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Dinner with Dads

VICTORVILLE, CA- What happens at the dinner table stays in the hearts and minds of children. At least that is the message a group of fatherhood, community and education advocates throughout the Victorville valley are working hard to get out.

“Dinner With Dad” is a community outreach event hosted by hip hop recording artist, television personality (Men of Faith In Action) and Victorville resident, “Justified,” focused on bringing fellowship and resources to fathers wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of their children.

Dr. Ronald Williams, Victor Valley Union High School District, was a featured guest at the February 4 “Dinner with Dad” event. He shared the importance of both fatherhood and parent engagement in a child’s education.  As well as, how fathers can impact and create key networks for children and communities they live in.

Street Positive CEO, Terry Boykins, is an organizer and sponsor of Dinner with Dads.  He commented, “Years ago myself and other fatherhood advocates, namely Marcelino “Mars” Serna, discussed the importance of connecting fathers and student academic achievement, as well as, positive community modeling throughout San Bernardino County and the Inland Empire in general. Seeing these young fathers taking a proactive position to make a positive difference is very exciting.”

In addition to education and community, Dinner with Dad also featured speakers and resources on mental health, financial planning, travel, communications, safety, fitness, employment and other topics of interest to help fathers succeed in parenting.

For more information on Dinner with Dad call (442) 284.3733, or visit www.streetpositive.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Increasing diversity in corporate America, entrepreneurship and academia were the major issues discussed at the Select Committee on the Status of Girls and Women of Color hearing that was chaired by Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) in Fontana.

“We convened this hearing to examine issues that impact women of color in California who own businesses and work in corporate America.  Our major objective is to learn what the state can do to create a pipeline for girls and women of color to pursue business careers,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “Ultimately, our goal is to improve business opportunities for women of color.”

The hearing included testimonies by women of color who own and operate small to mid-sized businesses throughout the Inland Empire. Additionally, panelists from major corporations provided guidance on climbing the corporate ladder. Program participants included: Kimberly Freeman, Assistant Dean for Diversity Initiatives and Community Relations, UCLA; Dr. Adina Sterling, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Stanford Graduate School of Business; Dr. Sacha Joseph-Mathews, Associate Professor, University of the Pacific; Dr. Michele Turner, Executive Director of the Black Alumni Association, USC; Hilda Kennedy, President, AmPac Tri State CDC; Maria Molina Solano, Executive Director, National Latina Business Women Association-IE; Kiana Webb-Severloh, President/CEO, Webb Family Enterprises; Quita Highsmith, Franchise Head/Sr. Director for Tamiflu, Genentech; Jennifer Fisher, Intellectual Property Counsel, Boeing; Evelin Martinez, Area President (Inland Empire), Wells Fargo & Co.; Annabel Chang, Director of Public Policy, Lyft; Mahlet Getachew, Senior Legal Counsel, GoPro, Inc.;  Luz Rodriguez-Roldan, Assistant Manager of Human Resources, California Steel Industries; Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo, Director of External Affairs, AT&T; and Kim Winston, Senior Manager of Government Relations, Starbucks.

All panelists agreed that we need to inform women of color that business is a viable career path. Additionally, we need to make intentional efforts to encourage them to pursue business careers because they ultimately create more jobs for both men and women. Kiana Webb of Webb Family Enterprises spoke about her experience as the owner and operator of 16 McDonald’s restaurants and employer of approximately 1,300 individuals.

“As a business owner, one of the best things about what I do is that I get to create my own experience,” said Webb. “It’s not necessarily just the challenges that we’re facing, it’s also the opportunities that we are creating, and the path that you can make for yourself.”

Ms. Webb suggested that we need to continue to have conversations about what we can do to help women of color succeed in business professions. Likewise, panelist Quita Highsmith of Genentech, a biotechnology company, suggested that women of color need an advocate to open doors for them.

“For women of color, you need a sponsor that can open the door for you when the door is closed as they are having discussions about talent. You need someone in a position of power who can be your advocate; someone who’s willing to put their neck on the line for you. You need a champion, and a personal board of directors to provide you with professional guidance and emotional security,” she said.

Evelin Martinez of Wells Fargo Bank called upon corporations to rise to the challenge of supporting students and their educational needs. She stated, “I would not be where I am today if I did not have mentors along the way. I think the hardest thing to do is to ask for help. We can’t wait for people to ask for help, we need to reach out to them. We need to have a call to action for corporations to provide access to mentorship and information so we can fix the issues that we have.”

The academia panel echoed some of the same concerns, and added that not enough women are pursuing business degrees.

“Women of color are more likely to pursue degrees in social sciences than in business,” said Dr. Adina Sterling, Stanford University. “The UC system indicated that 209 women of color graduated with an undergraduate degree in business last year compared to almost 3,000 that graduated with social sciences degrees. One way to encourage girls and women of color to pursue degrees in business is to increase the number of professors and teacher assistants who look like them.”

Many studies suggest that faculty makeup has a direct impact on academic success among students of color. According to Dr. Sacha Joseph-Matthews of the University of Pacific, women of color represent only eight percent of faculty nationwide.

“We really need more faculty of color in positions on campuses,” said Dr. Joseph-Matthews. “Often, on campuses, women of color do not feel they’re included. They feel this is not a place where they can get a sense of community and that becomes a huge problem. If we do not have women of color in key administrative roles, where they can influence campus-wide decision making on recruitment, admissions, retention and student life; and furthermore, how can we make campuses inclusive spaces for women of color?”

The committee concluded that additional mentorship programs are needed to encourage women of color to pursue business. To view the hearing in its entirety, please visit: http://asmdc.org/members/a47/.  For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.

A study and recommendation by Keith McCarter, B.S., J.D., McCarter University

Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17980-17992, the city, county, state, health department or other relevant governmental agencies may bring an action in the courts to appoint someone to manage and repair a distresses property.

In our case, the government entity is the City of San Bernardino.  Currently the court has appointed one person as the receiver.  This article will examine more plausible solutions to the receivership program and to suggest to the San Bernardino City Attorney’s Office more viable solutions which will include the benefiting of San Bernardino citizens opposed to benefiting only one particular party.

To the City’s Attorney’s Office credit, they have informed me that they will soon be preparing an RFQ to find more viable receivers for the program.  Thus prior to the RFQ I have some specific suggestions on how we can have this program benefit our residents more.

I will start with a brief summary of the law:

The Law

17980a. THE CITY MAY CLAIM GIVE NOTICE TO DISTRESSED PROPERTIES OF 30 DAYS OR LESS.  AFTER EXPIRATION OF NOTICE THE CITY CAN A COMPLAINT IN THE COURT AGAINST THE PROPERTY AND ITS OWNER.

NEW PURCHASER OR POSSESSOR OF A DISTRESSED PROPERTY MUST BE GIVEN AT LEAST 60 DAYS TO CORRECT THE DISTRESSED ELEMENTS OF THE PROPERTY.

17980b  PREVIOUS LIEN HOLDERS MAY RELEASE THEIR LIEN AND NOTIFY THE CITY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF RELEASING THE LIEN.

17980c  IF THE BUILDING IS IN REALLY BAD SHAPE, among other things, THE CITY CAN ORDER THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE.

17980.1  CITY MUST TELL THE COURT SPECIFIC ELEMENTS OF SAFETY VIOLATIONS IN ORDER FOR THE COURT TO ACT.

RECEIVER MAY BE APPOINTED AND THEY HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF RIGHTS WHICH INCLUDES PLACING LIENS ON THE PROPERTY, GETTING LOANS TO REPAIR THE PROPERTY, MAKING REPAIRS AND MUCH MORE

17980.2  RECEIVER MAY RECORD LIEN

17980.3. THE RIGHTS OF A RECEIVER DURING AN ABATEMENT PROCEEDING IS NEAR EQUAL TO THAT OF A BANK DURING A FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING

17980.4  THE CITY MAY SUE ALL DEFENDANTS TO COLLECT FEES AND EXPENSES

17980.5  CITY MAY KEEP AN ACCOUNT SPECIFICALLY FOR THE PURPOSES OF REQUESTING AND COLLECTING JUDGMENTS AGAINST DISTRESSED PROPERTIES.

17980.6.  CITY MUST POST A SIGN ON DISTRESSED PROPERTY SAYING IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A DISTRESSED PROPERTY

17980.7.  AN OWNER OF DISTRESSED PROPERTY MUST COMPLY WITH THE CITY’S DEMAND TO REPAIR SAID PROPERTY.  IF NOT, THE CITY MAY SEEK A JUDGEMENT AND IMPOSE ADDITIONAL PENALTIES.  IF THE OWNER STILL DOES NOT COMPLY, THE CITY MAY REQUEST THE COURT TO APPOINT A RECEIVER.  A RECEIVER IS A PERSON who TAKE POSSESSION OF THE PROPERTY, MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS AND SELL THE  PROPERTY TO PAY THE COST OF THE RECEIVER AND THE LIENS ON THE PROPERTY.  IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT AS A RECEIVER, A PERSON OR ORGANIZATION MUST. “demonstrated to the court his or her capacity and expertise to develop and supervise a viable financial and construction plan for the satisfactory rehabilitation of the building.”

IN ITS DISCRETION THE COURT MAY APPOINT A NON-PROFIT OR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION AS A RECEIVER

THE RECEIVER MUST SUBMIT MONTHLY REPORTS TO THE COURT.  THE RECEIVER’S JOB IS FINISHED ..” when the conditions cited in the notice of violation have been remedied in accordance with the court order or judgment and a complete accounting of all costs and repairs has been delivered to the court.”

THE COURT MAY CONTINUE TO RETAIN CONTROL OF THE PROPERTY FOR AN ADDITIONAL 18 MONTHS.  THE ORIGINAL OWNER CAN BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO REGAIN THE POSSESSION OF HIS PROPERTY IF HE PAID ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE PROPERTY AND THE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPERTY

17980.8.  COURT MAY REFER MATTER TO ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS.

Rationale to Benefit the Community

With this summary OF THE LAW, we must keep in mind the goal of any program in which the city intends to initiate.  The goal is for the programs to benefit the residents of the City of San Bernardino as much as feasibly possible.

Here are things we must attempt to obtain with this particular program.  Firstly, any opportunity to buy, remodel and sell distressed homes should first be offered to the citizens of the ward where the property is located.  Secondly, if there are no takers, the opportunity should be offered to the residents of the city.  Third, the opportunity should be offered to people who are located in the county of San Bernardino.  Last but not least, if no one from the first three categories wish to purchase the blighted home, the opportunity may be offered to others outside the county.  In no instance should this benefit be offered directly to companies or people outside of our county first.

Let us go a little deeper into this conversation.  Taking into consideration the importance of the role of receiver, local people, non-profits and businesses must first be given the opportunity of becoming a receiver of a particular property because with this position lies the power to reap financial benefits.

Suggestions for giving ownership to the Community

First and foremost the City Attorney’s office must halt all appointments of receivers until a viable list of receivers which represents the community can be created.  These receivers must then be categorized by wards.  This is a must.

Only after this has been completed should the City Attorney’s Office  be allowed to use their discretion to recommend an appointment of a receiver to the court.  I suggest the use of the rationale stated above where the opportunity is first offered to a receiver which lives in or near the ward of the property in question

Option 1 to consider.  “It takes two to tango.”  Pursuant to Health and Safety Code 17980, after giving due notice the City can elect to file an action to initiate court proceedings.  However the city may use its discretion to facilitate an offer for a person or company to buy the property from the owner and promise to make repairs within a certain period of time after the purchase prior to filing a claim against the delinquent property owner.  Furthermore, pursuant to 17980b, the city can agree to release the fees and penalties on the property if the new purchaser makes the necessary repairs within a certain period of time.

This option will save the time and money of having to go to court.  Also, from the list of entities the City chooses from the future RFQ, they can chose a person or entity in the ward to solicit a purchase bid for the property.  These actions are wholly within the City Attorney’s discretion

Option 2. 

Pursuant to 17980.1.(a)  The city may request an “order to show cause” which is basically the first step in asking the court to appoint a receiver for the distressed property.

My suggestion is simple, at this point, while the city is submitting the required elements of 17980.1.(a)1  to  17980.1.(a)3, they can also submit a recommendation as to which receiver they wish to be appointed.  It is true that the final decision over who is appointed as the receiver is that of the court.  However, the court relies heavily on the recommendation of the city because the city is the party who initiates the action.

If in fact the city make a recommendation, then that recommendation should be that of a person or entity which lives in the ward, city or county respectively as stated above.

Option 3.  Simply stated, create a first time home buyer program centered around the revitalization of the distressed properties

These are very simple suggestions which will benefit the San Bernardino residents greatly.  I personally wish to see community groups, however non church affiliated, to become receivers of these properties   Bringing the element of religion into this already complicated equation will be detrimental to the efficiency and proper use of the public policies expressed in this article.  For this reason I do not recommend allowing church organizations to be appointed as receivers.  Last thing we need is someone injecting a 1^st amendment claim into a receivership matter.  This will undoubtedly cost much more time and money for a process which does not need to be so complicated.

One possible barrier to being listed as a possible receiver is the setting of an arbitrary level of needed capital.  According to 17980.3.(a) the receiver has the authority to get a loan to cover the cost of the repairs.  Thus, as long as a person has the ability to obtain a loan, they should be given due consideration for being appointed as a receiver

For Members of the Community

I suggest all organizations, not for profit organizations or even individual people who are interested in becoming a receiver to do two things. 1. Apply to the San Bernardino Superior court to be appointed as a receiver when and if needed.  2.  Complete the RFQ which the city will create in the near future concerning the blight of distressed properties.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In honor of Black History Month and African American Mental Health Awareness Week, the Department of Behavioral Health’s African American Awareness Sub-Committee, in partnership with San Bernardino Valley College, will host a Black History Month celebration, From Trauma to Triumph.

The event will be held on Tuesday, February 9 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at San Bernardino Valley College, Liberal Arts Building Room 100, 701 South Mount Vernon Ave., in San Bernardino. The event is open to the public and is free of charge; pre-registration is required and can be completed by contacting Jonathan Buffong at (909) 386-8234 (711 for TTY users) or via email at Jonathan.Buffong@dbh.sbcounty.gov.

This Black History Month celebration will include activities, performances, a behavioral health focused resource fair and presentations from San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Commissioners, Dr. Monica Wilson, Assistant Professor at the College of Letters and Sciences in the Psychology Department of National University, and Dr. Akin Merino, Chair of the Masters in Counseling and Doctorate Program at Argosy University.

“DBH’s Office of Cultural Competence and Ethnic Services participates and hosts cultural events like these in an effort to increase behavioral health awareness and promote the importance of culture in our overall wellness,” said Imo Momoh, DBH’S Cultural Competency Officer. “We invite members of the community, from every culture, to attend and participate in this event as an opportunity to connect with others, celebrate diversity and learn more about the important connection between culture and behavioral health.”

For additional information on this event, contact Jonathan Buffong at (909) 386-8234 (711 for TTY users) or Jonathan.Buffong@dbh.sbcounty.gov.

Original Tuskegee Airmen

By Naomi K. Bonman

PASADENA, CA- On Sunday evening, despite the rainy and cold weather, I enjoyed a nice evening out in Pasadena as I covered the production of “Fly” at the Pasadena Playhouse. The evening started with red carpet arrivals where special celebrity guests, such as Angela Basset and Vanessa Williams, came to support a historic production about the Tuskegee Airmen. Of course, a few of the remaining Tuskegee Airmen were all present and made their red carpet debut prior to enjoying the stage production that depicted their lives.

The cast did a phenomenal job of displaying the emotions set during the time period. It featured Brooks Brantly as W.W. (Off-Broadway: Significant Other, U.S. Tour of War Horse), Ross Cowan as Shaw (Portland Stage: Red, Berkshire Theatre Festival: Homestead Crossing), Omar Edwards as Tap Griot (Fly at Florida Studio Theatre, The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Loretto-Hilton Center Browning Mainstage, Ford’s Theatre Society), Anthony J. Goes as O’Hurley (Connecticut Repertory Theater: Olives and Blood, Chautauqua Theatre Company: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre: Paul), Brandon Nagle as Reynolds (Guthrie Theater: Mocondo, City Theater Austin: Death of a Salesman), Desmond Newson as Chet (Broadway: Motown: The Musical, 3D Theatricals: Hairspray, San Diego Musical Theatre: Rent), Damian Thompson as J. Allen (Off-Broadway: The Anthem, Around the World in 80 Days, By The Dawn’s Early Light), and Terrell Wheeler as Oscar (Florida Studio Theatre: Fly, Castillo Theatre: Children of Killers, New Ohio Theatre: That Poor Dream).

The Tuskegee Airmen flew over the skies of Europe and North Africa during World War II. Fly dramatizes the historic contributions made by the Tuskegee Airmen to the desegregation of the American military and the furthering of civil rights. After The Pasadena Playhouse engagement, Fly will then have its Off-Broadway premiere at The New Victory Theater on March 11, 2016. An earlier, 55-minute version of Fly was presented by Lincoln Center Institute, the educational arm of Lincoln Center, in 2005.

If you missed the opening night, there is still time to catch the production until February 21. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena. The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (NOTE: There will be no performance on Sunday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m.).  Tickets range from $25.00 to $77.00 and are available online at PasadenaPlayhouse.org or by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at (626) 356-7529; or visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. during non-performance dates.  On performance dates the Box Office is open Tuesday – Saturday from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The Pasadena Playhouse will also offer a special military discount for all performances of Fly excluding matinees. The military discount (buy one ticket, get one free) is available over the phone or at The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office. Military I.D. must be presented to receive the discount.

Ikhlas Saleem

By Ikhlas Saleem

In 1986 Whitney Houston covered the George Benson hit, “The Greatest Love of All,” which he originally recorded for a film biography of Muhammad Ali. Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote that Houston’s cover gave the “message of self-worth an astounding resonance and conviction…a compelling assertion of black pride, family loyalty and spiritual devotion, all at once.”

Now that I work in education, this is a song I often reflect upon when feeling emotionally tasked, particularly the opening lines: “I believe the children are our future, Teach them well and let them lead the way, Show them all the beauty they possess inside, Give them a sense of pride to make it easier, Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be…”

My grade-school friend, Yasmine Muhammad, who was blessed with the talent—and in this case burden—of a great singing voice, was requested to sing this song at every awards ceremony, academic gathering and sometimes basketball games because, why not.

I didn’t know it then but what an incredible message to continuously impart upon children—particularly children that were and are descendants of slaves, carrying almost 400 years of baggage of a dignity lost and a future almost impossible to dream.

So now in 2016, I can reflect and celebrate my ancestors that carried the burden of a back breakin’, cotton-pickin’ South, while spending their nights in hope of freedom trying to make sense of a language that was not their own, while being reminded that their futures lie in nothing but death or labor of the American South.

Nate Bowling has said it before and I’ll say it again, while the fate of black children lies outside of plantation fields, America isn’t quite ready to believe or concede that black children are the future. Instead there’s the exception. There’s the, “Jahmal, despite his circumstances, who has managed to exceed expectations.” There’s also, “Keisha who displays incredible potential.” And of course there a couple of kids from 90220 and 10027 that “made it.”

You see, it’s much easier to find exceptions rather than tending to the whole lot. The fact is we’re not teaching children well and black children are among the groups that suffer most. We’re not making it easy when we lower standards for students and teachers. We’re not making it easier when we lessen measures of accountability for our lowest-performing schools. And we’re not making it easier when we restrict school enrollment to a block-radius. What we are doing is limiting students’ ability to show us all the beauty they possess inside.

Pride is lost when a high school student can be thrown from her desk and arrested in front of her classmates. Pride is lost when disciplinary action is met with a school-to-prison pipeline. Pride is lost when you graduate high school only to take remedial courses at your local community college because your diploma is worthless.

I believe children are the future, but America has to believe that black children are part of that future, too.

From the Left: Sen. Bill Monning, Sen. Isadore Hall, III, Lisa Moreno, Sen. Holly J. Mitchell, Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, Sen. Mark Leno, Kim Carter, Sen. Connie M. Leyva, Sen. Mike Morrell, Sen. Jean Fuller and Sen. Marty

SACRAMENTO, CA- Local nonprofit leader, Kim Carter, was presented with a Senate Resolution at the State Capitol on Monday, January 25, 2016. Senator Connie M. Leyva, Senate District 20,  presented the resolution on the Senate Floor on behalf of Carter’s recognition as a 2015 Top 10 CNN Hero. “When we hear negative things about San Bernardino, we forget to talk about some of the really amazing work that’s going on there,” stated Senator Leyva. Recognized as a national model Senator Leyva noted Time for Change Foundation’s 0% recidivism rate achieved through their Positive Future Program. She went on to express that the work being done by Time for Change Foundation is truly remarkable as it fosters complete transformations, “It is truly amazing when people are given an opportunity, and shown what they can do, how they actually thrive.”

In a rare moment, Presiding Officer Senator Ricardo Lara allowed Ms. Carter an opportunity to speak. Carter electrified the room as she thanked the “body” for its leadership and expressed her commitment to making a difference in the great State of California. As Carter addressed the floor, she thanked all of the members for the work they do that makes rehabilitation possible. She now seeks to obtain an Official Governor’s Pardon.

With a compilation of support letters from various esteemed elected officials, prison wardens and high ranking members of law enforcement in support of her pardon, she hopes that somehow Governor Jerry Brown will hear of her request and give it careful consideration.

Carter exclaimed, “My goal in obtaining a Governor’s Pardon is to demonstrate that we have a system of governance and keepers of the law that would consider exercising its ultimate power of redemption on my behalf.”

At the conclusion of her address, many of the elected body stood in amazement as Carter’s inspirational testimony demonstrated her passion to help others. She tearfully thanked Senator Leyva for this pivotal moment in her life.

To view the entire address, please visit http://bit.ly/leyvahonorscarter.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Friday, January 15, 2016, Youth Action Project hosted YAP TALKS: A Martin Luther King Jr. event, to commemorate and honor Dr. King’s life and legacy. This event was held at the San Bernardino Valley College Library Viewing room.

YAP TALKS strongly resembled a TED Talks. Four speakers were invited to deliver 15-minute speeches that incorporated the philosophies, teachings and principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to current issues experienced by San Bernardino community members and its youth. Each speaker projected a positive message by bringing awareness to these issues and by sharing their insight on how we can resolve them. The speakers consisted of:

Enrique Murillo, Professor at California State San Bernardino and Executive Director of Latino Education Advocacy Days (LEAD); Johnathan Buffong, co-founder of Buffong Consulting and Mental Health Consultant with the County of San Bernardino; Raihanah Medlock (Grand Terrace High School, Junior), Sheba Jennings (Summit High School, Junior), & DeVon Clay (California State University, San Bernardino, Freshman); Lolita Lyles, Professor at California State Long Beach and University of La Verne; and Rev. Dennis Brown, influential speaker who is also known as the “Voice of King.”

The event also featured a special guest, R&B sensation, Abraham McDonald. You may have seen him on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Voice. He graced everyone with his humorous personality and beautiful voice.

Jonathan Buffong, a speaker for this event, said, “To see the community celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King life’s work and dreams is always a great thing. Youth Action Project went an extra step when they did YAP TALKS, as each speaker not only analyzed King’s memory, but also forced the audience to look at ways to actualize how they can implement Dr. King legacy in their daily life. That’s when you will see true change in the way we engage with each other”.

Eleven-year-old student, Alexis Gallarzo, simply said, “I loved listening to everyone’s speech, especially since I am learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in class right now. The best thing about this event were the girls who free-styled their poems. It was so cool!”

Carol Flores, one of the event coordinators, said, “It was an honor working on an event that served as an agent to promote social change. My goal was to construct an event that would make people think about their current predicament and take action by fighting for social justice and equality as Martin Luther King Jr. did.”

Youth Action Project had one purpose in mind when planning YAP TALKS and that was to host a community event that would impact a diverse audience. C.E.O Joseph Williams closed the night with a powerful quote stating: “Youth Action Project was pleased to host this event. Our aim was to see Dr. King’s dream implemented. I believe we did just that.”

Back row: Daniel Enz, Assemblymember Brown’s office; Garrett Dewhirst, Grand Terrace High School; Patrick Davis, Arroyo Valley High School; Ivan Gudino, Slover Mountain High School; Tatum DeMarco, W.A. Carter High School; Aastha Chaudhary, A.B. Miller High School; Michael Egiebor, W.A. Carter High School; Dominick Maiorca, Kaiser High School; and Ramses Jair Castro, Middle College High School. Front row: Lyzzette Martinez, Arroyo Valley High School; Johanna Silva, Alta Vista Public Charter; Rebecca Egiebor, W.A. Carter High School; Assemblymember Brown; Kalynne Brantley, W.A. Carter High School; Maria Mendoza, Kaiser High School; and Ashley Jones, Assemblymember Brown’s office. Not pictured: Josue Marin, Kaiser High School; Jordan Brown, Middle College High School; and Omar Moreno, A.B. Miller High School.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) held her first meeting with the 47^th Assembly District Youth Academy on Saturday, January 23.  The Youth Academy, comprised of local high school students, will work together to create a legislative proposal and organize a community outreach activity. Additionally, they will participate in professional development classes and district field trips.

“The intended goal of the Youth Academy is to improve the quality of life in our communities, while enhancing our students’ leadership skills,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “Our students are very insightful and passionate about making a difference in their community. I’m so honored to work with them, and I look forward to a successful outcome.”

During the first meeting, students were given an overview of the program; learned about the legislative process; and participated in an open discussion about issues affecting youth in the 47^th District.

“It was really great to understand the legislative process and know that I, along with other really brilliant minds, will be creating a piece of legislation that will hopefully impact our community,” said Johanna Silva of Alta Vista Public Charter in San Bernardino. “I really look forward to growing with the group, and helping solve some of the problems that face the 47^th District.”

“I’m very thankful for this wonderful opportunity to work alongside peers from the 47^th District, as well as our state Assemblywoman, Ms. Brown,” said Dominick Maiorca of Kaiser High School in Fontana. “I’m looking forward to helping the community through public policy and our outreach event. I cannot wait to begin our mission to gain leadership experience and to better the community we live in.”

This year’s Youth Academy members include: Garrett Dewhirst, Grand Terrace High School; Lyzzette Martinez, Arroyo Valley High School; Patrick Davis, Arroyo Valley High School; Ivan Gudino, Slover Mountain High School; Johanna Silva, Alta Vista Public Charter; Tatum DeMarco, W.A. Carter High School; Rebecca Egiebor, W.A. Carter High School; Michael Egiebor, W.A. Carter High School; Kalynne Brantley, W.A. Carter High School; Aastha Chaudhary, A.B. Miller High School; Omar Moreno, A.B. Miller High School; Dominick Maiorca, Kaiser High School; Maria Mendoza, Kaiser High School; Josue Marin, Kaiser High School; Ramses Jair Castro, Middle College High School; and Jordan Brown, Middle College High School.

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

Natalie Cole

By Billy Gee

Like millions of others, I was shocked to learn of the demise of vocalist par excellence, Natalie Cole.  She was close to the heart of many Baby Boomers, like myself, who not only thrilled at the sound of her mellifluous voice, but who also associate her with her legendary father Nat “King” Cole.  I had the privilege of meeting her when she spoke at the commencement exercise for the Berkley College of Music when I graduated in 1995.  She shook my hand and smiled as she congratulated me.  Her smile was the kind that could melt your heart from across the street.  The experience was truly “unforgettable.”  (Pun intended.)

Even if you never had the occasion to meet her in person, chances are that you felt that she was someone that you knew personally.  Each fabulous note she sang would find its way to your heart–to the depth of your being, as was the case with her inimitable dad.

Natalie may be gone, but rest assured that she will never be forgotten; for I know she will live on in the hearts of admirers the world over who knew and loved her through her music.  Rest in peace, “Sweetie.”