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Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Eta Nu Omega Chapter were among the “Divine Nine (9)” being honored on Sunday, July 20 at Immanuel Praise Fellowship Church by Pastor La Quetta Simmons, Pastor Kelvin Simmons and Minister Jenise Bush.

The “Divine Nine (9)” includes Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Founded 1906, Cornell University; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Founded 1908, Howard University; Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Founded 1911, Indiana University; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Founded 1911, Howard University; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Founded 1913, Howard University; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Founded 1914, Howard University; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Founded 1920, Howard University; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Founded 1922, Butler University; and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Founded 1963, Morgan State University. Collectively, these organizations make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

These organizations may be found in many college-educated Black families with a strong spiritual faith with a connection to “Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service.”   The “Divine Nine (9)” history is known for having a long tradition of benevolent, forefront of civic action, community service and philanthropy, including such trail blazers as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Coretta Scott King, Thurgood Marshall, Maya Angelou, Bill Cosby, Toni Morrison, Arthur Ashe, Lena Horne, Rosa Parks, Hattie McDaniel, Johnnie Cochran, Tavis Smiley, Harry Belafonte and George Washington Carver to name a few.

Members of these organizations take great pride in the sacrifices that the great men and women before them made through the grace of God that provided their current prominence as strong African American fraternities and sororities with a solid, achievement-based history and ongoing tradition of excellence in “servicing all mankind.”

As California faces its most severe drought in recent history, 15 water agencies and city governments from around the Inland Empire will launch iEfficient, a coordinated multimedia public outreach campaign to urge water conservation.

A dynamic advertising campaign including freeway billboards, social media engagement and a kickoff event at the Inland Empire 66ers game on July 22 will support this effort and ask thousands of local residents and businesses to do their part to end water waste in the Inland Empire.

“By collaborating we are able to reach more people with the message that they are a vital part of the solution,” said Bob Tincher, manager of water resources, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District. “We’re partnering with other agencies, but most importantly we’re partnering with the community to conserve. It is time for the IE to show the rest of the state that we take water
conservation seriously.”

iEfficient.com connects customers to existing tools and provides information on how to put those resources to work protecting local water resources. The site, and a mobile app under development, marries the knowledge and experience of 15 water agencies and local governments, making water efficiency convenient for residents and businesses alike.

iEfficient is one way local agencies are meeting the state mandate to cut water use 20 percent by 2020. Due to historic drought conditions, Governor Brown declared a state of emergency and asked all Californians to cut their water use by 20 percent. Real impacts are being felt across the state and the Inland Empire is no exception. These dry conditions mean that regions like ours are at increased risk for wildfires and must learn to live without imported water from Northern California.

“This drought is not going away any time soon,” said Amanda Kasten, water conservation coordinator for West Valley Water District. “By making conservation a way of life we can secure our water resources now and in the future.”

Together with the public’s support, the Inland Empire will serve as a model of regional cooperation and set an example for the rest of the state.

Participating agencies and governments include: City of Redlands, City of Loma Linda, City of Colton, City of Rialto, City of Riverside, City of Corona, Jurupa Community Services District, Yucaipa Valley Water District, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, San Bernardino Municipal Water Department, Riverside Highland Water Company, San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District, West Valley Water District, Western Municipal Water District, and East Valley Water District.

To learn more about iEfficient and to do your part to end water waste today, visit iEfficient.com.

Chief Moreno

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- After 24 years of dedicated service to the United States Navy and years of helping to preserve our freedom, Chief Victor Hugo Moreno, 42, will retire on Friday, July 18. Moreno dedicated his life to the service at the young age of 18, and due to being away for work he missed the birth of his four children, their first steps, their first day of school, and the birth of his first grandchild; however, he will not get to spend time with them, who are all now adults.

Prior to his military days, Moreno and his family moved to California from Mexico in 1976 and settled in San Bernardino in 1984. He then graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1990, and from there he joined the Navy. After his basic training he went home and married his wife the former Conna A. Turner.

During his years of service he served as a Logistics Specialist where he completed two Western Pacific Deployments (WESTPAC) “91-92” and “93”. In October of 1994, he transferred to his first Shore Duty at Naval Sub Base Pt. Loma, San Diego.  Picked up SK2 during this time, but more importantly his youngest son, Emmanuel A. Moreno, was born.

In July of 1997 he reported to PCD (Pre Com Detachment) Pearl Harbor and in January of 1998 he went to Avondale, New Orleans along with his crew to take the USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD-52), a Harpers Ferry class Amphibious Assault Ship, from the shipyard. It was there that he completed two more  WESTPAC’s, “00” and “01-02”. He also finished his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification (ESWS) during this time, and was meritoriously promoted to SK1 under the Command Advancement Program (CAP) in Jun of 2001.

Moreno has received several awards for his service, which include the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (four awards), Good Conduct Medal (seven awards), and various unit and campaign awards.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino High School is seeking sponsors for its 10th annual Miss Cardinal City pageant, scheduled for Saturday, September 20 at Sturges Center for the Fine Arts. Bilingual School Outreach Worker Jamie Rios founded the Miss and Mr. Cardinal City pageants to promote school pride and self-esteem among the students. The pageants have blossomed into a chance for students to develop leadership skills and become involved in their community.

Miss Cardinal City contestants, all high school seniors, compete in both on- and off-stage events. A panel of community judges will rank contestants in the September 20 on-stage events, including evening gown, interview, and sportswear. Off-stage rankings include grades and attendance.

Rios hopes local businesses will support the school and young ladies by sponsoring the event with cash or in-kind donations. Miss Cardinal City 2014-2015 will represent San Bernardino High School alongside reigning Mr. Cardinal Samuel Moreno and his court, Rosalio Cruz and Joseph Ortega.

Sponsors for the Mr. Cardinal City 2014-2015 pageant, held in April, included Toyota of San Bernardino, Fairview Ford, D’Arca Formal Wear, San Bernardino Councilwoman Virginia Marquez, Pat Williams of Angels’ Closet Charities, First Presbyterian Church, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hickey, Trophy House, Mr. Jim Smith, The Way World Outreach, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Arellano, The Sun newspaper, Dr. and Mrs. Michael A. Lawrence, San Bernardino High Class of 1952, and Stater Bros. Markets.

To sponsor the Miss Cardinal City pageant, contact Jamie Rios at (909) 881-8058.

By Naomi Bonman 

LOS ANGELES, CA- We all have that one big dream that we wish to accomplish. That dream that will change lives. This is what Creative Director of Fashion Speaks, Joshua Washington, envisioned in his dream, and it came to reality on Tuesday, July 8 with the help of the Los Angeles Urban League of Young Professionals and Cricket Wireless. This was the 3^rd Annual fashion show that Washington has hosted entitled, “LA-In-A-Day”, held at the Los Angeles Supper Club in Hollywood.

“With the production of this third installment, we remain firm in our commitment to provide a prominent stage for young designers to showcase their talents”, LAULYP President Abby Harris stated.

‘From the Beach, to the streets, to the office suites’ fashion show is all about giving back. Partial proceeds from the show are donated to support the youth empowerment programs of LA-based non-profit, C.L.I.M.B., Inc. Cosmetics of the show were donated by Ashley Reed of Mary Kay and hair creations were by Hair Republic located in Hesperia, California.

The hosts for the evening were fashion blogger and LAULYP member, Sharick LaMay, and actor Leo Brecken-Ridge. The two vibed well together as they introduced top designer brands which included Zalez Studio, Nour Amini Haute Couture, Drobe, J. Loren, Merlin Castell, Diamond Doll Collection, Krammer & Stoudt, Candy Coated Swimwear, and Nikki Kouture. Prior to the fashion show, celebrity and special guests walked down the red carpet for photo and press opportunities.

For more information on how you can become involved with the Los Angeles Urban League of Young Professionals, please visit www.laulyp.org.

WSS News Editor and interns with Diana Wehbe

Interview by Noelle Lilley and Ernest Carter 

RIVERSIDE, CA- One of the greatest gifts that you can give someone through the career of communications is giving them an inspiring message that will help them live out their purpose to fulfill their life in a positive way.

Since undergoing a battle with a cancerous Ovarian Cyst and Type 2 Diabetes in 2012, Radio Personality and Author Diana Wehbe used her outlet iHeartRadio and 99.1 KGGI as a platform to carry her message to the masses. Through prayer and patience, she fought her battle by changing her diet, along with her surroundings, and was able to lose 100 pounds in a span of 10 months. This then led her to launch her foundation, The Purpose Foundation, which has inspired and educated students and families alike to change the way they are living and the way they look at Faith, Food and Fitness.

On Wednesday, July 2, WSS News interns had the pleasure of interviewing and speaking with Wehbe about her career, her battle with her illness and her foundation. To view the interview, click here. For more information on The Purpose Foundation, visit www.PurposeTeam.org.

Ogom Chijindu

By Naomi Bonman

FONTANA, CA- It has been proven through various events that women can do anything that a men can do, and Los Angeles Temptations football league player, Ogom Chijindu (also known as O.G.), is set to compete on a whole new level as she completes head-to-head battles on Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge, which premieres Sunday, July 6 from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on CMT.

Each episode features eight contestants of both men and women who will compete until the last woman or man earns the right to take on the toughest obstacle course in America created by Austin himself, the “Skullbuster”, for a chance to win $10,000.

“We’re going head-to-head, toe-to-toe,” Chijindu explained. “It’s difficult for people to imagine women doing it, but we were doing everything that the guys were doing without a problem.”

O.G. was reached out to the talent crew of the show about a few highlights that they had seen online of her and from there asked her to send over her bio. The next day she received a cll back and was cast on the show.

“It happened really fast. I was kind of surprised, but I thought it would be a great fit. I love to play sports. I’m not really a gym rat but I’m very athletic, competitive and live an athletic life, so I figured ‘How hard could this possibly be”, O.G. states.

If she wins, Ogom plans to put the money towards her swimwear line, “My bikini line is different because I designed it specifically for the woman’s body.” She also stated that most are used to triangle bottoms and with her line she has a wide range of bottoms that compliment the curves of every woman.

After the Broken Skull, in addition to it launching her bikini line and being in season for football, the L.A. Temptations girl plans on going to law school sometime in the future. To stay up to date on O.G,’s endeavors visit her website at www.iheartOG.com or follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @iheartOG.

Lia Freeman, Miss California Plus 2014

By Naomi Bonman 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In the majority of National Beauty Pageants it’s rare that we see a curvy or plus size woman being represented, and as a result we then see a decline in the self-esteem of young girls who don’t feel pretty because they cannot identify with what is being represented. This why Lia Freeman, San Bernardino resident, decided to get involved and run for Miss California Plus America 2014, in which she was crowned.

“I decided to compete for my community”, Freeman stated. “I see girls with low esteem and I wanted to give them someone to look up to and inspire them.”

Freeman flew to Atlanta on Monday, June 30 to compete in Nationals where she hopes to bring the crown home; however, with or without the National crown, she will still promote her platform of empowering inner city youth between the ages of 10 and 24 through the promotion of physical, mental and emotional well-being within them. Through her organization, ‘Lia’s Got Good Cense’, located in San Bernardino, Freeman educates youth in the areas of health, education, and finances. She has dedicated her life to working with children, as well as volunteering with those with special needs, veterans, and senior citizens. She is also a advocate of literacy, which she was inspired to promote being that her Grandmother has been a librarian in San Bernardino County for over 25 years.

In addition to her philanthropic activities, Miss Freeman is a standout contestant in the competition because she is a mixed breed being Latina and African American. Not only is she bi-racial, but she is one of the first who has decided to wear her hair natural despite some of the judges stating that she should straighten her hair.

“I am honored to represent California and all of what the Miss Plus American pageant systems stand for, celebrating the inner beauty of each contestant and commitment to our community. With a Latin and African American background, I love that California embraces all. I am an Afro wearing, salsa dancing girl with love for country music, a true diverse Californian!” Freeman said.

Miss Freeman is definitely breaking barriers and providing an inspiring outlet to our youth that if they dream it, they can achieve it by going out there and making things happen. She encourages other young adult mentors to assist youth in finding their passions and bettering their community by finding activities that youth are interested in; such as a dance party, bowling night, skate night, etc., led by a young mentor that they feel comfortable with.

For more information on Lia Freeman and to keep up with her endeavors, please visit www.californiaplusamerica.com or www.facebook.com/MissCAPlusAmerica.

Noelle Lilley along with her Youth Pastor, San Bernardino Superintendent, her mother and her sister

The San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education honored 17 students with an Outstanding Student Award at the April 15 Board meeting.

Outstanding Student Award winners are recognized for achievement in academics, athletics, fine arts, or citizenship or for showing significant improvement in these areas.

Arroyo Valley High School Outstanding Student
Twelfth-grader Noelle Lilley excels in English and currently hosts a segment of the District’s talk show, Education Round Table. She plans to major in journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

Rodriguez PREP Academy Outstanding Student
Eighth-grader Daniela Ramirez-Rivera is outstanding in math, science, and the humanities. Her future plans are to attend college and major in engineering or architecture.

Palm Avenue Elementary School Outstanding Students
Sixth-grader Blaise Kaylah Austin is an advanced reader and has great problem-solving skills. She wants to attend college in San Francisco or Oregon and become a singer or fashion designer.

Second-grader Michael Kemp is a role model to his peers and volunteers to help his classmates after completing his own work. He wants to become a teacher, a firefighter, or a police officer.

First-grader Esteban Reyes reads at a second-grade level and is the class computer expert. He wants to become a police officer so he can help people.

Serrano Middle School Outstanding Students
Eighth-grader Angel Avila is a hardworking, thoughtful, respectful, and caring person. He wants to attend a local high school and enter a career pathway that will let him help others.

Eighth-grader Teresa Sanchez is a phenomenal writer and an excellent critical thinker. She wants to attend the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego and practice law in Southern California.

Eighth-grader Jose Valdez has excellent attendance and behavior and won a Principal Award. He wants to study criminal justice and join the FBI or CIA.

Middle College High School Outstanding Students
Twelfth-grader Carlos Cervantes volunteers with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Inland Empire and maintains a 3.85 G.P.A. He has been accepted to UCR, and he plans to dual major in history and English.

Twelfth-grader Marissa Eich is optimistic, creative, and thoughtful. She will graduate high school with more than 300 credits. She plans to attend the University of Redlands or Cal State San Bernardino.

Twelfth-grader Kwasi Hill has a great sense of humor, loves sports, and excels academically. Kwasi plans to earn a degree in biology or physiology from Oakwood University.

San Bernardino High School Outstanding Students
Eleventh-grader Thyara Z. Juarez has shown improvement in her academics and extra-curricular participation. She plans to attend San Bernardino Valley College before transferring to UC Davis and becoming a veterinarian.

Twelfth-grader Estevan Lozoya excels in his graphic design and silk screening classes. He plans to major in business and eventually open his own printing company.

Eleventh-grader Jordan D. Sartorio is improving his grades and his writing skills so he can attend the college of his choice. His goal is to someday design educational technology.

San Gorgonio High School Outstanding Students
Twelfth-grader David Tamayo has challenged himself by taking more advanced elective and academic courses than he previously had. His goal is to attend San Bernardino Valley College and become a certified machinist.

Tenth-grader Phillip Lopez’s grades and attendance have improved significantly. He also joined the track team. Phillip wants to join the U.S. Army and serve his country before becoming an architect.

Twelfth-grader Roberta Salgado has contributed to the positive atmosphere on campus through her involvement in orchestra, student council, and other extra-curricular activities. She has been accepted to several colleges, but hasn’t yet decided which she will attend. She knows she wants to major in psychology or criminal psychology.

CHICAGO, IL — Today, Johnson Publishing Company (JPC), launched its new JET magazine app.  The app replaces the printed edition of the magazine.  The new digital magazine app will add fresh content on a weekly basis, every Friday.  Readers will be entertained by 3D images, video interviews, enhanced digital maps, audio content and photography from the JPC archives.

The app will be available on all tablet and mobile platforms.  There will be a free introductory offer of 30 days for all subscribers.

Actress Keke Palmer, the youngest talk show TV host of her new show “Just Keke,” is featured on the cover.  Inside the issue, the actress discusses what it was like growing up on camera, her talk show idols, and dealing with social media drama.

“This is such an honor,” said Keke Palmer.  “JET Magazine was always on the table in my family’s home and it’s great to be their first cover as they enter into the digital age.”

“I am excited to carry the torch of the iconic JET brand into the digital realm,” said Kyra Kyles, the newly appointed editorial director of both JET magazine app and JETmag.com.  “I am confident that we can keep the legacy of the magazine for generations.”

The first JET magazine app will offer:

• The first 360-degree view of the JET Beauty, with enhanced interaction with the model
• An exclusive viewing of Black&Sexy TV’s RoomieLoverFriends debut episode of season three – available only to JET app subscribers until July 6
• A chance to win a VIP experience to the largest house music event in the country – the 25th Annual Chosen Few Picnic (2015) in Chicago
• Featured celebrities – Stacey Dash, Anthony Anderson, Trey Songz and Taraji P. Henson

Instructions on how to download the new app can be found at JETMag.com and Ebony.com.