne), Errol Bonnick, LaDee Dred, DJs Brigadier Jerry and Ranking Joe and special guest reggae radio disk jockey Junor Francis, a few surprises and more!  At the National Orange Show (NOS) Events Center – 689 South “E” Street San Bernardino (Inland Empire).  Doors open at 11 a.m.  All Ages Welcome! Limited Time Only: Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free. Kids 12 and under FREE when accompanied by an adult – Advance Tickets: $30 (General Admission) / $125 (VIP).  For Tickets call 888 718-4253 (6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time) .  Information: 866-514-3391.

By Lue Dowdy – SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Artist Review: Shaye Taylor Esparza, musical sensation. This 18 year old singer/song writer is giving her peers in the music industry a run for their money. I can’t express enough how talented this young lady is. Shaye, was one of the local artists featured last Friday at our Late Night Spotlight event in San Bernardino. She mesmerized the audience with beautiful vocals and piano playing. Her proud parents sat and watched with love and support.  She has BIG dreams and loves the Lord and people. Shaye has it all, beauty, talent, and a willingness to succeed. Believe me when I say, this young lady is going to go far.  Check her out at these links: www.shayetaylor.com; www.Myspace.com/shayedreams; www.facebook.com/shayeandthedreamers; www.myspace.com/shayeandthedreamers; shayetaylor(esparza)(AIM); shayedreams(Twitter); and www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/news/ci_13148494.

Entertainment Happenings: Last week I had the opportunity to see the Wayans Brothers, along with Davis Allan Grier, and Charlie Murphy at San Manuel India Bingo. Wow, what an amazing and funny show! The theater was filled with an eager and diverse crowd ready to LOL.

The Wayans Brothers, known for their hilarious stand up and acting skills come from a talented family. Shawn is best known for his DJ skills and Marlon for his acting and modeling. It’s no surprise to me why they’re loved by so many with their good looks and ability to make folks laugh. Both brothers appeared with their siblings on their brother Keenen Ivory Wayans’ hit television show “In Living Color.” Marlon and Shawn also starred in the their own WB sitcom “The Wayans Bros” and in the comedic films Scary Movie, Scary Movie 2, White Chicks, Little Man, and Dance Flick.

David Allan Grier, still got it! He was funny and engaging. Using his skills from his theatrical background, he pulled a young lady up from the audience and serenaded her. Now you can just imagine how gut busting that was.  Mr. Grier has vocals! David was also a contestant on the 8th season of Dancing with the Stars, and is also known for his unforgettable appearances in the  cult films “Amazon Women on the Moon” and “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” and for his many skits as part of the ensemble cast of  “In Living Color.”

 

Charlie Murphy, how I love this crazy and funny man! I couldn’t stop laughing when he took the stage, until he opened up to the audience about losing his wife two years ago to cancer. He explained the challenges of being a single father and trying to date again. Charlie managed to take his heartache and pain and make it work for him through comedy. I really commend him for that. Charlie achieved fame as a recurring performer on “Chappelle’s Show,” particularly in his True Hollywood Stories sketches, where he recounts his misadventures as part of his brother Eddie’s entourage, including encounters with various celebrities such as Rick James and Prince.

I didn’t know that, Charlie also worked behind the scenes with the hip hop group K-9 Posse, a hip hop duo composed of his step-brother Vernon Lynch, Jr. and Wardell Mahone. The group’s 1988 self-titled debut, Charlie was credited as the album’s executive producer as well as songwriter on the songs “Somebody’s Brother” and “Say Who Say What” in the group’s self-titled debut.

There are so many talented artists and entertainment spots in our city. All I want to do is tell everybody what it DO!