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In honor of Black Business Month, Prosperity Market–the mobile farmers market featuring Black farmers and entrepreneurs–hosts a month-long activation raising visibility for local businesses and awarding prizes to the top participants

LOS ANGELES, CA—- This August, Prosperity Market–the mobile farmers market spotlighting Black farmers, food producers, chefs, and entrepreneurs in Los Angeles–hosts its annual Black Business Scavenger Hunt that takes Angelenos on a journey across the city to discover new restaurants, and retail stores. In honor of Black Business Month (August), Prosperity Market founders Kara Still and Carmen Dianne have created an interactive map with 75+ Black businesses across food, fashion, wellness, and entertainment, encouraging participants to visit and support local shops, cafes, galleries, and more.

Winners of the 2022 Black Business Scavenger Hunt receiving their prizes.

Participating businesses include:

• Restaurants & Food – Alta Adams, Poppy & Rose, Honey’s Kettle, Sky’s Gourmet Tacos, The Serving Spoon, Harold & Belle’s, Planet Health Compton, ILÉ Bistro, Say Cheese, All Chill, South LA Café
• Bookstores – Reparations Club, The Salt Eaters Bookshop, Octavia’s Bookshelf, Malik Books
• Coffee – Bloom and Plume, Hilltop Coffee & Kitchen, Obet & Del’s, The Lazy Rose Cafe
• Retail – Jungalow (home), Our Culture Hub (retail store featuring Black-owned brands), High Fidelity (vinyl), Pineapple Mama Boutique (vintage), Bricks & Wood (clothing)
• Beauty & Wellness – Nappily Naturals (health and beauty), Curly Gurl Luv (hair products), G-Train Fitness (gym), Emerald City Nail Bar (nail salon)

“This year, we have a new interactive map of all the participating businesses so people can search by neighborhood or by category, and map out the perfect itinerary,” says Kara Still, co-founder of Prosperity Market. “There are Black-owned businesses in every corner of Los Angeles, and we hope people will discover new places in their own backyard and beyond.”

“It has been incredible to see the evolution of the Black Business Scavenger Hunt since we started in 2021–the number of businesses and participants involved continues to grow, along with our impact on the economy and community,” says Carmen Dianne, co-founder of Prosperity Market.

How the Scavenger Hunt Works

On August 1, Prosperity Market will reveal the list of participating businesses via their website and Instagram. People can text #BBSH23 to the number 323-417-0465 to participate, and earn points by texting the unique code for each business when they visit. Extra points can be earned by making a purchase at each location. The participants with the most points at the end of the month will win special prizes, which include Hollywood Bowl concert tickets to John Legend as well as Snoop Dogg & Friends, and other items that may include gift cards, services, merch, movie tickets, and food and beverages, to be revealed at Prosperity Market’s pop-up event on August 27 at Hollywood Park.

August 27 Pop-Up Market

To conclude Black Business Month and the Scavenger Hunt, Prosperity Market (along with partner ComeUp LA, a marketplace that showcases Black creatives, brands and entrepreneurs in the fashion space) will host a pop-up market at Hollywood Park, the new sports and entertainment complex in Inglewood adjacent to SOFI Stadium. The event will feature music, activities for kids, plus vendors from across food, fashion, and beyond. The winners of the Black Business Scavenger Hunt will also be announced, and prizes will be distributed during the event. Throughout the week leading up to the pop-up (August 21-25), Prosperity Market will open their Virtual Market, which allows people to shop the vendors online and receive their goods via local pick-up, local delivery, or national shipping. Scavenger Hunt participants can also earn points by shopping the Virtual Market.

By Doug Moore | California Black Media

While I would like nothing more than to put the pandemic in the rearview mirror, I’ve accepted the fact that COVID-19 is still a part of our lives. We’re a far cry from where we were in the summer of 2020 – we now know what works to keep us safe and how to mitigate the worst of the virus. Tools like COVID-19 medications can help us keep the worst of the virus at bay, if only more people knew about them.

In my role as the Executive Director of UDW Homecare Providers Union/AFSCME Local 3930, a union fighting for the rights of domestic care workers, I’ve seen COVID-19 have a disproportionate impact on our members. Many come from vulnerable communities, and the fact that they were often given little to no protection and did not qualify as essential workers heightened the impact of the pandemic on them. Vaccines were essential in establishing safe homecare environments as the pandemic raged on. But domestic workers were (and still are) entering potentially dangerous settings every day, often without access to vital PPE, and we needed to find ways to keep themselves safe, even when they did test positive. COVID-19 medications have helped bridge that gap.

It can be hard to dodge COVID-19 even when we take precautions to stay safe, especially for workers whose workplaces are other people’s homes. Fortunately, medications that treat COVID-19 became available in 2021. They are safe and effective at stopping the virus from multiplying in the body and scientific evidence shows that taking COVID-19 medications within the first week of testing positive can lower the rate of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 by half or more.

COVID-19 medications can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why I’ve been advocating tirelessly to make sure that domestic workers are getting vaccinated and tested, and that they’re aware of and can easily access COVID-19 medications if they test positive. Even though medications have been free and available, regardless of insurance or citizenship status, for over a year. Many people are surprised when they find out that they’re actually eligible for these medications, when in fact, they’re recommended for most adults.

At UDW Homecare Providers Union/AFSCME Local 3930, we’ve launched initiatives to educate and empower our workers – including resource fairs, clinics, and food drives – that provide information about and access to these medications. Our meetings have been vital times for us to spend time with the community and spread relevant treatment information. These member-centered, community-driven initiatives have created a united front against COVID-19 among the domestic worker community – allowing the people I represent to stay safe, protect their families, and continue their work helping others.

The public at large can benefit from COVID-19 medications, not just our union’s domestic workers, especially as life returns to a new normal. As we enjoy summer by traveling, attending events, and spending time with friends and family, it’s inevitable that people will continue to test positive for COVID-19.  But the key is understanding how to move forward when you test positive. So, let’s continue doing the things that we love, worry-free, by normalizing testing and treating COVID-19.

About the Author

Doug Moore is Executive Director of UDW Homecare Providers Union/AFSCME Local 3930, a union that advocates for domestic care workers and their communities.

“It’s important to shine the light on a wide variety of people and brands who are making a positive difference in the world, so others can see it and be it,” says International Black Heritage Month founder Bruce Reynolds

CHANGE MAKER LIST 2023

EQUITY CHANGE MAKERS:
Change Makers whose past actions disrupted the status quo and addressed Equity:

Grace Jones (Acclaimed Singer, Songwriter, Actor, and Model)
A creative genius whose fearless approach to fashion, music, and film has shaped her extraordinary career and influenced other global artists. www.gracejones.com.

Clive Davis (Music Mogul)
A legend in the music industry, he launched the careers of Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, and many more. He also collaborated with producer/entrepreneur Sean “Puffy” Combs to create Bad Boy Records. www.clivedavis.com.

Joakim Jonason (Creative Director)
While at the ad Agency DDB Stockholm, Sweden, he created the Diesel Jeans Advertising campaign: (The Daily African) in 2000. Spotlighting wealth inequality and showing young wealthy, jet-set Africans enjoying life while former rich nations need help. www.adsspot.me/campaigns/diesel-the-daily-african-8cb6dd4d7e87.

United Colors of Benetton (Brand)
United Colors of Benetton is part of Benetton Group, and for decades the fashion brand has broken the rules of the status quo with its brand messaging. Featuring diverse models and social issues that affect the World. www.benettongroup.com.

DIVERSITY CHANGE MAKERS:
Change Makers whose present actions disrupt the status quo and address Diversity:

David Oyelowo (Actor, Producer, and Businessman)
A highly accomplished actor and producer, he co-founded the recently launched Mansa, a new streaming platform for curated global Black cultural content. www.mansa.com

Jada Pinkett Smith (Actress and Producer)
Jada Pinkett Smith is a highly accomplished actor, producer, and Executive producer of African Queens, a docudrama series streaming on Netflix. The series focuses on female monarchs from the continent of Africa netflix.com/queencleopatra, 

Pat McGrath (Makeup Artist and CEO)
Widely recognized as “the most influential makeup artist in the world,” She disrupted the industry, launching her own inclusive and innovative makeup line Pat McGrath Labs. www.patmcgrath.com

Mikaela Loach (Author and Climate Justice Activist)
The bestselling author of “It’s Not That Radical: Climate Action To Transform Our World” and co-host of The Yikes Podcast, she reframes the climate crisis and makes it relevant for all ages. www.mikaelaloach.com

INCLUSION CHANGE MAKERS:
Change Makers whose early-stage actions disrupt the future status quo and address inclusion:

Briana Marbury (CEO and Social Impact)
As President and CEO of The Interledger Foundation (ILF), she leads efforts to use innovative technology to enable digital financial inclusion for vulnerable populations around the World. www.interledger.org

MK Boston (CEO, Engineer, and Environmentalist)
As Atlas Water and Electric Company (AWE) CEO, he’s driving change and is at the forefront of renewable power and water technology. www.the-awe.com

Jaden Smith and Drew FitzGerald (Environmentalist and Social Impact)
This dynamic duo created JUST Water, sold in cartons, as a more sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bottled water. And to help communities, they created Waterbox, which can provide 10 gallons of Water in 15 seconds. www.waterbox.org, www.justwater.com

Elizabeth Wanjiru Wathuti (Environmentalist)
Founder of the Green Generation Initiative, which encourages young people to love nature and be environmentally conscious at a young age. This pioneering youth environment and climate activist champions solidarity and compassion for the World’s growing climate and ecological crises. www.un.org/en/climatechange/voices-of-change-elizabeth-wathuti

Adebayo Oke-Lawal (CEO and Creative Director)
As Creative Director and CEO of Nigerian fashion brand ‘Orange Culture,’ he also created a mentorship program that helps young fashion entrepreneurs across the continent of Africa.
www./orangeculture.com.ng/  www.instagram.com/orangementorship/?hl=en

Mag Rodriguez (CEO and Entrepreneur)
Mag Rodriguez is the CEO and founder of EVEN.biz, an innovative new creative platform that helps artists sell music directly to fans. It positions itself as “sell music first, stream second” and a pre-release stop before streaming platforms. www.even.biz

People around the globe can enjoy International Black Heritage Month (IBHM) curated content and virtual events all year long at: www.internationalblackheritagemonth.com/

International Black Heritage Month (IBHM) 2023 focuses on Jamaica and the 75th anniversary of Windrush, the vibrant Yoruba people, and the inspiring Creative Pioneers who have shaped our World.

Another of this year’s highlights is the 24-hour IBHM curated Spotify playlist, which features Japanese reggae, Indian hip hop, Afro beats from Mexico and Portugal, and acclaimed artists from around the globe, such as C4 Pedro, Libianca, Koffee Gunna, Chozen Lee, Usher, Missy Elliott, Bob Marley, Erykah Badu, Africa Unite, Diana Ross, Beyoncé, Soul II Soul, and more. Listen Here:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4BSxQT8Lmekp1cJheSK0El?si=6bca2c60daa2484a

By Lou K Coleman

And you are going about business as usual. If you don’t awake from your slumber and pay attention, you are going to get caught up in the mayhem not prepared. Just a few more steps and Satan Master Plan will be in full force causing your life to become discombobulated. Satan, Master Plan is coming to declare war and to rule by force. He is coming to dominate the globe. First, establishing peace and economic solutions, then he’ll become the ultimate man of war, becoming history’s vilest embodiment of sin and rebellion, dripping with charm and charisma, all why being a horrible, hostile, hateful monster. Wake up! Soon and very soon, Satan Master Plan will be in full force.

Do yourself a favor and read the [second chapter of 2 Thessalonians] which provides a glimpse into Satan’s Master Plan and helps make sense of recent events.  Because the current world chaos is too well orchestrated to be a mere coincidence. For there has never been a time like this before where fear and uncertainty of the future ruled the day, hearing such words like “end of humanity” being proclaimed by the world. Why are they saying these things?  Because Satan knows that Jesus Christ is coming back soon to put an end to this wicked world. Satan knows that the judgments and plagues of God are soon to fall, so he is deceiving the world with antics, which just shows how close we are to the return of Christ, and if you don’t recognize this, then you are unprepared for what is to come.

The prophecy of [Daniel 2] alone shows we are in the ‘Time of the End’, and all the other evidence proves we are in the very end times. Awake from your slumber! Understand, Satan’s ultimate goal is world dominion, who knows his time is short and is determined to kill, steal, and destroy as much of God’s creation as possible before he is thrown into the fiery pit prepared for him and his minions.  In the meantime, he is making every effort to drag as many people into hell with him as he can. Grid your loins because he isn’t coming, he is already here unbeknownst to the majority.

I tell you, this world is hearing and seeing the last warning message from God. Whatcha gonna do?

Final Warning and Call of Mercy!

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabriel Duran, a native of San Bernardino, California, serves with Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 8 based out of Jacksonville, Florida. The squadron’s primary mission is to undertake maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

Duran, a 2018 graduate of Cajon High School, joined the Navy five years ago.

“I joined the Navy to travel the world, to get new experiences and to bring new ideas and philosophies to my hometown,” said Duran. “I’ve traveled to a lot of countries and Canada was my favorite so far.”

Today, Duran relies upon skills and values similar to those found in San Bernardino to succeed in the military.“I learned to work hard from back home,” said Duran. “I was part of the Fire Explorers in San Bernardino County, and that taught me to be part of something bigger.”

These lessons have helped Duran while serving in the Navy.

VP 8 flies the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will man, train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. While the aircraft is also equipped with high-quality weapon systems, it also has an open architecture to allow for expansion. P-8A deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.

This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.

With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”

Serving in the Navy means Duran is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy plays one of the biggest roles in protecting the country,” said Duran. “The Navy is not just ships. We protect the country from the air, on land and even through cyber security.”

Duran and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I am most proud that I’ve traveled around the world and broadened my way of thinking,” said Duran. “Experiencing philosophies from different parts of the world has given me some amazing insights.”

As Duran and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving means that I get to protect American culture,” said Duran. “Freedom of expression and being able to have different cultures is so important. The Navy ensures that future generations get to experience that as well.”

Duran is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“Along with my family, there were many people who supported me in my decision to join the Navy,” added Duran. “I was given a lot of advice from teachers, fellow firefighters and mentors to go out and see the world.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Approximately 250 Southern California education leaders attended the first Learn.Lead.Liberate conference, and there were 16 education leaders from San Bernardino County, representing the following schools: New Designs Charter, Provisional Accelerated Learning Charter Academy, Ontario Charter, Myers Elementary, Sierra High School, PAL Charter Academy.

Creating education environments that work to eliminate inequity and injustice for students, parents, and staff was the conference’s focus. These local leaders discussed how to remove barriers to foster communities that support and honor BIPOC individuals through evidence-based educational practices that treat students’ differences and experiences outside of school as assets, so they can be valued and learn, regardless of socio-economic or ethnic background.

“The conference has been amazing, and the guest speakers are so knowledgeable on their areas”, said Dr. Shelley C-Bradford, Ethnic Social Diversity Lead & Teacher, Sierra High School, San Bernardino City Unified School District. “As our children change, we need to change with them; we can’t just stay the same. It’s important to keep our children engaged if we want them to learn the content and apply it to their life. Literacy means freedom.”

The 21st Century California School Leadership Academy (21CSLA) and the Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP) hosted the conference. LAEP is the Regional Academy providing 21CSLA programming in Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties.

“Our aim is for this forum to bring these leaders together to network and share information about what is working in their communities,” said Michele Broadnax, President and CEO, Los Angeles Education Partnership. “We want to emphasize that these leaders don’t need to do this alone, as 21CSLA and LAEP are here to support them. We see and appreciate the dedication these educators have to this important work.”

Zaretta Hammond, author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, gave the keynote address. She is a curriculum developer, consultant, and coach who has spent the past 15 years translating the latest research and teacher experiences on equity, literacy, and culturally responsive teaching into practical tools and strategies. Hammond started her career in the classroom, where she began to understand how important literacy was to equity, and how neuroscience and culture should inform our instructional practice.

On July 21, 2023, SBCTA in partnership with Caltrans and the City of Highland celebrated the completion of the SR 210 Lane Addition and Base Line Interchange Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony along the new Base Line interchange in the City of Highland.

The lane addition on SR 210, improvements at Base Line Interchange as well as the pavement rehabilitation began construction in February 2020. Thanks to a use of state and local (including Measure I) funding, SBCTA, in cooperation with Caltrans and the City of Highland, constructed the three projects concurrently to reduce the overall impact to the public. The project improved the quality of the roads and traffic flow for the residents and businesses of San Bernardino, Highland, and Redlands, as well as an unincorporated portion of San Bernardino County.

The SR 210 Lane Addition and Base Line Interchange Project is entering its final month of construction. In early July, crews restriped the SR 210 lanes to their final configuration between Del Rosa Avenue and the I-10 freeway, adding one mixed-flow lane in each direction between Highland Avenue and San Bernardino Avenue, auxiliary lanes (merge lanes) between Base Line and 5th Street/Greenspot Road, and an acceleration lane at the 5th Street/Greenspot Road eastbound ramp.

SBCTA anticipates regularly scheduled nighttime closures to continue through July, and intermittent nighttime closures to continue through August as crews complete clean-up work throughout the project corridor. All work is expected to be complete by the end of August.

For more information about the project and the ribbon cutting ceremony, please visit goSBCTA.com/SR210BaseLine, email info@goSBCTA.com, or call 877-55-SBCTA.

By Stacy M. Brown | NNPA Newswire

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) firmly stated that Black Americans are being attacked in various ways nationwide, with Republicans leading these efforts.

“We refuse to be victims, and we will not be silenced,” declared CBC Chairman and Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) during a State of Black America press event held at the Capitol.

“Our fundamental rights are under siege, and our history is being denied.

“But we will not passively witness these actions. Too many people count on us to fight for them.”

Recent GOP-led state actions

Recent events in several GOP-led state legislatures have intensified concerns within the CBC.

Despite a Supreme Court order, Alabama and Louisiana legislatures refused to create an additional district with a majority of Black residents.

The Florida State Board of Education has approved new education guidelines that downplay the harsh history of slavery. Instead, they emphasize the perceived benefits gained from the skills of enslaved people.

Rep. Maxwell Frost from Florida, the youngest member of the House, expressed frustration with his state’s guidelines.

He said these guidelines aim to erase and indoctrinate this generation with white supremacy.

However, Frost warned that Florida officials should not underestimate Black America’s determination to organize and resist.

Members of the CBC said that statements made by their GOP counterparts at the Capitol have deeply disturbed them, adding to the mounting discontent.

Rep. Eli Crane from Arizona made an offensive comment during a House floor debate by referring to Black people as “colored people.”

Meanwhile, Sen. Tommy Tuberville from Alabama defended a controversial statement by denying the racism of white nationalists.

Horsford acknowledged that expectations from Republican leaders are minimal at this point, but Representative Troy Carter (D-La.) demanded that the party’s leaders take a stand against such bigotry.

“The silence from Republicans and others in the face of such egregious statements is deafening,” Carter said.

“We will not condone the erasing of history. We must stand together to put an end to this.”

Recent CBC actions

The CBC has issued a list of demands, calling on the Department of Justice and the Department of Education to launch investigations into education policies. The caucus recently met with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to discuss policies about Black history.

They also sent formal letters to Cardona and Attorney General Merrick Garland, urging for a “strong legal strategy.”

“Black people did not benefit from slavery; we built this country,” emphasized Horsford.

“Our toil, sweat, and tears went into constructing the very foundation of this nation. Elevating Black America is an elevation for all. We will not tolerate this assault on our rights.”

First time an Inland Empire Orchestra has hosted.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— For the first time in its 54-year history, the Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) has selected an Inland Empire orchestra to host annual conference. The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra (SBSO) will not only host the conference, but will also perform on the opening evening, and it will receive two prestigious awards.

Explained ACSO Executive Director Sarah Weber, “For our first in-person conference since the pandemic, we not only want to showcase the Inland Empire as an arts-rich region of California, but we also want to inspire, revitalize, connect, and support those working in orchestras and the performing arts. We hope that this conference will generate profound and creative ideas about how the work we do and the influence that we have as arts organizations can be used to build a better world.”

This year’s conference theme — Uplift & Amplify — emphasizes the foremost work of the orchestra industry today: to center the needs of audiences, welcome new artistic voices, and use the power of music to serve and connect communities. The conference is being held at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, CA from August 16^th to the 18th, 2023.

Shared Dean McVay, ACSO Board Member, conference co-chair, and Immediate Past President of the San Bernardino Symphony Board of Directors, “We at the SBSO have been planning and preparing for this ACSO Conference in the Inland Empire for several years, and in many respects it is a dream come true. Bringing the best and brightest industry leaders, musicians, and artists in the West Coast for this conference is an honor and a privilege, and we look forward to sharing the beauty and talent that is so abundant here in the Inland Empire – with performances from the San Bernardino Symphony, and from our conference partners from the Redlands Symphony and the Riverside Philharmonic.”

ACSO is a member service nonprofit with nearly 120 classical music organizations and their 2,000 board and administrative staff in its network. ACSO’s members are comprised of professional, academic, youth, and community-based orchestras, choruses, and festivals in California and the Western United States.

The conference gathers 300 orchestra professionals and leaders to hear from impactful thought-leaders and learn about the big-picture issues and opportunities for the field. The convening includes keynote sessions, peer forums, networking events, and more. Sessions will focus on the vital issues facing California’s orchestras, such as audience regeneration, advancing equity, strengthening partnerships, and building relevance and impact. Bookending this year’s incredible lineup of speakers are opening keynote speaker Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Vice President & Artistic Director of Social Impact for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and closing keynote speaker Lara Downes, classical pianist & cultural activist.

The first night of the conference, the SBSO will reprise their annual subscription concert, “Movies with the Maestro,” at the Henry W. Coil Sr. and Alice Edna Coil School of the Arts Auditorium. The concert, which is also available to the general public, will draw from an eclectic mélange of film favorites, including several pieces in which SBSO Music Director Anthony Parnther has either personally conducted or performed in the film score. Repertoire includes John Williams’ “Hooray for Hollywood” and “Born on the 4^th of July”, Simon Franglen’s Suite from Avatar: The Way of Water, Pinar Toprak’s Suite from Slumberland, and Bernard Herrmann’s “Salaambo’s Aria” from Citizen Kane. Young patrons will particularly enjoy Steve and Julie Bernstein’s Suite from Animanics, John Powell’s “Poisonous Love” from Rio 2, and Jerry Goldsmith and Sherri Chung’s “Gremlins” from Gremlins: Secrets of Mogwai.

Los Angeles Philharmonic Principal Horn Andrew Bain will be among a number of internationally lauded artists joining the Orchestra and will perform Kris Bowers’ (Green Book, King Richard, and Bridgerton) Concerto for Horn which, under the baton of Maestro, Parnther, premiered in 2021 as part of the Philharmonic’s Reel Change series. As is done at the Orchestra’s annual cinematic performance in San Bernardino, patrons are highly encouraged to bring their light sabers to wave along to William’s “Imperial March” from Star Wars and to Ludwig Goransson and Joe Shirley’s Main Theme from Star Wars-The Mandalorian.

This year’s event also includes a trip to the Redlands Bowl summer Music Festival’s 100^th season finale, a visit to the iconic Kimberly Crest House and Gardens, and an opportunity to tour the newly opened Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture.

Among conference happenings are several award presentations, including two to the SBSO. Assistant Conductor Raphaela Correa De Lacerda Campos will receive the 2023 Emerging Professional Award, which recognizes the current contributions and the future potential of an individual who has been in the orchestra/classical music field for less than five years but who has already made significant contributions to their organization and has demonstrated the potential for leadership and continuing professional growth. This individual has experienced early career success in the field, has helped elevate the mission of their organization, and thus is actively making an impact in the community.

“Raphaela has only been with the SBSO a short time, but her work distinguished her as a true emerging professional from the day we met her,” said Anne Viricel, Executive Director of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra. “In December of 2022, she conducted a performance of Bizet’s Farandole from L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2 to significant community acclaim. We even received phone calls from community members and local music teachers asking when she would be back on the podium! It was the maturity of her conducting ability and demonstrated interest in orchestra operations that brought her to the attention of our Music director and Conductor Anthony Parnther.”

SBSO Board of Directors Member John Rogers will be named Symphony MVP. ACSO launched the MVP Volunteer Award in 1996 to recognize exemplary volunteers, volunteer projects, and volunteer organizations and to thank a few of the hundreds of dedicated, hardworking, and committed volunteers that orchestras and classical music organizations depend on every day.

“John Rogers is the Board Member every symphony wants. He is an incredibly generous and equally active advocate for the SBSO. He always brings guests to concerts and events, including purchasing more than 30 tickets for each of our holiday concerts,” said Anne Viricel, Executive Director of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra. “He has connected us with other arts organizations in his area of residence, thus expanding our regional presence. He never misses a board meeting and is always a greeter at our concerts. And he is always the first to volunteer when extra help is needed.”

Registration for the annual conference is available at various rates for individuals, music organizations, and students. While ACSO primarily serves orchestras in California and the western United States, the conference is open to anyone working in the arts. Further information about the conference, visit ACSO’s website at www.acso.org/conference or contact ACSO at (800) 495-2276 or at office@acso.org.

Concluded McVay, “We are excited to welcome our colleagues in the industry to the Inland Empire and know that all attendees will leave feeling reinvigorated, inspired, and edified in the knowledge and connections they have gained through this valuable conference experience.”

SACRAMENTO—The Ayala Drive overcrossing on State Route 210 in San Bernardino County will be renamed in honor of longtime City of Rialto firefighter, Scott “Buckshot” Schwingel, who died of job-related colon cancer.

President of the Rialto Professional Firefighters Local 3688 Earl Meredith said, “By dedicating the Ayala Drive Overpass in Engineer Schwengel’s honor, we ensure that his legacy lives on, reminding us all of the tremendous sacrifices made by our brave firefighters. This dedication serves as a touching reminder of the risks they face every day to protect and serve our community.”

Meredith added, “The Rialto Professional Firefighters Association Local 3688 extends its deepest gratitude to Assemblymember James Ramos and his staff, as well as the Rialto City Council for their unwavering support and approval of this commemorative gesture. We are privileged to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Engineer Scott “Buckshot” Schwingle, whose dedication and heroism will forever inspire future generations.”

“Scott is the embodiment of public service,” said Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino). “In his 16 years serving the community, he always put the people of Rialto first. It was a tremendous honor to successfully introduce ACR 7, not only to honor Scott, but also for his family who were by his side every step of his career. This overpass renaming is a small way of remembering this man of service and his commitment to the people of Rialto.”

Schwingel joined the City of Rialto Fire Department as a firefighter paramedic in 2001. He was an extremely motivated, tenacious, and determined individual who was soon promoted to the rank of fire engineer in 2006. During his career with the fire department, Schwingel earned the Rialto Fire Department Life Saving Award and the Rialto Fire Department Firefighter of the Year Award in 2017.

Schwingel was diagnosed with job-related colon cancer in July 2015 and passed in January 2018. During his illness, he continued to provide service to the Rialto community. Many of his younger colleagues looked to Schwingel for guidance and as an example to follow.