“Let’s Be Honest…. Sometimes…!”

Lou Coleman

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Sometimes, God seems inattentive, like He can’t hear us, like He’s not listening, like He doesn’t care. Sometimes, God seems uncooperative. Sometimes, it seems He is actually fighting against us and making it impossible for us to do what we think He is calling us to do. Sometimes, we feel helpless in grief, struggles and failures. Sometimes, we feel that God has abandoned us. So what do we do in times like these? What do we do in our lonely moments? Should we give up on God and go our own way? Should we let our emotions take over? Should we plunge into despair? Well, in Scripture, God gives us some directions for the waiting room. (1) Trust the one who is in charge! “Though the Lord slay me, still will I trust him. (2) Stay close… Don’t desert the waiting room. That is where you are most likely to hear from God. (3) Pray…  Get alone with God for a time of reflection, evaluation, correction, and dedication. (4) Be still… and wait!  (5) Anticipate God’s response, Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

I tell you everybody goes through something and at times feel like God has abandoned them. John’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus and three of his friends: Lazarus, his sisters Mary and Martha. There came a time when this family had a need. Lazarus was sick. He was so sick, in fact, that his sisters sent messengers to Jesus and asked him to come right away to help Lazarus. Lazarus was dying. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, He stayed, where he was, to begin with, for two days {John 11:5-6}. What a curious statement – Jesus loved them, so He decided NOT to go help them right away. When Jesus finally did arrive, both Martha and Mary confronted him. “Lord, if only You had been here! You could have saved our brother!” What they were saying was, “Jesus, why did you delay? Why didn’t you come on time? Why are you late? Why didn’t you come when you could have done something to save our family? “If only you had been here!”

Sometimes I struggle to remember that it’s good to wait for the Lord. It isn’t easy. It goes against the grain of our quick-fix society. From our perspective, we have everything figured out and we want God to move within our timeframe. But can I tell you that God rarely does things according to our timeframe; matter of fact, in Isaiah 55:8, God lets us know that “His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways.” So with that in mind, let us be persuaded that God is in control of the timing and intensity of our trials. Let us realize that He has a specific purpose for each trial in life. Let us understand that each trial is designed to meet a specific need that God sees in our lives. Let us accept that our waiting period is going to result in our own good if we respond in faith. Let us discover how each trial can strengthen our faith by proving that we can depend on the Lord for all of our needs. We must be convinced that God will walk us through every step of our trial. We must have faith that by His grace and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, we will not only survive, but we will also conquer in our trials.

Trust that God has a reason for your waiting, and submits yourself to whatever He desires to teach you.”  For in the waiting room, God gave Job a new perspective, one he would never have had if he had abandoned the waiting room. The waiting room drove Job to the very feet of God where he discovered a new nearness, a new intimacy, a new dimension of his relationship with God he would have never known otherwise.  So if you find yourself in God’s waiting room… Trust Him, Stay Close, Pray, Be Still, and get ready for some wonderful discoveries. Start declaring: what a God! For right around the corner is another day. A day when you’ll be surprised! A day when you’ll be awe-struck… A day when you’ll realize – when you’ll know, that you know, that you know that God’s waiting room is a means of experiencing His peace, His prosperity, and His power. Keep hoping, trusting, believing in God and wait for that appointed time in faith patiently. There‘s a hidden benefit in waiting. The soul is revived and the Spirit is renewed. (Is. 40:31) “I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the lookout tower. I will watch to see what He will say to me and what I should reply about my complaint. The Lord answered me: Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it testifies bout the end and will not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, since it will certainly come and not be late.” {Habakkuk 2:1-3}

May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him are the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen!

Some Bible Verses about God’s Timing: Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 27:14; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Galatians 6:9; Psalm 37:3-4; Lamentations 3:25-26; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Genesis 18:14; Psalm 46:10; Micah 7:7; Acts 1:7; Isaiah 64:4; Isaiah 55:8-9; John 14:18; Psalm 121:7-8; Phil 4:19…

Mr. Khari Bush Crowned Sir Knight

Sir Knight Khari Bush featured center in picture with parents Dr. Edward Bush and Mrs. Jenise Bush as future Knights look on.

Sir Knight Khari Bush featured center in picture with parents Dr. Edward Bush and Mrs. Jenise Bush as future Knights look on.

HIGHLAND, CA- On the evening of Saturday, April 18, seven outstanding young men were presented to society. The young men included Mr. Khari Bush who was crowned Sir Knight, Mr. Sir George Bernard Davis who was awarded 1st place, Mr. Arlington Rogers III who was awarded 2nd place, Mr. DeVon Clay, Mr. Myles Jones, Mr. Anthony Montgomery, and Mr. Brandon Watts at the 48th Social Lites, Incorporated Beautillion Ball at the Hampton Inn & Suites Resort Event Center, Highland, California.

This affair celebrated the accomplishments and efforts of the Inland Empire young African American men.  In addition to saluting these young men for their accomplishments, two participants were recognized and awarded scholarships for their outstanding academic achievements which included Mr. Khari Bush and Mr. Brandon Watts. Mr. Watts was also awarded the “Mr. Congeniality” award.  Collectively these young men were awarded over $20,000 in scholarships and gifts.  Dr. Wil Greer, professor at California State University, San Bernardino College of Education was the keynote speaker who personalized his presentation to all seven participants with words of encouragement associated with their career aspirations. The Social Lites, Incorporated under the leadership of Mrs. Bettye Brewster, president expressed her appreciation to all for supporting the Beautillion program.

Back Row Left to Right: Sir Knight 2015 Mr. Khari Bush, Brandon Watts , Dr. Wil Greer (Keynote Speaker), Anthony Montgomery, Arlington Rogers III (2nd), Myles Jones Front Row Left to Right: DeVon Clay and Sir Davis (1st)

Back Row Left to Right: Sir Knight 2015 Mr. Khari Bush, Brandon Watts , Dr. Wil Greer (Keynote Speaker), Anthony Montgomery, Arlington Rogers III (2nd), Myles Jones
Front Row Left to Right: DeVon Clay and Sir Davis (1st)

Martyrs: Sheppard’s stop killing His sheep

Ashly Broussard

Ashly Broussard

By Ashly Broussard

God is raising up prophets to boldly declare “enough is enough.” (Ezekiel 34:1-10 ). I urgently warn those that use the pulpit to display their position of power instead of declaring the Word of God to “ REPENT”. The Bible warns the leaders that take this role that our punishment will be far more severe (James 3:1). Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Are the leaders in your church operating in The Way of Love? Well lets take the  “ Love examine” to examine ourselves, starting with: 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is PATIENT.”

In 2 Peter 3:9, the Bible tells us about God not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. His patience isn’t the same patience I see exercised within the body of Christ. Its more a slap on the back. I heard one pastor bragging about how his congregation is consistently changing. Not because it was evolving, but because the sheep were leaving. What happened to us going after that sheep as Jesus told us through the parable in Luke 15:1-7? Souls are out there perishing because we don’t want to take the time to tarry anymore. But who cares, as long as its not us that’s lost right? I agree with this statement I heard one preacher say: Pastors are sending more people to hell than all the drug pushers, crips and bloods. Secondly love is KIND. How kind is it of God not to have forfeited His covenant with our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is so easy for a brother/sister to renege on a promise within the body of Christ, and act nonchalant like the past is the past. STOP making promises to the congregation when your not even for certain of that being God‘s providence. That’s what’s so awesome about Our God, He’s not a man that He should lie.  (Psalm 33:9  For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded and it stood firm.)

Thirdly, It does NOT ENVY. This is something I can write about all day long, but I have to be careful that I don’t fall into a trap. Elders in the church, when you see younger men/women come into the knowledge of God, and their hit by the fire of The Holy Ghost, why hate on them? Did you forget what brought you into the church? If God has taken someone from the back of the pasture, to place them in front in such a short amount of time, this is something to rejoice in, not to be intimidated by. He said In the last days His Spirit would be poured out on all flesh. Stop telling the young people that they don’t have the Holy Spirit because they don’t fluently speak in tongues. They may not be able to sing like and Angel, but they might be able to discern the spirit of a  false prophet. And besides that I’ve sat around elders who “professionally” spoke in tongues in church, but outside the building had potty mouths. Fourth, it does NOT BOAST. It seems seeking Gods hand is better than His face. If you don’t have a jet, a mansion, $2 million in the bank, or your not on a TV reality show, then you don’t have the Holy Spirit. One leader on a church committee board that I’ve attended ,was so spiritually proud that when I corrected her in love with a scripture, she began insulting me about my age. But one thing I’ve learned early on in trusting God is that, if I walk in humility, I will not be humiliated.

So if you are offended by this article please do not respond with hate letters because I will not read them. This also can cover the Fifth in showing Gods Love, it is NOT PROUD. Sixth is NOT RUDE. To use something someone sat down and told you in secret about something they may have been wrestling with, in your Sundays sermon, shows a lack of respect for that person trusting you, and it shows the lack of respect you have for The Father in His House. Honestly, we don’t have to wait for Sister So-In-So or ( the church gossipers ) to sit beside us and slander a brother/sister in the church, the pastor will be doing it for them in their next sermon. Why? Because they are superior to those in the pews, and they can do whatever they want because of their positions. But The Bible says in Psalm 105:15 and 1 Chronicles 16:22 touch not my anointed ones. Those that preach from pulpits, aren’t Gods only anointed ones. There are those that are seated in the pews ( in training ) suppose to be getting fed, but were being starved, polluted and infected. Why? Because of custom. Something that has been practiced for thousand of years by formalist or hypocrites. Jesus said in John 21:15-17 FEED MY SHEEP. If we claim to be that house built on a rock, then we shouldn’t be wavering around what the word says, but doing exactly what is in it. Next, it is NOT SELFSEEKING.

I recall sitting down with a pastor to tell Him where I felt the Lord was calling me for my ministry, and I felt as if I had been auditioning him on a talk show. What started off as a mutual conversation easily shifted to me, me, me, and my, my, my. I remember leaving their feeling what a waste of time. Following that, it is NOT EASILY ANGERED. Everywhere I look I see shepherds killing His sheep.  I cannot be the only one who has seen or heard about leaders getting ready to fist fight in the parking lot at the church. Then we try and justify our actions by saying that we are not to the point of turning the other cheek. ( Luke 6:29 ) Come on Saints of God! Jesus didn’t swing back or insult anyone when He was getting beat for us.( Isaiah 53:7 ) Instead He said “ Father forgive them, because they don’t know what they’re doing. ( Luke 23:34 ) We wrestle not against flesh and blood , but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of this dark world. STOP KILLING HIS SHEEP. How can we claim to love God but hate each other? God is LOVE! Love does NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL. We don’t have to repay evil with evil just because we may feel hurt by the way someone may have responded to us or even may have looked at us. So what if they didn’t acknowledge you in front of the congregation. Since when did we become man pleasers? Forgive them brothers and sisters, and “ REPENT”. Do we really want to have to stand before God and explain to Him why unforgiveness shouldn’t be a reason for us to get cast into Hell? Lets stay away from the things God clearly hates and turn our minds to what pertains to Him and His Kingdom. In Addition to all of thee above, Love rejoices with the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. The Truth is The Living Word of God. Everything we need to know about God’s love is in His Word. A reason to fear God is for the things we understand about the Bible. Not what we don’t understand. Everyone’s role is important. From the greeters, ushers, tithers, and worshipers. Lets stop despising one another and enter His courts with praise, and His gates with Thanksgiving!  God cannot be mocked. Lets stop being the New Age Pharisees and live as Christians! REAL CHRISTIANS! Stop putting The Sovereign God in a Sunday and Wednesday box and live each day as if He were returning.” REPENT” for The Kingdom of Heaven is near.  May God bless the readers.


 

Ashly Broussard 24, has been writing since 2007. Only possessing a High School diploma, she depended on her gift as a writer to pursue a rap career in the music industry. After the lose of one of her sisters she gave up the lifestyle of prostituting, exotic dancing, drugs, and alcohol to find the Lord. Now she uses the gift of writing to inspire children and adults alike to honor God and to love Him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.

 

Local Honorees Draw Sold Out Crowd

TCF Gala

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- At a sold out event at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino on Friday night, Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) celebrated its 13th year providing quality services (including evidence based programs) to homeless women and children while honoring community members and organizations for their collaboration in those efforts at their 2015 Annual Awards Dinner “Celebrating Life’s Precious Jewels”.

The Dinner’s emcee duties were shared by John Kunkel, former Time for Change Foundation Director of Communications and Fontana Mayor Aquanetta Warren.   Vanessa Perez, Civic Engagement Specialist provided the welcoming greeting and Senator Connie Leyva led the pledge of allegiance.  She introduced Pastor Hodari who led the invocation.

Time for Change Foundation proudly presented awards to the 2015 honorees for their outstanding community service and commitment:  Community Education Champion Award – Chancellor Bruce Baron; Humanitarian Award – The Race, Gender and Human Rights Giving Circle of the Women’s Foundation of California; Community Service Award – Santa Claus, Inc.; Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award – Mi Cocina Restaurant in Highland; Community Health Champion Award – June Collison; Community Health Advocate Award – Dr. Dora Barilla; Dynamic Duo Award – Angela and Victor Myles; Community Development Champion Award – National CORE; Community Business Leader of the Year Award – Premier Medical Transportation

Kim Carter with special guest, Dr. Robert K. Ross, President and CEO of the California Endowment presented the 2015 Community Development Champion Award to Steve PonTell, CEO of National CORE and Dawn Davison, Warden of California Institution for Women (retired) and current Time for Change Foundation Board member presented the Humanitarian award to the Race, Gender and Human Rights Giving Circle of the Women’s Foundation of California.

Dr. Nena Messina, Ph.D., a Criminologist at the UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs reported her 3 year findings as Lead Evaluator for the Time for Change Foundation’s Positive Futures project funded by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA).  The results of her evaluation yielded a zero percent recidivism rate for the 131 clients served.  “SAMHSA often looks for successful programs to hold as the “gold standard” – [The Time for Change Foundation] Positive Futures [program] is an example that other programs can emulate,” said Dr. Messina. “After years of being referred to as “Evidence Based Kim” because we are focused on doing what is best (evidence based) instead of what feels good, it feels good to be nationally recognized for our outcomes,” said Kim Carter, TFCF Executive Director.  Nicole Wolfe, TFCF Director of their Center for Advocacy and Leadership Training (CALT) was “excited for the community to see the results of our evidence based training programs.”

Family and friends of honorees, elected officials and supporters of Time for Change Foundation were in attendance, enjoying social hour, entertainment by Jazz saxophonist Vaughn Fahie, a viewing of the agency’s new video, participating in the silent auction and much more.

Weekend Service for National Orange Show Fair, 66ers Baseball

sbX-CarnegieStnSAN BERNARDINO, CA- In support of the National Orange Show Fair’s 100th Anniversary, Omnitrans’ 1-year-old sbX bus rapid transit line will offer expanded weekend service April 24 – 26.
“The National Orange Show Fair is among the biggest annual events in our community. We are happy to make getting there a little easier by expanding our sbX service through the weekend,” explained Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams.

The sbX line normally operates on weekdays only from 6 am to 8 pm. National Orange Show Fair weekend service hours will be:

  • Friday, April 24: 6 am to 11 pm
  • Saturday, April 25: Noon to 11 pm
  • Sunday, April 26: Noon to 8 pm

sbX vehicles will run at 15 to 30 minute frequencies during the weekend. A detailed weekend schedule is available online at sbX NOS Schedule. The station at Inland Center Mall (North Mall Way) is adjacent to the National Orange Show grounds.

In partnership with NOS, Omnitrans is distributing coupons on board sbX and regular Omnitrans buses that offer $2 off admission to the event. “We are excited to team up with Omnitrans and hope to see many sbX riders at our 100th fair,” said Alan Conrad, NOS Director of Production and Marketing. More information on the fair is at: http://nosevents.com/2015-national-orange-show-fair/

“The Inland Empire 66ers baseball team also has a home stand that weekend, so we invite fans to hop on sbX to take in a game,” said Williams. The sbX station at E and Rialto is a short walk from the ballpark. More information at: www.ie66ers.com

The one-way fare on sbX, and all Omnitrans bus routes, is $1.75; a 1-day pass is $5. Persons with disabilities, military veterans, seniors age 62 and up, and youth age 18 and under, qualify for discounts. 7-day and 31-day passes offer savings for frequent riders.

The sbX green line travels along Kendall Avenue, E Street and Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino and on Tippecanoe/Anderson and Barton Road in Loma Linda on a 16-mile route, with over 5 miles of dedicated bus lanes. Riders can enjoy free Wi-Fi and 110-outlet power outlets on board. Stations feature real-time arrival signs, ticket vending machines, emergency telephones, and public art. Regular sbX route and schedule information is at: http://www.omnitrans.org/schedules/sbx-green-line/ or 1-800-966-6428.

SBCCD Welcomes New HR Vice Chancellor and Promotes EDCT Head to Associate Vice Chancellor

SAN BERNARDINO – – The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) welcomes Dr. Lisa Norman, the new Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, effective May 1, 2015. She will be taking on the responsibilities currently filled by consultant Dr. Jack Miyamoto. Dr. Matthew Isaac has been promoted from Executive Director to Associate Vice Chancellor, Economic Development & Corporate Training, effective April 10. Both are District appointments.

President of the SBCCD Board John Longville expressed his pleasure at the expertise both bring to their positions, saying, “We are so pleased to have been able to retain a Vice Chancellor of Human Resources with the capabilities and qualifications of Dr. Norman and the Board of Trustees was glad to have the opportunity to promote Dr. Isaac. Under his leadership, the Economic Development and Corporate Training Division has expanded to the level where it now has its own Foundation, is self-supporting, and has successfully provided services to more than 60,000 workers in our community.”

SBCCD Chancellor Bruce Baron said, “Dr. Lisa Norman is a welcome addition to head the Human Resources office, a position of substantial importance to the District community and I look forward to working with her. Dr. Matthew Isaac has been serving as the Executive Director of the EDCT for many years, but his new title and job description reflect the additional responsibilities and growth that have taken place within the EDCT. The SBCCD provides exceptional educational opportunities to our students and professional opportunities for our employees so it is vital that our team members bring an enthusiasm for the educational environment, are knowledgeable in their professions, and have a commitment to the success of the District and its divisions.”

Dr. Lisa Norman

Dr. Lisa Norman

Dr. Lisa Norman, Vice Chancellor, Human Resources, District

Dr. Norman joins the SBCCD from the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools where her storied service includes the position of Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources since 2012, the Director of Certificated Personnel for three years, the Principal of Special Education for five years, and as a teacher with the Mulberry School for five years. She served as the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services with the Beaumont Unified School District for two years in between positions with the Superintendent’s offices. Prior to working in the Inland Empire, she was a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District and with The Growing Place. Early in her professional life, she attended West Point United States Military Academy for two years and served as a police cadet with the Santa Monica Police Department.

Dr. Norman earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, her master’s degree and Credential in Educational Administration from CSU Los Angeles, her master’s degree in Child Development and Education Specialist Credential from CSU Los Angeles, and her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from CSU Los Angeles. She is currently enrolled at Taft Law School pursuing a Juris Doctor with an emphasis in Education Law.

Dr. Matthew Isaac, Associate Vice Chancellor, Economic Development and Corporate Training, District

Dr. Matthew Isaac

Dr. Matthew Isaac

Dr. Isaac’s previous assignments at the District included serving as the Executive Director of EDCT, District Director of EDCT, Director of the Professional Development Center, Director of the Center for Business Excellence and Director of the Institute for Training and Development at San Bernardino Valley College. Before joining the District, he served as a faculty member of Humanities, Director of Health Care Programs, and the Director of the Division of Contract Education at the University of Toledo, Ohio.

Dr. Isaac holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration; three master’s degrees: a master of arts in education in English as Second Language; a master of arts in English Language with emphasis in American Literature; and a master of arts in English with an emphasis in British Literature; and a bachelor of science in Biology.

The California Community College (CCC) Association for Occupational Education named Dr. Isaac as the recipient of their 2012 Excellence in Leadership Award. He  received the 2003 Business Partner Award from the CCC Chancellor’s Office Economic Development Network; a1998 Program Excellence Award from the Ohio Continuing Higher Education Association; and the 1984 John J. Turin Memorial Service Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service to the Graduate School and the University Community, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio.

The author of numerous publications, he has taught humanities and expository writing and currently sits on three professional and industrial boards of directors.

About the San Bernardino Community College District:

The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) is one of 72 community college districts within the California Community College system, the largest educational system in the world, which encompasses 112 community colleges. The SBCCD has an 88 year history of providing its community and students with quality and affordable vocational certificates, associate’s degrees, and preparation for transfer to a four year college or university through San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) and Crafton Hills College (CHC). In addition, the Economic Development and Corporate Training Division (PDC) and KVCR TV-FM/FNX provide professional development and cultural and educational information to the community at large.

For additional information, please contact Alisa Sparkia Moore, Esq., Communications and Public Relations at 909.382.4012 (direct), 805-717-0347 (cell) or by email at asmoore@sbccd.edu

Silverado High School Student Surprised with $40,000 Scholarship from Edison International

chandler

Chandler Brown, right, a senior at Silverado High School in Victorville, recently received a congratulatory hug from his father after learning he was named a 2015 Edison Scholar and the winner of a $40,000 scholarship from Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE).  He is one of 30 high school seniors awarded $40,000 scholarships that will be paid over four years.  All winners plan to pursue college studies in science, technology, engineering or math, also known as STEM.  Recipients may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college.

chandler with check

Chandler Brown, a senior at Silverado High School in Victorville, holds tight to his $40,000 Edison scholarship check that he recently received during a congratulatory surprise presentation at school.  Brown, who plans to major in environmental engineering, is one of 30 high school seniors named 2015 Edison Scholars and planning to pursue college studies in science, technology, engineering or math, also known as STEM.  The scholarships will be paid over four years and recipients may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college.

Over $600,000 in New Tax Credits Awarded to Businesses in the 47th Assembly District

image003

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino), announced today that $150,000 in tax credits was awarded to C.B. Nichols Egg Ranch in Colton and $480,000 in tax credits was awarded to Mulhauser Steel in Bloomington.  These companies qualified for these tax credits through the California Competes Tax Credit program.

“C.B. Nichols Egg Ranch and Mulhauser Steel collectively invested $20 million in the 47th Assembly District and I am extremely happy that GO-Biz has rewarded their contribution to California’s economy,” Assemblymember Brown said.

In addition to the tax credits for job creation, the new program offers sales tax relief on the purchase of research and development equipment for life sciences and manufacturing equipment.  The amount of credits available will increase each year until 2018. Twenty-five percent of the credits are reserved for small businesses. Businesses interested in the program can apply through the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz).

“It is extremely important that California continues to improve its business environment by helping small businesses that are willing to invest in our communities,” Assemblymember Brown concluded.

 

sbX Tops 500K in First Year

1 st Anniversary celebration includes free rides, giveaways, prize drawing

sbx-ridership-chartSAN BERNARDINO, CA-  Over half a million riders have climbed aboard the sbX rapid transit line serving Loma Linda and San Bernardino since it launched a year ago. Omnitrans is marking the anniversary with free rides, daily giveaways at sbX stations and a sweepstakes drawing that would provide a year of free rides to the winner, among other things.

sbX launched on April 28, 2014 with a free week that attracted over 3,000 riders per day on average. Since fare collection began on May 5th , average daily ridership has grown from about 1,325 to 2,375, an increase of 79 percent. “We expect sbX ridership to grow by another 30 percent by next year, mostly due to the opening of San Bernardino Transit Center in September,” said Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams. The sbX station on E Street at Rialto Avenue is adjacent to the new transit center which will be the hub for 13 Omnitrans bus routes, making for easier connections.

As part of the anniversary celebration, sbX free ride coupons good any day from April 27 through May 1 are available online at http://www.omnitrans.org/services/sbx/promotions/. Contest entry forms are available on board buses or online. Daily giveaways focus on the many destinations along the sbX line.

  • April 27 – Take sbX shopping. 1,000 shopping bags giveaway on board and at stations all day.
  • April 28 – Take sbX to the game. 100 IE66ers baseball tickets at the Rialto St. Station, 11 am to 1 pm.
  • April 29 – Take sbX to lunch. Restaurant coupon giveaways at all Hospitality Lane stations, 11 am to 1 pm.
  • April 30 – Take sbX to work. Free sbX travel mug when boarding at Loma Linda or Palm & Kendall Park-and-Ride Stations, 6 am to 9 am.
  • May 1 – Take sbX to the Movies. 100 Regal Cinema tickets at Court Street Station, 1pm to 3pm. The one-way fare on sbX, and all Omnitrans bus routes, is $1.75; a 1-day pass is $5. 7-day and 31-day passes offer savings for frequent riders. Persons with disabilities, seniors age 62 and up, US military veterans and youth age 18 and under, qualify for discounts.