What It Do Inland Empire. It’s the first article of 2016. Let me just say thank you Lord for allowing me to make it. Now moving on I’m totally excited about this year and all its new opportunities we have for Indie Artist.

On Friday, January 22 in Santa Monica at the Dragon Fly Night Club, LUE Productions will be involved in the UNTIY JAM sponsored by Involved Records.  We have rapper Knoc Turn’ AL and sexy R&B singer Marques Houston starring and our very own Gwaap Fam opening up. The event will be a blast as we celebrate UNITY.

LUE Productions is always about being positive within the community and giving back. We have performance slots available for artists wanting to perform. Please contact us at via Facebook under “LUE Productions” or text (909) 567-1000. The same applies for tickets. Until next week folks L’s. San Bernardino Strong!

About LUE Productions: 

LUE PRODUCTIONS is an entertainment/management/production company established in 2005 with the mission of offering a safe and productive environment for artists of all ages to display their talents. Based out of the Inland Empire, we pride ourselves in bringing forth unique and entertaining shows. Specializing in Community, Corporate, and Private Events, we are strongly focused on the ARTS, the YOUTH, and the COMMUNITY. We work hard in our community and spend time giving back.

Please help us by checking out our page on FACEBOOK and clicking the like button. We hope you share with your family and friends! Thank you!- LUCRETIA DOWDY, CEO and Founder.

Donations in support of our efforts is appreciated and can be made via PayPal at
Lue.info@yahoo.com or (909) 567-1000.

Publisher’s Commentary   By Wallace J. Allen

Less than fourteen percent of San Bernardino’s eligible voters bothered to vote in the past November elections. Elections that selected five City Council Members who will make the major policy decisions to lead the city out of bankruptcy!

Sixth Ward voters get a chance for a ‘do over’! They will get a second opportunity to vote for the candidate of their choice. There is a special run-off election scheduled for Tuesday February 2. The special election will decide the occupant of the 6^th Ward Seat.  In the November’ general election, only 3 of every 20 people registered to vote in San Bernardino’s 6^th ward, did so.

Is it correct to assume that the other seventeen people who didn’t vote don’t really care who is “in charge” in City Hall? Or maybe they just trust the judgment of the three who decided to vote.

Anyone that holds elected position for a constituency that votes at a less than fifteen percent rate knows the people they represent “don’t really give a hoot”! How the elected official responds to that fact is a demonstration of their integrity… But we have to admit, it is probably difficult to drive a hard negotiation for your constituency when the elected official that is being negotiated with knows that the people that you are representing, “don’t really give a hoot”!

A Sixth Ward Candidates Forum & Debate is scheduled for 6 PM Monday January 11. Sixth Ward voters can see, hear and question the two wonderful women who are candidates for the right to represent the Sixth Ward.  The Forum is at the Ingrahm Community center, 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue.

If you are eligible to be a voter, you should care about the condition of your streets and street lights, about garbage and blight, about fire protection and police services, about parks and activities for children and senior citizens. You should care about business and job development! The list goes on and so does government that probably doesn’t serve you, but it appears that 17 out of 20 of you “don’t really give a hoot”! There is too much at stake to not vote!

“You will probably lose more by not voting than you gain by voting. It is kind of like treading water, you don’t get far doing it, but you can lose everything if you don’t! “- Wha-Lee.

Natalie Cole

By Billy Gee

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

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

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

Roxanne Williams

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino Six Ward voters will elect a new representative to the San Bernardino City Council at a special election on Tuesday, February 2. Bessine Littlefield-Richard and Roxanne Williams are knocking on doors throughout the Sixth Ward seeking voter support as they compete for the City Council seat.

Both candidates ran strong passionate campaigns for the leadership position. The question asked by many is, “Will the voters be as passionate about choosing leadership and get out to vote?  The general election in November drew only a small percentage of eligible voters, despite the fact that the City is transitioning out of bankruptcy and needs competent leaders.

Bessine Littlefield-Richard

The candidates will meet to debate their qualifications and platforms for the City Council seat on Monday, January 11 at the Ingram Community Center located at 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue beginning at 6 p.m. The Forum is sponsored by the Northwest Redevelopment Project Area Committee.   The candidates have been sent some questions in advance so that they will have time to research their responses as needed. The audience will also be able to present questions to the candidates. The candidates will also be given the opportunity to comment on any item or issue that is not included on the question list.

The candidates have been sent the following questions: What is your vision for Mt Vernon Ave and what is your plan? What is the status of the State Street Extension and your thoughts/plan to complete it? What do you know about the City’s Receivership Program… Does it allow for San Bernardino 6^th ward residents to participate as investors? Should it? What will you do to make that program work for 6^th Ward Residents?

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“…  A fresh anointing is flowing my way; It’s a season of power and prosperity; The devil’s time is up, no longer can he bother me; ‘Cause the Creator of the universe, He fathers me; And it’s transferable, my children’s children shall be free; If you don’t know by now, you need to know it’s Jubilee; Where debts are canceled and your children walk in victory; … A new horizon; And no greater time for you to make a choice and take a stand; … All that was stolen is returned a hundred fold; Tried in the fire but coming out gold; …To every promise take a hold; It’s a New Season, It’s a New Day” [Israel Houghton Lyrics].

I don’t know about you, but today marks the beginning of a “New Season” for me. Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters… I am about to do a new thing… forget the former things”[Isaiah 43:18-19].  Now you can say what you want to say, but I say Amen to new things! You see if you are ever going to move on to new things in Christ, you must learn that you cannot depend upon past victories to sustain you. You cannot allow your past failures to possess you… In the book of [Habakkuk 1:5] the prophet was told: ‘Look around you, Habakkuk, among the nations, and see and be astonished, astounded, for I am putting into effect a work in your days, such that you would not believe it though you were told it!” I want you to know that God did a new thing in Isaiah’s day, He did a new thing in Messiah’s day, He did a new thing in the days of Pentecost, He did a new thing in the days of the Apostles, He did a new thing in the days of historical revival and He is going to do a new thing in Lou days. He said it, I believe it! – Oh, I tell you “It’s a New Season, It’s a New Day”… A year full of possibilities… A year full of opportunities! You hear what I’m saying to you, “A New Season, a New Day!”

But wait a minute; the Spirit is saying “That some of you are stuck in a rut, stumbling through life. You’re living off manna instead of feasting on God’s abundance. You’re wandering through the wilderness instead of inhabiting the Holy Land.” The Spirit says, “That it’s time now to make your move. It’s time now to receive what God has for you. It’s time now to enter the Promised Land.” For a place of promise awaits you: of contentment and joy and peace and abundance and satisfaction. It’s a land flowing with milk and honey; and God is waiting for you to enter. The Spirit says, “Don’t dwell on the pass; Turn the page.  Look ahead to what God will do in your life, today and tomorrow. Stake your claim on your territory. Begin to expect God to give you dominion in every area of your life.”

“Soon in your hand will be placed a priceless gift… Look at it closely.  There is no price maker stamped on it.  It cannot be weighed, because no scale can balance its value.  A king’s ransom in comparison is as nothing, yet it is given to beggar and prince alike.  The giver asks only that it be used wisely and well. This jewel, rare and unique, is not displayed in any shop window. It cannot be purchased, cannot be sold. No other treasure holds the possibilities this gift offers — none can surpass its golden splendor.  Of all gifts, this is one of the most precious. It has been offered many times before; today, from the depths of a limitless love it will be given again. It will be left to you to find the golden thread running through it. Only with great care will the jewel retain its luster.  Carelessness, ingratitude and selfishness will tarnish the brilliance, break the unspoiled thread, and mar the perfection.  Guard it closely, lest through weak fingers it slips from the hand.  Look often at its faultless beauty. Accept it as it is offered from the heart of the giver. Consider it as the most treasured of possessions, for of all gifts it is by far the greatest. It is the gift of the New Year.” I tell you, “It’s a New Season… It’s a New Day!”

The Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, hosts the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast to be held on January 18^th at 7:30am at California State University Coussoulis Arena, in San Bernardino. We invite the entire city to join us at our new location, Cal State University San Bernardino, come out and help us salute a man’s whose legacy continues to thrive in our hearts as we work together to build a better world.

This year we are asking all to join us in a spectacular reenactment of a “Civil Rights Freedom Ride” to City Hall on Omni Trans SBX bus for our after breakfast festivities and our “March’ around the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue located in front of San Bernardino City Hall. Guided by our own 6^th Ward Council member Rikke Van Johnson. Omni-Trans has so graciously provided coupons to travel from Cal State University San Bernardino, to City Hall and back, to culminate our celebration activities as we traditionally do in a final “March” around the statue. This year’s program feature includes, Patrick Hewitt renowned artist, who will tell you short stories about Dr. Rosa Parks and her contribution to the civil rights era and also his endeavor to commemorate her memory. Mrs. Vickie Lee-Nichols will render and explosive drama rendition depicting the periods of which the civil rights and recent tragedies have given us hope!

Please contact our office at 909-474-7036 to purchase a ticket or table for the breakfast, to obtain a coupon for the “Civil Rights Freedom Ride”.  We are still accepting sponsorship especially tables to be provided for youth.  This is an educational opportunity event you will not want to miss, your youth, or family to lose out on. A generational experience, to treasure for years to come!

The bus route map can be found on the back of our fliers, and coupons can be received with a ticket purchase, or prior notification by contacting the office.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- At approximately 1 p.m. Monday afternoon, the San Bernardino Police Department received a 911 text from a woman having a heart attack and was able to dispatch fire personnel to her in time to save her life.

The text came from a 52-year-old woman who lives alone in her San Bernardino home and is hearing impaired. With this new system, which was officially rolled out just two weeks ago on December 10, the woman was able to summon immediate assistance and fire personnel transported her to St. Bernadine’s Medical Center where she is expected to make a full recovery

“This is a huge step toward ensuring the safety of the speech and hearing impaired residents of our communities and also represents a vital mechanism toward getting help to those whose safety would be further jeopardized by audibly calling 911,” said San Bernardino Police Department Lieutenant Mike Madden.  “The ‘Call when you can – Text when you can’t.’ Text-to-911 technology possibly helped in saving a life today.   We are also immensely thankful to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for spearheading this project and making our region the driving force in the Western United States in text-to-911.”

The San Bernardino County law enforcement agencies that can accept the 911 texts are Barstow, Chino, CHP Barstow and Inland Empire, Colton, Cal State San Bernardino, Fontana, Mon       tclair, Ontario, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino City, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Valley and Desert Dispatch Centers, and Upland.

PALM SPRINGS, CA- Gearing up for another outstanding season of cultural festivities, the Palm Springs Black History Committee invites members of the community to participate in its yearly ceremonial Gospel Fest. The event, which heralds the official kickoff of the year’s Black History Month celebrations, is scheduled to take place Sunday, January 31, 2016.

Promising to be an afternoon rooted in culture and tradition, the Gospel Fest will set the pace for the 2016 Black History Month theme “Hallowed Grounds of African American History.”  It aims to highlight the rich cultural legacy upon which the Palm Springs African American community has forged here in the desert region.

“Gospel music has always been important to our community,” says Linda Gray, Gospel Fest committee chairperson and long time Palm Springs resident. “It has been a means by which we gather and communicate to express our spirituality along with our connection to each other.”

According to Gray, the Gospel Fest has traditionally held a very significant role in the Black History Month celebrations. It first started out as an all community choir made up of desert residents from across the Coachella valley.  The choir, which sung at the grand opening celebration, became the official launch to the season’s programming.  This tradition soon evolved into an event all within itself allowing the Gospel Fest to garner the position as the official opening of Black History Month for the Desert residents. It serves as a catalyst to gather the community and set the tone for the festivities to come.

Members of the community of all ages are invited to participate as we gather to celebrate and share the vast talent represented in our region. The event is scheduled to take place United Methodist Church 1555 E. Alejo Road in Palm Springs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission to the general public is $2. The deadline for talent to apply is Friday, January 15, 2016. For more information contact Linda.gray@palmspringsca.gov or visit www.Palmspringsblackhistory.org

By Josh Dreiband

 Rock Blackwell, The World Boxing Union (WBU) novice world champion who has gone 15-0 as a pro internationally in the IBL (Spain, Great Britian, Scotland) and is now currently ranked with the WBU and IBU. Over the summer, Blackwell announced that he would be using his skill in the ring for good. Rock Blackwell has teamed up with The My Sister Cares Foundation, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to giving food, shelter and clothing to orphans in Africa, to rebuild orphanages in Cameroon.

On June 5, 2016 the WBU and IBU ranked boxer and the My Sister Cares Foundation will travel to Cameroon to break ground on their first orphanage. Blackwell, who was born and raised in Baltimore with heritage from  Yehuda, Israel. The champion of the Hebrews believes it is his calling to help restore his people, and he’s going to begin with Cameroon.

Upon their arrival on June 5th, Rock Blackwell and My Sister Cares will supply $65,000 worth of food, gas, clothes, shoes, toys and books to the children and families of Cameroon. Rock Blackwell will also be holding a boxing seminar for the kids in Cameroon’s capitol, where the Cameroon Boxing Federation will honor him for his charitable efforts

Rock Blackwell’s first trip to Africa will be one with a warm welcome. The first lady of Cameroon will be in attendance at Cameroon’s capital to receive the champ and do a traditional royal dressing, in honor of his charity.

2016 Blackwell will return to boxing under the traditional ABC, a year filled with Tv fights, championship bouts, guest star appearances and more.

WHAT IT DO you beautiful people, WHAT IT DO! So as the year comes to an end, I would like to end my column with the talented artist from the Inland Empire known as rapper, “Fitz Taylor.” Right now this talented artist is riding the wave of success as he pushes forward towards his DREAM. I met Fitz almost two years ago and of course his looks captured me at first, but once I heard his music, it was all over. I became an instant fan of “The Puerto Rican Papi.”

This artist has been headlining shows such as the “South by Southwest” concert in Austin Texas, and rocking mics and stages all over Southern California. He was featured on the front page of The Source due to his record, “6 in the Morning” featuring “AD The Pen.”

Fitz’ fan base is increasing daily. Numbers don’t lie! Ending the year on a high, he recently released his second album titled, “NO DAYS OFF.” The project went viral and can be found on major music outlets and also banging in the streets. He is currently signed to “Lalow Entertainment,” and has become Vevo certified. Fitz’ project landed in the hands of the man himself, “DJ Enuff,” from Hot 97 radio, which is major. Fitz also gives back by providing free shows for community members and the youth.

Young, Talented, Gifted, and Sexy he is! You can view his work at www.FITZTAYLOR.com. Also catch him performing live in San Bernardino at the Tamale Festival January 9th and 10th at Perris Hill Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Until next year I.E. – San Bernardino Strong. L’z!