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Publisher’s Commentary By Wallace J. Allen

If you are a jazz, wine or a have-a-good-time connoisseur, join me this Saturday at the IE Jazz Experience.  WssNews is proud to be one of the sponsors of the PHAT X production of the 2018 Inland Empire (IE) Jazz Experience in Rancho Cucamonga, on the intimate grounds of the Mountain Vista Winery.  Come and experience a day of great live jazz music and bands, great wines, a selection of food vendors and a marketplace!

Our Artist lineup for this year: Jason Weber, Michael Haggins, Vaughn Fahie, Jazz Zone and more… Just added we will be featuring a Paint n Sip experience throughout the festival for those that want to learn how to paint and sip on some great wine. In our tasting room, sample great wines, various wine demonstrations, fun lectures, live entertainment, and workshops.

The Mountain Vista Winery is at 10013  8^th Street Rancho Cucamonga. Gates open at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 general and $100 VIP. For more information, visit IEJazzExperience.com   or call (909) 657 204-6249. 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-REDLANDS, CA– The City of Redlands invites individuals to apply for positions on the Airport Advisory Board. Members are appointed by the City Council.

The Airport Advisory Board acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to the administration, operation, development, improvement and maintenance of the Redlands Municipal Airport. The Airport Advisory Board meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Applications for this position will be accepted until all vacant seats are filled.

Residents interested in applying for the non-salaried position may request an application form from the City Manager’s Office, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, Suite 200,  Phone:  798-7510, or by downloading an application from the City’s website at http://cityofredlands.org/city-hall/commissions___boards.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA —- Earlier this month in celebration of Back to School, Active Ride Shop announced its commitment of $100,000 cash to four Southern California high schools to help support school athletics. With less than two weeks left to enter for a chance to win, students, sports teams and even busloads of kids from area high schools are pouring into Active Ride Shops across the state. Votes will be collected through September 3 with the top schools in each of four regions winning $25,000 for their school sports program.

Thousands of votes have already come in, but there’s still plenty of time to get in on the action. Schools like West Covina High School have sent busloads of students into the West Covina store. Don Lugo High School in Chino announced the contest at their football game last Friday night every quarter throughout the game encouraging students to visit the Chino store and vote. Schools throughout the state that are just going back to school have been encouraging participation in the hopes that a $25,000 influx can help refresh uniforms, equipment, facilities and transportation for their sports teams.

The contest is divided into four regions:  Los Angeles County (Santa Monica, El Segundo, Long Beach, Downey, Burbank), Inland Empire (Temecula, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Riverside, Redlands, Chino Hills, Chino, Menifee), San Gabriel Valley/Santa Clarita Valley/Ventura County/Kern County (West Covina, San Dimas, Bakersfield, Valencia, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks), Orange County/North County (Aliso Viejo, Orange, Irvine, Brea, Tustin, Escondido)

Active Ride Shop conceived the giveaway in an effort to give back to the communities in which it serves. School budgets are stretched thin and athletics programs often bear the brunt of funding cuts and are faced with filling the gap with fundraising. The Active 4 Schools campaign aims to help alleviate some of this budget shortfall for four schools.

“Based in Southern California, we know schools are underfunded and it’s important to Active that we help our communities with funding for youth programs,” said Active President Jenner Heller. “Kids are passionate about the activities they participate in and we want to do our part in enabling them to live an Active lifestyle.”

Active has long been committed to giving back to the communities it serves. Last year alone, the brand raised more than $125,000 for local schools, after school programs, sports teams and various charities through its Perfect Pair sock program.

For complete details, visit www.activerideshop.com or stop into their local store. #Active4Schools

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools will hold a reading rally on Friday, September 7, for pre-kindergartners to third-graders on the campus of California State University, San Bernardino. The reading rally will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event is in support of San Bernardino County’s Vision2Read Initiative, which looks to promote early literacy and support all children from cradle to career.

Cal State San Bernardino is located at 5500 University Parkway in San Bernardino.

For more information about the reading rally, call the County Schools’ Communications office at (909) 386-2413.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—REDLANDS, CA— On Friday, August 31, Music Changing Lives, (MCL) and Hartlis Apparel will host “Ball 4 A Cause,” a celebrity benefits basketball game to keep music and art alive and address social issues amongst our youth.  The event will take place at the Redlands Community Center, located at 111 W. Lugonia Ave. in Redlands from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Talent slated to participate in Saturday’s “Ball 4 A Cause” celebrity basketball game include actress Meg Delacy from The Fosters & Chicago PD; hip-hop artist Compton AV; celebrity host, TV personality and model Latricia “Purple” Renee, and several other local artist and pro basketball players from the IE that play overseas.  Plus, representatives from the Redlands Police Department will join in on the fun and play in the tournament.

Admission is only $15.00 and children 17 and under are FREE.  Tickets will be sold at the door and school aged children will need a student ID to get in free. For sponsorship, media or general event information, contact 951-992-0721 or email During the half-time show guest speakers at the event will address prevention and intervention against drugs, gangs, teen violence, dropping out of school and the important role music and art play in keeping our youth focused on their education and their futures.

CEO of Music Changing Lives, Josiah Bruny expressed his gratitude to those getting involved, “I want to thank my staff, board members and everyone who answered our call to come out and Ball 4 A Cause.  It’s vital we bring awareness to the issues affecting our youth and community, and I’m grateful for those who see the need and vision and want to get involved to bring change.  In the words of Helen Keller ‘Alone, we can do so little; yet together we can do so much,’ and I truly stand by that.”

The jam-packed event will also feature a tour of MCL’s music studio and art lab; and fans will have an opportunity to record a 15 second shout out for Music Changing Lives and Hartlis Apparel.

To learn more about Music Changing Lives, you can visit them on the web at  www.MusicChangingLives.org.  To shop Hartlis Apparel clothing, visit them on Instagram @hartlisapparel.

By Angela M. Coggs

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— During the Spring of 2018, three San Bernardino City Unified School District students embarked on a trip of a lifetime to Beijing, China. They, along with 18 Los Angeles high school students, were 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 Tom Bradley International Airport on April 28, 2018, with an international stamp in their newly issued passports and a cultural experience.

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 international trip.

Henderson opened the opportunity up to SBCUSD students when he addressed parents and student at a monthly District African American Advisory Council meeting with hopes to recruit local students. SBCUSD students selected were Yonathan Habtemariam (Cajon High School- 12^th), Trayvon Davis (San Bernardino HS- 12^th) and Anise Tyehimba (Cajon High School- 11^th).

In 2016, Edwin Henderson, Founder, and President of OAM, decided to expand and open the application process to students in the Inland Empire because he saw the need in the community. Habtemariam and Davis also attended On A Mission’s annual trip to Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New Your City in 2016. The trip included a tour of the White House, U.S. Capitol, the Martin Luther King Jr and Lincoln Memorial, V.I.P. tour of the Pentagon, Howard University, and more.

This was On A Mission, Inc. 8^th Annual Student Educational Tour (however this was its first international trip). Some of the experiences and places the students had the opportunity to participate in include: Forbidden City, Beijing Capital Museum, Tiananmen Square, 2008 Olympic Games Sites, Great Wall of China, Summer Palace, Rickshaw Ride through Beijing, Kung Fu Show, and an Acrobatic Show.

While visiting a local school in Beijing, they recognized many differences from the schools in the United States. While some in the study group learned how to write calligraphy, a few of the Chinese students asked a few of their American counterparts to play basketball with them. While playing basketball, Davis noticed the one of the Chinese student’s shoes were in bad condition. He opened his duffle bag and gave him a pair of his basketball shoes. The player was very appreciative. “I was humbled that I was able to give those (shoes) to him. He was grateful,” said Davis. “It felt good.”

“I had a window seat and was able to take some pretty amazing pictures as we flew across the Pacific Ocean and other countries such as Russia,” said Tyehimba of the 13-hour flight.

 “Although Anise would miss one week of school, going to China in of itself was an educational experience that no teacher or a textbook could provide,” stated Desney Tyehimba, parent, and educator in the SBCUSD. “Being immersed in another country’s culture, customs, time zone, language, and food for an entire week is a true example of what it means to be a global citizen.”

Before going on the trip, the students were given ideas and tips on how to raise money, so the trip would not put a strain on the family’s household budgets. Habtemariam took advantage of the tips and in addition to receiving support from family and friends, he was also able to secure a donation from the San Bernardino Police Foundation.

“Going to China reassured my appreciation for the county I live in,” reflected Habtemariam. “I think it’s cool how OAM, Inc. is intentionally showing students the world through a different lens.”

From October 24 to October, 28, 2018, Henderson will once again invite approximately 30 deserving students the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance visit five Historical College and Universities at The HBCU College Tour- Atlanta Homecoming 2018. The schools the students will be visiting are Alabama State, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse, Spelman College and Tuskegee. It is important to note, only academically strong students, grades 9^th– 12^th only, will be invited to participate in the trip. The students must also pass a vigorous interview and selection process. In addition to the visiting the educational institutions, the students will also have an opportunity to visit CNN Headquarters, Coke Cola Headquarters and attend the Morehouse Homecoming football game.

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

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Congratulations to our 2018 BBW/Plus Size Queen the very beautiful, Tresunda De La Cruz. She came ready to slay! LUE Productions is super excited to have her as our new Queen. Full Bio coming soon. Please follow us on all social media sites for future competitions, shows, auditions and artist’s updates. Until Next week L’s!

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN— God’s Warning to a Doomed Generation – “The Greatest Prophecy in the Bible”–soon to be fulfilled. You see, Jesus made a promise. He said, “I will come again.” [Matthew 24:36], “But of that day and hour knoweth no man; not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” But He says we can know when the end is near. Jesus gave signs concerning His coming and we are seeing those things and hearing those things today. Whole chapters of God’s Holy Word deal almost exclusively with signs regarding the end of time. Matthew 24 is one of those; Revelation 6 is another; Luke 21 is another. “Ah”, but you say, “People have been talking about the coming of Jesus for generation after generation after generation. If it’s really going to happen, why hasn’t He already come?” I’ll tell you why. The Bible says in [2 Peter 3:9], “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” You see, God is so merciful and so good, and He loves us so desperately that He refuses to punish the guilty without giving them sufficient warning and offering them an alternative, a way out of damnation.

I want you to know that God has always sent a warning message to each doomed generation. When you look back in your Bible you will see that there was a time when the whole earth was going to be destroyed by water. God sent a preacher who preached his heart out for one hundred and twenty years. His name was Noah. In spite of all his preaching, only eight people were saved. Then there were the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God said to Abraham, “I`m going to destroy those cities. And Abraham pleaded with God and said, “Lord, if I find fifty people, would You spare it?” And the Lord said, “Yes.” And when he couldn’t find them he said, “Lord, if I could find…” and he came all the way down to ten! But he couldn’t even find ten people in two whole cities. That ought to startle us. For the Bible records that only four people left those two wicked cities before God’s judgment fell, and one of those left her affections there, turned back, and became a pillar of salt. Only three people lived out of two whole cities! The rest thought they could live on in their wickedness, and their immorality and their decadence, and ignore the warning message of God. But the time of judgment came. Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Noah, and as it was in the days of Lot, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be” [Matthew 24:37, Luke 17:26-28].

I tell you, we had better listen to the warning message of God before it is eternally too late, because the handwriting of God’s judgment is on the wall: mene, tekel, upharsin… Mene meaning the time has run out. Finished! Over! No more opportunities! No more second chances! Your number is up! You’re finished! And that’s the way it happens. Suddenly! The finger of God writes on our wall the word mene when we least expect it, when we seem to be at rest and flourishing and partying through life. And then, it’s over. Finished! The Bible says, “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” The Bible challenges us” to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Next is the word Tekel meaning weighed. If you never receive Christ as your personal Savior you’ll be weighed on the scales of God by your own life and your own merits. Then the final word written on the wall – Upharsin. A noun from a verb meaning “to break in two,” to separate, to divide… Divide the sheep from the goats, the wheat from the tares. Make no mistake about it the handwriting is on the wall! The Bible says, “Therefore, be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh” [Matthew 24:44]. He came to Sodom and Gomorrah when the people did not expect Him. He came in the days of Noah when they didn’t think He would come. And it happened in Babylon, when they were having a good time. They didn’t think it would happen. But I tell you today, the handwriting is on the wall—something is about to take place very soon. Prophecy is being fulfilled on every hand. Jesus is getting ready to come back for His people, for His church and the signs are all about us.

Bible prophecy tells us that there will only be two groups at that time. One group will cry for the rocks to fall on them and destroy them; they are not ready. The other group will look up with joy and say, “Lo, this is our God, we have waited for Him and He will save us” [Isaiah 25:9]. I want to be part of that group that’s ready when Jesus comes. How about you?

Let’s not wait for “The Hand Writing On The Wall” to tell us it is too late, that judgment has been passed and the sentence is final.

Let’s instead heed “The Hand That Wrote On The Ground” [i.e., Jesus, John 8:6, 8]; while there is still time for mercy and forgiveness…

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA— Sip, Swirl and Savor form the musical theme as noted Jazz artists perform live at the Inland Empire Jazz Experience, held Saturday, September 1, at the Mountain Vista Winery in Rancho Cucamonga.  Billed as an experience, the event is led by jazz luminaries Michael Haggins and Jason Webber and features distinguished musicians, Vaughn Fahie, Jazz Zone, Teryn Re and Nick Gomez. Set within the winery’s intimate arbor and picnic area, patrons will sip and sample wines from Mountain Vista’s award-winning cellar and can attend several free workshops, lectures and demonstrations.

“We are offering a unique opportunity to experience top jazz entertainment in a relaxing setting,” notes Brian Cochran, event producer and organizer. “Attendees will also be able to learn more about wine and music and get the best of both,” he adds.

Born in Pasadena, California, Michael Haggins grew up with music. His uncle Al Duncan was a session drummer for Chess Records in the ’50s and ’60s where he recorded with legends Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Etta James and  Sonny Boy Williamson. Haggins studied communications at California State University, Long Beach and at one time worked editing television shows like The Cosby Show and Dr. Phil. In the early 2000s, the bassist started his own band and ramped up his music career. Haggins’ most recognized songs, “Daybreak” and “Be Thankful,” have been featured in the television series, Community.  His works have also been featured in the television series Raising Hope and Wake Up With Al and also a part of the soundtrack of the motion picture, Hall Pass.

Jason Weber has been playing the saxophone for over 30 years. A veteran of the Southern California’s music scene, Jason has 8 CDs under his belt as well as numerous guest appearances on other artists’ recordings. He has performed with jazz iconsGerald Albright, Everette Harp and Brian Auger to name a few. With an average of 300 shows per year, he is in great demand for recording sessions and for performing with other artists.

The Experience includes workshops highlighting wine pairing, wine making and a history of Rancho Cucamonga wines hosted by Mountain Vista Winery. Additionally, Rancho Cucamonga’s Guitar Center showcase an introductory class in Jazz Music 101. 

“What an inventive way to learn about music, says Tony Hayes, Guitar Center manager.” It is a perfect setting to inspire, learn and enjoy,” he adds.

Cochran, sees the limited seating and intimate setting as a new step in the way concerts and festivals are presented. “We want our audience to do more than just enjoy the music.  We want them to participate and leave with memories.”

Biz Help 101 and Phat X. Inc are leaders in business development. With over 20 years in event planning and branding, they lead the area in marketing and event management. Tickets are on sale and are limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.iejazzfestival.com.

By Angela M. Coggs

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— On Saturday, August 4, the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) hosted a free event at San Bernardino Valley College entitled, “My Sister’s Keeper.” It was a much needed, first of its kind in the Inland Empire, conference geared toward young women ages 13 to 19. The event took place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and included a light breakfast, a backpack giveaways and raffles prizes. Middle school, high school and college students filled the library viewing room not knowing what to expect with the highly charged topic.

“My Sister’s Keeper,” primarily focused on Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence, was the brain child of Tiffany James, Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation’s current President. James recognized the need to have an open conversation about two difficult topics that effect all women daily, even teenagers. At the start of the event attendees were informed that it was a safe place to express their feelings, ask questions and cry if needed. Additionally, there were therapist located throughout the room to be available for anyone triggered by the information presented and encouraged to practice self-care by exiting out of the room as needed. The environment was, first and foremost, a safe space, to open up, be vulnerable and it allowed the young women to let their guard down without judgement.

Due to the sensitive nature of the event, there were planned activities throughout the day woven within the agenda that provided a break from the heavy subject matter. Activities included ice breakers, personal introductions and hobbies and a fun, outside physical dance activity presented by Erika Wright and U-Jam. The activities allowed everyone to come together, build a rapport and meet new people. 

The event started with an enthusiastic and energetic welcome from Gwen Rodgers, CEO of Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation. Diane Rodriquez, President of San Bernardino Valley College, also welcomed the attendees to the campus and proclaimed SBVC as one of the best educational institutions in the Inland Empire.

California State Senator Connie Leyva passionately welcomed the young women to be open minded and take in the things that they would experience during the event. She fervently articulated her childhood, admittedly she lived in a bubble, however she pressed the importance of the event. She mentioned several bills pertaining to women, women’s rights and human trafficking. Another Leyva-sponsored bill signed into law last September eliminated the statute of limitation for rape and related crimes in California. 

Eloise Gómez Reyes, California’s 47th Assembly District, greeted the group of wide eyed students with a warm and sincere dialogue encouraging them to be open to the information they would experience during the event. She maintained the significance of the event and urged the attendees to listen and to ask as many questions as they wished. She was joined at the event by her husband, San Bernardino Community College District Trustee, Frank Reyes.

Vickye Poindexter-Wilson, a representative of Option House, a domestic violence organization that provides 24-hour crisis intervention and an emergency shelter revealed and shared her deep and personal story that described her horrendous teenage years and young adulthood. Her story began with trauma and she is now a story of triumph. She also informed the audience about the services provided to women, as well as men. Wilson, also CEO of House of Nibbanic Bliss, Inc., a private non-profit agency who works with victims of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and domestic violence in Southern California, reminded the attendees to know their worth and not to allow anyone take their identity away.

The following include the topics and presenters who delicately and eloquently elucidated with such compassion and understanding topics that many shy away from:

• Emotional Abuse and Manipulation- Carmenita Gay (in-depth personal story of survival)
• Dating, Consent and Boundaries- Allison England (Implicit vs. Explicit) 
• San Bernardino District Attorney Office/ Bureau of Victim Services –Traci Rediford (speaking one’s truth)

The event ended with an informative panel of experts in their respective fields. In addition to the professionals on the panel, the attendees were privy to an honest dialogue with two male college students. It was obvious to everyone in the room that the words of the soon-to-be college freshman and sophomore students resonated with the young women on a personal level because they were in the same age range as some of the attendees. Hearing exactly how young men their age perceives how young women carry themselves. They encouraged the attendees to love themselves and believe in themselves because if predators recognize low self-esteem in them, they will likely become easy targets for unwanted and unsolicited negative attention.

The event also included entertainment from two local artists. Spoken word artist/poet, Jameka Johnson, performed a self-reflection selection entitled, “Mirrors.” The use of mirrors on the stage provided a symbolic backdrop to her powerful message It. was well received. Zey, a local singer and guitarist, performed two beautiful self-written songs that wowed the crowd. She was a modest, inspirational performer.

Although this was Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation’s first “My Sister’s Keeper” event, it will not be the last. The event was a huge success and the organization looks forward to adding the event to its calendar of events from now on. Seeing the smiles and appreciation in the faces of the attendees such as Ashley Dent, a 10^th grade student who attends Arroyo Valley High School, solidified the events future.

The event was sponsored by Arrowhead United Way and San Bernardino Valley College.  

YWE serves to strengthen the character of young women of high school age in the San Bernardino City region of the Inland Empire in Southern California. Young Women’s Empowerment was founded by CEO Gwendolyn Dowdy- Rodgers. The mission of our program is to empower these young women to achieve at their highest potential, particularly in education, and to instill in them a commitment to return to their community as leaders and mentors.

The Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) is dedicated to strengthening the self-esteem, character, integrity and capacity of young women ages 12-21 so that they may achieve their highest potential. YWE accomplishes its purpose through strategic partnerships with other organizations. YWE is guided by ethics and principles which exhibit respect for cultural diversity.