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By Angela M. Coggs

Yonathan Habtemariam (12th grade), Jhu Maani Chess (10th grade), Arlington Rodgers III (Cajon HS Graduate/Morehouse Student)

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- On October 24, a group of San Bernardino City Unified School District students from Cajon High School embarked on a Historical Black College tour, along with 19 Los Angeles high school students. They were meticulously selected by On A Mission, Inc., a Los Angeles-area based mentoring program, to attend this trip designed for academically strong students ages 14 to 17. They returned to LAX on October 28, with a sense of life on a predominately Black college campus and a cultural experience in two Southern states.

The students had the opportunity five colleges, including Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Tuskegee University and Alabama State University. Each campus has deep historical roots and hometown feel. For many of the students, as well as some of the chaperones, it was their first-time visiting Georgia and/or Alabama. The students were accompanied by two teacher chaperones from CHS, Lavenna Ware and Dwight Hunter, as well as law enforcement and probations officers from Los Angeles.

Edwin Henderson, President and CEO of On A Mission, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides an after-school program serving students living in Los Angeles area, and beyond. The organization aims to teach life skills to the students, help them become productive adults in today’s changing world. They conduct youth educational trips to places Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia. This year he decided to take the organization first HBCU tour.

“I have taken students to visit Howard but specifically this was my first HBCU tour. I would love to partner with other schools in San Bernardino,” exclaimed Henderson. “The experience for the organization was amazing. On A Mission, Inc. is gaining so much more recognition now that I’ve pursued this full time and have partnered with various schools.”

Zanaiya Dancy (11th grade) and Alondra Smith (12th grade)

Two of the Cajon High School students, Zanaiya Dancy (11^th grade) and Alondraa Smith (12^th grade), who attended the trip expressed gratitude and appreciation that they were selected to participate in this college experience.

“On the HBCU Tour trip it was a life changing experience I was able to meet many different people and was able to learn many things such as what it takes to get to college, the responsibilities you’ll have to take on, and the challenges you will face when you are in colleges.

I learned that you are in control of your own life if you want to go to college you make it happen the only thing that is stopping you is you, you don’t have to be “the most wealthiest person” or “the smartest” to go to college just as long as you put in the effort and be willing to go the extra mile,” expressed Dancy.

“Also, I’ve come to realize that it’s not what you know but it’s who you know, get to know many different people, and be very open minded. In the end, out of the five HBCU’s we visited my top picks were Alabama State University and Clark Atlanta University.”

“During this trip I was able to see the history my African-American race. I was able to gain a new understanding what had to happen for me to be able to get into college and have a successful career. This trip made me to see for myself, all the things my ancestors went through,” said Smith.

“This helped me gain a new respect for everyone that has come before me, and all the people that have kept their tradition going. It was a great experience and I hope to join OAM on their next HBCU tour.”

In addition to visiting the college and universities, the students were afforded the opportunity to visit CNN’s Atlanta Headquarters, The Center for Civic and Human Rights and attend the Morehouse Homecoming Football Game. Former Cajon High School Cowboy, Arlington Rodgers III, welcomed the students to Morehouse and the football game, where is currently in his senior year.

Two things that the students took notice of, solidified that they were not in California. The student bookstores carried black hair care products. Not only were they available for purchase but they NOT locked up. Also, they were in awe of the menu selections at the Dwarf Door Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to the regular menu items, it also served collard greens, corn bread, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, and fried okra. It was a pleasant surprise for the group.

On A Mission, Inc., looks forward to including more students from the SBCUSD on next year’s international trip. For more information contact On A Mission, Inc. at (323) 298-4779 or email info@joinoam.org.

Kingdom Kidz

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Over 200 community residence came out to “Bring Your Best Praise” Youth Unity Service on Friday, November 16 to the Way Arrowhead campus. Everyone had a great time, the atmosphere was charged with first performance by Traxx, then, the first-place winners, the Kingdom Kidz lit up the stage. They dazzled the crowd with song, and dance. They were a collaborative group of all ages that captured the hearts of the audience.

The Pastors decreed youth to succeed and live and not die, become doctors, lawyers, astronauts and to give God the glory. Pastor Bryant Trujillo, The Way Church Youth Director, preached a compelling message of a being thankful unto God, which summed the entire evening. A care package was given to everyone in attendance. Go and see the performances on Facebook, and you be the judge.

A follow-up service entitled, “A Worship Experience with –Dejaye Xperience” will be on Friday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. at San Bernardino SDA Church located at 1696 North G Street in San Bernardino. A photo opp will be taken of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, place winners.  If time permits, there may be cameo appearances during the event. For more info call (909)883-2400- Office, or (909) 353-7977. Go to sbpastorsunited.org and to register or audition for future events.

Pastor Robert Cuencas, The Way Arrowhead Campus

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino Pastors United is having their first All Church Citywide Youth Unity Service. The Pastors are inviting the community to come out and support our Youth through music and good fellowship.

The event is billed as a gospel service; however, it has the impact of more like a Gospel Concert. They will be bringing together youth from various churches, uniting cultures and bringing together denominations to re-ignite their Passions to win more souls, cover our youth with compassion, love and a prophetic mandate for service; plus, spiritually revive the City of San Bernardino.

The theme is, “A Generation Giving Back, A Service of Thanksgiving to the Lord”.  One of the guest speakers will be Pastor Bryant Trujillo from The Way World Outreach Church Family, as well as Dr. Reginald Woods, Life Changing Ministry; Dr. Joshua Beckley and Ecclesia Christian Fellowship; Pastor Rick Alanis Jr. Victory Outreach Church, and many other churches. There will be performances by Rank, Hurt, Dejaye-Xperience, Wood Dr. and Roscoe, Gaime Ovr3, TRAXX, Chron Tatum, KINGDOMKIDZ, Ms Cardinal San Bernardino High School and several other upcoming artists.  The audience will pick the winner: First-Second-Third place trophies will be awarded.

The event is being hosted by Pastor Robert Cuencas, The Way Arrowhead Campus at 1001 N Arrowhead Ave St., San Bernardino on November 16, Friday at 6 p.m.

For more info call 909-909-884-1385 Office, or (909) 353-7977. Go to sbpastorsunited.org and to register or audition for future events. Light refreshments will be provided.  Thank you in advance for working together to Restore Our Youth.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) has been named the recipient of a Veterans Resource Center Grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. The grant provides just under $200,000 to enhance and expand services of the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) by allowing SBVC to purchase a new, ADA-friendly mobile cart, laptops and wireless access points, update the center’s front-line check-in area and replace worn flags, banners and emblems.

“The Veterans Resource Center at San Bernardino Valley College serves as a valuable resource and service hub for our student veterans and their families,” said SBVC President Diana Z. Rodriguez. “Being awarded this grant from the Chancellor’s Office will allow us to make necessary upgrades to our facility and better support our veterans as they strive for success.”

SVBC’s VRC opened in 2012 to support counseling, educational planning and transitional services to veterans and their dependents. The center was founded on the premise that challenges faced by veterans could be supported through a combination of student services, peer-to-peer networking and camaraderie through their transition to a nonmilitary lifestyle. Students utilizing the VRC receive academic and career advising, tutoring, peer advising and access to wellness and educational counseling.

An estimated 1.8 million veterans reside in California. As veterans return from their service, many look to their local community college as an affordable and accessible education option, and nearly 80,000 veterans and active duty service members enroll at California community colleges each year. The 2017-18 State Budget appropriated $5 million to be distributed by the Chancellor’s Office to applicants selected to participate in the Veterans Resource Center Grant Program. This one-time program provides grants to California community colleges to establish new or enhance existing on-campus Veterans Resource Centers.

For more information on the Veterans Resource Center at San Bernardino Valley College, visitwww.valleycollege.edu/vrc.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- Election results are updated as often as new data is received from county elections offices after the polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. Many ballots are not counted on Election Day; county elections officials plan to complete their work by December 7, 2018.

Click here to view results

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce (SCBCC) is proud to present its inaugural awards gala and fundraising dinner. Set for Thursday, November 15 at the beautiful and historic Rezek Centre (on St. Bernardine Medical Center Campus) located at 2101 N. Waterman Avenue in the City of San Bernardino. The event is set to begin at 6 p.m.

This promises to be an event you don’t want to miss. The entertainment is provided by jazz sensation Mark Allen Felton aka Panther.

The SCBCC is a non-profit business organization with a mission to improve the economic environment for the minority business community while fostering business development and prosperity.  The SCBCC also support the Alzheimer’s Foundation which provides resources, training and support for individuals and families affected by the disease and YouthBuild Charter School of California, a free, project-based charter high school rooted in social justice and community action for students ages 16-24, who need to earn a high school diploma. YouthBuild’s main focus is providing opportunities to low income and marginalized students.

The goal of the gala is to raise money to support the non-profit programs that the SCBCC serves and recognize individuals and organizations who have demonstrated dedicated service to the community through professional, personal and philanthropic endeavors.

Among the awards to be handed out will be those honoring Community Support, Community Advocate, Business Advocate, and the Humanitarian of the year.

The event promises to be a who’s who in the local business community.

Entertaining the gala crowd for the evening will be Mark Allen Felton. Felton, who is affectionately known as, Panther, is an entertainer extraordinaire. The saxophone is his instrument of choice. His musicianship is the stuff of the legendary artists that he holds in high esteem. Artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Grover Washington, Jr. and Kool & the Gang have influenced the Chicago native, and current Los Angeles resident. Panther has graced the stage with a number of legendary artists including Patti LaBelle, Jeffrey Osbourne, Chaka Khan and the late Al Jarreau just to name a few. He also toured the world with Ray Parker, Jr for five years.

For additional information on the Southern California Black Chamber Awards Dinner and how to purchase tickets visit the website at www.blackchamberofcommerce.org or call (888) 466-7408. Ticket prices are $25.00 per person, and a table of 10 is $250.00.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Last week, Youth Action Project (YAP), a San Bernardino based non-profit organization, announced funding from the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)’s 2018 Mentoring Opportunity for Youth Initiatives grant program or $500,000.

In making the announcement YAP founder Joseph Williams was accompanied by Rep. Pete Aguilar (D- San Bernardino), Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson and San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis. The grant will allow YAP, Young Visionaries’ Executive Director Terrance Stone, Sigma Beta Xi’s Director Corey Jackson, and the Youth Action Mentoring Network – to detect and assist Inland Empire students who show risk factors for opioid abuse.

“Our region has not been immune to the nationwide opioid crisis, and too often when a young person in our community struggles with addiction, they have no clear place to turn. I’m grateful for the work of Youth Action Project to provide Inland Empire youth with the resources they need to lead happy and successful lives free from the weight of opioid addiction,” said Rep. Aguilar.

The OJJDP e3p3 Modeled Grant will include the City of Rialto, and middle and high schools in Rialto.

Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson said, “Rialto continues to be a pioneer in moving initiatives forward that will empower our residents.  The e3p3 Model, created by M.H.M. & Associates (a professional grant firm) serves in creating strategically aligned public, private partnerships.  This win affords the City of Rialto, students and their families in being one of the first that will benefit from the program efforts to dress the Opioid Crisis.”

The project was one of 12 projects funded nationwide to provide mentoring to youth at-risk of Opioid abuse.

YAP, Young Visionaries and Sigma Beta Xi have all been funded under prior initiatives using the e3p3 Model, designed to accelerate grant resources into cities/regions, and were excited to see it work once again to further assist youth in the region.

Earlier this year, Rep. Aguilar’s office held a Federal Grants Workshop to highlight best practices and share strategies for success when applying for federal grants which was attended by a representative from YAP.

“Our youth are in crisis, they are being influenced by many fronts to experiment with drugs and we will do all we can to help them combat bad information. Now more than ever drug use is promoted in music, movies and social media. We have to continue helping and mentoring our youth in making informed decisions. The resources awarded by OJJDP will support our efforts to make sure the real winners are our youth,” said Joseph Williams President San Bernardino Community College Board District Board and YAP CEO.”

Today’s announcement comes just over one year since Rep Aguilar announced an additional $500,000 to combat the broader opioid crisis within the Inland Empire.

For questions regarding this announcement, the project or the e3p3 Model contact Joseph Williams at 909-75-1068 or call Luvina Beckley from Grant writing firm M.H.M & Associates at 951-692-4646 or go online http://mhmandassociates.com

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen IV

My number one recommendation is that you vote…  Either vote early, vote by mail or go to your polling place on November 6^th and pick up and fill in your ballot! I am willing to tell you how I am going to vote on State issues, and being that “Politics is Local”, I am willing to live with your decisions and deal with our local elected officials and staff at our regular meetings… Councils, boards, commissions, etc…

Regarding the eleven propositions that are on our state wide ballot; Prop 1; Prop 2, Prop 3, and Prop 4 are bonds… I vote Yes! They allow the State to Borrow money for these projects today and pay back with interest in the future. If you vote yes, be prepared to “follow the money” and how it is really spent! If you vote against them, we prolong the problem with no immediate replacement solution. However it goes those of us who are compassionate will always find ways to help others. And you can be sure that there are people who will need it!

Prop 5 allows a homeowner tax break for senior citizens… I vote Yes! I am a senior citizen homeowner!

Prop 6 repeals the recent gas tax and vehicle registration fee… I vote No! The tax costs me money and thus I am looking at a non-gas-burning –vehicle, and maybe you should too.  Plus our roads need help which means, “follow the money”!

Prop 7 saves daylight… I vote No! Whatever you do is fine with me, I am not a morning person!

Prop 8 reflects the ongoing war between health-care and profits… And in this case the unions are pushing for what they regard as their share. I vote No! Your vote will not end the war.  Only when we decide which is more important, profit or people, will that be solved.  Hint, people can create profit, profit cannot create people!

Prop 9 was disqualified by the courts!

Prop 10 gets rid of existing state restrictions on rent control leaving Cities and Counties to do as they please.  I vote Yes! If we don’t like what they do we can vote them out!

Prop 11 solves a problem that does not exist… I vote No!

Prop 12 is expensive for food producers, but I have been told that the less trauma in the lives of animals that are raised for food, the better the taste!  I vote Yes!

The SBCUSD Board of Education presented Outstanding Student Awards to 12 elementary students, including students from Anton Elementary School.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-VICTORVILLE, CA—- The San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education honored 12 students with Outstanding Student Awards at the October 16, 2018, Board meeting. The San Bernardino Symphony also recognized students by providing them and their families with free symphony tickets.

Outstanding Student Award winners are recognized for achievement in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, or for showing significant improvement in these areas. Students are awarded and inspired to have hope for their future by thinking about long-term educational and career goals.

Ramona-Alessandro Elementary School Outstanding Students

Fifth-grader Jesus Echeverria is an excellent citizen. He is polite and respectful to staff and fellow students. He is also a good student. He completes all homework assignments and takes good notes in class. Jesus wants to attend college, but he hasn’t picked a career yet.

Kindergartener Rogelio Mercado has just started school and can already identify his numbers up to 31. He is eager to learn, even at this young age. Rogelio has lots of time to decide what career he wants to pursue, and the Alessandro staff thinks he will go far.

Fifth-grader Kartavya Singh is an excellent role model. He is responsible, excels academically, is active, and appreciates music. Kartavya reads at the 11th-grade level and is a creative and innovative writer. He aspires to study physics at MIT.

Anton Elementary School Outstanding Students

Fifth-grader Gonzalo Ahumada is an outstanding role model. He is a great classroom helper and is very reliable. Math is his favorite subject, so it’s no surprise he excels at it. Gonzalo wants to become a police officer after he graduates.

Third-grader Natalie Reynaga-Gil is polite and kind. She is also a hard worker who always tries her best in the classroom and the learning center. Natalie wants to attend college and become a veterinarian.

Fourth-grader Kaziana Williams is a sweet girl who does her best every day. She is friendly and kind and has a positive attitude toward learning. Kaziana wants to become a police officer someday.

Arrowhead Elementary School Outstanding Students

Fourth-grader Dominic Guevara is an outstanding person. She is empathetic and helpful. She takes her schoolwork seriously, always staying on task and working hard. Dominic wants to attend college and study medicine so she can become a doctor and help others.

Second-grader Aliyah Orozco is an outstanding citizen and positive role model. She believes in herself and knows she can be brave and strong enough to achieve her dream of being a police officer. She also wants to use her artistic talents and create video games.

Third-grader Michael Padilla is an avid reader who is reading at a 6th-grade level. He works hard and takes pride in his academic achievements. Michael wants to attend UCLA and serve his community as a police officer.

Barton Elementary School Outstanding Students

Fourth-grader Itza Arambula is in the top of her class, academically. She scores in the 99^th percentile in English and the 90^th percentile in math. Itza wants to attend college and become a teacher.

Sixth-grader Dayra Perez is a model student and the epitome of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). She is responsible and organized. Her attention to detail is present in everything she does. Dayra wants to attend UC Santa Barbara and open an eco-friendly business.

Sixth-grader Zechariah Saha is an exceptional role model and scholar. He scores in the 97th percentile in language arts and the 86th percentile in math. He understands the importance of perseverance and displays leadership skills. Zechariah wants to become a singer/songwriter.

Danielle Lilley

By. Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- Citrus Valley High School senior, Danielle Lilley, recently received the MVP for the Citrus Belt League for volleyball where she plays the position of Outside Hitter.

Lilley’s journey in volleyball began at the age of 10-years old when a family friend suggested that she try a volleyball camp at California State University of San Bernardino. Prior to volleyball, Lilley had tried gymnastics, swimming and tennis.

Many Black children do not play volleyball because of the cost of club competition training and travel. It can be quite expensive costing up to $5,000 per season in California. However, with a payment plan and much sacrifice, Lilley’s parents made it happen, and the sacrifice and hard work has paid off!

Danielle has played for Rancho Valley Volleyball Club (RVVC) for 7 years. Her RVVC club teams have qualified for and competed in the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships for the past 4 years. In 2017, her team won the Gold Medal in the 16 American Division. They were honored by the San Bernardino mayor and city council.

“Danielle’s mother and I are very proud of her. She’s always been a good girl. I think with all of kids, we’re really just blessed thus far with how they have turned out,” Myron Lilley, Danielle’s father, stated. “We give all glory to God for having favor with them. She took two official college visits and kind of fell in love with Texas Southern, and for us we felt okay with Texas Southern because we used to live in Texas and we used to live around the Houston area. I also have family there; my wife has family there and we have close friends that are like family, so we felt that it could be the right situation for her and that in case of an emergency they can check in on her.”

At Citrus Valley, she has played on the varsity team all four years and has been recognized with all league and all Inland Area selections for the past two years. This year as a team captain, Danielle led her team (21-5 overall and 8-2 in CBL) and the Citrus Belt League in kills in spite of playing in fewer sets than any other scoring leader. Danielle scored 321 kills in only 56 sets for an average of 5.7 kills per set and a 40 percent kill percentage. 

She made the top 10 in CBL in 3 other categories: hitting percentage, service aces, and digs. Danielle scored a career best 30 kills vs Murrieta Mesa in pre-league competition.

I recently interviewed Ms. Lilley, where she chatted on her plans for after high school and her inspirations in getting into volleyball.

You recently received the MVP title. What was your initial reaction to that?

It was one of my goals that I have set this season and I really wanted to work hard and earn it. I was able to and I was over the moon excited about it.

What was the journey like in claiming the MVP title?

It was interesting because the way I found out was that my mom sent it to me. She was the first person to show me. I was really surprised. I was trying to calm down because I was in class when she texted it to me.

There are not very many African Americans in volleyball, so what inspired you to get into the sport?

I started playing when I was ten, so I’ve been playing for about seven years now. At first, I didn’t love it right away. I liked it and I enjoyed it, but the love came later as I built friendships and got better, and of course it always helps when you’re doing well and you’re good at something. I just became good at it and I found the love for it.

How do you balance you academics and your sports?

It can be very difficult; it’s not easy! My parents have always taught me how to get ahead of my school work and to get things done early so that I don’t fall behind. They showed me how to be proactive because it is hard to catch up when you fall behind.

What are your plans for after high school?

I just recently committed to play volleyball at Texas Southern University in Houston. I got back from my first visit about three weeks ago and while I was there, I loved it! I am also a music major which is a prodigious major at the school. So that is like a hand and hand thing, volleyball and my passion for music.

What some of your hobbies outside of music and volleyball?

I’m in two different bands at school: the symphonic band and the wind ensemble. That’s mainly what I do. I am also really involved in my church.

What do you have planned as you wrap up your senior year?

My band at school always has concerts for each semester and seasons. We have a Christmas concert coming up, followed up with a festival where we perform in front of judges and get a rating and following that is the spring concert. As far as volleyball, my club team is about to start practicing in a couple of weeks. We also have a lot of tournaments and qualifiers where we travel out of state where we play to qualify for the national tournament which will be held in Dallas, Texas this year.

What is for advice for our youth, especially our Black youth, who may be passionate or into a particular sport that may not be highly recognized in the community? How can they stay motivated to keep pushing forward?

My advice is to not be afraid to be different. I know on the court there are not that many African Americans, but that is something that you should take and be inspired by to be one of the few out there. If you’re not one of the few or one of the only ones on the team, then just be that one person that stands out. Don’t let not seeing other Black people out there stop you from doing what you want to do.