Local

He’s been gone for a minute, but now he’s officially back in action. Acclaimed comedian, Katt Williams, made a comeback at the Los Angeles Forum this past New Years Eve. Now he is making his way to the Inland Empire and will be making people fall out of their seats in laughter on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 8 p.m. at the Citizens Bank Arena. Doors open at 7 p.m, and parking is included in ticket fees. Tickets range from $29 to $109. A group of four is $100 plus fees. This is a show you don’t want to miss! So get your tickets while you still can. Visit Citizens Bank Arena’s website to purchase your tickets today!

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., was presented with an award of participation and contribution at the 17^th Annual Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Youth Symposium. The theme was “Partners in Progress: Working Together to Build Bridges for Youth”. The award recognized the Chapter’s help in putting on the symposium this year. The recognition was made by Dana Young, Basileus of the Inland Empire Sigma Gamma Rho Alumnae Chapter and Joann Loveless, Immediate Past Grand Basileus. Polemarch Dr. Samuel Gibbs accepted the certificate for the Riverside Alumni Chapter members in attendance. The Chapter, through its Guide Right Program, awarded a ThinkPad laptop computer to 13 year old Long Beach student Samaiya Richardson. Other organizations who participated included the March of Dimes, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, The Girl Scouts, USA Swimming/Swim 1922, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Kappa’s NEA Priority Schools Coordinator Edward Moore, Jr. VADM USN (ret) stated the purpose of the symposium. “The youth symposium is a signature event for Sigma Gamma Rho…it is their major community engagement and social service project, and is primarily targeted toward middle school/junior high school youth. It was run as a series of youth oriented and age appropriate workshops that included presentations on self esteem, health issues, a ‘step show’, music, available community services, and interpretive dance performances. The symposium started at 10 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. this past Saturday (same day as the Kappa Black and White Ball, which made it a very busy day for the Chapter).” He went on to state that the “local Inland Empire Sigma Gamma Rho Alumnae Chapter (Theta Pi Sigma) has as one of their members, the Immediate Past Grand Basileus, so the focus is even sharper for the local membership to put on a successful event.” This year the Sigma symposium was conducted at Amos Temple CME Church of Riverside where Pastor Marrix Seymour, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, ministers.

In 2011 Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., celebrated its 100^th year. Through its Guide Right Program the fraternity continues to partner with other fraternities and sororities, schools, and community based organizations in mentoring youth.

Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr

SAN BERNARDINO, CA  – The Consumer Protection Unit of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed 12 counts of grand theft and 9 counts of the unauthorized practice of law against 76-year-old Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr., of Walnut Park.

The charges are pending in the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. Lopez was arrested on February 27, 2014, and is currently in custody with bail set at $360,000.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by district attorney investigators showing that Lopez presented himself as an attorney who could help individuals with bankruptcies, family law matters, immigration matters and civil and criminal representation.

According to investigators, Lopez took money for these services which he could not deliver. Lopez is not, and never has been a licensed attorney.

Further investigation revealed that Lopez specifically targeted Spanish-speaking individuals as his victims. Investigators believe that his fraudulent activities have occurred in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties.

A bail hearing is scheduled for March 24, 2014 in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.

Individuals who believe they have been victimized by Joseph Robert Lopez, Sr. should contact the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection unit at (909) 891-3330 or via the District Attorney website at http://www.sbcountyda.org

Hardy Brown Sr.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the Inland Empire as a publisher and philanthropist, Hardy Brown will be recognized by the California State University and California State University, San Bernardino with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

The ceremony will take place during the CSUSB College of Arts & Letters commencement on Saturday, June 14 at 11:45 a.m. in Coussoulis Arena.

“It is truly an honor to recognize Hardy Brown. He and his wife Cheryl are iconic members of our community, celebrating the contributions of our African American community through the Black Voice newspaper and their many community partnerships,” said CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales.

A true patriarch in the Inland Empire’s African American community, Hardy Brown Sr. co-founded Brown Publishing Company to produce a weekly community newspaper, Black Voice News, which focuses on local news in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The Browns, married for 50 years, have been recognized as the only living publishers to be included in the 175th anniversary of the Black Press of America. Their names were added to such historic publishers as Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Carlotta Bass – all of whom overcame great obstacles to publish the truth and to give a voice to the disenfranchised. Black Voice News now reaches over 10,000 readers per edition.

In 2001, Mr. Brown co-founded California Black Media (CBM), a network of African American media owners across the state of California. CBM has served as a statewide initiative to better inform and educate the African American community about key issues that affect their lives. California Black Media consists of 22 African American newspapers across the state. Hardy Brown Sr. was awarded the Alice F. Page Award for nonviolence in 2009.

Passionate about community service and education, the Browns founded the Black Voice Foundation in 1988, with a mission to train and educate individuals in print media. Due to the digital revolution, the rapid growth of technology in the world of communications and media, and the need to impact lives through a diverse set of media platforms, the foundation has expanded its mission to include digital and electronic media and professional development.

The Black Voice Foundation now runs programs in order to fulfill their commitment to educate and preserve the African American legacy in the community. They include the Black Voice Internship Program and the Califest Studio Workshop. The latter combines education with the arts. Its first project, Buck World One, fuses spoken word, interactive video projections and dance in telling the story of urban youth living in some of the Inland Empire’s most depressed communities.

For 15 years, the Black Voice Foundation Footsteps to Freedom Study Tour has partnered with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Riverside County Office of Education, and National Park Service to lead a unique study tour experience for Inland Empire educators and college students. For eight days each summer, tour participants learn first-hand about the incredible courage of the people who sought freedom or who helped others achieve it along the central and lesser-known route of the Underground Railroad from Kentucky to Canada. Some 500 area teachers and administrators have taken this summer course and helped excavate this unique African American tapestry.

In addition, the Black Voice News also initiated the “Building Better Communities” program, which works with local companies, organizations and agencies to improve neighborhoods.

Through its efforts with California Black Media, the Foundation is able to promote the merits of the Black Press across the state of California. The California Black Media project hosts annual issue forums that address concerns in African-American communities throughout the state.

Loretta Ross

Miss Loretta Ross began her reproductive rights and anti-violence activism after being sterilized by the use of the Dalkon Shield at the age of 23. Miss Ross has appeared on The Charlie Rose Show, Good Morning America and CNN. In addition, Loretta has been a consistent participant in International women and Health Meetings. Miss Ross helped organize the delegation of 1100 African American women to the International conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1984, and attended United Nations women’s Conferences in Copenhagen, Nairobi, and Beijing.

After meeting with U. S. Congressional Candidate Danny Tillman, Miss Ross gave her whole hearted endorsement, and adding “I look forward to the positive work Danny will do in Congress.”

“This endorsement really hits close to home. I am a father of three daughters and I am well aware of the fight that women have in every aspect of their lives. I am a lifelong advocate for women’s rights across the board. That is why this is such and honor for me to have the endorsement of Miss Loretta Ross. I am truly touched by her endorsement and support.”

Danny Tillman is a Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congress running in California’s 31st District Open-Seat. San Bernardino Board of Education Member Danny Tillman is known for getting people involved to fight injustices. Danny Tillman will be a progressive voice and a Congressman who will work hard to create family wage paying jobs and educational opportunities for the people of the Inland Empire.

Danny Tillman is running for U. S. Congress in California’s 31st Congressional District in 2014. The District includes the cities of San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Upland, Fontana Rialto, Colton, Loma Linda and Grand Terrace. For more information visit Danny Tillman for Congress at: www.dannytillmanforcongress.com

Homeless youth

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Did you know that on any given night in San Bernardino County over 500 children go without food, shelter and basic security? It is because they are homeless and have nowhere to turn. These are children under the age of 18 years old that have slipped through the cracks of our systems. Young Visionaries Academy has been addressing this issue for a number of years where they have provided 24-hour, 7 days a week, housing for youth. On Tuesday, March 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Young Visionaries will be hosting the celebration of its new shelter location with a Re-Grand Opening. The celebration will take place at 3632 North Sepulveda, San Bernardino, CA 92405. The organization needs the assistance of the community to provide a few necessities, which include: Sheets, bottom and top; towels, face and body; pillow cases; non-perishable food items; hygiene items (deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brushes, shampoo, conditioner, body soap); cleaning products; trash bags; a vacuum, broom and dust pan; mop and bucket; living room furniture; sofa; and games, books and sports equipment.

ONTARIO, CA- On Saturday, March 8, Sacred Sistahs Inc., will be hosting their 6^th Annual Shero Awards Recognition and Scholarship Fundraiser Breakfast. The theme this year is “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage and Commitment”. Former California State Assembly Member Wilmer Aminia Carter will be honored, as well as Pomona Unified School District Governing Board Member Adrienne Konigar-Macklin, Retired Educator Gloria Prentice and Special Assistant to the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Carolyn Tillman. The breakfast will be held from 9 am to 11 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel Ontario Airport, 2200 East Holt Boulevard in Ontario. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at www.sacredsistahinc.org/news_and_events or by contacting Dr. Tonia Causey-Bush at 909-910-7564.

Lesli Gooch

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA — Lesli Gooch, candidate for California’s 31st Congressional District, announced the official endorsement of long time Inland Empire resident and current Mayor of the City of Fontana, Acquanetta Warren.

“Inland Empire residents need a Member of Congress who will fight for us. I’m proud to support Lesli Gooch because she is the only candidate in the 31st District with the experience necessary to navigate the Washington bureaucracy and fight for our small businesses. I know she’ll be relentless when it comes to advocating for the Inland Empire,” said Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of Mayor Warren. I look forward to working with her to ensure the Inland Empire is open for business, modeling her success in Fontana. Our residents deserve good paying jobs and real economic opportunities,” said Congressional candidate Lesli Gooch.

Mayor Warren was first appointed to the Fontana City Council in 2002 where she was re-elected in 2004 and 2008. In 2010, Warren became the first female and the first African American Mayor of Fontana. She has dedicated her service to Fontana by promoting a business friendly city with her “Fontana is open for business” campaign which has escalated Fontana to being ranked 4th in California for its consistent growth in retail sales in the past 5 years. Apart from her elected office in Fontana, Warren has worked for over 20 years for the City of Upland, currently as their Deputy Director for Public Works, managing the city’s infrastructure maintenance, landscaping, streets, parks, sidewalks, facilities, and much more.

After officially announcing her candidacy to fill Congressman Gary Miller’s seat on February 19, Lesli Gooch has quickly developed momentum in endorsements and fundraising strength. Mayor Warren’s endorsement adds to a growing list of respected leaders including 31^st District Congressman Gary Miller, San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary C. Ovitt, and Frank Williams who currently serves as Chairman of the Housing Authority of San Bernardino County.

Inland Empire native Lesli Gooch, a former Senior Policy Director in the U.S. House of Representatives, is a transportation, infrastructure and financial services policy expert.  She has spent the past 15 years representing the residents of San Bernardino County at our Nation’s Capital, fighting for the resources necessary to stabilize the housing market and put Inland Empire families back to work.

Lois Carson Former San Bernardino Valley College Trustee Endorses Danny Tillman for Congress

It takes courage and a history of independence  to run for elective office, especially if you are African American because you must work so much harder and stand up to the detractors whose first words are “you cannot win”. I know; I have been there.

I am sure Danny Tillman went through the discernment required to make such a decision long before declaring his intention; he did not come to the decision lightly or quickly. So, nothing can stop him now—not organized party power, not “doubting Thomas’” nor those seeking favours from the eventual winner.

I first met Danny as a teenage student at Valley College and I was a member of the Board of Trustees; he was already exhibiting  attributes of a leader then and now at age 50, he is a proven leader as demonstrated by his front-runner and top vote getter school board elections and very effective Board governance. His business and technical acumen led to his successful investigation of the district finances where he found 40 million dollars in school funding in his first year as a school board member. Much of the responses to meet the needs of a changed community can be attributed to Danny who spends a great amount of time in the community. He is now ready to serve at the national level.

One of his major priorities is children, those in the district and those outside the district. He currently serves as president of the non-profit Black Future Leaders, Inc (BFL) which promotes high achievement for high school youth across the Inland Empire; the students participate for four years as long as they maintain a 3.0 GPA and perform 50 hours of community service per academic year. They are offered a summer residence program at Cal State every year. With a goal of academic excellence and community service, BFL is now in its 28^th year. He cares about people, especially the young.

Danny was not recruited by the establishment but saw a need as Bobby Kennedy once said, and  “sought to fill it”. While Danny clearly understands and values the concept of compromise so necessary in politics, he will never capitulate because he thinks for himself. He is an open book, candid and honest. What you see with Danny Tillman is what you get. More than that he is prepared to serve at any level of government and he has chosen the Congress. I support his choice and hope the readers will too.

Lois J. Carson

“Of course I am so honored to have such an esteemed and ranking member of the Inland Empire endorse me for U. S. Congress, words can never express my gratitude. I will continue to work hard for the Inland Empire when I am in Congress.”

Danny Tillman is running for U. S. Congress in California’s 31st Congressional District in 2014. The District includes the cities of San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Upland, Fontana Rialto, Colton, Loma Linda and Grand Terrace. For more information visit Danny Tillman for Congress at: www.dannytillmanforcongress.com

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The department of kinesiology at Cal State San Bernardino will host a free lecture by Karin A. Pfeiffer, professor of kinesiology at Michigan State University and an expert on physical activity, on Monday, March 3.

The lecture, “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report,” will be from 9:20-10:30 a.m. in CSUSB’s Panorama Room in the Lower Commons. The lecture is open to everyone, particularly students and faculty of kinesiology, staff and the public. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

Pfeiffer, who is also a member of MSU’s Center for Physical Activity and Health, will focus on the report’s strategies to increase physical activity among youth. Her research includes physical activity assessments in children as well as interventions designed to increase physical activity levels among young children.

An exercise physiologist with an interest in population-based investigations, Pfeiffer’s research focuses on two major areas: measurement of physical activity and interventions to increase physical activity in children and adolescents, spanning preschool through high school age.

Her expertise has included many school-based studies and she is interested in incorporating families and communities into her research.

The Center for Physical Activity and Health at Michigan State University was founded in 2004 as a collaborative project between the departments of kinesiology and epidemiology. The purpose of CPAH is to study the effect of physical activity on human health and well-being throughout a life span, while developing appropriate physical activity intervention strategies.

Pfeiffer’s work is relevant to the public health perspective related to low levels of activity and the increased risk of obesity in American children.

She is currently president-elect of the North American Society for Pediatric Exercise Medicine and a fellow and trustee for the American College of Sports Medicine.

The lecture is co-sponsored by CSUSB’s Intellectual Life and Visiting Scholars Committee. For more information about the lecture, contact Shannon Siegel at (909) 537-5358 or email ssiegel@csusb.edu.

For more information about Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Public Affairs at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu.