Local

SAN BERNARDINO, CA– The foundation that was laid at last year’s inaugural Black-Brown Conference will be built upon on Friday, Oct. 28, when Cal State San Bernardino brings back to campus about 350 African American and Latino ninth-grade young men for the second annual conference.

Designed to increase the number of African American and Latino males who enroll and graduate from college, the students, representing five Inland Empire school districts, will receive critical college information, get connected with CSUSB students and have the opportunity to talk about relevant issues facing young students today.

Colton, Fontana, Rialto, San Bernardino and Victorville school districts will be sending youths from about 20 schools to the free conference, which will be held at CSUSB’s Santos Manuel Student Union Events Center from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The conference also will provide lunch for the students.

Raising the percentages of black and brown male students who graduate from high school and complete a college degree is vital for the social and economic prosperity of the area and the U.S., say conference organizers.

Only 21 percent of black males and 25 percent of Latino males graduated from high school two years ago in San Bernardino County having met the A-G requirements. At the same time, young black females graduated high school at a rate of 31 percent, Latina females at 33 percent, white males 33 percent and white females 43 percent having taken more challenging courses and being better prepared to attend college.

The National Center for Education Statistics has reported that only 12.4 percent of Latino men and 20.8 percent of black men ages 25-29 have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 37.7 percent of white men.

The conference focuses on this ninth graders because early college awareness and access is critical to improving college enrollment and degree completion for historically underrepresented students. In ninth grade, said Olivia Rosas, CSUSB associate vice president for enrollment management, students are pondering the college prep courses they need to enroll at a university.

CSUSB is nationally recognized for its leadership role in changing the face of U.S. higher education. A reflection of the region’s dynamic diversity, CSUSB, which has the most diverse student population of any university in the Inland Empire, and the second-highest African American and Latino enrollments of all public universities in California, is considered a model of access and excellence in higher education.

For more information about the Black and Brown Conference, email blackbrown@csusb.edu.

Reverend Floyd Lofton

Reverend Floyd Lofton  who was born on June 2, 1935, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi to Louis and Eliza Lofton. He was the youngest of eleven children. After graduating from high school in 1954, he entered the United States Air Force where he proudly served 30 years as a Security Police Officer.

He received many outstanding awards, one of which was the Outstanding Security Police Officer of the Year. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. After his separation from the USAF, he was employed as a Classified Destruction Manager with Northrop-Grumman for 15 years.

In 1968, while station at March Air Force Base, he met Betty, the love of his life. They were united in Holy Matrimony in 1971. With this union, he also married Kenneth, DeJuan and Esther (Betty’s sister). Rev. Lofton and Betty have had a happy and blessed union for 45 years.

He accepted his call to the ministry in 1989 under the late Bishop Dr. Herman Hubbard. in 1994.  He united with New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where it was evident he had a passion for praying, worshipping, visiting and praying for the sick and shut-ins.  His favorite declaration was, “…God will never leave you, no forsake you” Hebrews 13:5. He was appointed the Assistant Pastor at New Hope MBC in 1998, and served faithfully until his retirement in November 2015. 

On September 6, 2016, Rev. Lofton became ill and was hospitalized.  On October 17, 2016, God, in His infinite wisdom, gently and peaceably called him home from his journey as a preacher, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, godfather and friend, to his eternal rest.

He was preceded in death by his parents ,Louis and Eliza Lofton, and all his siblings.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Betty, sons: Kenneth (Wynolia) and DeJuan; six grandchildren: Stephanie (Kenneth), Tanya (Dewaan), Phylicia, Destiny (Edward), Mark (Leslye), and Jol (Bracchell); 11 great-grandchildren: Aaliya, Troy, Josiah, Mycah, Lexi, Angelique, Mya, Kolby, Kylee, Amiah, and Markie; 6 goddaughters: Joi, Tammy, “Starr” (Leon), Krystal, DeNae and DeJahna; 3 sisters-in-lw: Alice Jaqueline and Esther (John); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family.

God sent His Son into the world; God didn’t tell Jesus to be partially committed to His will. God didn’t have His Son embrace only part of the cross or only go part way up Calvary’s hill.  When Jesus came to earth, He gave His life completely for you. There was no holding back, no turning back and no going back in Gods plan or in the obedience of Jesus. Reverend Lofton was obedient to these teachings and faithfully followed Jesus’ example fully in his dedication to preaching, helping and being a true reflection of God’s grace and love.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Autistic teen chef Chase Bailey from Orange County, CA, who hosts his own hit cooking show www.chasenyurface.com launches his first cookbook this autumn to raise money to enable other people with autism to follow their dreams.

The official launch takes place at Santa Monica’s popular and award-winning Upper West restaurant in Santa Monica, CA. on November 10. Executive Chef Nick Shipp has been a huge fan of Chase since they cooked together at Autism Speaks’ Hollywood Celebrity Chef Gala in 2015. Between them they will be creating a five-course tasting menu based on The Official Chase ‘N Yur Face Cookbook. On hand to film the event will be Joey Travolta with a crew from his Inclusion Films company. The company teaches adults with developmental disabilities the practicalities to film making and many go on to work in major entertainment organizations.

Featuring over 75 recipes 15-year old Chase has developed, supported by mouthwatering photography, fun facts and anecdotes, The Official Chase ‘N Yur Face Cookbook (Chase ‘N Yur Face Media LLC, $24.95) includes an endorsement from Chef Mario Batali, who Chase appeared with on ABC’s top cooking program The Chew.

Using part of the book’s proceeds, Chase has decided to set up his own foundation www.chaseyurdreams.org  to assist people with autism who are working towards their dreams of living independently. 

“When Chase was little, he had some serious food aversions, which is common among people with an autism diagnosis.  One day I noticed how drawn he was to TV cooking programs.  Soon food became his world – he started overcoming his aversions and even started trying exotic foods,” Mary, Chase’s mom states. “The show began simply enough with me filming Chase cooking at home and posting the results on YouTube.  People loved it! Chase started inviting chefs and foodies to join him – Roy Choi, Becky Reams, Galia Orme, Anne Scioscia, Fuschia Sumner, and famed chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken are just some of the stars who’ve shared their recipes with him on Chase ‘N Yur Face.”

Tickets for the event, which starts at 7pm, cost $70 (plus tax & tip), and includes a signed copy of Chase’s cookbook plus a gastronomic goody bag. Tickets are available from www.upperwest.com or by calling the restaurant direct on 310-586-1111

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On October 14, the San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) Foundation’s 90th Anniversary Gala brought hundreds of alumni, dignitaries and philanthropists to campus to celebrate SBVC’s 90th anniversary and to raise funds for student scholarships. At the end of the night, donors had contributed over $135,000 to help support programs ranging from athletics to music, as well as to provide low-income students with textbook vouchers.

“We disburse around $200,000 in scholarships to our students each year,” said Karen Childers, the foundation’s director. “The amount we have raised tonight has significantly exceeded our goal, so we are very excited.”

Augmenting the support raised by donors in attendance were two larger donations: $25,000 from Kitchell / BRJ and Associates and $300,000 from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The latter contribution was earmarked for Valley-Bound Commitment, a unique SBVC program which grants thousands of local high-school graduates a free first year of college, and which the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has supported since the program’s inception in 2008.

“I am proud to be affiliated with this community treasure,” said Emmy Award-winning actress Lindsay Wagner, a former SBVC professor who was the guest emcee for the event.

The gala was held in SBVC’s newest and biggest building: its 3-story, 108,000 square foot Kinesiology and Athletics Complex, which first opened to students in August 2016.

For more information and pictures, visit www.facebook.com/sbvalleycollege.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-One of the largest marches and rallies in the history of San Bernardino will be led by faith-based, political, business and community leaders on October 22, 2016 in the wake of an unprecedented year of crime and an alarming increase in homicides.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Acclaimed Author Felecia Poolé, releases her thought-provoking Stormi Girl Series. These powerful coming of age novels have everything you could ask for, thrills, tension, and tender moments. They touch on issues involving sex, mental illness, suicide, and religion, just to name a few.

IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM: THEY CALL ME STORMI volume one, is a riveting story of a young girl’s journey through love, sex, and betrayal, and her fight to keep her sanity. NO MERCY: THEY CALL ME STORMI volume two is the continuation of the young girl’s journey through revenge, lies, and secrets.

Poolé gives readers a glimpse of how life-altering situations can push some teens over the edge. Stormi, the teenage protagonist, is trapped between the spirits of good and evil, but only one spirit can win.  

The author’s characters are skillfully developed and you are walking in their shoes as they blindly move through life. You are reminiscent of your life as a teenager and parent. You’re reminded of the lies that you told and of the secrets that you hold. These cautionary tales will cause many parents to pay more attention to their teens and their associates. Parents will see that being open and honest about their life experiences as a teen, may help their teen when confronted with tough decisions. Teens will learn that trying to become an adult to fast, can put them in situations they are not prepared to handle.

Felecia Poolé is a mentor with My Sisters Keeper, a non-profit organization for youth girls ages 8-18. She advocates and encourages mentorship. She believes everyone has a story that needs to be told. Her slogan: “You Don’t Know My Story” resonates in the hearts of women young and old. Her passion to inspire others has made her a sought-after inspirational speaker.

For more information, please visit www.theycallmestormi.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On October 29, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due Season Fellowship will be hosting their H.U.G. Spirit of Christmas Toy Giveaway Sign-Up Day. You must pre-register to receive gifts at the toy giveaway. The first 1000 children registered will receive gifts.

Make sure to bring the following items: picture ID for each applicant, proof of income, proof of child (birth certificate or shot records), and proof of residency (San Bernardino ONLY). Toys will be given to children ages 0 to college age. Due Season Fellowship is located at 1024 N. G Street in San Bernardino.

For more information, please call (909) 534-1383.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Social-Lites Inc., of San Bernardino 50^th Beautillion Season has begun. Mentoring Young Men toward a better future is there Mission.

The Beautillion Scholarship Program is designed to assist the Young Men of the Inland Empire and surrounding Communities, who are High School Seniors, College Freshman and boys of ages 8 years through 15 years old in reaching their Educational Goals. Also the program helps to provide scholarship funding, as well as computers, gifts and awards to the young men.

All young men interested in participating in the Annual Beautillion Scholarship Program are encouraged to attend along with their parents to the Beautillion Meeting on Sunday October 30, 2016 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Boys and Girls Club at 1180 W. 9^th Street San Bernardino CA 92411.

For additional information please contact Ms. Lisa Blacksher, Beautillion Chair-Woman at (909) 659-4157, Ms. Cynthia Wilhite, Beautillion Co-Chair at (909) 838-0966 and

Mrs. Bettye Brewster, Social-Lites President at (951) 204-0022. Application available via email: Sociallites@msn.com or lisasocialites@gmail.com

ONTARIO, CA- BEOLA’S SOUTHERN CUISINE will celebrate their new restaurant at 1845 E. Holt Blvd, Ontario, CA 91761, with a ribbon cutting ceremony performed by the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire on October 20, 2016 at 6 p.m. We are delighted to celebrate with the Local Cities, Regional and State Officials, Area Chambers, Inland Empire businesses and residents.

BEOLA’S Owner Troy McSwain is a self-taught Chef who opened Beola’s as an homage to his Southern roots. The recipes – and restaurant name are inspired by his late grandmother, Mrs. Beola McSwain. However, Troy’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle consists of offering home-style freshly cooked, made to order Southern cuisine that retains its authentic tastes but with a healthy spin. The menu offers dishes with locally sourced vegetables and lean proteins such as smoked turkey in of lieu of ham hock.

Along with his wife, Elizabeth, sons Troy III, 22 and Alex, 21, Troy McSwain II, owns and operates Beola’s Southern Cuisine. Their sons Troy III and Alex both assist with managing Beola’s staff and day to day operations. Elizabeth and Troy have over 50 years of combined experience managing businesses. They believe that quality dishes, a welcoming atmosphere and genuine, warm hospitality keep customers returning. The McSwains are connecting the community one meal at a time.

Lorenzo H Mills

March 13, 1937 – October 1, 2016

They say life is for the living and while he was with us Lorenzo H. Mills truly lived. Traveling the world, taking care of his family, servicing his country and serving in every possible capacity he could. Lorenzo will be missed by lives he never even knew he touched in keeping with the creed “Service… The Key to the Future.”

God gave the world a gift March 13, 1937 in Martinsville, Virginia. He blessed the world with a man that moved things forward. A hard worker, a selfless leader, and an example for all that witnessed his path to emulate in the name of progress.

Lorenzo Mills graduated from Albert Harris High School join the United States Air Force in 1956. Serving his country honorably he was recognized for his hard work and dedication to military service numerous times during the course of his adventurous life. In 1979, the Allied Forces of Southern Europe presented a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his faithful and efficient service in the United States Air Force. That same year he was awarded the Order of the Mole Award for his ‘meritorious performance of duty at Proto for contributing wholeheartedly to the fulfillment of the mission, and for surviving without the benefit of sunlight for a total of 1,500 days compiled over a period of 50 months.’

Lorenzo earned an Associate Art degree from San Bernardino Valley College. Next, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and then in 1981, a Master of Business Administration from the University of LaVerne studying in both Italy and Los Angeles.

Service was the theme Lorenzo lived by. He served his community with his time, insights, and monetary resources. Recently Life Stream Blood Bank called to schedule a blood donation. After hearing of his passing Life Stream revealed that Lorenzo had been a member since 1986 where in his lifetime of donations he helped save over 300 lives with his 14-gallon total of “whole” blood donations.

He was a member of Prince Hall Lodge #17, the Democratic Committee, Toastmasters, The Black Culture Foundation;and the Kiwanis Club. As a leading member of the Kiwanis Club of Inland Center, San Bernardino since 1987, and a William A. Dunlap Fellow, Lorenzo rose in ranks the position of Lt. Governor of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District, Kiwanis International Division 36. He served as President for three terms, Treasurer, and was a chair and member of numerous committees. In 2002, earning the position of Lt. Governor presiding over 15 Kiwanis clubs Lorenzo chose to focus on Pediatric Trauma Prevention.

Lorenzo H. Mills is preceded in death by his parents Lorenza and Gertrude Mills and sister Novella Mills-Hester.

Left to continue to love and honor the memory of Lorenzo is his wife Eula Mills, two sisters Norma Jean Gebo (Bob) and Sharon Price, and three children Lisa Mills-Hardaway, Natalie Mills and Lorenzo H. Mills II, seven grandchildren Jason Hardaway, Jheri Hardaway, Lorenzo H. Mills III, Mikalya Mills, Sophia Mills, Savannah Mills, Journey McCoy and a host of nieces and nephews.

He also leaves behind many friends who have become family. Lorenzo was kind and knew no strangers…he will be deeply missed.. His memorial service will be held October 21, 2016, 10am, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1575 West Highland Ave. San Bernardino CA 92411.