Local

Laurie Lynn-Soares

By Lue Dowdy

What up IE! So, this week in continuing with honoring women for the month of March, I’d like to recognize Laurie Lynn-Soares. I meet this Queen a few years ago on the battlefield, meaning the entertainment industry. Being a woman in the game is hard. I was impressed with her drive and ambition and we’ve been affiliates ever since.

Laurie-Lynn Soares aka L’s, has been in the music industry business in various capacities. In California from 2006 to 2012, as a Professional Freelance Photographer with Photos by LLS, Music Artist Manager with LLSM, Manager, Promoter and A&R for Hard Head Productions. In Arizona from 2012 to present, all of the above, L’s was the COO of Arizonamixtapes.com from June 2014 to November 2017, two-time award winning Online Media Outlet for two years in a row, then created their own platform called AZMT Music Awards show in December 2016.

L’s has done all types of Music and Business Sales and Promotions, as well as interviewing underground artists around the United States. She has recently partnered with The Black Diamond District in 2018, with fellow affiliates, Nicho Savant and Rene Herrera aka Shortz Scopic Pro. It just keeps getting bigger and better!

South Sundayz Radio show has been in existence since February 2017 and still going strong! Proudly sponsored by Beautiful and Beyond entertainment since the very beginning, L’s has moved her show to her own platform on Spreaker, and how to her own website!

Being recognized in the community, L’s has been asked to assist and contribute her talents with charity events, showcases, judging of competitions for Elegant Hoodness Radio and Magazine, where artists won slots at SXSW and featured in XXL Magazine.

L’s is an educator as well as a mentor. She’s networked and managed artists, referral source to other artists, services, studios, venues and much more in the industry! Steering people in the right directions to further their goals in music.

Follow Laurie-Lynn Soares on Facebook at LLSoaresMgmtPhotos, LLSManagement and PhotographybyLLS. Follow her on Twitter at LLSoaresMgmt, PhotosbyLaurie and SouthSundayz. Follow her on Instagram at PhotosbyLLS and SouthSundayzRadio. Also be sure to visit www.SouthSundayzRadio.com and www.spreaker.com/user/southsundayzradioshow.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Thirteen distinguished young men will be presented to society on Saturday, March 24 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino during the Social Lites, Inc. 51st Beautillion Ball. The theme this year is, “Reflections of Our Past and Visions of Our Future.” Formal attire is required. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $50 per person. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

The Beautillion Program was started in the Inland Empire out of concern for the future and survival of young, Black men in the community in which they live and serve. High school seniors who participate in the program are known as Knights. This program is designed to help young men who are seniors in high school prepare for college through the solicitation of ads, leadership development, accountability, responsibility, etiquette, attire for all occasions, spiritual growth, public speaking and community service. The all-around Knight will be identified at the conclusion of the program as Sir Knight. Other awards are given for academics and other achievements.

For more information, please telephone chairperson, Mrs. Donna Little-James at (909) 528-9793 or co- chairperson, Mrs. Bridgette Shaw at (909) 648-6165 or publicity chairperson, Mrs. Twillea Evans-Carthen at tevanscarthen@yahoo.com.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Time for Change Foundation’s (TFCF) 2018 Advocates of the Year Award honors those individuals whose strengths and courage amplifies the voices of change and criminal justice reform in their respective communities.  This year among the advocates being honored, Ms. Kim Carter is pleased to honor Jayda Rasberry and Mianta McKnight. 

“Both of these young ladies give me so much hope,” Kim Carter, Founder of Time for Change Foundation, stated. “We know that change will only come when those most impacted by the harmful effects of mass incarceration are at the helm leading the efforts for reform.”

Jayda Rasberry is from Los Angeles. She is in her late twenties, has 5 younger siblings, and a whole host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was raised by her grandmother who loved her unconditionally and instilled in her what it takes to be a productive citizen. In 2006 she was sentenced to Valley State Prison for Women where she would spend six years of her life. Since her release in 2012 she has been to Sacramento to speak about medical negligence and reducing the prison population with alternatives. In 2014 she became an organizer with Dignity and Power Now. She is out 5 days a week educating community members and making them aware of what is happening behind jail walls. As a formerly incarcerated person and a queer woman of color she believes that it is important to be a voice of change in directly impacted communities. She has lived the harsh realities of what happens behind the walls of prison and strongly believes that it is her duty to fight and to be a voice for people who are incarcerated.

Mianta McKnight is a formerly incarcerated juvenile offender tried as an adult who is passionate about incarcerated women. She knows firsthand what the prion experience is like since she served 18 years and 1 day on a 15 year to life sentence and essentially grew up within the prison industrial complex. As a fellow for Justice Now and activist for social change, she is dedicated to challenging inhumane conditions and being a voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves. She attends SFSU and is majoring in dance, which she plans to use to work along with holistic medicine to promote longevity, self-awareness, and self-care.

Other Honorees include: Dr. Carolyn Eggleston with the Community Education Champion Award, Jordyn Rivera with the Humanitarian Award, Bobby Barzi with the “Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion” Award, Virginia Blumenthal with the Women’s Empowerment Award, Dr. Harvey Nurick with the Dynamic Duo Award, Cedar House with the Community Champion Award, and Mitla Café with the Unsung Hero Award.

Time for Change Foundation’s 16th Year Anniversary Gala will take place on Friday, April 13^th , at the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton in Ontario, CA from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. To support TFCF’s efforts to help homeless women and children become self-sufficient, thriving members of society you can become a sponsor, purchase an ad in the event program book or purchase a Gala ticket.  To purchase tickets for the event or to become a sponsor and increase your business’ visibility in the community, please visit our website www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org or contact Vanessa Perez at (909) 886-2994 or by email at vperez@timeforchangefoundation.org.

Time for Change Foundation empowers disenfranchised, low-income individuals and families by building leadership through evidence-based programs and housing to create self-sufficiency and thriving communities. We accept all forms of donations. To see how you can help make a difference visit us on the web at www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org.

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

Sure, you did! You knew what you was about to do was wrong, but you did it anyway. So what do you mean you didn’t mean to? What kind of fool do you think God is? Do you think you can do something that he says is wrong and you won’t have consequences in your life? Scripture is clear: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows this he will also reap. Doing right is not an option in the Christian life. James says in [James 4:17] “Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, Sins. No matter what others do, you know what you have to do. You cannot afford to live the life that people are living simply because it is the acceptable thing to do. I tell you “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread””Look before you leap.”

Listen, the only way to grow is to take full responsibility for your actions. Scripture clearly shows that believers sin and must take responsibility for their own thoughts and actions. It is far better and far more biblical to say, “I sinned and I take full personal responsibility for all my thoughts, words and deeds. I cannot blame my circumstances, my friends, my loved ones, the world, my flesh, the power of sin within me, or even the devil. I must admit that I chose to sin and I confess it. I did it, no one else made it me do it. Now I must face the consequences.” 

What does this mean? It means, in the final analysis, you do right because it’s right to do right. Besides, you don’t want to mess around with God. God is a consuming fire!  “The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God.” [2 Samuel 6:7].  He died, instantly. Why? Because he did wrong when he knew to do right. The Bible is full of stories like this. Remember the golden calf incident at Mt. Sinai, recorded in [Exodus 32]? Only because Moses pleaded with God to remember his covenant mercy did God decide not to destroy the entire nation of Israel after they offered unacceptable worship, [doing wrong when you know to do right], by making an image of him in the form of a cud-chewing stud. Even after Moses pleaded with God, they still didn’t get off scot free, about 3000 died and the rest was struck with a plague. When you know to do right, do it!

The underlying: A wheelbarrow doesn’t choose which direction it will go.  It moves in whatever direction the person pushing it decides is best.  A wheelbarrow doesn’t argue with the person pushing it or try to choose its own path.  A wheelbarrow simply goes where the person pushing directs. With God’s Spirit controlling us, we don’t have to try to do the right things.  We don’t have to try to obey God’s commands. We don’t have to try to guess which direction God wants us to go. [Ezekiel 36:27] says, “And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”  These verses were written to the nation of Israel, but God’s promise applies to all who claim Him as God.  The message in this verse is that God has placed His Spirit in each of His children and this Spirit will move us to do right and to obey God.  God’s Holy Spirit will guide us in the direction that God knows is best for us. And when the Spirit moves us, it is up to us to obey.  It is up to us to go in the direction in which He is moving us.  The Holy Spirit will always move us in the right direction.  He will always move us to obey God and do God’s will.  We don’t have to move ourselves [make ourselves go in the right direction].  We simply need to allow God’s Spirit to move us in the direction that God know is best for us.

“But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.” [2Corinthians 13:7].

May God richly bless you as you read these words. It is my sincere desire that all who read them may be enriched “

And this is my prayer,” Paul wrote, “that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness.” [Philippians 1:9]

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – On February 21,, Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-San Bernardino) hosted the 47^thAssemblyDistrict Young Legislators on their inaugural Sacramento Trip to the State Capitol. Students who participated attend San Bernardino City Unified School District, Colton Joint Unified School District, Fontana Unified School District, and Rialto Unified School District.

The students who were afforded the opportunity included: Abigail Menara, Adamaris Zamora, Adriana Golding, Amy Vasquez, Andres Torres, Ariel Ideishi, Ashley Garcia, Bryanna Gonzalez, Daniella Mora, Elizabeth Rubio, Eunice Molina, Gabriel Macias, Gabriela Vasquez, Guadalupe Tellez, Jacqui Ochoa, Jasmin Ponce, Jayleska Johnson, Josaline Moran, Joshua Lechega, Karen Rojas, Leslie Tapia, Manny Medrano, Sahvannah Rodriguez, Valarie Valero and Xiomara Thompson.

During the visit, the Young Legislators attended an Assembly floor session, toured the State Capitol, visited the State Library, participated in a meet and greet with State Legislators, a panel discussion with Assembly Fellows and professional staff, and presented legislative proposals to benefit San Bernardino County youth.

“Our young people are the next generation of leaders that will contend with the emerging challenges facing our region and state for years to come.  That is why it is so important they are engaged in their community and get a firsthand experience of the public policy making process,” said Assemblymember Reyes.

The Young Legislators is a yearlong program to provide high school students living in the 47^th District with leadership development training and an opportunity to discuss important youth related issues occurring in the community. Assemblymember Reyes is currently accepting applications for the next class of Young Legislators on her website at www.asm.ca.gov/reyes.

A couple of weeks ago, U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres traveled to several communities in and around the Inland Empire to ensure the needs of local residents are reflected in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) budget. As Chair of the CHC Budget Task Force, Torres has been instrumental in crafting a budget that offers an alternative to the harmful cuts in the Trump Administration’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget. On her tour, Torres highlighted advancements made in veterans’ care, the need for greater investment in infrastructure and public safety upgrades, and a permanent solution for the nation’s Dreamers—priorities that align with the CHC’s mission to advance the Hispanic community and improve the lives of all citizens.

U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres views a project underway at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System.

In Redlands, Torres visited the new Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) within the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. The ACC features equipment and technology that make healthcare more accessible and affordable for the area’s veterans. In addition to preventative care, the ACC also provides veterans with mental health care and resources to combat the opioid crisis.

“It’s our responsibility to make sure that our veterans have access to quality and timely healthcare when they return home,” Torres said. “It’s great to see the strides the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System has made in providing the innovative and cutting-edge care and services California veterans deserve.”

In Ontario, Torres met with representatives from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to discuss funding upgrades and relieving congestion along the 71 Freeway. She also held a public safety funding roundtable with fire and police chiefs in Chino to address concerns regarding the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants program. The need to strengthen the capability of California’s 911 system to receive text messages and respond to cyberattacks was also discussed.

“Upgrades to our infrastructure should go hand in hand with meeting our public safety needs. Unfortunately, the President’s infrastructure proposal makes it harder for my district and our state to fund these much-needed upgrades,” Torres said. “It was important to hear firsthand from local transportation officials and emergency responders about the challenges they face. We need commonsense policies that move us in the right direction towards modernizing our infrastructure and 911 systems.”

At Cal Poly Pomona, Torres convened a meeting with more than 30 Dreamers representing area colleges, school administrators, and supporters to talk about the need for a permanent solution for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

“I am inspired by the bravery and perseverance of our Inland Empire Dreamers. The Trump Administration has unfairly thrown the futures of these bright young people into a state of uncertainty,” Torres said. “I will keep fighting for a permanent legislative solution that protects our Dreamers from deportation and extends benefits to all Dreamers.”

U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres speaks with fire and police chiefs in Chino.

By John Coleman, Community Photographer

Over 90 National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Inland Empire members and guests listened intently as professor and author, Terrence Roberts, MSW, PhD, honored guest and keynote speaker at the Inland Empire Unit of the National Association of Social Workers held it’s Annual Social Work Month  Awards and Recognition Celebration on Monday, March 5 at Kaiser Palm Court in Fontana.

Dr Roberts, recipient of the U S Congressional Medal, bestowed in 1999 by then President Bill Clinton is honored as a member of the renowned “Little Rock Nine”  one of nine 15 year-old Black junior high school students who, in 1957,  volunteered to attend the rigidly segregated all and only white Little Rock Central High School.

Sounds simple, but in 1957 then President Dwight D. Eisenhower took control of the Arkansas National Guard to prevent its use by the Governor and sent in a unit of the U S Army to protect the safety of the Little Rock Nine for the full 1957-58 school year.

Governor Faubus closed all public schools statewide for the following year in his attempt to prevent desegregation.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- March 9, 2018 marks a milestone in PAL Center history as Coach Domonique White and Coach Alex Avila lead the Bulls Boys Basketball team their first ever league Championship in PAL’s 34 year existence.

Under the leadership of Coach White, PAL introduced its Student Scholar Athletics program in the 2015 – 2016 school year. The success of the program developed discipline and academic accountability among PAL student athletes in sports offered: Softball, Volleyball, Basketball and Soccer.

As the underdog in the Inland Empire Alternative Schools League (IEASL) which provides competitive athletics for Inland Empire students at Charter and Continuation schools PAL Basketball program has fought for three seasons straight to earn the bragging rights of Champions. This year they absolutely earned the right as they finished the regular season in the fifth seat with no expectation of making it to the final dance.

The Bulls successfully fought through two rounds of playoffs to face Sierra High School of San Bernardino in the Championship game. An intense game resulted in PAL Charter Academy’s victory. Additionally, these scholar athletes maintained a cumulative 3.7 GPA throughout the season with no participant performing below a 2.7 GPA. The 2018 Bulls Basketball team has certainly made HISTORY as student SCHOLAR athletes!

PAL Charter Academy is a free public charter school which services students 6^th to 12^th grade. Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 -2019 school year. Please contact the main office located at 2450 Blake Street in San Bernardino or by phone at (909) 887-7002 for more information.

This year, Women’s History Month comes at a pivotal time – women’s voices and stories are being heard and lifted up in a way they never have before.  This opportunity should be celebrated, and gives us a chance to see history in new ways – including stories about things that impact women’s health.

Many may be surprised to know that one of the most critical health issues facing women today are menthol cigarettes.  They are a key reason why lung cancer is actually the leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the U.S.  In fact, almost twice as many women die from lung cancer than breast cancer, even though breast cancer is more prevalent.

Legendary African American singers, Mary Wells and Sarah Vaughan, had their voices silenced too early and suffered health related issues caused by smoking cigarettes. Mary developed cancer of the larynx because of her smoking habit.  She smoked two packs of cigarettes a day, lost all of her finances to expensive cancer treatments, and suffered with cancer until she died of pneumonia at age 49.

A longtime smoker, Sarah developed lung cancer and carcinoma of the joints in one hand. Sarah’s amazing contralto voice became huskier after years of smoking, and she died at the age of 66.

It’s important to understand the history behind menthol cigarettes.  They were actually created by tobacco companies specifically for women.  For decades the tobacco industry advertised and marketed them intentionally and directly to women by showing images of group fun, freedom, and glamour in their marketing.

Unfortunately, it worked.  Women are nearly twice as likely as men to smoke menthol cigarettes, and more than 50% of menthol smokers are women. In California, 70% of African American adult cigarette smokers smoke menthol cigarettes compared to only 18% of white adult cigarette smokers.

Research shows that menthol cigarettes are actually worse for the user than regular cigarettes. Menthol makes it easier for smokers to inhale more deeply and allows harmful particles to settle deeper inside the lungs. By reducing airway pain and irritation, continuous menthol smoking can mask the early warning symptoms of smoking-induced respiratory problems.  Menthol smokers are also less likely to successfully quit smoking than other smokers. 

“Menthol cigarettes are one of the worst, yet not explicitly identified, causes of health problems facing women today,” said Carol McGruder, Co-Chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, a Bay Area organization that works to expose and address the inequities in tobacco use and its impact among diverse communities.  “It’s a serious problem that gets negligible attention – we need to inform women about what the tobacco industry has done to us.”

The fact that menthol cigarettes are still produced and sold is puzzling.  In 2009, the FDA banned the sale of all flavored cigarettes, except menthols – and the tobacco industry has managed to keep them legal since then. 

“For those who want to take local action, every county in California has a tobacco control coalition – people can check with their county department of health to learn when and where meetings are held, everyone is welcome.  There are also resources available for anyone who is personally affected,” said Ms. McGruder. 

Now is the time to break menthols impact on women for good.  For anyone who wants help to quit, the California Smoker’s Helpline is at www.nobutts.org or 1-800-NO-BUTTS.

By Lue Dowdy

Bringing Awareness to Domestic Violence is WHAT IT DO!

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior which involves violence or other abuse by one person against another in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation. This year’s event will provide information and resources for anyone in need. If your experiencing this type of behavior or know of a person that is, we encourage you to speak up and seek help.

Be a part of this epic event, a night of GIRL POWER! We are looking for a few more ladies for our $500 plus size model competition scheduled to take place Sunday, August 26.

No experience is needed, but you must pay a registration fee. Good luck to our registered beauties as they get ready to compete for the cash prize, crown, trophy, sash and more. They include: Browneisha Blackman, Chondra Smith,Essence Johnson, Jasmine Hall, Liz Brown, Lola Lestrange, Miia Carrington, Sunday DeLa Cruz and Tenisha White.

Come on out! Be a vendor, a sponsor or a volunteer! It’s not too late to participate ladies please text (909) 567-1000 or inbox us at @Lueproductions on Facebook.

 Until next week L’s!