Local

Back row: Daniel Enz, Assemblymember Brown’s office; Garrett Dewhirst, Grand Terrace High School; Patrick Davis, Arroyo Valley High School; Ivan Gudino, Slover Mountain High School; Tatum DeMarco, W.A. Carter High School; Aastha Chaudhary, A.B. Miller High School; Michael Egiebor, W.A. Carter High School; Dominick Maiorca, Kaiser High School; and Ramses Jair Castro, Middle College High School. Front row: Lyzzette Martinez, Arroyo Valley High School; Johanna Silva, Alta Vista Public Charter; Rebecca Egiebor, W.A. Carter High School; Assemblymember Brown; Kalynne Brantley, W.A. Carter High School; Maria Mendoza, Kaiser High School; and Ashley Jones, Assemblymember Brown’s office. Not pictured: Josue Marin, Kaiser High School; Jordan Brown, Middle College High School; and Omar Moreno, A.B. Miller High School.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) held her first meeting with the 47^th Assembly District Youth Academy on Saturday, January 23.  The Youth Academy, comprised of local high school students, will work together to create a legislative proposal and organize a community outreach activity. Additionally, they will participate in professional development classes and district field trips.

“The intended goal of the Youth Academy is to improve the quality of life in our communities, while enhancing our students’ leadership skills,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “Our students are very insightful and passionate about making a difference in their community. I’m so honored to work with them, and I look forward to a successful outcome.”

During the first meeting, students were given an overview of the program; learned about the legislative process; and participated in an open discussion about issues affecting youth in the 47^th District.

“It was really great to understand the legislative process and know that I, along with other really brilliant minds, will be creating a piece of legislation that will hopefully impact our community,” said Johanna Silva of Alta Vista Public Charter in San Bernardino. “I really look forward to growing with the group, and helping solve some of the problems that face the 47^th District.”

“I’m very thankful for this wonderful opportunity to work alongside peers from the 47^th District, as well as our state Assemblywoman, Ms. Brown,” said Dominick Maiorca of Kaiser High School in Fontana. “I’m looking forward to helping the community through public policy and our outreach event. I cannot wait to begin our mission to gain leadership experience and to better the community we live in.”

This year’s Youth Academy members include: Garrett Dewhirst, Grand Terrace High School; Lyzzette Martinez, Arroyo Valley High School; Patrick Davis, Arroyo Valley High School; Ivan Gudino, Slover Mountain High School; Johanna Silva, Alta Vista Public Charter; Tatum DeMarco, W.A. Carter High School; Rebecca Egiebor, W.A. Carter High School; Michael Egiebor, W.A. Carter High School; Kalynne Brantley, W.A. Carter High School; Aastha Chaudhary, A.B. Miller High School; Omar Moreno, A.B. Miller High School; Dominick Maiorca, Kaiser High School; Maria Mendoza, Kaiser High School; Josue Marin, Kaiser High School; Ramses Jair Castro, Middle College High School; and Jordan Brown, Middle College High School.

For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.

LOS ANGELES, CA-Celebrating 90 years of providing smiles, sportsmanship and service to millions of people worldwide, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters will bring their unrivaled family show to the Los Angeles area, during their 90^th Anniversary World Tour. The Globetrotters’ Southland game schedule follows:

Anaheim at Honda Center on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 1 p.m., and 7 p.m., and on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, at 2 p.m.; Mission Viejo at the Saddleback College Gym on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., and Monday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m.; Santa Barbara at the UCSB Events Center on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 7pm.; Ontario at Citizens Business Bank Arena on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, at 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.; and  Los Angeles at the Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, at 12:30 p.m., and 5:45 p.m.

On the court, the Globetrotters’ 90-year celebration will feature some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet. With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm– plus female stars TNT Maddox and Sweet J Ekworomadu* – the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans.

Tickets for the southland shows can be accessed at harlemglobetrotters.com.

Wiz Khalifa

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- HIGH TIMES is returning for the 2016 HIGH TIMES SoCal Medical Cannabis Cup—and this time, they’re  bringing you TWO weekends of amazing music, cultural and lifestyle exhibitors, exclusive VIP experiences, and tons of seminars—all surrounded by high-quality cannabis products.  The cup will take place on Saturday, January 30 to Sunday, February 7 from 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the National Orange Show Events Center (NOS) in San Bernardino. The line-up will consist of high-flying global music sensations, which include The Roots and De La Soul on January 30, Wiz Khalifa on February 5, and Method and Redman on February 6.

The HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup is the world’s leading marijuana trade show, celebrating the world of ganja through competitions, instructional seminars, expositions, celebrity appearances, concerts and product showcases. Hosted in states that have legalized medical and recreational marijuana, the Cannabis Cup stands as the foremost gathering place for the cannabis community to network and celebrate.

Going strong for nearly three decades, the HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup is the most established and trusted cannabis competition in the marijuana industry, continually fighting for political liberation, equality and patient’s rights for cultivators and consumers of the plant.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit hightimes.com.

SAN BERNARDINIO, CA- Yes that is Michelle Obama’s voice passengers hear when riding on Omnitrans buses.  Her public service announcement is among messages delivered through an onboard GPS-based audio advertising service recently implemented by Omnitrans.

Through a contract with Commuter Advertising, based in Dayton, Ohio, Omnitrans buses play short audio advertisements which can be delivered at specified times or locations.  For example, a restaurant could advertise a breakfast special between 6 and 8 a.m., or a book store could let passengers know they are located near the next bus stop.  A scrolling onboard LED text message supports the audio advertisement.

This month, Omnitrans audio advertising includes a public service announcement from First Lady Michelle Obama called “Better Make Room.” It’s part of the First Lady’s Reach Higher initiative to inspire every student in America to continue their education past high school.  “You’re about to arrive,” she tells young people. “And the world better make room.” Listen to the PSA.

Omnitrans shares in the revenue generated by paid advertising. “But a greater value to Omnitrans is the ability to use the system to deliver key information to our own customers,” said spokesperson Wendy Williams. “We can inform riders of upcoming service changes, promote our online store, or offer travel tips.  It’s really the most effective way to reach all our customers.”

Since the system taps into Omnitrans existing GPS technology, there is no cost to Omnitrans other than staff time to upload the latest batch of messages.  Commuter Advertising produces the audio files, which are typically 15 seconds long.

Omnitrans is the first transit system on the west coast to offer onboard advertising. Commuter Advertising operates in 11 media markets in the United States.  Founded in 2008, Commuter Advertising sends hyper-targeted digital messages over bus notification systems that inform passengers of products, services and sales at nearby businesses using the vehicles’ GPS technology and software created by the company.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Select Committee on the Status of Girls and Women of Color, co-chaired by Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino), will host a hearing on Friday, January 22 featuring minority business owners and corporate executives in an effort to create a pipeline to corporate America and entrepreneurship for young women of color in California.

“The focus of this Select Committee hearing is to highlight women of color who work in business and corporate America,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “Our speakers will reflect on the paths they have taken and the obstacles they have overcome in their various professions. Our goal is to improve opportunities for women of color.”

Several panelists ranging from California universities to corporate businesses are scheduled to appear and discuss what California can do to increase entrepreneurship and corporate participation among women of color.  

Featured guests include executive administrators from Webb Family Enterprises, Boeing, Lyft, Wells Fargo, AT&T, and Starbucks. Additional panelists include Kimberly Freeman, Assistant Dean for Diversity Initiatives and Community Relations, UCLA; Dr. Adina Sterling, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Stanford University; Dr. Michele Turner, Executive Director of the Black Alumni Association, USC; and more.

Members of the public are welcome to testify during public comment. Those who cannot attend may submit their written testimony by email toShannon.McKinley@asm.ca.gov.

The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers at Fontana City Hall, located at 8353 Sierra Avenue.

For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.

RIVERSIDE, CA —”It takes a village to raise a child” is a wise African American proverb and the premise behind the upcoming summit taking place this month. The Riverside Branch NAACP and the 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire are joining forces to unite the Black social, professional, faith-based, and fraternal organizations in Riverside County to answer the call of addressing the needs of young Black girls and boys. The Riverside African American Village Summit will take place Saturday, January 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cross Word Christian Church, located at 21401 Box Springs Road in Moreno Valley.

The Riverside African American Village Summit will address nine important priorities:

Advocate for state and local policy (advocacy); Develop youth leaders in Moreno Valley, Perris and Riverside; Groom young men of color for entrepreneurship/circulating Black dollars; Reform school discipline policies; Expose young men of color to professional, technology, and trade careers; Work to fully implement Proposition 47; Teach the importance of the church in addressing issues; Create stable and consistent mentoring programs; and Black parenting.

The Riverside African American Village Summit is the first of a series of summits launched to address these pertinent issues. Partners and sponsors include: Boys and Men of Color Alliance, Moreno Valley Sons and Brothers Coalition, NAACP Riverside Branch #1059, 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire Inc., Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce, Moreno Valley Islamic Center, Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, C.O.P.E., and African American Coalition.

The Riverside African American Village Summit is free and open to the public. Join the discussion! All African American’s in Riverside County are encouraged to come. Please register at villagesummit.eventbrite.com.

Enrique Murillo

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Friday, January 15, Youth Action Project (YAP) will host “YAP TALKS” in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at San Bernardino Valley College in the Library Viewing room. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Rev. Dennis Brown (Rachel Luna / Staff Photographer)

“YAP TALKS” is a TED Talks style event where four speakers each captivate the audience in 18 minutes or less with powerful monologues.  According to Youth Action Project Founder and CEO, Joseph Williams, the goal for this YAP TALKS is to talk about Dr. King’s philosophies and principles in the context of what can be done today.

The lineup includes: Enrique Murillo, Professor at California State San Bernardino and Director of Latino Education Advocacy Days; Johnathan Buffong, co-founder of Buffong Consulting and Mental Health Consultant with the County of San Bernardino; Lolita Lyles, Professor at California State Long Beach; and Rev. Dennis Brown, as the “Voice of King.”

The event will also feature a special performance by R&B sensation, as seen on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Voice, Abraham McDonald. The aim of the event is to inspire community members young and old to take positive action toward building a healthy and vibrant San Bernardino. The YAP TALKS will be like no other event in honor of Dr. King’s legacy says YAP CEO Joseph Williams.

For more information about the Youth Action Project and/or if you are interested in making a financial donation, please visit YAP’s website at www.youthactionproject.org

LOS ANGELES, CA- In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the California African American Museum (CAAM) will host their annual Cake for King Community Celebration, sponsored by Target Corporation, on Monday, January 18, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

In celebration of Dr. King and his legacy, guests are encouraged to visit CAAM to experience his dream through art, culture and history. Event activities will include Storytime with Babe Evans who will read, “My Brother Martin,” written by Christine King Farris; a gospel performance by the Fernando Pullum Youth Ensemble; historical documentary film screenings on Dr. King’s legacy and historic speeches; an art workshop where guests can create a linocut image on tile of Dr. King; dance and drum performances; and two giveaways of an acrylic painted portrait of Dr. King, created throughout the day by speed painter Zachery Brown.  Lastly, enjoy a slice of homemade birthday cake while the treat lasts.

In addition to the holiday activities, enjoy the art, culture and history created by some of the most dynamic artists in several ongoing exhibitions on view at CAAM.  This annual celebration at CAAM is free and open to the public.  Parking is $12 in the lot at 39th and Figueroa Streets or take the Los Angeles Expo Line and exit the USC/Expo Park station.  For more information visit www.caamuseum.org. RSVP is encouraged at (213) 744-2024.

Judge Asberry

FONTANA, CA- The Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana and the North Fontana Black Awareness Parade Committee cordially invite you to the Charlotte Ray Award Ceremony and Recognition Dinner.   The honoree for the evening is Superior Court Judge Irma Poole Asberry.

Judge Asberry is the first African American to serve as the Presiding Judge of the Riverside Superior Court.  Asberry was the first African American Supervising Judge of the County’s Family Law Department from 2009 to 2012. She currently has an assignment in the Criminal Law Department. On June 4, 2009, she was honored by her sorority with the Outstanding Leadership and Service to All Mankind Award at the 80th Far Western Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  The Riverside African-American Historical Society Inc. recognized Judge Asberry for her Outstanding Community Service in October 2013.  The Inland Valley News presented Judge Asberry with its Excellence with the Juris Prudence Award in June 2014. The R.T. Fields Bar Association honored Judge Asberry as Judicial Officer of the Year in 2015.

On January 23 at 7 p.m. at Bethel A.M.E.  Church of Fontana located at 16262  Baseline Avenue, you are welcomed to join in showing her your  appreciation for the value contributions this Fontana resident has made.  The tickets are $35.00 per person or $200.00 a table (six at table).

Mail check or money order to: 16666 Baseline Rd.  Fontana, Ca 92336 c/o The Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana, or phone your payment  to (909)333-9950. Please RSVP by January 15.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Monday, January 18, 2016, the Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.  Restoration and Maintenance Committee will have its annual Recognition Ceremony at Dr. King’s statue which is located at San Bernardino City Hall, 300 North D Street in San Bernardino.  The ceremony begins at 10 a.m.

The committee will place its annual wreath at the foot of his statue in recognition of our national hero.  All community members are invited to participate in this special recognition ceremony. For more information, please contact France Grice, Committee Member at (909) 534-6567.