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(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA— Sip, Swirl and Savor form the musical theme as noted Jazz artists perform live at the Inland Empire Jazz Experience, held Saturday, September 1, at the Mountain Vista Winery in Rancho Cucamonga.  Billed as an experience, the event is led by jazz luminaries Michael Haggins and Jason Webber and features distinguished musicians, Vaughn Fahie, Jazz Zone, Teryn Re and Nick Gomez. Set within the winery’s intimate arbor and picnic area, patrons will sip and sample wines from Mountain Vista’s award-winning cellar and can attend several free workshops, lectures and demonstrations.

“We are offering a unique opportunity to experience top jazz entertainment in a relaxing setting,” notes Brian Cochran, event producer and organizer. “Attendees will also be able to learn more about wine and music and get the best of both,” he adds.

Born in Pasadena, California, Michael Haggins grew up with music. His uncle Al Duncan was a session drummer for Chess Records in the ’50s and ’60s where he recorded with legends Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Etta James and  Sonny Boy Williamson. Haggins studied communications at California State University, Long Beach and at one time worked editing television shows like The Cosby Show and Dr. Phil. In the early 2000s, the bassist started his own band and ramped up his music career. Haggins’ most recognized songs, “Daybreak” and “Be Thankful,” have been featured in the television series, Community.  His works have also been featured in the television series Raising Hope and Wake Up With Al and also a part of the soundtrack of the motion picture, Hall Pass.

Jason Weber has been playing the saxophone for over 30 years. A veteran of the Southern California’s music scene, Jason has 8 CDs under his belt as well as numerous guest appearances on other artists’ recordings. He has performed with jazz iconsGerald Albright, Everette Harp and Brian Auger to name a few. With an average of 300 shows per year, he is in great demand for recording sessions and for performing with other artists.

The Experience includes workshops highlighting wine pairing, wine making and a history of Rancho Cucamonga wines hosted by Mountain Vista Winery. Additionally, Rancho Cucamonga’s Guitar Center showcase an introductory class in Jazz Music 101. 

“What an inventive way to learn about music, says Tony Hayes, Guitar Center manager.” It is a perfect setting to inspire, learn and enjoy,” he adds.

Cochran, sees the limited seating and intimate setting as a new step in the way concerts and festivals are presented. “We want our audience to do more than just enjoy the music.  We want them to participate and leave with memories.”

Biz Help 101 and Phat X. Inc are leaders in business development. With over 20 years in event planning and branding, they lead the area in marketing and event management. Tickets are on sale and are limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.iejazzfestival.com.

By Angela M. Coggs

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— On Saturday, August 4, the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) hosted a free event at San Bernardino Valley College entitled, “My Sister’s Keeper.” It was a much needed, first of its kind in the Inland Empire, conference geared toward young women ages 13 to 19. The event took place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and included a light breakfast, a backpack giveaways and raffles prizes. Middle school, high school and college students filled the library viewing room not knowing what to expect with the highly charged topic.

“My Sister’s Keeper,” primarily focused on Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence, was the brain child of Tiffany James, Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation’s current President. James recognized the need to have an open conversation about two difficult topics that effect all women daily, even teenagers. At the start of the event attendees were informed that it was a safe place to express their feelings, ask questions and cry if needed. Additionally, there were therapist located throughout the room to be available for anyone triggered by the information presented and encouraged to practice self-care by exiting out of the room as needed. The environment was, first and foremost, a safe space, to open up, be vulnerable and it allowed the young women to let their guard down without judgement.

Due to the sensitive nature of the event, there were planned activities throughout the day woven within the agenda that provided a break from the heavy subject matter. Activities included ice breakers, personal introductions and hobbies and a fun, outside physical dance activity presented by Erika Wright and U-Jam. The activities allowed everyone to come together, build a rapport and meet new people. 

The event started with an enthusiastic and energetic welcome from Gwen Rodgers, CEO of Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation. Diane Rodriquez, President of San Bernardino Valley College, also welcomed the attendees to the campus and proclaimed SBVC as one of the best educational institutions in the Inland Empire.

California State Senator Connie Leyva passionately welcomed the young women to be open minded and take in the things that they would experience during the event. She fervently articulated her childhood, admittedly she lived in a bubble, however she pressed the importance of the event. She mentioned several bills pertaining to women, women’s rights and human trafficking. Another Leyva-sponsored bill signed into law last September eliminated the statute of limitation for rape and related crimes in California. 

Eloise Gómez Reyes, California’s 47th Assembly District, greeted the group of wide eyed students with a warm and sincere dialogue encouraging them to be open to the information they would experience during the event. She maintained the significance of the event and urged the attendees to listen and to ask as many questions as they wished. She was joined at the event by her husband, San Bernardino Community College District Trustee, Frank Reyes.

Vickye Poindexter-Wilson, a representative of Option House, a domestic violence organization that provides 24-hour crisis intervention and an emergency shelter revealed and shared her deep and personal story that described her horrendous teenage years and young adulthood. Her story began with trauma and she is now a story of triumph. She also informed the audience about the services provided to women, as well as men. Wilson, also CEO of House of Nibbanic Bliss, Inc., a private non-profit agency who works with victims of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and domestic violence in Southern California, reminded the attendees to know their worth and not to allow anyone take their identity away.

The following include the topics and presenters who delicately and eloquently elucidated with such compassion and understanding topics that many shy away from:

• Emotional Abuse and Manipulation- Carmenita Gay (in-depth personal story of survival)
• Dating, Consent and Boundaries- Allison England (Implicit vs. Explicit) 
• San Bernardino District Attorney Office/ Bureau of Victim Services –Traci Rediford (speaking one’s truth)

The event ended with an informative panel of experts in their respective fields. In addition to the professionals on the panel, the attendees were privy to an honest dialogue with two male college students. It was obvious to everyone in the room that the words of the soon-to-be college freshman and sophomore students resonated with the young women on a personal level because they were in the same age range as some of the attendees. Hearing exactly how young men their age perceives how young women carry themselves. They encouraged the attendees to love themselves and believe in themselves because if predators recognize low self-esteem in them, they will likely become easy targets for unwanted and unsolicited negative attention.

The event also included entertainment from two local artists. Spoken word artist/poet, Jameka Johnson, performed a self-reflection selection entitled, “Mirrors.” The use of mirrors on the stage provided a symbolic backdrop to her powerful message It. was well received. Zey, a local singer and guitarist, performed two beautiful self-written songs that wowed the crowd. She was a modest, inspirational performer.

Although this was Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation’s first “My Sister’s Keeper” event, it will not be the last. The event was a huge success and the organization looks forward to adding the event to its calendar of events from now on. Seeing the smiles and appreciation in the faces of the attendees such as Ashley Dent, a 10^th grade student who attends Arroyo Valley High School, solidified the events future.

The event was sponsored by Arrowhead United Way and San Bernardino Valley College.  

YWE serves to strengthen the character of young women of high school age in the San Bernardino City region of the Inland Empire in Southern California. Young Women’s Empowerment was founded by CEO Gwendolyn Dowdy- Rodgers. The mission of our program is to empower these young women to achieve at their highest potential, particularly in education, and to instill in them a commitment to return to their community as leaders and mentors.

The Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) is dedicated to strengthening the self-esteem, character, integrity and capacity of young women ages 12-21 so that they may achieve their highest potential. YWE accomplishes its purpose through strategic partnerships with other organizations. YWE is guided by ethics and principles which exhibit respect for cultural diversity.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes honored Ipyani Lockert of Fontana as the 2018 Man of the Year. The Man of the Year award recognizes the accomplishments and service of a distinguished man in the 47th Assembly District for their dedication to improving the lives of others.

Ipyani Lockert was selected as one of 25 finalists of exceptional men who were nominated for the 2018 Man of the Year award for Assembly District 47. Lockert, a long-time community advocate, motivator, entrepreneur and creative writer was selected to receive this year’s Man of the Year award based on his work with Motivational Realizations, California Partnership and other community organizations within the Inland Empire.

“Friday night we honored 25 finalists in the 47^th Assembly District who exemplify exceptional service to their community,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “It is an honor to recognize these successful and altruistic men who continue to be mentors to community members throughout the 47^thAssembly District and the Inland Empire. Congratulations to Ipyani Lockert for being selected as the 2018 Man of the Year.”

The selection of the Man of the Year started with over 80 men being nominated for this award. The select committee narrowed down the nominations to 25 finalists for 2018 Man of the Year who were honored at the KVCR Studios on Friday, August 24, 2018.

The 25 Finalists included:

Aaron Burgess, Sr.

Artist Gilbert

Bishop Gerald Barnes

Dr. Dev Gnanadev

Dwain Radden, Sr.

Gary Ferrer

Ipyani Lockert

Jack Long

James Tillman

Jeffrey McConnell

Jerry Almendarez

John Braxton Jr.

Leno Moreno

Lowell King

Lt. Mike Madden

Michael Garcia

Russell Degnan

Rev. Samuel Casey

Sandy Torres

Terry Abernathy

Thomas Rocha

Tom Rivera

Vin Ho

Walter Hawkins

Wilfred Marshall

To read more about any of the finalists, please visit the online event program at  https://issuu.com/ad47/docs/2018_edition

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— The elusive musical palace lost its Queen – the “Queen of Soul,” that is – on August 16 when Detroit native Aretha Franklin passed away in her home. EBONY magazine continues to celebrate the life and work of the singer, songwriter and all-around musical legend in a retrospective look at Franklin’s influential and acclaimed career that spanned more than 50 years and earned her 18 Grammys.

Franklin was no stranger to the EBONY/JET family: Over a 40-year period, the songstress appeared on a total of 30 covers (four for EBONY and 26 for JET). In the issues’ accompanying exclusive interviews, the icon shared intimate details about her family, her gospel roots and her road to stardom, among many other subjects, often reminding readers that nothing worth having comes easily. 

“It’s the rough side of the mountain that’s the easiest to climb; the smooth side doesn’t have anything for you to hang on to,” said then-22-year-old Franklin in a 1964 EBONY interview.

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Aretha Franklin. To the world, she was known as the Queen of Soul, but to my family and the EBONY/JET family, she was a friend. Her music transcended generations and brought together people of all races and all backgrounds. Her voice managed to accomplish what the world needs so badly today, unity and love for all,” says Chairman Emeritus of EBONY Media Operations, Linda Johnson Rice.

Click here to view original Aretha Franklin EBONY/JET covers, never-before-seen photos and exclusive content. For licensing opportunities and details, please reach out to the media contact listed below.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— As part of its process for selecting new history/social science textbooks, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) invites all stakeholders to review the books and give input.

The books are available for review now through September 14 at all Family Engagement Centers and high school libraries. The books are also available for review during business hours at the Professional Development Center (PDC) located at 4030 Georgia Blvd. in San Bernardino, and the Welcoming Resource Center located at 781A West Second Street in San Bernardino.

In addition, the publisher will make two presentations to showcase the books and answer questions. The presentation for 6th- through 12th-grade textbooks is on Tuesday, August 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the PDC. The presentation for kindergarten through 5th-grade textbooks is on Thursday, August 23, also from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the PDC.

This is the first time that SBCUSD has adopted history/social science text books since 2006. For more information about the new textbook adoption, please call the District at (909) 473-2077.

Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the Inland Ivy Foundation join forces in supporting higher education through scholarships

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, June 9, Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and its charitable affiliate, The Inland Ivy Foundation held its Scholarship and Graduate Recognition Luncheon at the Arrowhead Country Club in San Bernardino.

The organizations presented eight scholarships to students graduating from local high schools in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The students selected demonstrated high scholastic achievement and active involvement in giving back to their communities through volunteering their time in community service and various extracurricular activities.

The scholarship recipients are Mya Biggers of Valley View High School, Hannah Chum of Hesperia High School, Kennedy Francis of Martin Luther King High School, Jervaughn Gaines of Vista Murrieta High School, Elani Hunter of Henry J. Kaiser High School, Serena Jimerson of Vista Murrieta High School, Gabrielle Stewart of Eleanor Roosevelt High School,  and Jaden Taylor of John W. North High School. A scholarship in memory of the late Hazel Hawkins-Russell, Ph.D. a local educator from Riverside known for her contributions to the field of education, and a member of the sorority was awarded for the first time this year.  The recipient Gabrielle Stewart  will be attending  Howard University, a historically black college and university (HBCU) in Washington D.C.

These high school seniors are all college bound and were selected from a pool of outstanding candidates.

In addition to awarding scholarships, Eta Nu Omega Chapter members from the  University of California Riverside, Kappa Theta Chapter,  California State University San Bernardino, Rho Delta Chapter and the children of members graduating from high school or college were recognized  and  presented  with certificates for their achievements.

Eta Nu Omega raises funds throughout the year through its charitable arm, The Inland Ivy Foundation to support community programs and to provide scholarships for college-bound students in the Inland Empire. Its annual fundraiser, “Pearls, Pumps and Fashions” will be held on November 18, 2018 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® was founded in 1908, and  is the oldest Greek- letter organization established by African American, college-educated women, and has a current membership internationally of 300,000.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The PAL Charter Academy teachers and staff returned to work to gear up for their upcoming school year. The school had quite a productive and successful school year in 2017-18. 

Head of Schools, Kim Hawkins, said, ” We had a phenomenal 2017-18 school year. Our goal is to use the momentum from last year and make this year even better. The teachers and staff are motivated, excited and ready to go!”

Under the direction of the Executive Director, Dwaine Radden Sr., the teachers and staff kicked off their Bootcamp week. Radden, a former Teacher, Businessman, Championship coach and Hall of Famer came in true form bringing his winning attitude, and 21st-century approach to education when he delivered a gripping motivational speech.

His infectious message had the teachers and staff chanting, “We Are PAL, We Are PAL!,” Edward Brantley, Director of the Community Outreach Program, said, “Mr. Radden’s message to us was inspiring and motivating, his passion for students to succeed in school and life was spot on.”

The Bootcamp week was extraordinary and full of energy.

Mr. Radden talked to the teachers and staff about rewiring themselves for Next Level Teaching. He said, “Students, today are digitally wired and don’t think and learn the way we did. We must rewire the educational system and teachers for the generations to come. We must prepare our students for real-world challenges and the 21st Century”. His message came from a few chapters out of the book he is currently writing, Rewiring America and the Educational System We Live In.

The teachers and staff attended a series of professional development training sessions, and also participated in several team building exercises. The week was filled with exciting and innovative strategies for teachers and staff.  Dominic White, Director of Student Life, kicked off the first day with her high energy introduction of the school, and she also shared information she and others received from the National Charter School Conference in Texas they attended over the summer. She said, “Coach Radden charged a team of 6 teachers and one administrator to be “Hunters” and bring back innovative and creative ideas that we can incorporate into the school. My excitement and energy was a carryover from the knowledge and ideas that came from the trip”. She also serves as the Athletic Director for the school and was instrumental in securing the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) membership for the school.

Last year, the PAL Academy brought home its first men’s basketball league championship and received a 6-year accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, (WASC), the longest accreditation in school history. They became a member of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and bridged connections with local community colleges to provide advanced students with the opportunity to participate in the colleges’ concurrent enrollment program. The Academy received a host of other accomplishments and accolades last school year. 

Now Enrolling For Middle and High School 2018-19

PAL Charter Academy is a Free Public Charter school serving grades 6-12. The school is authorized under the SBCUSD and is the first and longest operating charter sanctioned by and in the City of San Bernardino. For more information call 909-887-7002 or visit their website at www.palcharteracademy.com.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINIO, CA— While all of the participants of the Little League® Western Regional Tournament enjoy their experience in San Bernardino, there are a handful of notable stars who have gone on to have professional careers. 

Darnell Coles

As a member of one of three local-area teams to ever play at the Western Regional Headquarters in San Bernardino, Darnell Coles led the San-Ri Little League from Rialto and San Bernardino to the West Regionals in 1974. Unfortunately, San-Ri lost in the championship game to a very tough Red Bluff team from Northern California. After a star career at Eisenhower High School, lettering in four sports, Mr. Coles earned a football scholarship to UCLA. Despite his scholarship, Mr. Coles was also drafted by the Seattle Mariners and chose to play baseball. Mr. Coles later starred with the Detroit Tigers, hitting 20 home runs in one season. He is currently the hitting instructor for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Ken Hubbs

Ken Hubbs – Colton (Calif.) Little League (1954)

While he never played at the Western Regional Headquarters, Ken Hubbs and the Colton (Calif.) Little League went to the Little League Baseball World Series in 1954. He lettered in four sports in high school, named All-CIF in three sports, and was named an All-American in both football and baseball. After being recruited by John Wooden to play basketball at UCLA, Mr. Hubbs was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and quickly made his way to the majors, setting many fielding records in his brief career. In 1962, he was named the National League Rookie of the Year and became the first rookie to also win the Golden Glove. Unfortunately, his career was cut short as he died shortly later in a plane crash. In his honor, Colton Little League has since been renamed Ken Hubbs Little League and continues to be an active Little League program today.

With thousands of players participating in the West and Northwest Regional Tournament, this select few were also able to take their talent to the ultimate level playing on the professional level.

For more information about Little League, please go to www.littleleague.org.

 (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SACRAMENTO, CA— Recently on the California State Assembly Floor, Assemblymember Chris Holden recognized Gerald Freeny for his confirmation as the first African American president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Board of Directors. Freeny will provide leadership for the 130th Rose Parade on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

“Gerald Freeny’s confirmation as President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a significant milestone in Black History,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Freeny is an example of the Black excellence that occurs every day and exemplifies the progress Tournament of Roses has made to further diversity and inclusiveness within their ranks.”

Gerald Freeny rose through the ranks of hundreds of “white suit volunteers” to become the 130th president of the Association. He previously worked as the chairman of parade operations, and has been a volunteer member of the Tournament of Roses Association since 1988.

Gerald Freeny announced “the Melody of Life” as this year’s theme for the Tournament of Roses to encourage creativity and music as a way to bring people together.

“Many in the Pasadena community have waited and fought for this moment, and we are all excited about the leadership Gerald Freeny will bring to the Tournament of Roses,” said Holden.