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By The Institute for College Access & Success

“The White House plan announced today elevates the universal need for some post-secondary education in today’s economy and the need to make college affordability a national priority.  The White House plan differs significantly from Tennessee’s and other “free community college” plans and addresses many, but not all, of those plans’ limitations.

“In particular, low-income students could benefit from the White House proposal because it is not a “last-dollar” scholarship like the Tennessee Promise, which only helps students who don’t already get enough aid to cover tuition. This is a critically important distinction because, given the relatively low income of community college students and the relatively low tuition charges at community colleges, last-dollar scholarships rarely benefit community college students with the greatest need and rather benefit those with the least need.  Instead, the White House plan provides greatly needed additional federal funding to states that make key reforms, including not charging tuition or fees at community colleges. The proposal is aimed squarely at stopping state divestment from public colleges, which is crucial to making college more affordable.

“Still, making community college tuition free for all students regardless of their income neither  focuses resources on the students who need aid the most, nor addresses the bulk of the costs of attending community college since tuition charges comprise only one-fifth of the cost of attendance. Consider California community colleges, which have the lowest tuition in the nation plus waivers for low-income students; application rates for federal aid are notoriously low, part-time enrollment rates are sky high, and too many students still can’t afford to stay in school and graduate.

“This Administration has rightly made college affordability a top priority, from increasing need-based Pell Grants to making student loan payments more manageable, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Administration and Congress to increase college access and success for students who need help the most.”

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Via Highland Desert Inland Valley News

Crouch, sometimes called “the father of modern gospel music,” led the choirs that sang on such hits as Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror and Madonna’s Like a Prayer. As a songwriter, he wrote several gospel favorites, most notably The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power, My Tribute (To God Be the Glory) and Soon and Very Soon, a song sung at Jackson’s public memorial service.

A San Francisco native who grew up in the Church of God in Christ, Crouch wrote his first gospel tune at age 14. By 1960, he had formed the Church of God in Christ Singers, a group that featured Billy Preston on keyboards.

He started another group, Andraé Crouch & the Disciples, in 1965, eventually signing to a contemporary Christian label, Light Records. Crouch brought a contemporary pop and R&B melodic sensibility to gospel, making him uniquely suited to appeal to both black and white audiences during the early days of the countercultural “Jesus movement” and also bringing him attention beyond the church.

Elvis Presley recorded Crouch’s I’ve Got Confidence for his 1972 gospel album He Touched Me, and Paul Simon recorded his Jesus Is the Answer on 1974’s Paul Simon in Concert: Live Rhymin’. Crouch also became the go-to vocal arranger for Los Angeles recording sessions that needed a gospel sound, working not only with Jackson and Madonna but also Elton John, Quincy Jones, The Commodores, Diana Ross and Ringo Starr.

Crouch’s gospel albums often featured guests from the R&B and jazz worlds, including Stevie Wonder, El DeBarge, Wilton Felder and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey. Chaka Khan, Sheila E. and vocal group Take 6 appeared on his most recent album, 2011’s The Journey.

His recordings brought him seven Grammys, and Crouch also received an Academy Award nomination for his arranging work on the 1985 film The Color Purple.

Throughout his life, Crouch struggled with dyslexia, sometimes memorizing words by the shapes of their combination of letters. He often drew simple pictures to help him comprehend words and write songs.

Crouch’s sister, Sandra Crouch, served as his spokeswoman, and the siblings were pastors at the New Christ Memorial Church in San Fernando, Calif., carrying on a work begun by their parents.

Crouch survived multiple bouts with cancer and also suffered from diabetes. In early December, Crouch was hospitalized with pneumonia and congestive heart failure, forcing the cancelation of his Let the Church Say Amen Celebration tour, which had been scheduled to begin Dec. 6 in Philadelphia. He was re-admitted to the hospital Saturday with what his sister characterized in a statement as “serious health complications.”

Alejandre taking Administration of Oath led by Mr Mark Sumpter, President, S B County Board of Education
(Photo by John Coleman)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Ted Alejandre took the oath of office becoming San Bernardino County’s 34^th superintendent during a ceremony today at the National Orange Show. Alejandre pledged to form a team among educators, stakeholders, community members and education partners to further academic opportunities for the more than 411,000 students who attend public school in San Bernardino County.

“Together, we will transform lives through education in our county,” Alejandre said.

About 500 community members, family, staff and dignitaries attended the oath of office ceremony. Alejandre was sworn into office by Mark Sumpter, president of the County Board of Education. Starting his career with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools office in 2008 as the assistant superintendent of Business Services, Alejandre brings more than 25 years of experience in public education to his new role as county superintendent. Alejandre is the first-ever Hispanic to serve in the position. Alejandre, who is a native of San Bernardino County, has worked in the Rialto, San Bernardino and Yucaipa-Calimesa school districts as a teacher, principal and administrator, prior to his stint with County Schools.

Hakim Hazim

“Justice is nothing more than the advantage of the stronger.” -Thrasymachus

 By Hakim Hazim

The grand jury decisions in Ferguson and New York should not surprise us. Justice is in the eyes of the beholder and the criminal justice system is not blind. It derives its power from the larger societal framework that simply has many preconceived ideas about Black males. We must work relentlessly to change this and hold the system accountable. We must also support the people who are doing that and exercise patience in the process. Keep in mind the two chief law enforcement officers in this nation are Black: Barack Obama and Eric Holder, and racial tensions are at an all time high. To their credit they are doing quite a bit, but they face an uphill struggle. We should follow their lead on criminal justice reform and we should do everything we can for the young Black men around us before and after tragedy strikes. We should also consistently deplore what we are doing to one another; it’s senseless not too. All of these things reinforce the notion, “Black Blood is cheap.”

Current law enforcement approaches toward us as a people and the tacit societal approval behind it must change. Society inherently nurtures the belief that justice is nothing more than the interest and the sustained advantage of the stronger, and it has played out that way for centuries. The rationale is, “If they did things the right way, they would get what I have and so would their children.”  Such self-righteousness obscures reality.  The fact is people do all they can to give their descendants an advantage in the system and they tilt the scales to their advantage. It’s true with race, power and wealth and gender. It’s simply a human trait of passing the best of your efforts, lessons and acquisitions to your children, but you also pass your biases on as well.

When we first arrived, justice was never considered for us as a people. It was an elusive concept for which we prayed, fought, bled and died for. To this very day, she seems a distant stranger to many of our people still in terms of access, resources, familial ties and fair treatment in terms of the criminal justice system. Although all black people have felt the sting of injustice, poor black folks feel it the most. Having little to bargain with or offer they are viewed as inferior, unworthy and an unnecessary, troublesome burden by many—even middle class and upper class blacks. Our inner cities are filled with Black-on-Black crime, fatherlessness and substandard schools. This fertile ground of dysfunction produces young men who think that they or their peers have little value. Feeling powerless, they prey on one another and lash out at the larger system. This crab in a bucket mentality is celebrated in the music of popular culture. The sad fact is this, many of us have not learn to value one another the way we should and King’s Dream falls on deaf ears to many of the younger generation.

Let’s face the facts: statistics show young people who do well often succeed because of the systems and programs that strengthen them. Things like a solid family structure and access to education, faith-based organizations, mentoring agencies, activity, athletic and interest development organizations and employment services, give young people a fighting chance. If not, their doomed from the womb. The deaths of so many young black males or own the hands of many. The Black-on- Black gang wars, stand your ground advocates and law enforcement officers have all contributed to this. Passivity is not an option. Let your voice be heard, or remain entrenched in hypocrisy. The choice is yours.

Hakim Hazim is the founder of Relevant Now and co-founder of Freedom Squared. He is a nationally recognized expert in decision analysis, criminality and security.

The 1st place winner of The PAL Center 4th Annual Christmas Tree Essay Giveaway Contest, Joanna Ballesteros along with CEO, Dwaine Radden. Previously, before the picture was taken and winners were announced, Dwaine Radden gave an amazing speech with the closing statement, “We are very proud of you all. All essays were very wonderful and I just want to encourage each one of you to keep up the good work. I’m very grateful to have a group of students like this who seems to know so much about the true meaning of Christmas. We at The PAL Center love each and every one of you.”

Christmas isn’t just about presents or just a day to celebrate, but spending time with family and friends. Having laughs and memories; I love spending time with my family especially my nieces and nephews. Also the smell of Christmas, the pine cones, food and coldness.

Most importantly it gives us the opportunity to cherish relatives. When it’s Christmas it reminds me of my mother, stressing while keeping a smile on her face, her warm hugs and sweet laughter. Now when it’s this time of year I wrap myself and keep warm with my nieces and nephews.

Even if there’s nothing to give it’s being thankful for what you have. Not only is it just a present opening day it’s also an eye opening day. The day the Lord, Jesus Christ birth is celebrated. Even though you do get presents still thank the people who got you something.

The 14th Annual Christmas Outreach was held on Friday, December 19 at a Servant Heart Outreach in San Bernardino  where 3,800 children received toys with special help and donations from 29 Palms Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Nestle, Stater Bros., Elegant Shoe Collections, San Bernardino County School District, and the Pacific High School Cheerleaders.

There were also Christmas characters that included Santa Clause, the Red Queen of Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, and the White Queen of Wonderland.

Cheryl Brown

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) was unanimously selected as the 2015 Legislator of the Year by the Alzheimer’s Association for authoring AB 1744, The California Family Caregiver Act of 2014. The Alzheimer’s Association will present Assemblymember Brown her award on Wednesday, April 29^th, 2015 on their annual legislative advocacy day in Sacramento.

“I am honored to be named the Alzheimer’s Association Legislator of the Year for 2015,” Assemblymember Brown said. “As the Chair of the Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, I look forward to working with the Alzheimer’s Association to ensure that as California’s population ages, the state provides the necessary resources for research while providing the best possible care for seniors living with Alzheimer’s.”

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. To learn about how you can help in the fight against Alzheimer’s visit www.alz.org.

. Pictured (L to R) are:
Ted N.C. Wilson, PhD, president, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Nancy Young, president and CEO, SACHS; Pat Morris, MD, former mayor, City of San Bernardino; Dale Marsden, superintendent, San Bernardino City School District; Tommy Ramos, education committee member, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians; Ken Ramirez, tribal secretary, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians; Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, president, Loma Linda University Health; Pete Aguilar, congressman-elect, California 31st District; R. Carey Davis, mayor, City of San Bernardino; Lowell Cooper, MDiv, MPH, vice president, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and chair, Board of Trustees, Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center

LOMA LINDA, CA- Groundbreaking ceremonies were held today for Loma Linda University Health – San Bernardino, the new health care and educational initiative in downtown San Bernardino. The ceremonies were held at 250 South G Street, where the center will be built across the street from San Manuel Stadium.

Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health, said that the project will help support the San Bernardino economy and promote health and wholeness in the community for years to come.

“Studies of the infrastructure of San Bernardino have found that there are two large unmet needs in this community,” Hart said.  “The first is a lack of skilled workers. The second is a lack of quality health care. Our new project will shore up both of those sectors of the economy by providing career education and health care for area residents as well as creating employment opportunities.”

The project involves three distinct, yet related components. The first is an educational center to be known as San Manuel Gateway College. Funded in part by a generous gift of $10 million from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, it will provide a variety of 6- to 12-month certificate training programs to prepare graduates for a number of rewarding career options in the healthcare field.

The second is an expanded and relocated multi-specialty medical clinic to be operated by Social Action Community Health System (SACHS), currently located at 1455 E. Third Street in San Bernardino. The third is a vegetarian restaurant designed to showcase the longevity-enhancing benefits of a plant-based diet.

Bradley P. Gilbert, MD, CEO of Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), noted that the expanded SACHS clinic will become a critical component of the IEHP delivery system with the increased primary care and specialty services it will provide to IEHP members.  Gilbert said, “Given the large growth in our membership, which will reach one million members soon, we need high quality, accessible services such as will be delivered at the expanded SACHS clinic.”

SACHS, which was started by Loma Linda University Health students in the 1960s, has grown to become the largest provider of health services in San Bernardino. The new location will not only offer considerably more space than the old one affords, but will also offer expanded healthcare options for downtown residents.  With a full complement of primary behavioral health, clinical, dental, health education, laboratory, pharmacy, urgent care, and women’s health services, the clinic will feature world-class health care provided by Loma Linda University Health faculty, students, and residents.  SACHS is a teaching health center, funded by the federal Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to educate medical residents.

“SACHS is the second-largest teaching health center in the nation,” noted Nancy Young, MHES, president and CEO of SACHS.  “Research shows that physicians trained in a community health center are three times as likely to stay working in community health throughout their careers.”

Hart said Loma Linda University Health – San Bernardino is designed as a LEED-certified architectural showpiece intended to beautify the downtown area with trees and gardens that promote healing and a sense of community.  The LEED acronym stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and indicates that the center will be environmentally responsible and will use resources wisely in accordance with the highest industry standards for green buildings.

The new center represents a unique partnership of local organizations eager to create a revolutionary educational opportunity in the region.  The City of San Bernardino, the County of San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Community College District, the San Bernardino City Unified School District, several non-profit organizations, and SACHS are partnering with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and Loma Linda University Health in this comprehensive project.

San Bernardino Mayor R. Carey Davis, MBA, said the new center will symbolize the city’s economic development to local residents as well as the surrounding communities and visitors who will view the new architectural display from the 215 Freeway.

“This represents a great opportunity to revitalize our downtown area,” Davis remarked.  “It will also begin to change the image of San Bernardino as a result of the building that is going on. It will show that economic activity is returning.  We see the collaboration and partnership as one that is very important to the rebirth of our downtown.”

More information about the Loma Linda University Health – San Bernardino project can be found online via this link:  www.lluhealth.org/sanbernardino

LOS ANGELES, CA- The dazzling Miss Barbara Morrison’s achievements within the community and music have been paying off. She has been nominated for a 2015 Grammy for “Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.” In addition to her nomination, she will also be coming to the Arrowhead Elks in San Bernardino on Sunday, December 28 where she will be doing a Pre-New Years Eve concert and performing a special blend of Jazz, Blues, and Gospel.

Morrison will be bringing her quartet along with her to perform. The concert starts at 4 p.m. and doors open at 3:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $25 and $55 for VIP and a meet and greet. All proceeds will benefit The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. The Arrowhead Elks is located at 1073 Mt. Vernon in San Bernardino (92411).