What it do with Lue

LUE Productions in conjunction with DRAC Entertainment is at it again providing platforms for Indie Artists. This Saturday, March 5, come out and network at our bi-monthly mixer while enjoying an entertaining show from some of the most talented artists in the game. The event will be held in the City of San Bernardino at the American Legion located at 2181 West Highland Avenue.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the comedy part of the evening starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp and will be hosted by Comedian “Anthony Stone.” Directly after the comedy show prepare to get funktified with the funk master, “NoFace The Shadowmen.” For our Rap and Hip-Hop lovers we have rapper “Radio Base” and that Inland Empire group “Gwaap Fam” live with other dope artists. Show start at 9 p.m. sharp hosted by the legend, “The Real Dirty Birdy.” No gang attire and security will be enforced. We hope to see you there. For ticket information please visit our website at www.lueproductions.org. Until next week L’z!

Breathing Words/Actions of Life that has Empowered People to Excellency!”

Wallace Allen IV

By Lou Coleman

Of all the gifts that we could every give to another person, none holds more potential than giving life itself. The idea that every interaction we have with another human being offers us that grand opportunity… to brighten another’s existence by breathing life into theirs. You may not see it or even realize it, but you have impacted many lives. Just by existing at this time and place, you’re changing what’s around you.

Words cannot describe and actions cannot do justice to the gratitude we feel when we think of all you have done. You challenge people to think about life differently. You challenge the world to think about life differently. When you read about injustices in our country and throughout the world, you show a righteous anger that is so pure and raw that it reminds us of what really should matter. Your work is essential, not only for the people you care for, but also for the society as a whole. Every effort you make, small or big, adds to people’s improved quality of life, and that is something to admire.

It is truly a great experience to be a part of your team! Thank you for the contribution that you have made in our lives! From all of us here at Westside Story Newspaper to you… Happy Birthday to our mentor and true leader… Much love!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Buffalo Soldiers made a visit to Newman Leadership Academy last week where students were able to experience the rich history of the soldiers.

DeVon Franklin and Megan Good (Photo by Naomi K. Bonman)

By Naomi K. Bonman

When it comes to relationships, everyone wants to have that successful relationship. Some get sick of the dating scene after they keep getting into dead end relationships with no avail of finding that successful love. They then wonder what they’re doing wrong. In the society that we live in, it is embedded in sex, sex, and more sex. The media–from television, film, and music often fills peoples judgement to make them think that they have to have ‘it’ in order to have a successful relationship which only leads to heartbreak and confusion because people are not getting to know each other during the dating and courtship phase before marriage.

These are just a few of the points that are in Hollywood’s power couple, Devon Franklin and Megan Good’s book The Wait: A Powerful Practice for Finding the Love of Your Life and the Life You Love.  ‘The Wait’ digs deep into how to have a fulfilling relationship while doing things God’s Way. In the book it teaches you how to have that real intimacy that comes from truly getting to know the person which untimely determines if the person that you are dating is worthy of being your future spouse; and I can attest to everything that Devon and Megan state through out the book because me and my boyfriend are also practicing the Wait and it definitely makes things that much easier–as far as truly getting to know each other as each other’s best friend.

I also had the pleasure of attending a book discussion last night at Church of Christian Fellowship in Los Angeles where Emerging Leaders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs, hosted Devon Franklin and Megan Good’s book discussion of ‘The Wait’. After the discussion, everyone had a chance to meet the couple as well as have their books signed.

Below is the some of the discussion that took place last night. Enjoy, and leave your comments below. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our ‘Relationships Newsletter’ to receive more news on dating, marriage, friendship, and more relationship topics.

Perennial Sports & Entertainment’s CEO Lamell McMorris and Tanqueray No. Ten joined together on Wednesday, Feb. 24 to sponsor Alfre Woodard’s Seventh Annual Oscars Sistahs Soiree at the Vivienne Westwood Penthouse, attended by several notable and influential women of color in the entertainment industry including Rosario Dawson, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aisha Tyler and Lorraine Toussaint.

The event provides an avenue for women of color in Hollywood to come together in celebration of their achievements and discussion of future opportunities in the industry. This year’s event is particularly poignant as the 2016 Oscars have come under immense scrutiny for lack of diversity in nominations. Woodard’s gathering aims to create a sense of sisterhood between invitees, acknowledging those who have been recognized by Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony, and in her words, “in a perfect world, those who should have been.”

McMorris’ involvement rests on his ongoing support of civil and human rights initiatives and his aim to see these efforts pervade throughout the entertainment industry, and beyond. In his work with professional athletes, McMorris has seen the impact that young African American men have on their communities and sees the same reach stemming from these women. His sponsorship was inspired by this alignment and his belief that Woodard’s event provides recognition and a voice to a group that deserves to be heard.

“By setting the stage to empower women of color, Alfre has fostered a key channel for changing the tone toward minorities in entertainment, and I couldn’t be more proud to support her and the women here tonight,” McMorris stated. “Now more than ever, African American women are given a unique platform to be positive role models both on and off the screen and I have no doubt that the conversations held tonight will reverberate far past Hollywood.”

The high-profile affair attracted significant press interest with coverage in The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and InStyle. These articles captured the sentiments and goals of attendees through words and images, before doors were closed and the women moved to share their experiences privately. The coverage isn’t limited to the written word; US Weekly and People Magazine both shared images from the event, and HipHollywood released a video that compiles guests’ reactions.

San Bernardino Chief of Police Jarrod Burguan

By Keith McCarter, McCarter University

On February 18, 2016 the San Bernardino Republican Women Federated presented an evening of Honor and Appreciation for San Bernardino Chief of Police Jarrod Burguan, County of San Bernardino Sheriff John McMahon and Assistant Director of the FBI David Bowdich.

This occasion was to honor these three men for their stellar service during the December 2, 2015 act of terrorism here in San Bernardino. Even though the evening was to honor these three men, they used much of their talk time to honor and praise everyone else and minimizing the attention being given to themselves.

Assistant Director David Bowdich used much of his speech time giving credit to a little girl who wrote a very unusually formal letter which thanked him for being so calm, cool, collected, and effective on the day of the incident. The little girl expressed that Mr. Bowdich’s demeanor while speaking on the news was so profound as to bring a bit of calm to the calamity. San Bernardino Sheriff John McMahon used much of his time explaining, thanking, and giving due credit to the several other government agencies which were involved in securing the December 2 scene and capturing the culprits.

San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan used much of his time talking about the effectiveness of all the law enforcement, medical and emergency responders. He praised the training and preparation of every person acting under the color of title and he was sure to give the medical establishment and medical personnel due credit for their important role in the management of the crises.

Either these men made a mistake in thinking this night was for everyone except them or, in the alternative, maybe their innate selflessness is one of their many good characteristics which highlighted their competence and dedication to the community to which they serve. Of these two possibilities I believe the latter option rings truer than the former.

Also present was Senator Mike Morrell, San Bernardino County Assessor Bob Dutton, San Bernardino Major Carey Davis and newly appointed Police Commissioner Damon Alexander. It was a truly inspirational evening.

The cast of “Underground” gather for a photo outside of the White House. Pictured left to right: Alano Miller, Amirah Vann, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Jessica de Gouw, Christopher Meloni (PRNewsFoto/WGN America)

LOS ANGELES, CA- In celebration of Black History Month, the White House Office of Public Engagement hosted a panel and screening event for WGN America’s “Underground,” the upcoming original series, produced by Sony Pictures Television and Tribune Studios, set to premiere Wednesday, March 9 on WGN America. The February 22 White House event was attended by Senior Administration Officials including Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States of America, who welcomed attendees with opening remarks about the powerful and gripping new series being a perfect fit for the Black History Month event entitled “These Hallowed Grounds and Underground Screening.”

Cast and creative team from WGN America’s “Underground” participated in two panel discussions that included executive producers John Legend and Akiva Goldsman, creators Misha Green and Joe Pokaski and director and executive producer Anthony Hemingway, and cast including Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Christopher Meloni, Alano Miller, Jessica de Gouw and Amirah Vann, along with president and general manager, WGN America/ Tribune Studios, Matt Cherniss. The event was also attended by Peter Liguori, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tribune Media Company and Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht, Presidents, Programming & Production, Sony Pictures Television, as well as leadership from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Young Women Empowerment Foundation will host their fourth annual Spring Event, “Girl Talk IV” at San Bernardino Valley College, 701 South Mount Vernon Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92410, on Saturday, March 19th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. YWE invites schools, faith based and community supporters to empower girls, age 12-21, to realize their purpose in life. This is a free event for young women in the Inland Empire.
This year’s theme is “My P.U.R.P.O.S.E., My Plan.” P.U.R.P.O.S.E means Passion, Uniqueness, Resilience, Perseverance, Opportunities, Self-Worth, and Empowered. The young women will have the opportunity to participate in workshops based on each area of P.U.R.P.O.S.E. There will also be a free continental breakfast, lunch, entertainment, give-a-ways, and opportunity drawings.

The guest speakers for Girl Talk IV will focus on issues that are important and relevant. Topics such as Human Trafficking, Self-Care, Digital Foot Prints, Life Challenges, Personal Decisions, and Choices will be discussed. The keynote and guest speakers are as follows: Danielle Willis – Passion; Porshe McCoy-Nichols – Uniqueness; Trinity Wallace-Ellis – Resilience (Keynote); Jazmin Garcia – Perseverance; Alise Clouser – Opportunity; Amber Thorney-Croft – Self Worth; Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation (C.A.S.E.) – Empowered; and Carletta Lofliin – My Plan (Vision Board)

The first 100 girls who register online will receive a free t-shirt when they check in. Please register on Eventbrite under “Free Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE) Girl Talk IV Annual Spring Conference My P.U.R.P.O.S.E My Plan.” Also, please encourage and invite family and friends to register and attend this noteworthy opportunity focused on empowering young women.

All inquiries, pre-register individual or groups, please email Devona Robertson or Tiffany James at ywefoundation@gmail.com.Visit their website at www.youngwomenempowerment.org.

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

Congress is preventing Medicare from performing one of the basic elements of cost savings. An element that is critical to the profit line and in some cases critical to the survival of a business. Negotiating based on all of Medicare’s clients creates a lower cost per unit than if each individual insurer negotiates its own price. Bulk negotiation and purchasing is the answer! Bulk purchasing via direct negotiations with drug manufacturers by Medicare could save billions of dollars.

The 2003 overhaul of Medicare included a concession to the pharmaceutical industry that prevents Medicare from negotiating drug prices directly with the manufacturers… Instead, the individual insurers pay for drugs based on their individual fragmented negotiations, a process which guarantees higher prices.

The drug prices for the Veterans Health Administration and Medicaid, which are negotiated by the federal government, are much lower than those paid by Medicare. A recent study by Carlton University and Public Citizen, an advocacy group, found the negotiated prices are generally 1/3 less than those paid by Medicare. Medicare pays the highest prices on the planet, for drugs manufactured in the USA. The same drugs are exported around the world and delivered for prices that are more often than not, one-tenth of prices in the USA. The same study estimates that negotiating Medicare’s cost could save 16 billion dollars per year.

Supply/Invest in low or no-cost education for students who contract to repay with a commitment to social service, such medical school med, in exchange for five years of low-cost service to be provided over a 20 year period.

Ben Jealous

By New America Media, Question & Answer, George White

From 2008 to 2012, you served as president of the NAACP, an organization that does not endorse political candidates. As a public figure, you’re now free to make an endorsement. Why are you endorsing Senator Sanders? 

My generation was the first targeted in an era of mass incarceration that accelerated as a result of laws enacted in the 1990s. Our national priorities should include an effort to move us away from a society of mass incarceration to a country that provides better education and an economy that produces good-paying jobs. Senator Sanders is pushing for that shift.

Regarding my criteria, I look at the litmus tests that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., provided. He said the first test of genuine leadership is whether the candidate is a follower of consensus or a molder of consensus. Senator Sanders is a molder. The other consideration is the candidate’s stand on issues related to what Dr. King called the giant triplets – racism, militarism and greed. Bernie has been the most consistent opponent of the policies and politics that promote those anti-progressive attitudes.

After Iowa and New Hampshire, the presidential campaigns move to states that are more racially and ethnically diverse – South Carolina among them. Some say Senator Sanders will not garner enough votes from communities of color to get the nomination. What are your thoughts?

The mainstream media continues to tell us that African Americans will vote en masse for Hillary Clinton. However, I see a different trend – African Americans are increasingly turning to Sanders. As a volunteer surrogate, I will campaign for Bernie in South Carolina and other states. In the world of politics, the time we have to win more support in South Carolina is an eternity.

African Americans and Latinos have higher unemployment rates and studies show that black and brown communities have not benefitted as much from the recovery from the Great Recession. How would Senator Sanders address those disparities? 

Historically, a leading cause of bankruptcy among African Americans is the cost of health care. Also, Latinos are among those more likely to be uninsured. The cost of medical care continues to be a threat to our communities. Bernie Sanders, through his advocacy of a national health care plan, will do more to reduce those costs. Also, education is a key to achieving the American dream and Bernie would make college free…He’s identified the primary political obstacle to a fairer economy that would help more people realize the American dream: unrestrained Wall Street spending on political campaigns.

As you know, there are millions of undocumented people in the U.S. living in the shadows – many of them Latino and many are Asian, the fastest growing immigrant population in the U.S. One Republican candidate says they should be deported and some candidates say the undocumented should never have a path to citizenship. Tell us about Senator Sanders’ views on immigration. 

Senator Sanders supports comprehensive immigration reform. As a believer in the dignity of every person in this country, he would be the greatest champion of immigration reform we’ve ever seen in the White House.

We’ve all seen the spate of videos of black men being killed by police officers in situations that – in the view of most – did not require the use of deadly force. Policing is a local issue. What can a president do about this issue? 

Senator Sanders is the only candidate who supports the creation of a national standard for the use of force. Others want standards to be defined on the local level – the status quo.

Senator Sanders has been outspoken about the threat of climate change. As you know, the NAACP’s Environmental and Climate Justice Program says contaminants from power plants and factories in or near communities of color are also a threat. In addition, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission recently announced it is investigating whether discrimination was a factor in state decisions that led to the Flint water crisis. Is environmental justice a Sanders priority?

Yes. He is a fierce defender of a clean environment for all. As president, he would take action to preserve our planet and would urgently address environmental injustices such as industrial contamination and infrastructure failures that are poisoning black and brown communities. With regard to Flint, he has called for the resignation of the governor of Michigan.

You’ve organized campaigns against voter suppression measures in a number of states. Senator Sanders says our political system is corrupt and rigged. If Sanders is elected, what would he do about these political participation issues?

There’s a connection between voter suppression and big money in politics. Senator Sanders is not just talking about the growing imbalance between the haves and have-nots – he’s also talking about reining in greed. The Koch brothers and other industrialists are making huge campaign donations as they contribute to the destruction of the environment. Bernie wants campaign finance reform and won’t take special-interest money. The average contribution to the Sanders campaign is $27. That’s why bankers fear Bernie. He’s shown that the people will fund a campaign when they’re concerned about our democracy.

We’re also going through the biggest wave of voter suppression since the Jim Crow era. It’s an attempt to suppress large numbers of progressive voters. Bernie’s campaign is creating the kind of enthusiasm we need for a large voter turnout. He’s showing how we can bring people together and change the system.