Local

LOS ANGELES, CA—– COVID-19 had put a pause on theater across the Nation, but as things have started to settle down, theater is now back in action! The Award-Winning show, The Penis Monologues: The Long Hard Truth, will be making its way back to the stage on December 4 and December 5 at The Hudson Theatre located at 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., in Los Angeles.

The Penis Monologues: The Long Hard Truth is an unforgettable journey into the minds of ten phenomenal men as they share real, raw, and riveting stories about their innermost thoughts and desires. It is a deeply penetrating performance.

This thought-provoking production is written, directed, and produced by Karen Roberson. Roberson is a prolific writer, actor, producer, TEDx speaker, community activist and an award-winning playwright.

A portion of the proceeds from The Long Hard Truth will benefit Mahogany Stars, a non-profit that seeks to empower at-risk youth in underserved communities of Los Angeles County.

To purchase tickets for the show, please visit www.mgproductionsllc.com or call (310) 291-5315.

By Lou Yeboah

I warned you when you were prosperous, but you replied, “Don’t bother me.” You have been that way since childhood— you simply will not obey me [Jeremiah 22:21]. So, because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; because you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. [Proverbs 1:24-27]

Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” [Proverbs 1:28-33]. I tell you, “It Is What It Is, and It Will Be What It Will Be!”

After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! [Revelations 14:8].

For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her just as she rendered to you and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow. [Revelation 18:3-5]

Therefore, her plagues will come in one day–death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’ [Revelation 18:8-10].

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? May it never be! [Romans 6]. As the Holy Spirit led Paul to write in [1 Corinthians 6:9-11]: “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. Hear what Peter told the onlookers when he healed the beggar at Beautiful gate: “Repent, then, and turn to God. That your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” [Acts 3:19].

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.” “Choose Life” [Deuteronomy chapter 30]

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles… And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting [Romans 1:18-23; 28]. “It Is What It Is, and It Will Be What It Will Be!”

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Matthew Jaco, from San Bernardino, Calif., musters personnel in the hangar bay aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Nov. 17. Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

YUCAIPA, CA—San Manuel Band of Indians’ Fire Chief Michael Smith continues to be fully committed to the success of Crafton Hills College (CHC).

Smith, a CHC alumnus, graduated from the College’s paramedic program in 1992. He went on to study at the University of Redlands, where he earned his bachelor’s in arts degree in biology before earning a master’s degree in leadership, with an emphasis in disaster preparedness and executive fire leadership, in 2016 from Grand Canyon University.

Smith currently serves as a director on the CHC Foundation Board, where he helps to raise funds for scholarships, emergency assistance and program enhancement support at the College. He credits his success to getting his start at CHC and said he hopes to help the College make dreams come true for countless future students.

“I really got my start in my career field at CHC,” Smith said. “As a graduate of the CHC paramedic program, I acquired not only the knowledge, skills and abilities to enter emergency services, but moreover the passion for doing so! My support now is driven by the desire to pull up the next generation so they can enjoy the same opportunity and rewards that I have.”

As a director for the College’s Foundation, Smith helps reduce financial worries for students. Last year, Smith helped the organization launch the “Because of You” campaign with the goal of raising $1 million for an endowment to provide long-term financial strength for the College.

The endowment fund is an investment that will provide a perpetual resource of unrestricted funds for the College to use as future needs arise. Ultimately, the goal is to create an endowment that would support the needs of all students on campus year after year.

Smith brings an extensive background in fire safety and prevention to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Prior to his position with the Tribal government, he took on numerous roles within the fire service, including serving as the executive officer and a colonel for the California National Guard’s California Cadet Corps. Smith is one of only a few dozen certified by the state as a fire chief and has been designated by the International Commission on Professional Credentialing as a Chief Fire Officer.

His dedication to service and helping those in need has taken him to all corners of the country. As a part of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team, Smith was a part of response efforts to the attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the disasters caused by Hurricane Maria to Puerto Rico in 2017.

For current and future CHC students, particularly those in the public safety programs, Smith has one piece of advice: “Make service a passion and commit to being a lifelong learner in your chosen profession.”

To support Crafton Hills College’s Because of You Campaign, visit www.craftonhills.edu/endowment. Your gift will provide direct support to students and additional funding for public safety programs, both n

YUCAIPA, CA— Crafton Hills College (CHC) is a 2021 Equity Champion for Excellence in Transfer for Latinx students, an award conferred by the Campaign for College Opportunity, for California institutions of higher education that lead the state in Latinx students earning Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT).

This agency will recognize CHC for its achievement during a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, November 16, at 10 a.m. This non-profit organization is devoted to ensuring that the next generation of college-age students in California has the chance to go to college and succeed. ??The Campaign for College Opportunity selected colleges for the award by comparing the number of ADTs awarded to Latinx students to their total number of ADTs.

CHC graduates, including those who earn ADTs, are well-received by universities. They have some of the highest admission acceptance rates to the University of California system among all Inland Empire colleges, with an average acceptance rate of between 70 and 80 percent for Latinx students who apply to UC campuses.

CHC President Dr. Kevin Horan said that ensuring student success and working toward academic equity for all students is what the College has always striven to achieve.

“This recognition is critical because it signals to students, both current and future, that Crafton Hills College is here to support you and wants you to succeed,” Horan said. “We want to see our students thrive while they’re here and set them up to be able to transfer to a four-year college or university where they can continue to work toward their dreams.”

CHC bolstered Latinx student transfer in recent years by creating many new ADT degrees and fully supporting a variety of student services across campus, according to University Transfer Center Coordinator Mariana Macamay. She described a cross-departmental effort to stay updated on legislative changes, transfer policy, collaboration, and best practices.

“The transfer center is not solely responsible for this achievement. It started with (CHC Communications Professor) Rick Hogrefe, who was instrumental in championing the creation of so many ADTs and the faculty who supported it,” she said. “Many of our students utilize a variety of CHC’s student services, including counseling services, EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services).”

Additionally, CHC has reached out to students nearing completion and created ADTs for programs with high Latinx enrollment. Macamay said CHC’s approach is unique because the various student support departments work collaboratively.

Since its creation in 2001, CHC’s University Transfer Center has focused on its mission: to advance the education of all students, particularly Latinx and other disproportionately impacted students.

By Kenneth Miller | Inglewood Today

Coaches push the athletes they train to put their all into mastering the mental and physical aspects of their sport, preparing them to edge out competitors and perform at the height of their abilities.

But there are real-life situations, it seems, when attaining excellence proves to be too much – or maybe just not good enough.

This seems to have been the case Oct. 29 when an impressive shutout victory for Inglewood High School in Los Angeles County ended up turning into a bitter crosstown game of guilt, blame and grievances. That day, Inglewood High football coach and former Cleveland Browns defensive back Mil’Von James led his team to a 106-0 victory over rivals Morningside high.

Since that shellacking, education authorities have blasted James and Inglewood High for being too focused on winning that they failed to exhibit a spirit of compassion and sportsmanship.

The California Interscholastic Federation -Southern Section (CIFSS), the governing body of high school athletics in the state, released a scathing statement regarding the wide margin of the game’s final score.

“The CIF Southern Section expects that all athletic contests are to be conducted under the strictest code of good sportsmanship. “We expect coaches, players, officials, administrators and students to adhere to the Six Pillars of Character – Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship,” CIF-SS fired off in a statement.

“A score of 106-0 does not represent these ideals,” the statement continued. “The CIF-SS condemns, in the strongest terms, results such as these. It is our expectation that the Inglewood administration will work towards putting in place an action plan so that an event such as this does not repeat itself.”

James, 38, said it was not his intention to degrade or demoralize the Morningside High team.

“I apologized for the way things turned out,” James said even though, during the game, he benched his defensive starters after the second quarter and most of his other frontline players in the second half.

But Inglewood continued to run up the score on its hapless opponent.

Anyone who knows James personally would know – and can attest to the fact — that his intent was never to bring shame to the game that he loves.

Coaches like James who have played college and pro-football understand the fierce competitiveness it requires for young people to succeed when pursuing careers as professional athletes. They train their students to be warriors, to dominate their opponents. Varsity sports is the highest level of competition in high school. Today, the advancement of training techniques and year-round coaching and development increases the likelihood that schools with the resources will outperform schools with sports programs that are underfunded or under-supported.

Since he became coach at Inglewood High three seasons ago, James has taken the team from a losing streak to being nearly undefeated. During that time, the team has moved from CIF-SS Division 13 to Division 2.

Inglewood student athletes have advantages in coaching and preparation that Morningside and many other schools do not.

James was a star on the football squad at Fremont High School in Los Angeles where he graduated in 2003. In college, he first played for the UNLV Rebels where he led the nation in passes; before transferring to UCLA and playing for the Bruins from 2003-2005.

After brief stints in the NFL and the Canadian Football League on the roster for the Cleveland Browns and the Vancouver Lions respectively, James began coaching high school football.

He is the founder and director of one of most successful 7 on 7 leagues in the nation, responsible for scores of future and current high school, collegiate and professional players.

Chances are, if you have observed any top football program in California, you have you witnessed his impact on young players, their development and their unmatched leadership skills – on the field and off it.

The Inglewood Unified School District also blasted James and Inglewood High.

“Regarding Inglewood H.S. vs. Morningside H.S. Friday night 10/29 game, we at the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) are saddened beyond words by the events that transpired at the football game Friday between Inglewood and Morningside high schools,” the IUSD stamen read. “We will conduct a full investigation and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that a similar outcome never happens again under an IUSD athletic program.”

High school sports, in many schools, is a training ground for college and pro athletes. Schools that have better resources will always have an edge.

It is unfortunate that this incident has placed a dark cloud over a  high school sports program. Inglewood High’s football program should be celebrated for its league championship and undefeated record in a school district that is still in state receivership.

About the Author

Kenneth Miller is the publisher of Inglewood Today.

The California Student Aid Commission will be hosting a “Cash for College Workshop” webinar via Zoom on Tuesday, December 7, 5:00 – 6:30 pm. The webinar will focus on helping Black and African students complete the FAFSA and get the financial aid they need to help pay for college.

The event is open to students statewide, and we are hoping to attract participants from every region. We would appreciate your assistance in sharing the attached flyer with students and parents, churches, community leaders, and community-based organizations and encourage them to register right away.

It is also encouraged for any dignitaries, community leaders and influencers to register for the event. Your support and presence will speak volumes to students and parents who continue to question the value of a college education and whose enrollment numbers continue to decline during the pandemic.

Registration link: https://t.co/JRFACUU68T?amp=1.

BLOOMINGTON, CA—- San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., in partnership with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino Code Enforcement and Special Districts invited residents out on Wednesday, November 17 to Kessler Park to see the new vehicles assigned to Bloomington.

By collaborating with the Sheriff’s Department and Code Enforcement, this event was aimed to increase the levels of protection and safety in Bloomington with dedicated personnel and specially marked vehicles.

By Lou Yeboah

Yeah, I know! But while very few people may want to hear this message that does not mean it is a message no one needs to hear. Repentance is difficult. No one wants to think about it. No one wants to contemplate it. No one wants to do it very often, and certainly no one wants to hear about it all the time. But the Word must be in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with great patience and instruction.

All throughout the Bible we see people being called to repentance. God, Jesus, Paul, Peter, John the Baptist, Prophet Isaiah, and many others, all were involved in clearly communicating to others to repent. Jesus came on the scene saying “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand. [Matthew 4:17]. The fact that you may have a problem with “Repenting” messages, speaks volume.

I write this not to condemn anyone, but this is the urgency we face. The Kingdom of God is at hand! [Matthew 3:2]. The wicked must forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts and seek the Lord while he may be found. There is no time to waste, no excuses to be made. Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation. [2 Corinthians 6:2].

Because, Jesus, whose way John was preparing, has come. He has accomplished his mission of salvation. He took our place under God’s law and lived a life of perfect obedience. He demonstrated perfect love for everyone, friends, and foes alike, by not telling them what they wanted to hear, but what they needed to hear. He endured rejection from the very people he came to save. He did not complain when the rulers of Israel unjustly convicted and condemned him to death. He willingly took our place on a cursed cross and endured the hell our sins deserved. He demonstrated his power by crushing Satan’s skull under his foot and ripped the heart out of death by stepping out of the tomb. Everything that Jesus came to do – he did. And all that’s left now is to clear the threshing floor of this world; to separate penitent believers from stubborn, impenitent unbelievers. Wherever God’s Word – his Law and Gospel – are proclaimed, that separation is taking place. Right here, right now, Jesus is busy gathering his wheat and burning up the chaff.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Behold, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you that you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

I tell you, there are some warnings that we can afford to ignore, some at which we can even laugh, but this is not one of them. Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand! There’s no time to waste. Life or death. Eternal glory or eternal shame. Heaven or Hell.” Whatcha gonna do?

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. [John 6:60, 66].

Repentance – A message No One Likes to Hear!

By Lue Dowdy

Spinning on the 1z and 2z we got Ty-tyanna Tarkington aka DJ TAI.

I met this talented DJ through a good friend that goes by the name of Yung Miss. I instantly fell in love with her beautiful spirit, voice, and work ethic. I’ve had the opportunity to hire her for several events and let’s say I was not disappointed. This Queen is truly putting in the work. Below are 5 questions I asked her to answer so you’ll get to know her too. Until next time L’s!

Where are you from and currently residing? 

When asked I always said I’m from Palmdale, but really, I spent most of my life right here in the Inland Empire- more specific Moreno Valley. I’m always grateful of my start in Palmdale, but really Moval is home. I’ve met so many amazing people while growing up out here that, When I think of home, I automatically picture the big Murda “M”. Currently, I live in Riverside because I studied at the UC, Riverside (Go Highlanders!) for my Undergrad in Political Science and just never left.

What inspires you? 

I would say my family and my curiosity inspires me. My family because without my family’s support I wouldn’t be who I am, but really, it’s true. My parents taught me to never give up or to cut myself short, no matter what. This has been my standard of life in everything that I do from academia to my music to even the company I keep.

My curiosity inspires me because without it I would have held myself back from learning/doing everything that truly makes me happy now. For instance, I taught myself how to play the guitar with no guitar… like how you learn how to do anything without the most important element! However, I was determined. I remember, I was watching video, after video, after video of guitar legends talking about the fundamentals and even printing out guitar chords so I could finger along. Despite it obviously being regular printed on printer paper, in my head, I could really feel the smooth glossy neck of the guitar and hear each nickel-plated string. Honestly, I think my dad was more excited than I was to hear what I would sound like that, he gave me my birthday gift a week early! My mom laughed and said, “your dad was so excited to give you your own guitar that he couldn’t wait anymore.” So, all that to say, my curiosity and family really inspire me to really be the best me I can possibly be. If it weren’t for my family being a positive reinforcement of love and support, then I wouldn’t have the curiosity I do to just challenge the difficult/unknown.

How and when did you get started performing?

I got started in performing with my family at a young age (I think like 3-5?). My family would do talent shows in our front living room on like Friday nights. My mom loves Sade and has her live performance DVD that she would like, perform for everyone, which I would say really piqued my interest in singing in front of an audience. But, once I started praise dancing in church, I really fell in love with performing and entertaining people. 

What are some of your hobbies?

When I get the chance to relax and just be, I like to practice new songs on my Guitar. I, also, like to knit, skateboard, and figure out samples and originals to songs. It’s something I just started doing more with Yung Miss, so what I’ll do is send her a song and ask her to identify the sample. I like trivia questions, so it keeps me on my musical toes. 

Past and Current projects?

It’s funny because I’ve been songwriting and singing for about 12 years, but I just started releasing music myself as of last year. My first ever released song is called “You and I.” I dropped it back in May2020; when I wrote the song, I had just had a bad break-up and I felt so lost. I had built a whole identity around being with this person and now they were gone… so the song is about my process how dealing with that transition. 

I just dropped my 2nd song called “That Sux”! I’m not gonna lie, I loved writing this song so much. I love R&B and Neo-Soul, so I wanted to make an R&B song. I wrote it while I was on my way to my shitty job (at the time) when the beat for “That Sux” came on, and all the words just came out of me so easily. I feel powerful when I sing it because it’s so different from “You and I”. Especially my mindset during each time period, it’s crazy to hear myself be confident now when like 5 years ago I was so “I can’t go on without them.” I love it, so make sure to check it out, it’s call “That Sux.” It’s out on all platforms, be sure to check it out and let all your friend’s family and coworkers know about it! 

And as far as new projects go… it’s top secret so I have to keep it on the hush hush haha. So, just make sure to follow me on my Instagram: @tymashoe for more music update like show performances, music video releases *wink wink*, and new music exclusives. 

I really appreciate @Lueproductions hitting me up and asking me to write a little snippet, even though I almost wrote a whole 10-page essay haha. I am so grateful for the chance to speak about my experience as an artist and share it with everyone. So shoutout to Lue for allowing me on her platform! *DJ air horn noises* 

Thank you so much and don’t forget to check me out at the Next Lue Production Event, “SO YOU SAY” December 29th at Shooters Bar & Grill in Temecula! The open mic starts at 8:15pm-9:15pm & performances the rest of the night. I’ll be DJing until Midnight or until they kick me out the club- whichever happens first- so I hope to see you there!!!