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Diva’s Basement (Photo Credit: John A. Castro)

By Naomi K. Bonman

It was definitely a night to remember! One that each artist in the Inland Empire will hold dear to their hearts and never forget. LUE Productions made musical history in San Bernardino, and in the Inland Empire as a whole. The first annual Indie Artist Award Show, which was held on Saturday, August 1 in The Sports Center at The National Orange Show, was a phenomenal success. It was definitely a great kick-off to roll into the end of summer!

Each artist that performed truly brought their A-game and executed their talents on stage as if they were the Grammy Awards. Some artists that stated that they didn’t want to put their award down to perform because they were appreciative to receive the honor of making great music and grinding day and night in the studio. This is the stepping stone of seeing their hard work pay off.

Speaker Junkiez (Photo Credit: John A. Castro)

The evening started with a red carpet and networking affair. Each indie artist and business representative were escorted on the red carpet with their team and loved ones suited and booted in the best attire. During this hour there were also a few pre-performances and a fashion show presented by LUE Productions models. This hour concluded with a countdown to the award show.

The recipients that were recognized this year included: Yung Miss, Nya Banxx, Carl Fontaine, Aaron Swift, Teknik Yung Prospect, Official Bizz, Dunamis L1019, Imon, Gwapp Fam, T-Bone, Paul Douglass, Justified Smith, Hannibal Lec, Yung Muuisk, C Dub, Speaker Junkiez, Cali G, Lowla Scott,

LUE Productions models (Photo Credit: John A. Castro)

and Mack Pepperboy. In addition to the artist award recipients, there were special community recognitions of individuals and companies that received “The Allen Award” for their hard work, dedication, and commitment that they do within the community. These individuals were: Wallace Allen of the Westside Story Newspaper, Monivision TV, Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce-Inland Cities, Mike C a.k.a. The Guru of the I.E., The Real dirty Birdy, and Bigg Dee.

Surprise awards were given to Talon “Lata” Wilson Sr., Naomi K. Bonman, and Comedian Anthony Stone. They were given awards for their commitment and dedication to their contributions that make in the community, as well as to LUE Productions. To celebrate everyone’s success there was a after party where Lil Mike Tyson of THAD and LUE Productions models Faith and Cassandra hosted. Radio Base turned out the night during this hour.

If you missed out this year, mark your calendars to for Saturday, August 14, 2016. Follow LUE Productions on Facebook to keep updated with upcoming events.

Lue Dowdy (LUE Productions Founder) and Navarre Bell and Tammy Martin-Ryles of the Black Chamber of Commerce-Inland Cities (Photo Credit: John A. Castro)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Thanks to an initiative first recommended by Board of Education member Danny Till­man, with full support from fellow Board members, 5,000 socio-economically disadvantaged families in the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) will receive 21st Century technology through a program designed to close the digital divide.

SBCUSD is offering the Family Chromebook Initiative beginning July 6 in partnership with California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF). CETF is providing $100,000 in funding, as well as its School2Home curriculum in support of the Initiative. Through the Board of Education’s Family Chromebook Initiative, SBCUSD will provide free Chromebook computers and T-Mobile Internet service to 5,000 SBCUSD families. Eligible families were contacted by the SBCUSD automated phone system to identify those interested in the program. About 5,000 were willing to participate in the pilot program.

“So much of our society is going digital and we want to provide families who don’t have devices and Internet access at home the resources they need to help their children be successful,” said Barbara Richardson, the director of Accountability & Educational Technology for SBCUSD. “The Chromebook Initiative and School2Home program help provide those with the most need and the fewest resources a chance to even the playing field.”

As part of the Board-led Initiative, one adult and one student from each family must attend the School2Home training program in July. The Board of Education felt the program would only be successful if it included a training component for students and parents. The initial training focuses on basic computer literacy skills and helps participants set up a free email account and connect to Internet-based educational services, such as the SBCUSD Parent Portal. Additional, optional School2Home computer training will also be offered throughout the school year to help parents and students develop their computer skills and build a closer connection to the school community.

All School2Home training will be provided in English and Spanish. Parents and students who need additional accommodations, including services in other languages, will receive those services upon request. SBCUSD will loan participating families one Chromebook and provide limited, home Internet service for one year, as long as they attend SBCUSD schools. The home-based Internet access will have the same protections as school-based Internet access.

LOS ANGELES – Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital (“MLKCH”) announced that the privately-owned, non-profit hospital is now fully licensed, accredited, and opened to the public as of Tuesday July 7, 2015.  An opening dedication is scheduled for August 7, 2015.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital is a brand new state-of-the-art facility, with all new equipment, technology, staff, and administration. MLKCH has a total of 131 beds, including 93 medical/surgical beds, 20 intensive care beds and 18 obstetrical beds. Inpatient specialties will include Anesthesiology, Cardiology, Emergency Services, Gastroenterology, General Medicine, General Surgery, Infectious Diseases, Neurology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Otolaryngology, Pathology, Radiology, Pulmonary Medicine and Urology.  The hospital’s medical staff includes six hospital-based physician groups that will be on-site 24/7.

“After much hard work and dedication, we are excited to open our doors to the public,” said MLKCH’s Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Batchlor, MD, MPH. “We designed this hospital from the ground up to meet the urgent health needs of our community, and we are eager to welcome them. Working with our staff, physicians, and partners at the County of Los Angeles and the University of California healthcare system, we are bringing compassionate, collaborative, quality care to South Los Angeles.”

MLKCH has completed licensure by the California Department of Public Health, and accreditation by The Joint Commission, a national agency that monitors health care organizations and promotes the highest standards of quality and patient safety.  The Emergency Department, Labor and Delivery, and other hospital services will be open for patient care on July 7^th.

“MLKCH will be a leading model of innovative, collaborative, community health care,” added Dr. Batchlor. “We have assembled a world-class healthcare team that includes highly-qualified clinical leaders and a diverse, multilingual staff.  MLKCH will be a leading force in addressing the long-standing health disparities in our community.”

ABOUT MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital is a private, non-profit, safety-net hospital, administered by the Martin Luther King, Jr. – Los Angeles Healthcare Corporation (MLK-LA), a 501(c)(3) organization.  The 131-bed community hospital has a 21-bed emergency department, 20 ICU beds, and 18 labor, delivery, and postpartum beds.  The hospital’s mission is to provide compassionate, innovative and quality care, and collaborating with providers and our community to create a healthier South Los Angeles. The hospital will serve 1.35 million residents of South Los Angeles regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

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SAN BERNARDINO – – San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) celebrated the success of the 42 graduates of Class #197 of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy on June 18 at the Abundant Living Family Church  in Rancho Cucamonga. The event was hosted by SBVC and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Public Safety Regional Training Center. Board of Trustees member Donna Ferracone represented the San Bernardino Community College District.

Surrounded by friends, family members, law enforcement and future employers, the ceremony included a keynote address from California Assemblyman Tom Lackey (36^th Dist.), presentation of awards and certificates, and a recitation of the code of ethics, led by Chief of Police Mark Garcia, Redlands Police Department.

Sergeant Mike Huntsman presented the special awards to Francisco Ancona, Top Academic Honors; Stephanie Garcia, Tactical Staff Award; Ian Gosswiller, Top Shooter; James Hendrickson, Physical Fitness Award; Dylan Gosswiller, Top Overall Award. Class President was Jesus Diaz.

The Academy course is 920 hours of instruction, extending over a 23-week period and features instructors from a variety of law enforcement agencies. All training is certified by the State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Class #197 Graduates (hometowns withheld for confidentiality reasons)

Francesco Ancona

Blaine Bailey

Kenneth Bubier

Zachary Carlos

Daniel Cherpin

Thomas Cho

Kevin Connors

Kyle DeLuca

Jesus Diaz

Cory Drost

Alexandra Duarte

Amanda Eirich

Itai Estrada

Joshua Forsberg

Stephanie Garcia

Brad Gomez

Dylan Gosswiller

Ian Gosswiller

Dalton Hendrickson

James Hendrickson

Derek Hoffman

Jesse Horn

Christopher Jones

Travis Kleveno

Lauren Laidlaw

Marina Landeros

Ryan Layos

Michael Lucifora

Matthew McKibban

Kristina Neff-Fergot

Chris Petruse

Loraine Pinedo

Kevin Pope

Edward Salgado

Stacey Spurlock

Blake Stebbing

Jeremiah Van Brimmer

Craig Vanden Bossche

Ariel Whitney

Christian Zaragoza

William Ziemer

Edward Zimmerman

For more information on the program, please contact the San Bernardino Valley College Police Academy Office: (909) 384-4431, North Hall, Room 139, or visit ValleyCollege.edu.

REDLANDS, CA- The Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. hosted its 2015 College Signing Day event on Saturday, June 20, at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Redlands. The event acknowledged the success of the graduating high school seniors, and each was awarded the Chapter’s $1,000 individual scholarship award.

Parents, friends, relatives, mentors and other supporters applauded the recent graduates and wished them well. There were 7 high school graduates who received scholarships to 6 different colleges and universities.  Two of the graduates, Mr. Myles Jones and Mr. Dezi Williams elected to attend California State University, Pomona.  The remaining graduates will attend as follows:

Mr. Aaron Jamel Berry –Azusa Pacific University; Mr. Brycen Barron-Borden – University of California San Diego; Mr. Jaire Bowen – California State University, Los Angeles; Mr. David Lawson – Humboldt State University and Mr. Aaron Smith – New York University.

“We are so proud of our graduates for their poise and the positive ideals we see in them” said Chapter Polemarch, Demarius Carmichael.

Fifty-year member Phillip Murray served as the master of ceremonies. The program was a huge success. The young men were encouraged to come back and share their college experiences with the next Signing Day class.

From left to right: Councilmember Benito J. Barrios, Dr. Deborah Winn, Mayor R. Carey Davis, “Sweet” Alice Harris, Alexis (representative from Assemblymember Cheryl Brown’s office), and Allen Harris. (Photo by Nomi K. Bonman)

By Naomi K. Bonman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Between the hours of 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Wall Avenue was peaceful and full of joy during the first annual Block by Block I.S.A.H. Juneteenth event held by Dr. Deborah Winn and her organization WWAM, Inc. Not only was this event a first annual one, but the ISAH Block by Block Juneteenth Celebration was the first in history to be done in the city of San Bernardino.

This was one of the epic events that took place on Saturday, June 20 in an effort to bring the city back up. Change and progress has been long overdue within the city and things are finally looking up for San Bernardino.

Although the day was hot, guests, vendors, speakers, and performers were able to cool down under the trees of the block while they enjoyed one another’s company in a positive event that was much needed in the community.

“By you coming together today shows that you are committed to helping our community thrive, overcome our challenges, and try to serve one another”, Mayor of San Bernardino, R. Carey Davis, stated. “By serving one another we build from families in creating a strong neighborhood. It is that family unit that must be strong. The stronger we make our individual families, the stronger our neighborhoods and community will be.”

In addition to the mayor’s presence, other political dignitaries that came out to represent change included Councilmember Benito J. Barrios and representatives from Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown’s and Assemblyman Marc Steinorth’s, 40^th District, office. They each gave a brieg statement on the changes that they would like to see and are striving to make within the City of San Bernardino. The US Army Recruiting Center was also present to assist young men in options that are available in enlisting into the armed forces. Other activities of the day included expungements, live performances, a prayer circle, raffles and toy giveaways for children, scholarships, vendor booths, and complimentary hot dogs and water.

Lastly, when you are out doing good for the community and helping others without excepting anything in return, blessings rain down. WWAM has received a new and amazing supporter. Ms. Ladis M. Morgan, 86, who lives just a few blocks away from Dr. Winn and who has lived in the city for over 46 years, has been a tremendous blessing to the organization and children of the community.

Warriors win NBA Finals in character, being themselves, EXPLOSIVE!

By Johnni Matthews

The scene at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio after Game 6 of the NBA Finals was a somber one for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ fans as they watched the Golden State Warriors celebrate and hoist the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy on their court.  The Warriors outlasted the Cleveland Cavaliers 105-97 to win the series 4-2.  It is the first championship for the Warriors since the 1975 Warriors team led by under hand free throw player and sharp shooter, Rick Barry accomplished the goal against the Washington Bullets led by Wes Unseld.

Forget the statistics on this game, just know that Stephen Curry, Finals MVP, Andre Iguodala, splash brother, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green, Shawn Livingston and the rest of the team were focused, on point outstanding in their road to this NBA Championship!

For the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron was LeBron simply GREAT, but fatigued, J.R. Smith showed up with some timely three pointers, Triston Thompson making his presence felt on the boards, but Matthew Dellavedova was spent out of energy forcing Coach Blatt to play Shumpert on Curry most of the game as he did in Game 5.  The Cavaliers simply couldn’t match the energy, speed and depth of the Warriors without a healthy Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.  NBA fans will never know if having the two All-Stars on the court with LeBron James would have helped the King crown the city of Cleveland with their first NBA Championship!

NBA Rookie Coach, Steve Kerr made all the significant adjustments to out coach Cleveland’s Head Coach, David Blatt who stuck to a short rotation, never playing former NBA Champion and All-Star Shawn Marion who announced his retirement after the conclusion of this season.

What a night to remember for all Warriors’ fans and the Cleveland Cavaliers as the Cavs found themselves out of gas!  It was evident by Game 4 that several players on the Cavaliers squad was just simply out of gas, but still continued to play scrappy enough to murk up the game to give themselves a chance to win.  It was simply too much of the Golden State Warriors being themselves, running, bagging threes from all over the perimeter, and playing just enough tough defense to capture the beautiful gold Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.

The jingle by a famous rap/actor artist, “I’m going back to Cali, Cali, Cali…I’m going back to Cali, Cali…Well the NBA Championship Trophy is coming back to Cali, a state where Mr. Larry O’Brien feels right at HOME!

By Ruth L. Stevens

The words I was hearing rang familiar, I listened in awe: The words were flowing, he was saying, “I was so confused, my life seemed to have turned upside down. Where could I turn for direction? To Daddy! I had to see him! He could make things right for me”. Arriving home, I packed a few things and got into my car for the eight hundred mile drive. I drove all night and when I arrived home the following morning, mother met me at the door. She did not know I was coming and was clearly surprised. Almost at once I asked, “Where is he Daddy?” She said, “He is over in the back field doing some planting”. I headed for the back, he saw me coming and headed toward me and instantly I knew he would know the solution! (This was brother Bo-Jay).

On another occasion, I heard words from another’s voice saying, “I could do anything if he were there”. “I remember him teaching us boys to dive, and he would say ‘Jump’ and I would sail through the air like a bird without fear or doubt because I knew there was no way anything could happen to me with him there”. (Brother Ruben we call Jabow).

He fathered twelve children and he has twelve separate rooms in his heart. Each child left a love so deep and binding that he/she thought, “I am the special one”.

Only once did I see him in real pain, when he lost his first-born son John Charley! He was like the old oak tree with all its leaves stripped from it, standing stark and bare against a stark and cold sky. He dwelled in a space only the two of them could shard! HIS GRIEF WAS SO INWARD NO ONE DARED TRESPASS! The only time I can remember him leaving us totally!

Then one day the word came, someone saying to me, “Ruth, I have to tell you something, be strong, your father has made his transition”. I could not contemplate it. No! No! I felt myself falling, it seemed into a dark bottomless pit of nothingness—I hear another voice speaking, “I had only two friends and Daddy was number one. I look out the kitchen window and I see him and he’s gone”. (Brother T. Warren G.). The voices go on and on, all eleven of them. “Daddy said this, Daddy said that. Daddy did this, Daddy did that”. Every experience uniquely different, yet so similar.

I hear his voice early mornings, “Baby Ruth, rise and shine, the early bird gets the worm”. The joy in his voice, the sparkles in his eyes watching a new day break forth. I certainly thought I was his favorite, the special one of his brood that is until I started to listen.

My buddy, my buddy, so kind and true, My buddy, your buddy misses you.

Oh, mine papa, you were so wonderful. Oh mine papa, you were so grand!

Dorella Anderson

By Naomi K. Bonman

Family members, extended family, friends, and community residents came together on Friday, May 29 to celebrate the life of Riverside community trailblazer, Dorella Anderson, better known as Dorie to most, or Mrs. And Sis. Anderson to others. The homegoing services were all that the late community leader would have wanted. The sanctuary of Park Avenue Baptist Church in Riverside was overflowing to capacity, filled with those that loved and cherished Dorella, Godmother Dorie (as I called her).

Mrs. Anderson, 79, served has a champion and advocate for families and youth on the Eastside of Riverside for the past 35 years at the Community Settlement House, just minutes away from Downtown Riverside. She played a pivotal role in assisting immigrants adapt and settle into life in the States by helping them obtain citizenship and addressing issues that assited them to remain in the country legally. Her work with families on the Eastside spans two generations.

“She led a life that supported the Eastside children for more than 50 years. She was talented, beautiful, athletic, and had a confidence that drew people towards her. The events at Lincoln Park and the Community Settlement Association continued the work of a prior generation of local families who truly made the area a community,” Dorella’s cousin, Craig Goodwin stated.

Anderson was the founder and lifetime member of the Riverside African American Historical Society and will be remembered for bringing “Toys for Tots” to Riverside, teaching crafts, dancing, and for her involvement in numerous community affairs.

As a personal extended family and church member of Anderson’s I will miss her gentle and sweet spirit and her willingness of speaking her mind to anyone and saying how she felt, and because she was not afraid to speak her mind and speak out you felt even more comfortable around her.

She will definitely be missed among Riverside and surrounding cities, but she lives on in our hearts forever until we all meet again.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Gang Resistance Intervention Partnership (GRIP), in partnership with the San Bernardino City Unified School District, hosted a graduation ceremony for second and fifth grade students from Hunt Elementary School in San Bernardino today.

“This is a proactive partnership between our educators and students that allows us to make a positive impact in the lives our children,” District Attorney Ramos said. “By effectively using time and resources today to teach our students, we can steer them away from the dangers and influences of gangs tomorrow.”

During the graduation celebration, 200 students received certificates and a GRIP backpack filled with supplies. After the graduation, students were treated to a surprise visit and photo session with Inland Empire 66ers mascot Bernie. Each graduating student received two complimentary baseball tickets donated by the Inland Empire 66ers organization.

The second grade students who participated in the program successfully completed a 7-week course, while the fifth grade students completed a 9-week course. Both curriculums—which focus on the dangers of gangs and drugs, positive choices and respect for others and property—were instructed by school security officers with the San Bernardino Unified School District.

“We are pleased to partner with the San Bernardino County District Attorney and San Bernardino City Unified School District in preventive efforts that focus students on positive behaviors and keep them engaged in school and their communities,” County Superintendent Ted Alejandre said. “The GRIP program has had great success and is making a positive impact in the lives of students and families.”

The GRIP Program is now in its fifth year and has graduated over 4,500 students.

“We need to be proactive, and intervention and prevention is the best way to get the job done,” District Attorney Ramos said.