What it do with Lue

Edited by Naomi K. Bonman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is happy to announce the winners of the 26th Annual Humanitarian of the Year, Commitment to Community Service and Black Rose Awards, which will be held on Friday, September 11 at The National Orange Show, Valencia Ballroom located at 689 South “E” Street in San Bernardino. There will be a social hour at 6 p.m. with the dinner and awards starting at 7 p.m. Honorees for this year’s celebration include: Kim Evette Anthony, Humanitarian of the Year; David Clark, Community Service; Chief Joseph Paulino, Charles Chuck Burns Award; Officer Marcus Pesquera, Black Rose; and the Chino Valley Fire Foundation, Black Rose.

Kim has given tirelessly of herself, using her skills and abilities to help others.  Much of her work is on a pro bono basis because of her unrelenting commitment to serving her community.  She has provided countless number of volunteer hours providing services to nonprofit and community based organizations including Stop the Violence Foundation and the establishment of the Regional Violence Prevention Coalition.  She volunteered with the Red Cross in Houston, TX serving and supporting displaced Hurricane Katrina survivors. A product of the foster care system, Kim spent fourteen months during her reign as Ms. California delivering motivational speaking and raising funds and awareness for the plight of foster children and at-risk youth.

David, a retired military person, volunteers his time at March Air Force Base assisting retirees with their retirement and other benefits.  He also assist the families of the deceased, making sure they get the paperwork needed for proper burial.  In addition, he mentors students at San Gorgonio High School as well as the youth and young adults at his church.

Chief Joseph Paulino makes sure that over 50,000 students are safe each day and has implemented an explorer program for the middle and high school students in the district.  He still finds time to provide service to his community.  He is a member of 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire and recently, he hosted a Searching of Mentors Summit at California State University, San Bernardino.  He volunteers his time with the annual Christmas toy giveaway, safety fairs, and positive tickets program.

The Chino Fire Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the safety and welfare of the public through educational programs, direct assistance, and financial support of charitable organizations, victims of tragic events and injured firefighters.  Their Adopt a Family program makes funds available to families that have suffered personal tragedy such as an un-expected death or a fire-related loss.

Officer Pesquera was in training when early one morning, he and his fellow officer approach a few individuals who appeared to have suspicious behavior.  OfficerPesquera’s quick thinking saved the lives of both men.  Unfortunately, his fellow officer was critically wounded but Officer Pesquera was able to save both lives.  He volunteers in his community at the firing range and his skills enabled him to protect the citizens of San Bernardino.

For more information or for last minute tickets, please visit www.sbbcfoundation.com or call (909) 210-6373.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

You want somebody to pacify you; you want somebody to tell you what you want to hear; you want somebody to agree with you. Well, it’s not going to happen… forget about it! You must know that your ways are not pleasing to the Lord! I want you to know that God has entrusted me with His ministry where there are No Corner-Cuts, No Pacifying, and No Round-About Way; and I take what God has entrusted to me very seriously. I am thankful that He has chosen to trust a wretch like me to tell it. Understand I am not writing to attack any Christians; on the contrary, I am writing to wake you up if you’re sleeping in this dark hour 1Cor 15:34 so if you get offended by truth, that could only mean one thing; you need to examine yourself as the Apostle Paul stated in 2Corinthians 13:5.

Truth is supposed to challenge the status quo and disturb the complacent. Truth is supposed to upset the pretentions of the hypocritical. What a crybaby!  Gird your loins. Be strong in the Lord. Allow me to declare the whole counsel of God letting the chips fall where they may. This is a call that tells the truth and offends the untruthful. It is a call that is sharper than a two-edged sword and just as dangerous. It is one that lays it on the line day after day without regard to what it does to the security as deem by man. The Apostle Paul who “got” this, said, “If I should please men, I would not please God.” Galatians 1:10.  In Psalm 94:16 God asked the question, “Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” We all have to choose; I choose to please God rather than man. “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” Galatians 4:16 Jesus told you Himself in Matthew 10:34 “Think not that I come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a Sword. For I came to seat a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in-law”… but my bag… I thought you knew that. Even Romans 9:33 refers to Christ as a “stumbling block” and a “Rock of offence.”

I want you to know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has always offended the wicked!  True Biblical love NEVER allows for sinful compromise.  If the truth is offensive to the unsaved wicked world and to backslidden Christians, and you just happen to fall into one of those category… Uh-oh…. Understand that the purpose of gospel teaching is to save those who believe Mark 16:15-16; 1Corinthians 1:21. I tell you we must develop a “love for truth.” It is the Rock that will withstand the forces of Hell and deception. We must be willing to receive gospel teaching without taking offense at it! Matt. 11:6

To Preachers and teachers: God’s directives on preaching the truth… Preach truth regardless of how or whether it is received – 2 Tim. 4:2. Do not be silenced by mockery, threats or consequences – Jer. 20:7-11; Amos 7:11-13; Ezek. 2:5-7.  Know that until Christ returns you are responsible to stand against the evils of our day Psalm 94:16. Yeah the truth will make people angry because truth demands an answer; but the truth will also cause others to come to God in repentance. To Hearers: Meekly receive truth and obey it – James 1:21-22; Acts 2:36, 37-38, 41.

May God grant that the truth spoken in love and received in love heal our hearts, lead us to repentance, free us from bitterness, and unite the body of Christ…. No more lies, no more pretenses. Tell your neighbor the truth. Ephesians 4:15; 22-25… 2Corinthians 4:2

SAN BERNARDINO –More than 500 backpacks were gathered for distribution at Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown’s (D-San Bernardino) 3rd Annual Tools for Success Day on Saturday, August 22, at the Inland Empire Job Corps Center in San Bernardino.

To date, Assemblymember Brown and a number of her local partners have donated over 1,200 backpacks to students in the 47th Assembly District.

“I am proud to host this annual event to ensure that students have what they need for the start of school,” stated Assemblymember Brown. “I was very pleased with this year’s turnout and I want to thank all our donors for their continued support.”

During this year’s program, Assemblymember Brown focused her remarks on the greatest issue affecting student success, chronic absenteeism.

According to the California Department of Education, chronic absenteeism impacts one out of every four children in San Bernardino. Research shows that children who were chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade were significantly behind in reading skills by third grade.

Assemblymember Brown concluded her remarks by announcing that she would join parents and school district leaders in eliminated chronic absenteeism by emphasizing the importance of regular, on-time attendance in school.

“By coming together and working cooperatively, we can accomplish this goal and improve student success,” she said.

Additional program speakers included San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis; Supervisor Josie Gonzales, 5th District; Deputy Superintendent Harold Vollkommer, San Bernardino City Unified School District; Kit Alvarez, representing the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools; Suzanne Schaeffer, IE Job Corps; and Linda Jackson, NID Housing.

“It was a pleasure to be a part of this OUTSTANDING community event coordinated by Assembly Member Brown,” stated Deputy Superintendent Vollkommer. “The backpacks and other information available at the 3rd Annual Tools for Success event will go a long way toward helping us Make Hope Happen for our students. Additionally, the district wholeheartedly supports Assembly Member Brown’s emphasis on reducing truancy.  We have staff dedicated to this effort.  Several times per year our district office staff and community members participate in Operation Student Recovery.  This program is designed to bring missing students back to school and keep them there via alternative programs and/or academic support.”

Following the backpack distribution, nearly 30 organizations provided educational resources and free health screenings including:  Alinea Medical, Loma Linda University, Vernon Dental, San Bernardino County Library, Center for Employment Training (CET), San Bernardino County Fire, Consulado de Mexico, and Susan G. Komen.

The event also featured free lunch sponsored by Stater Bros and Rio Ranch Market, live music by Coyote Radio, a Pillowcase Project presentation by the American Red Cross, games, face painting, and interactive performances.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to help low-income children with much-needed back to school supplies.  Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) is proud of the tradition of supporting kids to do their best in school.  We are grateful to Kaiser Permanente Fontana and Ontario Medical Center staff for donating to CAPSBC school supplies and 31 back packs valued at $2,700.  Together with another 100 backpacks and supplies from our Food Bank, CAPSBC was able to help the kids who showed up seeking support at Assemblymember Brown’s Tools for Success event,”  stated Patricia L. Nickols-Butler, CEO of CAPSBC.

The Tools for Success Day is held annually in August to benefit children and their families in the 47th Assembly District.

This year’s donors included: Inland Empire Job Corps, Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, Farmdale Creamery, NID Housing, IEHP, San Bernardino County Library, San Bernardino City Parks, Recreation, & Community Services Department, Rio Ranch Market, Stater Bros., Coyote Radio at Cal State San Bernardino, Consulado de Guatemala, SEIU-ULTCW, San Bernardino County Fire, Alinea Medical, Loma Linda University, Incredible Edible Community Gardens, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, American Red Cross, Devry University, CAPE Consultants, Al-Shifa Clinic, Time Warner Cable, West Valley Water District, San Bernardino Valley Links, Arrowhead United Way, and First 5 San Bernardino.

For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.

LOS ANGELES, CA- LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS (LC), a multicultural integrated marketing communications firm, will celebrate 25 years in business on September 1, 2015. Since its opening in 1990, LC’s expertise and services have supported clients in developing culturally relevant and sensitive advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns that target the African American, Hispanic and LGBT Consumer Markets.

LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS was founded by President and CEO Mr. Kim L. Hunter. With more than three decades of experience in communications, Hunter realized there was a need to develop strategies and campaigns targeting multicultural markets. Hunter is also the Chairman and CEO of The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF), a nonprofit that provides scholarships, internships/entry-level jobs, career and professional development workshops, and mentors to African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian American/ Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students; and Managing Partner of KLH & Associates, a multicultural executive search firm.

“There are many factors that can attest to the firm’s sustainability, however the overarching theme is the unwavering commitment to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations,” said Hunter. “For the past 25 years, staying client focused has been the underlying thread that positively affects our clients and agency.”

The firm has had the pleasure of representing a variety of clients including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and non-profit. Establishing itself as a pioneer in multicultural marketing, LC has received numerous awards from organizations including PRWeek, SABRE Awards, Hermes Creative Awards, among others.

Since inception, LC has expanded from its foundation of developing award winning campaigns to raise awareness on social marketing and healthcare issues, such as HIV/AIDS, infant mortality, tobacco control and teen pregnancy, to include an overall six industries of focus: healthcare, social marketing, utilities, financial services, automotive and travel and tourism industries.  The Hispanic Practice also now targets the Brazilian Consumer Market and provides in-language Portuguese services. This led to the launch of Afro-Brazilian.com, a website owned by the firm devoted to educating African Americans on the diversity of the Afro-Brazilian culture.

The firm also recently introduced POLISH (Political, Opportunity, Leverage, Integrity, Strategy and Honest), the firm’s public affairs division that promotes and supports women seeking elected office at the local, regional and national levels, with a strong emphasis on women of color. Through POLISH, the firm has coordinated Senator Holly J. Mitchell’s community swearing in ceremony and fifth annual Christmas in July program along with providing support for California State Controller Betty Yee, 26^th State Senatorial candidate Betsy Butler and Carolyn Ramsay, candidate for Los Angeles City Council for District 4.

“LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS has been a key part of my communications efforts over the past 15 years,” said Roger Frizzell, senior vice president and chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation. “We are fortunate to have such great partners for our business.”

To celebrate LC’s milestone, the firm will host a series of cultural and educational events, both internally and externally, with past, current and potential clients and employees. The first event was on Tuesday, September 1, where staff visited Universal Studios Hollywood. Other activities include, but are not limited to, the LC team going on California Resources Corporation’s refinery tour, creating masterpieces at a private Paint Nite, touring USC Pacific Asia Museum and Japanese American National Museum, cruising the Pacific shoreline with Carnival Cruise Line,  attending The Pasadena Playhouse’s ‘Casa Valentina’ and ‘Real Women Have Curves’  productions. For the holidays, the firm will host its annual holiday celebration at entertainment complex L.A. Live, to include a reception and activities. Be sure to follow LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS’ Facebook and Twitter page for the firm’s latest news and upcoming events.

ABOUT LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS? 

LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS (LC) is an award-winning, full-service integrated marketing communications firm that specializes in African American, Hispanic and LGBT consumer markets.  Celebrating 25 years in business, the firm provides culturally relevant and sensitive counsel to corporate, government, and not-for-profit organizations that strive to reach ethnically diverse populations.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, LC offers clients a vast array of communication services, including advertising, marketing and public relations. The firm’s current client roster includes: California African American Museum (CAAM), Carnival Corporation, Covered California, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, L.A. Care Health Plan, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, The California Wellness Foundation, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and Verizon.  For more information on LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS, visit www.lagrantcommunications.com.

Shemar Moore and his mother, Marilyn Wilson-Moore, at last week’s Dinner of Champions event.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Shemar Moore, best known for his role as FBI Special Agent Derek Morgan on the hit CBS show, Criminal Minds, was honored at the 40th annual Dinner of Champions, sponsored by and benefiting the National MS Society, Southern California & Nevada Chapter. The gala event took place on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. The event raised funds that support the National MS Society’s vital programs and services to improve the quality of life for people living with MS, as well as cutting-edge research worldwide for better treatments and a cure.

Moore received the award in recognition of his incredible contributions in helping the National MS Society move closer toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. Moore has been a major supporter and ambassador to the National MS Society for ten years through the annual Bike MS: Coastal Challenge cycling event in honor of his mother, Marilyn, who lives with MS. Friends and colleagues from Criminal Minds, including Joe Mantegna, Kristen Vangsness, and Aisha Taylor, turned out to support Moore for this honor. Other celebrities in attendance included Kristoph St. John, Deborah Cox, Sheryl Underwood, and Guillermo Diaz. Actor and comedian Anthony Griffith performed at the dinner and Jillian Escoto, radio personality for Los Angeles-based station MyFM, served as master of ceremonies. Both Anthony and Jillian live with MS.

Shemar Moore’s mother, Marilyn Wilson-Moore was presented with the “Dorothy Corwin Spirit of Life” award for her relentless efforts to bring hope and awareness to people living with MS, like herself. Previous recipients of the Spirit of Life Award include Annette Funicello, Richard Pryor, Alan Osmond, David Lander, Michael Kamen, Teri Garr, and Rep. Henry A. and Janet Waxman. Previous Dinner of Champions honorees have included such distinguished individuals as Jeff Robinov, Sir Howard Stringer, Steven Hilton, Peter Chernin, Joe Roth, Amy Pascal, Jim Gianopulos, Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Tom Rothman, Michael Lynton, Rob Moore, Rob Friedman, Greg Dunn, and most recently Pam Kehaly of Anthem Blue Cross.

The Dinner of Champions makes an enormous contribution in the movement to end multiple sclerosis, not only in raising funds for research, programs and services, but also in raising awareness about MS itself. With the continuing commitment of its supporters the Chapter’s Dinner of Champions in Southern California has become the most successful dinner held by any chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Each year, the dinner honors a philanthropist who has made a significant contribution to the movement to end MS. Because of fundraising events such as the Dinner of Champions, the National MS Society is able to support more MS research and offer more services for people with MS than any other MS organization in the world, including educational and wellness programs, professional counseling and support, financial assistance and more.

REDLANDS, CA- Music Changing Lives, (MCL) is looking for talented young artists to compete in their Performing Arts Showcase on Saturday, October 17 during their annual celebration of “Lights On After-School”.

They are looking forward to receiving submissions from students across the Inland Empire, ages 8 to 24, in the following categories: dance, instrumental, vocal and visual arts.

The focus of the event is to highlight the importance of performing arts in after school programs, as well as in the lives of our youth.  MCL is proud to provide a safe, enriching and creative environment for children to grow and excel.

The performing arts competition is a great opportunity for students to gain recognition for their talents. There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes in each category. Be as creative as possible and help keep the arts alive in our community!

The deadline for submissions is Friday, September 25.   Event details and registration forms are available upon request to MusicChangingLives@Gmail.com.

Demetra Coulter

This week WHAT IT DO WITH THE LUE is professionalism and Teamwork. I always talk about the Indie artists. I never talk about what goes into making or promoting the Indie Artists. Everyone whether they know it or not, needs a team in order to succeed at anything. This idea of being independent or a one man show is a joke. I mean even Jesus had a team according to the Bible. So, with that being said, I’d like to introduce you to a very special lady, Demetra Coulter, Public Relations Officer for LUE Productions and many more.

Demetra Coulter is a consultant with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Arts in Public Relations, both from California Baptist University in Riverside, California. She is also the creator of “So What Am I Saying?”. She also helps people to develop a message, ranging from public speaking to physical appearances and teaches them how to deliver it to the right audience. From God given talents, education, and years of experience, Demetra has gained the wisdom and knowledge to help others by using common sense approaches. She is on a mission to help change the world by offering everyday advice and solutions for everyday situations.

In addition to the aforementioned accomplishments and attributes, she has worked with organizations including the NAACP Youth and College Division of Riverside California, the Campaign of Donovan Saadiq, Black Penny Press, Lue Productions and a whole host of other individuals. Her articles can be read at http://deecoulter.wix.com/so-what-am-i-saying. Currently, she is in the process of developing a YouTube channel with her 22-year-old daughter DeAnah that focuses on being fashionably frugal among other aspects. Stay tuned!

For your communications and public relations needs, she can be contacted at (951) 809-3848 or deecoulter@gmail.com. Make sure you check my girl out, she’s about that LIFE. L’zzzz!

Street Motivation

By Lou Coleman

ANAHEIM CA- Have you ever attended an event that was great, so great that you keep telling your friends? Well on Saturday, August 29 I attended “The Bank Sale” which was held in Anaheim, California and it was fun and amazing! The fashion show was off the chain and none other than Inland Empire’s own, Miss Krystal Yvonne, represented. Did she own the runway? Oh yes she did! She was all that! Not only did Miss Krystal Yvonne represent, but Street Motivation Magazine and Total Kontrol Organization was in the house. Shout out to Lady Sharon and Mr. Alonzo. I tell you ain’t no party without the Inland Empire! Amazing Experience, Incredibly Engaging! If God says the same, hope to see you there next year!

Model Krystal Yvonne

Vendor

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Michael Jackson sang …. “It’s close to midnight and something evil’s lurking in the dark. Under the moonlight you see a sight that almost stops your heart. You try to scream, but terror takes the sound before you make it. You start to freeze as horror looks you right between the eyes. You’re paralyzed’ cause this is THRILLER, thriller night, and no one’s gonna save you from the beast about to strike you. You’re fighting for your life inside a killer; you hear the door slam and realize there’s nowhere left to run. You feel the cold hand and wonder if you’ll ever see the sun. You close your eyes and hope that this is just your imagination; but all the while you hear a creature creepin’ up behind; you’re outta time; cause this is thriller, thriller night. There ain’t no second chance against the thing with forty eyes. There’s no escapin’ the jaws of the alien this time; this is the end of your life; cause this is thriller, thriller night. They’re out to get you; there’s demons closing in on every side; they will possess you unless you change the number on your dial…the evil of the THRILLER…” I want you to know that you cannot shy away from the fact that Hell is a very real truth. Matter of fact, its’ been said that Hell is truth seen too late! If you don’t believe it, just ask the man in Luke 16:19-31 who died and woke up in the fires and torments of Hell.

Listen… Sometimes we say things because it’s right, not because we want to. Sometimes we say things that are hard because they need to be said, not because we like saying them. This is one of those times. I hate talking about Hell. But there’s a saying that says, “Friends don’t let friends go to Hell,” and because I consider you my friend; I want you to know that if you do not embrace Jesus; if you do not take your life with God seriously, you are on a very dangerous path that leads to Hell. Your consideration of the terrors of Hell may be one of the most important things you can do in this life. Ezekiel 33:4 says, “Then he who hears the sound of the trumpet, and does not take warning and a sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head.” Why should you be so concerned about Hell? There are several reasons why it is profitable to do so: hearing about the terrors of Hell may shock your conscience and awaken you out of your false security. Hearing about Hell may help to deter you from committing sin. Hearing about the terrors of Hell may help to awaken those among you who may think they are saved because they believe in Christ or the facts of the gospel, but who are not really saved and are on their way to Hell, but don’t know it. This aspect of Hell alone should cause you to cry out in repentance. Don’t be so arrogant as to think that you can bear the wrath of God poured out in full measure upon you. If you believe that, you are more than a fool. The terrors of Hell cause the devils to tremble. Do not delude yourself! Repent of all your sins and turn to Jesus and surrender to Him as Lord. I tell you it is better to view Hell now, while you are living, and be terrified by it, than to have to endure Hell forever when you die. Flee from sin! Flee from living for self!

This is your wake up call and your opportunity to do something about it. All opportunity to repent ends at death. I want you to know that it will be no one’s fault but your own if you deliberately seal your own doom; because it isn’t easy to go to Hell. Before you get there you must climb over the church, the Bible, gospel sermons, your conscience, your better judgment, the Holy Spirit, and all the providences of God. Then finally you must climb over Calvary and trample Jesus under your foot. In Hell, you’ll remember that you did all of this. Please don’t go to Hell! Hell is forever! “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation {2 Corinthians 6:2}. Don’t let pride or denominational background or your so-called, “Christian heritage,” or your good deeds send you to Hell. Don’t let them! Don’t live in doubt about where you’re going when you die.

“See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. “Deuteronomy 30:15-20…

The San Bernardino Transit Center is a LEED Gold designed facility which includes drought tolerant landscaping and public art. The mural banner, “Exploration” by Louie Solano, hangs from the north side of the building.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Touted as a tangible sign of transformation for both public transit and downtown, the San Bernardino Transit Center completion ceremony on August 24 featured the symbolic release of 200 butterflies. The Omnitrans multimodal hub, which opens to the public on September 8, is expected to serve 6,000 customers daily.

The $25 million facility connects 10 local and two freeway express Omnitrans bus routes, the sbX bus rapid transit line, and bus routes operated by neighboring Victor Valley Transit Authority and Mountain Transit. In 2017 Metrolink commuter rail service will be extended to the new transit center, with Redlands Passenger Rail service expected to arrive a few years later.

“Improving our public transit network is an important part of growing the Inland Empire economy. The San Bernardino Transit Center is a perfect example of the type of results we can achieve when communities work together to move our region forward,” said Representative Pete Aguilar. The U. S. Congressman pledged his support for a long-term surface transportation bill to increase funding levels for public transportation and highways, saying, “We need to stop kicking the can down the road.”

The existing MAP-21 surface transportation bill, which has been extended numerous times, is set to expire at the end of October. The Senate already has advanced a six-year authorization bill that increases investment in public transportation. The House of Representatives will take up the issue this fall. Fran Inman of the California Transportation Commission suggested going for a longer term bill. “Instead of six years, why not ten?” she said.

Located at the southwest corner of Rialto Avenue and E Street, the four acre site includes 22 bus bays and a 7,500 square foot building. Passengers will appreciate the enclosed climate-controlled lobby, interior and exterior seating, public restrooms, drinking fountains, bike racks, real time bus arrival signs, a customer service desk, ticket vending machine, and 24/7 on-site security. Two acres on the corner are available for future transit oriented development.

“We are proud that this facility was designed to meet LEED Gold standards,” said Sam Spagnolo, Omnitrans Board Chair and Mayor Pro Tem of Rancho Cucamonga. “This means it boasts the latest and greatest in energy efficiency design and systems. There are solar panels on the roof. Of course, all of the landscaping is drought tolerant.”

Public art elements at the center include a transportation-themed mural banner, “Exploration” by local artist Louie Solano, on the north side of the building. The bus turnaround features a 50-foot high, weathered steel plate sundial. Lobby walls are decorated with a mural featuring historic transit photos. A century ago, the same location was home to a car barn and tracks for the San Bernardino Valley Traction Company and Pacific Electric interurban rail services.

Project funding was provided by the Federal Transit Administration, Federal Highway Administration and the state of California through State Transit Assistance funds, Local Transportation Funds, and Proposition 1B funds. Omnitrans is the owner and operator of the San Bernardino Transit Center.

Federal Transportation Administration Regional Administrator Leslie Rogers applauded the “transformative potential” of the center and commended Omnitrans and San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) for their “perseverance in overcoming the challenges and hurdles” to take project from vision to reality. Omnitrans identified the property as an ideal location for a multimodal transit hub in the early 2000’s, but it was not until 2008 that the property was acquired from Union Pacific Railway Company. Construction of the center finally began in February 2014.

San Bernardino Mayor and Omnitrans Board Member R. Carey Davis lauded the transit center’s economic benefits as it relates to redevelopment of downtown and gave credit to former mayor, Pat Morris for pushing for the transit center project forward. SANBAG President and Victorville Councilmember Ryan McEachron said, “This multimodal approach to transportation, centered here in the hub of the county, is just the beginning of what is the future of transportation. At SANBAG we are proud of this investment.”

SANBAG, the council of governments and transportation planning agency for San Bernardino County, managed design and construction. HDR, Inc. is credited with facility design, Parsons Brinckerhoff handled construction management, and Kemp Bros Construction served as general contractor.