Yearly Archives: 2013

BOTTOM LINE – Redevelopment Agencies Move Lots of Money (Now That Jerry Wants It For His Kids)

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen, IV –
Edition – Thursday, July 7, 2011 – Volume 25 No. 45

The Question: Is It Money Well Invested Or Simply Spent? – How many projects have been funded by Your City Redevelopment Agency in the last five years? – How much money was funded per project? – How many contracts and subcontracts were involved per project? – How many Contractors and Sub-Contractors were involved per Project? – How many Contractors and Sub-Contractors were used in total? – How many Contractors from Your City were used? – How many Sub-Contractors from Your City were used? – How many jobs have been created by Your City Redevelopment Agency in the last five years? – How many jobs that were created by RDA funded projects, were filled by residents of Your City? I am sure that someone, somewhere in the RDA Agency in Your City has the answers to these specific questions. I think those answers will tell you a little more about who benefits when RDA Agencies spend or invest your tax dollars by the tens of millions. My Answer: If you are one of the people collecting a check… Contractors, Suppliers, Sub Contractors and Workers including Your City Staff’s Earned Wages… You probably think the money was Well Invested! On The Other Hand, (The One That Did Not Get A Finger In The Money Pie)… The Contractor seeking contracts, unemployed job seeking, tax paying stakeholders, that live in Your City, probably think the money was Simply Spent!

BOTTOM LINE – Millions Mourn the Loss of Hugo Chávez, the People’s President

Guest Commentary by Lita Pezant

People across Latin America (and many in North America) are mourning the loss of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who died last Tuesday, March 2, at the age of 58, after struggling with cancer over the last two years, and leading his nation for fourteen years. World leaders, including President Obama, sent their condolences, some even going straight to Caracas, Venezuela to mourn directly. People gathered in nations throughout South America, Central America, and the Caribbean; some mourners gathering at Venezuelan embassies, some in communities across the U.S.A, to pay their respects, hold vigils, and bring tributes to remember Hugo Chávez: a President of and for the People. Hugo Chávez was both loved and despised for helping to uplift the people of his nation. Elected four times with overwhelming majorities, the official U.S. government (home of the infamous ‘selected not elected’ Bush presidency) constantly questioned his presidential legitimacy and worked to overthrow him. Chávez’ response was to declare his own manhood and independence by daring to speak to world leaders that were not on the approved ‘guest list’: Castro (Cuba), Khadafi (Libya), Ahmadinejad (Iran), and Bolivia’s first native indigenous President Evo Morales. Upon his first election, Hugo Chávez inherited the reigns of a nation where 3% of the people owned 77% of the wealth — sound familiar? Chávez was a great president and a hardworking leader who changed the landscape of Venezuela, first insisting that oil corporations (who were reaping 87% profits from Venezuelan oil) return 30% to the government; and then he nationalized the resource. Compare that to Nigeria, where the U.S. has ‘good’ relations’ yet Shell Oil destroys the land with impunity, and protesting leaders are assassinated for questioning why the indigenous native tribes are receiving no benefits from the oil extracted from their lands. Tired of the World Bank ‘switcheroo’ that keeps Third World nations poor, Chávez worked with other Latin American presidents of Argentina and Brazil to develop the Bank of the South, so these countries could independently set their own financial standards and establish their own credit markets. Finding that he and other Latin leaders were also fed up with the imbalanced scope of U.S. Free Trade Agreements, Chávez joined Castro and Morales to form the People’s Trade Treaty for their respective nations. Chávez provided free public education to hundreds of thousands of children who had never had access to classrooms before his presidency. The U.S. has ‘good’ relations with Jamaica, but children still have to pay to go to school there. Before Chávez, millions of Indigenous and Black Venezuelans were never issued birth certificates or identification papers, effectively preventing them from full access to the rights of citizenship— that sound familiar too? Through it all, Chávez, a devout Christian, reached his hand out in friendship to those who would help him improve his nation and the quality of life for its people, and in turn he extended his hand in generosity to those in need across the globe. Chávez, along with Castro, offered food, supplies, fuel, and water purifiers to those devastated during the early aftermath of hurricane Katrina, only to be rebuffed by the Bush administration – and we all know how quickly they came to the rescue. The generosity of Chávez and the Venezuelan people is also demonstrated in the provision of free heating oil to thousands of poor people in the United States through the Venezuelan oil company Citgo. Gosh come to think of it, Hugo Chávez probably helped more needy folks in the U.S. than the ‘Do Nothing’ 112th and 113th Congress combined. I for one was a little disappointed that a positive relationship that did not occur between President Chávez and our beloved President Obama. One might think that President Obama could have sought common ground with Chávez on at least a few things. Both were (and are) vilified, called out of name, and have had their rightful citizenship and birthright questioned without any basis in fact. Both were descendants of mixed ‘race’ parentage, and faced obstructionists who despised them for merely being the wrong color to be strong, independent, and ready for the reins of power. Both challenged conventional stereotypes to succeed. Both were elected on an emotional wave of the promise of Hope, seeking to rebuild their nations following economic disaster and massive financial and government corruption. Obama promised to end both wars (Iraq and Afghanistan) his predecessor started; and Chávez promised that he would never order troops to fire upon civilians as his predecessor did. Both held steadfast to those promises. Pointedly, each also established a form of universal health care during their respective first terms. Actually Chávez did his a bit quicker by trading with Castro for the provision of excellent Cuban medical and healthcare services — something many Black Americans have wanted access to for a long time — another example of ‘Free Trade’ not working for us. Unfortunately, U.S. foreign policy is rife with inconsistency and hypocrisy, designed to confuse, perplex, and control the citizenry. It is a pity how the ‘old ways’ of the ‘Cold War’ creep insidiously into the new millennium. Our government allows companies to do Billions in business with Communist China and Communist Vietnam, but continuously restricts, contains, and despises Cuba, home also, like Venezuela, to many of our brethren who are descendants of the African Diaspora and Transatlantic Slave Trade. U.S. backed corporations and their neo-con front men persistently grade the landscape for the continuing rape and pillage of the natural resources of Africa and Latin America, with complete disregard for their populations. Our community needs independent and focused Black voices to reshape a U.S. foreign policy to at least partly reflect the beliefs, hearts, and minds of most Black Americans. The Bush-Cheney industrial war complex has cost American taxpayers upwards of $800 Billion for the Iraq War, and close to $620 Billion so far for the War in Afghanistan. Congress won’t even begin an appropriations bill that would award a tenth of those amounts to put our people to work rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure. Our community needs to take a page out of Chávez’ book, reclaim our man-and-woman- hood, and lay the groundwork for a new economic landscape that actually makes a return to our communities. Let us hope that ‘renewed and improved’ relationships with Venezuela is not just foreplay for renewed conjugal relations between U.S. neo-con corporate interests (‘Economic Hit Men’) and the Venezuelan elite, where only the poor and struggling workers are actually screwed. . . sound familiar? Rest in peace, Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías (WSSN 3/7/13)

Community Action Partnership Hosts 2013 Gala to Honor Those Who Have Improved Communities Through Service

Dr. Harold L. Cebrun, Sr.

: Mayor Patrick J. Morris

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– The Board of Directors of Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) will host their 2013 Gala Fundraiser and Awards Banquet this Friday, May 17, 2013 at 6 p.m. at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. The theme of this year’s gala is “Helping Families, Improving Communities” reflecting CAPSBC’s mission of is working with communities by advocating for, supporting, and empowering low-income residents to achieve self-sufficiency.

CAPSBC joinsover 1,100 Community Action Agencies nationwide in celebrating May as National Community Action Month by highlighting accomplishments and successes of the Community Action Network through a series of activities designed to benefit the community and encourage citizens to learn more about Community Action programs and services. Patricia Nickols serves as the Executive Director of CAPSBC.

CAPSBC Board Chairman Dr. Joshua Beckley stated, “We are proud to present the 2013 Community Action Legacy Awards to an outstanding group of individuals and agencies who have generously served others, thereby improving our communities. Their great humanitarian and charitable acts are exemplary, and we are honored to have this opportunity to publicly recognize and thank them.” The Community Action Legacy Awardees for 2013 are Dr. Harold L. Cebrun, Sr. : Honorable Mayor Patrick J. Morris Jamie Varner and Cynthia Robinson.

The keynote speaker for the gala will be educator Erin Gruwell, the inspiration for the movie, “Freedom Writers.” After the banquet there will dancing until midnight featuring an outstanding line-up of musical talent, including bass guitar player Nathan “Nate” Watts, who led Stevie Wonder’s band for 12 years; Sheldon Reynolds, former lead guitarist and vocalist for the legendary Earth, Wind and Fire; drummer Stanley Randolph; musician and songwriter Charles Kelly; as well as many local singers and musicians in what will be an evening of great sounds for dancing, listening and fun.

The Venny H. Newman Humanitarian Award will go to Dr. Harold L. Cebrun, Sr., Superintendent of Rialto Unified School District for his over 30 years of service in public education, and his dedication to serving students, parents, teachers and the community. The Community Partner Award goes to Kaiser Permanente’s Fontana and Ontario Medical Centers for demonstrating commitment to improving the health of the community by providing over $80,000 to assist CAPSBC’s distribution of fresh produce, and startup funding for the San Bernardino Food Policy Council.

The Honorable Mayor Patrick J. Morris of the City of San Bernardino will receive the Legislative Advocate Award for his distinguished record of public service, professionalism, leadership, and his demonstrated passion and commitment to improving the lives of city residents by fighting crime, supporting youth programs, encouraging economic revitalization, and improving transportations systems, while guiding the city through very difficult times.

The Volunteer Award will go to Jamie Varner, Vice President of the Wells Fargo Inland Empire Volunteer Chapter, who has supported the CAPSBC Food Bank by organizing food drives and working with Wells Fargo employees to pack food. The award has been re-introduced as the Dorothy L. Grant ‘Helping People Changing Lives’ Volunteer Award in honor and memory of the longtime CAPSBC Board Member and advocate for the poor, who recently passed on April 13, 2013.

The Spirit of Hope Achievement Award goes to Cynthia Robinson, a CAPSBC Asset Development Program graduate, who achieved her asset development goal of purchasing her first home through very difficult personal circumstances – the death of her husband, loss of her mother, and her acceptance of guardianship for a 4 year old cousin. Cynthia is a role model for others in achieving success through adversity with the spirit of hope and dignity.

For more information about CAPSBC services and programs, call 909-723-1500, Email to info@capsbc.org, or go online to www.capsbc.org.

‘Covered California’ Awards 37 Million in Grants to Educate and Enroll Californians into Health Insurance Programs Offered by Obama Care – the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Peter V. Lee, center left, is joined by representatives from statewide organizations receiving funding Affordable Care Act outreach and education programs. These groups include the Pacific American Legal Center; California Black Health Network; California State University-Los Angeles-University Auxiliary Services; Community Health Councils; SEIU Local Majority and Vision y Compromiso.

LOS ANGELES, CA — California was the first state to create a health benefit exchange following the passage of the federal health care law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obama Care). ‘Covered California’ (www.CoveredCA.com) is an independent part of state government charged with creating a new health ins

urance marketplace in which individuals and small businesses can get access to health insurance; and to make the market work for California consumers. It operates under the leadership of a five-member board appointed by the Governor and Legislature.

‘Covered California’ has announced $37 million in grants to 48 lead organizations to conduct outreach and education programs on how, starting in 2014, Californians c

an access affordable health care coverage under the federal. The lead organizations will be supported by 226 subcontracting entities. “We are excited to build on our partnerships with organizations that have trusted relationships in diverse communities throughout the state,” said Peter V. Lee, Executive Director of Covered California.

His organization is seeking to strengthen their efforts to make certain Californians are aware of and enrolled in the new health insurance options this fall for coverage beg

inning Jan. 1, 2014. The efforts will inform the public about the new benefits, educate them about available programs, and motivate consumers and small businesses to obtain health insurance. Outreach activities are expected to reach nearly 9 million individuals and over 200,000 small businesses in 58 counties, primarily focused on connecting with 5.3 million Californians needing individual insurance, including almost 3 million of whom may be eligible for premium financial assistance.

Covered California is deve

loping educational partnerships that anchor outreach and education programs in actual targeted communities where likely enrollees live, work, pray, shop, and play; and are therefore both economically and ethnically targeted: The state’s large Latino community is the focus of 37 outreach and education grants; with the next highest number of those in need of potential subsidies being Caucasians (24 grants); followed by Black and African Americans (32 grants); the Middle-Eastern community (11 grants). 20 grants outreach to Asian-Pacific Islander communities with targeted sub-contracts: Vietnamese (19); Chinese (18); Filipinos (18); Koreans (16); Hmong (11); Laotians (9); Japanese (8); and Cambodians (8). All

grant specifics are available online at www.hbex.ca.gov.

“We see an outpouring of interest from groups across the state who want to be part of increasing the number of Californians with health insurance, improve the quality of health care, reduce health care coverage costs and ensure California’s diverse population has fair and equal access to quality health coverage,” added Lee.

Organizations tha

t did not receive a grant are encouraged to become part of Covered California’s Community Outreach Network by applying to become Assister Enrollment Entities under the Covered California Assisters Program; and will be trained, certified, and in many cases paid by Covered California to provide in-person enrollment assistance. Covered California’s board allocated $43 million of its federal funding to organizations that can reach all eligible Californians: $34 million for community outreach; $3 million for business outreach with the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP); and $6 million to support successful outreach and education strategies in 2014.

Covered California will help individuals compare and choose a health plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Federal financial subsidies will be available to help lower costs for people on a sliding scale. Small businesses will be able to purchase competitively priced health plans and offer their employees the ability to choose from an array of plans, and will be eligible for federal tax credits.

Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators Congratulate the Class of 2013

This a only about one-third of the many proud graduates attending the 2013 Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators ceremony held in their honor at CSUSB earlier this month. Congratulations Class of 2013!! (Photo by John Coleman, CP Times ©2013)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– The Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators held their Graduation & Scholarship Recognition Ceremony, on Friday, May 3, 2013, at the California State University San Bernardino San Manuel Events Center, before a “full house” of proud family and friends. IEABSE members involved in the planning and coordination of the event included Melinda Sewer Muganzo; Donna Henderson, ED.D, Tawiah Finley; Keynasia Buffong; Dina Walker; Joyce Payne; and Tanya Fisher, ED.D., who were on hand to present scholarships to college bound scholars, left to right: DeShawn Radden, Nathaniel Hearns, and Cinderalla Famulimi. (Photo by John Coleman, CP Times ©2013)

Shown here are Donzaleigh Abernathy, left, and Wilmer Amina Carter, right. Ms. Abernathy, a noted actress, activist and author, gave the keynote address at the Graduation and Scholarship Recognition Ceremony. She included photos of her bombed-out home as a small child, held by the hand by her father, Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, and side-by-side with Rev, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Alabama in the midst of the Civil Rights Revolution. She reminded the graduates of the powerful role that children, high school youth and college students played in forcing America to become a better place. The IEABSE also paid a special tribute to former California Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter. IEABSE member Melinda Sewer Muganzo presented her with a plaque and four young children presented her with a bouquet of flowers. Carter’s husband, Bill Ratibu Jacocks performed the libation ceremony at the event. (Photo by John Coleman, CP Times ©2013)

Will Greer served as the Master of Ceremonies for the graduation program. Mr. Greer, a dedicated and committed educator, founded a mentoring program for the San Bernardino City Unified School District as a part of his activities as a Program Specialist for Equity and Targeted Achievement. Mr. Greer is also the co-founder of Ujima Learning Solutions, along with his wife La Tanya Greer, J.D., who is also an educator. (Photo by John Coleman, CP Times ©2013)

For a Light Dinner Try Chicken Marsala

This low calorie Chicken Marsala recipe is great for those watching their diets or for those who just want a light, delicious and flavorful summer dinner, using Marsala, Italy’s most famous fortified wine. Prep Time: 11 minutes. Total Time: 19 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients: 4 small (12 ounces total) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves; Nonstick spray coating; 1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms; 2 tablespoons sliced green onion; 2 tablespoons water; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup dry Marsala or dry sherry.

Directions: Place 1 piece of chicken, boned side up, between 2 pieces of clear plastic wrap. Working from the center to the edges, pound lightly with a meat mallet to about 1/4-inch thickness. Remove plastic wrap. Repeat with remaining chicken breast halves.

Spray a large skillet with nonstick spray coating. Preheat skillet over medium heat. Add 2 chicken breast halves. Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender and no pink remains. Transfer to a platter; keep warm. Repeat with remaining chicken breast halves.

Carefully add mushrooms, green onion, water, and salt to skillet. Cook over medium heat until mushrooms are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated (about 3 minutes). Add Marsala or dry sherry to skillet. Heat through. Spoon vegetables and sauce over chicken. Makes 4 servings. Calories 161, Total Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 72 mg, Sodium 191 mg, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 27 g. (Per serving)

Serve with choice of pasta type, and choice of vegetable — broccoli, asparagus, green beans, mixed peppers, or peas are good with this dish. (Recipe.com; Photo: The Grub Daily)

Pacesetters Drum Squad Lead the ‘Beat of Success’ for IEABSE’s 2013 High School Grads

Pacesetters Drum Squad

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– The award-winning San Bernardino Pacesetters Drum Squad led the procession of the proud high school graduates who were the honorees at the well-attended 2013 Inland Empire Alliance of Black School Educators’ Graduation and Scholarship Recognition Ceremony held Friday, May 3, 2013, at the San Manuel Events Center, at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB). The Pacesetters Drum Squad is as renowned for their intricate and complex beats as are the Pacesetters Drill team for their outstanding moves. Their shirts say it all as the group, led by Jo Ann Parker and Kelly Graham, believes in “Excellence, Discipline, and Pride.” Shown here at the front of the drum line are Traquise Martin, left, and Andre Jackson, right, who is a current freshman at CSUSB. Directly behind Traquise is Harith Martin, and Kaijah Thompkins brings up the left flank rear and is unseen. Behind Andre on the right are Jayden Kelly and Davonnie Martin. Photo by John Coleman, CP Times ©2013)

Artist Review: Deeveatva Foy, Professional Belly Dancer

Deeveatva Foy

By Lue Dowdy, SAN BERNARDINO, CA– Hi everybody! This week’s select artist is none other than the beautiful and talent, Deeveatva Foy. I was so impressed the first time I saw this talented artist. Watching Deeveatva move her body made me wanna exercise. Okay I’m lying! But it did make me appreciate the art of belly dancing.

Deeveatva is a versatile and innovative professional dancer! She has performed at a number if venues throughout the Inland Empire and Southern California. She is playful, expressive, and strives to connect with every audience; and her various artistic styles continue to evolve as she learns

more about different dance forms. Looking for a fun way to exercise and stay in shape after having two children, Deeveatva took her first beginning belly dance class in 2000. Deeveatva was instantly hooked. She was inspired to learn about the different styles of belly dance and was able to unleash her inner Goddess…Zada!

Deeveatva currently dances as a soloist and with two belly dance groups Nubian Hips (of which she is the co-founder) and Al Nar Belly dance Ensemble troupe. She’s also an Afro-Caribbean dancer and performs with the troupe Caribbean Jems. Deeveatva has modeled for up and coming local fashion shows throughout the Inland Empire. Her mission and passion is to encourage all women to grow and re-connect with their inner truth r

eclaiming the Goddess within; and to share, unite, and collectively come together in sisterhood!

This spring Deeveatva will start teaching beginning belly dance classes in the Inland Empire…stay tuned for date, time & location! Connect with Deeveatva on Facebook.

Urban HipHop R&B Fashion Show Hits This Saturday

Paul Douglas aka P Hustle the Beast

by Lue Dowdy, SAN BERNARDINO, CA– LUE Productions 2013 Urban HipHop/R&B Fashion

Yung Muusik

Showcase is happening this Saturday, May 18 starting at 2 p.m. in the city of S

an Bernardino, hosted by The Jazz and Art Exchange, along with community partners. This event mixes an urban fashion show w

ith live HipHop and R&B performances, dance, and art, with plenty of local talented youth and adults, highlighting the talent in the IE and surrounding cities. This will be a fusion of ART, FASHION, and LIVE ENTERTAINMENT for the entire family to enjoy. Please come out and join in all the FUN! Comedy by CEE-CEE Baby.

HipHop Line-up: Artists Paul Douglas aka P. Hustle The Beast (feature

d artist) ; Young Stress, Carl Fontaine, Royce Blue, Mack Pepperboy, Mi$Fit, Fanacii, Lil MEX, Speaker Junkies, Dominance, and Mic Fitz.

R&B Line-up: Yung Muusik (featured artist),Lady LaNeika, Bernice Reveles, LUE, Cherrelle Jones, Pretty Mentality, Ms. Chevy, and Cash El Principe.

Dance Line-up: A-Town Dance Crew from Arroyo High School; Simon the Kidd, and Melissa Grant.

Swimwear By Me Shaun Denise

This showcase will also highlight four of the top up and coming designers, including C. Taylor’s Fashions (Inla

nd Empire), Me ‘Shaun Denise Fashions (

Charleston, SC), Bakers Fashions and Divine Intervention. Their unique styles will be modeled by Bernard aka Skates Borser (featured male model), Top Model Competitors Lea Nora, Krystal Yvonne, Antwanett Grant, and LaTrice Wilson; plus featured

toddler model Nevaeha Alford.

The other stylish models participating in this Urban HipHop affair are Janae Perryman, Cerina Hill, Adrian Johnwell, Vidal Rojas, Fay Palaki, Micheal Foy, Cherrelle Jones, Ahaziah Kingcabe, Mic Fitz, Princess Gallon, Valjene Gallon, Emoni Holmes, Mychelle Mosley, andYung Muusik.

The 2013 Urban HipHop/R&B Fashion Showcase will be held at The Jazz and Art Exchange, 132 South Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, 92410. Come out and show your support for the Inland Empire’s creative energy! Fashion Designers compete for a cash prize, and artists will exhibit in the Urban Art Factory. Sponsors: CCM Entertainment, Rising Star Music Awards, Island Def Jam Recordings, the Westside Story Newspaper, Chef Music, AM Inc., Swag Models, Believe and Achieve Foundation, Artist Haus Records, and Steene’s Southern Kitchen. For more information, call 909-567-1000 or Email lueproductions@mail.com

“What it Do with LUE” Artist Review and Entertainment Happenings

Lue Dowdy

By Lue Dowdy, SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Hi everybody! It’s ya girl, LUE coming at you with this week’s my artist review and entertainment happenings. What an eventful weekend! So many awesome and exciting things took place.

Artist Review: I selected Mack Pepperboy a talented and charismatic Hip-hop performer turning heads all over. Pepperboy was born in the early 80’s growing up with a love for music, being influenced by such west coast artists as Snoop, Dre, E40 pac and many more. It was in the late 90’s when Pepperboy (Anthony Joseph) caught a glimpse of the movements down south and the Club/Street sounds of Cash Money Records & No Limit Records. He then realized that a combination of west coast and down south living would create a whole different sound. Far from a rookie Pepper boy signed his first management deal in the late 90’s which set the wheels in motion. The release of his first mix tape in 2001 with a group from Shreveport Louisiana helped put him on the radar.

2007’s release of Louisihammer the mix tape pushed him forward and helped gain the ears of the west coast. By the time 2008 came around he dropped another CD called Flame Thowa whchtch had the attention of people coast to coast with the songs Get it Girl & My Swagg all over internet radio. You can catch Pepper boy any were from C.A To L.A doing live shows on a weekly basis in 2009 over50 were logged. It doesn’t look like Pepper boy will stop anytime soon. Pepper boy has shared the stage with numerous artists such as Glassess Malone, the new Boyz, Nipsey Hussle, BWS Menace, WuTang, and the list goes on. (mackpepperboy@facebook.com. Photo: Label Image Photography.

Jeff Garcia

Mack Pepperboy

Entertainment Happenings: BLAZE THE STAGE— Our team took a trip to Venice Beach this Saturday, for the 2013 Blaze The Stage – Spring Classic Invitational. This event provides a platform for young

talented unsigned artists from all over the United States to showcase their talent in front of panel of well-known industry leaders. The panel included, Pat Charles, Executive Producer of Blaze the Stage/Senior Writer and creator of “106 & Park” Wild out Wed and Freestyle Friday, Mike Robinson: Executive Talent Scout for Blaze the Stage and CEO of the #1 artist Development/Management company in the West Coast UGMX and BmikeroB

Management, Miss Mim, Host of Sirius XM Radio Shade 45 ; Julius “Just Be” Garcia: Manager to National recording artists, J-Cole & Miguel/A&R of RCA records, Jaynie Jackson: Vocal/Talent Development, Chris Roker : VP of Promotions of the School Tour, Daniel ‘Skid’ Mitchell: Founder of Skids Row Music

Group/Bad Boy Records, 03-11 A&R Alumni, Steve Lobel: Celebrity Manager, Timmi Hicks: Celebrity Vocal Producer, Michael Hayes: CEO and Founder of NUTIZ Radio, Kevin Black: CEO of U Can Fly and Xstream Nation and Aisha Francis: Movement Specialist for Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Alicia Keys, and many more.

Lisa Alvarado

The entire day was pure entertainment. Between performances a fashion show was provided by FLWC

Willie Barcena

, a vendor located on the beach. The clothing was gorgeous as well as the models. Several artists stood out. I particular had my eye on a dace crew all the way from, West Palm Beach Florida. This talented young group of dancers from XCL Productions, stunned the people with their over the top hip-hop dance moves. What an amazing team under the direction of Mrs. Adrian Fischer. It was a three day event that consisted of networking, basketball game, fashion, performances, and FUN.

For information on Blaze the Stage visit http://blazethestage.com .

LATIN COMEDY JAM— How did you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Courtesy of Stansell Enterprises Concerts & Events, we attended the “No Boarders” Comedy Fest in the lovely city of Riverside located at the Riverside Auditorium. What a beautiful and historic place. We LOL all night long, with comedians, Willie Barcena, Gilbert Esquivel, Lisa Alvarado, Jeff Garcia and George Perez. What a great show! Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Be sure to purchase your ticket this month for the Bel Biv Devo and Dru Hill concert, May 25th at the Riverside Auditorium. For more information on upcoming events and tickets visit Stansell Enterprises Concerts & Events at http://www.stansellenterprises.com.