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The Professional International Group Bookings (PIGB) recently held its “Abundant Life 2018 Conference”. Attendees were fed and learned a lot during the conference.

It had four main components with Dr. Maudie Roberts opening it up in in Prayer. The components included: The Spiritual Aspect led by Pastor Anthony Brown where guest connected themselves back to the community and caring for their fellow ‘brother’ by putting an end to homelessness in San Bernardino County with programs already in place such as A.I.M. 2 Excell, Inc., which fed 87 people on Thanksgiving Day.

Brenda Johnson did an entire presentation on a naturopathic and holistic approach to receive a total transformation in our bodies.

Dr. Lorraine Roberts Presented an “Introduction to Black Wall Street Past and Present.” This was pertinent to the entire Abundant Life Theme.

Lastly, Yvonne Randle, Founder of PIGB.INFO, gave an overview on the four-part Conference Spiritual Health, Physical Health, Financial and Economic Health. Yvonne Randle introduced PIGB.INFO Platform and expressed the features and benefits of a virtual community (Black wall Street). This silent, yet powerful worldwide virtual community consisting of its very own Entrepreneurs, Business Leaders, Service Providers, Non-Profit Organizations and more.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, January 13, Youth Action Project (YAP) will host a YAP TALKS event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to educate the community and youth on his philosophies and teachings while promoting an action-based response to continue his legacy and service. The event will take place at the San Bernardino Family YMCA from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The presenters include: Dr. Wil Greer, Professor Monica Stockhausen, and Pastor Laquetta Bush-Simmons. The speakers will deliver 20 minute speeches that connect the philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to current issues experienced by San Bernardino community members and its youth.

Following the YAP TALKS, attendees are encouraged to join in a community service project centered around the issue of homelessness in San Bernardino. Volunteers will assemble 500 “Necessity Bags” that include personal hygiene products for the homeless community in San Bernardino. Volunteers will also prepare 500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to feed the homeless community as well.

Youth Action Project is excited to host a community event that not only remembers and honors the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but galvanizes a diverse group of people to give back and make a positive difference.

For more information or to RSVP, please visit www.youthactionproject.org/latest-news.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Bungalow Music & Arts Festival will bring LA’s best artistic teens to the stage for a festival curated just for them. Whether it be music, dance, or interactive art, the main goal of the festival is to create a safe space for teens to express themselves. The festival is slated to come this summer at the Echoplex and Echo in Los Angeles.

In addition to music and art, there will also be speakers and mentors from the community that will offer advice, tips and opportunities on topics ranging from being an artist in the city, health, college and more.

This festival will definitely be interactive and hands on featuring art pieces, college admin representatives, food trucks, and more. There will also be an exclusive area for all the parents to kick back and chat while the kids enjoy everything that the festival has to offer. 

Your teenage cannot miss this opportunity of a life time. However, to ensure that the festival will be a success, the creators have an crowdfunding campaign up where you can learn more information, and of course donate!

For more information, visit kickstarter.com/projects/1947194560/bungalow-music-and-arts-festival or follow them on Instagram @bungalowmusicfestival.

Re-written by Naomi K. Bonman

Frances Grice, Civil Rights and Economic Development pioneer, passed away on December 31, 2017. She was 84 years old.

Grice came to San Bernardino, California from Detroit, Michigan in 1962. Shortly after arriving on the West Coast, she started working as a secretary for the Precinct Reporter under Publisher Art Townsend. There she became very instrumental in the development of Townsend’s sons, Brian and Michael.

“The most important thing that Frances did for me and later my brother Michael was to let me provide leadership at an early age,” Brian Townsend explains. “I was 20 years old and she let me run the summer youth program unimpeded. She had us sit in the meetings with the presidents of corporations and interface with them. She put us in those realms.”

Grice later founded the Operation Second Chance, a high-tech training and educational facility for disadvantaged youth, welfare recipients and workers displaced by plant closures, of which there were several in the early 1970s throughout the Inland Empire.

“She was just an awesome person,” he said. “She understood the importance of providing opportunities to minorities in our community.”

Operation Second Chance came about after Grice along with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) fought for seven years to wage for school desegregation in San Bernardino.

“She taught me that anything is possible. We should stick to it and keep fighting for what is good for our community,” Bobby Bivens, national board member of the NAACP, stated. “She taught me that I can really make a difference through civil rights advocacy and that I must reach back and train the young people. As a result, I have the best NAACP Youth Council in the region.”

During her life, Grice was a leading advocate for diversity where she promoted civil rights and equal opportunity in education, employment, housing economic and community development. She created and implemented community outreach programs for local, state and federal government agencies to meet the needs of targeted audiences.

“She never quit,” said San Bernardino City Unified School District Board Member Gwen Dowdy Rodgers. “Frances always pushed us to continue and reminded us what we were fighting for.”

Grice also developed and managed employee training programs to promote academic achievement and employability in local water districts. Other accomplishments that she did include, but are not limited to: becoming the President and CEO of ADF Networking Consultancy Inc., National Small Business Advocacy Award recipient; member of Martin Luther King Jr., statue maintenance, and several others.

Funeral service dates on forthcoming. 

Following the sudden death of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, the city’s President of the Board of Supervisors, London Breed, made history when she became the city’s first Black female mayor. The 43-year old will carry on in the role until a citywide mayoral election is held in the summer of 2018.

Breed is also only the second woman to be mayor of the city, as the only other woman to be mayor was Mayor Dianne Feinstein from 1978 to 1988. In addition, Breed is also only the second Black person to take the job. The first was Mayor Willie Brown, who served from 1996 to 2004.

But aside from inheriting her role as mayor, she is also planning to actually run for mayor in the 2018 election. She told reporters, “I do feel strongly that I’m qualified and I’m prepared to do this job.”

Born and raised in San Francisco, Breed earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis in 1997 and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of San Francisco in 2012.

In 2002, Breed became the executive director of the African American Art & Culture Complex, where she raised over $2.5 million to renovate the complex’s 34,000 square foot space. She was named to the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency Commission in 2004, and in 2010, she was appointed to the San Francisco Fire Commission.

For more details about the San Franciso Mayor’s office, visit www.sfmayor.org.

LOMA LINDA, CA- Harleys and motorcycles of every caliber came out to Quaid Harley-Davidson for the 25th annual toy ride benefiting Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) on Sunday, December 17.

Dealer co-owners and uncle-nephew duo Glenn and Brandon Quaid both acknowledged the importance of the event while addressing the crowd of hundreds of people in attendance.

“It’s important for us to be here and show the kids some love,” said Brandon Quaid.

Over $7,000 was raised for the hospital through ride registrations and independent donations. Additionally, new, unwrapped toys were donated by riders and event attendees, filling a box truck with goodies for patients at LLUCH.

“Once again, our bikers have come together for a great cause,” said Glenn Quaid.

Loma Linda Fire Department was also on hand with a fire truck for photo ops before they led the leather-clad riders through the streets of the city toward the hospital.

Children received free bicycles as Christmas presents on Tuesday, December 19 at an event in Perris. Riverside County’s Community Action Partnership and Bicycles for Children, a non-profit based in Corona, is teaming up this year to provide 75 bicycles to children across the county who met the agencies’ gift guidelines.

RIVERSIDE, CA-Few things will light up a child’s eyes at Christmastime more than a shiny new bicycle.

On Tuesday, December 19, Community Action Partnership (CAP) and a Corona-based non-profit organization, surprised 75 Riverside County children who will be riding a new bike just in time for the holidays. The Holiday Bike Giveaway is handing out the bicycles this week to children from each of the county’s five supervisorial districts.

“It is such a wonderful feeling to see the smiles and laughter when the kids ride the bicycles for the first time knowing they will be able to take the bikes home,” said Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington.

The first batch of bikes was handed out on Tuesday in Perris and others will be given out Wednesday, December 20 in Palm Desert and Thursday, December 21 in Riverside.

“The holidays are a special time of year for our children and families. I am pleased to join with Community Action Partnership of Riverside County to put a smile on the faces of so many children during the holidays,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.

The children were selected by a committee made up of CAP staff after being recommended by parents, community members and others. Financial need is a key factor in the selection, CAP officials said. CAP is part of Riverside University Health System-Public Health.

The CAP program started in 2015 and scores of bicycles have been given out over the years. Bicycles for Children, a non-profit based in Corona, was a key partner, and John White, peer assistance and leadership teacher at El Cerrito Middle School, is the program coordinator, said Brenda Salas Freeman, executive director for CAP.

“The program continues to grow which shows there is a need in the community,” said Salas Freeman. “It is worth it to see the joy the bicycles bring to the children.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Stater Bros., in conjunction with its charitable arm Stater Bros. Charities, presented a check for $20,000 to Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County Food Bank to help local families struggling with hunger.

Throughout the months of November and December, all 171 Stater Bros. supermarket locations participated in their annual “Harvesting Hope Campaign” providing convenient ways for customers and employees to help their friends and neighbors in need this holiday season. 

“Stater Bros. is proud of our longstanding relationship with Community Action Partnership,” said Stater Bros. Charities Chairman and President Nancy Negrette.   “We are honored to provide support to an organization that is committed to promoting healthy communities and eliminating hunger.” 

“Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County is honored to be chosen as one of the many worthy non-profits of the Harvesting Hope funds.  Our deepest appreciation to Stater Bros. Markets, Stater Bros. Charities and Stater Bros’ customers for their generosity and support of our mission to help those in need.  We value our longstanding partnership with Stater Bros. over the past thirty-three years which has resulted in over 33 millions of pounds of food being distributed to nearly 400,000 individuals and families annually who are food insecure” stated Patricia Nickols-Butler, President and CEO of CAPSBC.

If you would like to make a donation to CAPSBC to further support the mission to help people and change lives, please make a check payable to CAPSBC, and mail to: CAPSBC, Attn: Administration, 696 S. Tippecanoe Ave., San Bernardino, CA. 92408, or a secure donation can be made on our website at www.capsbc.org/donate.  If you would like to volunteer at CAPSBC, please fill out an interest form at www.capsbc.org/volunteer.

On Saturday, December 2, Pastor Michael B. Kelly, II, International Speaker and Pastor of the Mt. Rubidoux, SDA Church in Riverside, along with Kevin Carrington, CEO and Founder of Carrington Case, and guest speaker Dina Walker, President and CEO of the BLU Educational Foundation, held #METOO: A Conversation about sexual assault and harassment.  Within the last few months, this hashtag became ubiquitous on all platforms of social media, which sparked the discussion to be held on the church platform.  The hashtag #churchtoo became prevalent, and thus was a must that this discussion take place in a safe environment.

Due to the nature of the content of the discussion, with approximately 90 percent of the participants in the venue being women, during the introduction, Pastor Kelly and Kevin addressed what they called, “the white elephant in the room,” by being two men who were compelled to lead this conversation on behalf of so many women who have endured harassment and assault.  They led the conversation with poise and respect for everyone there who told their truths, in such an open forum.

Per the American Association of University Women, sexual harassment is described as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.” The Huffington Post notes that every 1 in 3 women experience sexual harassment or sexual misconduct at work, with 29 percent report such heinous advances, while a whopping 71 percent never report.  During the conversation, Kevin noted that every 98 seconds in America, someone is sexually assaulted and the number of victims are increasing at an alarming rate.

Speaker Dina Walker stated that in an uncomfortable situation, the primary issue that most women have is feeling empowered to say something. She asked the questions, “What happens to your opportunities if you say something?” “What makes you uncomfortable?”  Ms. Walker had experiences in the workplace that she shared, and she also discussed how women need to be alert and cognizant more so than men.

During the question and comment portion of the evening, a few women and a gentleman stood up to speak their story, experience, expertise of sexual assault and harassment.  One comment in particular that stood out to me was

“Traditionally, we are brought up to hug family members whether we want to or not.  Listen to the “uh oh.” We have to teach our children to trust their instincts and if something doesn’t feel right, empower them to say something.” 

Another participant stated how much of a cultural and societal issue sexual assault and harassment really is, particularly being in the entertainment capital of the world.  In addition, another participant provided a solution in that, “We teach people how to treat us by creating strict boundaries for ourselves.”

This will be an ongoing discussion since there are men and children who experience these unspeakable acts as well.  We must be open to hearing one another to come to a consensus on how we can solve these pertinent issues in our society.

You can contact Pastor Michael B. Kelly through the Mt. Rubidoux church secretary’s office at (951) 276-8374 or you may visit www.mtrubidouxsda.org.  Kevin Carrington of Carrington Case at www.carringtoncase.com/contact/.  Dina Walker of BLU Educational Foundation at 909.685.9995 or email, info@bluedfoundation.org or you may visit their website at www.bluedfoundation.org/contact-us

The Mt. Rubidoux SDA church is focused on going beyond the walls of the church to satisfy the needs of the community whether they are members of the church or if they have never stepped foot inside of a church.  The church’s motto is to Love, Grow, and Serve, and impact initiatives, such as the mega-clinic, helps the church to achieve the goals and vision of the pastoral staff along with the members in the congregation.

LOMA LINDA, CA-Patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) got into the holiday spirit this week by creating a gingerbread village display in the hospital lobby.

Both in- and out-patients were invited to visit the hospital lobby on Monday, December 4 to build and decorate a gingerbread house of their own creation. Patients who were unable to leave the units were given everything they needed to make a house in their rooms.

The annual event is made possible by the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild, along with the generosity of two community supporters, Alta Vista Credit Union, which donated $3,200 toward the event; and Costco Wholesale, which donated over 130 gingerbread house kits.

Lynn Sleeth, president of the Loma Linda Guild, enjoyed watching the children assemble the cookie houses and festoon them with white frosting roofs and assorted, colorful candies. Whenever a house was completed, Santa or one of his helpers placed it on a large display structure designed to evoke the shape of a Christmas tree. Patients were also able to take a teddy bear and book of their choice.

Members of the Loma Linda Fire Department also came out for the event to assist patients with building and decorating.

“We are so blessed to have friends who believe in what we are doing for the children