Items filtered by date: June 2016

The Sensational Social Lites of the Inland Empire will be celebrating sixty (60) years of service on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the National Orange Show, San Bernardino. Earlier this year, these amazing women were awarded the Citizens of Achievement Award from the San Bernardino League of Women Voters. They continue to raise funds for scholarships for the youth, perform community service and engage in civic causes to help enhance the lives of others in the communities in which they live and serve. One of the well-known program under this organization is the Beautillion program which is designed to uplift young men and assist them in preparing for furthering their education beyond high school.

Guests to gala should plan to wear formal attire and enjoy dinner and dancing to a live band. Tickets are $60.00 per person. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m. For more information, go to www.sociallitesinc.com or contact Bettye Brewster, President at (951) 204-0022 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Edna Noble at (909) 888-3788 or Helen Thomas at (909) 854-7730 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

WHAT: New America Media (NAM), Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (AAAJ-LA), Ready California, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), which is housed within the Department of Education, will participate in a media roundtable to discuss Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and its implications for individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) descent.

Representatives from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and WHIAAPI will discuss the impact of DACA on API individuals, including those in the Chinese, Korean, Indian, and Filipino communities. The media roundtable will also include community leaders from NAM, AAAJ-LA, the National Immigration Law Center, and DACA recipients.

WHO: Reva Gupta, Senior Policy Advisor, White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders;

Martha Flores, Chief of Staff for the Los Angeles District, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services;

Tiffany Panlilio, DACA Legal Advocate, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA;

Shiu-Ming Cheer, Senior Staff Attorney, National Immigration Law Center;

DACA recipients.

The roundtable will be moderated by Odette Keeley, National Media Network Director, New America Media.

Interviews will be available in Chinese and Korean following the roundtable.

WHEN: Thursday, July 28, 2016

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

To RSVP or for more information, please email Randy Bunnao at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Elena Shore at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

WHERE:

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA

1145 Wilshire Blvd.

Community Room, 1st Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90017

Hosted by: New America Media in collaboration with Ready California, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA, and the White House’s Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

WHY:

In 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. They may also request work authorization. Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time. Deferred action does not provide lawful status.

According to some estimates, over 130,000 API individuals in the United States may be eligible to request DACA. In Los Angeles County, this could impact approximately 16,000 API individuals, yet requests for DACA remain disproportionately low in the API community

To be filled in November election

SAN BERNARDINO – The SAN BERNARDINO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT (SBCCD) seven-member Board have four positions to be filled in the November 2016 election. The positions open serve Areas 1, 3, 5 and 7. Specific information regarding the jurisdictions covered by those areas is available on the Announcements section of the SBCCD home page, www.sbccd.org

The members of the Board are elected to four-year positions by area. Candidate filings began July 18 and will be closed on August 12. Candidate packets are available through the County Elections Office, a link to which is also available on the SBCCD home page.

Chancellor Bruce Baron said: “The Board of Trustees is at the helm of the policy decisions made regarding the administration of our two colleges that serve more than 40,000 students per year, the Economic Development and Corporate Training division, our public broadcast tv and radio stations, KVCR, and FNX, the First Nation’s Experience affiliate created in partnership with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. They serve a vital leadership role in our community. These are important positions that need to be filled by those committed to enhancing our communities.”

He continued, noting, “Education is the key to improving our residents’ personal and professional lives and community colleges provide the necessary link between the K-12 and the university systems. We are also the most significant provider of career and technical training in the Inland Empire, including preparing first responders like fire, nursing, and peace officers. Our students receive top quality education opportunities for the lowest cost in the country. Most of our students receive financial aid and they all have a large array of courses and programs from which to select. Our faculty, staff and administrators look forward to working with a well-qualified, enthusiastic Board that is dedicated to continuing to meet our Mission.”

About the San Bernardino Community College District

The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) is one of 72 community college districts within the California Community College system, the largest educational system in the world, which encompasses 113 community colleges. The SBCCD has an 90 year history of providing its community and students with quality and affordable vocational certificates, associate’s degrees, and preparation for transfer to a four year college or university through San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) and Crafton Hills College (CHC). In addition, the Economic Development and Corporate Training Division (PDC) and KVCR TV-FM provide professional development and cultural and educational information to the community at large.

SAN BERNARDINO: It’s almost fall and classes start at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) and Crafton Hills College (CHC) on August 16, so it is time to apply for admission, register for classes, apply for financial aid and go through orientation. There are still seats available in many classes.

Board of Trustees President John Longville said, “Community colleges are available to assist whether a student wants to complete their first two years of college for an associate degree, transfer to a four-year college or to get job training for a new career, career advancement or a career change. Both SBVC and CHC are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the accrediting body for California and the Western Pacific.”

Chancellor Bruce Baron said, “We are looking forward to the start of the Fall 2016 semester. In addition to having expanded both our on-ground and on-line schedules, we are offering several new course, programs and services to help support students. But, I would remind everyone- classes fill up fast, so don’t delay. Go online and register as soon as possible.”

“For instance, new developments at San Bernardino Valley College include the Applied Technology and Transportation Division five new partnerships with industry and education which provided up-to-date equipment and will improve job opportunities, education transitions and student success tracking. In working with multiple industries we can assist students with work experience and employer assistance programs that will allow students to complete their certificates or degree while gaining on the job experience. The college also has three new certificate programs pending approval through the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office in Mechanical Craft, Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Automation,” explained the Chancellor.

“And at Crafton Hills College, noted Chancellor Baron, “the Diversity and Inclusion program, a new, growing initiative aimed at intentionally educating and raising awareness of diversity in all of its forms through collaboration and advocacy. The vision of the campus to create an inclusive community where individuality is recognized, differences are celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to engage, learn, and advance. Events take place on a weekly basis, addressing such important issues as suicide prevention, coming out, domestic violence awareness and prevention and culture competencies.”

CHC offers more than 50 associate degree programs, 7 multidisciplinary degrees, 18 transfer degree programs, and 20 occupational certificate plans and SBVC offers more than 52 associate degree programs, 14 transfer degree programs, and more than 60 occupational certificates of achievement and 11 certificates of career preparation.

For information on applying and registering for classes at SBVC, visit ValleyCollege.edu and for CHC in Yucaipa, visit CraftonHills.edu.

Volunteers help serve 52,504 free, hot, nutritious meals were served to the hungry from The Salvation Army in San Bernardino. Now the corps needs help to fund services.

San Bernardino, Calif. - The Inland Empire branch of the Salvation Army today issued an urgent appeal to the community for resources to provide support to area families in need. The San Bernardino Citadel Corps, which serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and San Bernardino, is reporting a financial deficit of $45,000 (now $90,000), citing a shift in contributions following the December 2 terrorist attack.

The public is encouraged to donate money, food, and goods and services to help replenish Salvation Army coffers, and to consider including the Salvation Army in their charitable giving and estate plans. Contributions can be made online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

“The Salvation Army is proud to have been a part of the community outpouring of support to the victims and families affected by the December 2 tragedy,” said Anne Metu, program director for the organization’s Transitional Living Center. “Now, we are asking the community to help us rebuild our resources so that we can continue providing assistance to families with urgent needs for food, shelter and child care.”

Metu cited an example of a family—a mother and her six children, ages 3 to 13—who relied on the Salvation Army Emergency Shelter and Transitional Living Program when evicted from their home: “Mona” and the children’s father had separated and she did not have sufficient income to house, feed and clothe the family.

After a short stay in the shelter, she found employment and was accepted into transitional housing, but soon lost her job when she could not find childcare during the children’s Spring Break from school. With support from the staff and residents at the Transitional Living Program, Mona was able to return to work and was soon reunited with the children’s father.

Mona and her husband now live in affordable housing as a family unit and the children continue to participate in Salvation Army youth programs, mentoring other children who are faced with similar life circumstances.

Since 1887, the San Bernardino Corps has helped residents of the San Bernardino area overcome life’s challenges. Its current service area is San Bernardino, Highland, Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace and Rialto.

Donations may always be made online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org, or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.

For help or for more information call Ms. Anne Metu, Program Director at the Transitional Living Center, (909) 888-4880 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the Website at: www.salvationarmyusa.org

New York, Jul 19, 2016 - As incidents of violence against police rise around the country, Prison Consultant John Fuller weighs in on issues fermenting for decades. Fuller spent the early part of his life in Los Angeles, alongside frustrated civilians and gang members. He now resides outside Jersey City, NJ, a city ripe for violence against police officers.

“The Los Angeles Rampart Division had a horrible reputation in the 1980’s and 90’s for abusing gang members and civilians,” according to John Fuller, prison consultant since 2004. “It was well known gang members were not only routinely beaten before being arrested by the police, but many were driven into the heart of rival gang territories, dropped off, and left for dead. The current population of South Central understand why the unfortunate violence against police is taking place, though do not believe deliberately assassinating police officers is justified, nor is it a solution.”

Besides consulting with primarily white collar criminals heading to prison for the first time, Fuller is a public speaker, a mentor, and a role model to troubled teens, ex-felons, and current and former gang members. He believes there is hope available but America has to reach out and grab it now.

He states, “I have a very difficult time convincing some young men and women that there are thousands of great police officers. I have friends who are police officers, state troopers, correctional officers, and other law enforcement officials, in spite of my past. I was beat by police in New Jersey and Los Angeles but that is not indicative of all law enforcement, or even most of my experiences with the law. Unfortunately, the experience for those under thirty-five is far different. They were born during the beginning of the crack cocaine epidemic in the U.S. Although their parents may not have been or drugs or incarcerated, an overwhelming majority are also influenced by peers. Many are not afraid to die, with a bleak outlook on life.”

Communities are suffering nationwide due to the disconnect between police officers and citizens, says Fuller.

“I grew up in Keyport, New Jersey, and everyone knew the police because at least 80% lived in our town or nearby. Throughout the country now, police officers can’t identify with citizens because there isn’t a relationship. Police officers live fifty or more miles away and have no connection to these communities. When their radio sounds for a domestic violence call, rarely are they going to an area where they know people on a first name basis. I’m willing to bet the most successful policing communities are hiring from within the neighborhood or have a program in place that fosters a relationship where police are active with its citizens,” Fuller said.

“It’s no secret successful police officers go above and beyond what their badge requires, and it’s horrific they are being killed and injured in the process. These are the men and women trying to find a solution, because they see members of the community and their fellow officers as their brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers.”

“There seems to be no end in sight as we turn on our televisions. Many of us are wondering if the amassing of such images is simply another form of consumer entertainment, a way to pull up a stool and watch the killings take place, over and over,” claims Fuller. “There have been no concrete solutions put in place, while there seems to be a revolving, un-addressed pain. Those who dismiss the issue against police or civilians as ‘business as usual’ will continue to look at the pain of mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, and their children from a safe distance.

“So, let’s turn off our televisions and stop being influenced by media and rage, and find a police force willing to co-exist in our communities, both sides watching each other’s backs. We can make that happen.”

BLM Threatens to Hand Trump the Presidency

On opening day of the Democratic National Convention a prominent Black Lives Matter leader has issued a stern warning to the DNC and the Clinton campaign: “I ain’t voting until Black Lives Matter.”

In the wake of multiple police shootings of black men in the U.S, neither party, Democrat or Republican has stepped to the forefront and made Black Lives Matter a priority. In response BLM Leader Hawk Newsome launched the new I AIN’T VOTING campaign that should send shivers down the spines of the spineless political class.

The campaign is designed to make Black people aware of the power of their vote, and calls for all Black people to withhold their votes from either party until Black Lives Matter.

Newsome, a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement said in an interview with the BBC this week, “Black Americans have a chance right now collectively to say to the Democrats: ‘Hey, if you don’t give us criminal justice reform, we’ll give the country to Donald Trump.' That’ll send the Democrats into a frenzy. Black lives will matter then, I guarantee you.”

The I AIN’T VOTING campaign will be present at the DNC to continue to protest and spread awareness of their demands:

We seek better representation in state, local and national elections.

When corporations support a candidate they do it with demands. When Black people vote they do so with an expectation, and this must stop.

We seek criminal justice reform as a priority.

Fresh from protesting at the RNC this week, the “I Ain’t Voting” campaign will continue to engage in marching but plans to combine it with a national push to activate the disenfranchised.

Hawk Newsome is available for interviews at the Democratic National Convention.

For more information, contact:

Hawk Newsome

718-433-8343

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

100 Black Men of America is deeply saddened by the latest tragic events and extends its condolences to the families, friends and community members of the slain officers in Baton Rouge. These law enforcement officers were honorably performing their duties to serve and protect our community, which is why these egregious acts of violence must end.

As a country, we must focus on actions that can unite our communities. There is no “us” and “them,” we are one. We are Americans. Failure to do so will only result in more lives lost and increased distrust. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

We are praying for each of the Baton Rouge officer’s families. The chapters of the 100 across the country are committed to bringing together representatives from local law enforcement, elected officials and members of the community for focused conversations. Together, we can advance meaningful and sustainable change in our communities.

We are calling on all members of our community to join us and say boldly that VIOLENCE IS THE PROBLEM, NOT THE ANSWER!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA (July 18, 2016) – To launch the new instrumental program at San Bernardino Valley College, a Summer Band has been formed, comprised of SBVC students and area high schoolers.

Valley College hasn't had a band program for about 15 years, and Professor of Music Margaret Worsley was hired in January to get the instrumental music program up and running.

"This will be no easy feat, as none of our former repertoire (music) or instruments remain, and starting from scratch isn't cheap," she said. "But, we've got to begin somewhere, and a Summer Band seems as good a place as any! No audition was required to join the band, simply a humble amount of experience on an instrument. This session, we've welcomed current students at Valley, as well as local high school students looking to keep up their chops during the summer."

Worsley says the Humanities Department is "very excited" to bring back the instrumental program, adding, "We are presently writing curriculum so that instrumentalist music majors will soon have a large ensemble to participate in, as fulfillment of their degree requirements. Our future dreams are big, and include outreach and involvement with local high schools and community players. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and that first baby step is Summer Band. I'm looking to start a Community Band in the fall, which will rehearse once a week."

The Summer Band rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. This summer, they are sight-reading and focusing on American pieces. For information on future performances, please visit www.valleycollege.edu.

While an audition for participation is not required, there is an audition for seating. Any-one looking to participate in the instrumental music program or Summer Band can email Worsley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

It’s fairly common for New Yorkers who are stopped and frisked by the police to claim that they have been targeted, or profiled. But this time, a lot more people are listening to this claim than usual.

A Caucasian police officer has in fact been punished and pulled off active duty after he was proven to have have harassed NYPD Deputy Chief Douglas Zeigler.

Zeigler is the highest-ranking African American officer in the NYPD. He says point blank that he was the victim of racial profiling.

He explains that he was parked in a department-issued SUV, but was wearing plainclothes. That’s when two lower-ranking NYPD officers approached him, according to the New York Daily News.

“In his briefing to Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, Zeigler said the two cops, who are white, had no legitimate reason to approach his SUV, ranking sources said.

“After they ordered him to get out, one officer did not believe the NYPD identification Zeigler gave him.”

NYPD Chief Douglas Zeigler’s account is very different than the two officers claim.

“When one officer spotted Zeigler’s service weapon through the rolled-down window, he yelled “Gun!” according to sources who have spoken with the officers, the New York Daily News reports.

Both cops raised their weapons and ordered the driver out of the car, sources said.

Instead of saying he was an armed member of the NYPD, Zeigler shouted, “Don’t you know who I am?” the sources said.”

The two officers have been reprimanded, with the department acknowledging that this was a clear instance of racial profiling.

WCBS reports the following:

The incident was reported as police are being criticized for stopping and frisking record numbers of pedestrians — about 145,000 in the first quarter of this year. The majority of them were black or Hispanic.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who has been leading demonstrations in the city to protest the acquittals of three police officers in the shooting death of an unarmed man as he left his bachelor party, took note of the Zeigler incident while speaking at his weekly rally in Harlem.

“You can’t make this stuff up!” he said. “The problem isn’t that they didn’t recognize him. It is that they don’t recognize our rights!”

State Senator Eric Adams commented, “something is wrong with our Police Department and their interactions with people of color.”

Do you agree that there is a systemic problem with racial profiling amongst police officers? Or was this just an isolated incident?

(Article by M. David and Shante Wooten)