What it do with Lue

SACRAMENTO, CA— Recently, the California Census 2020 campaign announced expanding its outreach to Black Californians through a multimedia effort in partnership with Black-owned and operated media partners across California. Voice Media Ventures, a multimedia company and strategic communications firm, is working with these media partners, leveraging trusted messengers to motivate California’s hardest-to-count communities to participate in the 2020 Census.

“We are attempting to move the needle to address the traditional issues of distrust and educational gaps around the Census that impact participation rates of the Black community in California,” said Ditas Katague, Director of the California Complete Count – Census 2020. “Through our trusted partners, we are creating a surround-sound strategy to help ensure the hardest-to-count Californians complete the Census form.”

Voice Media Ventures has been leading community convenings and holding focus groups to assess Black Californians’ gaps in knowledge about the Census and what will motivate them to participate in the 2020 Census count. The information collected from these gatherings are being used to create culturally relevant messages for Black media partners to share with local communities.

“While the overall strategy for the communications campaign is to ensure the state is reaching the hardest-to-count Californians through trusted messengers, for outreach to the Black community, it was especially important to also work with Black owned and operated partners,” said Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds, founder of Voice Media Ventures. “This is not only a partnership that involves innovative tactics, but also a social justice issue to ensure trusted partners on the ground are involved with Census work in California.”

Media partners involved in the campaign include: KDEE, Sacramento HUB, Sacramento Observer, East Palo Alto Today, Post News Group, Richmond Pulse, San Francisco Bay View, Sun Reporter Publishing Company, The Bay Area Review, 99One FM KJBU-LP, California Advocate, Central Valley Voice, Observer News Group, ONEMEDIA Central Valley, Inland Valley News, San Bernardino American News, The Precinct Reporter Group, Black Voice News, IE Voice, Westside Story News, Carib Press, Compton Herald, Inglewood Today, KJLH, LA Focus, LA Sentinel, LA Watts Times, LA Wave, Our Weekly, Pace News, Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley Journal, San Diego Monitor, and San Diego Voice & Viewpoint.

In addition, Voice Media Ventures is working with the newly created Mapping Black California Census Lab, a collaborative community mapping project, incorporating technology, data, geography, and place- based study to better understand the African American community in California.

Research conducted on behalf of the Census campaign shows that African American communities may be more inclined to participate if the Census is framed as being done on behalf of their community.

This announcement builds on the Census campaign’s foundation of trusted messengers – community leaders, organizations and influencers who are working together to motivate California’s hardest-to-count communities to participate in the 2020 Census.

For example, My Black Counts is an education and awareness initiative convened by California Calls as part of The California Black Census and Redistricting Hub Project. As one of California’s outreach partners, California Calls has done outreach to Black populations throughout the State using door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and digital communication strategies.

“Throughout history, the Black community has fought for equity and to be represented on our own terms. We are always ready to unite in power to ensure that we are all counted,” said Kevin Cosney, Special Projects Manager of California Calls. “In order to ensure we get our fair share of resources and representation, Black Californians must stand up and be counted in the 2020 Census – and that’s the reason we’re working so hard to get the word out– so the community trusts and accepts ownership in the anthem, ‘My Black Counts.’”

The California Census has joined efforts with these partners in recognition of the need for more effective engagement with the Black population about the 2020 Census count. The Black population has historically been undercounted in past Census enumerations and the state is committed to changing that trend.

Last month, the campaign announced four Census Ambassadors who will leverage their voices and their networks throughout the campaign to educate and empower the hardest-to-count Californians to take part in the upcoming 2020 Census.

California is considered the hardest-to-count state in the nation, with high populations of immigrants, renters, individuals living on homes without a broadband subscription, people living close to or below the poverty line, and children younger than five years old. With billions of dollars in federal funding on the line, the campaign has assembled a historically diverse coalition comprising hundreds of partner organizations to help reach the hardest-to-count populations in California.

The California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office

Once each decade, the U.S. Census Bureau attempts to count every person in the United States. Californians will be receiving an invitation to complete the Census form starting on March 12, with this enumerating being the first to rely heavily on online responses. California leaders have invested $187.2 million toward a statewide outreach and communication campaign. For more information, please go to https://californiacensus.org/.

DATA: To see data on the hard-to-count populations in cities, counties, congressional and legislative districts in California, please visit: https://census.ca.gov/htcfactsheets/

SAN DIEGO, CA—- As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron, Seaman Gillian Valdez is part of a Naval legacy. Valdez is a yeoman responsible for administrative duties, such as tracking awards and evaluations and is a part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. 

“I enjoy the flexibility of our jobs because we get to do different types of work throughout the day,” said Valdez

Valdez is a 2018 Grand Terrace High School graduate and native of San Bernardino, California.

According to Valdez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.

“I learned the importance of never giving up,” said Valdez. “Overall, teamwork is what I learned from my hometown that I’ve been able to carry with me into the Navy.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Sailors assigned to HSM-71 are a part of history, flying with “Romeo” helicopters, the newest and most advanced in the fleet. Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations.

The members of HSM-71 achieve excellence in military performance and create an example for other squadrons to follow through operational readiness, innovation and weapon development.

HSM-71 sailors play a critical role in supporting the Navy’s aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups remain the centerpiece of our nation’s security strategy, supporting and protecting America’s national interests around the world. Carrier strike groups operate across the entire spectrum of military operations, according to Navy officials.

According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.

“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. However, Valdez is most proud of earning Bluejacket of the Quarter in 2019.

“I was selected as the best junior sailor in the squadron,” said Valdez. “I passed an interview, where my record was reviewed. I was honored to be selected.”

For Valdez, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Valdez hopes to continue.

“Both my grandpas served in the Navy,” said Valdez. “Carrying on their legacy means that I have to be the best person I can be and try to be an outstanding sailor.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Valdez, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“I feel a sense of pride putting on this uniform going to work every day,” said Valdez. “It’s definitely the best job I’ve ever had.”

By Lue Dowdy, LUE Productions

This week I’d like to spotlight the very sexy and talented Sabri. Soon to be one of your favorite singers, songwriters, producers, and household name, Sabri is a sure star on the rise!

I was tagged in her new song, “BREATH”, and as soon as the melody came on, I was hooked but then the lyrics took it to another level.

A Brooklyn Queen, born in Cali girl, Sabri gives us the best of both worlds with fiery, edgy lyrics paired with a smooth, sexy, alluring voice. Writing poetry and song lyrics since the age of 12, she has mastered the art of storytelling and delivering a heartfelt message every time. Both men and women can relate to her music.

 “It’s all personal”, is the motto for songwriting and you will know it when you hear it.

Singing and performing in bands, school and church choirs since the age of 6, Sabri is steadily perfecting her craft of singing and writing. Attending W.E.B. Dubois Academy of Music in Brooklyn, New York, Sabri discovered her love of writing. Starting with poetry, slowly progressing into entire three verse songs on subjects way beyond her years, like Heartbreak, Love, and even the weather. Joining forces with a high school best friend, Sabri performed at local talent shows and festivals, at school pep rallies where they sang “The Black National Anthem” educating their peers on the history and importance of such a song. Eventually, they landed a permanent gig opening talent showcases in Oceanside, California at The Starlight Theatre which boosted them into the spotlight and landed them an appearance on Showtime at The Apollo, where the duo outshined all other contestants, and all in her Senior year of high School.

With many early accomplishments and accolades under her belt, Sabri is destined to be a star. Performing at some of the most prestige venues in Southern California, such as BB Kings in Hollywood, The House of Blues, The Zen Lounge, a State tour with Barry White’s Tribute Band, and an array of background vocalist gigs for local and established artist, she is ready for the spotlight and a chance to shine. This is Sabri’s first go as a solo artist and she is stepping on all necks and taking the industry by storm.

“Writing and Creating a mood and bringing someone into that to share these emotions with you, is the greatest feeling in the world, it’s like I’m never alone. Everyone is just a pen and paper away. Telling a story and you visualize it just the way I do is the goal, that’s where my heart is. Undeniably Sabri is sure to capture your mind and reel you in, buckle up and get ready. You Gon Feel This”, say’s Sabri.

Please make sure you support this dynamic artist. Until next time and make sure to always keep it 100 percent.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- The NAACP recently announced that global music and fashion icon, business entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Rihanna, will receive the prestigious President’s Award during the 51st NAACP Image Awards. The President’s Award is presented in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service, with previous recipients including last year’s recipient Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, Jesse Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Soledad O’Brien, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Muhammad Ali among others. NAACP President Derrick Johnson will present the award to Rihanna during a LIVE TV special on BET on Saturday, February 22, 2020, from Pasadena, California.

“Rihanna has not only enjoyed a groundbreaking career as an artist and musician but has also distinguished herself as a stellar public servant,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “From her business achievements through Fenty to her tremendous record as an activist and philanthropist, Rihanna epitomizes the type of character, grace, and devotion to justice that we seek to highlight in our President’s Award.”

Alongside her incredible musical achievements, which include nine GRAMMY awards, Rihanna continues to add more credits to her burgeoning resume: executive producer, fashion designer, actress, business entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Rihanna never stops breaking barriers and has built beauty and fashion empires with global beauty brand FE?TY Beauty, lingerie brand SAVAGE x FENTY, and the recently launched luxury fashion brand FE?TY, which saw her become the first woman of color to partner with LVMH and the first woman to start an original brand for the world’s largest luxury group. 

Rihanna has also used her influence for good through philanthropic efforts. Chief among these is her own Clara Lionel Foundation. The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) was founded in 2012 by Rihanna in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. CLF supports and funds groundbreaking and effective education and emergency response programs around the world. With the voices of Rihanna and her fans, CLF also engages in global advocacy with the goal of improving the quality of life for young people everywhere.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- In celebration of Black History Month, San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) will offer a variety of events throughout February to educate, engage, and inspire students and the public.

The Black History Month Breakfast will take place February 21 at 9 a.m. in the SBVC Sunroom, Campus Center. Attendees will celebrate the cultural contributions and deep history of the African American community by hearing guest speaker La Quette Bush-Simmons and recognizing the contributions of honorees Jerry Mason, Kim Epps, Pat Nichols and James Ramos. This annual event is hosted by SBVC, San Bernardino Community College District’s Black Faculty and Staff Association, and the SBVC Arts, Lectures, and Diversity Committee. Parking and admission are FREE.

SBVC Arts, Lectures and Diversity Committee will partner with the Precinct Reporter Newspaper to present a dance performance of Black Butterfly, featuring Project21Dance on February 27 in the SBVC Auditorium. A community reception will begin at 6 p.m., and the performance will follow at 7 p.m. This event will prove to be an evening of eclectic modern dance, profound spoken word and exquisite Songs of the African Journey. Parking and admission are FREE.

Wrapped in Royalty is a workshop on traditional African head wraps and will be offered February 28 at 1 p.m. in the SBVC Business Building, Room 100.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/sbvcartsandlectures.

ONTARIO, CA— Redlands High School is back on top in the San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon competition, winning its first title since 2011, after results were announced tonight at the banquet for the 37th annual event.

With 45,395 points, Redlands (White) slipped past defending champion Rancho Cucamonga (Purple), which had 44,463.1 points. It was the second-closest finish in the competition in the past 12 years. For Redlands, which is coached by Donna St. George, this was the school’s record 14th Academic Decathlon crown, but first since the 2010-11 school year when it defeated Chaffey High School.

By winning the county title, Redlands advances to the state championships for the sixth consecutive year. The state championships will be held March 27-28 in Sacramento.

In this year’s county competition, the rest of the top five finishing schools behind Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga included Etiwanda (42,173.2 points), Chaffey (41,860.1 points) and Rialto (38,647.7 points). Joining Redlands in qualifying for the state competition will be Rancho Cucamonga, Etiwanda and Chaffey.

In this year’s county competition, there were 43 teams representing 25 high schools that participated. Teams, as well as about 330 individuals that participated in the competition, were recognized with certificates, trophies and gold, silver or bronze medals at the awards ceremony tonight that was held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario.

The academic competition took place on two consecutive Saturdays on Jan. 25 and Feb. 1 at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga. The scholastic contest pitted students against one another in 10 subject areas.

By Lue Dowdy, LUE Productions

Sugar and Spice and Everything nice is WHAT IT DO Folks. Girls rule the world in my- Beyonce Voice. 

Congratulations to Kimberly Woods and the entire team of ‘I’m A Diva And Fabulous Youth Foundation’ for hosting the very first  ‘Miss Teen Rialto Scholarship Pageant ’ that took place this past Saturday on February 1.

I had the pleasure of participating on the judges panel, which wasn’t an easy task. All of the young ladies looked so beautiful and did such an amazing job. The contestants had to go through intensive training which prepared them for the competition.

It was a beautiful evening! The pageant took place in the City of Rialto at Wilmer Amina Carter High School, Hosted by the beautiful ‘Melinda A. Clarkson’, former Mrs. Utah International 2003-04. The competition consisted of three different divisions (Princess Diva ages 2-4 , Jr. Pre-Teen Diva ages 8-9, and Miss Teen Rialto Diva ages 10-18). 

Pageant Director and Founder of ‘I’m A Diva and Fabulous Youth Foundation’, Kimberly Woods, explains her reason for putting on the pageant, “I did this event because I love our young girls and want to see them successful in life and to know that they can achieve anything they put their minds too”.

I salute all the young ladies and their support team. Competition in any field of life can be stressful and hard but as we all know, there can only be one Queen Crowned. Congratulations to all! 

For more information on how you can support the pageant or get involved, please call (909) 200-7591.

Crowned:

• Princess Diva: Daleyza Romirez # 36
• Jr. Pre-Teen Diva: Brooklyn Dorado # 30
• Miss Teen Rialto: Autumn DeVila # 37

Other Awards: 

• Academic Achievement Award: Hannah Romero # 32
• Community Service Award: Brooklyn Dorado # 30
• Community Service Award: Katelynn Shepard
• Viewers Choice Award: Brooklyn Dorado # 30

SAN BERNARDINO, CA. – Thanks to a generous donation, San Bernardino Valley College students studying aviation maintenance and pilot training have a new aircraft to work with during classes. Dr. Javed Siddiqi, a local pilot and neurosurgeon, recently donated a Beechcraft B60 Duke, a twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft, to SBVC because he wanted it to go to a good facility.

The aircraft, which was parked in a hangar at the Redlands Municipal Airport, will replace a 1940s/1950s Beechcraft B50 that SBVC has had for decades. Because of the age of that plane, it has been difficult to find parts for it, and that won’t be a problem with the new Beechcraft B60.

The $200,000 aircraft was towed 11 miles from the Redlands airport, then hoisted by crane over the fence of the SBVC Technical Building.

Ted Gablin, an instructor with the college’s Applied Technology Department who has been managing the donation, said to the Redlands Daily Facts that the plane will be used to train future aviation maintenance technicians and pilots in the aeronautics programs. The plane, he said, “will be a valued teaching aid.”

To learn more about San Bernardino Valley College, visit www.valleycollege.edu.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Twenty-eight K-12 schools and districts, as well as institutes of higher education, are scheduled to participate in the annual San Bernardino Countywide Teacher Recruitment Fair that will be held on February 29 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.

The event is a collaboration among the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools California Teachers Association and district superintendents with 23 K-12 schools and districts participating. In addition, five local colleges and universities will have representatives at the event, which will be held in the Valencia Room at the National Orange Show (930 S. Arrowhead Ave.) from 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 29.      

Recruitment for applicant teachers is for all grade levels — as well as subject areas — of K-12 education, and districts may hold interviews on site. For applicants to register online for the event, go to: https://sbcss.k12oms.org/66-182092. The deadline for applicants to register is February 28.      

Among the K-12 local educational agencies scheduled to have representatives at the event include: Adelanto; Apple Valley; Barstow; Chaffey; Chino Valley; Colton; Etiwanda; Fontana; Hesperia; Morongo; Mountain View; Ontario-Montclair; Oro Grande; Redlands; Rialto; Rim of the World; San Bernardino City; San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and its Norton Science and Language Academy; Silver Valley; Snowline; Upland; and Victor Elementary.      

Among higher education institutions participating: Barstow Community College, Brandman University, Cal State San Bernardino, Claremont Graduate and the University of Redlands.      

For more information about the Teacher Recruitment Fair, call 909-386-9561.

Voter Information Guidesto be received by voters soon

For the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election, vote-by-mail ballots were scheduled to mail from the Registrar of Voters office between February 3 to February 5.  The authorized shipping schedule was not followed by a county vendor; however, and the vote-by-mail ballots were delivered to the U.S. Postal Service on February 1, instead of Febraury 5 as intended. 

The Riverside County Registrar of Voters schedules the mailing of voter information guides prior to the mailing of vote-by-mail ballots by design. This is to ensure that voters have a chance to review candidate statements and measure material before they receive their official ballot. 

This early mailing of the vote-by-mail ballots has caused some voters to receive their vote-by-mail ballot before their voter information guide. All voters should receive both their vote-by-mail ballot and County Voter Information Guide by the end of this week. If a voter receives their vote-by-mail ballot and has not yet received their voter information guide, they can view all candidate statements and measure material on our website at www.voteinfo.net. 

To be counted, completed ballots must be received at the Registrar of Voters office, or any polling place within Riverside County, no later than the close of polls on Election Day, or be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than three days after Election Day.

Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned through the postal service or deposited in vote-by-mail drop-off boxes at participating city clerks’ offices. City clerk drop-off locations and hours of operation can be found on the registrar’s website at www.voteinfo.net.  A 24-hour drop box is available outside the main entrance of the registrar’s office at 2720 Gateway Drive in Riverside. Vote-by-mail ballots also may be dropped off at any polling place within Riverside County before 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters have until February 25 to request a vote-by-mail ballot by completing the request form on the back of their voter information guide, or by using the application form on the Registrar of Voters website at www.voteinfo.net.  The request forms may be returned by mail or by facsimile to (951) 486-7272.

Early voting at the Registrar of Voters office began on February 3 and continues Monday through Friday (excluding county holidays), from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 22 and February 29.  The registrar’s office will be open to voters on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting also will be offered February 21 – 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Galleria at Tyler, 1299 Galleria at Tyler in Riverside; at Westfield Palm Desert, 72-840 Highway 111 in Palm Desert; and the Promenade in Temecula, 40820 Winchester Road.

If you have any questions about your eligibility to vote, please contact the registrar’s office at (951) 486-7200.

Important information regarding the presidential primary election:

• Your voting right in the presidential primary depends on the political party in which you are registered. If you are registered with a political party, you can only vote for a candidate running for president in that party.  A “No Party Preference” voter will automatically receive a non-partisan ballot, which will have no presidential candidates listed. However, upon request, a “No Party Preference” voter can instead receive a ballot to vote the presidential ballot of the following parties:
  • American Independent Party
  • Democratic Party
  • Libertarian Party

If you want to register, update your address or change your political party preference, you must complete a voter registration application and submit it by February 18. You can register online at registertovote.ca.gov or request a paper application by calling (951) 486-7200.